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Guide to Growing API Platforms
Larry Ebringer
Head of Marketing @Moesif. Previously, founded fortesque and CMO @InSpeed Networks
What is User-Centric API Analytics?
CCPA Requirements And Compliance Checklist for API Programs
Legal disclaimer: Nothing stated herein above is legal advice. It is provided for informational purposes only. You should work closely with legal and other professional advisors to determine exactly how CCPA may or may not apply to you, and what you should do to comply.
CCPA Checklist For Requirements And Compliance
California’s new privacy law comes into effect on January 1, 2020. Now’s a good time to check if you need to comply. And, if you do, what should be in place to ensure smooth operation.
At its most basic level, the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (CCPA) grants rights to Californian residents on how their data is collected and used.
CCPA ups the ante on consumer privacy
What’s unique is that this is the first statute in the United States that provides compensation for data breaches, greatly increasing the chances of class action lawsuits. See Cooley - CCPA FAQs Part 3: Litigation, Regulatory Actions and Liability for more info. It also widens the definition of personal information to include an expansive list of items and even inferences (quasi-personally identifiable information).
Personal information includes … inferences drawn from data sources “to create a profile about a consumer reflecting the consumer’s preferences, characteristics, psychological trends, preferences, predispositions, behavior, attitudes, intelligence, abilities, and aptitudes.”
Lastly, it applies to Californian residents (essentially those paying income tax in California), irrespective of their location when their data was collected.
Eleven other states are following California’s lead, with their own versions of data privacy laws winding through legislatures in 2020. Even if you don’t think you need to comply with CCPA today, many elements of California’s law might be applicable to you in the near future.
Need to comply?
The regulation doesn’t apply to every business and unlike GDPR, it’s an opt-out law; not opt-in. Specifically, it’s aimed at for-profit enterprises that have information regarding Californian residents and who meet one of the following criteria:
Revenue over $25M
Collect personal information on more than 50,000 people, households or devices
Derive at least 50% of revenue from selling consumer information
CCPA is focused against selling or sharing personally identifiable data, which they define as “selling, renting, releasing, disclosing…personal information to a third party for monetary or other valuable consideration”
How to comply?
Compliance is based largely on implementing privacy best practices. Generally the requirements that need to be addressed are two-fold:
Informing consumers through privacy notices, terms of service, data processing agreements, policies etc of the categories of personal information collected, disclosed, or sold, and what purpose the information is used for, and
Implementing protocols so that consumers can request, view and delete or otherwise limit the sharing of their information.
We recommend you seek professional advice for modifying your legal notices, although there’s a plethora of information online to help.
Upon receipt of a request for information, it’s necessary to have the following protocols in place to honor data subject rights:
The Rights
What’s To Be Provided
Right to Disclose The right to know what personal information a business has collected about them, where it was sourced from, what it is being used for, whether it’s being disclosed or sold, and to whom it’s being disclosed or sold
Right to Delete The right to delete any personal information
Right to Opt Out The right to opt out of allowing personal information to be sold to third parties
Right of Non-Discrimination The right to receive equal service and pricing from a business, even if they exercise their privacy rights under the Act
Protocols need to be completed within 45 days of receipt of verifiable requests, so automation is key.
The law stipulates that penalties can be applied in two ways:
For intentional violations, the civil penalty is up to $7,500 per violation, but subject to a 30-day cure period,
For data breaches, consumers can sue either individually or in a class action, where statutory damages range from $100 to $750 per resident per incident.
Multiply those figures across millions of consumers and damages can quickly add up.
California’s Attorney General calculated that CCPA will cost businesses $55B, with 75% of Californian companies affected. By following privacy best practices and aligning with the rules and policies of CCPA at the outset, costs can be mitigated.
How does CCPA effect API programs?
CCPA doesn’t just stop at a consumer facing website. As part of your API program, you’re probably already collecting personally identifiable information for API logging and monitoring, user behavioral analytics, security checks, and other critical business activities. This means you need to audit your internal processes and data management to ensure they comply with CCPA (and GDPR). Luckily, CCPA already defines 7 categories of business purposes under section 1798, specifically:
Auditing Interactions with Consumers
Debugging/Repair
Certain Short-term Uses
Performing Services
Internal Research for Tech Development
Quality and Safety Maintenance and Verification
This means, as long as you are not selling or sharing personal information in exchange for money or something of equivalent value, your risk is lower if you are only leveraging the data for one of those 7 categories, which API analytics falls under. Because even data used for legitimate business purposes can put your organization at risk, it’s important to ensure you have the correct processes and infrastructure in place to handle CCPA and GDPR requests.
One way to aid this process is by tagging every single piece of data within your organization with the user who generated it. API analytics services like Moesif already do this today to make compliance automatic to fulfill data subject requests right out-the-gate. This enables a CCPA subject request to be handled by non-technical users with just a few clicks rather than overloading your internal data engineering teams with CCPA subject requests.
Important procedures for APIs
Don’t allow anonymous access
Don’t allow anonymous access to your API. Otherwise, you may have a hard time auditing who accessed that data for to not only comply with CCPA, but also to aid security review. Your API should only allow registered users to access the data which is usually done by some sort of API key or token. Each user of the API should have a primary contact person.
Log access to personal data
As part of your API monitoring and analytics infrastructure, you should log every read and write operation on personal data. CRUD APIs are a natural way to do this as every access must go through your API regardless of client (web apps, partner programs, internal consumers, etc). You should also retire or pseudonymize such data after a defined period.
Don’t use excel or manually handle
Don’t just store a subject request in a Google Sheet or Excel document and ask a developer to manually delete. Any data infrastructure that stores personal data should also have a clean set of APIs or UI to handle data subject requests along with a timestamped audit log when actions are completed to ensure your internal process does not slip. Audit logs should be able to stand up in court.
Right to Opt Out requests is a tricky gotcha for organizations trying to become CCPA compliant as data and engineering teams not only need to build infrastructure to access and delete a user’s historical data, they also need infrastructure to prevent future data collection. Such data suppression logic has to be implemented correctly while scaling to billions of API calls a day.
Although, you might not be compliant by the deadline, many others are in the same boat, by some estimates up to 50%. The good news is that enforcement won’t go into effect until the middle of 2020. And given California’s Attorney General recent statement, it’s never too late to start.
Tags: CCPA, GDPR, Privacy
Categories: Business, Compliance
Best practices for Developer Relations Programs to measure success of an API platform
How to define success for a developer relations team and how is that dependent on the department DevRel resides in.
How to Design API Analytics Data Collection for High Volume APIs
How to build a scalable API analytics system that can handle billions of API calls a day.
How to Automate Creating API Tests for Postman with Moesif
How to use Moesif API analytics with Postman tests to build a test-driven culture
How to Measure Developer Acquisition with API Analytics and UTM Parameters
When building businesses it’s of paramount importance to measure what’s working and what’s not. This is especially true for companies that are API-first. The...
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What should the back bar look like?
By Emma Eversham
Rear window: what should the back bar look like?
Related tags: Bar
The back bar is a pub or bar’s shop window, where a well-thought-out display can really add to the bottom line. So what does a licensee need to think about when deciding what to put there?
Proof that spirits are boosting sales in pubs arrived last month courtesy of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA), whose figures revealed that wine and spirit sales in the on-trade have risen 5% in the past year to almost £6bn. Gin was the top performer, bringing £620m to pubs and accounting for more than half of all value sales, demonstrating that this superstar spirit remains in ascendancy.
Unsurprisingly, given the statistics, gin is the highest moving spirit category ‘by far’ at New World Trading Company (NWTC) according to Kelly Harrison, the pub and bar operator’s creative development specialist.
However, she suggests, high sales may not have been achievable had NWTC not taken the time to source suitable products, priced them right and then presented them behind the bar in a way that would make them both visible and appealing to each site’s customer base.
“With the majority of our sites, we try to stock local gins for each region. These sell very well in their local sites, but not so well at the other end of the country,” she reveals. “We spend a lot of time on
menus, sourcing the right product, the right quality and also at the right price. You need the ability to supply the right products that are in demand and then showcase them all with a great back bar.”
Making a ‘great’ back bar
Selection, location and presentation, as Harrison says, all play an important role in shifting those carefully chosen spirits, but how exactly do you go about making a ‘great’ back bar? Dan Bolton, managing director at spirit distributor Hi-Spirits, says there has been a ‘significant shift’ in terms of both customer expectations and knowledge of premium and craft spirits, so he advises pubs to place the spotlight on specialist drinks if they are key to their offer.
“There is strong interest in authentic specialities such as Fernet Branca and Lazzaroni Amaretto, and craft spirits such as Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Brooklyn Gin, and back-bar displays and PoS (point of sale) can be used to spotlight this heritage,” he says. “More customers than ever are looking for brands and serves that tell a genuine story about their history or ingredients.”
At Glasgow bar Van Winkle, owner Derek Mallon has reserved the top two shelves of his back bar to showcase 80 different Bourbons, while ensuring staff are continually trained on the range so they can confidently make recommendations and advise customers on the latest arrivals.
Simplify the ordering process
It’s a move that has already paid off: “About a quarter of our total drinks sales are from Bourbon, which is our best-selling spirit,” he says. “And there is a growing interest from our customers.”
NWTC’s Harrison believes that grouping certain spirits together, as Mallon does at Van Winkle, can also simplify the ordering process for customers and speed up service. “The Botanist, for example, has a lot of focus on gin because this sells very well. However, if someone wanted a whiskey, ideally, these should be placed together so the guest can make a choice easily,” she explains.
Ben Ko-Nkengmo, spirits category buyer for Star Pubs & Bars also explains how tapping into the trend for premiumisation – seen particularly with craft spirits – is good for business. “Industry data tells us that 44% of premium spirits drinkers visit an ontrade outlet weekly, versus 34% for standard spirits drinkers. They also spend £26.66 more per month in the on-trade,” he says.
When it comes to the practicalities of back-bar presentation, Ko-Nkengmo – who will be issuing back-bar guidelines to each Star Pubs & Bars site this month (November) as part of the company’s Good, Better, Best strategy – believes a spirit’s range should be “clean, well-lit and showcase the pub’s entire offering”. “The rule of thumb is best sellers should be at the base of the display, premium variants
at eye level and niche or premium spirits with local appeal, or that are on-trend ranged at the top,” he says.
Influencing purchasing
While a growing number of customers are going to the pub seeking premium brands with heritage, there is also a significant number who will be arriving at the bar with no idea of what they are going to order, says Hi-Spirits’ Bolton. These are the ones whose purchasing decision could well be influenced by a back bar’s persuasive presentation.
“If there’s space available, the back bar is one of the most effective locations for posters and chalkboards, because they influence consumer decisions at the point of purchase,” he says.
“Bespoke PoS can highlight the highest margin drinks, as well as the bestselling brands. Pre-batched cocktails or infused shots made on-site can add theatre to the back bar as well as being more profitable.”
Back-bar strategies
Being creative with the back bar and making it your own can also deliver benefits and help tell the story of your own brand or site, says Bolton whose company has developed a number of successful back-bar strategies for its own pop-up bars, including some for London Cocktail Week and its touring Buffalo Bourbon Empire bar.
He says: “Rather than a one-size-fits-all template, our approach is to ensure that bars have the brand collateral they need to create their own feel. A recent good example is our ‘Gin Flight’ posters and passport-style gin menus that encourage customers to board the gin flight and try signature serves from a global gin range.”
Other tips for boosting sales include complementing core spirits such as gin, Bourbon and vodka with less familiar spirits, or suggesting a perfect pairing of spirit and mixer.
“When you have a relevant mixer on middle level of the back bar, alongside the relevant spirit, you can increase sales – it is a prompt for consumers,” enthuses Ko-Nkengmo. “You sell even more when the finished drink price is shown alongside the spirit and mixer.”
Adding a creative spin
Displaying branded serving-ware – such as unusual glassware or mugs for warm drinks – on the back bar can also help boost sales of a particular product, or serve and add a creative spin to displays, adds Bolton.
If you do adopt some of these tips and tricks to optimise sales of certain drinks, bear in mind that you will need to change them regularly or risk the regulars ignoring them.
“PoS that isn’t updated quickly becomes part of the furniture, overlooked by customers, and the back bar is too valuable a sales space to be neglected,” Bolton warns. “Back-bar layouts should be rearranged seasonally or revisited in line with new and innovative consumer trends. Pink Pimm’s in summer, mulled gin in winter, and Seedlip in January,” suggests Ko-Nkengmo.
NWTC changes its back bar seasonally, to both reflect the changing needs of customers and showcase new products. “Not only do we move the bottles around but we put an emphasis on changing the display itself; come the winter season everything feels a little warmer and, in summer, we look to bring a brighter and more refreshing feel,” says Stephen Evans, senior bar trainer at NWTC.
Back-bar practicalities
While a back bar’s presentation forms an important part of a pub or bar’s sales strategy, it also needs to work on a practical level for those serving drinks to customers, says Evans. After all, if staff can’t locate products quickly and easily when the bar is three people deep, thirsty customers won’t care about the drink you’re promoting, they’ll either choose the quickest serve or leave.
“Not only does the back bar need to be aesthetically pleasing, it also needs to be practical,” says Evans. “While each of our sites offer a wide range of spirits and cocktails, not all of them sell the same amount of each cocktail, so our back bars move around a lot to make the efficiencyy of each bar better.”
NWTC applies the industry’s ‘two step’ rule to the back-bar design at each of its sites. “While making cocktails or serving guests, you shouldn’t have to take more than two steps to be able to make any drink,” explains Evans. “Unless using those really expensive bottles or the very low sellers as these usually sit on a shelf a little out of the way.”
As well as making it easy for bar staff to locate drinks, ensure they have some knowledge of the products they are working with to help maximise sales, according to Hi-Spirits’ Bolton.
He recommends: “Capitalise on training support available from suppliers, and use simple techniques such as encouraging staff to learn one or two key facts about each spirit, liqueur and speciality
on offer.”
And if well-crafted cocktails or specialist drinks happen to be your bar or pub’s forte, then don’t be afraid to showcase that expertise on the back bar, concludes Bolton.
“There’s no harm in using the back bar to persuade customers that bar staff take drinks service seriously. Carefully placed cocktail shakers, strainers and chopping boards send the right visual cues about freshly made drinks.”
Related topics: Spirits & Cocktails, Marketing
Should pubs use deposits to tackle no-shows?
Gin sales ‘almost double’ in two years
Gordons is number one top-selling gin
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everything we know Articles
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Vermont AG, drivers take on Volkswagen
Roughly 3,000 vehicles potentially affected
Hannah McDonald
5:30 Now!
Thousands of Volkswagen and Audi drivers are feeling duped a week after U.S. officials found VW falsified pollution tests on about half a million of their diesel cars.Watch the report here. In Vermont, some drivers have opened a lawsuit against the German automaker. The suit was filed Wednesday in Chittenden Superior Court by former federal prosecutor Tristram J. Coffin of the firm Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC.Other drivers want the truly clean diesel vehicle they set out to buy to be built."No one's dying with this, but they may be, because I'm now polluting the air that I need to breathe, that all of us need to breathe, and I thought I was making a contribution," said Harlan Lachman, the owner of two diesel Volkswagens.Lachman said he was crushed to learn that since 2008, Volkswagen has been rigging thousands of cars' pollution controls to only work when they're tested for emissions.In Vermont, there are 2,900 registered vehicles that are potentially affected."Can you get your car inspected? Will you be able to sell it when it's time to replace it? These are things I did not envision having to deal with," Lachman said.Since the news broke, hundreds of drivers have reached out to VPIRG. The nonprofit consumer and environmental advocacy organization said people are concerned about the high count of pollutants being released they didn't think existed before."This is a real danger to public heath," said Paul Burns, the executive director. "The pollutants result in smog. You don't think of smog being a real problem in Vermont, but the fine particles can get deep in your lungs, particularly with someone with lung disease already, like asthma"Attorney General William Sorrell opened an investigation after hearing about VW's disclosure. Sorrell is paying close attention to consumer protection law."Depending on what we find, we're going to do our best to get relief for Vermonters who have been victimized. We'll hold the company accountable for violations of our laws," Sorrell said.Lachman, who is employed in the energy efficiency sector, wants Volkswagen to fix their product and is challenging the car manufacturer to sell the real deal."Volkswagen should be forced to make good on the promise they made and advertised for several years now. The car should have high mileage, it should be clean, and we should have them prove it's either possible to do with diesel or it's not," Lachman said.Volkswagen released this statement to WPTZ:"Volkswagen is committed to fixing this issue as soon as possible. We want to assure customers and owners of these models that their automobiles are safe to drive, and we are working to develop a remedy that meets emissions standards and satisfies our loyal and valued customers."
COLCHESTER, Vt. —
Thousands of Volkswagen and Audi drivers are feeling duped a week after U.S. officials found VW falsified pollution tests on about half a million of their diesel cars.
Watch the report here.
Vermont Attorney General won't seek re-election in 2016
In Vermont, some drivers have opened a lawsuit against the German automaker. The suit was filed Wednesday in Chittenden Superior Court by former federal prosecutor Tristram J. Coffin of the firm Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC.
Other drivers want the truly clean diesel vehicle they set out to buy to be built.
"No one's dying with this, but they may be, because I'm now polluting the air that I need to breathe, that all of us need to breathe, and I thought I was making a contribution," said Harlan Lachman, the owner of two diesel Volkswagens.
Lachman said he was crushed to learn that since 2008, Volkswagen has been rigging thousands of cars' pollution controls to only work when they're tested for emissions.
In Vermont, there are 2,900 registered vehicles that are potentially affected.
"Can you get your car inspected? Will you be able to sell it when it's time to replace it? These are things I did not envision having to deal with," Lachman said.
Since the news broke, hundreds of drivers have reached out to VPIRG. The nonprofit consumer and environmental advocacy organization said people are concerned about the high count of pollutants being released they didn't think existed before.
"This is a real danger to public heath," said Paul Burns, the executive director. "The pollutants result in smog. You don't think of smog being a real problem in Vermont, but the fine particles can get deep in your lungs, particularly with someone with lung disease already, like asthma"
Attorney General William Sorrell opened an investigation after hearing about VW's disclosure. Sorrell is paying close attention to consumer protection law.
"Depending on what we find, we're going to do our best to get relief for Vermonters who have been victimized. We'll hold the company accountable for violations of our laws," Sorrell said.
Lachman, who is employed in the energy efficiency sector, wants Volkswagen to fix their product and is challenging the car manufacturer to sell the real deal.
"Volkswagen should be forced to make good on the promise they made and advertised for several years now. The car should have high mileage, it should be clean, and we should have them prove it's either possible to do with diesel or it's not," Lachman said.
Volkswagen released this statement to WPTZ:
"Volkswagen is committed to fixing this issue as soon as possible. We want to assure customers and owners of these models that their automobiles are safe to drive, and we are working to develop a remedy that meets emissions standards and satisfies our loyal and valued customers."
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Home / Series / Ben 10 / Episodes / Season 3, Episode 6
The Tennysons stay in as it rains outside, and Ben plays a video game to pass the time by. When Gwen decides to join in, Ben is jealous of how she's a far superior player. Instead, Ben decides to transform to Upgrade, and merges with the game console. Gwen makes an attempt at shaking him off, but suddenly, a lightning strike causes them to transfer into the video game itself. The only way Ben can use the Omnitrix is to find coins with the different aliens on it. To get out, they must find the Upgrade coin before an evil being uses it to escape into the real world.
Quest roles:
Keone Young, Clancy Brown, Fred Tatasciore
Marty Isenberg
Scooter Tidwell
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Scientology The Aftermath S2 Ep 6: the Aftermath
September 19, 2017 By Mike Rinder 305 Comments
Tonight’s episode addressed another subject we get a LOT of questions about. Celebrities and scientology.
And of course with the controversy over Elisabeth Moss’s Emmy win for her portrayal of the victim of an oppressive system that controls every aspect of people’s lives when she is a scientologist, and then Nicole Kidman’s acknowledgement of the unconditional love from her 2 daughters with Keith Urban, while not mentioning the two children she adopted with Tom Cruise, there is heightened interest in the subject.
I must say, because I do not feel we were really able to communicate this well enough in the show — Paul Haggis is a hero of mine. Not only because he paved the way for so much that has followed by standing up and speaking out, not only because he is one of the smartest, kindest, most articulate and all-around best people I know, but also because he truly puts his money where his mouth is. He tirelessly works to help the underprivileged and impoverished. He was working to help children in Haiti LONG before natural disasters hit the front page and a few VM’s in yellow t-shirts arrived for photo ops. And he continues to work there today long after the yellow t-shirts have vanished entirely. He and his foundation built an actual school – they didn’t hand out some booklets or give a few touch assists. And this is just one small part of the work he does. He isn’t presented trophies for this. There is no video made of his great works like they do with IAS “Freedom Medal” winners. He does it because he cares. That is what makes him so admirable in my eyes.
Paul has a life. He’s got more Oscars sitting on his shelf than all scientologists combined. He has plenty of work. He has a whole world of artists that look up to him. He does not need this shit. But he feels a responsibility to do something about the abuses he has witnessed in scientology. So, he continues to speak out. There is literally NO upside to him. Just more smears coming. But that is the sort of person he is.
And I do not mean to lessen Karen’s bravery by comparison (or ANY of our contributors) — all of them are courageous, strong people I am proud to know.
Paul simply has a special stature in my personal Hall of Fame because he went all out when it was REALLY not “safe” to do so, and he has never backed away since.
Of course, I am interested in your thoughts about this episode.
And as I always do, for anyone newly coming to this blog, I include some relevant links to earlier blog articles.
The first of which is especially relevant to tonight’s episode: Scientology Homophobia
And here are the scientology policies that demand that anyone in disagreement be destroyed.
To begin to understand the mindset scientologists have about those who criticize any part of it, read this article:
Dealing with Critics of Scientology — The L. Ron Hubbard Playbook
And then read this one:
Why Do Scientologists Lie?
And here is a fairly short explanation of how disconnection is used in scientology (and how they try to spin the practice):
Disconnection: the PR and the Truth
An overview of the efforts by scientology to smear Leah Remini:
Scientology Dead Agents* Itself
And finally this is a post about the lies they tell about their “expansion”:
Scientology “expansion” debunked
PS: From Paul Haggis
I see people have been asking you about the identity of the folks who so strongly objected to me “comparing” David Miscavige to Martin Luther King, Jr.
Glad to clear it up.
It was LRH “biographer” and DM’s speechwriter Dan Sherman, who sat to my immediate left, and senior CoS executive Dave Bloomberg (famous for being the guy with the camcorder when Marty Rathbun was ambushed at LAX) who sat in the middle of the conference table to my right, with his briefcase on the table.
By the way Bloomberg carefully angled it on the table, I have always suspected that briefcase contained a video recorder, but that’s nothing more than a hunch. While other voices were raised in protest at that moment, they were drowned out by Sherman and Bloomberg who quite literally leapt to their feet to object to the insult of comparing DM to MLK – which of course I was not doing. I was, respectfully but rather doggedly, digging into the accusations made by the St Pete’s Times that alleged that DM had been physically abusive, trying to get anyone in the room to admit that even their revered leader was fallible. By way of illustrating what should be obvious, I suggested that even incredible men like MLK were human and made mistakes. That clearly outraged them, as I never even got to finish the sentence.
If it was being recorded, their actions make more sense, as they would have been putting on a show for Mr. Miscavige. From what I’ve since learned of him, DM would want to see how vociferous his messengers were in their “defense” of his character.
Filed Under: The Aftermath Tagged With: Leah Remini, public relations, Scientology, The Aftermath
Lance Caldwell says
I went to the tons of videos on different interviews and lectures by LRH. I now think that I get it. Leah when she was given the “secret” and her thoughts was “What the F—-is this” was a completely natural reaction. Her mom was thrilled that Leah had finally got “the message” about the wee folk that attach to our bodies after being blown up by H-bombs in volcanoes. Of course, then the subject would have to go even further up the ladder to find out the next chapter in the “secrets” which would cost even more money, study, and hopefully not go backwards because “you just don’t get it yet.”
I heard about a half hour of LHR ramble on and on about packaging people in boxes, and being blown up, and being transported from one place to another in DC-8 aircraft, and there was no flood but an explosion. Xenu “The Bad” is captured and put in a wire cage and is inside a mountain. Then they started a assembly line to bring back humanity, etc. Like Leah my reaction was “What the F— is this.” Now LRH was lecturing to I believe Sea Org people, and I could not see any photos, just his recording, but nobody ever shouted out “What the F— is this.”
OK, this is somewhat like the story of “The Emperor’s new clothes.” I am sure that most if not all of those who heard the original lecture was at best thinking “I don’t get it.” but, like the multitude looking at the Emperor in the story who had no clothes was convinced that he did have in fact a wonderful outfit, even if they could not actually see it, and did not want to be thought an idiot because they could not see the Emperor’s sharp new threads. That is until one brave soul said “You have no clothes.”
Scientology is like that story. People might not get the insane gibberish of LRH, but to say that they don’t get it, is to be blind, and something is wrong with THEM, not the actual fact that the Emperor has not clothes in the first place. If I just go one step further, I can really see the clothes, and it is all very clear now.
Leah, Mike, Paul, and all the rest of the brave people who are on the “Aftermath” show, plus YOU folks who have written on this site and others about the abuses of this cult, are the ones who are shouting “What the F—is this, and we are not idiots, you really do not have any clothes.”
Lance Caldwell.
GP says
Great episode. I am sorry that Paul talks about feeling stupid, as he did in Going Clear. The tactics of coercive mind control cults suck in even the smartest people. It has nothing to do with intelligence, as we see so often very smart, creative and big hearted people get drawn into these kinds of groups. I also would like Leah to give herself a break for not believing Paul sooner and seeing the light. One thing that stuck with me, I think that
it was stated that Paul Haggis was the first celebrity to leave publicly… just wondering, what about Jason Beghe? Seems to me he was pretty public and I think it was well before Paul left- just sayin’. Am I missing something? Keep up the good work guys!
I watched a lot of different videos on Scientology last night, and one of them was titled something like: “When LRH lost his s—“.
OK, I just had to watch that video, being a SP of sorts and never been in the cult.
It shows a scene of cattle on say a Montana landscape, with cowboys rounding up the herd. Then it cuts away to some cowboy on a horse who is sitting on a hill, and then starts down the path off the hill. I must admit, I wanted to burst into the song “Rawhide.”
I am not sure what the significance of the cattle being herded, but perhaps the cowboys were the officials, and the cattle being the SP’s or low life, your guess is as good as mine.
OK, back to the message of LRH. You do not ever seen him, but just his voice. He starts to shout, over and over the same words, into a fanatical scream. I have seen the same kind of behavior in speeches with Adolph Hitler’s speeches. To tell the truth, (perhaps because I was not in the cult) and forgive me, I could not understand what was he talking about, but boy was he trying very hard (he protest too much me thinks) his idea to the perhaps dull masses (who might just not get it in a normal voice, but if I scream, the vibration will clear out the little folks that have attached themselves to you, and you actually will get the message). This is just a theory of mine, but I am going to stick to it for now at least.
Check out the videos and interviews folks, they are really interesting.
I watched quite a few interviews during the night with different people. Leah, Mike, Paul, that were not on the TV series. Interesting and great to hear and see. Check them out if you get a chance.
I was relieved and glad Mike that you were not half way beaten to death by Marty, and did not have to have “5 guys pull him off me.” Quick question though, who won the “Musical Chairs.”
OK, here is a few things that I have gleaned from watching the videos. First of all, I am not sure how many people have noticed how many thousands of people have actually watched the videos. Second, how many people love the videos, third, how many people have commented on the videos. Perhaps my math is really off, but it seems to me that the word and message is going way beyond the beautiful show Leah, Mike, and their guests have started. It reminds me of a pebble thrown into a very still (don’t say anything against the cult) and has made more and more waves and has disturbed DM’s lake of tranquility.
Another thing that I find very curious. The cult of Scientology owed a billion dollars in back taxes. DM, did not go so much into court and fight the IRS, but instead he went after the people (had them watched, got records, etc.) and someone, or a group of someone’s, somewhere, who is very high in the IRS decided that if the cult would drop everything that they know of these persons or persons unknown, if they were point blank given religious status and not have to pay the billion dollars in taxes.
If they can pay private investigators 10k a week to check on DM’s dad Ron, then how much more would they pay to have investigators get some private information on a high ranking IRS, or other government policy makers. If it cost the cult 500 million, and they could write off a billion dollars worth of taxes, what a deal.
I think instead of going after just DM and his gang, and name calling back and forth, which lets people know what is actually going on in the cult (at least those outside the cult), and perhaps mess with their recruitment of new individuals. There should be an investigation of who said and did what in the government organizations who sanctioned such a move as to make Scientology from a dangerous cult to an tax free cherch. I hate to say Scientology and church in the same sentence.
I would imagine that the “blanket” forgiveness of the IRS, and perhaps children services, police, and other agencies who should and could look into the files of mistreatment, rape, kidnapping, etc. and does nothing should be looked into also. I know from what I have heard that those who have gotten away from the cult are reluctant to speak out, but those brave souls who have spoken out should have their day in court, and the cult should be held accountable.
Wouldn’t it be just too wonderful if Tom Cruise, would be at a major function (LRH birthday party for instance), with his “Metal of Freedom” (or whatever) take it off, and tell the World that this is a cult, I and others have spent millions of dollars on a fraud, and I quit. Think of that tonight, and have pleasant dreams.
Southern Beale says
Honestly, if the Cof$ were really trying to destroy the reputations of apostates like Paul, Leah and Mike, why aren’t they better at it? Speaking as a “plebe” who lives in the South (and yes, bizarrely, there’s a Celebrity Centre in Nashville TN — parking lot is always empty), no negative stories about Leah or Paul Haggis or other church celebs who’ve broken ranks have crossed my radar. With social media being so easily weaponized today, you’d think that would be an easy tool for them to deploy. Heck, Russia was able to use Facebook to swing our election!
Seems to me the intent is no longer to destroy the reputations of critics (as happened with Paulette Cooper) so much as to discredit apostates exclusively for those still inside the church. In other words, they’re circling the wagons. This is a behavior of a church that is dying. Closing ranks. Holding on to what it has, as opposed to trying exerting its power and influence in the world at large. They are speaking to a shrinking audience.
the more I hear about D.M the more I feel like he’s acting like a Bully & Bully’s tend to have low self esteem or there life Isn’t what they want it to be so they take there anger & frustration on others trying to make them feel better about who they are which is sad esp a man who’s trying to make ppl feel there not good enough & things are there fault usually what Abusers do try to put the Blame on others when they tend to be the ones either doing wrong so blame them than fix there own problems & if they only surround there life w ppl who stroke there ego’s how will that help them it won’t & it’s okay Not being perfect to anyone were not made to be perfect but live life the best you can,helping others also can help it’s good to give back in whatever way you can kindness a good friend if U have the funds helping the ppl who have little can be huge for them & there are plenty of good groups to give to some I’ve heard lil goes to the ppl & I’m just as happy when I can to give right to the needy ppl,I’ve seen ppl on a street corner w signs need work,ect & they looked in need & I don’t have much to give but I stopped & gave what I could & some might think it’s for drugs or booze but the way I look at it I gave from my Heart what they do w it is on them but I’ve had bad times but I’m not sure if I am strong enough to be on a corner asking for help that’s a strong person who can or a desperate one but there where they are because they have troubles so we can help…. Enjoy your day to all.
Just signed Jeffrey Augustine’s petition to take away the tax exempt for Scientology (Change.Org). I urge you to sign also. Let’s hit them where it really hurts, The pocket book.
Lance Caldwell
Halldancer Robin says
Thanks! I will do this immediately!
Clint says
Love the show. Wear seat belts while riding in the vehicles. No excuses
truthwilltriumphblog says
I share your admiration for Paul Haggis as I followed his work after watching “Going Clear”.
His courage and persistence in speaking out regarding the mentality and abuse of Scientology only underlines his honorable character. Unlike others who caved to the intimidation and stopped sharing their stories… like you, once committed, he remained strong and truthful in his belief of humanitarian work and efforts.
Thanks to him, many others were given the strength to leave and a voice as to the injustice of this so called “religion”.
I thank you & Leah for carrying the torch by helping those less visible to mainstream media.
Your entire team are helping countless others and giving them courage in the face of the horrific backlash they receive. God bless you all.
i am so confused as to why in the world more people do not have a comment about this. So many people are all about exposing injustices in the world today but it seems like only a few select ex Scientology members are trying to get something done. There is not a lot of media presence, or law enforcement presence involved and I am baffled that more journalist are doing more to do undercover work, etc. to get this place shut down. Does anyone have an answer as to why more isn’t being done? Does DM have friends in high places that keeps him from having to answer for his crimes?
Hello everyone who are in, out, those who have never been in.
OK, I have seen a segment on line where Leah said that John Travolta allegedly was given a pass to murder anyone that he pleased and that the Scientology staff would clean up the evidence. If this is actually true, then you can bet that Tom Cruise also has this same pass on murder. If true, then it has to be sanctioned by DM. One wonders how many others have this “go ahead and kill someone, and we will protect you.”
OK, gang, here is my small bombshell to you. If DM wife has been missing since I believe 2005, and from what I have heard about DM and his tendency to strike out and think later, is there a remote possibility that perhaps DM’s wife was not just missing but actually murdered by the orders of DM or he did it himself.
I can bet that there is a lot of people who are thinking along these lines. Anyone who has any information about her whereabouts, or what has happened to her and not shouting it to the rooftops is a coward of the lowest type.
If there is any Scientology members that would like to challenge my statement, then feel free to contact me on this site and take me to court and sue me for slander. Oh, be careful though, you would have to produce Ms. M. to prove what I am saying is actually not the truth.
I am retired, have loads of time, and look forward to crossing swords with you.
This is a conflation of various things.
There is a status in scientology called Kha Kahn which according to Hubbard is an ancient status that allows one to “get away with murder” — ie you have done so much good that you are excused all future transgressions.
I think someone said this status has been awarded to JT.
It is NOT literal. He could not shoot someone on 5th Ave and get away with it.
No, Shelly has not been murdered.
There is PLENTY of information about Shelly. I have written about it — including info from the PI’s that were assigned to watch the property to ensure she didnt escape — and Tony Ortega has written a LOT about it.
Joshua Belyeu says
Do you know if she’s still a willing participant in Scientology, if she’s being held prisoner at The Hole, or something else? It still amazes me that Leah asked one question about her at Tom Cruise’s wedding, and that started the ball rolling against her. Normal people would think she was simply curious about a friend…not trying to cause any trouble. It seems the silence about Shelly was the first catalyst, toward Leah eventually ditching Scientology. I still love when her mother appeared on the show, and spoke about Leah’s reaction to Xenu; the look on her face was priceless. Jason Beghe described something similar, like the defining moment when you realize you’ve been played for a fool.
Yes, I have heard and seen the episodes on “The Hole” and the fact that Ms. M. is a prisoner at that place. Also, the comments by one of the guards that was to watch her. It seems that this guard did not (or I missed) his name, the times that he was watching her, her status now, is he still on the job, etc. You have enough people who have “Blown” (including Ron M.) who is DM’s own father and wife, who by his own admission had to plan for 4 months to escape. I am not sure, perhaps I have watched too many “cop” series on TV, but does that not smack of kidnapping, and should not the authorities not being looking into any hint of keeping people against their will.
When Leah asked where DM’s wife was, everyone scattered. This says that there are a lot of people who know the true story but are afraid to say anything.
When DM started his takeover of the cult, he rounded up all those who could oppose him, or might take over the cult. He also had them imprisoned. Are they all still missing also. I am just saying that something really is not right, and needs to be looked into.
Sir Rants-a-Lot says
OK can’t stay silent any longer….I have a short rant>>>!!!>>>Miss Cabbage (i love that nickname) DM is acting like the typical dictator! Hitler acted the same way before he took his own life, paranoid with only close associates around him, Mussolini was the same way as was Qaddafi, Jim Jones and the list goes on….i find it amazing the ideological parallels Scientology holds with the criminal orgs….plan the con, recruit the crew, execute the pitch and get the money and when caught (because of exposure to daylight yea Leah and Mike) deny, deny, deny…never give up the con. also similar to Nazism, Fascism, the Democratic Party (yes the DMC) don’t believe me, watch or read the book Dinesh D’Souza’s movie “Hillarys America – a history of the democratic party… the con is the same and Hillary has been caught but she is in the deny, deny, deny mode….that is what her book tour is all about. like Lance C. I also am retired and have been catching up these past two years on exactly what is going on and WHY!! OK Rant complete for now….OBTW I signed Jeffery’s petition. I guess I am in for the duration….more later
davekonig says
Mike Rinder: I heard there was also a status in scientology called Chaka Khan that allows one to “feel for you”. Is that true? Love the show!
indie8million says
Yes there was, Dave Konig, but it was cancelled by DM.
Seems that once you attain the awareness level of “Feel for You”, you object to peoples’ lives being ruined and that was crashing his stats. He declared everyone who achieved that level because they were not in alignment with Command Intention.
#1 Son says
I’d completely forgotten about Kha Khan. Heber Jentzche bestowed this honor upon my Mom for all the work she did for him in the GO loooonnnnngggg time ago.
Volunteer Mom says
In looking at some other sites regarding the COS I came across Jeffrey Augustine’s site and his online petition to the IRS regarding scientology.
https://scientologymoneyproject.com/about/
https://www.change.org/p/irs-commissioner-john-koskinen-we-demand-the-irs-commissioner-begin-an-investigation-into-scientology-s-tax-exempt-status
Mr. Augustine has an interesting post on how the COS uses stock photos to set up FB & Twitter accounts to attack Scientology defectors and those accounts being shut down when reported. This cult is a real piece of work ! I have also been reading Tony Ortega’s The Underground Bunker. Coupled with the Aftermath series, this information is mind blowing.
Was Jeffery Augustine at the COS at the same time as Mike Rinder ? What are the theories or facts as to why Marty Rathbun has made such a turn in his attitude toward Scientology ?
Keep up the good work Mike, Leah, Mary Kahn, Karen Schless , Jackson, J.B, The Headleys and the countless other brave people who are speaking out. I will never forget hearing Mary Kahn tell her story on Aftermath in the 1st season and the pain when she spoke of how quick you have to get to your loved ones when you decide to “blow” before the COS can get to them.
Excellent post in sharing Jeffrey Augustine’s petition regarding changing the IRS tax exemption status. Jeff has incredible accounts and links that lend credence to all that is being exposed.
Only through the IRS & Justice Dept. will Scientology truly be stopped.
Here’s hoping others will join this particular fight after reading your message! ?
Kim Bass says
I hope Leah and Mike will spend some time on the many Scientology front groups and the dangerous Narconon.
Well, I just finished Episode 6, and here’s my thoughts.
First, I was not familiar with Paul Haggis’ name, before seeing this episode. I was very surprised to learn he co-created one of my favorite childhood TV shows: “Walker, Texas Ranger” starring Chuck Norris. He’s a very good writer; I enjoyed both “Casino Royale” and “Quantum of Solace”, plus “Million Dollar Baby”.
As for the core subject of this episode, I have no qualms about saying there’s one thing I agree with L. Ron Hubbard about, on a most basic level…and that is opposition to homosexuality.
MODERATOR NOTE: I DELETED BULK OF COMMENT — I AM VERY MUCH OPPOSED TO THIS POSITION, BUT I LET HIM EXPRESS IT. I DO NOT, REPEAT, DO NOT WANT ANYONE RESPONDING TO THIS COMMENT AND DERAILING THIS INTO A DISCUSSION ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY. JOSHUA INCLUDES A LINK TO HIS THOUGHTS. IF YOU WANT TO DISCUSS WITH HIM, DO SO AT HIS SITE WHICH IS BELOW.
For anyone else curious about my further views on this subject, I have posted the following article at the link below. Thank you for your time and attention; God and Jesus love you all.
http://joshuabelyeu.blogspot.com/2017/09/homosexuality-religion-in-united-states.html
Cece says
Thank you so much Mike for not letting the important discussions get de-railed… and doing it so kindly 🙂
I put things in that post which are not included in the linked article; sorry you felt the need to erase it. I thought you were all for ideological diversity; nothing I said in my post was purposely hateful.
Joshua – I can’t speak for Mike but, having read this blog for years, I believe he would have done the same if someone posted something that strongly opposed to one political side or the other to avoid the whole thread becoming a heated political discussion. He personally moderates this blog and approves every comment so imagine being there all day, having to go through streams of comments, not germane to the purpose of the blog. I was glad that he included your link so that the discussion could continue there.
I like seeing your comments because they’re thoughtful and intelligent.
Vicky M says
I am SO happy that Leah and Mike are doing this whole series, and congrats on your Emmy win. In the 80’s I was a beginner student at the Wash, DC org. My boyfriend was an ex-sea org member and the push for me to get into the swing was strong. Somehow, I got out. I thank my lucky stars. I love all the aspects of your show and it makes me see what I avoided. It is amazing what you two are doing. Thank you!
Kema Austin says
Hi Mike! I just had to let you know that I really enjoyed your show this past Tuesday. I would like to know if a list can be made public of all the celebrities in Scientology so that I can veto any and all of their movies, I do not want my hard earned money to profit a cult. Thank you and Leah for everything you are doing, God bless you both❤️
Just watched the episode. I love the show, but this has to be my favorite episode so far!!! I thought the ending where you called out the celebrities and showed their pictures was very powerful!!!
Maggie C says
Scientologist are taught to lie for their so-called church. A “true” church would not indoctrinate their members to become proficient liars! How do they explain this to themselves in their own hearts? How can they lie, lie, lie and know that they are, and think that this acceptable to anyone with a heart?
I kind of understand how people first get involved, thinking they’ll learn something about themselves. However, after a while of delving into scientology and learning about this “Thetan” crap would seem to me just to be really questionable to any reasonable person – the cost alone would be a HUGE question mark as well! Churches (real ones) help people financially not soak them of all their money (whether they can afford it or not) and not show them an ounce of LOVE in return. What a huge scam – it certainly helps me to understand the ignorant mouthed celebrities though!
Paul Haggis sent me a message clearing up a question that a lot of people have had. I now include it at the end of the post, but also include it here:
Yup. Interesting about your hunch. I think there’s a pretty high chance you were being recorded.
moxiemaximus says
A better comparison would be between David Miscavige and Idi Amin, who launched a 1971 military coup and declared himself President. Sound familiar?
Very deprived personal characters of these two yahoo’s Paul mentions. Thanks for willing to share, Paul. If they recorded, then when their records are seized, this will come in handy in court…
Mary Beth Wylie says
Wow. I check this blog every single day and every single day I’m more pissed off than the day before. I can not wait until DM has to eventually answer for his abusive behavior.
KatherineINCali says
How good of Paul to name those who went batshit crazy about the whole Miscavige/MLK thing.
Thanks, Mr. Haggis.
Karen B. says
I have watched this series with extreme interest. Virtually every person interviewed comes across as “new normal”….almost as if gauze was removed from their heads. I am curious though as to how celebrities are able to cross over into the secular world so easily. Some seem to have grace and humour….it’s hard to understand how they can reconcile the behaviours within the church with their day to day lives with their colleagues. It’s almost as if they must be parallel people. Perhaps a future episode could delve more into the ways they must have to twist themselves into another person to be able to also live outside the church. When some of the more famous scientologists are interviewed they seem to possess compassion, humour and humanity. What are they getting from being Scientologists? Are the abuses you describe screened away from them? How can E. Moss act in a movie where the whole plot is about abuse, cruelty and decent into cult?, I am having difficulty reconciling this.
Because a scientologist’s (including the celebrities) view the outside world as the “wog” world. The wog world is insane and “aberrated.” Scientology holds the only answers to undoing the aberrations of the wog world and the only technology that can save mankind from his aberrations and the reactive mind.
When I was trying to tell my son and my husband about david miscavige physically assaulting people they couldn’t believe it and stated even if it were true there was a myriad of ways it could possibly be justified or explained. It doesn’t matter to many scientologists and in fact, the church/david miscavige, by censoring them from reading “bad stuff” gives them a justification not to know and removes their responsibility to know. As soon as it all comes crumbling down these people are the first to say they just didn’t know how bad it was or “If they had only known….”
I am reminded of Viktor Frankl’s book, “Man’s Search For Meaning.” It explains some of the same phenomenon if you haven’t read it. Great book.
I guess the KRC triangle is only useful in selective cases, eh Dave?
Mary, yes that’s what I would answer as well. I was a good actor. I was also superior to all those non-scientologists(the rest of the world). And Victor Frankl’s book is well worth reading. A true and committed Scientologist is incapable of love. Their eternity is all that is important. Nothing can get in the way of that. And so Scientology is their only real family as is is their only route to immortality.
But Mary……Do you mean to indicate that …..”The Church Challengers The Credibility”….. statement during Aftermath is “hogwash” as to “IF THEY HAD ONLY KNOWN”…
What a fool those who support the doings of DM are going to look like. I’ve already “disconnected” myself from ANYTHING that will EVER be done by Kirstie Alley since she feels I am now her enemy”……
Pickanotherid says
Thank you all for calling out the press in last nights episode about letting the celebs slide with nonanswers, in spite of the mounting evidence, to questions about $cientology abuses.
Great show Mike and Leah! And Paul Haggis is my hero too! What integrity he has! We are all so lucky that Paul spoke out when it was so much more dangerous to do so. He paved the way for the others who came after him. Re Karen Schless, I saw the lame hate site on her. It is so well orchestrated from professional video Gold stuff, to each SO member being all perfectly scrubbed and quaffed, and nameless. Notice, no names were used on any of her detractors? But the most orchestrated thing of all was that they all said the same theme over and over, yet in their own words, “she was nothing and nobody.” Usually if you poll 5 or more people to get their impressions of another person, you’ll get 5 or more different opinions. But with this, all of them, all of them, said the same thing over and over and used examples to say the same thing. That alone tells you it is a total fake news piece and con job. The church is so transparent in their hate sites.
Sorry for being off thread here, but I just saw a movie coming out called, “In Search of Fellini” and it is about Nancy Cartwright’s life. The article specified it is the Nancy Cartwright who voices Bart Simpson on TV. Does anyone know if Nancy wrote a book that is now made into a movie? Did Nancy write the screen play? Anyone have details?
John Prince says
Nancy “Bart-God” wrote the screenplay and produced(paid for) the film ,a so-called ” labor of love”as far as I heard, the Plot has nothing to do with her
Bonnie L. says
They seem to attempt that with everyone, “They are nothing, know nothing, did nothing. Like they aren’t talking about actual people.
Watching the show, no one is building themselves up as leaders, they a just telling their experiences.
It’s rather sad that making a person into a “no one” is the best they can do.
And Karen’s husband, first off you married her, she must have meant something to you, second, ummm…yeah, you would expect a persons spouse to go places with them, especially events and parties, and third, you had one hit song, one, and your attempt at discrediting her helping with the song falls flat, if I produced one hit, I think I could do better at remembering how it happened, not, umm, ohhh, I think..
The reason this show works, is because it shows real people, sharing their experiences, being forthright, and that resonates with viewers because we all have struggled, we all want to be heard, and we all want to do better.
The POW videos, and blogs just lack any real human connection, mindless robots. Who obviously don’t have a clue as to what the show is even about.
One other thing I noticed last night, the letter from DM to Leah, he described a true friend, and said Leah was a true friend to him, but no where did he claim he was a true friend to her. Even in thanking a person he makes it about him. SMH.
Bonnie-
I couldn’t agree with you more in regards to the “emotionless, mindless robots” in regards to the smear campaigns. Like come on, who is really going to believe those (other than scientologists).!!!
And I can guarantee that DM is reading all of these messages. I can almost see him stealing your exact thoughts on what resonates with viewers and changing it up mid season with the smear campaigns. But on second thought, it is DM, so doubtful that he will think he is doing something wrong with his hate videos!
I was reminded when watching the show tonight that when I was on staff/SO in the early seventies that John McMaster who was the first clear had been kicked out of the church because he was gay and refused to relinquish his gayness. He had been a big PR item for the church being the first clear, I was number 1078 or something like that as there were not so many back then. I don’t remember if he was declared or not, but there were staff that I knew who knew him and he was so well thought of and loved. He had done an awful lot FOR scientology and the church that I remmember being quite disturbed by that fact that the organisation had turned on him so. That was before I got put on the RPF.
Man your show is so utterly compelling and heartbraking at the same time. I was so fortunate not to have spent the years within the organisation that so many have, but did spend almost half my life as a true practising believer like so many.
I knew John McMaster very well while he was in New York doing glorious PR work for the czertch. He was one of the gentlest human beings I’ve ever known. Had nothing bad to say about anyone. Yes, he was gay. So what? He was many times the man known as LRH.
Thank you Leah and Mike for another astounding episode! I loved every word out of Paul Haggis’s mouth. As a former fan of Laura Prepon who turned on her when she flat out lied about the cult not being homophobic it was wonderful to see her lies called out on the show. So many were enlightened by that and didn’t know she was a member of the cult and a lying liar who lies. I regret every dollar I spent on her book and the thought that some of that went to the cult. So glad to know which celebs to avoid and not support until they pull a Leah and leave.
SJFine says
I was horrified by the clip of Laura Prepon lying about ever hearing anything in $cientogy that was homophobic! At first I thought she must be either a terrible $cientolgist who hasn’t even read Dianetics or is familiar with the Tone Scale, or she is lying her face off. Well, a cursory Google search led to an article quoting her interview in “Celebrity” magazine and found this (amongst a lot of other crazy):
“Another thing I really noticed from all the auditing I had was that I can move so freely up and down the Tone Scale. I used to have this funny idea that the higher I went up the Bridge, I wouldn’t be as emotional about stuff. And I was worried because I’m an actress and as an artist, I need to tap into my emotions! What soon started happening was that the higher I went on the Bridge and the more auditing I had, I could move so much more freely on the Tone Scale. My emotions were so much more tangible and easy to access.”
So I guess that whenever she plays a scene as Alex Vausse, lesbian inmate, on “Orange is the New Black”, she just “move[s]… freely up and down the Tone Scale to 1.1. Perhaps playing this character is somehow acceptable to her as a Scientologist because the character is in prison, and effectively removed from society at large. Though the character is in prison for international drug dealing, not, obviously (and thank god!), for being gay, it seems the warped outlook of LRH would probably equate the actual crime of dealing drugs with being gay (kind of like equating Nazis with anti-Nazis).
I seriously wonder how Prepon’s cast mates (not to mention Jenji Cohen!) on that brilliant, important Netflix show will react to this revelation. The character was written out for one season and not realizing at the time that Prepon was a $cientologist, I was glad when she returned. Now I hope that the character is written out again (though I would much prefer that Prepon leave the Cult and speak out instead!) because I just don’t want to have to think about her hypocrisy while watching the show.
I still haven’t seen “The Handmaid’s Tale”, though I’ve loved the book since first reading it in the 80’s (though I will probably get the free month of Hulu to watch it and then cancel), and while I did DVR season 2 of “Top of the Lake”, I haven’t been able to get through the first night of it because I’m so conflicted about Elisabeth Moss. At least Moss has the (not very good anymore) excuse of being raised in the Cult. Prepon didn’t start until she was 19! I don’t understand how anyone of her generation (or any that lived through or after the Sexual Revolution, the Women’s Liberation Movement, and the Gay Rights Movement) can read the book “Dianetics” and the things it says about homosexuality and women (the stuff about how all mothers try to abort their pregnancies…!?!?!) and every other offensive, archaic, crazy thing and be OK with it (I’m looking at you, “I’ve studied Dianetics,” Jada Pinkett Smith!).
Yes, I understand how the Cult pulls people in with personality tests and recommendations from “parishioners” and the systematic brain washing, and the desire to better oneself and be part of something greater, BUT, if someone with no other exposure to the Cult picks up one of the many, many copies of “Dianetics” lying around libraries, used book sales, tag sales, great-grandparent’s book collections, etc. and tries to read it (as I have), it’s just offensive gobbledygook!
“These people need to be held accountable!” – Paul Haggis
Oops, I forgot to add the link to Laura Prepon’s interview in “Celebrity”: http://defamer.gawker.com/read-laura-prepons-insane-interview-in-scientologys-cel-1716244822
Jill Hunter says
I watched last night, I watched again today. There are nuances in each person’s story that I feel are powerful and necessary to the whole of the stories they are telling.
I once again feel for the abuses they have gone through. I feel unutterable contempt for co$. I want to grab John Travolta and snap him of of the idiot cliche he was in his Kotter days, and now has made him into by his own actions.
Tom Cruise makes me nauseous, Kirsty Alley is the bad punch line to an even worse joke.
My husband asked me, why do you watch if it makes you so angry? I watch because of the heroes that emerge each week.
People who have had their entire lives being proven that they were duped. People with enough courage to stand up and tell the truth. Mike and Leah may be leading the charge, but you are gathering an army at your backs.
The contributors this week once again prove that from adversity there is grace. Their courage is amazing.
I was so pleased that Mr. Haggis’ wife left with him, and their daughter Lauren already spoke out about her friend Taylor. Each episode leaves me a bit shell shocked at the courage and grace I see. And leading the parade we have Leah and Mike.
Leah, it made me angry that you feel guilty in any way. Who was the one person who stood up with Mr Haggis? Lady, you have balls of steel. God bless you for that. Mike, hug her when she needs it and kick her butt when she needs that. *grin* Much love and many thanks for you courage and honesty.
S2Ep6………JUST………..BLOWN………………AWAY.
Another amazing episode….one in which I have already re-watched 3 times. And will watch again, again and again.
I apologize if I’m repeating things I may have missed in previous posts. I’ve spent most of the day trying to catch up on all the laundry, house cleaning, food shopping and bathing I’ve let slide since Episode 1 of Season 1 (sarcasm, but close to the truth). I’m addicted to the show which has led me down the path of hours of reading.
Last nights episode….
Paul…. My impression – a man who knows himself and listens to his conscience. I was truly taken aback by all the respectful chances and time he gave Tommy and the church to vindicate themselves. I know I wouldn’t have. Sure did backfire on them. I admire your courage and integrity Paul. Next time I’m faced with wanting to call someone a fucking liar I’m going to simply ask them to prove me wrong. At least I’ll try.
Mike…. I LOVE that you were on the edge of your seat even though you know Paul’s story. I’m guessing everyone watching looked exactly like you. I know I did. I loved your reaction and comment after he spoke of what Leah said to him at the picnic. “That’s so Leah”…. Can’t help but love the girl….cards on the table !!!
Is the church’s “evolved view” on homosexuality in the most current edition of the many revised books? What about the tone scale? OR is it even on the tone scale? It shouldn’t be if sexuality is a non issue, correct?
Leah…. Where have all your “fucks” gone?? ? I look forward to them. My favorite word !! Which I use way too much but, I don’t give a fuck. Pussy was a nice slam. I cry every week….this week you did it to me. No one can tell anyone how to feel…everyone’s feelings are their own but, please try not to feel or look back on yourself as a coward. Many times you’ve said yourself “we do what we’re taught”. You’ve comforted the survivors. You are not an exception to this. I wonder if you would have spoken to Paul if you weren’t already thinking ‘fuck S’
Anyone notice the body language of TC & DM in the clip of them shaking hands? That was a power struggle handshake. Look at it…they repeatedly try to take the Alpha position. You can see it on their faces and TC’s grip on DM’s shoulder as well. Pathetic.
Mike & Leah…. you are leaving a legacy. Everyone involved with breaking the bubble of S is part of this legacy. I respect and admire all of you.
Holy cow that was long – sorry.
I found the last five minutes of last night’s Aftermath to be some of the most compelling film-making I have ever experienced. This was a brutal message that I was so cathartic to a person like me who feels like I have been screaming out to the universe in vain.
Starting with Leah’s emotional challenge to fellow celebrities and the journalists who cover them, followed by the highly charged message from Paul Haggis while images of beautiful celebrity scientologists appeared on the screen… this was just incredible to see!
There was a noticeable absence of Tom Cruise in the parade of celebrities shown at the end.
Was this on purpose? He is the penultimate posterboy for scientology. Do the creators of Aftermath believe That Cruise is so far gone, almost as bad as Miscavige, that he will never be redeemed?
Leah and Paul want journalists and the media to start fair gaming Scientology celebrities. No thank you.
Are you crazy?
Do you even know what this term means? Holding someone accountable is not “Fair Gaming.” Nobody is asking for PI’s to follow them, for people to show up at their homes to scream at them, for anyone to frame them for fake crimes, to tap their phones, to steal their garbage, to put spy cameras on their homes, to have their children thrown out of school etc etc etc
Come back to planet earth.
Lone Star says
Richard is one of Alanzo’s acolytes…disciples…followers… These two along with their hero Marty form the vanguard of Scientolgy Apologetics on the internet. There is absolutely no hope in reasoning with them. They apparently believe that the fate of democracy and freedom depends on their efforts to combat Leah, you, Tony, Emma of ESMB, Karen de la Carrierre, Jeff Augustine and Chris Shelton.
Why? Well because all of you oppose the freedom loving and promoting ideology called Scientology! Lol…
So yes, he is crazy. All 3 in this troika, if you will, are crazy. Although technically I prefer the term deluded.
OK, thanks for the info.
Alanzo says
Dear Mike –
I am surprised that with all the protesting you do of Scientology’s character assassinations of its critics that you would accept this character assassination of me and of Richard, simply as “info” and not protest it like you do Scientology’s.
Is it because, in one case, you are the one whose character is being assassinated by Scientology? But in this case, it’s the character of person who has criticized you in the past that is being assassinated.
Scientology tactics are great as long as they are not being used against you, but as long as they are being used against critics of yours, then they are fine?
Alanzo
To begin with, I didnt view it as character assassination. If you feel assassinated by the information, refute it with facts and docs.
And perhaps you could explain why I should make my blog available to you to take potshots at me? I don’t feel so inclined. Sorry to disappoint.
Yes ‘ol Alanzo majors in hypocrisy and also in being disingenuous. I seem to remember that he accused you, Mike, of being a sociopath a few weeks ago. And oh how he loves to remind everyone time and time again that you ran OSA back in the day. And yet you still allow his posts through on your blog. I can guarantee that if you called him a sociopath or something equivalent he would block your posts on his blog. I merely called him a Scientology Apologist back in May and he banned me. Lol… Admittedly I wasn’t very nice about it, but it was NOTHING like calling him a sociopath.
Plus his blog resembles more and more the Freedom Magazine website in that he Black PRs, or character assassinates, people quite regularly. He’s been quite merciless in slamming Emma, Mike Rinder, Tony O, Karen DLC, Chris Shelton, and others.
Now he’s pretty much promoting Marty’s delusional videos. Lol…
You’re something else Alanzo.
Your brain is like mushy garbanzos
Your thetan is caught in a stuck flow
So pack up your nutcase and go
Alanzo, just stop, please. If you care at all about character assassination you’d care that many people on this blog are being bad-mouthed, vilified to their own children. Its not enough for the Church of Scientology to cut off the kids’ communication to their parents, no, their children must also believe that their fathers and mothers are evil. Its wrong, Alanzo. Do you have children? Please stop harrowing the feelings of people here. Sure, they are more than capable of verbally sparring with you. They don’t need me to answer for them or protect them, far from it. No – I’m talking directly to you, Alanzo. What you’re doing is wrong. You know it is. Please stop, or go away now.
Thanks Lone Star, I noticed Richard’s insanity on here the other day when he tried to say scamology celebrities were not responsible for their criminal acts.
I remember back in the day a year ago or longer, that Alonzo was very vitriolic and very much against the C of $ and LRH and he attacked anyone who said anything about them that wasn’t totally denigrating them. So now he has done a complete turn around and is defending the very group and person he used to villify. That’s exactly what Marty did and now Alonzo. Go figure.
People who are deep down sociopaths never change. They only seem to but then “revert” to type.
You took the words right out of my mouth! I just read all their postings over there.
Such a fool to think that is what you and Leah and Paul are trying to do.
Good response Mike!!
Joannaatemyhamster says
I joined to say a big thank you to Victor for making it possible for me to see what everyone is talking about. “Wink”
With the imminent opening of the Birmingham org I wish that Aftermath was available in the UK and being publicised. I fear many people still view it as a “silly sci-fi cult” and just for crazy people. They have no idea how people get drawn in.
Time and time again on your show I see intelligent people who have been lured in and then found it so difficult to leave.
We could do with some articles appearing in the press at the time of the Birmingham opening/IAS event. Where is John Sweeney these days?
Somebody help this man, please?
It is a public disservice to the U.K. to not have Aftermath on Sky. Or some channel. Come on England. Get it together.
Industry people?
AnnC says
Mike, this was an outstanding episode. Paul Haggis, you and Leah have all shown yourselves to have such high character by opening yourself up to the abuse of this cult in order to expose what is happening.
I was horrified by three things in this episode:
-The POW-style video. What pain that must have caused!
-Miscavige greater than Martin Luther King? Seriously??? I really thought I must have heard wrong.
– I was shocked that Leah referred to herself as a coward for not standing up sooner. Part of the point of the series (from my point of view) is to understand how being in a cult like Scientology can warp your thinking. Her forgiveness of the security chief in the prior episode should surely apply to her as well! It made me cry that she still seems haunted by her prior involvement.
I’am on vacation with my family so usual link for the new episode 10 hours later than usual.
https://rutube.ru/video/784255b7d45acfdffc798099d199b137/?pl_id=1306538&pl_type=user
Thank you for doing this Victor. Happy vacation 🙂
Thank you again Victor. We folks out in Asia (and for any other reason do not have A&E access) appreciate very much you doing this.
Mike Maddux says
Yay, Mike Rinder and all the SP gang!
gtsix says
Another excellent show last might. Haggis is a gentleman, and Karen Pressley was quite good – wish she had a touch more time. So, instead, I am off to buy her book. (Here’s ht elink: https://www.amazon.com/Escaping-Scientology-Insiders-Celebrity-Spirituality-ebook/dp/B075MB8WKC)
The ranch episode is going to have me fuming.
LauraS. says
Positively one of the most moving and informative episodes yet!!! Thanks to all the courageous souls who have come forward, KEEP coming forward, and who fight for what is right and stand up and let their voices be heard. You are not alone. I am one of many, and you have my full support.
Anyone who is a member of the church KNOWS if the information on the show is true or not, if they have completed the readings and taken the required classes of course. When I hear individuals claim they have never read or heard of anything bad with regards to Scientology, it is like they have two neon signs hanging above them, one saying “Ignorant”, and the other saying “Liar”, and your guess is as good as mine as to which one lights up. It is one or the other, or who knows, maybe both. Only these individuals know which one/s they are. Scientology does not and can not fix everything as it claims. If that were true, we would need nothing else in life, nothing.
Please keep up the good fight!
Extremely powerful and moving episode. Kudos to all.
tony-b says
In the interest of fairness, and balancing all the misguided praise for this Hag Man, the Church’s view is not getting the airing it deserves. Church Spokesghost Carein Pooh commented today “Paul Haggis was just another talentless loser immigrant from some Canadian backwater until he discovered Scientology. Mentored and nurtured by the Church he was well on his way to becoming a Hollywood success story when he fell in with fraudulent traitors like Leer Remini and Mike Rindah who had deceitfully infiltrated the Church. Now he has become a sad deadbeat apostate washed up on the remote muddy shores of the internet selfishly peddling his hate”
If I recall, when Mike and Leah interviewed Paul, that Paul recalled that after he had gotten out of Scientology he was at a party that Leah attended. Everyone else scattered and did not want to communicate with Paul. Paul for his part shunned Leah as he did not want her to get into trouble for someone who would probably be a SP shortly. Leah with her usual bravery went to Paul and talked to him, and said she would always be his friend.
Leah was still in Scientology, and stayed in Scientology after Paul had departed. Dear Leah was sad that what she was a coward not to leave (not true, it just was not her time to leave). My question is: If Leah would have been any influence to Paul, it would have been to try to have him come back not leave at that time. So, you really got it wrong, and most likely should see that great show again.
I think that your up shot of Paul is that he was a nothing, and owes everything that he ever did to Scientology. You really can’t be serious. I suppose we Americans could say that because he left Canada and came to the U.S. we made him what he is today…WRONG!!!
Paul, Mike, and Leah, along with the other brave souls that have come forward have done more to spread the truth about this cult than anyone else. I for one hope that more and more people will come forward and tell their story. I also hope that anyone who is thinking of getting into Scientology will think twice and give it a pass.
rivercs says
Lance, it looks to me like tony-b’s post is the purest of sarcasm and gives a pretty effective hit against the Co$. I’m just a never-in and could be way off base, but that’s my opinion.
Artoo45 says
While discussing how much he loved his late sister, there was a pregnant pause and the director cut away from Paul to a screen card saying that she had died without reconciling with him. That subtle moment was packed with power. I don’t know if he broke down and asked for the cameras to be turned off or what, but I sure broke down. I lost my sister to cancer in 2006, and spent as much time as I could with her in the terrible beauty of her last five weeks. It changed my life and gave me peace and closure. I can’t imagine what he went through knowing she was ill.
Scientology: Always. Worse. Than. You. Think.
Hey, if it’s not mind rape, it’s not Scientology.
Chee Chalker says
I’m sorry Artoo ❤️
Glad you were able to spend time with your sis before she passed
Lois Reisdorf (Lowie) says
This was an awesome episode. Paul Haggis is now my new hero, along with Mike and Leah. I really take my hat off to him for coming forward on this show and being so articulate and straightforward. I just yelled in ecstasy at the end and I hope and pray that the “Hollywood” media will take notice and start asking questions to these scientology celebrities. Loved what Leah said to them, they are pussies…hahaha This was such a powerful episode and gives more credence to all of us who have spoken up before. Now for the fallout………..
OhioBuckeye says
This is the great CoS…
Already a smear video on Karen Pressley. In addition, they have posted a ‘confession’, claiming “in a moment of self reflection….”. Obviously this bit has been lifted from the file of Ms. Pressley’s “confidential” auditing or sec-checking sessions. http://www.leahreminiaftermath.com/articles/leah-reminis-gone-girl.html
Pure slime.
Mark Fulton says
$cn following their strict format of ‘attack to utter ruin’. Hard to believe they will not change their tactics now that a large audience knows what will happen. Thanks, Karen, for your bravery in the face of out right lies.
On another note, very little $cn chatter-smearing on Paul Haggis. Very interesting as Paul pierced $cn’s facade multiple times. Why is that I wonder?
There’s NOTHING confidential in this slimeball religion!
Gloria Anima says
I noticed there is no way to leave a comment on their blog. Chicken shits! Ha haha ha!
These videos, especially the one with her ex husband, Peter Schless, are some of the most disgusting, petty and vicious things I’ve ever seen. The extent of the brainwashing of these individuals participating in this smear campaign is absolutely sickening. Stop the hate indeed. Why don’t you start acting like a real religion? Oh yes, I know – it’s not command intention. You all are a bunch of spineless pussies.
Doug Parent says
I just got done listening to Karen’s former husband Peter Schless refer to Karen as “trailer trash”. I can’t believe what I just heard him say. (On the smear video that the cult posted on youtube) Karen cared about people and still does. She is intelligent, articulate and honorable. Peter Schless has been reduced to a shadow of his former self. I hope Scientologists watch this video with a critical eye/ear because they should be able to see what is painfully obvious to me, a Sea Org member dishonoring himself, actually soiling himself in front of the camera telling those despicable lies. Karen has more class in her little pinky than Peter Schless has in his entire thetan. Peter was once someone I admired and listened to and spoke candidly with. There is nothing he could ever do at this point to restore any measure of respect or affinity for him now. He would have to find a way to bust Miscavige and take down the church and then apologize into the sunset before I would ever speak to that cretin, that despicable piece of shit. I am so angry. Karen is all class and first rate people. Sorry for my language.
I always wonder how he was obviously attracted to “trailer trash” that he married her! He condemns himself with his own words. Karen is, simply, a class act.
Peter Schless should be ashamed of himself.
Yes, maybe at one point, he was a well known musician.
But now who is he? One of David Miscavige’s little bitches, who wait around for Miscavige to toss some ‘recognition’ their way.
“Oh David Miscavige remodeled our studio! He picked out the carpets! Someone Mr. Miscavige met told him to say hello to me.David Miscavige actually remembered ans passed along the ”hello’! He’s a living saint! I hope he lets me wipe his ass one day!”
What a funny and disgusting final comment! And how self demeaning!!!
I finally understand why so many celebrities are total idiots! They’re all scientologist! Celebs love to judge others but don’t own their own lies! Their whole life is a lie if they’re a scientologist! I am disappointed when I see someone that I like and then find out they are a scientologist! They live a life of total lies – they lie for their so called “church” which isn’t a church at all but a cult! They out right lie to others and they do know they’re doing it – sickening!
Maggie C, I hear you. Celebs can be annoying sometimes, coming across to the rest of us as “holier than thou” with regard to the way we should think, act, vote, etc. Here’s my theory for whatever its worth:
These are people who happen to possess something, some kind of talent or ability, that catapults them to fame. They spring up out of a pool of many others who are possibly equally or even more talented, but for some reason, this handful makes it while many others don’t. Now, in their hearts, they know how incredibly lucky they were, and are. They know that underneath all the PR generated about them they are ordinary people like you and I and the millions who adore them. In brief, I believe that many of them feel undeserving and fear that one day it will all vanish and quickly as it appeared. So what they do is a kind of appeasement. They want, they NEED, to “give back” and this giving back manifests as continual vocal concern and support for the downtrodden, the helpless, the discriminated against., etc. In our culture celebrities are worshipped and considered authorities on lots of things merely because they are talented in one area and famous for it. So they, many of them, use the fact that people pay attention to their opinions (about all kinds of things) to ensure that they are on record as “deeply concerned” about the plight of _________(whatever). Now, I’m not saying they’re NOT concerned. But, given (what they hold as) they’re incredible luck, I believe its important to them to show that they are “balancing out” their amazing good fortune by “giving back”. My 2 cents for whatever its worth.
And I’d opine that the Scientology celebs, with the enthusiastic approval of the cherch, attribute their success to having been in the cult, and so, “giving back”, for THEM, translates into their money on tap as necessary for whenever the cult demands it, no questions asked.
That was a mean spirited comment, jumbling all celebs in one blanket comment. I see some damn fine people like Leah & Mr. Haggis putting themselves out there to fight a very difficult fight. Unless you have walked in their shoes derogatory comments should be withheld. You don’t want to be like the church of Scientology with name calling.
Gloria A, I don’t think Maggie C intended to paint all celebs who’ve been involved with Scientology.with the same dirty brush. I’m picking up that she’s just angry about what we’re all angry about, and expressing herself.
Thank you – I did just reply to her and no I’m not painting all celebrities together. However, I did put out another statement earlier and didn’t say specifically “some” celebrities. I can not judge the heart of a person, however when some from Hollywood spout off their views I tend to get angry with all Hollywood, which is wrong of me.
If you notice I said “many” celebs – I didn’t blanket them all in there! I do see as you do the fine people like Leah and Mike who are exposing scientology for what it is a CULT! I have not walked in their shoes and what derogatory comment was it I made? Calling out certain celebrities who promote this culture of lying as being ok? They are hurting people and I find it wrong!
This one really nails down how the remaining “celebs” in the “church” are now as culpable for the crimes committed as those perpetrating them directly.
An old trick is to get a person to publicly defend criminal acts of their group so they will not thereafter disengage from the criminal group. In for a penny, in for a pound…
Exactly. But what I find amusing is how the celebs are distancing themselves. Ex: Elizabeth Moss stating that Scientology hasn’t done her career any harm (too lazy to dig up the precise quote but that’s the concept). Ex: Jada Pinkett Smith in interviews ALL OVER THE PLACE telling anyone who’ll listen that she’s NOT a Scientologist So funny, this last, because several years ago tax dox of hers were unearthed by, I believe, RadarOnlline, which show first that she donated over a million to the cult and THEN, that she got a refund from the cult. Yes, a refund! I would imagine that was her and Will’s reward for leaving quietly..
Adding this: Moss saying her cult hasn’t done her career any harm is, when you think about it, a huge insult to the cherch! Shouldn’t she be using her celebrity to shout it from the rooftops that she owes everything good in her life including her career to the cherch? That’s what an loyal cultie is supposed to do, to my understanding. But no, all she said was that being part of it hadn’t hurt her career. And Jada is too afraid, too chicken, to even say, “Yes, I did some courses and they were helpful”. Instead, she denies ALL association with the cult. The times, they are a changin’.
Bad news for you, Good Buddy, as Newcomer would say.
Meaning, the Dwarf, not you, Wynski 🙂
Interesting data Aqua. A sure sign the church is unravelling from the inside!
I would think so, yeah.
Where there’s a Will there’s a way.
Elizabeth Stefan says
Leah and Mike. This episode was incredible. Paul Haggis was correct in saying that celebrities have no excuse to be unaware of the anuses committed by the church. It is heart breaking that these still in celebrities act this way. I have concluded that they are responsible for the many abuses directed at the children and other members of the church. I will disconnect from them and encourage others to stop watching their movies and buying their products. They are obviously disturbing people if they refuse to acknowledge the evil going on in this cult. Tom Cruise , J. Travolta, Kristy Ali, Jenna Alfman and the rest of them will never get another dime if my money. I also have forwarded this episode information to my friends. People need to wake up and stop the celebrity money going into this cult.
Leah and Mike I hope you realize that the work you are doing have made you heroes. You do not have to feel guilty for your past actions while in the church. You are brave people for exposing the them. I loved how Leah called reporters pussies who did not ask celebrities like John Travolta proper questions about Scientology. John T. should be ashamed of himself. So should the rest of those celebrities because there is no reason for their ignorance.
I hope someday Katie Holmes and Nicole Kidman speak out.
Shirley Hubbert says
Elizabeth. I totally agree. JT is in denial ..does he seriously think the people on Aftermath are fabricating their stories!!
I wonder about Lisa Marie Presley. She was recently in Rehab…I’m sure she has issues related to Sc$n…did the church help her deal ??…im sure not
Diana Wright says
Last night’s episode left me speechless. The look of sorry in everyone’s eyes really got to me. Thank you for bringing this out to the public. I grew up being persecuted for being a different religion and it has left life time scares so this series brings back a lot of memories of what can happen if people take no responsibility to allow these things happen. Thank you for coming forward and if you save just one person it will be worth it.
Kathleen M.E. Hennebury says
Just another great hour! I almost feel bad for ERH, I wonder if when He started this, He could see where it would go. But then I remember, although DM is a totally crazy, cruel man, He learned that from ERH. I remember the craze when I was growing up, to me it was what he said, Science Fiction.. key word, Fiction. Plus, on a catty side, if He has all this power, why did he not fix his teeth! ( OK, very catty, sorry)
At the very least the world now know how bad the celebrity’s are that support it, and how much it cost them to do it. Shame on them. Mike & Leah, thank you so much for doing this.. I am sure the “church” – no cross that out, won’t give them the title, the cult, has put pressure on you and everyone that you connect with. Thank you for keeping this going.. waiting for the NYT headline.. Loses tax exempt status” You are both true Heroes. I am very grateful that you both have come out and are living the best revenge for all, a Happy Blessed, Laughter filled, friend and family filled- Life.
I personally do not feel the abuses lie on the shoulders of LRH. Yes LRH did some horrible things but when I was in it under the leadership of LRH, it was about doing something for the pc or the guy in front of you. So, even KSW (which can be read as bat shit) or Ethics or PTSness or getting off of overts were done with this in mind – helping the guy in front of you. There are exceptions to this and I am not excusing LRH for some of the horrible abuses he inflicted or even many things he wrote that were crazy or unbelievable. But there has been a marked difference in my mind in the church in the way policy and tech were used and applied under the leadership of LRH and then under the leadership of david miscavige. LRH believed his own schtick. miscavige does not. miscavige has altered or applied LRH policy and tech and only certain policy and tech to further his control, manipulation and extortionistic and fraudulent style of getting money out of parishioners.
This church has been run for over 30 years by miscavige while LRH has been dead. LRH I doubt would have run his church this way. And if miscavige were benevolent, there would have been plenty of policy and tech he could have used or even altered to support that. Am I saying that the tech as it is now could have survived on its own merits? No. I am not. Am I say LRH was a kind perfect guy? No. But for over 30 years now its time to put the blame squarely on the shoulders of david miscavige. He used and manipulated whatever policies and tech would enable his sociopathic/psychopathic tendencies while ignoring much of policy and tech that would have prevented him from doing so.
Spike says
Mary Kahn – I have found it shocking over these last months, since Christmas, when I connected back up via Aftermath, and have spent time researching how the group has evolved on blogs and elsewhere on the internet after being ‘gone’ for 35 years. The difference that I perceive in the group, comparing then to now, is incredible. I back up your perceptions 100%. Back then, the group wasn’t perfect but it was a far cry from what it has become. And I agree, back then it was about the PC in front of you. No one would have asked you for money for anything except services. And there was no such thing as The Hole. And David M was a nobody teenager. We had the likes of David Mayo, Sam Loria and Heber Jentsch to look up to. Sad that it is all gone.
dwarmed says
It was all about helping the guy in front of you… unless that guy dared to question or be critical of Scientology. The LRH doctrine is inherently abusive. Fair game, disconnection, declaring homosexuals to be the lowest form of life. DM didn’t create any of that. LRH was better? Tell that to Miss Lovely.
#wearenotfakenews says
Excellent – Paul Haggis proves why he’s a brilliant writer just by watching him – he has depth, integrity, compassion and simply raw talent. I say keep grilling the celebs – keep calling them out in the media. I even saw an article on Elizabeth Moss in Forbes come through the pipeline last night. The Church thinks this is their strength but could turn out to be their greatest weakness.
Keep buzzing the tower…
From what I am seeing with the great comments from everyone is that there is more and more people who have never been in Scientology who are commenting on what they have seen on the TV show (myself included). I have been around other cults in the past, and know what they are like. In many ways they are somewhat the same mold as Scientology.
Hopefully soon when some clown with a stand of e-meters on the sidewalk asks if someone want to take a FREE personality test, the resounding answer will be “NO.”
Leah and Mike, your efforts are making a difference. Your guests are great people and you are my hero’s for coming forward, and I never miss an episode of your show.
Harpoona Frittata says
Paul Haggis is a personal hero of mine as well, and not just for his ongoing efforts to expose and stop cult crimes and abuses, but for his many humanitarian relief and human/civil rights activist efforts as well.
If the cult had a bunch of people like Paul in it, it would not be seen by the world as the complete social pariah that it’s become…indeed, if folks like him were in charge, it wouldn’t be a cult at all.
Imagine how different it could have been for the cherch if, instead of recruiting TC to be it’s chief propaganda minister and “sleeper cell” recruiter of other celeb whales, they would have gone another, more traditional direction, and used him to raise money and organize talent to build schools, fund clinics, finance housing for the poor, fight pernicious diseases like malaria, or any other legitimate and recognized charitable purpose…and kicked off the fundraising by making a substantial multi-million dollar contribution to it.
Instead, the cult’s arrogance and imagined superiority, coupled with its complete lack of compassion and belief in not rewarding “down stats,” squandered that opportunity to put a new face on Elron’s “we’ll fair game your pets if we have to!” vengeful, vindictive and ultra-paranoid faux religion.
If $cn had taught TC to be humble, help the less fortunate and judge the spiritual advancement of himself and his fellow Xenuvians, not on what their wealth could buy for them, but on how they used it to help others, then $cn would not be in the horrible PR shape it’s currently in, with no way back from being the total social pariah that it so truly is.
Because of this complete and utter failure to put its vast wealth to any of the traditional charitable purposes that real churches raise money from their parishioners for, and its complete denial of the ongoing crimes and human/civil rights abuses it continues to fund, it’s become clear to all with eyes to see that this protean fraud scam, cleverly disguised as a killer mind control cult, is the antithesis of what a charitable religious organization should be, do and have.
But what else would you expect from the man who apprenticed as a black magician under Crowley, “The Great Beast” himself, and imagined himself to be the anti-Christ who’ll be back in his new incarnation as some sort of Trumpian World Leader.
You just can’t make this shit up, but rest assured, Elron sure could!
Cecybeans says
Harpoona – that arrogance and lack of charity may be a blessing in disguise. I can only imagine how hard it would be to successfully criticize the abuses in this organization if it had actually done anything tangible to help others outside of its own self-interests, or in ways in which it does not directly benefit. It inspires enough blind loyalty on its lies alone. That lack of self-awareness has created a brittle façade that is cracking now under pressure – one that might have been more flexible otherwise and stood up to scrutiny even better.
Yes, the cult is so blatantly evil that it’s hard for most folks to miss and lil davey the home wrecker is such a little monster of a tyrant that you don’t even need to know what an SP is in order to vote to have him declared 😉
It’s good when True Evil looks exactly like what it is, that’s for sure!
I’d rather vote on what to call him in a court of law. It would be a lot stronger than “suppressive”. it would be something that went with multiple hefty fines, awards for pain and suffering, court costs, and consecutive sentences.
I think the correct word to describe Miscavige is “GUTLESS.” While he spends unearned money on his own lavish living, the hasn’t the courage to appear anywhere in public or in any public media. In the war of survival now going on regarding scio, he has proven himself to be MIA, Missing In Action. An extremely cowardly individual.
Katie Scott says
Another eye opening episode. Yes I agree with you, Paul is definitely a hero. I’m so grateful that he chose to speak up and speak out. Mike, you and Leah are hero’s as well. don’t sell yourself short. Your courage amazes me and I’m very proud.
Question/observation: Marty hasn’t blogged for 20 days? anyone know what’s up with Marty???
Marty??? I would imagine he has a serious sleeping problem. Don’t worry, he’s using Scientology to handle it. He should be good to go in a couple of millenniums.
Marty reminds me of a book by William Goldman called ‘Which Lie Did I Tell?’
George Layton says
Mike, I watched the previews of the next show and was struck by the statements you and Leah made about the abused children right at the end. I was curious if Leah had ever heard about the children hubbard had placed in the chain locker of the ship back when the sea org was out at sea?
How can I get a list of all the celebrity Scientologist?
Google – list of all the celebrity Scientologist
I hope you can get that list, Lynn.
I did find this interesting site … http://gawker.com/a-comprehensive-updated-list-of-every-celebrity-linked-1694554276
Another ex so says
Why do i heart leah???
“Cut the shit. That’s a pussy answer. And journalist who accept tjat answer are also pussies so I’m calling thier shit out too.”
Not only did i laugh non stop for 5 min bur i rewound a dozen times.
Thanks to paul, mike, leah, jason beghe and everyone who fights.
We’ve heard celebs deny the physical abuse of others…..as in “never saw it”….they are choosing to ignore the truth for whatever their self-serving motivation might be. Mimi Rogers “got Tom C in”…..& look what happened…a divorce. Kidman married T.C. & then he pulled a surprise divorce on Nicole…then T.C. marries a young naïve Katie who eventually had her fill of him & his “religion” & SHE dumps him…SURPRISE T.C.!
Seems like being part of “this organization” has not had you fare well in your personal life.
What of John Travolta’s son Jett, that seemingly lovely young man passed away….was he receiving the care that he needed or was it all being “handled within the confines of the church policy on treating the ill ” who would be healed by….the confines of…???
It’s been said that all members are REQUIRED to read every book written by LRH….so how well read were these required readings if the wannabe member is missing the homophobia & disconnection rant as well as the 1.1 on the tone scale in regards to homosexuals”. These were pointed out during the show, that these were apparently important issues to LRH. As one later down the road reviews these same materials, nothing has changed, the wording might have too many ;;;;; & required to buy another book that’s been “corrected”…so needs to be read again. How are these UGLY passages missed or over looked?
I read the infamous LRH first book & it was a head-spinner….huh??…he can’t be serious, THIS is what this man is trying to pass off? Similar to the books or pamphlets on the “Moonies & Hare Krishna” materials….only as I said before common sense & my WTF attitude kept me out of all of this.
It seems that moving up the bridge is more important than what the so called “religion” requires of a parishioner than what is actually stated in the books themselves. Paying paying paying massive amounts of money to be on a more or less “sliding scale bridge” whereas you can so easily be sent “back down the bridge” even if you are at a high level, only to pay more to climb that scale again & again.
Children used as slave unpaid labor, children abused physically & emotionally, children all but abandoned by their biological parents because it is required that you give away your children or NOT have children so you can devoted ALL your time & energy to THIS???
Lovely Liz Gale’s brother Philip commits suicide, no doubt due to depression that the cult does not acknowledge needs treatment by a licensed professional therapist…& possibly medications which would be used to help control his depression, all because LRH says “psyches” are not to be used/consulted. Liz’ very own mother turns her back on her beautiful daughter & grandsons for….what???…..to sell the farm that’s been in her family for over 100 years…WHERE did that money go, as if we don’t already know. I just want to wrap my arms around that young lady & comfort her, she NEEDS a mother. Her mother is alive, but NOT really a mother is she?
Paul’s wake up call came when the light when on & he saw for the first time what’s really going on. As Jackson said, how terribly guilty he feels pressuring his then wife to abort their baby & how it actually broke up their marriage. How J.B. saw the physical abuse laid upon others by DM, & how DM ordered the “Gold Base” to become a maximum security prison. What religion holds humans again their will, & abuses them. For decades the sexual abuse of children by Priests was denied, yet even THEY had to admit it had been going on for decades & lawsuits were filed & settled & cash paid out.
Will the same thing happen here….will COS ever have to pay out cash settlements to those who were hurt? I am sure some of those lovely people have passed away. How does one eek out a life after you escape, leave, blow or are tossed out (ex communicated) when you have NOTHING to live on, no job experience, no real education. A born in child is going to be lost forever, it’s ALL they know.
This organization, cult, religion, call it whatever you want….they are TAKERS not givers…they take take take & all you get is physical or emotional abuse, your children removed from your care, abortions that are more or less policy if you wish to continue as Sea Org Staff, disconnection from those who disagree with the “church policy”….no $$$ because you’re giving it ALL to “the organization”…
IS ANYONE IN WASHINGTON D.C. our center of Government LISTENING…..Oh yeah….hmmm could it be “separation of Church & State.”……..
TitleWaves says
STELLAR EPISODE last night, Mike and Leah. Thank you both and ALL of your Aftermath guests who have the courage to speak up. They literally put themselves in danger in so doing.
Ballet Lady — If I recall – you are a Never In, Correct? Thank you for your post today and in the past.
Especially This, “How does one eek out a life after you escape, leave, blow or are tossed out (ex communicated) when you have NOTHING to live on, no job experience, no real education. A born in child is going to be lost forever, it’s ALL they know.”
I was a public $Scientologist, never staff, never in “The Hole,” However, when I escaped and find Mikle Rinder’s blog and A&E’s Aftermath, I realized that I had been in a prison. While in, it was like a prison cell, I could only see the bars and walls around me,I could not see the outside. Now that I’m out, as I read posts from Never In’s, since we are online–and not face to face talking, it’s like I am now in the “visiting Room” and there is a partition of glass between and a phone…. I see you are there–and our hands meet and touch on the glass between us…
It’s tough at this stage. I say that is because I know one person “still in” it’s painful to watch — I can’t openly speak of my disgust with the Cherch or I’ll lose someone I care deeply about. (The day will come though when I speak up, sometime soon). In my city, I know only a few ex scientologists who are known to be out and those UTR… They are going through their own painful difficulties so it’s tough at times for us to really get close because in some cases, we risk stirring the pot and rehashing our upsets.
TO ALL NEVER IN’S who post here: Thank you for your support. I have seen so many wonderful, warm, hearted people who have offered their friendship, help and and support to us. -One post even offered free counselling to any ex scientologists in need.
The cult is a concern for every American because their tax dollars are being squandered to feed the cult’s tax exempt status as a “church” when they are nothing more than real estate developers and frauds.
NEVER IN’S – We NEED YOU. It will take more than all the former Scientologists speaking out, it will literally “take an act of Congress” to get the abuses to stop.
The same goes for every celebrity (ex scn or not), they need to speak out the way Paul Haggis, Jason Beghe and Leah have.
My thanks again to all who have rolled up their sleeves to pitch in as we shovel away at the manure pile that is scientology.
peggy2176il says
Wonderful, denial,anger, acceptance. From brainwashed to brain cleared.
The Paul Haggis episode was astounding. I didn’t think I could be shocked anymore by the COS but I was wrong ( Martin Luther King = David Miscavige !!!!!!). The drumbeat can no longer be ignored.
1. Money truly is the root of all evil. When the COS loses their tax exemption status the walls will begin to crumble. Petition, write, whatever we can do to get this issue reviewed.
2. Multi pronged attack – After Math, blogs, twitter, police report filings, petitions, old fashioned word of mouth. Hit them from all angles. They can hire 160 lawyers to attack HBO and it’s airing of Going Clear but even the COS can’t afford enough attorneys or private investigators to attack us all. If he want’s to get me kicked out of my volunteer positon of kindergarten class mom then take your best shot. They have a war chest now but as members dwindle so does their income. Their business model ( and it is a business!) is flawed.
3. If tax violations don’t get them ( Al Capone) then a woman will. Kingdoms and governments have fallen due to a woman and unless Little Dave is a monk he is getting sex from somewhere and there is a woman or women somewhere that know the secrets that can bury him.
4. Some celebs love to spout their political views. Use that same podium to speak out against this. As Mike said, the COS need for celebrity cache can be turned around and used against the COS. Religious freedom goes by the wayside when children are clearly being abused
5. I knew a family of 6 who died following Jim Jones in Guyana. Jim was kookier than Little Dave but Little Dave is much more dangerous. It’s the devil you know that you don’t see coming.
Thank you Mike and Leah and all of the After Math contributors for your bravery and thank you to all who leave comments on the blog. I love reading them.
CS says
David Miscavige =| (does not equal, cuz I don’t have that symbol on my phone) Martin Luther King Jr.
In the minds of Scientologists David Miscavige > Martin Luther King Jr.
Except Davey boy won’t be able to handle one night in the Birmingham Jail with a tenth of the grace and time MLK did.
I can imagine him yelling abuse at the guards and other inmates.
True CS. You caught my slip up. I was still shocked by the show last night I guess. How dare I say he was equal when Little Dave is greater. 🙂
You can always use !=, which means “does not equal” in, IIRC, Fortran, and just about any text device should be able to reproduce it. It’s pronounced either “does not equal” or “bang equal”, the latter mostly among computer geeks.
With respect to the late Dr. King, what Scientology’s spokespeople intended was probably <, "less than", which statement literally caused me to involuntarily drop my lower jaw wide open. When Dr. King was assassinated, I was 8. As a child in Berkeley, California, I was very politically aware. That was the same year that the local public schools were desegregated. I knew well what Dr. King meant to so many Black Americans and other people of color; I had already been paying attention to his movement for the past 2-3 years. I'm a never-in who has been studying Scientology and other cults, but mostly Scientology, for quite a few years now. To compare the great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to David Miscavige – UNFAVORABLY! – still, on Friday, has me aghast. I don't think that's something I'm ever going to settle down with, even as a statement from Scientology's spokespeople.
Alcoboy says
What do you mean by Martin Luther King = David Miscavige?
Edit: You were referring to the episode. I get it now.
Looks like I need to get A&E on my tablet and start watching Leah.
No problem. I slipped up also, the COS reps at the Paul Haggis meeting said Little Dave was greater than MLK not equal. All of the episodes are great but the episode last night was powerful.
Also because my phone does not have the ≠
(does not equal) symbol and I was trying to make a math problem out of it.:-)
When I heard the comment about idiot stick, I mean Misgavige, was better than MLK I was shocked. These people in Scientology are like brainless sheep being led to slaughter and they go willingly. That is the sad testament to our society and “celebrity”. You have hypocrties like Cruise, Travolta and others who use Scientology as a moniker for greatness, all the while knowing the evils that go on behind closed doors. And we wonder why Hollywood has gone off the rails, taking all their bleating, mindless worshippers with them. They all need to be arrested with the abusers as accessories to these horrendous crimes.
Thoughts of Malignant Narcissists:
Miscavige better than MLK
Hubbard more enlightened than Buddha, Jesus and any other wiseman in history.
We have been led, taught, imprinted and educated by the mentally ill. The dangerous. The greedy. The abusive. The con man.
When I heard about the reactions to MLK the top of my head popped off!
These poor brainwashed Scientologists are a thing of pity.
None of them were like this before they studied Hubbard.
L Ron Hubbard was a master manipulator of human values. He destroyed the sacred bonds of family and redirected that dynamic to “clearing the planet”.
We followed the words of a madman. Plain and simple. And those that still hold him up on a pedestal are still under his spell of delusion.
I feel another essay coming on. This episode was a doosey!
Nobly says
We look forward to reading it!
Paul Haggis seems to suggest that all celebrities associated with Scientology are complicit in crimes. That’s his opinion and is radical in my opinion.
Silence is tacit approval
Anyone who is willfully ignorant of the effects of studying Hubbard with its family destroying doctrines are not innocent.
Promoting Scientology with their celebrity status makes them knowingly or unknowingly guilty.
I have no sympathy for their willful ignorance.
Yes, willful ignorance. A world of difference between that an innocent ignorance.
I think their willful ignorance boils down to a simplicity:
They’ve agreed to Hubbard’s doctrines, dogmas and world view.
One of his doctrines is to destroy critics. It is no surprise they’re acting like this. They are following orders. Their conscience was long ago raped into submission word clearing Bolivar.
Harming human beings is a scriptural injunction. It’s part of their Canon.
Scientologists are not just willfully ignorant, they are willfully violent.
I am so happy this blight on our society is simply becoming known.
The truth of Scientology poses the greatest existential threat to Scientology. Because those who see the truth are labeled the enemy…….
Sick and twisted. Geeeze!
Brian, respectfully, I disagree. I was on board with most of LRH’s policies but when a “thread” appeared and, curious, and actually innocent, not thinking I was doing anything wrong, I pulled it. Long story short, I kept pulling it and eventually got the Sherman Tank. All the while I still had no problem with most of LRH’s policies. In fact, as a Data Series completion, I believed that the thread pulling I was doing WAS Scientology. That’s the ironly; I was applying the data from that course to find out what I needed to know and in doing this I was actually greasing my path OUT.
The i-ron-y of Ron.
It’s people like Paul Haggis, Jason Beghe, Leah, and even a celeb like Jason Lee (who just quietly quit) that either have gotten many out or prevented many from even stepping foot into this church. That’s the difference. That’s the power of celebrity.
My story meant shit to the few people who knew about it – just another “older” woman who got involved in something she shouldn’t have and now she’s paying a big price. Leah said, “I’ll listen and I’ll tell your story.” People understand better now, because of Leah, how an “older” woman got involved and how she stayed in something that was otherwise to them just another wacky group that should be left to its own devices.
Celebrities suffering from cognitive dissonance and ignorance are tacitly agreeing to the abuses which helps give agreement and support to those still in and to those who get in because some hot shot celebrity is in it so it must be good.
That’s the difference.
Richard, ALL celebs in the Church have been informed of the various crimes by high ranking execs of the church. Ergo, if they now continue to support the church they are complicit. It is ipso facto. It is not an opinion.
Sorry but you cannot have your own facts.
Well, that goes without saying. Leah, Mike and Paul have routinely accepted responsibility for being complicit in enabling cult crimes and abuses and have done so publicly, in a variety of forums. Everyone who spends a dollar on this killer mind control cult is complicit in funding those crimes and abuses, whether they knew it or not at the time.
The real question there is whether or not still-in $cilons are knowingly complicit or still being completely snowed by the BIG lies and false stat reports which pour out of the cult, almost non-stop.
Escaped in 2005 says
Part of me wishes I was still in the “war room” (as a fly on the wall, anyway) at the INT office where I worked in LA when Cruise famously jumped on the couch. All the INT mgmt people were going psycho for days and weeks afterward. I can only imagine what must be going on in there now. hehehe!
Escaped in 2005, Thank you for this post!!! I had no idea Int office was going bat-sh_t over TC’s couch incident. Thanks for letting us know. Appreciated the belly laugh. Wow.
Woke up this morning after having the most wonderful dream: Greta Van Susteren interviewing David Miscavige!
The dream must have been triggered by last night’s STELLAR episode of ‘Aftermath’. Congratulations Mike, Leah and the entire team for continuing to ‘bring it’ to the CoS.
Thanks for reminding me of Greta, another celeb who has silently accepted the crimes of the group in order to maintain her own “status”.
deElizabethan says
Thank you Leah and Mike. This was a great show and in particular, what Paul Haggis had to say. Simple and honest ….. came across so well and meant so much to me.
pixie stix says
I think their phoney cross needs to be addressed in an episode.My roommate saw me reading “Troublemaker”, & asked what I was reading.When I told her it was about the horrible cult of Scientology,she thought it was the same as the ” Christian Science” religion.When I started to explain they weren’t the same&,that they don’t worship/believe in God,she said,”but they have a cross!”…Makes me wonder how many other people get the two confused,and just REALLY DISGUSTS me that they do use the cross to trick people.How/why do they get away with that?
T.J. says
This episode of the show was awesome and amazing. They all are, of course, but this one in particular was riveting. So much honesty, by Paul Haggis, by Leah, by everyone. I’m the type of person who appreciates, straight, honest talk, and this show had that. It has to be one of my favorites of the series. Emmy win #2 should be on the horizon. And it’s about time someone called out celebrities for their stick-their-heads-in-the-sand attitude about Scientology. If people speaking out are wrong in what they say, Scientology should refute their statements with proof, instead, they attack the former members with mean-spirited smear sites, it’s so unpleasant and does nothing to change anyone’s mind to a more positive view of the CofS. Thank you and please continue to let the truth be known. Kudos to Mike and Leah.
imalrightitstherestoftheworld says
I don’t understand why the Govt hasn’t taken any kind of actions.
Paul is from my hometown London Ontario so he’s one of my heroes, along with you and Leah and the brave souls that have gone Public!
Bless you All!
I won’t see Handmaids or anything that a $cientologists appear in. My own #boycottAnythingCoS
I watch Handmaids. One because its good and I hope that every script causes Moss to ask more questions. Shows like Aftermath and Handmaids are causing people in other cults to ask questions of their own beliefs when they see the parallels. One of Chris Shelton’s videos addressed this.
I’ve seen this happen with a member of the JW while watching Aftermath.
These stories are increasingly bizarre. Every detail screams “run from these creeps!” I felt it as a child seeing LRH on commercials. And yet seemingly otherwise educated and intelligent people hand over their lives, their fortunes, their families, their morals. Of course, those born in or brought in as children have no choice, but I am still befuddled as to what makes a person buy into this? Boredom and giant checkbook? Extremely low self esteem? So desperate for approval to hold a tin-can-o-meter and trust it will give you superpowers? C’mon, enlighten us, “looking for something more” just isn’t convincing. Seeing so many celebs buy in makes me believe they just wanna be part of another group that considers themselves better than others. But what about the everyday guy? Why?
Barbet says
I asked the same question a year ago …it is altruistic for many (save the planet)…IMO it’s the promise of “super powers” & being elite that brings in the “stars”. But mostly super powers.
Within CoS – for the stars – there’s no ppl wanting autographs or pics …they are pampered, fawned over & treated like an awesome “somebody”…
I’ll give you my answer – I was open to LRH because as a young jazz musician in the ’70’s, I was reading the album covers of Chick Corea and Stanley Clarke, both of whom are musicians of celestial status in the jazz world, and both of whom were dedicating their albums to LRH, printed right on the cover. They appeared to be giving SCN and LRH all the credit for their incredible musical abilities, and I was seeking a way to tap into that celestial level of talent in myself.
Oh, the reg’s all led me on, claiming those abilities would just magically unfold as I moved up the bridge. It was a brutal betrayal.
Escaped in 2005 — SAME HERE! Like you, I was in the music business and I saw Chick Corea’s endorsement and the late Jeffrey Lewis’s Celestial Navigations… For those who don’t know, Jeffrey Lewis is Juliette Lewis’s father…
I never knew about Stanley Clark/saw any endorsements of the cult by him though… (“East River Drive” is one of my favorites).
Oops, Geoffrey Lewis… Not Jeffrey.
Gravitysucks says
Maybe recruiters use Hollywood connections as bait. COS encouraged infiltration of Hollywood, too. I suspect they offer business opportunities, investment advice. International Banking. Tax advice. All within their “network?”
You are speaking about most of us here, at least the ones who were in. “Boredom and a giant checkbook?” That’s a joke, right?
I will give you the benefit of the doubt and say that you must be somewhat new to researching this because your off-hand comments are clearly disparaging of people who did go into it and, for some, the devastating pain and horror that they experienced as a result.
I can’t speak for anyone else here (they do a pretty good job of speaking for themselves – high five) but your paper-thin and shallow comments are actually offensive to me, personally.
This is not a “har har har, what the f*ck were those idiots THINKING?” matter. Your view of this seems to be a little like someone who’s seen one of the Freddy Krueger movies and is deriding the actors on the screen by saying, “Don’t go into that room you freakin’ idiot! Are you too stupid to know that he’s behind that door waiting for you??”
If we knew, we wouldn’t have gone now, would we? Would you? No.
You have the benefit of hindsight which none of us had, in my case, 41 years ago. As a matter of fact, most of this sh*t wasn’t HAPPENING 41 years ago. Scientology, at least for the public person, was a genuine activity. The staff in the orgs weren’t David Miscavige at that time. We were all in it – at least I was – for the learning and the hope to help people. Pretty f’n stupid, eh?
There were things happening at the top. Paulette Cooper should never have been attacked like she was. Period. But none of us at the bottom knew anything about that.
That was why we didn’t see it because it was hidden.
Now, to honor your actual question about why, here was my why.
I’m a creative and I wanted to understand why I seemed so incomprehensible to some people. Why didn’t they understand me? Didn’t everyone believe in ESP or past lives or spirituality? You mean artists THINK differently than other people? And how could I help others in the world? How could I understand others better and communicate my heartfelt ideas better? How could I personally contribute to helping other people find their own answers.
Those were my reasons why and, with what information I had access to, Scientology seemed to have the answers. And, believe it or not, there were answers there for me. Yes, Ron based his “tech” off of the old masters. Yes, I could possibly go to the library (in 1976 there was no internet, remember?) and read 100 books and maybe find some answers, but the idea that someone had traveled the world, studied all of these things and then wrote his findings down in the books very much appealed to me. That was exactly what I told my registrar when I signed up for my first course. “He’s done all this research and all I have to do is buy one course at a time and I can read all of what he discovered? Well, that’s a no-brainer.” Isn’t that right?
Of course I wanted to learn about the mind and the human condition and how to better it. Wouldn’t you?
Indie,
Your answer fits my path through Scientology very closely . Well done
YES! High five to Indie, Jim, Escaped in 2005 and others. We all walked the same path. Thank you all for your posts. Last night’s episode was especially meaningful to me for that very reason.
Indie – extremely well said. And like you said the internet did not exist back then for us. I can go on and on but no need cause you did, thank you.
There you are, Ms. P. Yes, when the time comes, we can party at my home. I’m about 2.5 miles from the Pacific. So the weather is always great.
I’ve got some moxie. ?
Youre right, my comment is shallow, and my understanding as paper thin. im responding as a viewer of the tv show, and i can attest that this is a question we are all asking. Im not responding with “harhar”, im shocked with each revelation that people are suffering as we speak. I think it would help protect people if they knew what makes them vulnerable.
Sounds a lot like my beginnings with the subject, indie8million.
Thanks for saying what needed to be said, Indie 8 Million. I couldn’t have said it better. I will steal your one liner for use when people ask me with their incredulous look, “YOU got into THAT cult???!!!” Your answer will come to mind. And I love, “Of course I wanted to learn about the mind and the human condition and how to better it. Wouldn’t you?”
I went to the Scientology site and I must say it is really “slick.” They showed how they make the music and videos, Young people praising their whole existence and success due to Scientology. Yes, if one did not know the down side of this cult, the answer for most people is “Sign me up.”
It was a bit strange to see them telling that to, freely feel, to know, to speak, to read, and see, without restraint is somewhat the goal of being in Scientology.
It is hard not to be a “couch quarterback” and tell one’s self that “I would never fall for that.” I got just a small taste of Scientology, and they invited me to leave. LOL. I guess they knew I would be asking way too many questions and would be trouble. Ummm, perhaps they thought I was “clear” already. LOL.
Just a side note. I died on the operating table on two separate occasions. I know what it is to leave the body and come back. Does that qualify me for the higher levels, and more importantly, does that qualify for a metal. Please someone ask DM for me.
Sorry Lance, only money will get you a medal. Lots of it.
indie8million, a serious question for you, because I really don’t know. At what point does a Scientologist find out about the Fair Game policy? After reading that, how does one reconcile that with wanting to help people and improving oneself and the world? Is it after you’ve been in so long that you are too invested to want to walk away? It’s hard for an outsider to understand how those with altruistic intentions can accept many of the vile LRH doctrine of fair game, disconnection, etc, but then we haven’t invested the time and money that those inside have. Thanks for your insight.
Curiosus says
As far as I am concerned, it all started a few decades ago when I was looking for some book about dietetics in a bookstore. I found here the book “dianetics” in the dietetics category. Maybe someone got the two words confused.
For some reason I was attracted by the book dianetics, probably because it was pushing all my “buttons”. I had the feeling that my problems were related to unconscious things in my mind, and dianetics was giving me some hope to solve these issues.
I began testing dianetics by auditing some friends around, with astonishing results. For example a young lady exteriorized with full perceptions. As she had no former knowledge of dianetics, scientology or any other spiritual school, in my opinion she was not simulating. Another “PC” remembered a past life in great detail, etc.
From these auditing experiences, I concluded mistakenly that dianetics and scientology were right and that fueled my faith in these subjects, until I discovered 15 years later on the Internet that it was but a fraud.
Just to give you an idea about how one can get involved in scientology: the hope to solve personal problems, the purpose to gain advanced abilities such as exteriorizing with full perceptions and remembering past lives, etc.
From similar stories I see around, I find this pattern: early “wins” with the subject, that are generalized to the whole subject to consider that everything is valid in scientology. But that is a logical fallacy.
Jen, I was in Scientology for 24 years. I got in because I was in a lot of pain due to losing a number of people I dearly loved because they had died in various ways – accidents, war, illness, and even possibly homicide.
This started when I was 14 and kept happening into my 30s.. On the outside I was OK; on the inside I was just sad, always sad. Analytically I knew that I could will myself to go on because I am strong inside. But emotionally I couldn’t shake the sadness. I was just mentally stuck in a lot of grief. I also felt a lot of guilt about one of the deaths. I couldn’t shake it. That’s why I got in.
I wasn’t looking for a religion. I needed to not feel pain anymore. There was no way I was going to any drug, legal or otherwise, to feel better because I don’t like drugs, and I’ve never anything more than a mild social drinker. I don’t like to drink that much. I never went down those roads. As for sex, the way some women forget their pain for a while with sex, well, for me, back then, (not now) sex could an frequently would trigger even more sadness because 2 of the people I lost had been serious boyfriends whom I’d loved and to whom I’d been engaged to be married.
As for money, I didn’t have a lot of money. If I’d had money I probably would have gone to a shrink. That was the thing to do, back then.
So I was vulnerable, reaching, and at a certain point, exhausted, mentally. Not physically because thank God I’ve always been very healthy. But inside, emotionally…not good.
I j wanted to be – if not happy – then pain free again. I was really mentally stuck in all this loss. So that’s why I got in. Long story short; Scientology helped me. I did improve. I did actually get happy again, as I had been as a child – happy pretty much all the time, for no particular reason. To me this was a kind of miracle.. I didn’t think it was possible. It took a number of years in but I became myself again. Hard to explain.
Perhaps some other non-drugging therapy would have had the same effect. Its possible, But I can’t say for sure because I didn’t do other things. I did Dianetics and Scientology.
.As to the abuses, the evil policies I didn’t know about the abuses and those policies until my last 2 years in. Long story how I found out, but in my own defense, this was not due to willful ignorance. I had long ago learned my severe life lesson about the consequences of willful ignorance. In my own defense, when I learned what was going on, I began informing myself via the internet, and the more informed I became, the firmer became my decision to leave.
But Jen,having said all this, no worries, please. I do get that you’re upset, amazed, outraged even, concerning what you’ve learned from watching Aftermath. I get it. I was one of the lucky ones, Jen. All my bad luck had already happened before I got into the cult. I didn’t lose any loved ones to the cult.when I got out, and what I learned in it also taught me HOW to get out. I gave them a lot of money but nowhere near what many others have given.
There are people here who suffer continually from the pain of the loss of their loved ones. Well do I know how that feels but the difference is that in my case the loved ones were actually, physically dead, and, for the people here suffering the pain of disconnection, their loved ones are NOT dead but forbidden to communicate with them. Which is a kind of death. Someone you love is alive, and yet forbidden to talk to you? That’s a kind of death, isn’t it? I see it that way. And yet they’re not dead. This situation is a singular type of hell on earth, that they endure.
Peace, Jen.
I think they do the same things that gangs do – make a person feel important, special and like they are part of a big family. It’s a sense of identity, of belonging And I think they use the temporary and cathartic “high” people probably get from auditing, as well as the Bridge, as a sort of drug they can hook people on without realizing it.
A lot of this is starting to remind me of addiction, they have set up a system to foster dependency and in which people need to spend more and more money to feel good about themselves, lost the ability to question, and where if they stop or slow down, the consequences of withdrawal become more painful and punishing than the addiction itself.
Exactly right, Cecy… You nailed it. The euphoria from auditing IS addictive, add to that, the “love bombing,” and PTS and suppressive person “technology” and you have a recipe for disaster when the horrific consequences of Gaslighting enters in. See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaslighting
Go stand on a battlefield sometime and really see what mankind can do to each other. I guess when a hope is presented to end that sort of thing some try to make the most of it. The fact it turned out to be a con is heartbreaking but it doesn’t stop some of us giving it a go. IMO for those that stand in continual wonder and confusion at why others do the things they do is part and parcel of the problem mankind faces as a whole.
If you really want to know “why,” it takes very little research on this site and on Tony Ortega’s to have your questions answered. Chris Shelton gives some great videos on it in particular.
AnnieO says
I’m a never-in, but I can see how people have been pulled into Scientology…especially before the internet. You start out with inexpensive self-help courses (which LRH did not create himself) and they really seem to help you in your daily life. So you take more courses, and while you are doing all of these courses and being audited you are slowly being brainwashed into it all. You start thinking like a Scientologist, speaking like a Scientologist, and begin to believe that Scientology is the only thing that can help the planet. When something about Scientology bothers you, you block it out…it’s what you have been taught/trained to do. You feel that Scientology has helped you and has given you a purpose, and you are too invested to walk away at the first small doubt.
Someone who has actually been a Scientologist would know much more than I do, but this is how I see the average person being drawn into this cult. Normal people who weren’t rich, and weren’t coddled like the celebrities are.
Gail Shourds says
I very much enjoyed the episode! Paul is definitely a hero as are you and Leah and I applaud him for having the guts to stand up for his children, the guts to admitting how wrong he was about the church and the guts to stand up and do something about it when he found out. I really wish the episodes were two hours instead of one hour I think we miss a lot of things that are edited out and I think you could get a little more in depth about the people you interview. I am so glad that Leah stood by Paul and made sure that he knew that she was his friend I’m sure he found out how few friends he really had after that letter of resignation. God bless him and his family and I hope he finds support and friends outside of Scientology that renew his faith in mankind. Much love to you and Leah never forget we are out here supporting you as well!
Rob Williamson says
What Scientologists do is what Hubbard told them to do, in writing and on tape. From a Hubbard POV, it’s all well justified… beat, kidnap, ruin families, force to abort babies, make orphans out of children, incarcerate… the list is long.
From the outside looking in, there’s psychopathic, sociopathic and criminal activity.
Before the whistleblowing by this bunch of EX-Hubbardites the true nature of Hubbardism wouldn’t have ever been exposed.
I’m grateful to Rinder and Leah.
Beth Nemenz says
Isn’t it incredible that this is all so well documented, lots of illegal activity, but somehow this “religion” still thrives??? I don’t understand what is taking authorities so long to build a case against this abuse??
It makes taking a look at the “authorities” a subject in itself. There’s a side to the political/legal system that is very difficult to come to terms with… the Leah & Mike’s assault on the Scientology situation exposes not only it’s abuses but also hints and leads one to wonder about the so called controlling systems we feel we understand but it turns out we don’t really know all that much about them. There are hidden influences in the judicial system that truly don’t have the public’s best interests as their first priority, even though they say they do. It could be suggested the rise of Scientology is a symptom of a regime that should have known better. People power is difficult to harness but history shows us its power is unstoppable if it is motivated. I’m hoping A&E can be the medium that gets that result.
I think we’re ALL grateful to Mike & Leah. I hope it’s a never ending series…
Yes. “never-ending series” until IT ends.
Yeah, they are indeed very remarkable people. It’s a pity such a scenario has forged their attention and stolen their time with what must be a very lengthy, all engaging and emotional pursuit. It is my wish that this series terminates the existence of the Cof$ and gets our families back together asap to begin the healing process. There’s a far better life to live away from the debacle that is known as Scientology.
I would like to see the episodes stretch to 1.5 or 2 hours.
I also would like to say that the episode with Leah, Mike, Paul, and Karen, was off the charts. Excellent. I look forward to every episode each week.
You folks are going forward, and there is no reason for you not to forgive yourselves for what happened when you were in the cult. You at that point did not know anything else but that you were saving humanity and the World and the writings of LRH.
You are all my hero’s, and as far as I am concerned, now you are really saving the World by telling the truth.
Im just curious…when this cult is finally busted up how will those in the cult survive in the outside world? I just dont see them being able to make it…brainwashed, broke, no skills to speak of. I love the show and what you guys are doing. DM scares the hell out of me….creep!!!
Thank you giving the info on Mr. Haggis’ work in Haiti. It was a great cap to a talk I was having with my teen. Teen was discussing celebrities that make statements but don’t really act in order to get good pr. We discussed Elisabeth Moss’ hand gesture and shoe show vs. a 14 year old star from Stranger Things raising money on social media for hurricane relief. I was very happy be able to share about Mr. Haggis’ efforts after watching Aftermath together. Thank you for being great role models.
I’m watching now and still haven’t picked my jaw up off the floor. Miscaviage is a greater man than Martin Luther King Jr.? ? LOL . . . 8-0 no, no, no, no, no
But you all are right. Paul Haggis put it best “damn them.”
When Travolta was asked directly about the abuses in the church his response was basically “. . . haven’t seen it, doesn’t affect me, not going to do anything.”
Just the previews for 14 Oct have me wound up. Because I am a firm believer that religious buildings, schools, day care, retreats, areas of discipline MUST conform to all local, state and federal regulations. And must consent to surprise no hole barred inspections.
But that anger is for episodes few weeks away.
The co$ said that its opinion on homosexuality has evolved. ***BULLSHIT. ***
COS is incapable of evolving.
Co$ CANNOT EVOLVE.
It has demonstrated it with it’s smear sites, and tactics pulled right out of the 50s-80s. It is married to every single word LRH wrote.
I remember when propH8 started to discuss coS and the response. Some people said they couldn’t find the homophobic crap written in Dianetics. I wondered if the newer printings had omitted it for PR purposes. (but I won’t purchase a new copy to find out)
I went upstairs to get the copy I bought in the late 70s. Those passages were there, underlined just as I had left them.
Lastly to add (cuz it’s 2am here.) . . . Mike, Leah, you continue to prove why the Emmy is so richly deserved. Maybe my post above was a little more emotional that it would have been in an earlier hours, but I absolutely insist on watching Aftermath as soon as get home – now with a change of schedule that’s often not until after 11pm on Tuesdays)
You both, along with Paul Haggis tonight – your reactions, your anger, your pain, is sincere (even in the lighter moments) and that comes across and through the screen. In every episode, with every guest. I don’t think anyone else could have done this. You all are heroes, Paul for doing all that he has and continues to do, and you and Leah for not only facing into this darkness (and whatever guilt you may old) but bringing in the sunlight and giving a voice to the voiceless.
old = hold
and yes I’ll echo others, don’t beat yourself up with guilt.
You can’t change the past. It’s yesterday and written.
You ARE changing the present and future, and that is all you can do.
If you hold on to it, like something to flagellate yourself with, but down the whip. What you are doing is atonement, and it is worth more than any beating you could give yourself.
Okay before I get anymore emotional and maudlin, like the drunk bride in “Four Weddings and a Funeral” I’m going to bed.
It’s not just ‘Miscavige is a greater man than MLK’.
It was the “How dare you compare COB to MLK”
As if it was derogatory to do so.
Just unbelievable.
As far as Travolta and the rest of the deniers…..I’m Catholic.
I never saw any abuse or kids by priests.
NEVER did I think “well, I never saw it, it doesn’t impact me, therefore it must not be true!”
Exactly the opposite. I want(ed) each and every accusation investigated to the fullest extent possible. And the guilty thrown in jail for the longest time allowed.
Then again, the Catholic Church doesn’t provide me cover when the tabloids accuse me of playing kissy face with some of my same sex friends. Maybe if they did, I would feel differently.
‘Maybe if they did, I would feel differently.”
No you wouldn’t.
One of my former professors (Pychology) was an alter boy in Father Porter’s church. He wasn’t molested and thought it was because when he became an alter boy he was over Porter’s age preferance. His friends however were molested. Maybe because of his education he believed them.
Yes, very true. Making the MLK comparison out like it was a derogatory remark
Excellent points, Chee. One of my cousins is a devout Catholic. That she never observed any pedophilia nor knew anyone who had been sexually exploited did not allow her to give no credence to the voices of her fellow Catholics who did know of such abuses. Her attitude was: “This is NOT my faith. This is an abberation of Catholicism, not the religion itself. This is a serious issue and needs to be fully investigated and handled fairly.” In her mind, her religion was strong enough and good enough to accept responsibility for the wrong doing of some of its clergy and to prevail over it because of its basic strength, integrity and goodness. She is still a devout Catholic.
I just found your blog a few days ago, and I’m relieved I can finally comment (technical issues suck).
I haven’t seen the most recent episode yet (A&E’s live stream is under maintenance), but I’ve enjoyed the show since starting it about a month ago…binge-watching all of them in that time. You and Leah’s work has changed my perception of Scientology from “a club for kooks”, into a truly dangerous cult not unlike Islamic terrorism or the Nazis loyal to Hitler. I pray for the people who have appeared on your show, and also those still trapped in Scientology…whether its because of pressure, fear, or greed. Thanks again for helping open eyes, minds, and hearts to the truth about Scientology, and all its evils. May God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ strengthen all your efforts, to save people and draw them near to Him.
“Club for kooks”. !. Im going to ponder this for a few. A different facade.. I would use Oz and the emerald curtain, but that’s been done to death, and I believe it’s more complex.
Club for kooks, like it’s ok for kooky Jenna E and her blowing horses comments to Kookie Kirstie A and her tweets about her bowel habits with updates on her morning deposits. Eeeuuuw.
My g son and I are in a small impasse in communication. He lies to get out of trouble, he denies, and as a final result, he will point out, up, down. Away. “Is that a bird??”. Or he’ll tell a joke. Hafta go to the bathroom. Or tell me he loves me. Hes trying everything. But he’s 4.
georgemwhite says
“You and Leah’s work has changed my perception of Scientology from “a club for kooks”, into a truly dangerous cult not unlike Islamic terrorism or the Nazis loyal to Hitler.”
I know individuals still in the cult who are simply deluded by Hubbard. I am watching an old friend with family disconnection soften up a little. The public face of Scientology is vile and its policies are wicked, but there is still hope for him.
Hi George?! I hope your friends find themselves again. Man Hubbard left a mess!
This episode rocked the house off its foundation. Absolutely fantastic! Paul has such personal integrity and it is visible from a mile away. I am so very proud of his steadfastness to right the wrongs. And, I love that it was Leah who was the only one who shit all,over the SP policy and continued to interact with him. Regardless of where she was at regarding the cult at the time, like any belief system, the seeds of doubt or seeds of truth are planted by many before one takes root. She needs to take her own advice she gives to so many others….give yourself a break and recognize your indoctrination. Strength grows….Other celebrities are on this same journey but I tend to agree with Paul….they are choosing to ignore the truth for whatever their self-serving motivation. I’m not sure how they sleep at night….let alone how cult perpetrators of abuse can sleep.
Ms. Presley’s testimony was chilling to hear. I watched her interview with Chris on YT about the CC and, to me, this portrayed the true motivation of the cult…..money! Makes me sick…
nomnom says
Amazing episode!
Mike, do you know who were the execs that were offended by the MLK comparison?
Another remarkable episode. Paul’s testimony is so measured and level – it is just so obvious he is reacting in the most normal and human way we can all relate to and empathize with. He shows that CoS is a system that can take ordinary, truly good people, and strip them of their conscience when they feel they must protect something they have been manipulated to defend – something that, whether it is worthy or successful or not – has been twisted to profit only a select few who do its bidding and that uses excessive force to defend itself from detractors. (It’s phony underdog depiction doesn’t fool anyone).
I too, don’t want any of you to torture yourselves with guilt – you are all victims of very powerful and documented psy-ops techniques used to slowly and effectively brainwash people. We are all so overwhelmingly proud of you – not only for escaping the clutches of this, but for reaching out to help others at great personal risk and cost. Your bravery and generosity are inspiring.
One point about all of this stands out – any organization that closes itself off from and refuses to brook criticism of any kind, and that viciously attacks any from outside – is prey to being controlled by people who allow total that kind of power to totally corrupt, (to paraphrase the adage). When you eliminate all checks and balances in ANY group or organization, you make it vulnerable to such exploitation.
All closed societies – cults, hate groups, radical political sects – the ones that refuse to admit any outside influence run on similar principles. They have done studies recently that indicate people join them not necessarily because they embrace the ideology so much, but because they offer a sense of belonging, of importance, of being in a special and accepting family. Man is kind of a tribal being – we look for a sense of belonging and, if things are designed right, it becomes something we are dependent on or maybe even addicted to. This need to belong – and fear of being outcast – is very, very powerful. Many early societies in history formed along these lines – called “shame cultures” because transgressors were “shamed” often by being outcasts – and the members would do almost anything to stay part of the group because it became an integral part of their identity. Sometimes they would literally die if they were cast out if their sense of self and self-worth were too tied up in it. That powerful need to belong is also used as a weapon by CoS in the most appalling and abusive way.
If they think criticism of CoS is “bigotry”, then I don’t understand how they can get by with the hypocrisy of libel and defamation they commit and encourage against individuals that disconnect and speak out. If criticizing a member or a church is so terrible, then why is it acceptable for them to do even worse? Especially if they are such a big and powerful institution. I can’t see how this sort of aggressive, ad hominem vitriol, this attempt to ruin your livelihoods by pressuring people to participate, can be justified in any way.
Can you sue them for libel? Celebrities have successfully sued tabloids now for publishing fake things designed to ruin reputations. Big corporations have tried to do this to whistleblowers and juries generally side with the individual victims and ask for damages for pain and suffering after they have been subjected to such attacks. Everybody knows a big, wealthy organization can take care of itself – nobody will believe they are “persecuted”. However, they are actively persecuting former members with targeted and strategic policies designed to harm them and society tends to see that as oppressive.
I love what you are doing to bring this to the light of day, that you give voice to people who are being bullied and silenced. I just hope that some day many of these injustices will see the inside of a courtroom. I’m sure a whole lot of us will be very glad to perform our civic duty by serving on that jury.
This is exactly how the cherch became susceptible to being taken over by DM, the mini-me “ghost of Joseph Stalin,” whose sadistic deprecations on his own followers have been extremely well documented, yet he remains in power and not in the jail cell where he truly belongs.
Lil davey and his evil minions see SPs under every rock and lurking everywhere, but in reality there’s only one Super SP on $cn’s lines that has fucked this faux religion up beyond any hope of redemption or recovery and that’s the Diabolical Munchkin himself.
Why is that so incredibly hard for still-in folks to see, while it is so crystal clear to everyone else who looks into the matter that DM is truly a sadistic anti-social personality who shouldn’t be in charge of anything, except seeking new ways to atone for his many crimes and truly vile treatment of others?
OverTheBridgeTPA says
Mike……This episode was VERY straightforward and to the POINT. Excellent!!!
You can’t spell it out any simpler than you, Leah, Mr.Haggis, and Ms. Schless Pressley did tonight.
Blown Away!!!!
Cynthia Garrison says
I gasped out loud when Paul was admonished for comparing MLK to McSavage. Shook me to the core. How ignorant, stupid and disgusting. Tom Cruise is given a ‘Medal of Freedom’ for doing what now ? Two tours of duty in Iraq ? Feeding the homeless every Sunday night for 25 years ? Then he gives his self important speech on how Scientology is changing the world. Really ? Real heros don’t jump on Oprah’s couch because they have a new girlfriend – except if you’re 13 yrs old. A fake medal from one fake man to another. Can not wait until this money sucking business is run out of town on the nearest one way ticket to no where rail. Fantastic episode, simply the best.
lawschoolafter50 says
Well said! I made a meme of Tom Cruise wearing that fake medal, and drew an “X” over his face. It says, “Just say no to supporting Scientologists.” I’ve been boycotting all the cult members work for a year.
Jennifer Godwin says
If DM is Scientology’s leader, one would assume he attained Clear. A common characteristic of all totalitarian regimes is the belief that the ends justify the means. Great show, Leah and Mike! Heart wrenching; it won’t be long now.. prayers for those still inside and for those who have escaped… and for you both…
Great episode!!!! Every aspect of it. Loved the calling out of the lies by showing a liar and the lie and what is actually true.
My favorite part was Paul Haggis’ outrage over his celeb friends not wanting to know the abuses or the truth. Since finding out about the abuses, I have been flummoxed and outraged by my fellow (ex) friends and scientolgists lack of desire or integrity to know (except some scientologists actually DO know) and stand up against the abuses.
I was so happy to hear Paul Haggis call them out. YES!
And the damn reporters/journalists that let them get away with it.
Exactly, Mary!! If they don’t ask tough questions than maybe they’ll secure future interview access? Seems like celebrities aren’t the only ones with self-serving motivations. Dispicible!
Python Swoope says
and those, still in, that partake in these despicable acts….let them know no peace!
Hey Mary Khan. Are you from central CA and spent time at the Portland mission? If you don’t want to say here, Mike has my email address. I’ve wondered what happened to Mary Khan who used to be in Div VI in Portland.
No. I’ve never spent time in Portland.
I don’t want to be too hard on individual journalists for not being tough. They are subject to ruthless attacks as well from CoS. From Paulette Cooper, to the guy who wrote the 1991 cover story for TIME, to literally anybody who has spoken out against them or is critical. We all know how they have ruined lives of innocent people who did nothing more than point out their hypocrisy and abuses. We all know the tactics of excessive force they justify if you are in their crosshairs. The only way that can happen successfully is if big media companies with their own fleets of lawyers are willing to back them up. And even then, remember how they harassed the IRS themselves with expensive countersuits. We won’t see widespread coverage until the public backlash against the abuses of the church gives them the courage to spend the money necessary to combat this. The public needs to make them feel safe – that we will not tolerate CoS picking on reporters or lawyers or others who speak out. And we need to put pressure on the DOJ and IRS to use our taxpayer dollars to fund a comprehensive investigation to expose their corruption, lies and coverups.
That being said, I do draw the line at any journalist that feels it is “fair and balanced” to pander to them by letting them drone on about themselves and spread false stories about “bigotry” and “persecution”. Not being critical is not the same as giving them freaking platform to spread their fake victimhood around.
THAT time is now. It is time for ALL to take a stand against the abuses and human and civil rights violations inflicted by this church. Those who have come before you/me have already paved the way with their blood, sweat and tears. Leah and Mike are cutting a swath for all of us to take a stand. It is time for the suffering to stop. The abuses have gone on WAY too long. Call out every scientologist you know, celebrity or not, to do their due diligence and find out the truth about the abuses and gross human rights violations inflicted by david miscavige and this church.
I have family and friends now who knew me as a scientologist and would keep their mouth shut about how they felt about scientology and anything they knew about it. I was surprised to find out how many of them were just not saying anything. It’s time to say something. Don’t let scientologists get away with being scientologists and remain ignorant of the abuses while you stand there and don’t stay anything. Say something.
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
Believe me, I have been railing about this for decades to anyone and everyone who will listen. I have family members who have been legally and personally harassed and intimidated by them as well for organizing protests and rallies. This is something that needs to be done with a crowd, because the cost to individuals can be vicious, even to people who have never been inside. it’s like fighting the mob. Safety in numbers.
I agree Mary. Even normal everyday Scientologists should understand that supporting Miscaviges church is unacceptable in light of all the information now available. What Scientologists DO understand however is how “religious freedom” is used in Miscaviges campaign to malign the repute of former members, all the while screaming “religious persecution” when the light is turned on them. It’s one reason why Scientologists are considered guilty by association and deservedly so.
hear, hear
Thank you Leah, Mike, Paul Haggis and Karen for the best episode so far (I say this every week about each episode and always mean it); but each week is heart wrenching; I cried tonight. The bravery you all show is what I want tool Like the bravery of Martin Luther King.(how disgusting Tommy Davis is to denigrate and compare that horrible David Miscaviage to this great man). You are making a difference. Your show has given lots of hope to us all. And, every thing Paul and Karen said is true. I was at Celebrity Center, Clearwater and The Freewinds and have seen how Celebrities are treated and also know that Tommy Davis is a liar along with the Church’s PR. I was there; I saw it all and read it all.
I cried too. About the time when he was talking about his friends (not the “Celebrity” part but the friend part) not having any interest in what was DONE, only that he was being the messenger. No doubt, they had “concerns for his eternity”.
I have a friend I’ve known for 30 years who’s still in. She KNOWS what’s happening because we’ve discussed it and she’s gone online to read it for herself. Still, she is more concerned for “her eternity” than in the harm the church is causing people. And this is a woman who genuinely cares for the pain of people and creatures. I guess that, to her, HER eternity is more important than all of those people losing their families, jobs, etc. etc. Pretty selfish, now that I think of it.
I can attest that celebrities are treated differently than regular Scns. When I was on OT VI in the courseroom, there was about a week where no one could go to the Word Clearer for help, and thus were totally stopped on their course if the C/S said, “no session until you see the Word Clearer.” I tried many times to get in to see the W/Cer and was told that she was giving preferential treatment to a celebrity by working one on one with her, and that until the celebrity was not int he courseroom, she would not be able to work with anyone else. I saw that she was simply sitting next to the celebrity, Jenna Elfman, while Jenna read. Every now and then she would ask her if she needed help. It was mostly, “No, I’m fine.” So for that, all the rest of the 60 plus students had to wait and be stopped on their courses. I was so mad about it that I wrote a KR. All it did was get me into trouble. I was told that they have to work one on one with the celebrities at all times because if the celeb got an MU and then had “2nd phenomenon” which means blows or leaves suddenly and then speaks out badly about the church, then it would create a huge flap and bad PR and so they make sure the celebs are happy and serviced well so that they don’t leave Scn and natter (talk badly) about Scn to the world with all the huge communication lines they have.
What a bunch of unadulterated crap.
Nanci K. Lane says
The show tonight was simply stellar! I’ve loved Paul Haggis since his movie Crash. Now, I love him even more. You’re are right Mike. He is a hero. And I didn’t even know about his humanitarian causes. Wow!
Curious says
How many countries have Scientology centers? It would be amazing to have the US government along with the UN seize all the assets and raid them. Imagine that money actually doing good for man kind and the freedom given to those lost!
David needs to be locked in a cell or padded room. What happens when he dies? It’s inevitable we all do! Why does no one care where Shelly is? FBI… hello!
L Ron Hubbard had some good phycololgical ideas that very well may have helped many if not used to sabotage individually.
As ‘Aftermath’ continues to put Dave’s cult on the public radar, and Dave continues to fail the smell test, government action is inevitable.
It was a fantastic episode and you all have so much to be proud of what you do. I’m disturbed by all of the attacks that you and Leah and Paul and others have to endure . I hope you find some comfort in knowing that you are doing amazing work and that there are literally millions of us that support you
Laurie Allen says
Loved tonight’s show and I really admire Mr. Haggis for taking a stand. I’ve read some of the hate sites. Why don’t any of you sue for libel?
I have a Juris Doctor but I’m not licensed yet, so I can’t answer your question. But I want to so bad! I hope a lawyer will come along and explain it to everyone.
Laurie Allen, the cult has endless money, is extremely litigious and would like nothing better than being sued for libel. Any such case would be kept tied up in court by them indefinitely and the plaintiffs bankrupted.
Gill GreenLady Holmes says
My understanding is that the COS actually wants people to divert all their time and resources to endless court actions.
Kelly Kaese says
I have never watched a show that has left me so speechless and so outraged. I have so many questions. Questions I believe some are afraid to ask because of what the real answers might be…..Could the religion ( cult) be responsible for the “willful non-treatment of mental health and neurological disorders that caused Jett Travoltas passing? Katie Holmes… we all saw that “marriage ” as staged but is Tom Cruise disconnected from his daughter Suri? What religion would allow this!! Why do more people not see this as complete insanity? How can these Hollywood stars be so ignorant and self righteous? I would die for my child . He is my life. How do mothers abandon their children for a religion that is based on lies and abuse? I’m trying to rationalize this all in my head and my conclusion is just complete brainwashing.
Mike, you and Leah are amazing and courageous and I have so much respect for what you both are doing. Keep up the fight. We ARE ALL LISTENING. You are making a difference.
One doesn’t have to be a Scientologist to disconnect from family (though it certainly helps!). I can cite you at least one father – my own – who was a never-in but who nonetheless disconnected from his three children by his first wife and termed us “outsiders”, not members of his family. But the more the official “Church” of Scientology pushes this unspeakable abuse of everyone involved, including the person “voluntarily” disconnecting, the more it is normed and the more acceptable it appears. Thank all the powers that be that the Co$ is fading. It’s not fading quickly enough, but it is fading and Mike and Leah, your show truly is helping to make that happen. Those who practice Scientology outside the Co$ – or inside, for that matter- should be welcomed by us all to believe whatever they like about their own spiritual nature; it’s when that belief extends to harming another that society ought to step into the way to prevent the harm from occurring. “Your right to swing your fist ends where my nose begins” – a quote not from LRH but from the Libertarian Party (a cult in its own right, which I escaped in the late 90s) – is apropos here.
But there are some beliefs which, if expressed and promulgated by those with power, including celebrities, Scientologists or not, cause harm in and of themselves. Bigotry, homophobia, biphobia (which is separate from homophobia and is expressed as frequently by gays and lesbians as it is by straight people), and many – perhaps all – other kinds of hatred cause harm not only to those hated but to the hater as well. While we cannot in good conscience stop the hater from hating, we can at least ensure that his/her hate will not harm anyone else.
TenaciousTexan says
Wow, wow, wow. This was a powerful episode that was made even more so because of the other 5 episodes that led up to this one. Brilliant choreography on the part of all of you who decided what to focus on and in what order. Since season one, I have followed both your blog and Tony Ortega’s blog daily and can’t believe there are so many evils perpetrated by this harmful self-proclaimed religion. After almost a year, there are more and more abuses uncovered every day.
Paul, thank you for standing up for victims and for speaking truth. Every day, I pray that today will be the day a HUGE death blow is delivered to Scientology. In the meantime, My heartfelt thanks to all these brave people willing to share their personal stories and first-hand accounts. Let’s hope journalists and reporters do start asking the tough questions and that Scientologist celebrities start feeling the affects of a worldwide boycott of their films and merchandise. All of us need to do our part. I have vowed not to support them in any way by either watching them in their chosen art form or buying anything that has their name attached. Kirstie may be enjoying herself on the Freewinds in her little bubble but it is costing her. If we refuse to support her, perhaps her income source will dry up. She may no longer be there and this may be wishful thinking but money may be what makes those still in sit up and start looking for the truth themselves. Shame on you, Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Elisabeth Moss and other Scientologists everywhere. Something CAN be done about it.
skinnyvinnysmom says
I also refuse to watch any movie or programming with a celebrity scientologist. Speaking with my wallet, by refusing to support their productions, is my way to support the work of those who left and are working hard to raise awareness about the abuses in CoS.
ChefC says
Tenacious Texan Thank You!!
I’ve been watching this from the beginning as well and I have to say I’ve felt a compelling urge to “Actively Do Something” in the participation of Eliminating the organization and its practices from society indefinitely!
I’ve signed many petitions but that’s it. I grow increasingly angry, appalled by the practices and dumbfounded by those that choose to continue wearing the blinders to what is obviously a crock of shit!
Listen, my point here to YOU is that you’ve turned on that light bulb for me. I have researched a comprehensive list of all celebrities currently affiliated with Scientology and I’ve chosen to No Longer Support their works or merchandising. Thank You!!!!
I honestly think this action on my part is similar to that of what CO$ practices in their efforts to deface, ruin and publicly tarnish a “suppressive” persons’ life after leaving the org. Difference is, my intentions are not cruel or malicious but its my given right in life to decide “What or Whom” I choose to associate myself with or support. Which this right is clearly stripped from its members.
MIKE, LEAH & PAUL, this was an absolute groundbreaking episode!
All efforts involved from day 1 are bringing these abominable workings one step closer to the punchline of this joke of an organization, so THANK YOU ALL!!
Keep up the stellar work and may your heads be held high for you and everyone standing up are truly a last stitch effort to enlighten with reality to those who are current / previous members. I believe you are all the only answer to putting this shit to bed for GOOD and save mankind from any further damage!
Jill K. says
I wonder how hard it’s going to be for John Travolta, Kirstie Alley, and Tome Cruise when this house of cards comes tumbling down! The sweet friend of John Travolta featured in Going Clear or another film I’ve seen really made an impression on me. Brainwashed celebrities are going to be hard to have sympathy for when they wake up.
Hoping there is serious litigation in the works!!
That 1,300 acres? From episode 4 tragically being sold off…. brothers suicide on LRH birthday… that lady is a hero!!! Hopefully she’s finding a lot of love and support in her freedom life!!
Bless all of the ex members in their lives today!!
If you know of any families in the Midwest who could use some support, I’d like to help.
Nik Rose says
I have watched and read so many things on the evils of this cult! Right now: What really bothers me the most is that you, Mike and Leah still hold onto your own guilt. Which I know is complex and often blinding.
I would sincerely like you to remember and understand that God has a purpose for you both. You could not help the victims if you yourself had not lived within the confines of this pathological circle of lies.
We are all looking for answers one time or another and some just get sucked into a blackhole without even knowing it exists. Even the best of Intentions can lead a person down a dark path.
I ask that you give yourselves more credit and stop focusing on what you did or did not do in the past. What matters is what you are doing NOW! You are all amazing and courageous for speaking out even against such diversity.
Yes, Paul is amazing! Love Paul ! I leave you with one last thought as I could write forever on this subject.
This is something I often say to my kids and loved ones. “STOP looking backwards you’re not going that way!l”
Perfect!! Personal forgiveness is a hard and long road to travel. I pray, Mike, that you and Leah unshackled yourselves from the past, as well, though since you revisit the past everyday while working on Aftermath, I can imagine the difficulty. Thank you for all you both do and the personal sacrifices you continue to make to right the wrongs…
Nik: “What really bothers me the most is that you, Mike and Leah still hold onto your own guilt. ” Nik I don’t see that. Leah and Mike and everyone else speaking out seem to be doing so from a position of strength integrity and conviction knowing they are doing the right thing. More than prayer, it’s ACTION. Just look at past episodes on people like Liz Gale. She doesn’t look to me to be saddled by guilt, she seems to be standing tall and unreservedly so. Make no mistake, instead of guilt, there is “dedicated glare” in the eyes of people like Leah Remini. That’s no quaking lamb, thats a full on rampaging bull elephant stampeding through middle of the church of Scientology’s lies and deception.
That’s no quaking lamb, that’s a full on rampaging bull elephant stampeding through middle of the church of Scientology’s lies and deception.
Love this post. This most of all/
It was an excellent episode. I especially admire Leah’ s honesty about being hurt by cult members after she left. And she’s just incredible, calling out the pussies. Yeehawww get. It. gurrll.I’m still laughing. Leah you and Mike have helped me stand up for myself since the 1st episode of Season 1.
I have another COS oxymoron. For an organization that actively campaigns against psychiatry, they really sling around psych terms E.g. Jason Beghe is a psycho. Just sayin. Who made that diagnosis?
You guys are killing it this season. Just outstanding work! Paul was excellent tonight and a very enjoyable guest. I would have enjoyed this episode being twice as long.
Susan Winter says
I was thinking the same thing! I learned so much – the hour felt like 5 minutes. There has to be some unedited, uncut version that is longer. Perhaps a special youtube release of this episode with more content? I am longing to hear more of Mr Haggis’ story and efforts. Beneath the seeming tons of bull and evil there are true heroes working/risking so much to get the insanity to end. Kudos!
And what if this series keeps going on & on & on & on…to the front porch of eternity.
Or to the outhouse of the Int Base.
Your show is really reaching people and getting them talking. My best friend is an ex-NFL All Pro and he and his wife are very involved in their community with lots of leaders in the community. I spent last weekend with them and all we seemed to talk about was the show. It has really brought home what I’ve been talking to them about for years about my life in Scientology. I think they thought I exaggerated a bit and now they know if probably understated it.
We went to a couple of dinners with friends and they had me share my story several times throughout The Weeknd with different people. Everyone had questions as most knew or had seen the show. A year ago, Scientology wasn’t even on there radar.
One of my younger sisters called me also as she and her Mormon friends have been talking about the show. She wanted to know which celebrities I met if any. She knew the stress it put on the family while I was in but she never fully understood the stress I went through leaving the cult.
Thanks again for all you do and I will continue to do my speaking out on the battlefield.
CHad just a quick question. Mormon friends? Is the LDS Or FLDS?
They are very different.
Chad Braunersrither says
I’m glad to see these celebrities who continue to offer their support to this vile organization get publicly called out for it. They are supporting human rights abuses by covering their ears and willingly turning a blind eye to the truth.
If someone alleges that they’re a victim of abuse, including rape, do we not owe it to them to at least hear them out, offer our compassion for them, and try to help them as they deal with the mental, emotional, and psychological fallout of their ordeal? Yet these scientology celebrities would rather just ignore, isolate, intimidate, interrogate, silence, demean, and/or actually attack them. These are some of your “celebrity heroes” ladies and gentlemen, supporting abuses being perpetrated on their fellow human beings.
With access to information, they know there are allegations of abuse and human rights violations being carried out within their beloved “church”, yet they just want to pretend it never happened and wish to make it all just go away. They are directly contributing to the continuation of these abuses that are occurring by not speaking out and by hiding behind their celebrity status that comes with so many of their “adoring”, yet grossly ignorant, “fans” who don’t take them to task for what they’re supporting and who don’t hold them accountable for it, thanks to this ridiculous “celebrity culture” we live in today. That makes them just as culpable as anyone for the abusive and destructive nature of the organization they continue to support, and there are no more excuses for their ignorance and/or outright cowardice. Enough is enough already.
Jacqueline Jackson-Harris says
This is so educational. It is mandatory to know. I am not familiar with this particular cult. I’ve seen commercials about Dianectics as a child but didn’t really pay any attention to it. And the the beautiful Leah Remini shined a bright light on it. I have seen and heard of other cults. I refuse to call this a religion. But to hear the testimonies of the survivors, to hear that If you leave they will separate you from your families. To hear about the abuse, the prisons, the blatant disrespect and dishonor! And to put this human in a position of”God”! It makes my blood boil!!!! Thank you Mr Rinder. Thank you beautiful Leah Remini. Your bravery and truth does not and will not go deaf ears or harden hearts. Peace and Blessings to you ALL?
Angela Rackish says
I keep asking myself why isn’t the police going to the “hole” to investigate it. Why are the not going to the camps that so many children are slaves to this cult? I love what you are doing and I look forward to each episode , but I don’t if I can stomach next week with all the child abuse. I wanted to throw up on the preview. I just wanted to tell you that I am proud of you and all whom came forward to share your story’s . Don’t stop fighting!
Raylene Salazar says
Tonights show was by far the most amazing! Mike you are correct! I first started reading about the cult with Mark and Clair’s books and couldn’t get enough because I became fascinated with how are they getting away with this!! I read everyone I know about and the similarities are stunning. I just finished Ruthless and several things he wrote I was like Oh my goodness that exact thing was in Marks book etc. no way all this is coincidence! Thank you, you are my hero!
As with all the people who appear on the show, Paul Haggis embodies the truth of expiation.
Those behind the curtain of scientology blather on about doing it for the money or that the person was coerced to talk because they can’t conceive of a world where someone would do something for any reason other than money or coercion.
They have become enmeshed in a world where peopleonly tell of their wrongs during sec checks and conditions formulas.
They Have forgotten or never knew the peace that comes from telling the truth or the soul cleansing that comes from standing up for that which is right and good.
An excellent episode, Mike. Like the others, very moving.
Teaming with Leah and A&E to shine a light on the abuses going on in scientology, was a brilliant move. The two of you present a strong, united front, present subjects who are well spoken, and believable (thanks to the tech, I’m sure!) And you just let them tell their story. You are merely witnesses. It is a very powerful tool, and very effective.
I am sure that your beautiful wife and sons miss you while you are away, but understand that it is for a great cause. Thank you for all that you do.
Lenore Mondor says
This is my opinion only but was Nicole’s Emmy speech not including her 2 kids with TC because of disconnection? She hasn’t spoken out against scientology and I just assumed it had something to do with her kids.
The two children she adopted with Tom have both been taught that she is a Suppressive Person. They treat her that way. I do not doubt for second that she loves them immensely and that this does not break her heart. What she actually said was that her two daughters give her unconditional love. The same cannot be said for Connor and Bella. They have been taught otherwise by scientology.
Well put, Mike
Samara says
Tom also disconnected from Nicole when it was NOT safe for her to speak up against Scientology. They would fair game her harder than they already had and she probably didn’t want to put her kids through that publicly. This whole disconnect was indubitably a great source of pain and loneliness for years. In fact, I think Nicole’s experience informed Katie’s stealth preparedness for divorcing Tom. She put the wheels in motion to best protect herself and Suri.
Judi Alexander says
You’ve got to give Katie major props for escaping the crazy & protecting her daughter from her loony ass father & his crazy ass cult.
Leah’s book “Troublemaker” had a passage about an excahnge with Connor and Bella, and how they felt about Nicole. As reported by Leah they have been taught that she’s an SP and want nothing to do with her.
Does your Mark have photos of Connor and Bella in his trophy case? it is well known that you have a counterfeit Emmy in your trophy case.
Sara Chavez says
I absolutely LOVE how you and Leah are just pulling out all the stops and calling these people out. I wonder if any of these celebrities are going to stand up for their “religion”? I’ve always wondered why hasn’t Tom Cruise come out and challenged what y’all say. I can’t even watch his movies anymore, he looks like a zombie. So sad. Like Jada Pinkett Smith is finally saying something but it makes me feel bad for her and her family. She should know better!
Lorrie A. Coleman says
I believe Leah over Jada 100%, if I read correctly what Jada said. Jada is trying to say she and Will were never Scientologists, but they talked the lingo and started a school (?) based on Scientology principles..I think Leah said Jada was in it
If I’m mistaken please let me know
Leah did state Jada was in it. I was reading all that today.
Jada Pinkett Smith opened a Scn school using study tech and other Scn things in the San Fernando Valley in CA. That she now denies all of it is proof of how toxic the brand of Scn has become, especially for celebs.
Tony Ortega answers that
https://tonyortega.org/2017/09/20/of-course-jada-smith-was-a-scientologist-says-principal-who-ran-her-scientology-school/
It was a great show, and you, Leah, Karen and Paul were stellar!
I loved the part when the church members were so offended about the David Miscavage/Martin Luther King Jr. thing, Jesus!
It was a great example of how arrogant and selfassorbed the top brass of Scientology are.
I want to thank all who are part of this show.
I was in for 30 years and have now written letters to people asking forgiveness for my behavior during that time. Sometimes it takes things like this to make one really see the truth. Thank you.
Joan, I am so impressed that, not only did you bravely escape this cult… but that you accepted responsibility for actions done while brainwashed. That is just above and beyond the pale. I hope you are enjoying your well earned freedom from that prison of fear, the bubble of ignorance. Life is so much more than what Scion allows. Well done.
Mark Little says
Mike, I always admired Haggis. He was a Canadian so I always loved hearing how he went south and did well; but I tended to temper my admiration for him because of Scientology. I read about it in my teens and there was always a skepticism for me because I tried reading Hubbard and thought he was nuts.
So tonight tied everything up in a nice now. He told his story of how he left the Church and he fired his guns back. He is twice the man for admitting his mistakes and trying to right then (as you and Leah are to be admired for the same reasons) and you together are starting to make people really question our tolerance for the “Church” and their lies…
The gloves have come off now. Paul landed some shots square on the chin….
Great show sir as always
Ann Marie T Beacock says
I have watched all of the Aftermath episodes, but I must say (as a Canadian) I actually cheered out loud after listening to Paul. He sounded so…well, Canadian (and his having been born here, that was not really a surprise). We Canadians can be naive, but once the veil is lifted, we don’t back away, or back down. Paul is absolutely right when he says the celebs can’t be unaware of the abuses, and they need to be held accountable. The question is, HOW? Mike, your producers need a think tank to come up with ideas on how to effect change with you and Leah in the vanguard. The stories are all well and good and informative, but there comes a time when those involved need to become more pro-active, if you know what I mean. A class action lawsuit against the ‘church’ for defamation, denial of basic rights guaranteed by the US constitution (the pursuit of happiness comes to mind), fraud, extortion, etc. as examples. I just find it so wrong that a regular citizen can get their neighbour arrested for uttering ‘terrorist’ threats, or sued for harassment, and yet the ‘church’ who goes way beyond the law in this regard, gets off scot free. JMO
frankisexcited Frank Barnes says
I think I can help. 25 years killing dogma. http://www.cat.thegrindexit.com. Safe grounded spirit.
Valerie Ferrararyan says
Someone asked if you are declared how do you go back? All the horrible things are just washed away?!
Very few do go back. But as long as you are willing to admit it was all your fault, turn on anyone who supported you during your exile and pay up they will take you back.
I was declared, did all the steps to get back in good standing, including paying off all my “debts” and finally rejoined the group. After being in for over a year, and while on course, I was ordered to see the ethics officer, who informed me I still owed money and would not be allowed back on course until it was paid. That was it for me. I was gone forever.
As a Scotsman, Moxie, the cult ‘only’ got $4,000 from me. I had gone through all the grades and was expected to attest to clear. The problem was, NOTHING had changed! So I never attested. I did walk out a free man though.
Someone asked me once if I had any spare change. I replied, “I’m Scottish! I don’t understand the concept.”
Sadly, I’m not Scot so ended up giving them more money.
Wendy Fisher says
Can you further explain why some members are forced to disconnect from their families, but not from other non-scientologists their lives? For example, the “church” wanted Kidman to disconnect from her father but not from fellow actors, directors, etc. who were non-scientologists?
No, it is unexplainable. While scientology claims to be applied with precision, exactly the same every time to everyone, that is another lie. Those with money and/or celebrity are treated differently.
WAY differently. It’s like night & day.
Tami Wacek says
Nicole Kidman’ s father was a psychologist, so it doesn’t surprise me that they would have wanted her to disconnect from him.
They want her to earn $$$ to buy programs to level up?
Paul Jay Salerno says
Can’t wait to see tonight’s episode Mike.
Hope you enjoy it Paul. Personally, I feel it is one of the best.
It is one of the best. Paul Haggis really makes things clear. A great writer and thinker. Thank you Paul.
And of course you guys rock Mike. Your Hubbard explanations are so essential to understanding Mike. So good!
Leah, your spirit is getting sweeter by the episode. And your fire more fierce!
God bless you both❤️? Thank you so much!!!!
Kurt says
Mike, that episode was dynamite. Really impressive work by everyone involved in the production.
Paul Haggis is obviously a man of great personal integrity in addition to his many other fine qualities. The fact that the Church of Scientology labels him a “suppressive person” while celebrating a violent sociopath as its leader makes it crystal clear what kind of diseased organization it really is.
Mike, it’s all the best. I mean, this is one incredible show! I couldn’t pick a favorite! That’s how good it is.
My Inner Space says
So Paul mentioned Marty Rathbun in his spot and put him in a more believable place in history that in Marty’s own mind. Marty makes it seem as if he was at the forefront of everyone leaving and he said if I remember correctly that he was shown the letter before he sent it out and that Paul and him were buds. Now we know that Marty asked to print the letter a few weeks after it was sent. He choreographed nothing!
IIRC, Paul said that he believed that his cult resignation letter would leak out to the public, but because none of the 25 people he sent a copy to did in fact leak it, he gave sMarty permission to post it on his blog at that point in time…the rest, as they say, is now history.
So many little things that the cult could have so very easily dealt with, but chose not to, and because they didn’t, their little cult bubble world is now coming down around their Homo Novii ears…and no amount of happy talk PR has a BT’s chance in hell of succeeding in the real world now 😉
KathyG says
Paul started changing my mind about the church before the show. Before going clear, I’d defend Tom Cruise, thinking people were just being mean to someone who is short and hyper. After watching going clear, and really Paul I started researching. Now, I no longer go to scienologists movies and watch and read. I’ve never been in the church, though I did read dianetics. I have been witness to abuse. I can see why he is your hero. Note though Mike, you are pretty heroic yourself.
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Chicago Baseball
Resilient Jon Lester Helps Chicago Cubs to Win Over St. Louis Cardinals
Jon Lester gave up four first inning runs, but held the Cardinals scoreless the rest of the way in the victory
Published at 9:43 pm on June 8, 2019
The St. Louis Cardinals scored four first inning runs, but Jon Lester and the Chicago Cubs ended up with the last laugh in a big win at Wrigley Field on Saturday night.
The win was the Cubs’ fifth straight since being swept in a three-game series against the Cardinals last weekend, and gives them a chance to sweep the Cardinals at Wrigley Field for the second time this season.
Jon Lester, who gave up four runs in the first inning, ended up going six innings in his start, scattering five hits and giving his team a chance to come back and win.
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Kyle Schwarber had a big night at the plate, hitting his 12th home run of the season and driving in a pair of runs. Javier Báez also had a pair of RBI and stroked a run-scoring triple in the game, and Victor Caratini unloaded the bases in the sixth inning with a pinch-hit double of his own to help pace the Cubs’ offense.
Marcel Ozuna blasted a three-run home run in the first inning, and Harrison Bader followed suit with a solo shot, but the Cardinals’ offense sputtered after that as they lost their second straight game to open the three-game set at the Friendly Confines.
After that disastrous first inning for Lester and the Cubs, the team’s offense slowly began to chip away at the St. Louis lead. Báez grounded into an RBI fielder’s choice for the game’s first run, and Willson Contreras rapped an RBI single into center field to make it a 4-2 game.
As Lester continued to hold St. Louis at bay on the mound, Báez hit an RBI triple in the third inning to make it 4-3, and Schwarber cracked a solo home run in the fourth inning to knot things up at 4-4.
In the sixth, the Cubs’ offense exploded for four runs to take the lead, with Caratini scoring the big blow with a bases loaded RBI double that scored three runs and gave the Cubs a 7-4 advantage. Schwarber followed that up with a double to right field to score Caratini and extend the lead to four runs.
From there, the Cubs’ bullpen took care of business, as Kyle Ryan, Brandon Kintzler, and Tyler Chatwood combined to keep the Cardinals off the board for the remaining three innings of the contest.
The Cubs will go for the series sweep on Sunday night when they face Adam Wainwright and the Cardinals. Kyle Hendricks will take the ball for the nationally televised game, which will start at 6 p.m. on ESPN.
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Pittsburgh Steelers WR Coach Darryl Drake Dies at Age 62
No cause of death was specified
Andrew Matthews - EMPICS/PA Images via Getty Images
Pittsburgh Steelers and former Bears wide receivers coach Darryl Drake has died at the age of 62, the team announced Sunday morning.
The Chicago Bears tweeted a statement Sunday saying “we extend our deepest condolences to the Drake family and friends as well as the entire Steelers organization…Darryl was the former Bears wide receivers coach under Lovie Smith from 2004-12, including the 2006 Super Bowl appearance.”
Today we mourn the untimely passing of Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers coach Darryl Drake. Darryl was the former Bears wide receivers coach under Lovie Smith from 2004-12, including the 2006 Super Bowl appearance.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 11, 2019
Head coach Mike Tomlin also released a statement saying Drake “was a close friend and had a tremendous impact on my coaching career. He was an amazing husband, father and grandfather, and it is difficult to put into words the grief our entire team is going through right now.”
Statement from Coach Tomlin on the passing of Darryl Drake.
MORE: https://t.co/Td5iCTqSTl pic.twitter.com/pDIB4HBAFT
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 11, 2019
"Darryl had such an impact on the players he coached and everyone he worked with throughout his entire career," said President Art Rooney II. "He was a passionate coach and had a tremendous spirit toward life, his family, his faith and the game of football."
Statement from #Steelers President Art Rooney II on the passing of Darryl Drake.
MORE: https://t.co/wynTCksT79 pic.twitter.com/Brt8c6G8sC
No cause of death was specified.
The Steelers announced they would cancel practice and Saint Vincent College campus will be closed to all fans, a tweet read.
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PLoS One. 2014 Jul 2;9(7):e100778. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100778. eCollection 2014.
Novel gut-based pharmacology of metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Napolitano A1, Miller S2, Nicholls AW3, Baker D3, Van Horn S4, Thomas E4, Rajpal D5, Spivak A5, Brown JR5, Nunez DJ6.
Immuno-Inflammation Unit, GSK R&D, Stevenage, Herts, United Kingdom.
Quantitative Sciences, GSK R&D, Stevenage, Herts, United Kingdom.
Safety Assessment, GSK R&D, Ware, Herts, United Kingdom.
Target and Pathways Validation, GSK R&D, Upper Providence, Pennsylvania, United States of America.
Computational Biology, GSK R&D, Upper Providence, Pennsylvania, United States of America.
Enteroendocrine Discovery Unit, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, GSK R&D, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America.
PLoS One. 2014;9(8):e106594.
Metformin, a biguanide derivate, has pleiotropic effects beyond glucose reduction, including improvement of lipid profiles and lowering microvascular and macrovascular complications associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). These effects have been ascribed to adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation in the liver and skeletal muscle. However, metformin effects are not attenuated when AMPK is knocked out and intravenous metformin is less effective than oral medication, raising the possibility of important gut pharmacology. We hypothesized that the pharmacology of metformin includes alteration of bile acid recirculation and gut microbiota resulting in enhanced enteroendocrine hormone secretion. In this study we evaluated T2DM subjects on and off metformin monotherapy to characterize the gut-based mechanisms of metformin. Subjects were studied at 4 time points: (i) at baseline on metformin, (ii) 7 days after stopping metformin, (iii) when fasting blood glucose (FBG) had risen by 25% after stopping metformin, and (iv) when FBG returned to baseline levels after restarting the metformin. At these timepoints we profiled glucose, insulin, gut hormones (glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide tyrosine-tyrosine (PYY) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) and bile acids in blood, as well as duodenal and faecal bile acids and gut microbiota. We found that metformin withdrawal was associated with a reduction of active and total GLP-1 and elevation of serum bile acids, especially cholic acid and its conjugates. These effects reversed when metformin was restarted. Effects on circulating PYY were more modest, while GIP changes were negligible. Microbiota abundance of the phylum Firmicutes was positively correlated with changes in cholic acid and conjugates, while Bacteroidetes abundance was negatively correlated. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes representation were also correlated with levels of serum PYY. Our study suggests that metformin has complex effects due to gut-based pharmacology which might provide insights into novel therapeutic approaches to treat T2DM and associated metabolic diseases.
www.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01357876.
Bile Acids and Salts/metabolism
Blood Glucose/metabolism
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy*
Glucagon-Like Peptide 1/blood
Hypoglycemic Agents*/administration & dosage
Hypoglycemic Agents*/pharmacokinetics
Intestinal Mucosa*/metabolism
Intestines*/microbiology
Metformin*/administration & dosage
Metformin*/pharmacokinetics
Microbiota/drug effects*
Peptide YY/blood
Bile Acids and Salts
Hypoglycemic Agents
Peptide YY
Glucagon-Like Peptide 1
ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT01357876
Diabetes mellitus type 2 - Genetic Alliance
Diabetes, Type 2 - Genetic Alliance
Diabetes - Genetic Alliance
Diabetes Type 2 - MedlinePlus Health Information
METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE - Hazardous Substances Data Bank
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Melanie Bridgen
Partner & Solicitor
Legal advice for same sex families
The law is at last moving forward and acknowledging the reality of modern family life, and the vital role played by same sex couples looking after children.
Recent changes in same sex family law mean that gay and lesbian couples in an enduring relationship can now be recognised as legal parents of children.
This provides greater stability for same sex families throughout England and Wales, who can now embark on the journey to parenthood knowing that their legal status as parents can be legally secure even if they are not the biological parent.
We advise on the full range of legal issues concerning same sex families, including:
Child contact (child arrangements)
Cohabitation and civil partnership agreements
Dissolution of civil partnerships
Child relocation and holidays
Parental orders and responsibility for non-biological parents
For same-sex families considering donor insemination, surrogacy and adoption we can offer draft agreements to regulate such arrangements and protect you in the future.
Please contact us to discuss how our specialist solicitors can help you.
"Nelsons Solicitors Limited has an excellent reputation in financial relief cases involving high-net-worth individuals and complicated child-related proceedings."
“Accomplished practice noted for both matrimonial and childcare matters. Appropriately equipped to assist with public and private children law, including adoptions, child abductions and non-accidental injury cases. Active in high-value financial remedy matters, including those involving trusts, commercial assets and cross-border aspects.”
"Very satisfied with all the service you have given me. Thank you for all the help I have been given."
"Service was superb."
"Excellent service."
"Perfect handling of a sensitive situation."
Find out how Nelsons can help you. Contact our friendly team for a guaranteed fast response.
Surrogacy & Fertility
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MOON DUO - Stars Are The Light (LP)
Date of release: Sep 27 2019
Stars Are the Light, the luminous seventh album by the American psych explorers Moon Duo, marks a progression into significantly new territory. From a
preoccupation with the transcendental and occult that informed Ripley Johnson
and Sanae Yamada's guitar-driven psych rock, and reached its apotheosis in the
acclaimed Occult Architecture diptych, Stars Are the Light sees the band synthesize
the abstract and metaphysical with the embodied and terrestrial.
Branching out from Occult Architecture Vol. 2, the album has a sonic physicality
that is at once propulsive and undulating; it puts dance at the heart of an expansive nexus that connects the body to the stars. These are songs about embodied
human experience - love, change, misunderstanding, internal struggle, joy,
misery, alienation, discord, harmony, celebration - rendered as a kind of dance of
the self, both in relation to other selves and to the eternal dance of the cosmos.
Taking disco as its groove-oriented departure point, Stars Are the Light shimmers
with elements of '70s funk and '90s rave. Johnson's signature guitar sound is at its
most languid and refined, while Yamada's synths and oneiric vocals are foregrounded to create a spacious percussiveness that invites the body to move with
its mesmeric rhythms. With Sonic Boom (Spacemen 3, Spectrum) at the mixing
desk in Portugal's Serra de Sintra, (known to the Romans as "The Mountains
of the Moon") the area's lush landscape and powerful lunar energies exerted a
strong influence on the vibe and sonic texture of the album.
On embracing disco as an inspiration, Yamada says, "It's something we hadn't
referenced in our music before, but its core concepts really align with what we
were circling around as we made the album. Disco is dance music, first and foremost, and we were digging our way into the idea of this endless dance of bodies
in nature. We were also very inspired by the space and community of a disco - a
space of free self-expression through dance, fashion, and mode of being; where everyone was welcome, diversity was celebrated, and identity could be fluid; where
the life force that animates each of us differently could flower."
1. Flying (4:36)
2. Stars Are The Light (4:26)
3. Fall (In Your Love) (4:17)
4. The World And The Sun (4:49)
5. Lost Heads (6:28)
6. Eternal Shore (5:39)
7. Eye 2 Eye (4:22)
8. Fever Night (5:17)
Cat No: SBR228LP
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Employment Attorneys Offering Services Throughout New Jersey
Going to the Bathroom on the Clock Isn't Wage Theft
On behalf of Lenzo & Reis, LLC on Tuesday, May 3, 2016.
Earlier this year, a federal judge ruled that a Pennsylvania company with an office in Woodbury Heights, New Jersey owed employees almost $2 million in back wages for forcing its employees to clock out for even very short breaks - including trips to the bathroom.
Flex Time or FLSA Violation?
According to the Department of Labor ("DOL"), who filed the lawsuit, American Future Systems, which was doing business as Progressive Business Publications in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New Jersey, forced its telemarking employees to clock out when they were not making sales calls. In fact, employees were not even allowed to get water or go to the bathroom without clocking out. The times during which employees were clocked out were then deducted from their pay.
The DOL discovered what the company was doing and filed suit. Even during the period during which the lawsuit was ongoing, however, the company refused to stop their clock out policy, arguing that what they were doing was actually really fair because they were giving employees the flexibility to manage their own schedule and take as many breaks as needed during the day.
The judge, relying upon regulations that make clear that short breaks (typically those under 20 minutes) are compensable, ruled that the company's clock in/clock out policy was a violation of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The company is now on the hook for over $1.75 million in back wages and liquidated damages owed to more than 6,000 employees.
Employees Must Be Paid for Short Breaks
The FLSA does not require employers to give their employees short breaks for things like smoking, grabbing a drink, or going to the bathroom; however, employers who permit their employees to take short breaks (anything in the 1-to-20 minute range), must pay for those breaks. Put more succinctly (and more legally) short breaks are considered compensable time - meaning that employees must be paid for that time. All compensable time must be included in the sum of hours for the work week, counted for purposes of determining whether an employee has earned overtime, and used to calculate how much overtime was earned.
So, for example, if a non-exempt employee worked 42 hours over 5 days during one week, but spent an average of 30 minutes on multiple small breaks throughout each day, the employer would still need to pay the employee for 42 hours of work that week. That means that unless the employee was exempt from the FLSA's or New Jersey Wage and Hour Law's (NJWHL) overtime rules, the employer would be legally required to pay that employee 40 hours at the regular rate of pay and 2 hours of overtime at one and one-half times the regular rate of pay. Adding up all the breaks (an average of 30 minutes per day times 5 days = 2.5 hours). Subtracting those 2.5 hours from the total hours worked in order causing the employee to appear as if s/he worked less than 40 hours during the week is not permitted.
If you are not being paid for all hours worked or are being denied overtime pay that you have earned, you should contact experienced employment law attorney like those at Lenzo & Reis, LLC.
Tags: Employment Law, Lenzo & Reis Employment Attorneys, Wage & Hour Claims, Wage Theft
Connect with Lenzo & Reis, LLC
Dealing with religious discrimination in the workplace
Protections from pregnancy discrimination in the workplace
Age discrimination: A growing problem
Ding Dong Forced Arbitration and Confidentiality Are Dead (in Employment Cases)
Describe Your Case
Christopher P. Lenzo
Claudia A. Reis
Lenzo & Reis, LLC
360 Mount Kemble Ave.
*No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. For Best Lawyers methodology, see www.bestlawyers.com. For Super Lawyers methodology, see www.superlawyers.com. For Martindale-Hubbell methodology, see www.martindale.com.
© 2020 by Lenzo & Reis, LLC. All rights reserved. Disclaimer
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Ralph Mathekga
Opposition has to find a new way to deal with the ANC
Jessie Duarte, Ace Magashule, Gwede Mantashe, Cyril Ramaphosa, DD Mabuza and Paul Mashatile. Picture: Leon Sadiki/City Press
Zuma exit needs to be prioritised
Radical policy decisions a result of ANC failures
Ramaphosa's battle for power has only just begun
The year 2018 has started, but its path has been in the making throughout 2017. Thus, 2017 gives a sense of how 2018 will most likely shape up when it comes to politics, the economy, and general social relations in South Africa.
It is going to be a very short year; packed with political activity, beginning with expectations of a change of guard at the Union Buildings in the first few months of the year. I think President Jacob Zuma will be gone before the first quarter. The transition from Jacob Zuma to Cyril Ramaphosa will be closely watched: particularly how the ANC will try to manage the process internally.
Of particular interest in 2018 is the strategy of the broader opposition parties. Once Zuma is gone, these parties will have to focus specifically on Ramaphosa's leadership to identify areas of criticism as part of their election campaigns. Ramaphosa has enjoyed a great deal of legitimacy in 2017, mostly because Zuma's blunders in government made Ramaphosa a very attractive replacement to save the nation from constant embarrassment.
Opposition parties will have to find a way to reconsider their strategies and decide how to deal with an ANC that has become institutionally weakened under Zuma, amid the national mood of cautious optimism that Ramaphosa could indeed make a difference. Under Zuma, it was a straightforward case whereby the president has compromised the party. Under Ramaphosa, the opposition would have to be cautious on how they deal with him; he is quite presidential and understands the complexity of a modern economy. Ramaphosa might just be the reasonable voice when it comes to pushing for moderation on radical economic transformation in the ANC.
If the opposition were to isolate Ramaphosa from the ANC and accord him respect, while at the same time intensifying criticisms against the ANC, this will make Ramaphosa's life difficult. He would come across as an ANC member who is being respected outside the party - that is treated with suspicion within the ANC. Most importantly, Ramaphosa will have to defend the ANC and, at times, he will have to do that against those who would prefer him more than the ANC.
One way or another, 2018 promises interesting political realignment within the ANC, and the way that the opposition parties relate to the new ANC leadership. It is a strange ANC that came out of Nasrec, as it will be clear in 2018. In the first days of 2018, I can say it is destination 2019!
Disclaimer: News24 encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views of columnists published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24.
Read more on: anc | ralph mathekga | anc votes
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Apartments / Flats R 9 400
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ATV crash victim linked to Swoope crimes
Victim in crash, and a second man, eyed in Swoope church vandalism, thefts, sheriff's office reports.
ATV crash victim linked to Swoope crimes Victim in crash, and a second man, eyed in Swoope church vandalism, thefts, sheriff's office reports. Check out this story on newsleader.com: https://www.newsleader.com/story/news/local/2015/05/18/atv-crash-swoope-church-vandalism/27528161/
Brad Zinn, bzinn@newsleader.com Published 12:27 p.m. ET May 18, 2015 | Updated 3:17 p.m. ET May 18, 2015
File(Photo: FIle)
SWOOPE — An early-morning crash Friday involving a stolen all-terrain vehicle seriously injured one man while a second person fled the scene, the Augusta County Sheriff's Office said.
Both men are "persons of interests" following a number of criminal incidents in Swoope prior to the ATV crash, which took place at Morris Mill and Trinity Point roads shortly after 4 a.m., said Deputy Felicia Glick of the Augusta County Sheriff's Office.
The West View United Methodist Church in Swoope reported a break-in, and Glick said the church was ransacked. Nearby, a man said his ATV was stolen from a garage. Two vehicle break-ins were also reported in the area, with a purse being stolen from one vehicle and a camera and prescription medications taken from another. Glick said all of the incidents took place in the 1500 block of Parkersburg Turnpike.
The ATV crash was called in Friday at 4:10 a.m., and the Virginia State Police responded to the area. Glick said Timothy Campbell, 32, was taken to the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville for his injuries. He was listed in fair condition Monday, a hospital official said.
A 30-year-old Swoope man also was questioned.
Neither man has been charged in connection with the break-ins and stolen ATV, but Campbell is charged with reckless driving and operating an ATV on a highway, state police said.
Updated 2:12 p.m. May 18 to correct name of Morris Mill Road.
Read or Share this story: https://www.newsleader.com/story/news/local/2015/05/18/atv-crash-swoope-church-vandalism/27528161/
Wall dispute receives helping hand from General Assembly, leaving Staunton frustrated
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chief justice john roberts
One Really Good Thing in the Supreme Court’s Travel-Ban Ruling: Korematsu Is Gone
The renunciation of Korematsu does say a good deal about what the Court does not, and will not, allow in upholding the revised travel ban.
On Immigration, the Supreme Court Sounds More Like Congress
In the most politically charged cases, the eight-member Supreme Court works like a partisan body.
By Jeffrey Toobin
The Financial Page
March 7, 2016 Issue
Antonin Scalia’s Corporate Favors
His death will have limited impact on the culture wars, but huge consequences in business.
By James Surowiecki
Thurgood Marshall and the Need for Affirmative Action
In one case after another, the Roberts Court has dramatically rejected Marshall’s view of education.
By Lincoln Caplan
The Coming Liberal Disaster at the Supreme Court
The conservatives on the Court are poised for a comeback, and the subjects before the Justices appear well suited for liberal defeats.
A Limited Victory for Voting Rights in Texas
The Fifth Circuit’s decision this week is narrower than headlines may have suggested.
Does the Supreme Court Need a Code of Conduct?
The Justices of the Supreme Court are the only judges in the United States who are not bound by a formal, full-blown ethics code.
What Does Marriage Equality Have to Do with Dred Scott?
Critics of the Supreme Court’s marriage-equality decision are taking the wrong lessons from the Dred Scott case.
Why Obamacare’s Future is Secure
While Republicans will undoubtedly continue to lambaste Obamacare, it will be surprising if, in the end, they do much more than talk.
John Roberts’s Court
For the first time in history, the Supreme Court is regularly polarized along political lines. Its legitimacy in the public’s eyes is up for grabs.
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Home 100 Charlton Street
YIMBY Today: 24-Story Hilton Garden Inn for Downtown Jamaica, More
93-43 Sutphin Boulevard, rendering via Able Hotels
By: Reid Wilson 1:30 pm on October 23, 2014
93-43 Sutphin Boulevard [DNAinfo New York]: Hilton Garden Inn is set to occupy the planned 24-story and 210-room hotel at 93-43 Sutphin Boulevard, in Downtown Jamaica; a single-story structure must first be demolished, and “groundbreaking is expected to take place sometime next summer.”
11-12 30th Drive [Crain’s New York]: A large single-story warehouse structure — located at 11-12 30th Drive, in Astoria — has sold for $57 million to developer Shibber Khan; the site “can accommodate residential buildings of up to 10 stories, and totaling 460,000 square feet.”
21 Commercial Street, image via Brownstoner
21 Commercial Street [Brownstoner]: Excavation has kicked-off at 21 Commercial Street, in Greenpoint, the site of a planned six-story and 93-unit residential and retail building of 82,476 square feet. Completion is scheduled for June of 2016.
76 Lefferts Place [Brownstoner]: A four-story and 31-unit residential building spanning 76-88 Lefferts Place, in southern Clinton Hill, has reached the third story. Dubbed Lefferts Mews, Paul Davis is designing, and completion is expected in 2015.
100 Charlton Street [The Real Deal]: Lalezarian Properties has put two, four-story buildings at 100-102 Charlton Street, in Hudson Square, on the market as a development site for $50 million. One of the structures can be demolished, and 60,000 square feet of development potential exists.
11-22 45th Road [The Real Deal]: GDC Properties has acquired the single-story and 33,660 square-foot structure at 11-22 45th Road in Long Island City for $37 million; likely to be redeveloped, the site can accommodate a new building spanning 114,000 square feet.
Talk about these projects on the YIMBY Forums
Subscribe to the YIMBY email newsletter and receive the latest new development news in your inbox.
100 Charlton Street 11-12 30th Drive 11-22 45th Road 21 Commercial Street 76 Lefferts Place 93-43 Sutphin Boulevard
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Home Case Study
Think Big, Start Small – “The One-Woman Army” story of Nykaa
by Sourav
in Case Study, FMCG, Startup
Image Source - entrackr
It is a tough call for a person to quit a high-shot Job at the age of 50 and then start a business from scratch. Well, had it been easy, there would not have been extraordinary stories like Falguni Nayar’s who bid adieu to her well-established 19 yearlong stellar careers at Kotak, only to give birth to her entrepreneurship dream, Nykaa.
An IIM Ahmedabad alumnus, Falguni Nayar had some spare time on her hands, after her children (twins Anchit and Adwaita) left for their studies to the US. While the idea and the dream to be an entrepreneur lived inside her, Nykaa happened at this moment.
She observed the e-commerce market and the potential of its growth in India. The choice of the beauty segment came both from her love for make-up and the potential online market waiting for someone to come up with such a platform.
Changing the way women shop
Bridging the gap and changing the way women shop, Nykaa has curated more than 850 brands and 35,000 products in its catalogue. The company also has its presence in many cities with 17 stores across India. There are two store formats – Nykaa Luxe and Nykaa On Trend. Luxe has Indian and international beauty brands along with Nykaa Beauty, the in-house beauty products collection, and On Trend is a collection of popular market products.
The young yet super successful online beauty company has a target audience in the age group of 22 – 35 and has also launched private labeled products in the bath and body care category recently. Nykaa competes with online marketplaces like Myntra, Purplle, Flipkart, and Amazon.
Working on an inventory-based model, Nykaa has warehouses in Mumbai, New Delhi, and Bangalore, and offers all the leading brands including Kaya Skin Clinic, Lakmé, L’Oréal Paris and more.
Image Source – franchiseindia
The private label path
One of the compelling reasons for Nykaa to succeed and be profitable is the fact that they have a strong base in terms of their private label. Only private labels could help Nykaa compete against other vertical players like Myntra and horizontals like Amazon. “There is no advantage as an early beginner (in the beauty industry). About a 15 to 20 percent margin is what you get in online beauty retail, and that is not enough online – it ends up in cash burn,” says Arvind Singhal, Chairman of Technopak Advisors.
Private labels help Nykaa offer discounted prices, as brands do not often do that as they need to follow the minimum operational price. Falguni says that the private label is a global trend now – all retailers do it now for improving consolidated margins and profitability.
Growing, fast and at a Sustainable Path
Nykaa has grown strength to strength over the years; they have always focused on customer needs and worked closely with its brands to achieve the desired results. A recent Google and Bain & Co. report estimates the Indian beauty and hygiene industry will be worth US$17 billion by 2020, with 20 percent of that coming from online sales.
Expanding its offerings, Nykaa last year launched Nykaa Network, an interactive beauty forum where subscribers could chat with each other. It also launched the Nykaa Design Studio for apparel in designer and premium brands like Ritu Kumar and Masaba in 2018. Around the same time, Nykaa also launched NykaaMan, an e-commerce platform for men’s personal care products in hair care, skin care, wellness, and sports nutrition, among others. It recently acquired members-only platform 20Dresses.com for an undisclosed amount in a move to further growth.
#Nykaa #Startup #FalguniNayar
India-Pakistan World Cup game to earn Star 100 crore from Ad Revenue
Flipkart-Amazon Rivalry:- The Battle of burning cash to conquer Indian E-Commerce Market.
Excellent story-teller, with a background in SEO and Digital Marketing. Likes to write and give form to opinion and incidents.
Tesla Reaches $100 Billion Mark, Musk Must Sustain For Huge Payout
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RedBus Sees 71 Million Indian Passengers Using the Application
Cadbury Dairy Milk Celebrates 70th Anniversary By ‘Spready’-ing Love!
Global App Revenue Reached $39 Billion in the First Half of 2019
Plight of Automobile Majors – What’s The Solution?
Centre Plans To Merge State Telecom Operators BSNL & MTNL
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achievements.
race reports.
By Sophie Barker
Having impressed onlookers in a stunning first Renault UK Clio Cup weekend at Snetterton, bringing an eighth place in qualifying and eighteenth and tenth places respectively back home to Romford; Nick Reeve returned for his second race weekend at Rockingham Motor Speedway.
Having only driven the Junior Clio Cup car around the Northampton based circuit, the weekend was set to be a struggle from the get-go.
In his own words: "From the start of the weekend we knew going in it was going to be a challenge having not tested there before. Friday was unknown, going in with nothing apart from a junior weekend there struggling for pace, the team and I worked closely to better the set up to get P5."
Come Saturday, the track was still an unknown for both Nick and the team, despite only being nine tenths away from pole position, although he could only scrape a P16. However, as Nick said 'this shows the competitiveness of the Clio Cup Championship.
After a soggy weekend at Snetterton, race 1 at Rockingham was the first dry race the graduate driver had competed in. Chaos ensued as Nick found himself racing forward to eleventh, dropping back to twenty first and taking the chequered flag in fourteenth.
"Race 1 was the first dry race I had done and starting p16 I had to fight forward, getting to 11th on first lap before making a mistake and dropping down to 21st. Maintaining focus I got myself back to 14th to end the race," He said after the race.
Race 2 saw the return of the 'typical british weather' that had been circling the circuit on Sunday. Moving up through the field - once again - during the initial laps, Nick was sitting in ninth before contact with another driver caused him to fall down the grid. With another stellar performance, Nick completed his second Renault UK Clio Cup weekend in thirteenth.
"Overall the weekend was a learning curve," He stated."Teaching us things we need for the remainder of the season to get further up the grid. We will keep fighting and looking forward to the next time out"
Next up: Silverstone 15th-16th September
Website Credit:
https://sophieonmotorsport.wordpress.com/2018/08/24/chaos-ensues-in-the-unpredictable-rockingham-conditions/
< Back to Race Reports
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Climate Change and Worker Health
6th Annual Women's Health Awareness Day
Estrogen Receptor Hormone Action Symposium
Music & Science Lunch, Listen & Learn
NIEHS Exposure Science and the Exposome Webinar Series
PEPH 2020 | Past, Present, and Future
Worker Training Program Meetings
2019 WTP Meetings and Workshops
Chemical Facility Safety in an Era of Climate Change
Disaster Research Response Exercise
Climate Change and Worker Health Climate Change and Worker Health
2013 WETP Meetings and Workshops
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
Awardee Meeting Details
The WTP Awardee Meeting was held on Monday, October 6th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the NIEHS Main Campus in the Rodbell Auditorium in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
Purpose of the Awardee Meeting
The semi-annual WTP Awardee Meeting brought awardees together to provide program updates, exchange information regarding training, and discover new areas of interest to awardees.
WTP Workshop Details
The WTP Workshop was held on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 7-8 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday and 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday. The workshop also took place in Rodbell Auditorium on the NIEHS Main Campus.
Purpose and Scope of the Workshop
The workshop focused on the serious health risks that workers in various industries will face as the consequences of climate change become more and more prominent. Workshop participants explored lessons learned and best practices to prepare workers for climate change effects. Participants also engaged in discussions about curricula that can be developed to help to build a more resilient and sustainable workforce and community.
Awardee Meeting Agenda (1MB)
Workshop Agenda (1MB)
Participant List (44KB)
2014 Fall Workshop Report (4MB)
Additional Resource
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment Report (4MB)
Awardee Meeting
1:00-1:30 p.m. Welcome/NIEHS Update (1MB)
Joseph "Chip" Hughes, Jr., Sharon D. Beard, Jim Remington, Kathy Ahlmark, and Pam Clark, NIEHS
1:30-2:00 p.m. Remembrance of David Mallino, Sr.
2:00-2:15 p.m. NIEHS National Clearinghouse Update
Deborah Weinstock, NIEHS Clearinghouse
2:15-3:00 p.m. WTP MWT Economic Impact Report
WTP MWTP Economic Impact Report (164KB), Larry Reed, MDB, Inc.
Evaluation of the Economic Impact of the NIEHS Worker Training’s Minority Worker Training Program (361KB), Bryan Engelhardt, College of the Holy Cross- Labor Economist
3:00-3:30 p.m. Discussion
Business Official Meeting (1MB)
Pam Clark, NIEHS
Program Official Meeting
Joseph "Chip" Hughes, Kathy Ahlmark, and Jim Remington, NIEHS
MWTP Meeting (467KB)
Sharon D. Beard, NIEHS and Bryan Engelhardt, College of the Holy Cross
5:00 p.m. Adjourn
Climate Change and Worker Health Workshop
9:00-9:30 a.m. Welcome
Joseph "Chip" Hughes, Jr., NIEHS Worker Training Program
Climate Change and Human Health: Impacts, Vulnerability, Protection (2MB), John Balbus, NIEHS
9:30-10:15 a.m. An Overall Perspective of Climate Change and Work and Climate-Related Health Impacts on Workers
Dave Foster, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
10:30-11:15 a.m. Frameworks for Considering Climate Change and Occupational Safety and Health
Climate Change and Occupational Safety and Health (4MB), Max Kiefer, NIOSH
Prompting Perspectives on Climate Change Vulnerability and Resilience for Workers (372KB), Cora Roelofs, Tufts University
11:15 a.m.- 12:00 noon Q & A and Small Group Discussions
1:15-2:00 p.m. WTP Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment Report (45KB), Kevin Yeskey and Joy Lee, National Clearinghouse
2:00-4:20 p.m. Breakouts
Kenny Oldfield, Alabama Fire College and Jim Remington, NIEHS
Mental Health Resilience
Ebony Turner, Dillard University and Kathy Ahlmark, NIEHS
Heat Stress and Fatigue
Quick Review of the NRT Fatigue Management Guidance (1MB), Bruce Lippy, CPWR
Heat Stress and Fatigue (624KB), Sharon D. Beard, NIEHS
4:30-5:00 p.m. Report Back from Breakout Sessions
5:00 p.m. Adjourn for the Day
9:00-9:40 a.m. Existing Tools and Resources to Help Protect Workers from the Impacts of Climate Change
Climate Change Kit (123KB), Carol Rice, Midwest Consortium
Deborah Weinstock, Clearinghouse Findings, National Clearinghouse
10:00-11:00 a.m. Climate Justice Panel
Moderator: Donald Elisburg, National Clearinghouse
Defining Climate Justice and its Impacts on Worker Health (13MB), Beverly Wright, Dillard University
Jim Young, The Labor Institute
11:00-11:30 a.m. Q & A and Small Group Discussions
11:30 a.m.- 12:00 noon Wrap Up, What We've Learned, and Possible Paths Forward
Wrap Up, What We've Learned, and Possible Paths Forward (4MB), Bruce Lippy, CPWR
12:00 noon Adjourn
HazMat Safety and Training
WETP Meetings and Workshops
Last Reviewed: July 26, 2017
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SL.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: An essay of a current news event is provided for discussion to encourage participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the article. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event within the news, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.
FOR THE WEEK OF JAN. 20, 2020
Share two facts or quotes from another sports topic in the news.
Look for an eye-grabbing sports photo and tell why it works well.
Now read about a different form of recreation or competition and tell something you learn.
A sign-stealing scandal has enveloped professional baseball, bringing the departure of three teams' managers last week. The situation involves misbehavior during 2017 by the World Series-winning Houston Astros, who relayed opponents' pitching signals to their own batters. (As pitchers and catchers plan what will be thrown next, they exchange hand signals.) The cheating, first disclosed publicly in November by past Astros pitcher Mike Fiers, cost Houston manager A.J. Hinch his job. Also gone are Alex Cora as manager of the Boston Red Sox (he was a 2017 Astros coach and is described as a leader of the scheme) and Carlos Beltran of the New York Mets (a former Astros player). In addition, the Astros are fined $5 million (the maximum) by Major League Baseball and forfeit four play draft picks. Plus, Houston general manager Jeff Luhno is hit with a season-long suspension.
A league inquiry found that the Astros illegally used electronics to steal signs throughout the 2017 regular season and playoffs, and also early in 2018. Houston "arranged for a video room technician to install a monitor displaying the center field camera feed immediately outside of the Astros' dugout," says a nine-page report. This let the team immediately decipher the catcher's signs, which were relayed to the hitter by banging a trash can with a bat. Investigators spoke with 23 past and present Astros players. No players are punished.
"It's grossly naive to think the Astros are the only team who cheated, using video monitors to illegally steal signs, but they were the most blatant violators," comments USA Today sportswriter Bob Nightengale, who says last week's report marks "one of the darkest days of the sport's history." At The Washington Post, sports columnist Fred Bowen writes: "Part of the punishment, fair or unfair, for the Astros players and coaches may be that baseball fans will always remember the Houston World Series win and think, 'Yeah, but they cheated.'"
Participant says: "As a veteran player on the Astros, I should've recognized the severity of the issue and truly regret the actions that were taken." – Carlos Beltran, fired Mets manager
Report says: "Many of the players who were interviewed admitted that they knew the scheme was wrong because it crossed the line from what the player believed was fair competition and/or violated MLB rules." – Investigation findings
Whistleblower says: "That's not playing the game the right way. They were … willing to go above and beyond to win." – Mike Fiers, 2015-17 Astros pitcher
Front Page Talking Points is written by Alan Stamm for NIEonline.com, Copyright 2020
We welcome comments or suggestions for future topics: Click here to Comment
Front Page Talking Points Archive
►Military face-off between U.S. and Iran eases after action by each country
►The year ahead: Census, Olympics and elections are among topics that will make front page news in 2020
►Trump action to combat anti-Jewish bias at colleges stirs praise and concern
►Holiday tech gifts: See what's new, imaginative and affordable
►Two new reports describe decline of local news coverage across U.S as a ‘crisis’
►NFL helmet-swinging penalty sparks wider discussions about football violence
►History in action: U.S. House impeachment hearings explore whether Donald Trump abused presidential power
►Users beware: Alexa, Siri and Echo respond to laser pointers aimed from outside a home
►Facebook lets political ads say anything, while Twitter stops allowing them this month
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Quality Delivery
Integrated Property Developments
Construction, Civil Engineering And Infrastructure Projects
Oil And Gas Infrastructure Projects And Services
Message To Our Shareholders
(extracted from Annual Report 2018)
Dear Shareholders,
2018 was a year of reflection, re-strategising, perseverance and follow-through, amidst a challenging operating environment domestically. The fruits of our labour, being a net profit after tax of some RM63.4mil as compared with a net loss after tax of RM180.5mil in 2017 have once again proven that with hard work and team work, nothing is impossible.
Key contributors to performance
This achievement was primarily due to the following:
Increased work progress from existing housing and construction projects;
Higher property sales of about RM133mil achieved during the year, which was 26% higher than that achieved in 2017;
Recovery of additional claims of about RM27mil for a completed project, which was higher than the initial expected sum;
Improvement in the share of results from Dayang Enterprise Holdings Bhd. (DEHB) and its subsidiary, Perdana Petroleum Berhad (PPB), from a loss of RM40.6mil in 2017 to a profit of RM38.7mil in the year under review.
Sustaining the performance
Although there is no way of looking into the ‘crystal ball’, we believe we have built the right foundation in moving forward, as follows:
Continued focus on medium affordable properties;
Enhancement of the service value chain for properties;
Completion of order book on time, with quality and within budget;
Realignment of operating structure to be regionally-focused to facilitate better execution of responsibilities, and faster decision making and problem solving;
Constant improvement in cost management;
Continued efforts in talent development and management creating a positive work culture and environment for our workforce.
Besides the above, our recent fund raising exercise (i.e. rights issue) which managed to raise funds of up to RM118.7mil will further support our property development activities and par down our borrowings.
Looking ahead in 2019
We expect the outlook, operating environment and challenges for 2019 and the immediate term to be as follows:
The property market remains challenging due to factors such as hike in costs of borrowing, huge property overhang, strict lending policy and persistent lukewarm buying sentiment.
It has also been observed that the housing affordability threshold of the average urban household in Sarawak generally remains below RM350,000, a factor which may drive the demand for affordable properties, but could also adversely affect the demand for higher-priced properties. While the Government has implemented various policies to drive home ownership such as stamp duty waivers and other incentives, the outcome of these policies remains to be seen amidst the strict lending policies which may result in intending purchasers failing to obtain loans to purchase residential properties.
Taking stock of the above, we expect the demand for our medium affordable properties to be sustained and at the same time, continue to face challenges in terms of take-up of our high-end properties. Nevertheless, despite these challenges, our Group will embark on various sales and marketing initiatives to sell existing, on-going and completed units, while adopting a cautious approach towards news project launches moving forward. Our Group expects to launch more affordable and medium-range properties as we strive to tailor our products in meeting the changing customer demands due to the existing economic sentiment. We will also schedule our launches based on market dynamics. In addition, various easy and flexible property ownership schemes have been introduced to help sustain demand for these properties.
Besides property sales, we will continue to strengthen our leasing functional unit in an effort to secure tenants for our unsold commercial and residential properties for temporary recurring income. Ultimately, units on lease present better value proposition for property investors, which can help drive the sale of these units.
We remain hopeful on the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), a long term development plan designed to accelerate Sarawak’s economic growth by attracting some RM300billion worth of investments by 2030 (Source: Borneo Post, 25 August 2018) in continuing to create a bustling business environment to help sustain market demand in the State, including property and construction segments. Some of SCORE’s upcoming mega projects such as the estimated RM8.4bil and RM12.65bil methanol and steel plant respectively are also something to look forward to. (Sources: https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2018/01/24/rm84bil- and https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2017/10/12/china-firm-to-invest-rm1265bil-in-bintulu-proposed-steel-plant-offers-plenty-of-jobs-and-economic-sp/)
Besides SCORE, the 342 Sarawak-centric projects initiated by the State Government which include infrastructure projects such as coastal roads, bridges and utilities will augur well for the local economy by presenting opportunities in the construction sector and increasing employment opportunities, adding value to the creation of a vibrant business environment. (Source: http://www.theborneopost.com/2019/01/14/rm6-2-bln-worth-of-sarawak-centric-projects-on-track/)
Another welcomed initiative is the State Government’s intention in spearheading a digital economy initiative that aims to revolutionise the State’s economy and industries, and spur socioeconomic growth and advancement – the State has committed to a fund of RM2bil towards boosting internet connectivity and capacity throughout Sarawak by setting up the necessary infrastructure. (Source: http://www.theborneopost.com/2019/01/13/the-rise-of-sarawaks-digital-economy/). With the anticipated greater global outreach, job creation and increase in business opportunities, it is hoped that such economic enhancement will accelerate growth and increase wealth, leading to a vibrant business environment generally.
As part of our long term plans, we will continue to increase the size of our land bank by acquiring land at strategic locations in Sarawak, Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia, which will further strengthen our property segment. The slowdown in the economy, which is expected to continue in the next few years, could also give rise to the opportunity in acquiring land at bargain price.
We are encouraged by the allocation of RM11bil worth of projects by the State Government for the construction of road-related and utility infrastructure throughout Sarawak within the next 2 years, namely the RM6bil coastal highway project, RM2.8bil water supplies project and RM2.3bil electricity supplies project.* As an experienced contractor in such infrastructure projects, our Group sees the potential to leverage on these opportunities, which can boost our short-term and long-term earnings.
(*Sources:https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/advancecon-plans-big-strides-sarawak and https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2018/10/23/cm-sarawak-to-spend-rm11b-on-infrastructure/1685756)
Operationally, we remain focused on project implementation and monitoring to facilitate the completion of works on time and within budget, namely the Pan Borneo Highway (Pantu Junction to Batang Skrang section), SPNB affordable housing projects in Miri and Kuching, KPJ Miri Specialist Hospital, Tanjung Manis housing project, and UCTS Phase 2 project, our joint-venture project with Hock Peng.
Our total outstanding construction order book in the sum of about RM1.4bil is expected to contribute to our short term and medium term earnings.
Other Segment
We will push on with our efforts to maintain our existing tenants and attract new tenants in order to create a good tenant mix for our retail properties, such as Naim Permy Mall, Miri and part of Naim Street Mall, Bintulu. Some of these efforts include the introduction of exciting leasing packages and organising of interesting community-related events on a continuous basis to boost traffic to our retail properties.
Besides the above, the upcoming launch of the Fairfield by Marriott upscale business hotel at Naim Bintulu Paragon in Q4 2019 is expected to enhance the value of our development in time to come.
We may also look into divesting non-performing businesses to realise some funds.
Associate Company – Dayang Enterprise Holdings Bhd.
Premised on Dayang’s order book replenishment of more than RM1bil for the next five years due to the award of maintenance, construction and modification (PM-MCM) contracts by Kebabangan Petroleum Operating Company Sdn Bhd and Murphy Sarawak Oil Co Ltd and Murphy Sabah Oil Co Ltd, bringing its total order book to more than RM3bil which are call out orders to last until 2023, we expect this to contribute positively to its financial performance. (Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2018/08/28/dayang-order-book-crosses-rm3bil-mark/).
Now that we set in motion our recovery plan, we would like to assure all shareholders of our continued commitment to see things through. We are honoured for your confidence and support in us and we greatly hope for your continued support in time to come.
Finally, we would like to record our appreciation to all our stakeholders: our shareholders, customers, clients, team members and their families, Directors, joint venture partners, subcontractors, consultants, financiers and associates for their dedication, concerted effort and faith in us.
Our heartfelt gratitude also goes to Ministries, Departments, Statutory Bodies and Regulatory Agencies for the support extended to our Group.
We value and look forward to your continued support and dedication as we undertake new challenges and opportunities ahead.
Once again, thank you and our warmest regards.
Datuk Amar Abdul Hamed Bin Haji Sepawi
Datuk Hasmi Bin Hasnan
© 2020 Naim Holdings Berhad. Listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia. All Rights Reserved.
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Skin-healthy nut sought by cosmetic companies breathes new life into impoverished economies of South America
Monday, April 27, 2015 by: L.J. Devon, Staff Writer
Tags: cacay nuts, Colombia, anti-aging oil
https://www.naturalnews.com/049500_cacay_nuts_Colombia_anti-aging_oil.html
(NaturalNews) Loggers in Colombia are stopping dead in their tracks and beginning to look out for special wild trees that produce the healthy and lucrative cacay nuts. These nuts, pronounced kahk-ai, are now lifting people out of poverty in the middle of the Amazon rainforest. What was once used as firewood is now being preserved for much finer uses. The cacay nuts contain a key ingredient that is now a hot commodity around the world.
The rush for cacay nuts began a couple of years ago when market researcher Alberto Jaramillo discovered that its protein-rich, yellow-colored oil could be used in high-end anti-aging creams in beauty shops around the world and sold for top dollar. Some beauty shops today sell the oil for nearly $200 an ounce. This is breathing new life into southern Colombia and spawning an entirely new industry. Farmers are now scrambling to preserve these trees, and they are even planting new ones as the demand for cacay grows.
Dairy farmer sells several cows to plant more lucrative cacay trees
One farmer named Vitaliano Ordonez recently sold eight of his cows to purchase 120 cacay-producing saplings. His dairy farm in Puerto Rico, Colombia, contains only two cacay-producing trees at the moment. He once gave the cacay nuts to his cows for food, but now he's collecting every kernel for top-dollar export.
"I won't let even one nut go to waste," says 70-year-old dairy farmer Ordonez. The two trees are expected to produce more than 130 pounds of cacay kernels this year alone. This will provide Ordonez with a new stream of revenue estimated at 300,000 pesos or $198, which is equivalent to half the country's monthly minimum wage.
Columbia's cacay sales will ultimately go through Alberto Jaramillo, the man who initially researched the lucrative market for the oil. Jaramillo heads Kahai SAS from Bogota, which expects to double its sales of cacay this year. To make the most out of this new opportunity, Jaramillo sends workers into the rainforest on motorcycles and trucks. During peak harvest between February and April, a mature tree can put out 400 kilos worth of nuts, providing the harvester with up to 400,000 pesos per tree. This means harvesting the nuts from 18 mature trees can provide a single man with an entire year's worth of minimum wage.
Two kilos of nuts can make about a liter of oil because the kernel is around 53 percent oil. This means that every mature tree is capable of providing 200 liters of precious oil. The abundance that is lifting people from poverty in the Amazon doesn't begin and end with cacay oil alone. Jaramillo says that any leftover nuts are sold as edibles. He even has plans to make use of the leftover flour from the nut to make a protein-rich nutritional supplement.
An ounce of cacay oil can be sold for nearly $200 in high-end anti-aging products
When a cacay tree reaches 130 feet, it is typically cut down by the logging industry and sold as firewood. That's all beginning to change as harvesters stop loggers dead in their tracks.
Sales of face care oils in the U.S. have more than doubled in the past two years. The personal care market has hit $465 billion. The most recent craze has been for argan oil-based skincare products, which are rich in antioxidants. The next craze could well be cacay oil, which is rich in antioxidants and retinols.
"It's going to be the new little wave," said Jamie Sherrill. "I was always a fan of retinol and argan oil, and we were initially searching for ways to improve on these two ingredients."
In Santa Monica, Sherrill sells a tiny one-ounce facial elixir containing cacay oil for $198. A three-item set of anti-aging products goes for $1,555 at Harrods department store. These prices will eventually go down as more Colombian farmers plant and harvest the cacay nut.
"It's more expensive than a lot of your regular oils," said Judi Beerling, a research manager at the London-based consulting firm Organic Monitor. "As more becomes available, obviously the prices will become less of an issue."
Sources for this article include
http://www.bloomberg.com
Cacay nuts at FETCH.news
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Strength from within: DeVon Walker poised to rebound from injury, lead Florida Gators
It takes skill to be real and time to heal, which is exactly what Florida Gators redshirt junior guard/forward DeVon Walker has spent the last 10 months concentrating on while rehabilitating from a torn ACL suffered during a pick-up game in the 2014-15 offseason.
For a Florida basketball team that is undergoing a major shirt, not only at the top with a new head coach in Michael White but with two of its top guards leaving the program, Walker is suddenly presented with the opportunity to make a significant impact when he is finally cleared to return to the court.
And from the looks of it, Walker is prepared.
Listed at 191 pounds as a sophomore, the 6-foot-6 Walker added 12 pounds of pure muscle and was up to 203 ahead of the 2014-15 campaign. He has only gotten bigger and stronger during his time away from the hardwood … because that’s really all he’s been able to do.
“Definitely my body [improved],” Walker said Wednesday. “I was actually able to lift a weight more than 50 pounds [this season]. My body – a lot of core strength and my legs now [are stronger], definitely.”
Plus, his ACL is close to completely healed.
“I’m [feeling] great, man. I feel like I could race a boat right now,” Walker said with a wry smile. “I feel pretty good. The training staff’s been doing great with me. Probably a little bit more and I’ll be 100 percent.”
The Gators will need Walker to be at full health by the time the season rolls around. Though the absence of a 30.9 percent shooter and 2.4 points-per-game scorer may not have seemed like a huge loss on the periphery, he was relegated to a back-of-the-bench role during Florida’s Final Four season as an unpolished youngster on a team with plenty of seasoned veterans.
Walker steadily improved for the Gators down the stretch of the 2013-14 campaign, even going 11-for-22 from three during an eight-game stretch late in the regular season before flat lining in the 2014 NCAA Tournament.
By all accounts, he was prepared to step up and play a major role for Florida last season. Instead, an injury occurring at a freak time temporarily derailed his career, and he was unable to help the Gators as the team posted its worst season since 1997-98.
“That was probably the hardest point in my life athletically. I just wanted to be out there with my guys and my brothers and actually play,” he explained. “That’s the toughest thing, wanting to actually be in the heat with them and endure a war with them – that’s what I wanted. You feel almost helpless like you can’t help them. I tried to do as much as I can with talking and inspiration, but I wish I could’ve done a little bit more.”
Now, Walker is back in the gym, participating in 40-minute individual workouts with the new coaching staff three times a week, rehabilitating on his own and getting shots up whenever time allows.
Suffice to say, his teammates are noticing.
“He’s moving great. DeVo, he’s a warrior. He obviously had a really, really hard year but to bounce back the way he has and recover and stick with the process has been inspiring to a lot of people,” said redshirt senior F Alex Murphy. “To see him back on the court with us working out, he looks really good. He’s moving good, he’s finishing above the rim; he looks like he hasn’t missed a step, to be honest.”
Sophomore F Devin Robinson echoed Murphy’s thoughts.
“DeVon’s been working hard. He’s one of the hardest-working players on the team. He’s starting to get back in the action. They’re working on his knee every day; he’s getting treatment every day like he’s supposed to. He’s focused, and I think he’s ready to go,” Robinson said.
“I look up to DeVo a lot. He’s like the wise man of the team, I would say. How we had [Jon] Horford last year, it’s DeVo now. Everybody looks up to DeVo.”
Told of Robinson’s comments, Murphy was not prepared to make that comparison just yet, ribbing his younger teammate in the process.
“I don’t know if I would believe anything that Devin said. [Laughing] But DeVo, he is wise for his age. He’s definitely mature and he’s a great teammate, he really is. He’s someone that everybody likes to be around all the time. But yeah, don’t take any advice from Devin – that’s not a good idea.”
It must certainly be nice for Walker to feel the support from his teammates, especially considering the three other prospects he joined Florida with are no longer members of the squad. Point guard Braxton Ogbueze transferred off the program two years ago, G Dillon Graham left early in the 2014-15 campaign and Michael Frazier II departed this offseason in order to play professionally.
“Everybody left. It’s weird, when you first get here, you envision everybody finishing together, but it didn’t work out that way. Everybody went their separate ways,” Walker explained, noting that he now feels added responsibility as an upperclassman.
“I think it’s a big deal now. Guys look at me as the older guy and the leader, and it’s something I’m willing to embrace and do what I can.”
With so much having occurred during a trying season and turbulent last few months, Walker’s rehabilitation and evolving strength – both physically and emotionally – may be just what Florida needs to turn things around.
Alex Murphy Devin Robinson DeVon Walker Michael White
The Silver Lining for Wednesday, July 23
Media Day: New challenges ahead for Florida Gators basketball in 2014-15
Gameday – Florida Gators at Navy: Basketball opens 2015-16 season in Veterans Classic
Stoked that he will be back. He had some highlight moments in his last season before injury. Not many, but enough to show he has potential on both sides of the ball. Besides, I am Winter Haven High School alumni, so I will be pulling for him.
Dave K says:
Anybody…Where can we find a current BB roster for the upcoming season?
Adam Silverstein says:
Nowhere. You just want the names?
KeVaughn Allen (freshman guard)
Chris Chiozza (sophomore point guard)
John Egbunu (redshirt sophomore center)
Dorian Finney-Smith (redshirt senior forward)
Brandone Francis (redshirt freshman guard)
Kevarrius Hayes (freshman forward/center)
Kasey Hill (junior point guard)
Zach Hodskins (sophomore walk-on guard)
Alex Murphy (redshirt senior forward)
Schuyler Rimmer (junior walk-on forward/center)
Devin Robinson (sophomore forward)
Keith Stone (freshman guard/forward)
DeVon Walker (redshirt junior guard/forward)
Ken (CA) says:
Since they havextra schollies, I hope they give one to Zack next season even if he has to go back to walk-on the year after.
gatorboi352 says:
Michael White better just make sure to minimize himself and stay out of the way next season, letting these guys do what they do best. The unproven youngster has a ways to go.
Yes, this team is so strong, so perfect, so brimming with confidence after having come off a season of great accomplishments last year, that Coach White better dare not try to do his job and actually coach them up. I mean, if ain’t broke don’t fix it, right?
lol. You’re in midseason form, gatorboi. This new coach hasn’t anything wrong yet but you’re already pissed off at him and spewing nonsensical bulls–t in Gator Nation.
Is this a serious comment? The new coach should get out of the way and let the players do what they do best? What exactly do they do best?
The kid’s a stud. Was so disappointed when he got injured last year. We really felt his absence.
He can do a lot. Close to Casey Prather athleticism but with a much better long range shot. Long and deceptively quick on defense. Plus a really good kid with a great, humble attitude and a strong work ethic. I hope he kills it this year.
Ex-Florida star Chandler Parsons severely injured after being hit by accused drunk driver
Injuries have plagued former Florida Gators forward Chandler Parsons throughout his NBA career, but Parsons is now attempting to...Read More
Florida basketball score, takeaways: Nembhard leads roa... January 7, 2020
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Review: Galaxy’s Edge reveals layers of Star…
Review: Galaxy’s Edge reveals layers of Star Wars storytelling that will take many visits to fully explore at Disneyland
Hard-core Star Wars fans will want to dive deeper and deeper into the many layers of galactic lore woven into the impressive new land.
The Marketplace inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, on Wednesday, May 29, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
By Brady MacDonald | bmacdonald@scng.com |
PUBLISHED: May 30, 2019 at 11:30 am | UPDATED: May 30, 2019 at 11:41 am
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reveals itself like an onion with so many layers of storytelling and immersion to peel back that you’ll need multiple trips to explore all of the newest themed land at Disneyland.
I visited Galaxy’s Edge during a three-day media preview ahead of the official grand opening on Friday and found the new 14-acre Star Wars land to be too much to take in during a full day of exploration.
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Hard-core Star Wars fans bound for Galaxy’s Edge during the initial reservation-only period when visitors will be limited to a 4-hour time limit will likely find themselves wanting to dive deeper and deeper into the many layers of galactic lore woven into the impressive new land.
My 13-hour tour on Wednesday of the Black Spire Outpost village on the Star Wars planet of Batuu barely scratched the surface. I already have a long list of places and experiences I want to see again in Galaxy’s Edge when I will have enough time to slow down and savor all that Black Spire has to offer.
I must have walked past the Millennium Falcon, the Sleeping Beauty Castle of Galaxy’s Edge, a dozen times throughout the day and every time the 112-foot-long starship took my breath away. The fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy serves as the marquee entrance to the new Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run flight simulator attraction. The E-ticket ride will likely force Disney to create a new F-ticket designation — F as in Falcon. Smugglers Run sets a new bar for excellence among Disney theme park attractions.
Believe it or not, Smugglers Run may not prove to be the most popular destination in Galaxy’s Edge. Oga’s Cantina had the longest lines during employee previews and was jam-packed during the media previews. The wretched hive of scum and villainy is everything you ever hoped for in a Star Wars cantina. The Black Spire bar serves a menu of fruity alien concoctions — some with alcohol and some without — that will make Oga’s the one place Star Wars fans never want to leave during their visit to Batuu.
The Millennium Falcon sits outside the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ride at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, on Wednesday, May 29, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
An X-Wing is parked at Black Spire Outpost inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, on Wednesday, May 29, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
An A-Wing is parked at Black Spire Outpost inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, on Wednesday, May 29, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Oga’s Cantina at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, on Wednesday, May 29, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
An R-3X droid spins music at Oga’s Cantina at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, on Wednesday, May 29, 2019. The R-3X animatronic figure has the original outer shell from the Star Tours RX-24 pilot with new electronic functions on the inside. The former Star Tours droid pilot known as Rex takes on a new job in Galaxy’s Edge as space age disc jockey spinning an alien soundtrack in the Black Spire cantina. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Inside the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, on Wednesday, May 29, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Visitors to the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run take pictures on the spot where Chewbacca played hologram chess at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, on Wednesday, May 29, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Heads are mounted on the wall at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities in the Black Spire Outpost on the planet of Batuu at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, on Wednesday, May 29, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, on Wednesday, May 29, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Droids at Droid Alley in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, on Wednesday, May 29, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
For me, what made Galaxy’s Edge feel like a truly Star Wars place were the walk-around characters. Spotting Chewbacca sitting in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon or posing for photos with fans in front of the famed starship gave me chills. His infectious roar could be heard echoing off the 135-foot-tall spires that surround the docking bay where the Falcon was parked.
I loved seeing stormtroopers patrolling the First Order-controlled sector of the Black Spire village and playfully harassing visitors who looked like Resistance sympathizers. The stormtroopers will reluctantly stop for a group selfie after some thorough questioning of the inquiring visitor. But they refused to haul me off to a detention cell, which was the photo op I desperately wanted.
I caught Resistance spy Vi Moradi, a less-familiar character from the Star Wars books, hiding behind Disneyland president Josh D’Amaro as the stormtroopers passed. She’ll be hard to miss with her purple hair and day-glow orange Resistance jacket. But somehow the stormtroopers didn’t see her. Which is all part of the fun and storytelling of the new land — a constantly unfolding narrative that plays out throughout the day and draws visitors into the story as willing and active participants.
The food and drinks I tried during the media preview were a step above typical theme park food. The Ronto Wrap was a cross between a cuban sandwich and a Banh Mi with a Portugese sausage and pork strips wrapped in a pita and topped with tangy slaw. The Kaduu Ribs, a Star Wars take on sticky pork ribs, were fall-off-the-bone tender with just the right amount of spicy kick. Both were delicious.
And of course, no trip to the new Star Wars land would be complete without a glass of Blue Milk. Or Green Milk if you prefer. I tried them both. I preferred the more tropical Blue Milk over the citrusy Green Milk. They’re somewhere between a smoothie and a Slurpie. Beware of brain freeze if you drink your Blue Milk too quickly.
You’ll need more than galactic credits to shop in the Black Spire marketplace. And it’s clear Disney is going to make a fortune on merchandise alone in Galaxy’s Edge. Based solely on the media members who walked out of Galaxy’s Edge laden with so many bags of merchandise that they needed more hands to carry it all.
Many of the media on hand were lifelong Star Wars fans who could barely control their glee at being able to walk into the movies they grew up watching. Expect the first visitors to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to be even more emotional. Grown men will tear up at the mere sight of the Millennium Falcon in all her glory.
The biggest ticket item on most Star Wars shopper’s lists will almost certainly be the build-your-own lightsaber. I watched from the sidelines as a group of 14 builders assembled their own lightsabers in the Chamber of the Guardians inside Savi’s Workshop. The most truly amazing moment of the $200 experience came when all of the builders illuminated their lightsabers at once in the dimly lit chamber. Talk about an Instagrammable moment.
The other big shopping experience takes place in Droid Depot, where visitors build their own astromech. You pick your own parts off of a moving conveyor belt and piece the droid together during the $100 experience. You pick the look, the colors and even the personality of your remote-controlled droid.
The coolest shop in Black Spire Outpost has to be Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, run by a hammerhead alien who controls the black market on Batuu. While you can get pre-built “legacy” lightsabers on the lower level of the shop, the real draw of Dok’s Den are the not-for-sale souvenir spoils collected from throughout the Star Wars galaxy. The prized possession is a 12-foot-tall taxidermied Wampa up on the second-story balcony. The upper level is chock full of Easter Eggs that serious Star Wars fans will spend hours analyzing.
But my favorite part was wandering the Black Spire marketplace, which was teeming with intimate vendor stalls filled with slightly more affordable merchandise. You can dress the part of a Batuuan villager with a selection of tunics and robes at Black Spire Outfitters. Or pick up a cute but creepy alien pet in the Creature Stall. My favorite was the Loth Cat that you take home in a cardboard carrying cage.
My biggest disappointment had to be the Dianoga beast hiding in the plumbing outside the restrooms in the marketplace. The trash compactor creature that nearly drowned Luke Skywalker in the original 1977 “Star Wars” movie “lives” in a glass cistern above the water fountain. I was expecting so much more from the peek-a-boo surprise animatronic creature, but the one-eyed alien was a big letdown. Tiny, as he’s known, was barely visible and seriously underwhelming.
The other chief disappointment has to be that Galaxy’s Edge will open with only one of two attractions. The four-rides-in-one Rise of the Resistance proved too complex for Walt Disney Imagineering to get its arms around by opening day and Disney delayed the debut of the attraction until later in the year. That means the summer crowds that will descend on Galaxy’s Edge will only have a single ride option in Smugglers Run, which could lead to long lines for the lone attraction.
Thousands of Star Wars fans rise early to ride Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland
Photos & Video: See inside Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance before the new ride opens to the public at Disneyland
A red and yellow milk hack joins the Blue Milk lineup at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Is Rise of the Resistance the world’s greatest theme park ride?
Will Disneyland face the same Rise of the Resistance problems as Disney World?
The next step after the multi-day media preview will be to swing open the gates to Galaxy’s Edge to the public during a “soft opening” reservation period running from Friday through June 23.
While the instinct will be to head immediately for Smugglers Run, I recommend waiting until the third hour of the 4-hour reservation period window to ride the new attraction. That will allow the initial queue to die down and get you in line before the next group enters the land during your fourth hour.
Likewise, I’d wait to hit the wildly popular Oga’s Cantina until the second hour of your 4-hour window. It’s quite possible Oga’s will have a longer line than Smugglers Run at that point. Try to hit the cantina when the queue is less than an hour if you’re lucky.
Spend the rest of your time checking out the marketplace shops and restaurants that are attractions unto themselves. It will likely be difficult to do everything on your first visit. You’ll have to come back to Batuu at another date to continue peeling back the layers of the onion. Try not to shed a tear. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is not going anywhere. It will be at Disneyland for decades to come.
READ MORE about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland
Millennium Falcon: Inside Smugglers Run | Flying tips
Rise of the Resistance: 4 rides in 1 | Bathroom pass
Experiences: Savi’s Workshop — Handbuilt Lightsabers | Droid Depot | Mobile games
Cantina: Inside Oga’s | Inspiration | Cocktails | Beer & Wine
Food: Docking Bay 7 | Ronto Roasters | Blue Milk | Kat Saka’s Kettle | What to eat
Shops: Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities | Toydarian Toymaker | Creature Stall | Clothing
Black Spire Outpost: Construction tour | Books & Comics | Animatronics | Set-dressing props
Soft Opening: Reservations | Crowds | 4-hour time limit | Parking garage | Hotels | Project Stardust
Star Wars Land
Brady MacDonald
Brady MacDonald is a theme park reporter for the Orange County Register and the Southern California News Group. He’s covered the theme park industry for more than 25 years. He writes about Disney, Universal, Six Flags, SeaWorld, Cedar Fair and Legoland parks in Southern California, across the United States and around the world. As a member of the SCNG Features team, he also writes about entertainment, travel, pop culture, music, restaurants and craft beer.
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Wanna be a movie star? Then visit a theme park
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Closing borders: the ripple effects of Australian and European refugee policy. Case studies from Indonesia, Kenya and Jordan
Karen Hargrave, Sara Pantuliano, with Ahmed Idris
Refugee policies have become increasingly restrictive in recent decades, with industrialised countries violating international norms both in spirit and practice. These negative attitudes are increasingly being replicated in lower-income countries that have hosted large numbers of refugees, often for many years.
This study traces a ‘ripple effect’, looking at how high-income countries have influenced each other’s policies, and consciously cultivated or indirectly fostered negative developments in lower-income states. Case studies on Indonesia, Kenya and Jordan explore the influence of Australian and European refugee and border control policies, as governments in these lower-income countries have enacted increasingly restrictive policies towards refugees.
The case studies are examples of a trend that risks overturning the existing international refugee protection regime. However, it is not too late to reverse this dangerous trajectory. Instead of allowing ripple effects to gain strength, policy-makers in developed countries must understand the global repercussions of their restrictive behaviour and consider its wider implications. In recognising links between refugee policies in different parts of the world, and the potential for countries to influence one another, there is instead an opportunity to actively harness these effects and promote positive emulation of good practices.
Closing borders: the ripple effects of Australian and European refugee policy - HPG Policy Brief
Documentpdf
Closing borders: the ripple effects of Australian and European refugee policy - HPG Working Paper
Livelihood strategies of Rohingya refugees in Malaysia
This study explores livelihoods strategies of Rohingya refugees in Malaysia from refugees’ own points of view, to improve understanding of refugee priorities and perspectives.
Challenges to a comprehensive EU migration and asylum policy
This research report sets out three reasons behind the European Union’s failure to deliver a comprehensive and effective approach to the Syrian refugee crisis.
Protracted displacement: uncertain paths to self-reliance in exile
There are 60 million refugees and internally displaced persons around the world. This report examines patterns and trends in displacement and proposes ways to better support self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.
Sanctuary in the city? Urban displacement and vulnerability in Amman
This study explores the phenomenon of displacement in the urban environment and the implications and challenges it poses for humanitarian action in Amman, Jordan.
migration and refugees
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Welcome to OLA
OLA Swimming Pool
Stephen Oliver’s Blog
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Welcome to OLA Nursery and Reception
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Welcome to OLA Junior School
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Junior School Teaching and Learning
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Junior School Useful Information
Why I chose OLA Nursery and Junior – Our Parent Stories
Welcome to OLA Senior School
Ratcliffe Library
Senior School Uniform
Senior School Teaching and Learning
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Senior School Pastoral Care
Welcome to OLA 6th
Sixth Form Curriculum
Sixth Form Leaver Destinations 2019
Sixth Form Teaching and Learning
Why I Chose OLA 6th – Student Stories
Contact Junior School Staff
Contact Senior School Staff
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Meet our Houses
Bowyer (Yellow), Challoner (Red), More (Green) and Rich (Blue)
The Houses are a great opportunity for pupils of all ages and interests to work together and for different year groups to get to know each other.
Attend Sports Day, see the masses of red, green, yellow and blue t-shirts, listen to the girls and boys cheering on their House teams – the spirit of friendly competition and co-operation generated by the Houses is apparent.
There are four Houses at OLA: Bowyer (Yellow), Challoner (Red), More (Green) and Rich (Blue). They are named after historical, humanist figures who played a key part in the school’s, local or national history.
Sir George Bowyer was a benefactor of the first Sisters of Mercy in Abingdon.
Bishop Richard Challoner worked as a Catholic priest in Oxfordshire in the eighteenth century when Catholics were still discriminated against.
Sir Thomas More famously proclaimed himself “The King’s good servant but God’s first” as he refused to abandon his conscientious objection to Henry VIII as Head of the Church.
Sir Edmund Rich of Abingdon became Archbishop of Canterbury and was canonised as St Edmund.
The Houses are led by House Captains who are elected from among the Lower VI students. The running of the Houses enables them to develop leadership and team-building skills and to work together with younger students. Members of Staff are also attached to Houses.
The programme of events and activities is co-ordinated by the Heads of Houses who liaises with staff, the Principal and the Senior Leadership Team. House Meetings generally take place at least twice a term and are informal assemblies.
House activities have included House Music, a Construction Challenge to build a bridge and tower, the quiz based House Challenges for the Lower and Upper School and social events, such as House Teas.
Pupils have also supported their Houses with fundraising events, at the Christmas Fayre by running stalls and competed to earn points in a variety of Inter-House Sports Matches, a Swimming Gala and at Sports Day.
The House Cup is awarded at the end of the year to the House with the most points, which also includes the tally of Commendations and Merits earned by pupils for their efforts with their studies and conduct around school.
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Oxfordshire OX14 3PS
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Website by Barley House Agency
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The Gallery holds the most extensive collection of portraits in the world. Search over 215,000 works, 150,000 of which are illustrated from the 16th Century to the present day.
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/ Portrait - NPG D12613; 'The bridal night'
'The bridal night'
1 portrait matching these criteria:
- npg number matching 'D12613'
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© National Portrait Gallery, London
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by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey
hand-coloured etching, engraving and aquatint, published 18 May 1797
12 1/4 in. x 17 7/8 in. (311 mm x 455 mm) paper size
Purchased, 1947
NPG D12613
Artistsback to top
James Gillray (1756-1815), Caricaturist. Artist associated with 881 portraits, Sitter in 7 portraits.
Hannah Humphrey (circa 1745-1818), Publisher and printseller. Artist associated with 719 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.
Sittersback to top
Caroline Amelia Elizabeth of Brunswick (1768-1821), Queen of George IV. Sitter in 101 portraits. Identify
Charlotte Augusta Matilda, Princess Royal (1766-1828), Eldest daughter of George III; Queen of Württemberg. Sitter in 19 portraits. Identify
Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1744-1818), Queen consort of George III. Sitter associated with 84 portraits. Identify
Elizabeth (née Farren), Countess of Derby (1759?-1829), Actress and second wife of 12th Earl of Derby. Sitter in 24 portraits. Identify
Frederick, Duke of York and Albany (1763-1827), Commander-in-Chief of the Army; son of George III. Sitter associated with 73 portraits. Identify
Friedrich I, King of Württemberg (1754-1816), Ruler of Württemberg; former husband of Duchess Augusta of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, and later husband of Charlotte Augusta, Princess Royal. Sitter in 9 portraits. Identify
King George III (1738-1820), Reigned 1760-1820. Sitter associated with 193 portraits. Identify
King George IV (1762-1830), Regent 1811-19; Reigned 1820-30. Sitter associated with 272 portraits. Identify
William Frederick, 2nd Duke of Gloucester (1776-1834), Field Marshal. Sitter associated with 31 portraits. Identify
William Pitt (1759-1806), Prime Minister. Sitter associated with 175 portraits. Identify
James Cecil, 1st Marquess of Salisbury (1748-1823), Lord Chamberlain. Sitter in 12 portraits. Identify
King William IV (1765-1837), Reigned 1830-37. Sitter associated with 174 portraits. Identify
William V, Prince of Orange (1748-1806), Stadtholder of the Dutch Republic. Sitter associated with 19 portraits. Identify
Placesback to top
Place made: United Kingdom: England, London (27 St James's Street, London)
Portrait setback to top
James Gillray etchings, 1777-1811 (1795-97)
Subjects & Themesback to top
Art in art
Hats and head attire
Pets and animals - Wild and exotic animals
Events of 1797back to top
The Anti-Jacobin periodical makes its debut followed by The Anti-Jacobin Review the year after. Edited by William Gifford, it acted as a Tory mouthpiece against the 'New Morality' associated with republicanism.
Bank crisis results in the temporary suspension of payments by the Bank of England leading to a nationwide currency shortage.
Robert Southey, later Poet Laureate, publishes his collected Poems, exploring contemporary interest in mythology and non-European cultures.
Ann Radcliffe publishes her popular gothic novel The Italian. One of the most imaginative novelists of the period, she helped introduce readers to the romantic sense of the supernatural.
Battle of Cape St Vincent. Admiral John Jervis leads the fleet which defeat the Spanish.
Failure of a small French invasion in Pembrokeshire.
Naval mutinies at Spithead and Nore.
Attack on the Canary Islands in which Rear-Admiral Nelson loses an arm.
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Giants’ Jerry Schuplinski has impressive history of developing young QBs | What it means for Daniel Jones
New York Giants introduce Joe Judge as new head coach
By Matt Lombardo | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The success or failure of quarterback Daniel Jones will largely define the trajectory of new head coach Joe Judge’s tenure as Giants head coach, and Judge mined a familiar face for the pivotal role of Jones’ second quarterbacks coach ahead of his second NFL season.
Monday, the Giants hired Miami Dolphins assistant quarterbacks coach Jerry Schuplinski, and he will be Jones’ mentor as the former first-round draft pick enters his second season, but his first in a whole new system. Schuplinski and Judge worked on the same New England Patriots staff for six seasons from 2013 to 2018.
Jones, however, won’t be the first young quarterback that Schuplinkski has helped through the process of grasping a new scheme during his formative NFL years.
“When I first stepped into the facility for rookie minicamp, he definitely took me under his wing and I think the process led right up until my last day there,” Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett said, via WEEI, of his time with Schuplinski in New England. “I think what his role was and what he felt like he embraced was he was going to go through the learning curve with me. That was something I respected and I took to heart. I am sure he didn’t have to, but he went with me through my ups and downs and the learning process with the offense. I think that paid off a lot for me.”
Brissett completed 61.8 percent of his passes for 400 yards in three games with New England in 2016, before being traded to the Colts.
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The San Francisco 49ers will take the field in Santa Clara, Calif. on Sunday as hosts of the NFC Championship Game with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo at the helm, and he credits Schuplinski for his success.
“I can’t even tell you how many conversations I had with Jerry just man-to-man, him helping me out and getting me acclimated to the NFL life,” Garoppolo told WEEI.com. “I really thank him for that. I probably wouldn’t be where I am at without him.”
Buy Daniel Jones Giants gear: Fanatics, NFL Shop, Lids, Champs Sports, Dick's Sporting Goods
During his stops in New England and Miami, Schuplinski spent the majority of his day shadowing the younger quarterbacks helping them get up to speed with the offense and what it takes to run it at a high level.
“He’s a great communicator," former Dolphins offensive coordinator Chad O’Shea said. "He’s got a great personality to work with a position. He’s got a tremendous knowledge of our system, which is very important. He’s someone that I really trust, and I really lean on for his expertise and his ability to communicate with the quarterbacks.”
Assuming that’s Schuplinski’s plan for Jones, it can only benefit the Giants’ quarterback.
Whoever is hired as the Giants’ offensive coordinator will likely import their offensive scheme and it will be Schuplinski who is tasked with communicating its intricacies to Jones as well as coaching the turnovers out of Jones and building on the foundation from his strong rookie season.
After spending last season helping run the Dolphins’ quarterback room, Schuplinski is used to hitting the ground running Jones and to teach a new scheme.
“The goal is to work everyone up to the level that’s the highest we can go,” Schuplinski said last summer. “And not work downward. It’s a constant challenge on younger guys, but that’s a good thing.”
Get Giants text messages from reporters: Cut through the clutter of social media and text directly with the Giants beat writers. Plus, exclusive news and analysis every day. Sign up now for a free trial.
Matt Lombardo may be reached at MLombardo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattLombardoNFL
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Festivals Coachella
Kanye West surprise Coachella appearance denied despite rumours
Festival sources dismiss recent reports
Luke Morgan Britton
Kanye West won’t perform at this year’s Coachella Festival despite recent rumours.
Coachella takes place this weekend (April 14-16) and the weekend after (April 21-23) in Indio, California. Radiohead, Kendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga headline. Gaga replaces Beyonce, who had to pull out of headline after becoming pregnant.
With Kanye’s collaborators Schoolboy Q and Travis Scott both playing Coachella, rumours had circulated that West could be set to join them live. However, TMZ now reports that “sources” at the festival have denied this.
Last year saw West join A$AP Rocky onstage at Coachella, while Kanye himself headlined the festival in 2011.
Meanwhile, West has launched a new jewellery line through his Yeezy fashion brand, which includes a $13,000 (£10,490) necklace.
The Yeezy Supply store has significantly bolstered its online collection with the new additions, which include a selection of chains and necklaces that were made in collaboration with Jacob & Co.’s Jacob Arabo. Also up for sale are a set of rings (which start at $1500) and bracelets ($9500).
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The most eye-catching addition to the store is the $13,000-priced 18-karat chain, which features religious iconography on its pendant. According to Vogue, West explained that the pricey chain and the other jewellery pieces was representative of his attempt to “create something that represented timeless love.”
View the new additions to the Yeezy Supply Store here.
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Before starting the project, Buddies: Dash In Time, I had investigated many endless runners. Endless Runner genre is one of most popular choice within mobile casual games. In this article, I summarize the characteristics of this genre, and provide a simple classification. Endless runners can be classified into two sub-types: Horizontal and Vertical Endless Runners.
Horizontal Endless Runners
In this sub-type, there is a protagonist running on the left side of the screen and obstacles coming from the right side. For this reason, horizontal runners use landscape orientation on mobile screens to use the active area as much as possible.
Most popular examples in this sub-type are Canabalt and Jetpack Joyride, and their popularity is mostly due to their choice of minimalistic control scheme. (Hold/Touch to Anywhere). This is related to the structure of horizontal runner game sub-type which cannot integrate a complex interaction model. Majority of the horizontal runner games fail to build a game design that render four directional swipe useful. Most of them miss left or right swipe, or even both. In a horizontal oriented layout, lack of horizontal swipes is actually a big limitation. (Also, they fail to use gyroscope and accelerometer of mobile devices but it doesn’t form a big issue, as I’ll explain later on Vertical Endless Runners section). This is why swipe control schemes are less preferred in Horizontal Endless Runners. Games that don’t employ minimalistic control scheme usually use left/right action controls(hold/touch to left/right side of the screen have 2 different actions: one of them is always “jump”) rather than swipe control.
Another challenge for horizontal runners is left-to-right direction of the game. Since the obstacles come from the right side of the screen and the majority of people are right handed, even within minimalistic, touch anywhere control schemes, right hand obscures the player’s vision. Games with left/right action controls try to use the lower bottom part of the screen as dead (useless) space to ensure player’s fingers do not obscure the vision.
Another problematic aspect of horizontal runners is their lack of “Air Control”: with minimalistic or left/right action controls, one cannot direct the protagonist while on air. Since most of the platforming depends on jumping, lack of air control disturbs the learning curve. The reason for that is, on classical platformers, while on air, player can choose where to fall easily by using air control mechanisms, and users might confuse horizontal endless runner with classical platformers, for they look the same. This confusion brings a harsh learning curve and this can frustrate users easily. The most popular horizontal runner Jetpack Joyride clearly solves this problem by using no platformer elements and choosing a levitating protagonist rather than running & jumping one.
Last problem is, horizontal runners can’t be played by a single hand on mobile cell phones because of the horizontal orientation of the screen, even when they have a minimalistic, touch anywhere control scheme.
Vertical Endless Runners
In this sub-type, there is a protagonist running on the bottom and obstacles coming from the top, or, in most cases, a protagonist running in a 3D setting and obstacles coming from the depth. For this reason, vertical runners use vertical (portrait) orientation on mobile screens to make use of the active area as much as possible. Usually, 3D vertical runner games use a third person camera, and 2D vertical runner games use a top down or isometric perspective.
Majority of vertical runner games use tracks-lanes to organize obstacles and integrate four directional swipe control scheme. Player can change track/lane with horizontal swipes and jump/dive/crouch/roll with vertical swipes (Some of them could also use double tap for other actions to increase the depth of the gameplay).
Track/Lane counts vary, but usually minimum track number (three) is chosen. In general, if a runner have more than three tracks, it’s complexity increases and this can lead to a narrower target audience.
UPDATE: SYBO released a new vertical runner: Blades of Brim is a brilliant example of multi tracked runner game design, yet this decision directly limits the target audience to a more experienced fanbase when compared to their massive audience (1 billion downloaded) vertical runner game Subway Surfers. However, it should be noted that, Blades of Brim expanded the endless runner core game loop (with brilliant additions such as wall jumps and monster jumps) to a more advanced level, and this can bring new norms to endless runners, considering the audience’s increasing expectations from mobile casual games.
Some very polished and balanced games such as Temple Run, Temple Run 2, Traffic Racer and Minion Rush choose gyroscope as part of the control scheme. However, compared to Subway Surfers, we can see that gyroscope has a big negative role in the retention rates, possibly caused by its inconvenience to play in unsuitable places, such as metro, bus, or while waiting in line, etc.
In vertical runners, beginner gameplay rely mostly on changing track/lane actions and on simple jumps and rolls. Air control becomes more crucial for advanced gameplay with longer runs.
For 3D vertical runners, z-depth is very important in executing the actions on time. Usually this problem is handled by a cylindrical vertex shader that manipulates the world coordinates. (In technical respect, Curved World is a very good Unity 3D plugin that simulates the similar results.) This shader also hides the new generated upcoming map parts from player’s sight. The most popular game on this genre, Subway Surfers prefer to twist this shader to left. This decision greatly affects competence over depth for right handed players (It would be a better idea to have a left handed option on the settings). Also, fog has an important role in perceiving approaching obstacles’ z-depths.
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License for Grimm’s Fuel Company
Metro updated requirements to improve the operations of Grimm’s Fuel Company, a compost facility located in Tualatin.
Feb. 26, 2019 update
On February 26, Metro issued a renewed license to Grimm’s Fuel Company with substantial changes and new conditions in order to address anaerobic composting conditions and associated impacts to the surrounding community. Specifically, it includes new provisions that require Grimm’s to significantly reduce compost pile sizes and implement an aerated static pile method of composting. The license expires on December 31, 2023.
Solid Waste Facility License No. L-043-19
1.56 MB Adobe Acrobat PDF Published Feb 26, 2019
Solid Waste Facility License No. L-043-19 Staff Report
11.45 MB Adobe Acrobat PDF Published Feb 26, 2019
Grimm’s Fuel Company - Attachment A to L-043-19 - Timeline
137.59 KB Adobe Acrobat PDF Published Feb 26, 2019
Grimm’s Fuel Company - Attachment B to L-043-19 - Previous response to comments
288 KB Adobe Acrobat PDF Published Feb 26, 2019
Grimm’s Fuel Company - Attachment C to L-043-19 - Public Comments
1.3 MB Adobe Acrobat PDF Published Feb 26, 2019
Grimm’s Fuel Company - Attachment D to L-043-19 - Grimm's response to comments
Grimm’s Fuel Company - Attachment E to L-043-19 - Health FAQ
Grimm’s Fuel Company - Attachment F to L-043-19 - Red-line license
Jan. 28, 2019 update
On Jan. 23, 2019 Metro hosted community leaders to discuss Metro's proposed license for Grimm's Fuel Company. The agenda for the meeting, Metro's presentation, and audio transcript of the meeting are now available.
Grimm's community leader meeting agenda
143.42 KB Adobe Acrobat PDF Published Jan 23, 2019
Grimm's Fuel Company License Renewal public engagement summary
1.35 MB Adobe Acrobat PDF Published Jan 23, 2019
Transcript of Grimm's Fuel Company community leader meeting: Jan. 23, 2019
Jan. 4, 2019 update
Metro's response to comments on the previous draft of the license are available for review. The new draft license is available for review and comment. Share your views by 5 p.m. on Feb. 5, 2019.
New proposed license for Grimm's Fuel Company
380.73 KB Adobe Acrobat PDF Published Jan 4, 2019
Metro response to public comments for Grimm's Fuel Company
3.3 MB Adobe Acrobat PDF Published Jan 8, 2019
Dec. 21, 2018 update
Metro received 119 comments on the proposed amended license terms by the Nov. 30 public comment deadline. The comments received are included below, along with a response from Grimm's. Metro staff is reviewing the comments, preparing responses and updating the terms of the draft license. The public comment response and draft license will be available for public review in early January.
As the current license for Grimm’s Fuel Company expires on Dec. 31, Metro is extending the expiration date of that license to Feb. 28, 2019, to enable Grimm’s to continue its operations, allow for additional time to address public comments and update the terms of the new draft license for further review.
Grimm's Fuel Company - Public Comments 2018
3.13 MB Adobe Acrobat PDF Published Jan 7, 2019
Grimm's Fuel Company Inc - Solid waste Facility License L-043-17A
799.65 KB Adobe Acrobat PDF Published Dec 21, 2018
Grimm's Fuel response to public comments
Metro staff report on license extension for Grimm's Fuel Company
359.8 KB Adobe Acrobat PDF Published Dec 21, 2018
Nov. 14, 2018 update
More than 40 people attended a community meeting at the Juanita Pohl Center on Oct. 30 to learn about the proposed amendments to Metro’s solid waste facility license for Grimm’s Fuel Company. Metro and DEQ officials shared the next steps in the process of issuing an amended Metro license and DEQ permit for the facility.
Oct. 22, 2018 update
Metro seeks public comment on proposed amendments to the license for Grimm's Fuel Company, a yard debris composting facility located in Tualatin. The proposed amendments would extend the term of the facility's license until Dec. 31, 2022, and require operational changes to minimize and control odors.
Read more on Metro News
July 25, 2018 update
More than 50 people attended a community meeting at the Sherwood Center for the Arts on July 19 to learn about the recommendations of Green Mountain Technologies for improving compost operations at Grimm’s Fuel Company, ask questions, and engage with Metro and DEQ officials on the next steps in the process of issuing a new Metro license and DEQ permit for the facility.
June 20, 2018 update
Green Mountain Technologies has completed its assessment of the operations of Grimm’s Fuel Company. That assessment can be downloaded from the links below. Representatives from Green Mountain Technologies, along with Metro and other governments, will discuss this assessment and its recommendations at a community conversation to be held on Thursday, July 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Sherwood Center for the Arts.
Approximately 150 people attended the first of two community conversations in Sherwood on May 7 to discuss concerns about odor, composting methods, pile sizes, traffic and other issues relating to Grimm’s Fuel Company, a compost facility located in Tualatin.
The Clean Air Safe Environment neighborhood committee opened and set the tone for the event. Representatives from Metro, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, the City of Tualatin, Washington County Health Department, and Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue were on-hand to answer questions from the audience and describe what requirements or information each public agency evaluates and considers in its distinct role.
Questions raised by audience members included concerns about:
Whether health risk assessments have been conducted
Aerobic vs. anaerobic composting methods and how often compost piles are turned
Existing height requirements of compost piles
Odors and their potential impacts on human health
Air quality and groundwater monitoring
The role of Grimm’s Fuel in the greater Portland area’s composting system
Metro will host a second community conversation at the Sherwood Center for the Arts on Thursday, July 19, at which Green Mountain Technologies, a contractor hired by Metro to evaluate the operations of Grimm’s Fuel, will report its findings and recommendations for changes to the facility’s operations. Those recommendations, and further conversations with the public about them, will inform Metro’s upcoming decisions about renewal of the Grimm’s Fuel facility license later this year and the conditions placed on Grimm’s operations.
May 4, 2018 update
On May 2, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue notified Grimm’s Fuel Company that it is in violation of Oregon Fire Code as it relates to the maximum size of compost files on its site. As a result, Grimm’s is required to reduce its pile sizes to no more than 25 feet in height by May 2019. As a condition of its license from Metro, Grimm’s Fuel Company must comply with all local codes and requirements. Metro will work closely with Grimm’s management and other government partners to ensure compliance with the fire code while minimizing off-site impacts.
April 13, 2018 update
Metro engaged a contractor, Green Mountain Technologies, to draft an assessment of the Grimm’s site that will include operational recommendations to mitigate and minimize odorous conditions. Metro anticipates receiving a first draft of the contractor’s report next month and plan to host another public event when the report is finalized in July. At that time, Metro’s contractor will present its findings and recommendations. This page will be updated as soon as the meeting time and location are set.
Metro has hired Green Mountain Technologies, a compost consulting company based out of Bainbridge Island, Washington, to make recommendations for practice improvements and malodor mitigation at Grimm’s Fuel Company located in Tualatin, Oregon.
Metro invited representatives from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, city of Tualatin, Grimm’s Fuel Company, and CASE, a community organization, to evaluate the proposals submitted in response to the Request for Proposals. Metro received three proposals, and Green Mountain Technologies was unanimously selected by the evaluation team as the company with the most relevant experience.
The Green Mountain Technologies team has already been onsite at Grimm’s Fuel Company and in the surrounding community performing an onsite operational assessment and sampling ambient air for odors. Both Metro regulatory staff and Green Mountain Technologies staff were onsite and in the neighborhoods during the recent turning of the pile which took place the week of Feb. 5th.
Metro has extended the term of Grimm’s Fuel Company’s license through the end of 2018 to allow for the facility assessment to take place. Green Mountain Technologies will develop a report for Metro by June, which will include a summary of findings, alternatives and options which contemplate instituting new or alternative compost methods with a tiered options approach with minimal, moderate, and significant investment considerations for improvements/changes that could be implemented to lessen offsite impacts.
In an effort to understand community concerns, Green Mountain Technologies will be conducting a targeted telephone survey in addition to compiling and reviewing complaints submitted to Metro, DEQ, city of Tualatin, Washington County, and Grimm’s Fuel Company for the last five years.
In mid-summer, Metro will host a public information event in Tualatin where Green Mountain Technologies will share its findings and recommendations with the community.
Metro renewed Grimm’s Fuel Company’s license to operate a compost facility for one year, Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2018. The license carries forward all of Grimm’s current license conditions and includes new provisions that requires Grimm’s to allow access to the facility and cooperate in good faith with a consultant to be hired by Metro to perform an independent assessment of Grimm’s composting operations. The consultant will be tasked with identifying best management practices and malodor mitigation recommendations to better inform potential license provisions for Grimm’s starting in 2019. Metro will soon be announcing the selection of a consultant to begin the site assessment work in early 2018.
Metro is inviting proposals to perform an assessment of composting operations and make recommendations for practice improvements and malodor mitigation at Grimm’s Fuel Company located in Tualatin, Oregon.
The purpose of the assessment is to have an independent expert evaluate the operations of the Grimm’s facility and identify opportunities for improvements. In particular, Metro is seeking expert recommendations on best management practices for odor minimization and odor control at Grimm’s. The decision to perform this assessment is based on the input that Metro received during a recent public comment period for Grimm’s license renewal. That public comment period closed on June 19, 2017.
Grimm’s current license was initially set to expire on June 30 but Metro extended the term of the license until Dec. 31, 2017, to ensure that the public has an opportunity to provide input on the proposed license renewal. Metro generally approves a license renewal unless it is determined that the renewal is not in the public interest. Metro works closely with other government agencies when determine whether to issue a license to facility – in the case of Grimm’s, Metro has coordinated closely with the city of Tualatin and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
Metro will again extend the term of Grimm’s license through the end of 2018 to allow for the facility assessment to take place. Metro will use the findings from this assessment to inform future licensing conditions for Grimm’s. Metro may attach conditions to a license that are necessary to protect the public’s health and the environment, address operational issues, and mitigate nuisance impacts on surrounding local communities.
Metro shared a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for this independent review with representatives from DEQ, the city of Tualatin, Grimm’s, and CASE, a community organization, to solicit their input prior to its release. Metro will also invite those same representatives to participate in the contractor selection process.
Metro has posted the final RFP on the Oregon Procurement Information Network, and it will be open for proposers for approximately three weeks. Bid review and scoring will likely take place in early November.
Metro issued an amended license to Grimm's Fuel Company extending the term of its exisiting license by 6 months to allow time for careful consideration of public comments.
Contact: Hila Ritter
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A Most Righteous Roast
A community oyster roast in tiny Varnamtown keeps the love of a local oyster — the Lockwood Folly — alive for another generation.
written by Ashleigh Bryant Phillips
photograph by Baxter Miller
It’s only right that Marlene Varnam makes the name tags; she knows everybody in town. The oyster roasters and the bucket boys, the cornbread and pickle girls, the greeters and all the countless cousins waiting with their oyster knives handy — everyone knows her as Ms. Marlene. At age 81, and after 62 Dixon Chapel Oyster Roasts, she knows who needs to do what and how to feed the hundreds of hungry visitors who will make their way down two-lane Varnamtown Road to line up under the live oaks for a noontime supper. Her perm is fresh for the occasion, and her long, shell-beaded necklace clanks against the table as she quickly writes names. “The roast is almost like a family reunion,” she says in between hugging arrivals. “Everyone always comes home for this.”
On sunny November mornings like this one, oyster roasts are happening all along the coast. The 63rd annual Dixon Chapel Oyster Roast in Varnamtown is the oldest public oyster roast in North Carolina. There are 12 notable ones in the eastern part of the state, each with their own storied histories and loyal visitors. Not only do the roasts bring locals back home, but out-of-towners from far and wide come for the experience, too, which is a blessing for small congregations like Dixon Chapel that rely on the roasts to fund everything from sanctuary repairs to filling up the gas tank for youth-group trips. But mostly, these roasts have become coastal community institutions, with everyone in town involved.
At Dixon Chapel, half of the oyster roasters aren’t even church members, but at this point, they all know what to do. The roasters have been trained since boyhood, earning their spots around the fire by the time they’re men. This year’s volunteers are gathered around the open barrels, building great oak-wood fires. They’ll hoist the grates — made by a first-time visitor from Clinton, who heard about the roast from a friend — and the oysters will cook on top, their brine hissing on the hot coals. That much never changes.
The daughter of a fisherman, farmer, and oyster lover called “Shucky,” Ms. Marlene has lived in Varnamtown her whole life. For the past 63 years, she’s lived across the street from the church itself. Her family, the Dixons, donated the land that the chapel was built on in the 1920s.
Ms. Marlene’s oysterman husband, Carson Varnam, was her high school sweetheart, and they were married for 53 years before he passed. She still lives in the house they built from the lumber that Hurricane Hazel “provided,” she says, using house plans she’d drawn up during a high school senior project. Her high school ring, bought with tobacco barning money, still fits, too, and shines on her finger as she writes the last of the name tags. Noon is approaching, and the line of oyster eaters, waiting with their oyster knives and gloves, has already reached the road.
This year, just like last year and every year since 1965, the oysters are provided by Carson Varnam’s Shellfish Market, which is across the road from the chapel, in Ms. Marlene’s front yard. Her grandson, 40-year-old Mikey Fulford, now runs the business. All day yesterday, Ms. Marlene watched from her window as Mikey hosed down the muddy oysters in her yard, and today, Mikey’s been driving them across the road in shifts: precious cargo, these Lockwood Folly oysters.
Carson Varnam’s Shellfish Market, located across the road from Dixon Chapel, provides oysters for the roast. photograph by Baxter Miller
The Lockwood Folly River empties at Varnamtown, creating a freshwater and saltwater mix that gives the Lockwood Folly oyster a bright, briny flavor. “People ’round here, you couldn’t give them an oyster from Louisiana or Chesapeake Bay,” Mikey says. “They’ll go toss them in the driveway because they’re not salty. Even though those oysters are much bigger and prettier — they’re beautiful oysters — people ’round here just won’t eat them.”
Operated by Mikey Fulford (right), the market carries local Lockwood Folly oysters when in season. Mikey’s dad, Michael, helps carry bags to the church. photograph by Baxter Miller
As a child, Ms. Marlene and her family gathered the oysters right out of the water and roasted them on the shore for picnics. In Varnamtown, Lockwood Folly oysters are always served the same way, with hot pepper vinegar, fried cornbread, and sweet pickles. The tradition remains unquestioned, as if it’s common sense. The flavors, like the people, bring out the best in each other. Or, as Ms. Marlene says: “People like the sweet of the pickle to go with how salty the oysters are.”
A crowd 600 strong has turned out for the roast, driving in from Virginia and South Carolina, Charlotte and Raleigh. The church’s parking lot is full, as is the cornfield next door. Yet despite the inevitable success — they’ll raise thousands of dollars — every year there’s talk of it being the last Dixon Chapel Oyster Roast. This has been the case ever since Mikey can remember, but the past few years have gotten even more difficult. With a congregation of about 60, Dixon Chapel relies on community volunteers. But the town’s population is only about 580, so recruiting enough people isn’t easy. The oysters are harder to come by, too. And the few people left in the oystering business have to travel farther to get the shellfish.
“We were just tickled to get enough this year,” Mikey says. He and a dozen other oysterers rustled up some 250 bushels. In his granddad Carson’s time, 250 bushels were easily gathered in a day. Mikey and his crew tried to collect as many as they could from Lockwood Folly, but most came from Topsail and Wrightsville Beach. They didn’t know whether they’d have enough until a couple of days before the roast. Ms. Marlene says they’d all been praying and God had “shined a light.”
Pastor Bill Negron emerges from the crowd and makes his way to the oyster eater line. He opens the roast with a prayer, and the eaters settle in under the open shelter behind the church, built for shucking. Long, wooden plank tables are spaced apart for standing room, though many bring chairs. As if in a graceful dance, the roasters pair off, lift the heavy grates filled with oysters from the fire, bring them under the shelter, and dump the steaming shellfish onto the tables. The eaters know just when to give way and just when to begin eating. No one has to yell “Look out!” or say “Excuse me.” It’s as if every move is inherited and understood.
Standing room only: Oyster lovers from as far away as California packed the tables at the 63rd annual Dixon Chapel Oyster Roast in tiny Varnamtown, population 580. photograph by Baxter Miller
Little girls in aprons bring bowls of vinegar and pickles and plates of fried cornbread to the tables. Oysters are cracked open, scraped out, and dipped in vinegar; pickles and cornbread are chasers. As shells pile up, boys arrive with buckets to collect them. A changing wind blows smoke from the fires to the tables, and then it shifts again. All of this is happening in sight of the church graveyard where Carson and the rest of Ms. Marlene’s family are buried.
Ben Lewis sits and shucks with his cousin Don Sellers, who just turned 80. They’ve been coming to the roast every year since they were teens growing up in Supply. Ben laughs that one year, they ate so many oysters they embarrassed their mothers. “They were so good, I couldn’t stop,” he says. Across the table, their pal Ron Farmer, a barber from Charlotte, is working his way through his pile of oysters just as he has for 33 years. One of Ron’s clients has flown his plane from Matthews to be here with them. “It’s not quite like a family reunion,” Don says. “But near about that.”
Ms. Marlene is still flitting about, visiting with distant cousins and old friends. Occasionally, an oyster catches her eye, and she stops long enough to crack it open. And then she’s off again. She finds the unofficial “Oyster Queen,” Sabrina Varnam, who is also kin to everyone. After growing up in Varnamtown in a family of shrimpers and oysterers, Sabrina left for college and honored her home by studying sustainable fishing practices and coastal ecosystems. A few years ago, she was asked to give a speech about oyster shell recycling to 400 people at a Carolina Recycling Association Conference. “I thought, ‘What can I do that’ll make all these people pay attention to me and remember what I say?’” she says. The answer came to her, in her own Varnamtown way: She made a tiara out of Lockwood Folly oyster shells to wear during her speech. “And gosh,” she laughs with pride, “everyone sure did listen.”
Sabrina was once one of the little girls handing out cornbread. She has a 4-year-old now, and she can’t wait for him to be big enough to eat oysters. “I want him to understand our marshes and estuaries,” she says. “I want my son to grow up and appreciate the water, family history, and culture. It’s a dying breed.”
Back at the roasting barrels, it’s the younger, quicker men who are lifting the grates and carrying oysters to the tables. The older roasters tend the fires; many of them are the last shrimpers and oysterers of Varnamtown. Roaster Kenny Hewett says that a couple of years ago, the last boatbuilder in Varnamtown retired. He pulls a card from his wallet. On it is a picture of his boat, one the builder designed: Folly Girl, gliding on the river, the water reflecting shimmers on her hull.
There’s no way to live without loss, and the folks in Varnamtown know that all too well. Mikey worries about the disappearing Lockwood Folly oyster. “It’s a shame because it’s one of the best oysters you can get anywhere,” he says. Ms. Marlene is concerned that she’ll see the last of these oyster roasts one day. “Every year, we wonder if we’re gonna be able to keep doing it because there’s getting so few of us,” she says. But not today. Today, the tables are packed, the roasting grates heavy. Today is about arrivals. And everyone is full.
This story was published on October 30, 2018
Ashleigh Bryant Phillips
Ashleigh Bryant Phillips is a writer from Woodland. Her work documents rural North Carolina.
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Home » Magazine » Books » Cover Stories » Extracts » Book Extract » 'EVMs Are Tamper, Hack-Proof': Exclusive Extracts From 'THE VERDICT' By Prannoy Roy
'EVMs Are Tamper, Hack-Proof': Exclusive Extracts From 'THE VERDICT' By Prannoy Roy
Most of the criticism of EVMs appears to stem from a knee-jerk mistrust of technology. The authors have studied and analysed EVMs across India first-hand for years, ever since they were first introduced; and feel completely confident that they are tamper- and hack-proof, and cite their reasons for it.
Prannoy Roy and Dorab Sopariwala 18 March 2019
Before D-Day
Officials readying EVMs and other material before an election in Calcutta
Photograph by Getty Images
Prannoy Roy and Dorab Sopariwala March 07, 2019 00:00 IST 'EVMs Are Tamper, Hack-Proof': Exclusive Extracts From 'THE VERDICT' By Prannoy Roy
It’s Shocking That 21 Million Women Can’t Vote: Prannoy Roy
21 Million Eligible Women Will Not Vote In 2019: Exclusive Excerpts From 'THE VERDICT' by Prannoy Roy
In India, Women Are A Distinct And Independent Vote Bank: Exclusive Extract from 'THE VERDICT' by Prannoy Roy
India’s pioneering psephologists Dr Prannoy Roy and Dorab R. Sopariwala provide some revelations in their latest book, The Verdict, and say that EVMs have put an end to booth-capturing, are hack and tamper-proof and give reasons for their belief.
Outlook brings you Exclusive Extracts:
End of Booth-Capturing
We are now firmly in the era of India’s innovative electronic voting machines (EVMs). First introduced way back in 1982 and 1983 as a test, they are now used universally in Indian elections.
India’s electronic voting machines are unique—and ideal for Indian voting conditions. First, and most important, Indian EVMs are not connected to the internet or to any wider cloud or network. They are stand-alone machines that have no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities. (This is a major difference between India’s EVMs and those voting booths in the USA that have electronic voting, where connection to the internet can leave them vulnerable to hacking). To cast a vote in an Indian EVM simply means pressing a button—there is, of course, one button against each candidate, name and party symbol—and the votes cast are stored inside each EVM. Party symbols are used rather than party names, to take account of illiteracy.
The only way to access the number of votes stored in each EVM is to break open the seal which keeps each EVM secure. The seal can only be broken by an Election Commission official in the presence of representatives of all the candidates—and with all parties looking on, hawk-eyed. If any EVM’s seal is found already broken, the Election Commission announces repolling in the relevant polling booths. In any case, it is virtually impossible to secretly break the seal of any EVM, as every move an EVM makes, from being set up in a polling station on voting day, through to being transported at the end of voting into a locked room, and then to finally being moved to the counting centre only on counting day, is watched and the process guarded by representatives of all parties.
There has been a great deal of criticism of EVMs—inevitably from the party (or parties) that has (or have) lost an election. Most of the criticism of EVMs appears to stem from a knee-jerk mistrust of technology.
Distrust of voting systems happens all over the world. In the 2016 British referendum on leaving the European Union, for instance, campaigners for ‘Leave Europe’ expected to lose in the contest by paper ballot. So in the run-up to polling day, they promoted the widespread conspiracy theory that pencils were being handed out at polling stations so that millions of votes could be erased by the government, and for that reason, they promoted the hashtag ‘#UsePens’ on social media, encouraging voters to bring their own pens to stop their vote from being erased. This was, of course, ridiculous. And when the ‘Leave’ campaign unexpectedly won, nothing more was said about ‘#UsePens’.
The authors have studied and analysed EVMs across India first-hand for years, ever since they were first introduced; and we feel completely confident that they are tamper- and hack-proof, for the following reasons:
We are convinced that since EVMs are not connected to the internet and do not have any Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capability, they cannot be ‘hacked’ in the usual technological manner associated with the term ‘hacking’. Our discussions with a large number of technical experts have only reinforced this view.
What about the possibility that every time a voter presses a button, it always registers as a vote to the Congress or the BJP, no matter who the citizen voted for? This pre-programming could theoretically be done at the manufacturing stage, especially as all manufacturers of EVMs are public sector undertakings, and many argue that they could be under the control of politicians in power.
Fortunately, there is absolutely no point in pre-programming EVMs to try and ensure that the same party always (or disproportionately) receives votes. The reason is that the sequential order of every party in every constituency depends on thealphabetical order of the candidates’ names. First, all candidates of national parties appear in alphabetical order of their names, followed by those of state parties and then unrecognised parties and Independents. So even if someone successfully tampered with machines to ensure that the party against button 2 would always benefit, there is no guarantee that the EVM-fiddling party will always be at button 2. The list of candidates fighting in each constituency is finalised only about two weeks before the elections (after the last date for the withdrawal of candidate names). By this time all the EVMs have already left the factories and cannot be tampered with. The Election Commission, in fact, takes the additional precaution of random allocation of EVMs to constituencies only a few days before the polls.
The biggest advantage of EVMs replacing ballot papers is that it has meant the end of the practice of booth-capturing that was so rampant in the old days. Booth-capturing involved a strong-arm method (used mostly by, but not confined to, the ruling party at the time) in which a gang of men from a particular party would take over a polling station, frighten away all the voters, and terrify the Election Commission officials. They would then grab all the ballot papers, stamp each with a cross for their party, stuff the locked ballot boxes, and move on to another polling station, doing the same thing. The phenomenon of booth-capturing reached a high point in which about 4-5 per cent of booths were captured by the ruling party, and a further 2-3 per cent of booths were captured by the opposition parties. The net effect of this meant an advantage to the ruling party of about 2 per cent of the total vote—though a total of 6-7 per cent of polling booths had been corrupted in this way. The biggest losers, of course, were the disenfranchised voters in these areas. We have no way of verifying or providing hard evidence for these percentages—electoral corruption is always hard to provide exact figures for, they are always ‘guesstimates’—but we base it on our questioning of politicians and observing elections over many years.
So why can’t the same thing happen with EVMs? Couldn’t gangs use strong-arm methods to capture them as well, and just keep pressing their party’s button on the machine, before going on to the next polling station? After all, surely pressing buttons is even easier than stamping ballot papers? The reason to be sceptical is that each EVM can record a button being pressed only after every twelve seconds. If buttons are pressed more often, the EVM will not register any vote. In any booth-capture situation, it would take nearly three-and-a-half hours to press the buttons 1,000 times (the typical number of votes for any EVM), and even that assumes the buttons would be pressed rapidly, every twelve seconds exactly. EVMs are simply not a feasible or efficient way of carrying out electoral fraud.
EVMs are also more environment-friendly—they have saved almost a quarter of a million trees from being cut down for the paper needed for ballots in recent Lok Sabha elections, not to mention state assembly and other elections. A rough estimate of the number of trees that have been cut down for Lok Sabha elections alone between 1952 and 1998 (when EVMs began to be widely used) totals about a million. It would have got worse because for every Lok Sabha election today, about a billion ballot papers would need to be cut, printed and kept ready.
The original EVMs did not need any paper at all. However, because of the constant clamour against EVMs, mainly by the losing parties, the Election Commission was forced to make alterations to the EVMs, despite their already being secure. The Election Commission introduced a ‘paper trail’ for every button pressed and vote cast: a ‘touch and feel’ analogue evidence of exactly the same digital event. Every EVM now has a second machine attached which is effectively a printer. Except, this printer (called by the awful name VVPAT, which stands for Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail) is sealed, and has a small window behind which a slip of paper passes for ten seconds, before it falls into a sealed container at the base of the VVPAT (printer).
The small glass window is at the front of the VVPAT, through which voters can ‘see’ the party that they have just voted for, as a confirmation that the EVM has recorded their vote correctly. The nearly billion slips of paper thus generated are seldom, if ever, looked at—only when there’s a dispute is the sealed printer opened and the slips counted.
While the VVPATs have lessened the relentless attack on EVMs, blaming them for an election loss is, unfortunately, still par for the course. As a consequence of the barrage of such attacks at press conferences and across the media, there is sadly little doubt that the voters’ trust in EVMs has suffered, for the wrong reasons.
In order to restore trust in EVMs and VVPATs, the Election Commission now insists that a random number of VVPAT slips will be physically matched with the EVMs. The Indian Statistical Institute has been asked by the Election Commission to recommend a system of random selection for this purpose.
In conclusion, we believe that EVMs have been and still are one of the finest innovations for Indian elections. In fact, perhaps democracies all across the world could learn some lessons from Indian EVMs: their remoteness from the internet to prevent tampering and their ease of use for illiterate voters are major advantages. If the USA had adopted Indian EVMs, they would have come a long way from ‘pregnant chads’ and ‘hanging chads’—and who knows, Al Gore may have been president!
Specifically, in India’s context, the end of the old scourge of booth-capturing is one of the greatest developments in the maturing of Indian democracy. Unfortunately, it cannot be attributed to an improvement in law and order, or to there being fewer strong-arm tactics used today. Instead, booth-capturing ended primarily because of EVMs. We have no hesitation in concluding that India should not only trust EVMs but should be proud of the innovation and the digital design.
Should opinion polls be trusted?
There are likely to be over 100 polls of different types and sizes in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Should their forecasts be trusted? The evidence of opinion polling in India, 833 polls over the last forty years, suggests that we should trust our polls, at least most of them. The record shows that most polls get the winner right but are often way off the mark when it comes to forecasting the exact number of seats.
In fact, with the exception of one outlier election, polls have got an impressive 97 per cent strike rate in predicting the winner for Lok Sabha elections. The one time every single poll got its forecast wrong was in the ‘India Shining’ election in 2004 when they said Atal Behari Vajpayee would be re-elected as prime minister and he lost.
Who will win the 2019 elections?
The bad news for ruling governments is that the voter is wiser and smarter. Voters throw out all non-performing governments and re-elect governments that have worked and delivered.
A corollary to the end of the pure anti-incumbency era is that in the current fifty:fifty phase of our democracy, the voter has a message for all elected governments: perform or perish.
The voters’ yardstick for ‘performance’ is whether economic growth translates into genuine development on the ground, in their lives and their constituencies.
So elections today are not won simply by flamboyance. The most successful chief ministers over the last twenty years, with high re-election rates, have been low-key, result-oriented leaders like Shivraj Chouhan, Naveen Patnaik, Raman Singh, Manik Sarkar and Sheila Dikshit. All at least three-time winners. Oratory also works as long as it is combined with development as in the case of Narendra Modi when he was chief minister of Gujarat.
Prannoy Roy and Dorab Sopariwala Elections: Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) Elections: Voting Voter Verified Paper Audit Trial (VVPAT) Election Commission Elections Lok Sabha Elections 2019 Books Cover Stories Extracts
Nutrition Warriors: Prasanth Nair's Masterstroke That Arrested Hunger In A Wayanad Tea Estate
Delhi Police Name JNUSU President, Left-Led Students' Bodies For JNU Violence
Socio-Political And Economic Impact Of 5% GDP Growth And What India Needs To Do
Hiatus In US-Iran Hostilities, But Any Miscalculation Can Be Ruinous
‘Are You From The Tukde Tukde Gang Or The Khan Market Gang?’
Satish Padmanabhan
Of Mumbai's Public Clocks And Sufi Music
Brave Of Deepika To Take A Stand When Mum Is The Word For Bollywood Stars
Giridhar Jha
Chhapaak Is My Most Difficult Film Till Date: Deepika Padukone
For People To Wield This Bound Aaron’s Rod
India’s Judiciary Is Facing An Increasing Lack Of Trust By Public
Madan B. Lokur
Outlook's Choice As Issue Of The Year: Faith—Or Its Absence
Ruben Banerjee
Naseer Ganai
J.S. Grewal
Sandeep Sahu
Ajay Sukumaran
Jailed Mehbooba Mufti May Lose Her Party To Rebel Leader Altaf Bukhari
Public Safety Act Against 26 People Revoked In Jammu and Kashmir
Pullela Gopichand And Saina Nehwal – A Saga of Love, Betrayal And Reunion
13 Killed, Several Injured In Blast At Mosque In Pakistan's Quetta
ED Attaches Chanda Kochhar's Assets Worth Rs 78-Crore
'Left Design In JNU Unmasked': Irani After Police Name Left For Campus Violence
One In Four Rape Victims A Minor; Average 89 Rapes Daily In India: NCRB
3rd T20I: IND Thrash SL By 78 Runs To Win First Series Of 2020
'MHRD's Fee-Related Decisions Being Fully Implemented: JNU VC
Cover Story: Nutrition Warriors
Outlook Explains | How Gen Soleimani's Killing Brought US To Doorstep Of War With Iran
Lawyers Welcome Supreme Court Ruling On Kashmir Internet Shutdown
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Fox News 'Confirms' Apple Tablet, iLife 2010, and Next iPhone OS
By Chris Brandrick
Fox News posted an article Monday claiming that not only will next week's now-confirmed Apple event play host to the long-rumored tablet unveiling, but it will also see the next iteration of Apple's iLife software on show. Fox's report also claims that Apple will discuss the next iPhone OS update.
The article by Fox News' Clayton Morris is boldly titled "Apple Tablet, iPhone 4 Launch Confirmed for January 27th" (never mind the fact that it's always iffy to "confirm" any new Apple product until Steve Jobs stands onstage with it), and goes on to detail a conversation Morris allegedly had with an Apple source early Monday morning.
According to his conversation with the unnamed individual, next week's San Francisco event will concentrate on three specific projects: Apple's long-rumored tablet, the next iteration of iLife, and an updated iPhone OS. However, iPhone owners have no reason to get too excited just yet, as the report specified that any discussion regarding the next iPhone will strictly be on a software-only level.
TheNextWeb pointed out that author Clayton Morris has correctly broken Apple related stories in the past, with him knowing of the now-confirmed Apple event before anyone else.
However, despite Morris' clearly assured sources, Apple's cryptic wording on the event's invitation may suggest he isn't right this time. Apple's invitation welcomed the press to come and see the company's "latest creation." If you take note of the plural, could Apple be hosting an event dedicated entirely to the device which has been so extensivly desired, or will it show more than just the expected?
Also, in the past Apple has been relatively open with its iPhone OS update announcements, and those events have come later in the year.
Apple's "Latest Creation" event takes place at 10 a.m. Pacific Time on January 27 at San Francisco's Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater.
What would you like to see in the next iPhone OS, and what are your hoping for in a new version of iLife? Let us know in the comments!
[Via Fox News]
Follow GeekTech and Chris Brandrick on Twitter.
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Clippers are a work in progress as they…
Clippers are a work in progress as they approach halfway point
Kawhi Leonard says the team, at 27-13, simply needs to "keep fighting, keep being confident, keep wanting to win."
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, shooting between Toronto Raptors Pascal Siakam and Marc Gasol in November, says the Clippers have to “keep fighting” through the season’s ups and downs. Last season through 40 games, his championship-bound Raptors were 28-12. This season, his Clippers are 27-13. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
By Mirjam Swanson | mswanson@scng.com | Southern California News Group
The Clippers reach the halfway point of the regular season on Tuesday, and they’ll tell you, they’re a work in progress.
Their record has been spotty since they finished their six-game December trip by blowing an early lead in a loss in Chicago.
Counting that setback, they’re 7-6 in their past 13 games. And with Sunday’s 114-104 loss in Denver, they’ve slipped to 27-13 for the season.
Some perspective for the panicked: Last season through 40 games, the NBA-champion-to-be Toronto Raptors were 28-12 and the Golden State Warriors – en route to earning the top seed in the Western Conference – were 26-14.
“We just got to keep playing,” said Kawhi Leonard – who, you might recall, was a key member of that Toronto team – on Sunday to reporters in Denver.
“Keep fighting, keep being confident, keep wanting to win. That’s it. Don’t get down.”
He’s just saying: There’s a lot of season left, and plenty of grinding to do.
Nevertheless, there’s not much room for error. Not in the congested Western Conference, where the 13th-place team started Monday just 2½ games from being the eighth seed, and the Clippers are tied with Houston in fourth place, a half-game from two more teams tied for second (Utah and Denver).
After 40 games last season, the championship-tested Warriors were second in the standings – as were the Raptors, who wouldn’t face the postseason gauntlet in the Eastern Conference that teams in the West did.
Presently, the new-look, injured-addled Clippers admittedly still are trying to get in sync (as evidenced by their 14.9 turnovers per game, 21st most in the NBA).
“I think we’re on the same page, we’re just not doing it well,” Coach Doc Rivers said in Denver. “None of us in there are panicking or anything like that; it’s a long season and we’ll be ready.”
The silver-ish lining: Going forward, the Clippers have one of the easiest remaining schedules, according to Tankathon.com. Their 42 remaining games are against opponents that, as of Monday morning, had a .482 winning percentage – 25th worst in the NBA.
And Tuesday, they’ll host the Cleveland Cavaliers (who are 12-27 entering their game against the Lakers on Monday), before facing the Orlando Magic (18-21) who will be on the tail end of their tough Staples Center back-to-back on Thursday.
Of course, nothing in the NBA is promised (see: Memphis 140, Clippers 114 on Jan. 4).
Nuggets coach Mike Malone said he discussed being victimized by upset with Rivers before tipoff Sunday. Entering the game, Denver (27-12) had dropped two of its past four games – to Cleveland and to Washington (13-26).
Kawhi Leonard, Landry Shamet help Clippers hold off Mavericks
Kawhi Leonard is Western Conference Player of the Week for 1st time as a Clipper
Kawhi Leonard pouring it on in Clippers’ recent surge
Kawhi Leonard, Lou Williams lead Clippers past Pelicans
Heisler: Steph Curry changed the way the game’s played, LeBron James changed the system
“Doc Rivers was joking with me before the game saying, ‘We have the same problems as you guys. We beat the best teams in the league, and teams that may not have the greatest record give us a hard time,’” Malone said.
More perspective: The Raptors finished the season 36-4 against teams .500 or worse and the Warriors went 34-7 in those games.
Thus far this season, the Clippers are 17-5 against losing teams.
They’re working on it: “It’s not going to be perfect overnight,” guard Landry Shamet said. “We just have to keep trusting it, keep working with each other, working hard.”
See current NBA standings
"That's what we are… We're a work in progress. We just got to keep getting better"
Coach Doc Rivers comments on tonight's victory over Golden State.#ClipperNation • @LAClippers pic.twitter.com/QKkPtxOz5p
— FOX Sports San Diego (@FOXSportsSD) January 11, 2020
Mirjam Swanson
Mirjam Swanson covers the Clippers, the NBA and the LA Sparks for the Southern California News Group. Previously, she wrote about LeBron James and the rest of the Dream Team at the 2004 Olympics (where, yes, they took bronze), Tiger Woods winning the U.S. Open on one leg, and had a tour reporting on city government, education and the occasional bear in a backyard.
Follow Mirjam Swanson @mirjamswanson
More in Clippers
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The Secret World of Farm Animals
Imprint: Vintage
Jeffrey Masson
‘An unbelievably inspiring book’ Peter Wohlleben, author of The Hidden Life of Trees
Did you know that pigs frequently throw tantrums?
That chickens are capable of complex communication?
That sheep know their own names?
That cows grieve when their calves are taken away from them?
Jeffrey Masson delves deep into the mysterious world of farm animals and reveals just how sophisticated these creatures truly are - capable of joy, sadness, love and friendship - just like us.
"An unbelievably inspiring book"
Peter Wohlleben, author of The Hidden Life of Trees
"Compassionate, compelling and often tear-jerking... Anyone who has a heart will be reduced to tears, if not to vegetarianism, by Masson's argument"
"An entertaining survey of the main characteristics of farmed animals and a sobering account of how these have been ignored"
"Presents information and anecdotes without ever preaching"
Independent on Sunday
"In this latest leg of Jeffrey Moussaieff's journey through the animal kingdoms, this perceptive writer peels back our prejudices to reveal the depth of feeling and thought in animals' minds and the leap we must make to be worthy of understanding them. Eye-opening, warm, thoroughly engaging"
Ingrid Newkirk, President of PETA
The Pig Who Sang To The Moon
Emperor's Embrace
Dogs Never Lie About Love
When Elephants Weep
Susan McCarthy
Jeffrey Masson graduated from the Toronto Psychoanalytic Institute and was briefly Projects Director of the Sigmund Freud Archives. The book he wrote with Susan McCarthy on animal emotions, When Elephants Weep (1994), became a bestseller in the United States. Since then he has published nine books on animals and their emotions, including Dogs Never Lie About Love, The Nine Emotional Lives of Cats and most recently, The Dog Who Couldn't Stop Loving. He lives with his family in Auckland, New Zealand.
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Secret Service Dogs
The Heroes Who Protect the President of the United States
By Maria Goodavage
Foreword by Clint Hill
Read by Nicole Vilencia
Category: Pets | 21st Century U.S. History
Category: Pets | 21st Century U.S. History | Audiobooks
Oct 31, 2017 | ISBN 9781101984758
Oct 25, 2016 | 585 Minutes
About Secret Service Dogs
In an age fraught with terrorism, United States Secret Service canine teams risk their lives to safeguard the president, vice president, their families, visiting heads of state, and a host of others. Unprecedented access to these heroic dog teams has allowed a fascinating first-time-ever look at a very special breed of heroes.
Wherever the president goes, there will be dogs. They’ll be there no matter what the country or state. They’ll be there regardless of the political climate, the danger level, the weather, or the hour.
“If you let down your guard on the job,” says Special Agent Bill G., canine program manager, “it can change the history of the world.” It’s a burden Secret Service dog handlers take extremely seriously, regardless of their specialty. Tactical dog handlers on the White House lawn, handlers whose dogs sniff for explosives around the world, and those who walk their amiable floppy-eared dogs up and down Pennsylvania Avenue all live one common mantra: Not on my watch. Or my dog’s.
Secret Service Dogs immerses readers into the heart of this elite world of canine teams who protect first families, popes, and presidential candidates: the selection of dogs and handlers, their year-round training, their missions around the world, and, most important, the bond—the glue that holds the teams together and can mean the difference between finding bombs and terrorists or letting them slip by.
“These animals will gladly run into a hail of gunfire,” says “Stew,” a Secret Service ERT tactical canine unit supervisor. “All they ask in return is for their handlers to throw the ball with them, pet them, and talk to them in an embarrassingly high voice.”
Secret Service Dogs celebrates the Secret Service’s most unforgettable canine heroes. It is a must-read for fans of Maria Goodavage, anyone who wants a rare inside view of the United States Secret Service, or just loves dogs.
“If you let down your guard on the job,” says Special Agent Bill G., canine program manager, “it can change the history of the world.” It’s a burden Secret Service dog handlers take extremely seriously regardless of their specialty. Tactical dog handlers on the White House lawn, handlers whose dogs sniff for explosives around the world, and those who walk their amiable floppy-eared dogs up and down Pennsylvania Avenue all live one common mantra: Not on my watch. Or my dog’s.
“These animals will gladly run into a hail of gunfire,” says ‘”Stew,” a Secret Service ERT tactical canine unit supervisor. “All they ask in return is for their handlers to throw the ball with them, pet them, and talk to them in an embarrassingly high voice.”
Listen to a sample from Secret Service Dogs
Also by Maria Goodavage
See all books by Maria Goodavage
About Maria Goodavage
Maria Goodavage is a veteran journalist and the New York Times bestselling author of Secret Service Dogs, Top Dog, and Soldier Dogs. She lives in San Francisco with her family and yellow Lab, Gus Kilroy.
Published by Dutton
Oct 31, 2017 | 320 Pages | 5-5/16 x 8 | ISBN 9781101984758
Oct 25, 2016 | 320 Pages | ISBN 9781101984741
Published by Penguin Audio
Oct 25, 2016 | 585 Minutes | ISBN 9781524702601
Also in Pets
Dog Training for Kids
Vanessa Estrada Marin
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The Ultimate Guide to Raising a Puppy
Pete Paxton and Gene Stone
Land of the Rising Cat
Manami Okazaki
Kindness for All Creatures
Sarah C. Beasley
Tiny But Mighty
“A pawesome book on the lives of Secret Service dogs.”
“Secret Service Dogs offers an inside look at these animals; how they’re selected, trained, and save the president from bad guys. . . . A collection of funny, dramatic, and heartfelt anecdotes.”
—MensJournal.com
“Even non-dog lovers will be fascinated by Maria Goodavage’s in-depth examination of the highly trained canines and their equally impressive human handlers in Secret Service Dogs.”
“A wonderful account and history of these unsung heroes at work every day to make the world safer. . . . An important addition to the works that shows how dogs really are man’s best friend.”
“Goodavage compels readers with stories of the bonds between Secret Service dogs and their handlers. A must-read for the dog lover.”
“The latest treat for dog lovers by Goodavage.”
“Packed with colorful vignettes, this rich tapestry serves up a combination of history, cases, and appetizing personal recollections of handlers with their special working partners.”
“A fascinating read. . . . A celebration of how training, heart, friendship, and duty can bring out the best in all of us. And it just goes to show you . . . everything’s better when dogs are involved.”
“Secret Service Dogs tells the incredible story of the fearless animals who put their lives on the line every day to protect the First Family and the men and women of the Secret Service who love them. It is a heartwarming and compelling read that offers an inside look at the incredible bond between these dogs and their handlers—a uniquely American story of bravery, loyalty, and love.”
—Kate Andersen Brower, #1 New York Times bestselling author of First Women and The Residence
“It has been said that the best nonfiction books are those that reveal a hidden world to the reader: a place they wouldn’t otherwise be able to experience. Maria Goodavage’s Secret Service Dogs is that kind of book—a well-researched and compelling read not only for dog lovers, but anyone interested in seeing high-level White House security operations from an insider’s perspective.”
—Gerald Petievich, former US Secret Service special agent, author of To Live and Die in LA, The Sentinel, and other Secret Service novels
“As a guide dog user and survivor of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001, I appreciate and understand the value of the teamwork and trust that bind a canine unit such as those portrayed in Secret Service Dogs. This book is a must-read not only for anyone who wishes to better understand dogs, but also because it is just a really good story. Maria Goodavage captured me right from page one. As Larry King said about my own book, Thunder Dog, ‘This is a page-turner.’ After reading Secret Service Dogs you will have a new and stronger appreciation for how to build a relationship with your own animal colleagues and friends. Enjoy. The read is well worth your time.”
—Michael Hingson, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Thunder Dog
“Maria Goodavage takes us into a world that few know about and shows us just how special these dogs are. Although their work is serious, none of it could happen without the special relationships between the dogs and their handlers that come shining through.”
—Gregory Berns, author of How Dogs Love Us
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FTC poised to consider regulation of non-competes By Jared Klaus Federal regulation of employee non-compete agreements will be the focus of a workshop hosted by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020, in Washington, DC. First announced by the FTC on Dec. 5, 2019, the purpose of the workshop is “to examine whether there is a sufficient legal basis and empirical economic support to promulgate a Commission Rule that would restrict the use of non-compete clauses in employer-employee employment contracts.” The FTC has now released the agenda... More
Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act creates federal “Ban the Box” law for federal contractors By Brian Hall Effective Dec. 20, 2021, the federal Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act will prohibit federal contractors from inquiring-either directly or through a background screening process-into an applicant’s criminal background until after the contractor extends a conditional job offer to the applicant. The law will only impact those applicants seeking employment in positions related to “work under” the federal contract. Furthermore, the law will not prohibit pre-offer criminal background inquiries related to contracts where criminal background checks are otherwise... More
DOL issues final rule clarifying the regular rate of pay By Jourdan Day The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is making significant changes to the regulations covering the regular rate of pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for the first time in more than 50 years. The FLSA entitles most covered, nonexempt employees to receive overtime pay of at least one and one-half times the employee’s regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Definition of “Regular Rate” Under the FLSA, “regular rate” includes all remuneration... More
A holly jolly holiday party: Keeping this year’s gathering fun and safe for all By Adam Bennett To borrow a line from a well-known Andy Williams song, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” The months of November through January are known for office holiday parties. All of this fun brings an increased risk of liability for employers, and for that reason it is important to be proactive and create a plan to avoid risks so that your company is not left dealing with any headaches in the New Year. Decking the halls: Employment law... More
H-1B registration for 2021 cap season dates announced By Catherine Kang On Dec. 6, 2019, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the initial registration period for the H-1B cap season 2021 will begin on March 1, 2020 and end on March 20, 2020. Once selections have been announced, those selected will have 90 days to submit the petitions. H-1B electronic registration requirement On Jan. 31, 2019, USCIS issued the final rules requiring employers to electronically register each intending beneficiary to enter the random selection process for H-1B cap cases.... More
Multi-state employers: Be prepared for January 1 minimum wage increases By Jourdan Day While many employers are gearing up for the holidays, many employees across the U.S. will see an increase in minimum wage. On Jan. 1, 2020, the minimum wage will increase in numerous states and cities throughout the country that have adopted their own minimum wage laws, which provide for a higher rate than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. In areas where minimum wage laws overlap, employees are entitled to receive the highest applicable rate. The following... More
Employers should review their parental leave policies in wake of parental leave class action settlement By Avi Allen With multiple avenues for expanding a family and a plethora of different family models, employers would be wise to re-consider their parental leave policies to suit the needs of the modern family. In May, a large multi-national corporation settled a class action lawsuit regarding its parental leave policy for $5 million. As written, the employer’s policy gave its employees who were primary care-givers 16 weeks of paid leave, and gave its employees who were non-primary care-givers only 2 weeks... More
NLRB invites businesses to provide feedback on when an employee’s offensive comments should lose the protection of federal labor law By Arslan Sheikh The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or Board) invited interested parties to submit feedback about when an employee’s offensive or inappropriate workplace comments should lose the protection of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). Specifically, the NLRB is inviting employers and other parties to submit briefing about whether it should reconsider its standards for determining whether Section 7 of the NLRA protects employees who make “profane outbursts and offensive statements of a racial or sexual nature…during the course... More
Sixth Circuit: Employer can’t enforce shorter contractual statute of limitations period to bar Title VII action By Brian Hall A federal lawsuit alleging discrimination under Title VII must be filed within ninety days after the EEOC has completed its handling of the related discrimination charge and issued its Notice of Right To Sue. Some employers attempt to shorten the time for filing discrimination charges by getting employee or applicants to sign agreements to that effect. On Sept. 25, 2019, in Logan v. MGM Grand Detroit Casino, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that efforts to shorten... More
DOL increases salary threshold for white collar exemptions to $35,568 By Jourdan Day After more than 15 years, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is updating the overtime regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The FLSA entitles most employees to minimum wage and overtime pay for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. However, employees who meet the salary threshold and the relevant duties test qualify for the executive, administrative, professional exemption (white collar exemption), and are not entitled to overtime pay. On Sept.24, 2019, the DOL issued... More
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Showing 16 - 30 of 127 articles tagged "Survivor"
Posted Saturday 12/14/19 at 1:25AM EST
TV networks are scrambling to respond to claims of on-set misconduct in the #MeToo era
"Not so long ago, a star fired from a TV show would disappear quietly, without complaining about — or contesting...
Survivor's inappropriate touching controversy showed that Jeff Probst cares more about the story than about contestants
"The way Probst has repeatedly framed what happened this season illustrates his priority: story first, with real people whose real...
Posted Thursday 12/12/19 at 4:14PM EST
Survivor may be permanently broken following Dan Spilo's inappropriate touching scandal
Survivor as a game and show looks broken following Spilo's ejection on last night's episode, says Daniel Fienberg.
Posted Thursday 12/12/19 at 3:50AM EST
Survivor makes Dan Spilo the first-ever ejected contestant after he allegedly touched a crew member
Wednesday's Survivor: Island of the Idols episode ended with a title card saying, "Dan was removed from the game after...
Posted Tuesday 11/26/19 at 1:24PM EST
Former Survivor contestant Silas Gaither arrested for alleged rape
Gaither, 41, who competed on Season 3 Survivor: Africa in 2001, was taken into custody on Monday in Tennessee in...
Posted Tuesday 11/26/19 at 3:25AM EST
Ex-CBS reality executive behind Survivor and The Amazing Race sues over alleged race and age discrimination
Ghen Maynard, who developed reality shows for CBS including Survivor, Big Brother and The Amazing Race, was brought back as...
Posted Friday 11/22/19 at 3:19AM EST
Survivor glossing over its sexual harassment controversy isn’t just astonishing, it’s downright insulting
Watching this week's episode, "you’d never know that the show’s currently muscling its way through one of the biggest, ugliest...
Jeff Probst says Survivor is "trying to learn" from last week's sexual misconduct controversy
"It’s an unprecedented and unfortunate situation that is still very raw for a lot of the players and fans," Probst...
Posted Wednesday 11/20/19 at 1:02PM EST
Survivor's Jamal Shipman on the inappropriate touching controversy: "The consequences for a player asking for production to get involved are monumental"
"This was such a messy, messy situation.
Survivor's Kellee Kim: I wasn't given a head's up on producers' inappropriate touching warning
Kim told EW via email she first learned that fellow contestant Dan Spilo was given an official warning for repeatedly...
Survivor protected the game rather than its players in handling its "#MeToo moment"
"Over the past three weeks, Survivor’s 39th season has leaned into its place in contemporary discourses surrounding race and gender,...
Posted Friday 11/15/19 at 10:08AM EST
Two more Survivor contestants apologize amid sexual harassment fallout
Elizabeth Beisel and Missy Byrd tweeted written apologies for using Dan Spilo’s inappropriate touching and encroaching of Kellee Kim's personal...
This week's Survivor was a microcosm of the real world -- in the most negative sense possible
"This season, there’s been open-minded discussions about culture, race, and gender," says Jodi Walker.
Survivor should've responded to the inappropriate touching controversy by removing Dan Spilo from the game
Survivor cameras showed Dan Spilo repeatedly touching women's bodies, which led to him getting an official warning after contestant Kellee...
Survivor wades into #MeToo, breaking the fourth wall as a contestant and Hollywood talent manager is warned for inappropriate touching
Survivor's official Twitter account announced it wouldn't live-tweet Wednesday's episode because it tackled a "serious topic.
last updated about 1 hour ago
Drew Barrymore calls her daytime talk show "Optimism TV"
Walmart is sold out of the SpongeBob shirt Larry Walker was wearing when he learned he made the Baseball Hall of Fame
Disney+ unveils the trailer for the final season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars
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1MATCH URL: https://assets.rappler.com/612F469A6EA84F6BAE882D2B94A4B421/img/1A631EA1E10C44CAA6AEBD20FED58567/afp-sergei-lavrov-000_11g9ai-20180228.jpg
Russia to expel 60 US diplomats, close a US consulate
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announces the expulsions on Thursday, March 29
Published 9:35 AM, March 30, 2018
Updated 9:35 AM, March 30, 2018
SERGEI LAVROV. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (R), flanked by newly-appointed Russian ambassador Gennady Gatilov, addresses the UN disarmament conference on February 28, 2018 in Geneva. Photo by Fabrice Coffrini/AFP
MOSCOW, Russia – Russia on Thursday, March 29, announced a mass expulsion of US diplomats and the closure of the US consulate in Saint Petersburg in retaliation to coordinated moves by Western countries to isolate Moscow in the wake of the poisoning of a former double agent in Britain.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow would expel 60 US diplomats and close Washington's consulate in Saint Petersburg in a tit-for-tat response to the expulsion of its envoys across three continents.
In Washington, the State Department said there was no justification for the Russian move and that the United States "reserves the right to respond."
"It's clear from the list provided to us that the Russian Federation is not interested in a dialogue on issues that matter to our two countries," spokeswoman Heather Nauert said of the expelled diplomats.
"I want to remind you that there is no justification for the Russian response. Our actions were motivated purely by the attack on the United Kingdom, the attack on a British citizen and his daughter.
"Remember, this is the first time that a weapons-grade nerve agent, Novichok, has been used outside of war on allied soil."
White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Russia's expulsion of US diplomats marks a "further deterioration" in relations between the two countries, but like Nauert defended similar moves by Washington and its allies.
"Russia's response was not unanticipated, and the United States will deal with it," she said.
Lavrov said the US Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman had been informed of "retaliatory measures", which include "the expulsion of the equivalent number of diplomats and our decision to withdraw permission for the functioning of the US consulate general in Saint Petersburg."
Over 150 Russians expelled
Earlier, Washington had ordered 60 Russia diplomats to leave the country and shut down the Russian consulate general in Seattle.
In all, more than 150 Russian diplomats have been ordered out of the US, EU members, NATO countries and other nations in coordinated action against Moscow which they accuse of poisoning ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in a nerve agent attack in the English city of Salisbury on March 4.
On Thursday, the hospital where the two are being treated said that Yulia, 33, was "improving rapidly and is no longer in a critical condition", while 66-year-old Sergei remained in a critical but stable condition.
Britain has said it is "highly likely" that Russia was responsible for the attack using a nerve agent developed in the Soviet Union, but Russia has angrily denied any involvement.
The Russian foreign ministry said that 58 diplomats from the US embassy in Moscow and two from the consulate in the city of Yekaterinburg have to leave Russia by next Thursday.
And the US consulate general in Saint Petersburg will have to be vacated by Saturday.
Moscow warned that Huntsman's suggestion -- made on Russian RBK television -- that the US could also freeze Russian state assets would lead to "further serious deterioration in our relations."
And it warned that it could take further measures in response if Washington "continued hostile actions" against the Russian embassy and consulates.
"We have suggested that the US authorities, which have encouraged and inflated a campaign of slander against our country, should come to their senses and cease thoughtless actions that destroy bilateral relations," the ministry said.
'Pressure from US and Britain'
Lavrov said Russia was also mulling tit-for-tat responses to the other countries that have expelled its diplomats.
"As for the other countries, it's also all symmetrical measures as to the number of people who will be leaving Russia from diplomatic missions, and that's all so far," Lavrov said.
Indeed, the measures might "not only" be symmetrical, he said.
Lavrov said Russia was reacting to "absolutely unacceptable actions that are taken against us under very harsh pressure from the United States and Britain under the pretext of the so-called Skripal case."
He accused London of "forcing everyone to follow an anti-Russian course."
Lavrov said Britain had informed Moscow of the state of health of Yulia Skripal on Thursday and that Russia had asked again for access to her as a citizen.
He said Moscow wanted to "establish the truth" over the poisoning and accused Britain of "making mockery of international law."
Russia had asked for a meeting with the executive council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons on Tuesday to ask questions to "establish the truth", he said.
"We are counting on our Western partners not evading an honest conversation," Lavrov said.
After the poisoning, Britain reacted by announcing it would expel 23 Russian diplomats, suspend high-level diplomatic contact with Moscow and not send royals to the 2018 football World Cup hosted by Russia.
Russia then responded by closing a British consulate in Saint Petersburg and closing the British Council educational and cultural organisation. – Rappler.com
Filed under:Britain•Russia•Russian Federation•Sarah Sanders•US diplomats•United Kingdom•Washington•spy poisoning•Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
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Carte De La Terre Sainte Divisee Dans Toutes Ses...
Henri Chatelain
Carte De La Terre Sainte Divisee Dans Toutes Ses Parties Selon Le Nombre Des Tribus D'Israel . . .
Amsterdam / 1719
Detailed map of the Holy Land, from Chatelain's Monumental Atlas Historique et Methodique.
The map extends from Gaza to Sidon and identifies the 12 Tribes and many other historical features.
Laor, E. 213.
Henri Chatelain Biography
Henri Abraham Chatelain (1684-1743) was a Huguenot pastor of Parisian origins. Chatelain proved a successful businessman, creating lucrative networks in London, The Hague, and then Amsterdam. He is most well known for the Atlas Historique, published in seven volumes between 1705 and 1720. This encyclopedic work was devoted to the history and genealogy of the continents, discussing such topics as geography, cosmography, topography, heraldry, and ethnography. Published thanks to a partnership between Henri, his father, Zacharie, and his younger brother, also Zacharie, the text was contributed to by Nicolas Gueudeville, a French geographer. The maps were by Henri, largely after the work of Guillaume Delisle, and they offered the general reader a window into the emerging world of the eighteenth century.
Antique Maps / Middle East & Holy Land / Holy Land
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FROM THE AGE OF MIRACLES by David ChorltonPosted by Timothy Green
Review by John Freeman
FROM THE AGE OF MIRACLES
by David Chorlton
Slipstream Publications
Niagara Falls NY 14301
2009, 31pp., $!0.00.
www.slipstreampress.org
Around fifteen or so years ago I initiated a correspondence with David Chorlton because I admired one of his books of poetry. The correspondence was brief, and over the years I lost track of his poetic career though I found individual poems of his in some of the magazines in which I published. Thus, when I found his recent book, From the Age of Miracles, on the Rattle review list, I jumped at the opportunity.
The thematic burden of this book is the struggle to reconcile any type of metaphysical tradition (which is for most of us the soil in which our psyches are rooted) with the rationalism and materialism engendered by the inexorable advance of science and technology. The title contains a double entendre—“from” can mean either a glimpse within or a leaving behind. The poems waver between the emotional nostalgia of the first meaning and the intellectual recognition of the second.
It is understandable that a sensitive man would feel dismay when confronted with the cold, unforgiving and unsentimental factuality of the scientific materialism that has replaced his sense of awe before the unknown and the security of faith.
Chorlton’s poems abound with such nostalgia. The opening stanza of the first poem states the conflict starkly:
Whenever you are reading this
as the ones who tried to live backwards
and teach creation
while scientists built a tunnel in which
to look back at the beginning of time.
(“Postcards from the Age of Miracles”)
Chorlton, though acknowledging the presence and power of science, clings to the hope that “truth” and “meaning” can still exist beyond the scope of science. In “Letter to Cezanne” he confesses:
Why doesn’t science impress me? Did you ever wonder
how Mont Saint Victoire became the shape it did?
When you stood in the lavender scented light
with the warmth nibbling at your skin
and a beam of concentration linking you
to the peak, wasn’t it a shade of blue that mattered
or am I missing something? I care more for the shadow
slipping over the rock’s shoulder like a cloak
than I do for a theory of how it came to be.
However, the ecological and political ravages that result from scientific materialism have to be faced:
Rash assault you called it,
and called on us to share the passion of a just disdain.
I’m writing now to share some,
to tell you how the ice is warming and the handshakes
of men securing deals
for oil are colder than ever; how hunters
call it sport when they’re the only
side that can win; how advertising tells us
how much more we need and the space to grow it
diminishes as we watch; how forests
are chewed up by machines; how rivers
are stolen from their beds; how yellow monsters without hearts
plough the desert open
until nothing remains of it but the howl and the coo
when foxes and doves nest
in our memories….
(“Letter to Wordsworth”)
In fact, the reigning spirit of the age infects every important aspect of our lives, as in “Letter to Ryokan”, where “politics” can be substituted for “science”:
The issue for me
is that I want to be free of politics…
have become so loud, even the ones I agree with,
and every argument leaves me more like my adversary
than like myself…
The “alienated artist” motif has been a venerable tradition in our literature since the Romantic Revolution. But it has rarely sounded as harsh and hopeless as today. Chorlton opens “Letter to Isabelle Eberhardt” with:
Dear Isabelle, I’m writing as one who can’t find his way
to a culture he’d want to check into
as he would an old hotel…
and in “Letter to John Clare”, he laments:
Some of us resist. Not belonging
is a way of life for us, and talking back
gets us into trouble. They haven’t caught me yet
and I’m free to walk the streets…
Though his outlook is bleak, Chorlton is not completely bereft of hope. As he explains in the concluding stanza of “Postcards from the Age of Miracles”:
Talking about the virgin birth
or resurrection keeps
a sense of wonder in our lives
even though we can’t explain
how they were possible. Neither
do we understand digital technology,
although we came to love it once
we were told it’s only ones and zeros.
These poems are, however, far more pessimistic than optimistic, or even accepting of the situation. I do have one negative comment to make about an otherwise excellent book. Others may disagree, but I believe that contemporary poetry has passed the saturation point with such themes as lamenting the destruction of the natural world by human development and technology. I don’t know that any fresh ideas or viewpoints on the subject are possible at this point. It’s like listening to the same sermon every Sunday. It may be an excellent sermon, and one we need to hear, but eventually it becomes cloying.
Don’t get me wrong—I lament the ongoing environmental degradation as much as anyone. I spent my childhood on a farm in rural Mississippi, and after moving to the city was an avid Boy Scout. My psyche was immersed in, and nourished and partially formed by, my relationship with nature.
But too often poets have dwelt on this theme, as well as other “gloom and doom” topics, to the exclusion of the positive events and feelings that make a life livable. Such poetry is all about what’s wrong with the world, with little attention given to what’s right about it. I find it hard to believe that any poet has no positive experiences about which to write, though many refuse to do so for what I consider spurious political reasons.
From the Age of Miracles is short—only thirty-one pages. Perhaps, since the book is thematic, there was simply not enough room to include poems that would have given the book more balance. And perhaps my criticism is too idiosyncratic, since it does go against the grain of the prevailing politically-driven theories of what poetry should be and do. At any rate, because the poet’s vision is encompassing and complex, and the poems are well-crafted, this is a book worth reading.
John Freeman is a retired teacher living in Harvey, Louisiana. His poetry has appeared in many magazines, including Rattle. He is author of three books of poetry.
“Internet Word of the Day:…
“The Transparencies” by Glenn J. Freeman
“Farrier” by Cal Freeman
“The Box” by David Blaine
“We Don’t Talk About That” by Lex…
“Why I Am Not a Taxidermist” by Lauren Schmidt
© 2020 Rattle Foundation
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Obama Job Approval
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Columnists & Blogs
2012 Campaign Very Different Than Kerry vs. Bush
By Michael Barone - July 30, 2012
Does the 2012 campaign look a lot like the 2004 campaign? Many Democrats think so.
And there are some resemblances. As in 2004, current polling suggests a close race and shows only about a dozen states in contention.
As in 2004, the incumbent has been running negative ads against the challenger, hoping to disqualify him as Bill Clinton disqualified Bob Dole in 1996. Many Democrats think that Barack Obama's attacks on Mitt Romney's business career will have the same effect that they think the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth ads had on John Kerry in 2004.
But, as William Galston of the Brookings Institution, an alumnus of the Clinton White House, writes in The New Republic, "the evidence in favor of all these propositions is remarkably thin."
Galston points out that in 2004 no single issue was as prominent as the economy is this year and that on most significant issues George W. Bush had a clear edge by the end of the campaign. He cites polling evidence that the Swift Boat ads hurt Kerry less than did Bush ads replaying his March statement that "I did actually vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it."
Also, he points out that many more voters this year think the nation is seriously off on the wrong track and that the economy is in trouble. Obama's job rating now is weaker than Bush's was then.
Galston, as usual, is on target. His analysis tracks with the statement of Democratic pollster Peter Hart (for whom I worked from 1974 to 1981) that Obama's chances are "no better than 50 percent."
But there are at least two other salient differences between 2004 and 2012.
One is that the 2004 election occurred during a period of unusual stability in American voting behavior.
In the preceding four congressional elections, Republicans won between 48 and 51 percent of the popular vote for the House and Democrats won between 46 and 49 percent. In 2004 the parties' percentages in both the presidential and congressional popular vote were within the same narrow ranges.
Since then, voting behavior has been much more volatile. In the last three congressional elections, Republicans' share of the House popular vote has ranged from 43 to 52 percent and Democrats' share from 45 to 54 percent.
In 2004, only three states cast their electoral votes for a different party than in 2000, and the margins were narrow in all cases.
In other words, almost all voters in 2004 were firmly committed to one party or the other. Bush political supremo Karl Rove was right in saying there were few uncommitted voters and that his campaign's big task was to turn out the faithful. The Kerry campaign operated on the same assumption.
But in recent years, lots of American voters, at least by historical standards, have flipped from one party to the other, and in both directions.
The conventional wisdom is that we know with certainty the identity of the dozen or so battleground states. But the list has changed since 2008.
In 2008, Obama carried Indiana and lost Missouri by only 3,903 votes. Today, Indiana and Missouri aren't on anyone's target list.
In contrast, most analysts' battleground list this year includes Michigan and Wisconsin, which Obama carried in 2008 with 57 and 56 percent of the vote.
There's another difference between 2004 and 2012 that is salient. In 2004, George W. Bush's Republican base was pretty much united on issues. Foreign policy realists and neocons were all on board.
Cultural conservatives supported the Bush tax cuts. Few economic conservatives had much problem with Bush's stands on abortion or embryonic stem cell research.
Barack Obama's Democratic base is more heterogeneous. He probably increased turnout among young voters by endorsing same-sex marriage. But he risked turning off the many black voters who are solidly opposed.
Blocking the Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada pleased gentry liberals who embrace every green cause. But private-sector labor unions don't like it a bit.
Bashing Romney's record at Bain and Co. may be helping him with some modest-income voters. But it risks antagonizing the affluent, which is a problem for a candidate who last time ran even, 49 to 49 percent, among those with incomes over $100,000.
Every campaign cycle is different, and 2012 is more different from 2004 than many Democrats think.
Michael Barone is Senior Political Analyst for the Washington Examiner, co-author of The Almanac of American Politics and a contributor to Fox News.
Copyright 2012, Creators Syndicate Inc.
Related Topics: George W. Bush, Barack Obama, William Galston, Bill Clinton, Bob Dole, USD, Brookings Institution, White House, The New Republic
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Obama Nominees Face Lame Duck Obstacles in Senate
Alan Fram · November 10, 2014
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Peek inside the Office of the Vice-Principal
Deanna Bennett, Executive Director, Office of the Vice-Principal
We expect some people aren’t familiar with exactly what the staff of the VP’s Office does. There’s a good chance, however, that our work touches many parts of your job.
We support the Vice-Principal’s overall leadership by enhancing Karen’s impact, effectiveness, and productivity related to the day-to-day operations and long-term planning for the entire Office of Advancement. In other words, we do things like:
• Manage the strategic planning process
• Manage all things related to operating finances and budgets, such as forecasting, budgeting, cost analysis, reviewing operational performance to ensure compliance, integrity, data quality, etc.
• Oversee human resources programming such as recruitment, on-boarding, development, retention, equity and diversity
• Provide executive support to the VP by managing meetings and agendas, support and spearhead setting objectives annually, track performance for the Advancement Strategic Plan, and manage the content and logistics of staff meetings
• Lead the co-ordination of Advancement’s governance reports to the Board of Trustees and other bodies
• Space planning and facilities management across Advancement
VP's Office: Meet the whole team.
Workspace Planning
We want to create a plan to improve our workspaces over the next one to three years. The plan will take into account who sits where, layout, paint, carpet, and more.
Please take a few minutes to complete our workspace analysis questionnaire. The information provided will be important input for our plan.
We are also looking for a representative from each unit to be part of our Workspace Planning Team. If you are interested, please indicate this in Part 5 of the questionnaire.
Complete the questionnaire
Advancement Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Working Group
For many years Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) has been a strategic priority for Advancement.
We have done some foundational work like achieving 100% completion of Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act training, focusing on accessibility in our digital communications, and other forms of awareness raising and training. We have also introduced programmatic initiatives like employment equity, observing faith-based days, the workplace safety initiative, and use of land acknowledgments.
For 2019-20, we want to review our efforts and address gaps and opportunities. The working group will also look at developing a comprehensive strategy and framework with measurable and achievable goals, with the hopes that one day EDI is integrated and sustainable – ingrained into the fabric of Advancement.
If you are interested in this area of work and would like to put your name forward for consideration, please send an email to Kate Bearse at kate.bearse@queensu.ca by June 21.
Choose the next EAB presentation
Help decide the topic of the next EAB on-campus presentation. It’s so hard to choose!
With our EAB membership we receive one on-campus presentation per year. Our 2018 presentation, New Frontiers in Pipeline Development, held earlier this year, was a great success and we would like to schedule our next one for September 2019. It’s up to you which one we choose:
1. Digital Strategy - Preparing for Advancement’s Digital Future
Lessons from the Leading Edge of Marketing and Engagement:
Four solutions to shifts in constituent engagement and communication expectations
Techniques to digitize engagement and optimize asks for attention
2. Alumni Engagement - The New Rules of Engagement
Building the Next Generation of Alumni Leaders and Volunteers:
How to adapt volunteer roles to meet today’s alumni needs
Mid-career alumni engagement trends and tactics
Strategies for making it easy to say yes, meeting alumni where they are, brokering smart matches, and embracing the “me factor”
Volunteer Relations & Reunions Team: Jessica Koehn, Ben Seewald, Kathryn Vilela, Carey Morrison and Rebecca Dann (QSAA President)
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Stay, Play, Explore
Dylan Dyke, a 12-year-old boy with autism, spends time with his ducks, Nibbles, left, and Bill, outside his home in Michigan on Aug. 2, 2018. (Cory Morse/The Grand Rapids Press via AP)
Infants should be tested for autism if older siblings are diagnosed, Canadian study suggests
Blood test for infants with sibling who’s been diagnosed would get information to families earlier
Canadian researchers have led a study suggesting infants be tested for autism spectrum disorder before symptoms appear if an older sibling has already been diagnosed with the neurobiological condition.
The odds of a younger sibling having autism are up to 20 per cent, but most children miss out on early intervention for challenges in behaviour and communication because they’re often not diagnosed until age four, previous studies have shown.
Research by Dr. Stephen Scherer, senior scientist and director of the Centre for Applied Genomics at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, and Dr. Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Alberta, found a standard blood test analyzing the DNA of infants with a sibling who’s been diagnosed with autism would provide earlier information for families.
The findings were published Thursday in the journal Nature Communications.
They involve 288 infant siblings from Canada and the United States showing that by age three, 157 of the children were either diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or developing atypically. Of the 157 children, seven per cent were carrying a gene that put them at a very high risk of developing autism.
RELATED: New study suggests autism overdiagnosed, Canadian expert says
Of the seven per cent of kids, 50 per cent were diagnosed with autism by age three and an additional 35 per cent had other developmental challenges.
Scherer said families of autistic children are often concerned about whether a sibling could also be at risk.
“It’s the number one question families have and no one’s ever wrapped any statistics around that and that’s what we present for the first time, with this paper,” he said.
Further genetic testing looking at the entire genome, beyond a blood test called microarray analysis, is being conducted with all the families in the study in hopes it will provide more information about the risk of autism, Scherer said.
The participants were part of the Baby Siblings Research Consortium, which includes independent research groups in Canada, the United States and Europe, though this study included 10 sites in North America, four of them in Canada, Zwaigenbaum said of the testing that is part of an ongoing decade-long research project looking at behavioural predictors of autism.
“Based on the findings of the study, we’re suggesting that the test be focused on younger siblings,” he said. “It could be informative at a time where we’re not likely to see any behavioural signs. So it provides an option for presymptomatic testing to identify infants at highest risk.”
READ MORE: Autism support dog refused bus access for being a ‘pet’
Families who are informed about a younger child’s risk of autism could initiate strategies to help them develop early communication skills before assessment of behaviour by a specialist and intervention by a therapist as part of a cost-effective approach to care, Zwaigenbaum said.
“I think we may be moving to an exciting new time where both biomarkers and developmental surveillance can provide complementary information to help us identify infants at risk.”
Camille Bains, The Canadian Press
Democrats take major step in drafting articles of impeachment on Trump
More than 200 patients died waiting for organ transplants in 2018: report
No injuries in early-morning shooting at Quesnel home
Quesnel RCMP believe the Jan. 22 shooting on River Park Road was a targeted incident
Quesnel boxer wins professional debut
Shawn Archer defeated Jonathan Sanchez by KO in the third round of a fight in Mexico City on Jan. 18
Quesnel Film Club’s next screening is award-winning Antigone
The Québécois film will be shown Thursday, Jan. 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the Carib Theatre
PHOTOS: Roos go 1-1 over the weekend
Roos dominated the River Kings 8-3 on Saturday and lost a 4-3 heartbreaker to the Rampage on Sunday
UNBC professor receives funding to research oilspill response
The $1.9 million in funding was provided by Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Explore Quesnel Cariboo Observer
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Book Name Commentator Author Phrase
HOLY QUR’AN AND TAFSIR
QUR'ANIC COMMENTARY PDFS
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25 INTRODUCTORY BOOKS
500 ESSENTIAL BOOKS
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Because the religious sciences produced by Islamic Civilization are so vast, we have categorized them by main subject to make access easier: e.g., Qur’an (for listening); tafsir; hadith, usul, seerah, ‘aqidah, fiqh; ihsan, falsafa, and so on. We have chosen a list of 25 books for the essential texts of all disciplines which all Muslims should know. Beyond that, however, we have made a special section for the 500 most influential books on Sunni Thought (according to the Royal Aal al-Bayt Institution’s seminal survey). Most people—even many scholars—will not read much more than 500 books (especially as these are long books) in their lifetimes so this should suffice as a roadmap for most people to read throughout their lives. Then we have made special sections for three pivotal Shafi’i scholars (in association with the Professorial chairs on Razi and Ghazali linked to this website): Ghazali, Razi and Suyuti. Studying the entire thought of one major comprehensive thinker can be far more conducive to real comprehension and to absorbing an Islamic world-view than cherry-picking from many scholars, especially with polymaths like Ghazali, Razi and Suyuti.
Moreover, Ghazali represents a high point in Islamic usul (particularly in his Mustasfa), a high point in ihsan and ‘aqida (in his magnum opus, Ihya ‘Ulum al-Din) and a high point in both logic and philosophy in his books on those subjects. Razi represents the high point of Tafsir and Kalam in his Mafatih al-Ghayb. Suyuti represents a high point of Tafsir ma’thur (transmitted tafsir) in his Tafsir Al-Jalalayn, Al-Durr al-Manthur and his Itqan fi ‘Ulum Al-Qur’an, a comprehensive survey of hadith in his collections of hadith, and authoritative exposition of Shafi’i fiqh. Between these three luminary scholars there are few intellectual issues that have not been clarified (notwithstanding modern questions of fiqh thrown up by modern science and technology). Moreover, many of their works have now been translated into English. So we hope, by having special sections for these three thinkers in particular, to give a thorough overview of traditional Orthodox Islamic thought in general, in sha Allah.
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INVISIBLES TP #1
INVISIBLES TP
(W) Grant Morrison (A) Steve Yeowell & Various (CA) Brian Bolland These stories from THE INVISIBLES #1-12 and ABSOLUTE VERTIGO #1 introduce the latest recruit into the covert action team known as the Invisibles: a teenage lout from the streets of London. Can Dane survive a mind-altering training course administered by King Mob?
by Morrison, Jimenez, & Stokes Collecting 'Black Science' from The Invisibles Volume 2 #1-4. King Mob, Ragged Robin, Lord Fanny, Jack Frost, and Boy - an unconventional group of occultist subversives - travel stateside in a thoroughly avant-garde, James Bondesque adventure. Ultradimensional dwarves, lust, guns and the changing of the guard, secret underground military bases, fr...
by Grant Morrison & Various A thought-provoking trade paperback reprinting The Invisibles Volume 2 #5-13, as well as 'And We're All Police Men,' the Invisibles story from Vertigo: Winter's Edge. Featuring a new, painted cover by Brian Bolland, this collection includes the groundbreaking stories 'Time Machine Go,' 'Sensitive Criminals' and 'Countdown to None.' Cover by Brian Bol...
by Grant Morrison; art by Weston, Stokes, Kryssing, Reis, & Pennington; painted cover by Brian Bolland The aftermath of the Invisibles' encounter with the Hand of Glory; the impact of Quimper's mind control over reluctant team leader Ragged Robin; and the return of the god/UFO from New Mexico are just some of the stylishly mind-bending tales collected in The Invisibles: Kissing...
Written by Grant Morrison; ART by Jill Thompson, Chris Weston, John Ridgway, Steve Parkhouse, Paul Johnson, and various; COVER by Brian Bolland Reoffered to coincide with the release of THE INVISIBLES: ENTROPY IN THE U.K. TP, this trade reprints issues #9-16 of the first volume of THE INVISIBLES - focusing on the mysterious origin of Lord Fanny, the transvestite shaman. ...
For countless millennia the world has been subjected to an all-encompassing apocalyptic conspiracy. Through clandestine movements, a sinister secret organization has been creating a hypnotic state of conformity and control through their manipulation of the government, business, and entertainment industry. But from the shadows, a subversive group of anarchists called the Invisib...
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Kevin Goodan, Matthea Harvey, Alexandra Fuller, and many more...
The Fuel-Type of Poetry: An Interview with Kevin Goodan
Interviewed by Kimberly Burwick
The best place to get Kevin Goodan to discuss his poetry is where he’s most comfortable—at home, in nature.
Writing to Unite People: An Interview with Adalet Ağaoğlu
Interviewed and translated by Figen Bingül
Ağaoğlu talks about everything from the Turkish avant-garde to the political problems facing her country.
Mahmoud Darwish, Exile's Poet: Critical Essays
& The Butterfly's Burden
Reviewed by Robert Milo Baldwin
Best known as the poet of Palestinian resistance, Mahmoud Darwish has a poetic range far wider than his politics. A book of collected essays explores this exiled poet’s work and life, while a new collection of Darwish’s poetry again shows his incredible resilience and attentiveness to the wonders of life.
Erotic Comics: Three Books
Reviewed by Paul Buhle
Three coffee-table books explore the erotic in comic book form.
Chapbook Corner: Keeping Creeley's Company
Essay by Noah Eli Gordon
In this special online installment of our Chapbook Corner, Noah Eli Gordon discusses design, community, and collaboration through the lens of three recent chapbook releases.
From the Backlist: Writings for the Oulipo
Reviewed by Geoffrey Cruickshank-Hagenbuckle
Elected to the Oulipo in 1998, Monk is a master of the constricted form as well as an excellent translator of surrealist and Oulipo texts.
REVIEWS: POETRY
Lewis Warsh
Geoffrey Young
& glad stone children
Edmund Berrigan
Despite their differences in age, lineage, and poetic temperament, these three poets, and especially these three new collections of their poetry, have much in common, and provide an exemplary overview of what’s happening at the cutting edge of avant-garde contemporary American poetry. Reviewed by Mark Terrill
Matthea Harvey
Harvey’s surprising, intelligent, and mysterious poetry spurns the personal and turns often to the pun, to the non sequitur, and to mathematical double-meanings. Reviewed by Wendy Vardaman
Dismal Rock
Davis McCombs
A sandstone formation in Edmonson County, Kentucky serves as the geographical and poetic locus of this impressive, regionally-inspired collection. Reviewed by Kyle Churney
Kino: The Poetry of Nikola Vaptsarov
Nikola Vaptsarov
Vaptsarov, a Bulgarian poet executed by his country’s fascist government at age thirty-two, strives to balance the personal and the public in his poetry. Reviewed by George Kalamaras
Winners Have Yet to Be Announced: A Song for Donny Hathaway
Ed Pavlic
Written as a response to the music of singer/songwriter Donny Hathaway, Pavlic’s third volume sketches Hathaway’s life while situating the musician and his work within the Black music continuum. Reviewed by Michael A. Antonucci
The Age of Huts (Compleat)
Some of Silliman’s most innovative early writings are once again in print, offering a clearer picture of his ongoing life poem, Ketjak. Reviewed by David Huntsperger
G.E. Patterson
In his newest collection, Patterson takes on the sonnet form, showing that even in its argumentative structure, there is much that cannot be resolved. Reviewed by E. K. Mortenson
The Man Who Turned Into Himself
David Ambrose
& The Dream of the Stone
Christina Askounas
Each originally published fifteen years ago, these riveting stories of alternate and alien worlds are well worth their restoration to print. Reviewed by Kelly Everding
Dorothea Dieckmann
Guantanamo chronicles the transformation of Rashid, a German who, while vacationing in South Asia, is arrested and shipped to America’s most famous detention facility. Reviewed by Spencer Dew
Johnny One-Eye: A Tale of the American Revolution
Jerome Charyn
This picaresque story follows the eponymous hero from his humble beginnings, born in a brothel in Manhattan, to his brush with greatness. Reviewed by T. K. Dalton
Hoffman’s Hunger
Leon de Winter
Protagonist Felix Hoffman thinks about global unrest as he deals with his own myriad physical ailments, all while gorging himself on food and drink. Reviewed by Kevin Carollo.
Hotel Crystal
Olivier Rolin
Rolin provides a brief glimpse into the life of an unreliable narrator living an unreliable life of the imagination from hotel room to hotel room. Reviewed by Levi Teal
In Milton Lumky Territory
Before Dick became a successful science fiction writer, he wrote realistic fiction in which characters struggle for the American Dream. Reviewed by Ryder W. Miller
Gentleman Jigger: A Novel of the Harlem Renaissance
Richard Bruce Nugent
Written in the 1930s, this nervy novel speaks out on racism against darker-skinned blacks within the African American community and more. Reviewed by Douglas Messerli
REVIEWS: NONFICTION
The Legend of Colton H. Bryant
Fuller turns her keen eye to greed and black gold with the heartbreaking story of a young man who grew up, lived, and suddenly died on the oil patch in western Wyoming. Reviewed by Kevin Carollo
The Wounded Researcher: Research with Soul in Mind
Robert D. Romanyshyn
Anyone who reads more than a few pages of this book is by default someone interested in doing “re-search,” as Romanyshyn describes “the unfinished business in the soul of the work, the unsaid weight of history in the work that waits to be said.” Reviewed by Joel Weishaus
Wallace Stegner and the American West
Philip L. Fradkin
An award-winning California journalist takes on the large subject of the iconic Stegner, who grew up on the frontier in the early parts of the century and became one of the first teachers of creative writing in America. Reviewed by Ryder W. Miller
Sacred Sea: A Journey to Lake Baikal
“Yikes!” is evidently an insufficient response to discovering that the deepest lake in the world, known also to be the purest, is undergoing alarming biochemical shifts in response to human activities. Reviewed by Eliza Murphy
American Drama in the Age of Film
Zander Brietzke
Brietzke comprehensively and concretely parses out the idiomatic values of drama and film to show the former’s continued relevance in modern culture, while honoring the latter. Reviewed by Justin Maxwell
Miami and the Siege of Chicago: An Informal History of the Republican and Democratic Conventions of 1968
In this fortieth anniversary reissue, we see a writer at the peak of his literary and journalistic talents, putting himself in direct relationship to the events of the day. Reviewed by C. Natale Peditto
Big Enough to Be Inconsistent: Abraham Lincoln Confronts Slavery and Race
George Fredrickson
Fredrickson, a pioneer of the comparative method of historical study, adeptly balances Lincoln as saintly anti-slavery advocate and racist. Reviewed by Spencer Dew
Ravens in the Storm: A Personal History of the 1960s Anti-War Movement
Carl Oglesby
As a participating and presiding member, Oglesby relates the highs, the lows, and eventual destruction of the radicalized Students for a Democratic Society. Reviewed by Robert Zaller
The Argument: Bloggers and the Battle to Remake Democratic Politics
Matt Bai
What new argument about government will drive American politics? This book chronicles Bai’s attempt to understand the new progressives and the ideas that motivate them. Reviewed by Bob Hussey
Philosophers Without Gods: Meditations on Atheism and the Secular Life
Edited by Louise Antony
Antony brings together a collection of essays by people struggling to understand their place in the world without the crutch of religion, with mixed results. Reviewed by Simon Waxman
The Animal Dialogues: Uncommon Encounters in the Wild
Craig Childs
Childs essays depict encounters with animals in the wild in likely and unlikely places, celebrating the resilience of life. Reviewed by by Bob Hussey
The Life of the Skies: Birding at the End of Nature
Jonathan Rosen
A rich and expansive meditation on birdwatching goes beyond binoculars to explore the philosophical and near-religious exhilaration of communing with the birds. Reviewed by Spencer Dew
REVIEWS: PHOTOGRAPHY
Suburban World: The Norling Photos
Brad Zellar
& Worlds Away: New Suburban Landscapes
Edited by Andrew Blauvelt
Two new art books find beauty in the bland and the mundane of American culture. Reviewed by Deborah Karasov
REVIEWS: GRAPHIC NOVELS
A People’s History of American Empire
Howard Zinn, Mike Konopacki, and Paul Buhle
This graphic novel of Howard Zinn’s seminal A People’s History of the United States updates the information found in the original and features the historian as a narrator and witness to the atrocities committed in the name of American power. Reviewed by Christopher Luna
Doom Patrol: Volumes 1-6
Grant Morrison, Richard Case, et al
Morrison is one of the most innovative writers of comics, and his idea-crammed virtues and vices can be seen in this superhero pastiche he wrote from 1989 through 1992. Reviewed by Ken Chen
This entry was posted in past editions on July 1, 2008 by admin.
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Pension Tips
Pension Schemes Bill - what it means for you
By Ollie Bryden | 06/11/2019
People should have a clearer idea of their future at retirement under plans announced in this year’s Queen’s Speech.
The speech confirmed the Pension Schemes Bill, which will provide a legislative framework for the pensions dashboard, a tool which will enable individuals to see all their retirement savings and investments in one place. It will also include new rules for so-called ‘collective’ pensions, moves to combat scams, and an extension of powers for the Pensions Regulator.
Measures to prevent pension scams
The Pension Scheme Bill will tighten up rules on pension transfers to protect savers from being lured into handing over their money to fraudsters.
According to the Pensions Regulator, there were around 100,000 transfers out of defined benefit pension schemes in 2017-18, with concerns that this large volume of transfer means savers could be at risk of being scammed.
With defined benefit pensions, the amount you’ll receive at retirement depends on how long you’ve belonged to the scheme and your salary. The amount you’ll get is guaranteed and will increase each year so that it keeps pace with rising living cost, which makes these types of pensions very valuable.
The Queen’s speech promised "regulations to set out circumstances under which a pension scheme member will have the right to transfer their pension savings to another scheme."
At Profile Pensions, we don’t offer advice on defined benefit/final salary schemes. They’re complicated pensions which come with a guaranteed pension income, which is widely considered as a really valuable benefit.
The pensions dashboard
Under the Pension Schemes Bill, it will be compulsory for pension providers to open up their data so it can be included on pensions dashboards.
The aim of pensions dashboards is to enable consumers to see their pension arrangements online in one place, making it easier for them to manage their retirement savings.
In the meantime, however, the onus is on each of us to keep track of all our pension pots ourselves.
Tracking down a lost pension could give your retirement income a real boost, so it’s worth searching through your paperwork to see if you’re missing any pensions.
If you need help tracking down any pensions you’ve lost track of, or advice on whether or not to consolidate your plans, call Profile Pensions on 01772 804 404 or contact us.
Collective pensions
The Queen’s speech also included plans for Dutch-style pensions, known as collective defined contribution (CDC) schemes.
These pool together contributions from employers and members, with members then receiving a specified retirement income when they stop work. The aim is that they provide a single package which enables people to save and also provides them with an income in retirement.
The UK’s first CDC scheme will be established though the Pensions Scheme Bill via the Royal Mail.
More powers for Pensions Regulator
New laws will provide greater powers for The Pensions Regulator to take tough action on employers who recklessly risk their employees’ pensions.
These include more serious penalties for employers who manage their pension schemes irresponsibly, with the most serious offences carrying a seven-year prison sentence and a fine of up to £1m.
Charles Counsell, chief executive of The Pensions Regulator, said: “Fines and criminal sanctions, combined with improved avoidance powers, have the potential to act as a strong deterrent in respect of behaviour that represents a risk to savers.
“We welcome this in line with our commitment to taking criminal action to protect savers - we are being bolder in using more of our powers. The Pensions Regulator now has an established team who have successfully brought 23 criminal prosecutions over the past two and a half years.”
Should I consolidate my pensions?
Many of us will work for several different employers over our lifetime, and so may end up contributing to lots of...
Which pension changes are happening in 2019?
This year will see several changes to pensions, including an increase in the amount you must contribute to your...
Pension Scams - How to protect yourself and your money
You may have noticed recently that there’s been a lot of press coverage around pension scams. Profile Pensions is...
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proLékaře.cz / Odborné časopisy / PLOS Medicine / 2009 - 12
Sexual Inequality in Tuberculosis
Download PDF České info
article has not abstract
Published in the journal: . PLoS Med 6(12): e32767. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1000199
Category: Research in Translation
doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1000199
Summary Points
In most countries, tuberculosis (TB) notification is twice as high in men as in women.
Although there is clear evidence that socioeconomic and cultural factors leading to barriers in accessing health care may cause undernotification in women, particularly in developing countries, biological mechanisms may actually account for a significant part of this difference between male and female susceptibility to TB.
The role of biological gender has been determined in a number of infectious and noninfectious diseases. However, there is an absence of information on the role of biological gender in TB.
Thus, investigations should be conducted to clearly understand the role of sexual hormones, sex-related genetic background and genetic regulations, and metabolism, among other factors, in susceptibility differences between men and women.
This research may help not only to fully understand the obviously biased gender distribution among TB cases, but also to better adapt future intervention strategies at the community level. In this review, we expand on the various issues relating to TB notification and gender bias.
The Sex Bias in TB Cases May Be of Biological Significance
Tuberculosis (TB) claims over 1.7 million lives throughout the world each year according to the most recent World Health Organization (WHO) report [1]. Men seem to be more affected than women, with a male/female ratio of 1.9±0.6 for the worldwide case notification rate (Box 1; Figure 1) [1]. In some countries this ratio may reach values as high as 3 (4.7 in Armenia for instance), but ratios below 1 are extremely rare and mostly correspond to very small populations of patients [1]. This excess of male pulmonary TB cases is seen in all regions of the world, and in almost all countries (Figure 2A), at least in non–HIV-infected patients. It is also seen in adults of all ages, but does not seem to apply to children and young adolescents (Figure 2B).
Box 1. Six Key Papers on Sex Bias in TB
Grossman CJ [13]. A thorough and early review on the links between the endocrine and the immune systems
Naugler WE, Sakurai T, Kim S, Maeda S, Kim K, et al. [49]. An in-depth investigation of the molecular mechanisms through which estrogen inhibits IL-6 production and protects females from hepatocarcinoma. May inspire similar research in the TB field
Yamamoto Y, Tomioka H, Sato K, Saito H, Yamada Y, et al. [23]. The first animal model-based report on differential susceptibility of males and females to a mycobacterial infection
Hamid Salim MA, Declercq E, Van Deun A, Saki KAR [11]. One of the best examples of a population-wide prevalence survey concluding that there is a male/female bias in susceptibility to TB
Borgdorff MW, Nagelkerke NJD, Dye C, Nunn P [10]. A meta-analysis of nearly 30 reports on notifications and prevalence data concluding that male/female ratio in TB is not due to differential access to health care in most cases
Fortin A, Abel L, Casanova JL, Gros P [30]. A thorough review on current knowledge and future perspectives in genetics of mycobacterial infections
Fig. 1. Sex distribution for new smear-positive TB case notification in 2007 in various countries <em class="ref">[1]</em>.
Fig. 2. Regional (A) and age (B) distribution of the male/female ratio for new smear-positive TB cases in 2007.
(A) Dot-plot in which each dot corresponds to a country. EUR, Europe; SEAR, Southeast Asia; WPR, Western Pacific; AMR, the Americas; AFR, Africa. The bar indicates the mean. (B) Box plot showing the 25th and 75th percentiles, together with the median, with whiskers showing the minimum and maximum male/female ratio for new smear-positive TB cases in 2007 in the Americas. Crosses indicate means. Data were compared with the male/female ratio expected under the hypothesis of neutrality (1, red line) and were analyzed with Mann-Whitney tests (***, p<0.0001) [1]. NS, not significant.
As case notification is a complicated process, beginning with the recognition of initial symptoms and followed by clinical diagnosis and reporting, this indicator necessarily combines various factors, including, for example, differences in both susceptibility and exposure, help-seeking behavior, and access to health care services. Several reviews have discussed the possibility of undernotification of women due to greater difficulties in gaining access to clinics and in obtaining a timely diagnosis and treatment, particularly in developing countries [2]. Other confounding factors, such as smoking, alcohol and drug use, exposure to indoor dusts and air pollution, as well as the poor quality of sputum samples collected from women in some regions, may influence the sex bias observed in patients with TB [3]–[8].
The case notification rate therefore may not reveal the many facets of inequality between male and female patients with TB. However, the poorer access of female patients to health care does not account for the higher incidence of detection on the basis of positive smears in a number of situations, including low-income countries [9]. A recent multicentre case-control study conducted in three West African countries concluded that male sex is indeed a risk factor for TB, independent of other factors examined; in this case multivariate analysis of environmental and host-related factors found a male/female ratio of 2.03 among patients with TB (versus 1.12 in the contact population, p = 0.02) [5].
Unlike studies based on case notification, large, systematic prevalence surveys can provide us with information about genuine biological differences in susceptibility to TB between men and women, if indeed there are any. A prime example is provided by a large prevalence survey conducted in Bangladesh, in which more than 260,000 individuals (51% males) were visited in a house-to-house survey designed to detect cases of suspected TB, for possible subsequent confirmation by smear observation [10]. An excess of cases in males, with a sex ratio of 3∶1 (48 males and 16 females with confirmed TB), was observed, even if confounding factors, such as income, awareness, and stigma were taken into account [11].
Leaving aside sociocultural biases, biological factors leading to differences in resistance to infection/disease between men and women may account, at least in part, for the worldwide excess of male pulmonary TB cases detected by case notification and epidemiological surveys. Surprisingly, this topic has been largely ignored in scientific and medical investigations, despite the importance of dissecting the biological processes underlying the observed differences between the sexes to our understanding of the mechanisms involved in host susceptibility to TB in the general population.
The human population as a whole is actually highly resistant to TB, with “only” 5% to 10% of exposed individuals going on to develop the disease during their lifetime [12]. Many factors, including the virulence of the infecting strain, and the nutritional status, hygiene, age, ethnic and genetic background, immunosuppression status, and, possibly, sex of the infected host, may account for the greater susceptibility of individuals developing the disease than of the remaining healthy population. However, several other, more specific biological sex-related factors may render men even more susceptible to pulmonary TB than women: sex steroid hormones, the genetic makeup of the sex chromosomes, and sex-specific metabolic features. These factors are, of course, interconnected in real life, but for practical reasons we will review them independently.
Sex Steroids and the Antimycobacterial Immune Response
The effects of sex steroid hormones on the immune response to infection and other noninfectious immune disorders, and, more generally, the interplay between the endocrine and the immune systems, are widely documented in humans and animal models [13]–[16]. Simple experiments in castrated and hormone-reconstituted animals can reveal the influence of sex hormones on immune functions. For example, it has been reported that androgen deprivation due to the castration of male mice leads to an increase in the absolute number of T lymphocytes in the peripheral lymph nodes and an increase in the proliferation of these cells following antigen recognition [17].
Other examples are provided by reports showing that estradiol enhances macrophage activation [18], and that invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells from female mice produce more interferon-gamma (IFNγ) than do the cells from male mice in response to in vivo challenge with the iNKT cell ligand α-GalCer [19]. Female castration or genetic ablation of the estradiol receptor impairs IFNγ production by these cells, the normal phenotype being restored by estradiol injection. These results illustrate the general, but probably simplistic perception of estradiol as an immunity-sustaining or immunity-enhancing mediator, and of testosterone as a mediator inhibiting the immune response [20].
Surprisingly, very few studies have considered the role of sex steroids in host protection and susceptibility to TB in humans or animals. The male gender bias in TB detection rate may involve sex hormones as it becomes apparent after sexual maturity (Figure 2B). This suggests that sexual hormones may play a part in protection/susceptibility to TB. The possible role of sex steroids in TB is also strengthened by the fact that the progression-to-disease and mortality rates are higher in females during their reproductive years, after which such rates turn again to be higher in men (reviewed in [2],[21]).
Early reports for other mycobacterial infections shed some light on this issue. Female mice are more resistant to infection with bacteria of two species related to Mycobacterium tuberculosis: M. intracellulare and M. marinum [22],[23]. The treatment of females or castrated males with testosterone increases their susceptibility to M. marinum, and it has been suggested that the higher susceptibility of males to both these infections may be due to differences between the sexes in terms of innate resistance mechanisms mediated by host phagocytes. The role of estradiol in mycobacterial infections has also been investigated in other experimental settings. Estradiol treatment abolishes the greater susceptibility of ovariectomized mice to M. avium, with estradiol again appearing to act in synergy with IFNγ to impair mycobacterial growth [24].
Similar results have been obtained for other intracellular pathogens, such as Coxiella [25], and the parasite Leishmania. As for TB, the incidence of visceral leishmaniasis seems to be higher in males, and there is experimental evidence to suggest that the protective Th1 response associated with IFNγ production is stronger in females, at least partly because of the action of estrogens [26]. This potential role of estrogens is not surprising, as estrogen has been shown to increase the activity of the IFNγ gene promoter [27]. Levels of steroid hormones vary not only between the sexes, but also with age and physiological state (e.g., menstrual cycles and gestation). The influence of these variations of sex hormone levels on resistance or susceptibility to TB remains to be investigated.
Is TB Associated with a Sex-Specific Genetic Architecture?
It is now widely accepted that host genetic factors play a major role in determining differential susceptibility to infection and disease outcome in humans [28],[29]. Most studies in the context of TB have investigated the role of specific candidate genes, chosen on the basis of the effects of their murine orthologs on the response to experimental mycobacterial infections or the known biology of the disease. Despite the fact that the quality of these studies varies greatly, genetic variation in an increasing number of genes (e.g., NRAMP1, HLA class II, VDR, MAL/TIRAP, DC-SIGN, MCP-1, TLR8) has been found to be associated with complex susceptibility to pulmonary TB (reviewed in [29],[30]).
Unlike candidate-gene studies, in which the choice of the genes to be tested may be arbitrary, genome-wide linkage analyses are more systematic and suitable for the identification of loci with a substantial effect on disease phenotype (i.e., major susceptibility loci). A few genome-wide linkage analyses have been performed to date, and the results are not always consistent among studies. Early studies provided evidence for linkage on Chromosomes 15q and Xq in African families [31], and 11q and 20p in Brazilian families [32]. However, these studies did not provide evidence for the existence of a major susceptibility locus. The first major locus identified by genome-wide linkage analyses was recently mapped to 8q12-q13, which houses at least one major gene that confers predisposition to pulmonary TB in adults with a dominant mode of inheritance [33]. The precise genes and variants within this region actually involved in susceptibility to TB remain to be identified.
Some of the reported associations remain to be confirmed, but we now need to consider how host genetic variation at these loci (or other loci yet to be identified) results in sex-specific differences in TB incidence. Intuitively, it would seem reasonable to assume that the sex chromosomes make some contribution. The first genome-wide linkage analysis of TB identified a region on Xq for which there was suggestive, but not significant, evidence for linkage to TB [31]. However, this finding has not been replicated by any other genome-wide linkage study, and no association between any gene located on Xq and complex susceptibility to TB has yet been reported.
A recent association study screening variation at 18 genes involved in the Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathway identified four polymorphisms in the TLR8 gene, which is located on chromosome X (Xp22), which seemed to be associated with complex susceptibility to pulmonary TB in an Indonesian cohort [34]. All four of these polymorphisms are in perfect linkage disequilibrium, and one (rs3764880) is a missense variant (Val1Met) that could indeed be the functional polymorphism associated with the disease. When performing the tests separately for men and women, the authors observed a strong association between the rs3764880 allele A (Met) and susceptibility to TB that was restricted to men.
This association was subsequently replicated in a large, independent cohort from Russia, suggesting that there may be a genuine effect. The frequency of the “susceptibility” allele (rs3764880 allele A) is very different in the Indonesian (∼30%) and Russian (∼80%) populations. This observation suggests that the relative effect of this allele on susceptibility to TB may differ in the two populations, owing to differences in TB exposure, the virulence of the bacteria, and differences in the genetic make-up of the two human populations, for example. The association observed between X-linked variation at the TLR8 gene locus and complex susceptibility to TB is consistent with sex-specific effects on the genetic architecture of TB [34].
Indirect evidence for a possible role of the X chromosome in susceptibility to TB has also been provided by studies of Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial diseases (MSMD). Causal mutations in an X-linked gene (NEMO) and in two candidate regions on Xp11.4–Xp21.2 and Xq25–Xq26.3 have been identified in patients suffering from MSMD, some of whom also have presented TB [35],[36]. These studies suggest that variation in the X chromosome may be involved in the genetic predisposition to TB, from both Mendelian and complex genetic perspectives [30].
However, much remains to be done. A better appreciation of the extent to which sex-specific genetic effects lead to differences in the prevalence of TB between men and women requires further large-scale genetic studies, involving large cohorts of clinically well-defined TB cases and appropriate controls, stratified by sex. In particular, sex-specific genetic effects may not be restricted to the obvious case of sex chromosomes. Autosomal DNA sequences do not differ between men and women, but differences in gene regulation between the sexes have been documented (reviewed in [37]). Thus, studies on sex-specific differences in gene regulation in the context of TB should help to delineate the basis of the phenotypic sexual dimorphism observed for susceptibility to this major disease.
Sex, Nutrition, and TB
Sex-specific features of nutrition and metabolism may also be associated with susceptibility or resistance to M. tuberculosis. Iron, for instance, is a crucial component of several enzymes and redox systems in mycobacteria, as in all living organisms. The extrusion of iron from the microbial vacuole has long been recognized as an innate immune system mechanism, conserved throughout evolution, for host phagocyte control of various intracellular pathogens, including mycobacteria [38]. Iron deficiency is common in women from developing and industrialized countries [39]. It remains unclear whether anemia is correlated with greater resistance to TB in humans. However, experimental evidence from animals suggests that iron overload increases permissiveness to M. tuberculosis considerably, both in vivo [40] and in vitro [41].
Major differences have also been found between the sexes in terms of fat metabolism. These differences may influence susceptibility to infectious disease, and to TB in particular [42]. Other nutrients and cofactors, such as vitamin D [43],[44], play an important role in antimycobacterial immunity, and their possible role in sex-related aspects of the immune response to M. tuberculosis remains to be established. Again, the effect of nutrients and nutritional status on differential susceptibility to TB may rely on sex hormones, as recently exemplified by the estrogen/vitamin D synergy in resistance to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis [45].
Finally, other yet unsuspected gender-related features may render men more susceptible to M. tuberculosis than women. For instance, it is well known that men and women present important differences in the anatomy and physiology of the upper airway and respiratory tract [46]. These differences include structural and functional differences (e.g. oropharyngeal length and ventilatory functions) as well as histological differences (e.g., the amount and distribution of the fat around the pharynx and along the upper airway). Some of these features are indeed influenced by sex steroids and aging, and whether they play a part in differential susceptibility to airborne infections, including TB, has yet to be evaluated.
Large prevalence surveys have suggested that the sex bias observed in pulmonary TB cases may result partly from genuine biological differences in male and female susceptibility to M. tuberculosis infection or the development of TB disease. This finding would not be particularly surprising, as many studies in humans and experimentally infected animals have established clear links between sex-specific factors, including steroid hormones and genetic variants, and the differential susceptibility of males and females to a number of other infectious and noninfectious diseases. In particular, gender bias among pulmonary microbial diseases is not restricted to TB, and important sex differences in the incidence and severity of a number of respiratory tract bacterial infections have been reported in the literature [47]. As a selected example, it has been shown that men have a 4-times higher risk of developing nosocomial Legionella pneumophila infection than women [48].
Only 5% to 10% of individuals exposed to M. tuberculosis develop TB, and up to 70% of those who do develop the disease are male. In other words, the human population as a whole is remarkably resistant to M. tuberculosis, but women seem to be even more resistant to the bacillus than men. So, why do only a minority of individuals, other than patients with HIV/AIDS, fail to control infection? Why are women less likely to develop TB than men? Why are some women more resistant to TB than other women exposed to a similar extent? Field research consortia including not only microbiologists, immunologists, and human geneticists, but also epidemiologists and sociologists, should be established to unravel the many faces of sexual inequality in TB, and to decipher the delicate mechanisms involved in natural and sex-associated resistance to TB (Box 2; Figure 3). Such work would facilitate the design of future intervention strategies for combating the disease and the development of useful tools for evaluating prognosis and protection in future clinical trials.
Box 2. Key Research Actions on Sex Bias in TB
Parallel and homogeneous epidemiological surveys in human populations from different geographic and ethnic backgrounds to dissect simultaneously the various factors possibly contributing to the sex bias in TB in the most exhaustive manner, including:
Sociocultural components: income, stigmatization, awareness, etc.
Behavioural components: smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, exposure to toxic dusts at the work place, dietary differences, etc.
Biological components: sex hormones, genetic background
Detailed follow-ups of sex hormone profiles in men and women presenting TB, as well as in the corresponding healthy contacts exposed to the same environmental pressures
Development of an appropriate animal model that mimics the sex bias observed in TB in humans for subsequent in vivo dissection of the influence of sex hormones in castrated and hormone-reconstituted animals on immune response to M. tuberculosis and disease outcome
Development of suitable in vitro cell models to investigate the influence of sex hormones and immune modulators (cytokines and nutrients such as iron, vitamin D, etc.) on the immune response to M. tuberculosis (see Figure 3)
Genome-wide association studies in populations from diverse geographic areas, involving large cohorts of clinically well-defined TB cases and appropriate controls, stratified by sex
Genome-wide gene expression profiling in different in vitro and ex vivo biological settings (e.g., monocyte-derived phagocytes, blood samples, lung biopsies, broncho-alveolar lavages) from male and female TB patients and relevant controls
Fig. 3. Do sex steroids influence antimycobacterial immunity?
Both innate immune cells (monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells) and T cells express specific receptors for steroid hormones, at least a fraction of them [15]. Future experimental work may assess whether sexual hormones, alone or in combination with other immune mediators, influence M. tuberculosis (Mtb) entry (1) and intracellular trafficking and survival (2) in host phagocytes and antigen-presenting cells (APC), the secretion of cytokine and other factors by infected cells (3), antigen presentation (4), and T cell development (5).
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Startups, Investors Discuss Robotics at Pittsburgh Venture Fair
By Tech News On May 29, 2019
PITTSBURGH – Investors and robotics startup companies gathered here recently as part of the second annual AI/Robotics Venture Fair, held on the campus of Carnegie Mellon University. The event was also held in conjunction with the 5th annual Hardware Cup Pitch Competition finals.
The venture fair was sponsored by Innovation Works, one of the most active robotics investor companies in the U.S. that focuses on early stage investments. The startup competition was hosted by IW’s accelerator, AlphaLab Gear.
Finalists for the Hardware Cup were the winners of preliminary rounds held in seven U.S. and four international cities. The finalists gave three-minute pitches to a room full of investors and a panel of judges, which included Atin Batra of Q Venture Partners, David motley of Blue Tree Venture Fund, and Melissa Winters of RevUp.
Yodel Labs, a Pittsburgh-based startup that lets retailers create and provide very accurate schematics for where items are located in stores, won the $50,000 first prize. According to CEO Patrick Lazik, “Our ultrasound beacons are differentiated by their 20-cm accuracy. They are wireless, and rechargeable using solar power from overhead light fixtures.”
Raleigh-based VitalFlo won second prize. The company gives asthma patients a way to regularly monitor their lung health and environments at home, and then shares that information with their doctor. “This is the first system that combines all of these measurements for a doctor’s use,” according to VitalFlo founder and CEO Luke Marshall.
Third place in the Hardware Cup went to AlgenAir. The Baltimore-based company has developed the first consumer natural air purifier that both uses algae to reduce carbon dioxide and traditional air filters to remove particulate matter. According to founders Kelsey Abernathy and Dan Fucich, they can remove as much Co2 from a 10×12 room as 25 house plants.
“This is the first year that a Pittsburgh company has won the Hardware Cup, which is really exciting,” said Illana Diamond, managing director of Hardware and Alpha Lab Gear at IW. “Over the last five years, the companies that are competing seem to be bigger and further along. There are more connected devices, heavy robotics, and health-related competitors as well.”
Venture Fair attracts robotics investors
The AI/Robotics Venture Fair the next day attracted more than 150 investors who came to listen to 21 Pittsburgh-based companies talk about the problems they are trying to solve.
One of the robotics presenters in the healthcare space was Forest Devices. Forest creates a device that increases the accuracy of stroke diagnoses so EMTs can get patients to the right hospital the first time. EMTs can apply this test in around two minutes after about an hour of training. The company said the FDA has cleared the product for its third clinical trial, which will begin as soon as Forest closes its next round of funding.
Doctors only started performing thrombectomies (a procedure to remove blood clots) on patients with severe strokes in 2015, and only 200 hospitals in the country provide them even now. “The only way to determine whether a patient’s stroke is severe enough to require transport to one of those 200 hospitals”, said CEO Matt Kesinger, “is a clinical exam that is at most 70% accurate.” This results in around half of all US stroke patients (300,000) being sent to the wrong hospital every year. Getting them to the right hospital after that takes an average of around two hours, which significantly increases the likelihood of both complications and disability. According to Forest Devices, detecting a severe stroke in the ambulance can help get patients get to the right hospital more quickly, and therefore save lives.
Also Read: How Blockchain and AI Can Help Robotics Technologies
Another presenter has a robotics solution that’s mainly used in transportation. Roadbotics turns an Android smart phone into a windshield camera that takes pictures of the road. Artificial intelligence then determines the condition of that road.
“What we’ve done, is take all the learning that’s in a pavement engineer’s toolbox and put it into AI,” said CEO Mark DeSantis. “When we see an alligator crack in a road in France, Detroit, or India, we know it’s an alligator crack. No one has done that before using AI.”
Roadbotics can either collect this information itself, use partners such as street sweepers, or work with engineering firms that are already contracted to do the road surveillance. The company has raised $3.9 million so far, and is in the middle of raising an $8 million Series A.
A third presenter, Velcocity Robotics, is squarely focused on construction. The commercial construction industry is beset by a shortage of labor, glaring inefficiencies, and a tremendous amount of sheer waste. Velocity Robotics aims to tackle these issues with an “automated positioning device that cuts the time it takes to measure and cut wood by half while reducing waste by up to 30%,” said Gina Fleitman, director of business development.
The company is initially targeting cuts made with a contractor’s existing miter saw. “Miter saws are used to cut angles for things like moldings”, Fleitman explains, “and therefore often utilize the most expensive materials.” Multiple measurements can be typed into the the Autoset device, which are then reordered to optimize wood usage. The cuts are then accurate to 1/64th of an inch to further minimize waste.
Connectivity is also a big innovation, according to Fleitman. A contractor can use a laser measuring tool, for example, and the resulting measurements can automatically be sent via smartphone to an Autoset device at a factory anywhere in the world. This lets cutting and measuring be done simultaneously, according to the company, which rapidly speeds up production.
Data is often at least as important as the hardware for investors, according to Illana Diamond. “That’s an important aspect of the connected device. More and more you are seeing people not trying to make money on the hardware but monetizing the data, monetizing the connections and monetizing whatever social information they get.”
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Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order by Electronic Arts Rated: Teen
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Director: Stig Asmussen
Programmer: Jason de Heras
Writer: Aaron Contreras, Megan Fausti, Matt Michnovetz, Manny Hagopian
Composer: Gordy Haab, Stephen Barton
Engine: Unreal Engine 4
Mode: Single-player
This narratively-driven single player game puts you in the role of a Jedi Padawan who narrowly escaped the purge of order 66 following the events of episode 3: Revenge of the Sith
Complete your training, develop powerful force abilities, and master the art of the iconic lightsabre
Iconic locations, weapons, gear, and enemies in addition to a roster of fresh characters, locations, creatures, droids and adversaries to Star Wars
Fight for survival while exploring the mysteries of a long-extinct civilization
Pre-order Star Wars Jedi: Fallen order to outfit yourself with cosmetic equipment for your lightsaber and droid companion
Set a couple of years after Revenge of the Sith, Jedi Padawan Cal Kestis has gotten away Order 66 and is currently on the kept running from the Galactic Empire. Subsequent to endeavoring to rescue a Venator Class Star Destroyer over a Sarlacc Pit, a mishap occurs in which Cal needs to transparently utilize the Force to spare one of his companions from falling into the pit, which is seen by a close by Imperial Probe Droid. The droid transmits the recording to the Empire making Cal’s actual character be uncovered to the imperials. The Empire dispatches the Second Sister, an inquisitor prepared by Darth Vader, to chase down the Padawan and annihilate the remaining Jedi Knights.
Occurring after Order 66, which began the system wide cleanse of the Jedi Order, players assume responsibility for Padawan Cal Kestis (depicted by Cameron Monaghan), one of the last enduring Jedi as he endeavors to endure while being pursued by the Galactic Empire and the Second Sister Inquisitor. All through his voyage, youthful Cal will visit comfortable universes with the help of the renegade fanatic Saw Gerrera (depicted by Forest Whitaker) and his guide Cere Junda (depicted by Debra Wilson).
During the game, players will meet Star Wars characters, for example, Saw Gerrera and the Second Sister inquisitor and visit universes, for example, Kashyyyk. There are likewise new universes and characters for players to investigate and meet.
Stig Asmussen joined Respawn Entertainment in 2014 as the studio’s down executive, driving the studio’s second improvement team.The undertaking was later uncovered to be a third-individual activity experience game set in the Star Wars universe in May 2018. Aaron Contreras, who composed the account of Mafia III, drove the game’s story group, which included Chris Avellone and four other writers.The studio additionally worked together with Lucasfilm to make new characters and areas.
The game was made with Unreal Engine 4.Drawing motivation from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and the Dark Souls arrangement, Asmussen has said the group’s objectives for the game structure incorporate making a profound battle framework and joining parts of Metroidvania guide plan.
The music was recorded by the Bach Choir of London.
Promoting and discharge
Distributer Electronic Arts reported the game at E3 2018.It is set to be discharged for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on November 15, 2019
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Key Planning Issues + The Question of “When (London) Brownfield Isn´t Enough”
February 16th, 2017 by admin
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Coinciding with the release of the delayed “broken market” White Paper, the annual British Property Federation (BPF) Residential Conference sought to address a number of pertinent housing-related topics of the day. Principally chaired by Bill Hughes, Head of Real Assets at Legal & General Investment Management, the various presentations and panel discussions delved into a number of key issues ranging from planning to London´s affordable housing crisis and the supporting role of government at local and national levels. The latter part of the day focused heavily on build to rent (outlined in a separate blog post), a tenure that benefitted from further traction by means of consultation on changing the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (recommending that local authorities plan proactively for these schemes and allow discounted market rent to complement other forms of affordable housing provision). On this latter subject, readers may be interest in reading The Property Investor Blog´s interview with BPF policy director and lobbyist Ian Fletcher.
“Key Planning Issues”
Joe Sarling of Lichfields (voted planning consultancy of the year by the Royal Town Planning Institute) gave the first keynote of the day entitled “Finding Scale in a World of Complexity” in which the content of three relevant research pieces was outlined:
“Early Adopters and the Late Majority” – A Review of Local Plan Progress and Housing Requirements – published in April 2016 (and therefore subject to some statistical revision), this report sought to analyse the progress of implementing Local Plans within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Some of the key takeaways are summarised below:
Of the 139 Local Plans examined or submitted for examination, 86 were deemed as being “sound”;
Of the Local Plans described as “sound”, 48% have had to increase their housing requirement in order to address objectively assessed housing needs (OAN);
19% of planned supply exceeds household projections in aggregate within up-to-date Local Plans;
One-third of Local Plans are up to date post-NPPF and it is deemed that 21 Local Planning Authorities are most “at risk” of Government intervention;
1 in 15 Local Plans examined have been found to fail the Duty to Cooperate (a legal duty under the Localism Act 2011 on local planning authorities, county councils and public bodies to engage constructively, actively and on an ongoing basis to maximise the effectiveness of Local Plan preparation in the context of strategic cross boundary matters);
The Local Plans Expert Group (LPEG), established in September 2015, was tasked with simplifying the system under the “aim of slashing the amount of time it takes for local authorities to get them in place”;
Plan-making has been markedly slower in authorities with significant areas of Green Belt. Current policy, it is argued, has created a disincentive to prepare Local Plans for those areas seeking to protect their Green Belt. With the government affirming that Green Belt land as “sacrosanct”, any associated policy is unlikely to change for the foreseeable future. Local Planning Authorities should have to continue to have to define Green Belt boundaries within Local Plans, ensuring consistency with the local plan strategy to meet identified requirements for sustainable development. The Local Plans Expert Group (LPEG) has advised that the Green Belt is a “planning mechanism rather than an environmental designation”;
As confirmed in the 2017 White Paper, where local planning authorities have not produced / updated a Local Plan, government will be able to intervene to arrange for a plan to be written;
LPEG recommend all Local Plans should be submitted alongside evidence that provides a proportionate Assessment of Environmental Capacity;
Where Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) seek to justify a housing requirement below housing need for their own area by reference to capacity constraints, they will need clear and coherent evidence demonstrating that an area could simply not carry the level of development necessary to meet housing needs (evidenced by environmental impacts, landscape sensitivity, habitats regulation and other constraining assessments);
The LPEG recommends that the duty can be given “bite” by requiring LPAs to enter into a memorandum of understanding which would ensure that housing needs across or between Housing Market Assessments (HMAs) are fully addressed;
The LPEG sets out recommendations on how Local Plans and LPAs can ensure more effective land supply, including allocating reserve sites as a 20% buffer to the housing trajectory;
There will be a need for land supply to get to grips with the patchwork of mechanisms for allocating sites for development, with most LPAs expected to have a mix of strategic allocations, sites on brownfield registers (benefitting from Permission in Principle), Neighbourhood Plans, Site Allocations Plans and Housing Implementation Strategies;
With Local Authority planning budgets halved in real terms over the past six years, the LPEG recommends that more concise Local Plans are in place – supported by a more succinct and focused evidence base.
“Start to Finish” – How Quickly do Large-Scale Housing Sites Deliver?” – Published in November 2016, the report highlighted the role of large-scale housing developments in meeting the government´s target of 300,000 units per year. Some of the noteworthy points of the report and presentation are outlined below:
Of the 70 large (strategic) assessed sites outside of London, the average lead time prior to the submission of the first planning application was 3.9 years. Schemes of over 2,000 units took an average of 6.1 years to receive planning approval with the average of all large sites being 5 years. The average annual build rate for schemes of over 2,000 units was 161. 50% more homes per annum are delivered on average on large greenfield sites than large brownfield sites;
Should the government genuinely desire more homes to be built, it will be a simple case of releasing more land and granting more planning permissions;
Larger site planning applications take longer due to the complex planning issues related to both the principle of development and the detail of implementation;
Where matters are substantially addressed prior to the application being submitted, planning applications are determined more quickly than average;
The timeline for the delivery of a strategic housing site is outlined in the diagram below:
Planned housing trajectories should be realistic, accounting and responding to lapse rates, lead-in times and sensible build rates. As each site has its own variations in terms of lead-in time and build rates, a sensible approach to evidence and justification is required;
Local authority spatial strategies should appreciate that developing is a complex and risky business;
Absorption rates for all developments are directly correlated to: the ebbs and flows of the local housing market (weaker areas may not be able to sustain high build-out rates); the number of sales outlets; competition and tenure (for example, whether market homes for sale are supplemented by homes for rent and affordable stock);
Evidence suggests that the higher the affordable housing proportion, the higher the output per year. This principle is also likely to apply to other sectors that complement market housing for sale, such as build to rent and self-build (providing there is demand).
“Stock and Flow: Planning Permission and Housing Output” – this report (released in January 2017) primarily explored housebuilder and land promoter business models; the risks associated of bringing new homes forward through the planning system and whether accusations land banking are consistent with the development industry´s own commercial drivers. The report also addresses the quantity of planning permissions required to secure the housing supply necessary to meet long term needs.
261,644 homes were granted planning permissions in 2015;
Of the 189,650 net completions, 163,940 were new build;
Lichfield believes that there is insufficient understanding of the relationship between planning permissions and completions as well as of industry stakeholder commercial objectives;
Appreciating the riskiness of all stages of the housebuilding process, land banking is considered to be “irrational behaviour” for developers. Notions of “gaming” to deliberately choke off supply or slow down development in anticipation of land value appreciation are empirically unsupportable. House builders, largely operating as “price takers” rather than “price setters”, are structured to build and sell as quickly as possible due to the myriad of financial “holding” and other practical costs. Despite the media attention surrounding the issue, land banking in the housebuilding industry has also been examined and rejected by the Barker Review (2004), the Callcutt Review (2007) and the Office for Fair Trading (2008);
Land promoters / developers are well aware that chances of getting planning permission on sites (with dischargeable pre-commencement conditions) are certainly not guaranteed, even if sites are allocated in Local Plans. Costs, timescales, technical complexities and market cyclicality concerns collectively exacerbate risks and highlight the need for projects to be executed within in a timely manner;
In relation to site build-out rates it was observed that, due to scaling advantages, larger sites deliver more homes than smaller sites;
House builders rarely have the option of building out sites more quickly than the natural absorption rate for their product on that site. If a company sought to increase the supply of homes on a site faster than the rate consistent with market values, it would either not be able to secure land in the face of competition from other house builders; or have sales values inconsistent with its agreed land price, thus eroding its site margins;
The Local Government Association (LGA) estimated a stock of 475,000 housing units on unimplemented sites, a relatively small figure considering the number of homes built each year, the length of time to build out, the variety and number of sites in the pipeline required to signal to investors that developers are worth investing in. Importantly, the data is collected on sites at planning and contract stages, not monitored actual completions – so a scheme that is 99% completed would show up as “unimplemented”;
Civitas analysis, that compared the number of units with planning permission and housing starts on site, did not cater for recognised lapse rates (see below) as well as time periods between a new permission being granted and when a site can practically be started (which varies according to site location, planning policy, planning obligations, market cycles, investment appetite and political priorities);
Planning permissions can lapse for a number of reasons including: landowner reluctance to sell at a price that provides the land promoter / developer a sufficient margin; the development is not considered to be financially worthwhile; financing constraints; changing priorities; re-planning proposals and pre-commencement conditions take longer than anticipated to discharge. The national picture is skewed by the very high lapse rates which occur in London (50% according to GLA 2014 research based on sites of 20 dwellings or more);
While entire sites are granted permission in one year, actual development will not occur in the same year (given lead-in times) and may happen over a number of years, depending on the size of the scheme;
For any 100,000 dwellings granted permission and which do not lapse, just 50,000 could be expected to be completed in year one of the development, 25,000 in year two, 14,000 in year three and so on. This reflects that over half of all units with permission are on sites that are expected to build out over more than one year. Thus a year’s worth of permissions would inevitably not translate into the same number of housing completions the following year, but would result in a staggered output as the larger sites are built out;
Requiring an analysis of flow rather than stock levels, Lichfield estimates the number of live permissions required to meet government-led housing target numbers by adding the number of units with new permission granted in that year plus any unbuilt permissions from previous years;
From pages 15-17 of the report Lichfield run through two scenarios: an average of 245,000 net additional dwellings per annum over a 10-year period and an average 300,000 net additional dwellings per annum from 2016 to 2025. Applying a number of lapse rate, demolitions and permitted development completion assumptions, it is concluded that there is good reason to be confident – all things being equal (and assuming the construction sector can deliver) – of achieving the government’s one million homes target during this Parliament. Interestingly, when the audience was asked who believed that such a target was possible – very few hands were raised.
“When (London) Brownfield Isn´t Enough”
Barney Stringer, director at Quod summarised the main findings of a report compiled in collaboration with Shelter that explored strategic options directed towards London´s growth and confronting the affordability crisis defined by increasing numbers struggling with rent, families in cramped conditions and at risk of homelessness. Produced in early 2016, most of the findings are relevant today – serving to shape the direction of London Plan (see Jules Pipe, London´s deputy mayor for planning presentation summary below). The paper explores some of the main options which, whilst possessing their own advantages and limitations, could potentially be deployed in a mutually dependent manner:
Brownfield Redevelopment – one of the immediately thought of solutions for London housing. It is noted, however, that bringing such sites into use can be slow, difficult and expensive. The “easiest” sites in in the Capital have already been developed and there are other barriers including bringing together sites in multiple ownership, relocating existing users, decontamination, planning permission constraints and practical issues related to executing the development itself. The faster release of Strategic Industrial Land is suggested (avoiding the crowding out of essential manufacturing / distribution through greenbelt substitution) – as is removing the barriers that make such sites difficult to develop and encouraging public investment in local infrastructure, particularly transport. Mixed-use projects can also spur job creation and ease the pressure on housing;
Taller Buildings – such proposals may be blocked for their effect on the character and setting of certain parts of London. The Capital´s five airports and aerodromes also have essential height restrictions that extend many miles around. Rules on density can effectively limit heights and not everyone will want to live in tower blocks. The challenge will be to create well-designed buildings that are not akin to 1960s-style towers (which, it is argued, were sometimes a less efficient use of land than more traditional terraced streets). A balance will have to be struck between protecting the current skyline and allowing a change in heights;
Green Belt Growth – the full London Green Belt, extending into the wider South East of England is huge (covering four times as much land as the built-up area of London). With only one fifth having environmental status or accessible to the public as green space, the Green Belt is intended to limit the outward growth of London into the countryside and enveloping surrounding towns. The difficulty will be moving beyond the widespread public support for Green belt protection in line with the sustainable development of new homes with the right infrastructure;
Garden Cities or New Towns – the displacement of growth into new settlements outside London can potentially reduce the pressure on tricky land options, such as brownfield regeneration mentioned above. However, an active willingness would be required on local governments and authorities outside of London and, with the slow planning and build out rates, the capacity to provide a large number of new homes quickly is limited;
Estate Redevelopment or Infill – the aim would be to improve the density of some housing estates in a coordinated and systematic manner. Good estate renewal, it is noted, could take decades to accomplish effectively and there would be a range of practical issues including the relocation of existing tenants and ensuring minimum disruption. New homes will need to pay for the re-provision of old homes and costs and delays are added by the need for compulsory purchase powers and to re-purchase leaseholds sold under “right-to-buy”;
Increasing Density in Suburbs – with 20% of London’s population occupying 40% of London’s residential land, if the number of homes in low density suburbs could be incrementally increased by 10%, 75,000 homes could be delivered. However, research has suggested that London suburbia is less supportive of such expansion and fragmented private land ownership means comprehensive change is not easy achievable other than in a gradual and piecemeal way. Subdivision (of houses into flats, for example) certainly has a role to play, but there are limits as to how much this can achieve. It is also noted that dispersed growth can make it difficult to plan investment in social infrastructure such as schools, healthcare etc.;
New Transport for New Homes – with future rail projects increasingly being planned on the basis of how much housing can be delivered, a maintained pipeline of future investment should be in place. Projects mentioned, in addition to Crossrail 1 (due to open in 2018), include The Northern Line extension to Battersea (due to open by 2020); the Barking Riverside extension (proposed to open in 2021); High Speed 2 and Old Oak Common (first phase due in 2026); Crossrail 2 (could open around 2030) and the Bakerloo line extension (proposed for around 2030). Bold decisions and careful planning will be required on the routing of these schemes;
High Density Town Centres – smaller suburban town centres may struggle to survive changing shopping habits which may well require them to find a different future. The Greater London Authority (GLA) has identified 220 town centres with potential for wider housing capacity (albeit with suitability and capacity varying hugely) and has estimated the potential deliver of over 15,000 new homes a year. However, progress has been slow due to a reluctance to accept a shift away from employment uses. There are also questions regarding policies intended to promote family housing that may not work well when applied rigidly to locations more suitable for younger adults and older people as well as reticence to accept taller residential buildings in the heart of a lower-rise suburban communities.
These write ups and ongoing research are brought in line with the ongoing land finding and promotion work of PS Development Services.
Posted in Affordable Housing, Economics for the Property Investor, Property Development, Property Investor Economics, Value Investing
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Characterization of the activity, aggregation, and toxicity of heterodimers of WT and ALS-associated mutant Sod1
Aline de Araújo Brasil, Mariana Dias Castela de Carvalho, View ORCID ProfileEllen Gerhardt, Daniela Dias Queiroz, Marcos Dias Pereira, Tiago Fleming Outeiro, and View ORCID ProfileElis Cristina Araujo Eleutherio
PNAS December 17, 2019 116 (51) 25991-26000; first published December 3, 2019 https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1902483116
Aline de Araújo Brasil
aInstitute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, 21941-909 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil;
Mariana Dias Castela de Carvalho
Ellen Gerhardt
bDepartment of Experimental Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany;cCenter for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany;dCenter for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany;
ORCID record for Ellen Gerhardt
Daniela Dias Queiroz
Marcos Dias Pereira
Tiago Fleming Outeiro
bDepartment of Experimental Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany;cCenter for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany;dCenter for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany;eMax Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany;fInstitute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University Medical School, NE2 4HH Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Elis Cristina Araujo Eleutherio
ORCID record for Elis Cristina Araujo Eleutherio
For correspondence: eliscael@iq.ufrj.br
Edited by Gregory A. Petsko, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, New York, NY, and approved November 4, 2019 (received for review February 11, 2019)
Figures & SI
Aggregation of the antioxidant enzyme Sod1 represents common factors of both familial (fALS) and sporadic cases of ALS, a fatal neurodegenerative disease. Although many ALS studies have focused on Sod1 homodimers/homomers, the investigation of Sod1 heterodimers/heteromers remains controversial and has mostly been performed with recombinant proteins in vitro, in the absence of a cellular environment. By using living cells, this study sheds light into a critical issue in the context of fALS, the high toxicity of the WT–mutant heteromeric inclusions, especially WT–A4V heteromers which accumulate both in human cells as well as in chronologically aged yeast cells. Besides the aggregation, we proposed that an inefficient heteromer response against oxidative conditions might contribute to fALS-linked mutant hSod1 toxicity.
Mutations in Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Sod1) have been reported in both familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this study, we investigated the behavior of heteromeric combinations of wild-type (WT) and mutant Sod1 proteins A4V, L38V, G93A, and G93C in human cells. We showed that both WT and mutant Sod1 formed dimers and oligomers, but only mutant Sod1 accumulated in intracellular inclusions. Coexpression of WT and hSod1 mutants resulted in the formation of a larger number of intracellular inclusions per cell than that observed in cells coexpressing WT or mutant hSod1. The number of inclusions was greater in cells expressing A4V hSod1. To eliminate the contribution of endogenous Sod1, and better evaluate the effect of ALS-associated mutant Sod1 expression, we expressed human Sod1 WT and mutants in human cells knocked down for endogenous Sod1 (Sod1-KD), and in sod1Δ yeast cells. Using Sod1-KD cells we found that the WT–A4V heteromers formed higher molecular weight species compared with A4V and WT homomers. Using the yeast model, in conditions of chronological aging, we concluded that cells expressing Sod1 heterodimers showed decreased antioxidant activity, increased oxidative damage, reduced longevity, and oxidative stress-induced mutant Sod1 aggregation. In addition, we also found that ALS-associated Sod1 mutations reduced nuclear localization and, consequently, impaired the antioxidant response, suggesting this change in localization may contribute to disease in familial ALS. Overall, our study provides insight into the molecular underpinnings of ALS and may open avenues for the design of future therapeutic strategies.
Sod1
heterodimers
↵1A.d.A.B. and M.D.C.d.C. contributed equally to this work.
↵2T.F.O. and E.C.A.E. contributed equally to this work.
↵3To whom correspondence may be addressed. Email: eliscael{at}iq.ufrj.br.
Author contributions: A.d.A.B., T.F.O., and E.C.A.E. designed research; A.d.A.B., M.D.C.d.C., E.G., and D.D.Q. performed research; A.d.A.B., M.D.C.d.C., E.G., M.D.P., T.F.O., and E.C.A.E. analyzed data; and A.d.A.B. and M.D.C.d.C. wrote the paper.
The authors declare no competing interest.
This article is a PNAS Direct Submission.
This article contains supporting information online at https://www.pnas.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1073/pnas.1902483116/-/DCSupplemental.
Copyright © 2019 the Author(s). Published by PNAS.
This open access article is distributed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License 4.0 (CC BY-NC-ND).
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Aline de Araújo Brasil, Mariana Dias Castela de Carvalho, Ellen Gerhardt, Daniela Dias Queiroz, Marcos Dias Pereira, Tiago Fleming Outeiro, Elis Cristina Araujo Eleutherio
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Dec 2019, 116 (51) 25991-26000; DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1902483116
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On November 9, 1989, the world changed in one fell swoop. The impossible seemed to come true; the unimaginable, reality. But what exactly? Daniel Biskup pursued this question amidst the events. Once the Bonn-born photographer gained recognition for his pictures documenting reunification, he travelled through East Germany for five years. From peeling street signs to garish advertising to intimate portraits and scenes from everyday life in a fundamentally new society, his photos capture an intense mood. The exhibition »Nach dem Mauerfall. Daniel Biskup. Fotografien 1990-1995« (»After the Fall of the Wall. Daniel Biskup. Photographs 1990-1995«) is both a socio-political document and a critical examination of East-West relations. Free entry. In collaboration with the Museum in der Kulturbrauerei.
On November 9, 1989, the world changed in one fell swoop. The impossible seemed to come true; the unimaginable, reality. But what exactly? Daniel Biskup pursued this question amidst the events. Once the Bonn-born photographer gained recognition for his pictures documenting reunification, he travelled through East Germany for five years. From peeling street signs to garish advertising to intimate portraits and scenes from everyday life in a fundamentally new society, his photos capture an intense mood. The exhibition »Nach dem Mauerfall. Daniel Biskup. Fotografien 1990-1995« (»After the Fall of the Wall. Daniel Biskup. Photographs 1990-1995«) is both a socio-political document and a critical examination of East-West relations.
Free entry. In collaboration with the Museum in der Kulturbrauerei
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Jeffree Star sells "75%" of designer wardrobe before moving to Hidden Hills mansion
Jeffree estimates that 20% of his wardrobe, which includes pieces from Gucci, Balmain, Tom Ford and Louis Vuitton, has actually never been touched.
Whether it be during wardrobe tours, pink vault tours or in his main channel videos, we've seen a lot of Jeffree Star's colourful designer clothing.
Ahead of his and boyfriend Nathan Schwandt's big move to their new house in Hidden Hills, California, Jeffree decided to clear out their entire house – which meant selling, throwing out and donating a huge selection of his extremely expensive, extremely luxe and extremely iconic wardrobe.
In his video ('Cleaning Out Our ENTIRE Messy House!'), Jeffree takes us through at least 4 of his closets and clears them out. Explaining the current state of their combined wardrobes, Jeffree said a lot of his and Nathan's clothing "is in pristine condition, or we've worn it like once." Later in the video, Jeffree estimates that 20% of his wardrobe has actually never been touched.
READ MORE: Jeffree Star refunds Christmas Mystery Box buyers after complaints over stickers
Jeffree went to town on his wardrobe and got rid of almost 75% of his clothes. His reason for doing so? He's in a "different head space."
"So much has happened this year. I'm ready to clean, I'm ready to get rid of stuff, explained Jeffree. "And if I'm never going to wear any of this stuff again, why just let it sit? Let someone else enjoy it..."
Jeffree Star clears out designer wardrobe ahead of moving into new Hidden Hills house. Picture: Rosdiana Ciaravolo/Getty Images, JeffreeStar via YouTube
Items from Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, Gucci, Chanel, Balmain, Givenchy, Miu Miu and many many many more designers were pulled from Jeffree's closet. Many with tags on that have never been worn and a few that had been worn by Jeffree once. Bags and bags and bags can be seen being taken out of Jeffree's house near the end of the clear out.
A lot of the pieces are from seasons past, which means they are no longer available to buy. After catching a glimpse of a few items in Jeffree's wardrobe, we've worked out how much certain pieces would've cost, or how much pre-owned versions are currently being sold for:
Green Gucci jumpsuit (as worn by Jeffree in Paris) - $4,300 retail price
Giuseppe Zanotti Swarovski Crystal bar trainers - currently being sold online for $1,355
Leather studded Gucci jacket - $12,500 retail price (Jeffree bought this and forgot to return it)
Balmain sequin mini dress - $5,255 retail price
Balmain snake print blazer - currently being sold online for $4,561
Gucci S/S17 embroidered 'Elton' jacket - $10,800 retail price
And that's only like, 6 items out of God knows how many! Some of the more iconic items, like Jeffree's pink silk Gucci snake jacket that was worn in his Harry Potter Storybook Cosmetics review video, were kept. All custom clothing and shoes were also kept and the other one important thing he saved? A Shane Dawson merch hoodie, duh.
For now, it also looks like Jeffree's huge Birkin collection will remain in tact as none of those bags were shown during the clear out.
Bags and bags of Jeffree Star's designer clothes are set to be sold. Picture: Jeffree Star via YouTube
Speaking to the camera about the decision to get rid of so much of his wardrobe, Jeffree explained his thought process.
"I went through this crazy phase of like, too much stuff. I'm sure you noticed... Makeup, clothes, everything..." Jeffree explained. "It's almost like the sense of like, 'is it all gonna go away? Should I hoard because it could all be pulled away from me like it was before, during my MySpace days and during my tax problems 10 years ago?'"
"It's a little haunting, it's a little weird. So, I'm glad that that chapter is over. I'm letting go of all this stuff..." he continued. "I'm in a really good headspace. Ready to clear a lot of the stuff out and enter my new home with a lot of clarity and cleanliness."
All of Jeffree's clothes will likely be available to buy on The RealReal, so if you're in the market from some red faux fur Miu Miu raver boots, go nuts.
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Sandy Springs resident elected to State Transportation Board
Posted by John Ruch | Mar 6, 2019
Sandy Springs resident Kevin Abel was elected to the State Transportation Board by legislators on March 6.
“It was fun to be down at the statehouse and get back into the policy arena,” said Abel, who takes the board seat on April 15.
Kevin Abel.
The Transportation Board oversees the Georgia Department of Transportation, which confirmed that Abel won the vote. He replaces Mark Burkhalter, a Republican former Georgia House Speaker and Johns Creek resident, who did not stand for re-election after his job took him to London.
Last year, Abel ran unsuccessfully for the 6th Congressional District seat eventually won by fellow Democrat Lucy McBath. The Transportation Board seat he will hold also represents the 6th District, which includes parts of Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs and areas of Cobb and north Fulton counties.
The Transportation Board vacancy comes at a time of major GDOT projects in the 6th District, including an ongoing reconstruction of the I-285/Ga. 400 interchange, a controversial plan to add toll lanes along those highways with some property takings, and a unique partnership with MARTA in adding bus service to Ga. 400. Abel previously declined to comment on such issues. He said that, like most residents, he’s familiar with area traffic, joking, “I spent most of my life on Ga. 400.”
The Transportation Board positions are nonpartisan, and the vote is taken privately at the Gold Dome by a caucus of state legislators from within the 6th District in a process that Abel says he understands is intended to remove politics from the decision.
However, party politics made it possible for Abel to get the position, as Democrats took over a majority of local state legislative seats in a “blue wave” last fall. Abel said he understands that Republican legislators had their own candidate for the board seat whom they did not put forward after realizing they did have enough caucus votes to win.
“Traffic shouldn’t be a partisan issue. Certainly, aspects of it will have conservative leanings or progressive leanings,” said Abel, emphasizing the nonpartisan nature of the seat and that he has several friends among Republican legislators as well as Democratic ones.
Abel said he now will receive a “Transportation 101” type of orientation. GDOT Commissioner Russell McMurry attended the vote, Abel said, and many legislators already want to meet with him as well.
PreviousSandy Springs sets new regulations for wireless antennas
NextHow Dunwoody shaped a famous TV woodworker: Q&A with Clint Harp
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Iran Releases Azerbaijani Poets Accused Of Spying
By RFE/RL
RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service
Azerbaijani poets Shahryar Hajizadeh and Farid Husseinov
Iran has released two Azerbaijani poets who were arrested in May for alleged espionage.
According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, the poets were handed over to Azerbaijan’s consulate in the Iranian city of Tabriz on September 4.
Relatives of poets Shahryar Hajizadeh and Farid Husseinov told RFE/RL that the pair is expected to arrive in Baku on September 6.
Last month, Iranian media reported allegations that the two had links to Azerbaijani secret services and had recruited a number of dissidents in Iran to promote separatism.
The case has come amid tensions between Iran and Azerbaijan over several issues, including Azerbaijani accusations that Iran plotted to carry out terrorist attacks in the Azeri capital, Baku.
Earlier this year, Azerbaijan arrested 22 people and accused them of spying for Iran.
Based on reporting by Interfax
RFE/RL
RFE/RL journalists report the news in 26 languages in 22 countries where a free press is banned by the government or not fully established. We provide what many people cannot get locally: uncensored news, responsible discussion, and open debate.
webteam@rferl.org
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Despite near-total government control over the media, RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service has built a high-impact social-media presence in Azerbaijan and a reputation as a leading source of independent news.
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Atlanta, Georgia Affiliated with the Robbins Firm
Execs Who Quit After Merger Merit A Year’s Pay, Judge Rules
Written by Firm | Mar 17, 2000 | Press
A federal judge in Atlanta has ordered Regions Financial Corp. to pay $1.4 million in severance and legal fees to six former company executives who claimed the Birmingham, Ala., banking company triggered a change-of-control agreement when it changed their job assignments.
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Home Latest News Pound drops as projection suggests hung parliament possible
Pound drops as projection suggests hung parliament possible
James Andrews, Head of Investment Management, comments as new projection suggests Conservatives may not gain outright majority in next week's general election.
“Having bounced back from post-Brexit vote lows, following Theresa May’s snap election call, the recent narrowing of the polls and the potential of a hung parliament have seen the Pound slump backwards, falling as much as 0.7 per cent today. The Pound had rallied following the announcement of a General Election, as markets foresaw an increased Conservative majority giving the UK a firmer footing for Brexit negotiations, with the city even perceiving that it could mean a softer Brexit. I’m not sure this was ever on the cards, and May has reiterated her stance that ‘no deal is better than a bad deal’, as no other country has access to the single market without allowing for free movement of labour – a sticking point given the mandate handed down by the electorate following the referendum vote.
“We are likely to continue to see volatility in the Pound in the run-up to the election and indeed for the foreseeable future as Brexit negotiations step-up post the outcome of the election. Given the prolonged uncertainty ahead of us, not to mention this short term election driven uncertainty, it seems any relief rallies will be just that, and the Pound will find it difficult to sustain any upward momentum. In addition, further rate rises in the US and stronger fundamentals from the European economy will likely see strengthening of the Euro and the Dollar, providing further headwinds for Sterling going forward.”
Redmayne Bentley’s Top Trades
Redmayne Bentley's Top Trades
UK avoids recession
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8 September 2017 Reed Smith Client Alerts
What discount structures can a dominant firm use? European Court quashes €1.06 billion fine on Intel
Home Perspectives What discount structures can a dominant firm use? European Court quashes €1.06 billion fine on Intel
In a recent judgment, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has quashed the judgment of the European Court of First Instance (CFI) which upheld the European Commission’s € 1.06 billion fine on Intel for abusing its market dominance in computer processors by using rebates which were conditional on customers purchasing all or most of their requirements from Intel.
Authors: Edward S. Miller
The Commission and the CFI considered that the mere fact that Intel was a dominant supplier, and used rebates conditional on customer exclusivity, was enough to establish the infringement of abuse of dominance and trigger the substantial fine. The CJEU disagreed. It held that in such a case, it was also necessary to consider whether the conduct in question was, in all the circumstances, capable of actually restricting competition and foreclosing the market. This required consideration of:
the extent of the undertaking’s dominant position;
the share of the market covered by the alleged restrictive practice;
the conditions and arrangements for granting the rebates, as well as their duration and amount; and
whether the rebates constituted a strategy aiming to exclude from the market competitors who were at least as efficient as the dominant undertaking – the ‘as efficient competitor’ (AEC) test.
Even then, it was also necessary to consider whether the conduct was nevertheless objectively justified. This meant determining whether the exclusionary effect of the rebate system could be counterbalanced or outweighed by efficiency advantages which benefit the customer.
The judgment is a strong correction to the thinking of the CFI in its decision in Intel, and also to certain interpretations of the CJEU’s earlier decision in the Danish Post case (although not those of this firm – see our alert on that case), that certain types of rebate practised by dominant firms would necessarily constitute infringements, without the need to consider any of the criteria now clearly set out by the CJEU.
In particular the Intel judgment reconfirms the necessity to consider the AEC test. This test (which was set out in the Commission’s 2009 guidance on enforcement priorities regarding abusive exclusionary conduct by dominant undertakings) allows the dominant firm to assume that its competitor has the same cost structure when assessing whether the dominant firm’s pricing is abusive. Applying this assumption, if, having reimbursed the customer for all its lost rebates and discounts, the competitor could still sell at a profit at the same price (and assuming it had the same cost structure) as the dominant firm, then the dominant firm’s pricing is not abusive. The Intel judgment instructs the CFI to go back and check whether the European Commission had correctly applied the AEC test in its investigation leading to the imposition of the fine on Intel.
The judgment of the CJEU in Intel is very significant in its resolution of the uncertainty surrounding how to assess rebate structures practised by dominant firms. It represents confirmation of the validity of a sensible and balanced approach which requires analysis of the actual effect of the rebates on the market, and in particular resolves any doubt regarding the continued importance of the AEC test.
Capabilities: Regulatory & Investigations
CLE: Professional ethics issues for in-house counsel
Reed Smith expands in Europe with Brussels office launch
Oil major's victory in Ukraine sanctions dispute sheds light on complex aspects of U.S. sanctions
An FAQ guide to data breach notifications in Singapore
Technology Law Dispatch
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How Do You Obtain a Court Order?
Order Model Order from Court - Quick, Easy & Secure Downloads
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Instant Download, Mail Paper Copy or Hard Copy Delivery, Start and Order Now! Free Information and Preview, Prepared Forms for you, Trusted by Legal Professionals
In order to obtain a court order, an open case must be present in the court or one must be opened, and then a motion filed for the court order that has supporting evidence to show why the order is justified. In most cases a court order is temporary until the court date, at which time if the case goes in the favor of the one requesting the court order it can be made permanent.
Most courts offer leniency for people filing requests for court orders without the assistance of an attorney, but an experienced lawyer can help simplify the otherwise complex process of the legal request. The steps below show how a request is filed for a court order.
Initiate a court proceeding
Before the court can issue any type of order, there must be an open case in the court. Most of the time, court orders are part of a divorce, child custody hearing or other domestic proceeding.
File a motion
A motion is a brief explaining to the judge the type of order requested and why it is necessary.
Provide evidence
In order to obtain the court order, evidence must be produced as part of the motion to support the claimants case as to why the order is necessary.
How Can Grandparents Obtain Legal Guardianship of Their Grandchildren?
What Is a Motion for Sanctions?
What Is the Purpose of a Suppression Hearing?
What Was the Outcome of the Marbury V. Madison Case?
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GECAS intends to place $2.4 billion CFM engine order for Boeing aircraft (anglais uniquement)
$1.9B order for LEAP-1B engines for 737 MAX
Expands Next-Generation 737 fleet with $500 million order
FARNBOROUGH, England - 10 July 2012 - GE Capital Aviation Service, the commercial aircraft leasing and financing arm of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), today announced commitments for 75 LEAP-1B-powered Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, in addition to an additional 25 CFM56-7B-powered Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft.
The aircraft agreement is still being finalized with Boeing. Once this is completed, these airplanes will become firm orders on Boeings books. CFM is the sole engine supplier for all Boeing 737 aircraft sold today
In 2011, GECAS selected the LEAP-1A to power 60 AirbusA320neo aircraft.
"We are very pleased to further strengthen our relationship with GECAS," said Jean-Paul Ebanga, president and CEO of CFM International "We appreciate their confidence in the LEAP product line and look forwarding to delivering an exemplary product to them."
The LEAP-1B, which is the result of an exhaustive six-year collaboration effort with Boeing, is the exclusive powerplant for the new 737 variant, with the engine uniquely optimized for the airplane. The 737 MAX continues a 30-year relationship between CFM and Boeing; CFM engines have been the sole powerplant for all 737 aircraft sold since 1981.
LEAP engines incorporate technologies never before seen in the single-aisle aircraft segment. The new engine will combine advanced aerodynamic design techniques, lighter, more durable materials, and leading-edge environmental technologies, making it amajor breakthrough in engine technology.
Both the LEAP-1B and CFM56-7B engine are a product of CFM International a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran group) and GE.
About GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS)
GECAS, the U.S. and Irish commercial aircraft financing and leasing business of GE, has a fleet of over 1,710 owned and serviced aircraft with approximately 235 airlines in over 75 countries.GECAS offers a wide range of aircraft types and financing options, including operating leases and secured debt financing, and also provides productivitysolutions including spare engine leasing, spare parts financing and management. GECAS, a unit of GE Capital, has offices in 24 cities around the world.
GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving andcuring the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company's website at www.ge.com
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Supporters of Youth Climate Lawsuit Not Deterred by Court Ruling
NM Students Unveil Climate-Change Adaptation Projects
Groups Sue to Stop Major Expansion of Fracking in Central CA
High Tides, Rising Sea Levels Worry Coastal NC Residents
AZ Election Officials Brace for Influx of New Voters in 2020
Money in Politics Decade After Citizens United
BLM Ordered to Redo Climate Reviews on Utah Oil Leases
The BLM has been ordered to pull back dozens of oil and gas leases, including ones in the Black Dragon Canyon wilderness area in Utah, because it did not properly analyze the effects that oil exploration would have on climate change. (Antropova/AdobeStock)
MOAB, Utah — A court challenge by conservation groups has forced the Bureau of Land Management to pull back dozens of oil and gas leases in western states, including in Utah. A federal judge ruled last week that the BLM failed to properly study the effects of climate change when it approved the sale of 130 leases across the state.
The lawsuit was filed by the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, Living Rivers and The Center for Biological Diversity. Diana Dascalu-Joffe is an attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity and said federal officials were in a rush to fulfill the Trump administration's goal of "American energy dominance."
"BLM realizes the error of their ways,” Dascalu-Joffe said. “Their rush to lease hundreds of thousands of acres completely violated the law which requires an in-depth analysis on the future impact of the development of oil and gas on those lease parcels."
BLM officials have said once the new reviews are complete, they will issue a decision for each lease that will either cancel it, modify its terms or lift the suspension without any changes.
The leases were among about 240 the BLM issued from 2014 to 2018 under the National Environmental Policy Act. Dascalu-Joffe said one of the goals of the lawsuit was to change the way the bureau evaluated oil and gas leases.
"We want the agency to be able to do this analysis at a programmatic level as to how all of this leasing and the energy-dominance agenda of the Trump administration is impacting the climate as a whole,” she said.
Landon Newell is an attorney for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance. He said the BLM is not doing a complete job of considering the effects of other environmental factors, such as wildlife, water quality or air quality.
"BLM has become so focused on getting the climate analysis right that it essentially punted on any analysis for these other resources,” Newell said; “which is really problematic for the agency and is creating an entirely new mess that the agency is going to have to deal with in the future."
Newell said since the Trump administration began in 2017, the pace of selling access to public lands has accelerated after BLM officials were ordered to identify and remove regulations that were restricting the issuance of oil and gas leases.
Mark Richardson, Public News Service - UT
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7 Of Our Favorite Games Derived From The Biggest Video Game Event In The UK
April 28, 2018 by NinAdmin
From smashing tanks to mystery boxes, below are the iconic multiplayer games along with offbeat titles which have grabbed our attention.
The biggest of the video game events in the UK known as EGX, recently took place and attracted over 75,000 avid fans to the Birmingham NEC. As usual the show-floor displayed offbeat-independent titles and blockbuster mega-hits all fighting for attention and space, providing enjoyable and extremely varied browsing experiences.
Below are the one%u2019s we chose as our favorite titles, excluding games that we previously highlighted from the year%u2019s Gamescom and E3 shows. If you joined this event feel free to add your own view point in our comments section.
1. The Dandara (Long Hat House)
The attendees at the EGX compared this Metroidvania-style platformer to a cult classic known as VVVVVV, due to the gravity-free movement-mechanic. However, there are a few significant differences. For example, it is far more graphically detailed, along with a recognizable human-lead character, known as Dandara with her gravity-defying leaps, which are aimed so she can jump diagonally. In addition, she holds a gun. It is one of the other interesting releases for Switch, which followed from Dishonored: Death of the Outsider, which is one of the other games where the female protagonist which was of color. Details: release TBC, PC, Switch.
2. The Mystery Box (Milo Keeble)
A true wonder of the EGX%u2019s Leftfield Collection has started to discover the installation games which you will only be able to participate and play at the events. This game involves a wooden-box that features a Post-it that instructs gamers to open the box. Inside this box is a tablet which offers various mini-games that are controlled with several switches and buttons which are attached to this container. A few are silly and funny WarioWare escapades, while others involve tasks that are more frantic that involve timers along with a rotate visual representation associated with the controls in the box that result in a frantic scrabble for the buttons. The best rated would be the train-driving sim that provides a button which blows a whistle and the lever to pick up speed as you are rolling through the countryside.
3. Falling Sky From Jonathan Nielssen And His Team
Projects that are brought to the EGX from students that come from the “National Film and Television” are always regarded as fascinating, this year there was one that really stood out. Jonathan Nielssen has worked on his very own Twin Peaks-inspired open-world narrative game known as Falling Sky along with a small team that includes voice actors and a composer for a period of only 8 months, yet the demo is already offering a promising fragment about this story along with Google Maps-style features which assist you in navigating through the town and motion-captured animations. In this game you are a young-man that returns home to his family to find out his mother has gone missing, while his young baby brother has been left by himself. What really happened and who leaves the strange messages on the young mans answerphone? You can watch the trailer right here.
Details: release dates and formats TBC
4. Jalopy (Minskworks)
Greg Pryjmachuk the developer of Jalopy has worked previously on the Formula 1 games, yet Jalopy is entirely different when it comes to driving experiences. It starts off with a gift from your uncle of a Laika 601 Deluxe which is broken down, the fictional car which was based on a Trabant 601 that comes from East Germany. The game involves locating parts and upgrading the car to handle various environments that involve road trips that span the country. Smuggle contraband, scavenge and listen to tales from your uncle associated with the former Eastern bloc.
Details: PC, already available on Steam early access
5. RotoRing (Gregory Kogos And We Throw Switches)
Similar to Wobbler, RotoRing happens to be one of those games built with Arduino micro-controllers along with a few lights. With this being the case, your aim is to move the glowing avatar to goals, by rotating the avatar around rings, while switching between the rings to avoid the red glows. It is simple, but at the same time manages to mix up reaction-based play with puzzle-solving, and the bright sounds and lights makes for a truly satisfying game, especially when it comes to the arcade cabinet version at EGX.
6. Black The Fall (Sand Sailor Studio)
The Dystopian 2D platformers will more than likely soon feel overdone, but this is not the case yet. Even though Black The Fall does not involve a child that is in danger, it still feels similar to the games such as Inside and Little Nightmares. In this game you play a man that is on-the-run that will typically die time and time again, while you learn how you need to lead the character to an escape along with assistance that comes from a robot that has been abandoned who he befriends.
Details: PS4, PC, Xbox One, available now
7. Smash Tanks! (Dumpling Design)
Created by the same team which was behind the outstanding mobile-driving game known as Dashy Crashy, this an augmented-reality game which has only been under development for a few weeks, yet it already regarded as great fun, especially since the tech featured on the show-floor allowed for the multiplayer function. From a tablet with the camera aimed at a table that is empty, you are provided with a way to control cartoonish-tanks in various environments. The game involves pulling back on a tank similar to aiming with a snooker-cue to unleash your tanks on obstacles or opponents, making sure to aim for their weak spots, along with the ability to charge up various specialized weapons.
Detail: should be available by December on “iOS ARKit” and soon after on Google ARCore.
Categories Game News Tags mini-games, PC, PS4, Television, The Dandara, The Mystery Box, UK Post navigation
Great Party Games To Play During Holiday Gatherings
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Pirate attacks worsen in Gulf of Guinea
A surge in armed attacks against ships around West Africa is pushing up global levels of piracy and armed robbery at sea, warns the International Chamber of Commerce's (ICC) International Maritime Bureau (IMB).
IMB's Piracy Reporting Centre recorded 66 incidents in the first quarter of 2018, up from 43 for the same period in 2017, and 37 in Q1 2016.
Worldwide in the first three months of 2018, 100 crew were taken hostage and 14 kidnapped from their vessels. A total of 39 vessels were boarded, 11 fired upon and four vessels hijacked. IMB received a further 12 reports of attempted attacks.
The Gulf of Guinea accounts for 29 incidents in 2018 Q1, more than forty percent of the global total. Of the 114 seafarers captured worldwide, all but one were in this region.
All four vessels hijackings were in the Gulf of Guinea, where no hijackings were reported in 2017. Two product tankers were hijacked from Cotonou anchorage in mid-January and early February, prompting the IMB PRC to issue a warning to ships. Towards the end of March, two fishing vessels were hijacked 30nm off Nigeria and 27nm off Ghana.
‘The hijacking of product tankers from anchorages in the Gulf of Guinea is a cause of concern. In these cases, the intent of the perpetrators is to steal the oil cargo and kidnap crew. The prompt detection and response to any unauthorised movements of an anchored vessel could help in the effective response to such attacks,’ commented an IMB spokesperson.
Nigeria piracy hotspot
Nigeria alone recorded 22 incidents. Of the 11 vessels fired upon worldwide, eight were off Nigeria – including a 300,000 MT deadweight VLCC tanker more than 40nm off Brass.
‘Attacks in the Gulf of Guinea are against all vessels. Crews have been taken hostage and kidnapped from fishing and refrigerated cargo vessels as well as product tankers. In some cases, the attacks have been avoided by the early detection of an approaching skiff, evasive action taken by the vessel and the effective use of citadels. The IMB is working with national and regional authorities in the Gulf of Guinea to support ships and coordinate counter piracy actions. The authorities from Benin, Nigeria and Togo have sent out boats in response to several incidents,’ said an IMB spokesperson.
Somali risk remains
One incident was reported off Somalia, where a product tanker was fired upon and chased by two skiffs around 160nm SE of Hobyo. At the end of March, a 160,000 DWT tanker reported being fired upon in the Gulf of Aden, while transiting within the Maritime Security Transit Corridor. The distance from land, sighting of ladders and firing upon ships continues to illustrate that the Somali pirates retain the capability and intent to attack merchant shipping in the wider Indian Ocean.
Indonesia recorded nine low level attacks against anchored vessels. Five bulk carriers reported actual or attempted attacks at Muara Berau anchorage in Samarinda, while waiting to load coal cargoes.
The full report can be downloaded here.
Download the full report here:
2018 Q1 Imb Piracy Report
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5 must-have seafood dishes of Denver, Colorado
Sally James
For a landlocked city hundreds of miles from the nearest ocean, Denver, Colorado, has some of the best seafood offerings in the country. The city has proven that being coastal does not mean seafood superiority.
It is also one of the country’s most forward-thinking and progressive food scenes, with chefs flocking to the city from both coasts for the opportunity to make their mark and define their own style of cooking.
Several factors came into play in Denver’s seafood evolution. In the mid-to-late 19th century, when an oyster craze hit the U.S., oyster houses or saloons were popping up in cities across the nation. At that time, oysters were cheap, trendy, and readily available – thanks in part to the new transcontinental railway.
Now that oysters could be shipped more speedily, they could be harvested and nourished in ways to help them last the long journey. They appeared on toast for breakfast, in sandwiches for lunch, and as a filler in soups and hotpots for dinner to hike up the protein.
One of the first such establishments was Pell’s Oyster House, which opened in 1881. The owner was George Pell, an entrepreneurial businessman who relocated from Brooklyn, New York to Denver, believing the market was perfect for his envisioned style of oyster house. And he was right on the mark, as before long more similar establishments dotted the city, often located in basements to take advantage of the cooler temperatures.
Then, in 1906, a young man named Mose Iacino was sent from Grimaldi, Italy, to join his brothers in Denver in pursuit of a better quality of life. His brothers owned a meat market, but after a train trip from Seattle – where he met a seafood-loving chef – the 16-year-old decided his destiny was to bring fresh oysters and fish to Denver. He began selling oysters in a small corner of the family store, which was so successful he opened Seattle Fish Market where Denver’s Union Station now stands.
Iacino travelled to Seattle to seek out the best fresh fish, then found a way to keep the fish fresh over the week-long journey. His solution was to pack his product on sawdust, surround it with ice, and replenish the ice at stops along the way.
Fast forward to today and Seattle Fish is one of Colorado’s main seafood suppliers, along with Northeast, bringing sustainably caught seafood from the four corners of the globe to an increasingly discerning audience. In fact, Iacino, a lover of travel, sought much of the produce out himself, visiting farms around the world until his death at age 95.
Another key factor in the city’s quality of seafood is the fact that Denver International Airport is the fifth-busiest in the U.S., giving direct and regular access to flights from around the world. So much so, another modern-day entrepreneur chose Denver to be the base for his Icelandic fish company: Niceland.
According to Derek Figueroa, CEO and president of Seattle Fish, Denver is a melting pot of people from both coasts who are hungry for the seafood of their home.
“And Denver chefs don’t have a defined style like you find in other cities,” he said. “They are unencumbered and love variety. They are fun and open minded but with a firm dedication to seeking new and environmentally conscious seafood choices. You don’t have to go to a seafood restaurant to get great seafood!”
As Figueroa suggests, Denver is often touted as being at the forefront of sustainable and traceable sourcing, with Seattle Fish being one of the driving forces. This has been partly driven by market demand, as the city’s population is highly educated, environmentally aware and health conscious.
Chef Sheila Lucero, who is the executive chef for the Jax Fish House group and Lola Coastal Mexican Kitchen, is an active member of Monterey Aquarium’s Blue Ribbon task force, and recently traveling to Washington, D.C. to represent the seafood industry in sustainability talks.
Denver is brimming with chefs eager to take on the sustainability challenge, “even if it means the extra cost and travel time to purchase from farms and fisheries outside the country,” explained Chad Petrone, of Northeast in a story in 303 Magazine on the topic.
More strong proponents in the movement, and active members of James Beard Foundation’s Smart Catch program, are Jennifer Jasinski, who co-owns Rioja, Bistro Vendôme, Euclid Hall, and Stoic & Genuine; Jeff Osaka, of [email protected], as well as many sushi and ramen restaurants in the city; Matthew Vawter of Mercantile; and Paul C. Reilley of Beast and Bottle.
Following are five of the biggest names and restaurants in the Denver seafood scene, along with their “must-do” dishes.
Photo courtesy of f11photo/Shutterstock
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UCITS Directive V
Download : FICHE UCITS V 20191230 VGB(PDF, 109 Ko)
Undertakings for Collective Investments in Transferable Securities Directive V
Reference document: Directive 2014/91/EU of 23 July 2014 amending Directive 2009/65/EC on the coordination of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to undertakings investment in transferable securities (UCITS) as regards depositary functions, remuneration policies and sanctions.
On 3 July 2012, the EC published a legislative package aimed at improving consumer protection in financial services. This package consists of three legislative proposals: a proposal for a key information regulation concerning packaged retail investment products (PRIPs), a revision of the Insurance Mediation Directive (IMD) and a proposal for a Directive revising the UCITS IV Directive by integrating provisions on depositaries, manager remuneration and sanctions (UCITS V)
Concerning the provisions relating to depositaries in UCITS V, the following is to be noted: except for a few divergences (listed below), this proposal is a word-for -word copy of level 1 of the AIFM Directive. This practically identical reproduction of the alternative funds Directive confirms the EC's wish to harmonize, in a broad and precise way, the functions of depositaries in Europe.
Alignment with the AIFM Directive:
Appointment of the depositary
Depositary’s duties functions: cash monitoring, custody/Recordkeeping, oversight duties
Delegation rules (see divergences below)
Liability regime (see divergences below)
Divergence with the AIFM Directive:
Liability of the depository for improper performance of its oversight duties in case of loss (or loss of value) if for example the depositary fails to act on investments that are not compliant with fund rules
Delegation of custody to entities acting as CSDs
Reuse: Ban of reuse of assets held in custody by the depository or by any third party to whom custody has been delegated for their own account
European harmonization of insolvency law effects on assets held in custody: each Member State must ensure that its insolvency law protects assets under custody in the event of bankruptcy of the depositary by whom the assets are in custody or its sub-custodian located in the EU
Delegation conditions (level 2): the depositary has to ensure that its sub-custodian has taken all necessary steps to ensure that in the event of insolvency of the third party, assets of a UCITS held by the third party in custody are unavailable for distribution among or realisation for the benefit of creditors of the third party
Liability regime: no contractual transfer of liability to a sub-custodian
Eligible entities to act as depositary + addition 24 month-period granted to existing managers to appoint a depositary complying with the eligibility’s criteria
Conditions for fulfilling the independence requirement (level 2)
Information related to the list of our sub-custodians and their delegates
Past steps:
13/11/2012: Publication of Sven Giegold draft report
28/08/2014: Publication in the OJ of the EU
26/09/2014: ESMA consultation on Level 2 measures (answer sent on 24.10.2014)
28/11/2014: Publication of ESMA technical advice
18/12/2016: Publication by the EC of the project of Delegated Regulation
18/03/2016: Transposition and implementation of Level 1
24/03/2016: Publication of the Delegated Regulation 2016/438 supplementing directive 2009/65/EC. This regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the OJ of the EU.
31/03/2016: ESMA publishes UCITS remuneration guidelines
13/10/2016: The Delegated Regulation applies from 13/10/2016
14/10/2016: ESMA published the guidelines on Sound Remuneration under UCITS. They are translated in the languages of the Member States. The Guidelines apply from 1 January 2017. The new remuneration policy framework makes provision to ensure sound risk management and in particular imposes transparency with regard to investors.
20/07/2017 : ESMA published an opinion for the European Commission related to the best approach according to ESMA for segregation of assets and application to CSDs of delegation rules as UCIT depositary.
Delegated regulations related to asset segregation
29/05/2018: Following ESMA opinion, the EC pusblished two draft regulations to amend AIFMD and UCITS Level 2 Regulations, both proposals were open for consultation until 26 June 2018.
Those draft regulations main purpose is to eliminate discrepancies related to asset segregation among different national regulations.They set out detailed requirements where custody is delegated to a third party .
The following aspects will be notably amended:
Increased record keeping requirements concerning delegation of custody
Review of process and agreements with sub-custodians
Legal Opinion will be necessary for AIFs, as they are today for UCITS
12/07/2018:the EC adopted those Delegated Regulations.
Full text of the regulations on this link.
Following the public consultation, the EC deferred the application date of those regulations for 18 months after their date of publication, instead of the 6 months initially envisaged.
The next step is for the Delegated Regulations to be considered by the Parliament and the Council. The changes will apply as of spring 2020 if no objection is raised by the European Parliament and the Council.
Initiative on cross-border fund distribution amending notably rules for UCITS and AIFs:
12/03/2018: the EC published a regulatory initiative on cross-border fund distribution as part of the implementation of the Capital Market Union (CMU).
In this legislative package, the EC proposes to amend :
AIFM and UCITS directives (draft directive)
and funds regulations including EuVECA and EuSEF regulations (draft regulation)
The EC's aim is to reduce regulatory obstacles to cross-border distribution of investment funds, notably by :
improving transparency with regard to the legal and administrative requirements (notification, marketing material, local support to investors, etc.) requested by the European Union and Member States in this area as well as fees charged by national authorities
guaranteeing more consistency in the method of calculating these costs
proposing a harmonized definition of pre-marketing
specifying the administrative requirements called “facilities” imposed by some national authorities
The EC expects from these measures a simplication of the procedures for distribution of funds as well as a reduction of induced costs, and correlatively an increase in the cross-border distribution of the latter.
15/06/2018: the Council published a revised version of the legislation focused mainly in the definition of pre-marketing.
The draft legislative package is due to be amended by the European Parliament. The amended directive will be transposed 24 months after its publication.The amended regulation will enter into application after its publication, except for some provisions (24 months of delay).
SGSS/DIR/SMI contact:
Marie-Claire de Saint-Exupéry
Discover the latest news and updates on UCITSV
UCITS V regulation
Review AIFMD & UCITS V - Level 2 - June 2019
FICHE_UCITS_V_20191230_VGB.pdf
FOCUS_CLIENT_AIFMD_UCITS_Level_2_20191230.pdf
OGAW-Fonds UCITS5
AIFM Directive
UCITS I-IV Directive
Undertakings for Collective Investments in Transferable Securities I-IV Directive
“Gates” mechanism: an SGSS solution to meet the challenge of liquidity risk
SGSS automates the Gates mechanism to meet the needs of asset managers.
Regulierungsumfeld: Eine Zehn-Jahres-Bilanz und ein Blick in die Zukunft
In den letzten zehn Jahren wurden als Reaktion auf die Finanzkrise 2008 eine ganze Reihe neuer Richtlinien und...
In den letzten zehn Jahren wurden als Reaktion auf die Finanzkrise 2008 eine ganze Reihe neuer Richtlinien und Verordnungen eingeführt, um neuen Krisen vorzubeugen. Seither gab es in Europa keine neuen Finanzkatastrophen. Rückblick auf die Entwicklung des Regulierungsumfelds in den letzten zehn Jahren und Zukunftsaussichten.
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Powerhand
From air tools to hand tools to specialist vehicle tools, our portfolio of Powerhand products offer a variety of solutions for busy professional workshops. The majority of Powerhand products including work lights are supplied with a 12 month warranty with full in-house after sales service.
Size: 46mm H9
POWERHAND (5)
Pack Qty: 5 (1)
Pack Qty: 19 (1)
Includes: 5 x chisels, 1 x spring retainer, supplied in a blow mould case (1)
E22 x E24 (1)
Includes: paint removal tool, eraser wheel, stripping wheel and 3 x wire wheels (2)
Contents: SIN-300.1202 mini die grinder, Various pads and stones, Supplied in Blow moulded case (1)
Qty: 1 (4)
M12 x P1.5 | M12 x P1.25 F | M14 x P1.25 | M14 x P1.5 | M16 x P1.5 (1)
Test lead (red & black), Sharp steel spike probe (red & black), Heavy-duty cable piercer (red & black), Miniature back probe (red & black), Fully insulated crocodile clip (red & black) (1)
M13 x 1.25, M13 x 1.5, M15 x 1.5, M17 x 1.5, M20 x 1.5, M22 x 1.5 (1)
4 x colour-coded probes, 10 x spare needles, Supplied in Easy-select box (1)
T10 | T15 | T20 | T25 | T27 | T30 | T35 | T40 | T45 | T50 | T55 (1)
Pry bars: Straight x 930mm, 45º x 930mm, 75º x 620mm, 90º x 620mm (1)
Pry bars: 8 | 12 | 18 | 24 (1)
Precision bits: PH00 | PH0 | SL1 | SL2 |T5 | T6 | P2 | P5 | Tri wing 1 Triangle 2.2, 1/4 bits: PH1 | PH2 | PH3 | SL4 | SL6 | T10 T15 | T20 | T27 | T30 |PZ1 |PZ2 PZ3 | H4 | H5 | H6, Precision sockets: 2.5 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 5.0mm (1)
Combination pick, 90º straight pick, straight pick, hook pick (1)
XXL combination pick, XXL 90º straight pick, XXL straight pick, XXL hook pick (4)
Supplied with 1/4" and 3/8" adaptors (1)
Six different interchangeable tips; Round copper, Flat copper, Flat plastic, Round rubber, Round aluminium, Round steel (1)
M6 x P1.0 | M8 x P1.25 | M10 x P1.25 | M10 x P1.5 (1)
17 | 18 | 18.2 | 19 | 20 | 22.5 | 26.7 | 32mm (1)
17.0 | 19.0 | 21.0 | 22.0 | 24.0 | 27.0mm (1)
17.0 | 19.0 | 21.0mm (2)
2 x injection hose stops, 2 x fuel supply adaptors, 1 x extended flexible hose clamp, 1 x pipe separator, 6 x flexible pipe stops (various) (1)
2 x male terminal crimp probes, 2 x female terminal crimp probes, Supplied in Easy-select box (1)
Size: 16oz (1)
2 x removal tool | 1 x installation tool (1)
1/4" | 3/8" | 1/2" (1)
2 x thermometer, 1 x 9V battery, 1 x belt-mountable carry case (1)
Includes; 1 x 4 Channel receiver, 4 x Transmitters, 4 x Sensor clamps (1)
1/4 to 3/8, 3/8 to 1/4, 3 /8 to 1/2, 1/2 to 3/8, 1/2 to 3/4, 3/4 to 1/2 (1)
75, 125, 200, 250mm (1)
19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28mm (1)
19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,30,32,33,34,35,36,38,40,41,46,50mm (1)
10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,26,27,30,32mm, UJ / EXT 125mm (1)
24, 27, 30, 32, 33, 36, 38, 41mm (1)
20,21,22,23,24,26,27,30,32mm (2)
E10,11,12,14,16,18,22,24 (1)
6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24mm | UJ / EXT 3" (1)
M5/6/8/10/12/14/16/18 (1)
RM5,6,7,8,10,12,14,16 (1)
H5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19 (1)
10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24mm (1)
17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24mm (2)
6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16mm (2)
RM5,6,7,8,10,11,12,14,16 (1)
5,6,8,10,12,14,16mm (1)
T10,15,20,25,27,30,40,45,50 (1)
T30,40,45,50,55,60,70,80 (1)
6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19mm (1)
H3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16 (1)
E10 - E27 (1)
RM7 (2)
Sizes: 8.0 to 17.0, 19.0mm (1)
Go-through Ratchet - 21mm | Go-through 82mm Deep sockets - 16. 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24mm | Female Hex - 7, 8, 9mm Male Hex; 6, 7, 8mm | Slotted - 5 x 8, 6 x 8, 7.1 x 9.6mm, TRX-Star; T50 (1)
Sizes: E6 | E7 | E8 | E10 | E11 | E12 | E14 | E16 | E18 | E20 | E22 | E24 (1)
Includes; PH0 | PH1 | PH2 | SL4 | SL5 | SL6 | T10 | T15 | T20 | T25 | T27 | T30. Supplied in foam (1)
Contents: PZ2 | SL8 | SL10 (1)
Micro Torch, Heavy Duty Soldering Tip, Standard Soldering Tip, Heat Blower, Heat Deflector, Cutting Tip, Lead Free Solder, Cleansing Sponge, Tin Case For Carrying Hot Tips, Base For Torch (1)
90K Soldering Iron, Standard Soldering Tip, Hot Knife Tip, Heat Blower attachment, Solder, Cleansing Sponge, Tin Case For Carrying Hot Tips, Supplied in durable case (1)
2 of each; 15, 19, 20, 23, 26, 32, 38, 45mm (2)
Includes; Machine including induction burner, Side focus coil, 2.5L cooling circuit fill (1)
E6 x E7 (1)
E8 x E10 (1)
1 x 1 - 26mm, 1 x 26 - 40mm (1)
1 x injection hose stop, 1 x fuel supply adaptor, 3 x flexible pipe stops (various) (1)
1 x plug-to-plug extension lead, 1 x large back probe, 1 x heavy-duty cable piercer, 1 x fully insulated crocodile clip (1)
1 x Outer shroud | 1 x Inner shroud | 1 of each A, B, C & D blades | 1 of each A & B mandrel | 1 x Spring | 3 x Spring ring | 1 x O ring | 1 x Foam ring | 1 x Body | 1 x Centre punch | 1 x 24mm Impact socket Supplied in Plastic case (1)
M12 x 1.25 (3/4") (1)
M14 x 1.25 (7/16") (1)
M11 x 1.5 (41/64") (1)
M10 x 1.0 (3/8") (1)
M12 x 1.75 (1)
Sort by Name Price (Low > High) Price (High > Low)
POWERHAND 3/4" Shallow Impact Socket 19mm - 50mm
POWERHAND 1" Shallow Impact Socket 30mm - 55mm
POWERHAND 1/2" Hex Impact Socket H5 - H20
POWERHAND 3/4" Deep Impact Socket 19mm - 50mm
Monday to Friday - 8.30am - 5pm
websales@serenco.co.uk
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Serenco (UK) Ltd is acting as a credit broker offering finance products from Omni Capital Retail Finance Limited. Serenco (UK) Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registration number 844736. Serenco (UK) Ltd, Units 3-5, Wellingborough Road, Sywell, Northamptonshire, NN6 0BN. Credit is subject to status.
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208 Salmon Brook St
Granby, Hartford County 06035
© Salmon Brook Historical Society Created by Jabberhead
Phone Us: (860) 653-9713
SALMON BROOK HISTORICAL SOCIETY
HISTORY · GENEALOGY · VOLUNTEERS · GRANBY, CT
Granby Views
North Granby Series
One of the two longtime Godard family homesteads was this 14-room house located at the end of Godard Rd. Owned by Oren Godard (in late 1800's), passed on to his son Beach, it was eventually sold outside the family in the early 1960's. It had no central plumbing or heating up until the 1930's.
Oren Godard's house, as seen from about Granville Rd. Today, the house is still in use, but fully grown trees obscure its visibility. Ashes of Minerva and her first husband William Hart Sr. are buried beneath the tree seen in the front yard.
Across from the main house, was a barn used for tobacco stripping barn (where leaves were stripped from their stalks after tobacco leaves had cured) and as a chicken coop (barn #3 on map). Open-field tobacco (vs shade grown) was one of a few crops produced on the Godard farm. To the left is a garage.
Looking southwest, from the southwest end of Godard Rd. sits the main barn of the Oren Godard property. It was primarily a cow barn with 24 milking stanchions, but later, also housed a team of two horses, and hay in the loft. Behind is a milkhouse (barn # 2 on map). Godard road used to go further in the distance, up the hill, connecting up to Mountain Rd.
This main barn is now used (2016) as a hospital/surgery center for a large animal veterinarian.
Looking toward Granville Rd. from near the tobacco stripping barn, was a frog pond that provided an endless chorus of "ribbits" at night. Also in view, beyond the pond, was a horse barn (barn # 4).
Here is a fuller view of the horse barn (# 4). A blacksmith shop (shed #1 on map), hidden from view, stood behind this barn.
Looking down from Oren Godard’s house, across the front yard & pastures, Granville Rd. was visible. To the right a concrete bridge spans Belden brook which crosses under Granville Rd. joining the east branch of Salmon Brook and a mill pond. In 2016, the former pasture area is now wooded and the road is no longer visible from the house. Almost 1/4 from the left edge, along the road, two white circles can be seen - former millstones of the grist mill located just off the right edge of the picture.
Panning left from the prior photo sat a house, occupied by Oren's father, Harvy Godard (1823-1896). Upon Harvy's death, the house passed on to his son, Oliver (“Ollie”). Note the extensive barn complex behind the house. Behind these barns sat a saw mill.
Another barn on the Harvy / Ollie Godard property (seen behind the grindstone on the right) was used as a distillery. Three generations of Godards, starting with Harvy Godard in the middle 1800’s made cider brandy, cherry brandy, and metheglin (flavored mead), even during the prohibition years.
During a fall season, the distillery, Barn #5 on the Harvy / Ollie property, and Granville Rd. in distance between them, provided a great backdrop for Mr. Hart's handsome 1950 Ford with its customized grille.
This picture, taken just after Ollie Godard’s death in 1953, shows the house prior to subsequent, and sometimes sad, evolutionary phases of the house and property.
For instance, following Ollie’s death, an accidental fire occurred destroying much of the barn complex behind the house.
The house stayed empty for a while, but eventually changed hands ...
... and under new ownership also changed color and generally the property, sans barns, became a less than appealing sight.
East bank of the east branch of Salmon Brook, located on Silver St. stood the Crags Grist Mill. Believed to have been constructed as early as 1757, this mill and associated storage barn (left), operated regularly until Harvy Godard's death in 1896. One of the oldest pictures of the mill most likely taken near the end of the day because the water levels of the pond are down reflecting usage during the day. Operations would cease until the east branch of Salmon Brook replenished the pond.
In another early picture, taken from downstream, the dam that created a mill pond to help power the mill, was constructed of heavy logs with a wood planking on the other side to help hold the water back. The bridge above the dam collapsed in 1915 when a heavy load of apples was carted across it. This was the first of a few bridge changes over the next 100 years.
With the need for a stronger bridge, and that the mill was little used, a concrete dam replaced the log one for better support for the bridge. The portion supporting the right end of the bridge, blocked the intake from the pond to the mill, rendering the mill inoperable from that point forward.
The concrete wall, part of the concrete replacement dam, can be seen from the upstream side of the mill, from across a near-full millpond.
Water levels in the mill pond could be adjusted via a sluice (an adjustable water gate) in the dam. Here a block and tackle device is hooked up to open up the sluice.
With the pond drained, sluice became visible ...
... and periodic clearing of plant growth in and around the pond could take place.
In general, this area yielded many bucolic photographic opportunities. Rising up 200 feet behind the mill is Crag Mountain. From the top, and looking southwest, a colorful and majestic view could be enjoyed. The roof of the horse barn (# 4) on the Oren Godard property can be seen near the interior corner of the lower-left third of the image.
During winter months, with less leaves, a clearer view of both Godard houses was possible from the top of Crag Mountain. This shot was taken in the 1960's as the former Oliver Godard house is seen in the lower third of the picture, painted brown. The area between the two houses, roughly in the middle of the picture, was filling in with trees (partly due to a stalled effort to harvest Christmas trees). And by this time the barns on Godard Rd., across from the former Oren Godard house, are gone.
Back around the mill, downstream from the dam, and in stark contrast to the smooth millpond area, a much rockier journey lay ahead for the east branch of the Salmon Brook. In the upper-right third of the picture, remnants of a foundation of another saw mill that once graced the gorge can be seen. Just beyond the water in the foreground lay a deep, 'saw mill hole' whose depth made for refreshing swimming opportunities during hot summer months.
Wintertime cast the gorge in a whole different light and personality.
Two hurricanes converged in CT dumping an unmanageable amount of water on the state. As evidenced by the debris caught on the roadside fence, the east branch of Salmon Brook rose above Silver St., and in the process lifted the grist mill off its foundation and sent it downstream, leaving the 1915 bridge as a hearty survivor. A "burrstone" from the mill can be partially seen at bottom middle edge of this photo. Two such stones were used in the mill. One is now at Salmon Brook Historical Society.
From across the bridge, just off Silver St., only a small portion of the grist mill foundation remained. This portion was the intake area for the mill.
Looking from near where mill stood, Silver Street was initially not passable until debris was cleared and sand was brought in as a temporary fix.
Looking to the right (north) of the Silver St. bridge, across the millpond toward Granville Rd., uprooted trees and telephone poles were further testament to the floodwaters' power. Belden Brook, normally joined the millpond and the east branch of Salmon Brook, by passing under the Granville Road via the concrete overpass to the right. But during the high point of the flood, the brook clearly went over the road too.
From the other side of the millpond, viewed from north of the Silver St. bridge, an empty, and now permanent void exists where the approximately 200-year old grist mill stood only days before.
Panning right from the prior image, again looking south down Granville Rd., is where Belden Brook crossed under Granville Rd. prior to the intersection with Godard Rd. The two roads were submerged at the flood's worst point, dramatically changing the face of what was a small state park seen ...
... here in its pre-flood, more inviting state for countryside picnickers.
Just up the road from the washed out state park area, was a pile of debris that was likely cleared off Granville Rd. to make it passable again. The debris that collected on Granville Rd. likely helped save Oliver Godard's house by diverting most of the onrushing floodwaters to the west, into the Belden Brook bed (even though that brook was overflowing too). Waters were strong enough to move the rocks seen to the right, and in the next picture.
Panning right even further, the rock debris field from Belden Brook continued upstream. Fortunately, the horse barn (barn # 4) and the blacksmith shop (just left of telephone pole; shed 1 on map) were high enough to avoid destruction. This view is from the driveway of Oliver Godard's house.
Pre-flood, the same view presented a more serene, and obviously unblemished, country setting of Oren's Horse barn. In this more pristine time, the knoll to the right of the barn was a favorite spot to set up a portable saw mill as timber was harvested from surrounding land.
From the horse barn, the view back at the Harvy / Oliver Godard house. While the debris on Granville Rd. did divert some water, Ollie's house still sat in 3 feet of water during the flood. Given the strength of the water rushing down Granville Rd., Ollie's house might've been washed away had not debris on Granville Rd. helped divert water toward Belden Brook (and away from the house) seen in the foreground.
And, of course, debris was strewn downstream over and beyond the dam too.
Indeed, these power pulleys, used to transmit power from the hydro impellers to the grindstones in the mill, were too heavy to float with the mill's wood frame and sank quickly to the stream bottom, just south of the dam.
Additionally, the flood probably led to other conditions that required attention. Here, from just south of the dam, runoff from Granville Rd. into the gorge created ongoing erosion issues.
After several years of complaints and followup to the state by the owner of the gorge land (William Hart), a state agency, reinforced the embankment from Granville Rd. with these rocks, carefully placing them one-by-one.
At some point later on, the surviving bridge was deemed not strong enough for expected school bus traffic, and so was dismantled ...
... to make way for a sturdier version. This is the third bridge seen in this series. Time moves on and this bridge would later be replaced by another bridge in 2014. Oliver Godard's former house is seen in the background.
Let's take a closer look at managing the millpond level. As mentioned, a heavy day of milling grains would lower the pond level, requiring suspension of operations until the east branch of Salmon Brook replenished the pond. With the new bridge and concrete dam, the mill was inoperable, so other controls were used to lower the pond level for periodic overgrowth clearing.
Here, the water is at the height of the dam, spilling over it as necessary.
View from the downstream side of the dam.
The draining control took place on and just below the bridge.
(Left to right) Ralph Wentworth, Bud Godard, and Bud's father Ensworth, discussing their plans to drain the millpond. Notice the chain just to the right of Ensworth.
Porter Godard, Ensworth's brother in the red jacket, waits for Buddy to set the block and tackle to hoist the sluice (a vertical water gate). Note a second bridge in background, upstream.
Seen at a more inviting time of the year, this fellow is eyeing the situation before (or maybe after) enjoying a refreshing dip. Taken before the flood.
This quiet scene makes it hard to believe that raging waters, that submerged at least half the bridge, came through here just a few days before this photo was taken. Again, note the debris on the fence on Silver St. (to the right of the bridge).
The cavity created by the obliteration of the mill building that stood there only days before.
Downstream a little, another shot of the enbankment that leads from Granville Rd. (Rt. 189) down to the gorge, and how it had difficulty holding its soil in heavy rains.
Another shot of part of the process of replacing the bridge to support school bus traffic.
Here is how the new, 'school bus capable' bridge looked after completion. This upstream view also captures the Harvy / Ollie Godard house in the background.
The dam and the crags downstream provided pleasing photographic opportunities across the seasons. Here is a view on what looks to be a crisp autumn day.
Winter would bring heavy water flow over the dam (just out of view on right edge).
Another wintry view from downstream, looking back at the now, and forever, empty mill spot near the end of the bridge.
Looking downstream from where the prior picture was taken, winter waters danced.
Looking further downstream, the streaming water had a challenging rock chicane to navigate.
Second Half of the North Granby Series Story:
A closer view the previous composition yielded a serene, sunlit scene of nature.
Further downstream, and at a different level in the gorge, the stream fed a pool of water. The dam and bridge can still be seen in the distance.
Of course, at this same level, where there is water, and cold, there is ice ...
... and more ice.
And a here, a sun-splashed corner of the first pool.
Now... turning around from the previous image, a "gorge-ous" winter scene, looking further 'down-gorge'.
Same view as before but at a time of more water flow.
During early fall, when there is a lot less water flow, the trees and their turning leaves vie for visual attention.
In this case, still waters run deep as this view looks downstream from about where a sawmill once stood (on the other side of the gorge from, and just southeast of the grist mill.)
The gorge takes on a different persona when not sheathed in snow or ice. Now, standing on the north side of the east branch of the Salmon Brook (all the prior ones were taken from the west bank), the first main pool, seen earlier, and at a higher level would be to the right, out of the picture.
Taken a little more downstream, and also from the east bank.
Now, about 200 feet above from where the gorge pictures were taken, distant views can be experienced from the top of Crag Mountain. This view is looking west toward East Hartland.
Looking out west, past Granville Rd (Rt 189) toward East Hartland and Mountain Rd.
This view is west-southwest with North Granby center to the left, out of the picture.
Somewhere in the area, a moment in the sun.
Now let's travel back up to the Oren Godard house that sits at the end of the eponymously named Godard road.
This photo was taken after the farm ceased operating and the house had been sold out of the Godard family. The new owners (the Mensh family) attempted to grow and harvest Christmas trees (see trees in middle right of photo). The effort either stalled or was abandoned such that a default re-forestation set in instead.
Up past the end of Godard road, past the main barn, sits the Cossitt cemetery. It is been speculated that members of the Cossitt family lived in the Oren Godard house (before Oren).
Coming back down from the Cossitt cemetery, the milk house and the cow barn of the Oren Godard house are encountered. Cow barns could be identified by the presence of an air vent at the top for air circulation for the cows that were housed below.
Further down, a look back at the same barn and milk house from the western end of Godard Road.
And just down from the main barn, Buddy Godard found Godard road the perfect place to pose in front of Bill Hart 1951 ford. In the distance can be seen the barns (which later burned) belonging to the Harvy / Ollie Godard house on Granville road.
Just down from where Buddy Godard was captured on film (on Godard Rd.), the old horse barn (# 4 on map) is seen on what looks like a sultry summer day. The apple trees to the right, obscure the blacksmith shop.
Unfortunately, some time later, the same horse barn collapsed under the weight of snow.
A quiet corner in the woods where a stone wall stands undisturbed on a winter's day.
One more view from on Godard Rd., in front of the tobacco stripping shed, looking at the top of Crag Mountain.
This provides a good view of most of the barn structures that once backed up to the Harvy / Ollie Godard house.
The 'corner' silo that stored corn (of course).
A closer view of the barn structure, as Sally Hart (Bill's wife) on the left, and Marguerite White West, a family relative from Brooklyn NY, consider items from Ollie Godard's estate sale at around 1953.
Still on the Harvy / Ollie Godard property, a barn, referred to then as the 'new building', housed a distillery that made cider brandy, cherry brandy, metheglin (flavored mead).
Such products, made throughout the prohibition era, were sold and transported in bottles like these (aka demi-johns), in a specially designed, cushioning box seen here. William Hart Sr. instructed his son William Hart not to mention at school what these bottles were used for, and what they did in the 'new building'. Of course this was during the prohibition era.
The distillery and a wagon shed (barn # 5 on map) were within several paces of Granville road ...
... and were just upstream from the millpond and bridge, which can be seen just to the left of the distillery building.
From within the distillery, through a window, a view of the millpond and bridge, but after the flood of 1955.
Turning north from the 'new building', but still on the Harvy / Ollie Godard property was an old 'up and down' saw mill. Water from the east branch of the Salmon Brook powered the mill and was one of the several operations of Harvy Godard. Wooded land was purchased to feed the mill. The area south of Donahue road, was one such property, referred to as the Westwoods by the Godards (now the Paul Godard Preserve). An up and down blade from the mill and a working model resides at SBHS.
From about where the saw mill was, one could cross the east branch of the Salmon Brook, just north of the millpond. An apple orchard could be found on the other side of the bridge.
This bridge, not a proper, public road here, started out spanning Belden Brook, as part of Granville road, near the intersection with Godard road. In 1935 this bridge was unanchored, lifted in whole and relocated to this spot (replacing an older, wooden bridge). A concrete bridge replaced this metal bridge on Granville road, and is still in place today (2016).
In the 1930s and 1940's the land pictured here was all open fields and an orchard.
By going across the bridge just shown, and following the stream to the millpond, the distillery (right) and the wagon shed (#4) can be seen from across the millpond, braving the winter cold and snow.
Back on Granville road, a view of the the northwest corner of Harvy / Ollie Godard house (that was seen in the main photo section). This was at a time long after Ollie's death when the house was unoccupied.
Speaking of Granville road (Rt 189), this is how it looked a few days after the 1955 flood roared through. This is looking north. The Harvy / Ollie house would be on the right, out of this picture.
Panning left from the previous picture, looking straight across Granville road to the area that was fields and Belden brook, at the horse barn.
Turning further left from the prior photo, looking south to the corner with Godard road, a more cleaned up area of the road is seen. Belden brook passed under the concrete bridge seen on the left, center, emptying into the millpond for the grist mill.
Looking across Granville road, from Godard road, toward Silver street, debris can still be seen clogged up on the guard rails of Granville road. Also seen is a 1947 Cadillac that first belonged to RC Knox family and was later bought as a trade-in by Bill Hart when he was working as a car salesman.
From the corner of Silver street, was a view of what used to be a field bisected by a quiet Belden Brook. As flood waters came down Granville road from the right, debris in the street helped divert much of the water into this field area, overwhelming the brook, leaving the sand and silt mess seen here.
This was the view from the Oren Godard house of the front field and Belden Brook after the floodwaters receded.
Debris built up in the road just in front of the Harvy / Ollie Godard house, helping divert much water to the left, into Belden Brook and the nearby field (seen in the prior picture to the left). As Belden Brook normally fed into the millpond, crossing under Granville Road, its overwhelming volume of water flowed over road, dropping a lot of silt and sand into the millpond and its surrounding area.
In contrast, much later after the flood, a much calmer winter scene of the millpond.
On Mountain Rd, 100 yards up from its intersection with Granville Rd (Rt 189), sits the Allenhurst barn. The former home of Sabra Beach Godard, no longer standing, would have been just off the right of the picture. Now another home stands in its place.
General store and North Granby Post Office run by Sam Goldschmidt in the 1930's, on Granville road, just south of the Cossitt library.
Mr. Hart's pictures capture well one corner of North Granby that was emblematic of a time in the broader Granby. He also captured another part of Granby that is almost timeless -- the iconic Granby Oak. It is thought to be one of the oldest trees in New England. As it is one of his favorite shots, and is so identified with Granby, it is included here to end on.
Second Ending slide
A classic barn scene somewhere near North Granby.
Believed to be Main St. Granby, CT.
Barn on Creamery hill that is no longer standing.
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Nothin’ Poor about the Poor Man’s Moorish Idol
March 31, 2014 by Jeff Kurtz 3 Comments
A group of Schooling Bannerfish (Heniochus diphreutes) in a home aquarium
Mother Nature must have a special place in her heart for marine aquarium hobbyists. It seems as though for every heartbreakingly challenging reef fish she created, she did us a solid by making a reasonable facsimile that is much hardier and better suited to aquarium life. Such is the case with the schooling bannerfish (Heniochus diphreutes) from the Indo-Pacific, which bears a striking resemblance to the coveted—but notoriously hard to keep—Moorish idol (Zanclus cornutus).
Though H. diphreutes is commonly dubbed the “poor man’s Moorish idol” or the “false Moorish idol,” these monikers do this species a great disservice in my opinion because they imply that it’s somehow a lesser species. After all, what’s “lesser” about a fish that’s almost certain to survive in your aquarium? (Maybe the Moorish idol should be called the “poor man’s schooling bannerfish”!)
Okay, maybe one could reasonably argue that it’s not quite as exotic-looking as Z. cornutus, particularly in the face (as a member of the family Chaetodontidae, H. diphreutes has a “typical” butterflyfish face), but the overall visual impression H. diphreutes creates in the aquarium—with its laterally compressed body; black, white, and yellow coloration; and long, trailing dorsal extension—is almost identical. Besides, H. diphreutes readily accepts standard aquarium fare and requires little coaxing to initiate feeding. Contrast that with Z. cornutas, which very commonly refuses food to the point of starvation in captivity.
Yes, you can keep a school
Fish that can actually be kept more than one to a tank are a rare commodity in the marine aquarium hobby, but H. diphreutes, as its common name suggests, is a noteworthy exception. If kept in a large enough tank (at least 125 gallons, with bigger being better) that offers plenty of open swimming space, multiple specimens can be kept together provided all are introduced simultaneously. I wouldn’t go any smaller than 100 gallons for a single specimen—this is an energetic species that can reach upwards of 8 inches.
Feeding is easy
As I mentioned, H. diphreutes presents little challenge when it comes to feeding. A planktivore by nature, it will snatch any small meaty foods drifting in the water column and will even accept dry pellets and flakes. Some greens, such as a commercial formulation for herbivores, should be included on the menu as well.
Peaceful tankmates, please!
Based on personal experience with this species, I can attest that it can be the target of harassment by more-aggressive species. I once introduced a specimen that was bullied relentlessly by a flame angelfish and pearlscale butterflyfish. The flame angel even went so far as to nip a chunk out of the bannerfish’s banner. I would limit tankmates to other relatively peaceful species, and as far as order of introduction is concerned, I’d add the banner(s) early on. I suspect my bullied bannerfish would have fared better in the same tank had it been introduced ahead of its tormentors.
Reef safety
I’ve never kept H. diphreutes in a reef tank, but it’s known to be inoffensive toward sessile invertebrates. However, do be aware that other Heniochus spp. are sometimes available in the hobby, some of which are more or less reef-safe than others.
For example, the almost-identical-looking longfin bannerfish (H. acuminatus) is reputed to be a threat to sessile invertebrates. To tell these two species apart, look closely at the anal fin. On H. diphreutes, the posterior vertical black band extends all the way to the point of the anal fin, while on H. acuminatus, the black band terminates above the point of the fin. Supposedly there are also differences in the snout length and the fullness of the two species’ chests, but unless you have both species side by side for comparison, these aren’t necessarily the best distinguishing characteristics to look for. If you plan to buy banners for a reef tank and have any doubt about their identity, be sure to verify the species with your dealer.
Photo credit: Moto@Club4AG, Justin Morgan
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Filed Under: Marine/Saltwater Fish Tagged With: feeding, fish species profile, Heniochus acuminatus, Heniochus diphreutes, longfin bannerfish, reef safe, schooling bannerfish, tankmates, Zanclus cornutus
Paul Baldassano says
The Bannerfish comes from the exact same reefs as the (in my opinion) better looking Moorish Idol, as while I was studying Moorish Idols in Tahiti I ran into plenty of bannerfish.
They live in schools and I saw most f them in shallow water, but that doesn’t mean they also don’t go deep. They are peaceful and are certainly easier to keep than Idols which I only saw eating lime green sponges.
I took this picture of a Moorish Idol in Bora Bora who was swimming a few yards from bannerfish.
I am not sure if the picture will post.
http://s258.photobucket.com/user/urchsearch/media/tahiti.jpg.html
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh270/urchsearch/tahiti.jpg
Matt Bowers (Muttley000) says
A species I had never considered, but a school in a large tank gets the wheels turning!
Chris Aldrich says
Agreed, Matt! The thought of a nice-sized school of H. diphreutes in a 300-400 gallon reef delights my fish geek tendencies.
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San Diego Magazine /
Vintage San Diego: On Broadway
By Jordan Ligons
Published: 2016.04.22 11:26 AM
Photo courtesy of the San Diego History Center
In the late 19th century, downtown’s Horton Plaza Park was the place to be, and now modern-day developers are betting that it will once again become a popular gathering spot.
This 1885 photo shows a rarefied glimpse at San Diego more than a century ago. The park stood at the intersection of Fourth and D streets (D Street is now Broadway), then nothing but dirt roads for travel via horse-drawn buggy. This was the hub of “New Town,” an extension of the rapidly growing downtown area.
Alonzo Erastus Horton, often referred to as the Father of San Diego, had the land cleared around 1870 to build the Horton House (pictured, left) with dreams of it becoming a center for townspeople to hold meetings and festivals. Although the Horton House was torn down in 1905 and replaced with what is now the US Grant hotel, the plaza lives on. And on May 4, Horton Plaza Park will officially reopen following a $17-million face-lift.
The new 53,000-square-foot park, which is owned by the city but will be operated by Westfield, features three food and beverage pavilions with trellised patio seating and an amphitheater where the city will host free lunchtime concerts, much like the weekly shows of the City Guard Band in the late 1800s. Additionally, the iconic Broadway Fountain, built in 1910, has been restored to its original grandeur.
Horton, who must have appreciated the value of urban parks, is also credited with convincing the city to set aside 1,400 acres that would one day become Balboa Park.
226 - Blocks of what is now downtown San Diego once owned by Horton
33 cents - Cost of an acre of land in 1867
$4,000 - The price paid for “Horton’s Addition,” now Horton Plaza Park
$100 - Monthly rent the city paid to Horton after he deeded the plaza to it in 1895
5,000 - Attendance at a reception for President Benjamin Harrison in April 1891
75 - Events planned for Horton Plaza Park in 2016, with up to 200 expected annually
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Column: The International Day of Self-Love is Feb. 13. What are you going to do about it?
Do yourself a favor on Feb. 13: be kind to yourself. If a cup of coffee will put a smile on your face, do it. You’re worth it.
(Getty Images )
By Karla PetersonColumnist
The International Day of Self-Love is right around the corner, and I can’t wait to hear what you have planned.
Don’t everybody answer all at once.
Yes, there is such a thing as the International Day of Self-Love. It happens on Feb. 13, when many of us are either in a Valentine’s Day panic (Valentine’s Day? Already?) or a Valentine’s Day funk. (Valentine’s Day! Why??) So while it sounds goofy and ridiculously indulgent on the surface, the International Day of Self-Love may actually be the right holiday at the perfect time.
For one thing, it’s February. The holiday rush that started in November and hurtled us to the New Year on a wave of sugar, socializing and denial is officially over, leaving us with super-sized bills, expanded waistlines and maybe just a wee little case of the blues.
And it’s been raining in San Diego. So there’s that.
Also, modern life is stressful. We are always plugged in, always available to the people who need us and never fully at rest. We don’t sleep as much as we need to or eat the things we should. We put other people first and then resent them for it.
So on the day before Valentine’s Day, who really deserves a big dose of your tender loving care? That would be you, the very person who is least likely to get it.
“You know how on a flight they always instruct you to put your own oxygen mask on first before assisting others? Try to thinking of self-love that way, too,” said Julie Potiker,a San Diego mindfulness expert and the author of “Life Falls Apart, But You Don’t Have To: Mindful Methods for Staying Calm in the Midst of Chaos.”
“It’s much harder for us to be the best we can be for all the other people and responsibilities in our lives if we’re not being the best we can be for ourselves first.”
As frivolous as it sounds, the International Day of Self-Love is rooted in the real issue of self-acceptance, and the real pain that can come from the lack of it.
The idea came from Sanah Jivani of Humble, Texas, who was diagnosed with Alopecia Universalis when she was 3 years old and lost all of her hair when she was in middle school. Her classmates reacted as you’d expect teenagers to react. People stuck gum in her wig. There was online bullying. Someone put a note on her locker that read, “50 Ways to Go Kill Yourself.”
But as hard as her classmates were on Jivani, she says she was even harder on herself.
“Every day, I would come home, look in the mirror, and add to the bullying that was already going on,” Jivani said in an online post. “I realized that the first step in getting past my insecurity was learning to be kinder to myself.”
The International Day of Self-Love concept spread to schools, and Jivani went on to form an empowerment non-profit called the Love Your Natural Self Foundation, become a TEDx speaker and join multiple advisory boards. All before graduating from college.
You don’t have to be a tormented middle-school girl to be your own worst enemy. You can just be an over-booked, sleep-deprived adult who feels like you should be working harder, parenting more effectively, saving the world and pleasing your Fitbit, so paying attention to your own needs is a luxury you can’t afford.
Self-love? Seriously?
Yes. Seriously.
“When we feel negatively about ourselves, we’re more prone to insert that negativity into our daily activities, responsibilities and relationships,” Potiker said via email from India, where she was expanding her spiritual education. “On the other hand, the more compassion and love we cultivate for ourselves, the more available those positive emotions are to us when we encounter external sources of stress, sadness, anger and so on.”
So how should you plan on celebrating the International Day of Self-Love? Ask yourself what would make a difference to you right now, Potiker says. What small thing could you do for yourself or say to yourself that would bring a smile to your tired face or get your inner critic to take the day off?
Potiker suggests repeating a Loving Kindness phrase to yourself. “May I know that I am loved,” for instance. Or, “May I be at peace.” Meditation is always good. You can start small, with a few quiet minutes in your car with a meditation app. (Insight Timer is a good one. So is Headspace.)
Or think about what you would do for a friend or loved one who needed a boost, then do it for yourself. Listen with a sympathetic ear. Cut some slack. Buy some flowers. Recognize that the healing powers of 20-minute walk and a latte cannot be overestimated.
You can’t save the world or cherish your friends or do your best work if you are always running on empty. Valentine’s Day is coming, rain is in the forecast and summer is four long months away. The time to be sweet to yourself is now.
Twitter: @karla_peterson
karla.peterson@sduniontribune.com
Karla Peterson
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Report: San Diego has unique edge to tackle climate change
Scripps Researcher Ed Parnell swims through the kelp forest off the San Diego coast during a dive to check on the conditions of the local kelp earlier this year.
(Andrew Roe)
Region’s bluffs provide buffer to rising seas; kelp can lessen ocean warming
By Deborah Sullivan Brennan
The Earth’s coastal and polar areas are on thin ice, a new climate report warns, but San Diego may be in a better place than others to weather those changes if it acts swiftly, several authors said.
“The Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate,” released last week by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, explored the effects of warming on the world’s oceans and frozen places.
San Diego is grappling with rising seas, coastal erosion and marine heat waves, periods when seawater hits record-high temperatures. However, natural variability in the region’s sea level, ocean temperature and chemistry may position coastal cities to stay ahead of future changes, several authors said. Understanding the risks specific to San Diego can help with that.
“Every community has different vulnerabilities, so it’s useful to downscale these risks to your specific communities,” said Mark Merrifield, a contributing author of the report and director of the Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Center at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla.
Besides the steady ocean warming, El Nino and La Nina cycles, as well as marine heat waves, have caused wild fluctuations in ocean temperature, the report stated.
“Marine heat waves, periods of extremely high ocean temperatures, have negatively impacted marine organisms and ecosystems in all ocean basins over the last two decades, including critical foundation species such as corals, sea grasses and kelps,” the report states.
San Diego experienced that firsthand starting in 2013, when parts of the Pacific soared up to 9 degrees Fahrenheit above normal under the influence of “the blob,” a vast patch of warm, stagnant water that lingered off the West Coast for years. The warm water dampened normal upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water from the deep ocean, and the effects rippled across the region, authors said.
“When waters become warmer, and they already are, there’s less nutrients, so there’s less phytoplankton,” said Lisa Levin, an author of the study and a professor of biological oceanography at Scripps. “They are the plants of the ocean, they’re fixing carbon and they feed the rest of the ocean, so there’s less food. That trickles down through the food web to fish and mammals. And we’ve some hungry mammals in the last five years.”
Starving sea lion pups stranded in record numbers between 2013 and 2017. Whales swam closer to shore, where there was better food supply, said Raphael Kudela, an author of the report and professor of ocean sciences at UC Santa Cruz. That’s good for whale-watching, but bad for whales, which risk ship strikes and entanglement closer to the coast, he said.
A high number of young sea lions were rescued by SeaWorld in 2016.
(John Gibbins / The San Diego Union-Tribune))
The change in temperature pushed some species northward, so market squid, normally a mainstay for Southern California, were being caught north of San Francisco, he said, while yellowfin tuna moved from Baja to San Diego. Warmer water also created conditions for toxic algal blooms, which can sicken animals and people.
“The big heatwave in 2015 resulted in the big harmful algal bloom and the closure of the Dungeness crab fishery” on the West Coast, Kudela said. “We are concerned that this could be the new normal. We’ve got another marine heatwave starting right now, so come spring 2020, are we going to see another harmful algal bloom?”
Marine heat waves are likely to become more frequent and intense in coming years, “pushing some marine organisms, fisheries and ecosystems beyond the limits of their resilience,” the report warned. Kelp forests, one of San Diego’s signature habitats, are vulnerable to changes in water temperature, it stated.
But San Diego’s coastline already experiences seasonal variations in oxygen and pH levels, so some marine life may be better able to cope as climate change alters ocean chemistry, Levin said.
Along the West Coast, low oxygen areas are a natural feature of the ocean environment, she said. Although many animals avoid the “oxygen minimum zones,” some commercial fish, including Dover sole and black cod, have learned to live with them.
Those low-oxygen zones, found at depths of 300 and 3,000 feet, result from upwelling cycles common to our coastline. Seasonal winds fan the California coast, churning up water that’s high in nutrients, but acidic and low in oxygen, Levin said.
Ocean acidification can interfere with shellfish development and may affect fish growth. Although this change could be devastating to coastal fisheries such as oysters, there is great genetic variability in different organisms’ ability to tolerate it, and some local species are likely to hold fast, Levin said.
Moreover, oxygen and pH levels shift during naturally occurring El Nino and La Nina events, Levin said, so Southern California ecosystems already have some ability to withstand those changes.
“Some of the species in California will be more tolerant of climate changes than the species in other areas of the ocean, probably,” Levin said.
As melting ice drives rising seas, coastal communities including San Diego will encounter more frequent and severe flooding, scientists said. Runoff from melting glaciers in Greenland and Antarctica, along with expansion of the warming ocean water, has doubled the global rate of sea level rise, according to the report.
"(High) water levels that used to occur once a century will occur annually or more often in many places, and San Diego happens to be one of them,” said Michael Oppenheimer, a lead author of the report and professor of geosciences and international affairs at Princeton University.
Those effects are most likely to occur in low-lying areas such as Imperial Beach, and during certain inauspicious conditions, Levin said.
“When high tides interact with storm surge, we know that there’s more coastal flooding,” she said.
Waves break at below the bluffs of the Torrey Pines Golf Course. Much of San Diego’s coastline provides a buffer against flooding.
(K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Nonetheless, much of San Diego’s infrastructure is built at higher elevations, so the region may have a better buffer than areas such as San Francisco, where many buildings are constructed on low-lying stretches of reclaimed land, said Merrifield, professor of oceanography at Scripps.
“Coastal flooding is certainly a problem in certain low-lying areas, but San Diego does benefit from having most of the built environment well above sea level,” he said.
Although San Diego may be more resilient to flooding than some parts of the state, its more immediate threat is bluff and beach erosion, Merrifield said.
“It might not mean that you’ll get flooding, but there will have to be attention paid to keeping sand on a beach,” he said.
Early warning systems will be important to heading off threats, said So-Min Cheong, a professor of geography at the University Kansas, and an author on the chapter on risk management.
By better predicting events such as marine heat waves, officials can manage fisheries to prevent over-fishing, or shore up marine protected areas to defend existing fish stock. Planners should work with developers to ensure that new housing can withstand risks of flood and erosion, she said.
“They need to be engaging with communities, with the construction sector, to redesign the houses, to raise houses up and make them flood-proof,” Gheong said.
One of the more upbeat notes in the report concerns the role of “blue carbon,” the restoration of marine plants to help slow climate change and safeguard coastlines. Kelp forests, sea grass beds, mangroves and wetlands all sequester carbon, shelter young fish, balance ocean chemistry and buffer inland areas, scientists said.
“Sea grass beds and kelp are generally a net sink for carbon,” Kudela said. “They adjust the pH of the water so you don’t have to. If we protected these areas and helped them expand, we can mitigate the effects of ocean warming and de-oxygenation.”
Besides updating the status of the Earth’s oceans and ice, the authors aim to lay out a choice.
“The report makes really, really clear, that if we act now and take on mitigation, we can limit the results of climate change,” Levin said. “And things can be really severe and catastrophic in the future, with a lot of loss of life and money, if we don’t act.”
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Since police launched the ‘Barrio Logan Commercial Operation’ in October, officers have issued more than 190 citations, officials said
Levin prioritized environmental and veterans issues in Year One, will it earn him another term?
Rep. Mike Levin, the newest member of San Diego’s congressional delegation, is competing in one of the most closely watched races
4S Library ‘Friends’ open new ‘Book Nook’
The Friends of the 4S Ranch Library has reopened its “Book Nook” in a new location within the library.
Year Ahead: Ramona Community Planning Group, 2020
Attend meetings, make your opinion count
The rope at the clearwell was probably used to hold the swing gate open for maintenance and cleaning of the gate.
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Category: Information access
JSTOR: your articles are mine!
Posted on July 22, 2011 July 22, 2011 by Roger Pearse
JSTOR, the electronic archive of academic journal articles, has been in the news this week. A programmer charged with massive theft turns out to be a 24 year old Harvard researcher named Aaron Swartz, who downloaded 4.8 million articles from JSTOR to hard disk, using a script. His identity was known, and JSTOR involved the police:
Swartz was charged with computer intrusion, fraud, and data theft. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 35 years in prison, restitution and forfeiture, and a fine of $1 million. A PDF of the indictment is here. …
Members of Demand Progress, a nonprofit political action group Swartz founded, criticized the indictment.
“This makes no sense,” the group’s executive director, David Segal, said in a statement. “It’s like trying to put someone in jail for allegedly checking too many books out of the library.”
Today a new twist: 19,000 articles have been leaked to protest the ‘war on knowledge’.
A critic of academic publishers has uploaded 19,000 scientific papers to the internet to protest the prosecution of a prominent programmer and activist accused of hacking into a college computer system and downloading almost 5 million scholarly documents from an archive service.
The 18,592 documents made available Wednesday through Bittorrent were pulled from the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, a prestigious scientific journal that was founded in the 1600s, the protester said. Even though the vast majority of the documents are hundreds of years old, the London-based Royal Society charges from $8 to $19 for each one, and restricts viewing to one person on one computer for only a single month.
“If I can remove even one dollar of ill-gained income from a poisonous industry which acts to suppress scientific and historic understanding, then whatever personal cost I suffer will be justified – it will be one less dollar spent in the war against knowledge,” Gregory Maxwell, self-described hobbyist scientist from Northern Virginia, wrote in a manifesto accompanying the upload. “One less dollar spent lobbying for laws that make downloading too many scientific papers a crime.”
Academics and copyright critics immediately criticized the charges as excessive, likening them to trying to put someone in jail for checking out too many library books. They argue that many of the documents in JSTOR’s collection are probably kept behind its paywall against the authors’ will and that there are no valid copyright claims restricting their distribution.
Indeed, court documents charging Swartz contain no claims of copyright violations. Instead, they cite Swartz for intrusion of MIT’s computer network and for impairing JSTOR’s systems by using an automated script that systematically scraped its archive.
In an email to The Reg, Maxwell said he decided against uploading the documents anonymously to prevent anyone from falsely claiming Swartz was behind the move. All of the documents were published prior to 1923 to ensure they are all in the public domain.
The case is an extremely interesting one from many points of view. The charges are frivolous, since the details of how he accessed the data are, frankly, not the point at issue. These, clearly, are the best charges that the lawyers could find.
It is interesting — and probably telling — that JSTOR don’t want to put their claim of copyright to the court. I suspect their lawyers have advised them that there is nothing to gain, that at present almost everyone is respecting their exaggerated but untested claims, and that the only possible consequence of a judge looking over the matter will be to create case law which — since they currently get everything they want — would most likely restrict them in some way.
Maxwell has done precisely the right thing here, in my opinion, and I hope others will follow him. Let us all, by all means, protest legally in this way. The Royal Society’s greed — futile greed, because whoever would pay such a sum? — is indeed utterly poisonous. Nor is the Royal Society alone. A lot of British tax-funded institutions treat the web as a mechanism to extort money, rather than a means to contribute to society.
At the same time, we need to recognise that JSTOR do have a problem here. They are not altogether the bad guys. The problem, succintly, is bad law. JSTOR are uploading material created, in the main, by scholars paid by the taxpayer. But JSTOR can’t pay its bills unless it charges. It can’t charge unless it restricts access to institutions. One infuriating aspect: while charging you and I to use it — we have, of course, already paid for it once in taxes –, it gives free access to the inhabitants of third-world despotisms.
The answer, surely, is for the government to take over JSTOR and fund it from taxes. It makes no sense for us to pay scholars to create material, with all the facilities involved, and then pay again to access it via a different mechanism, which restricts access to a few. Treat it as what it is — a library funded by the public — and remove all the layers of public money going here and there. It will undoubtedly be cheaper, involve less administration, and benefit the world.
Some might say that academic publishers only allow material on JSTOR because it is subscription, and they get a cut of the cash. This is probably true. But this in turn points up how academic publishing is no longer the benefactor of the world that it was in the days of print. When the only technology for articles was paper journals, these presses performed a service. But now? Technology has rendered that distribution mechanism obsolete, and the funding structure that supported it, harmlessly, is now a barrier to access. This too, I think, will change.
The outcome of the case must be of great interest to all of us. I do hope that the issues are confronted squarely.
UPDATE: There is a thoughtful article at the New Yorker here. This adds the important detail that JSTOR says that, after calling the cops, it “considered its dealings with Swartz complete” once Swartz had deleted his copies of the download.
Posted in Information accessTagged Information access11 Comments on JSTOR: your articles are mine!
Greek books online
An email from Stephan Huller brings the following interesting information:
Did you know that all the old books in Greek public libraries – many dating to the sixteenth, seventeenth or eighteenth centuries – are available online at this address:
http://publiclibs.ypepth.gr
Just press the large orange banner and then type in the Greek name of any Church Father (or the name of Latin Fathers in regular fonts). It’s amazing what books are available there. I am not sure what is or isn’t available on archive.org but there’s tons of stuff here.
Hmm. I think you have to enter Greek text, but this sounds *very* interesting!
UPDATE: Stephan adds:
There are also handwritten copies of obscure manuscripts I didn’t know existed especially at the library of Zagoras. That library was part of a center of learning started by a rich Greek merchant named John Priggos who sent a thousand books from Amsterdam c 1762. The library has an interesting history
Posted in Information accessTagged Information access6 Comments on Greek books online
Can this be true?
Posted on July 6, 2011 July 6, 2011 by Roger Pearse
A report at Reuters, which somehow has not reached the BBC as far as I can tell.
World temperatures did not rise from 1998 to 2008, while manmade emissions of carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuel grew by nearly a third, various data show.
The researchers from Boston and Harvard Universities and Finland’s University of Turku said pollution, and specifically sulphur emissions, from coal-fueled growth in Asia was responsible for the cooling effect.
Is this right? That in the last ten years there was no global warming?
Yet here in the UK we have had night after night of “news” reports, running as if they were news, telling us in alarming terms that the world was doomed, showing pictures of melting ice-floes (in summer!) It subsided quite a bit after the scandal of forged data at the University of East Anglia. The guilty men were found innocent by their peers — funny that — but the mud stuck. There was no getting around the fact that they concealed the data, and that it took a hacker to reveal that they did so intentionally and in words capable of the worst interpretation. But the idea of warming still lingers.
Now I don’t have a view on the technical issues. And doubtless readers of this blog have various views on the political platforms that depend on pro- and anti-global warming stuff. This is not a blog about climate change or global warming, and I don’t propose to address that.
What concerns me is the information access issue. The real issue for me here, if the report is true, is the honesty issue, the poisoning of the public with a lie whose consequences — lightbulbs, ‘green’ taxes — affect everyone directly. Whatever our opinions, we all need accurate data, honestly reported.
But if this report is true — and I have no means of knowing — then we have all been subjected to a deliberate campaign of lies and evasions that would make Goebbels gasp with admiration.
For how could people NOT know that the world was not getting warmer? I wouldn’t know; but there are people whose job it is to know. The money exacted from me in taxes goes to pay their salaries.
This is deeply troubling on so many levels. We rely on a more or less free system of mass communication. To watch it be corrupted in this way raises the obvious question: what else are we not being told? What else is being distorted.
If the answer is “a lot”, then what do we do? We don’t want to become the sort of lunatic obsessed with conspiracies.
Perhaps the answer is to read widely. Watch Russia Today. Watch al-Jazeera. And so on?
Posted in Information accessTagged Information access8 Comments on Can this be true?
Dionysius of Alexandria on Gutenberg
Mike Aquilina draws my attention to a new arrival on Gutenberg, the old SPCK translation of letters and treatises by Dionysius of Alexandria. It’s here, and done rather splendidly! I didn’t even know the book existed, or I should long since have scanned it.
Thank you Mike! And thank you Gutenberg!
Posted in Information accessTagged Dionysius of Alexandria, Information accessLeave a Comment on Dionysius of Alexandria on Gutenberg
BBC: Those Christians are out rioting again
Posted on June 29, 2011 June 30, 2011 by Roger Pearse
A curious report here from the BBC. Apparently a Coptic business man has reposted a cartoon of Mickey and Minne Mouse in Moslem dress. I found the Minnie mouse one online, which I attach; I couldn’t locate the other. Apparently a Moslem cartoonist has — rightly — retaliated with a cartoon of said businessman, which again I have not seen. And extremist Moslem leaders are calling for his head for being disrespectful. Nothing special there.
But much more important is how the BBC reports the situation in Egypt.
The outcry comes at a time of tension between Egypt’s Christians and Muslims. …
But many have questioned his wisdom in sharing the cartoons at a time of tensions between Coptic Christians and conservative Muslims.
Scores of people have been wounded and several killed in clashes between the two communities in recent months, and there are fears this row will increase the chances of more sectarian clashes in the run up to post-revolution elections in September.
In each case the BBC puts “Christians” first. It refers to “tensions” — weasel wording — “between Coptic Christians and conservative Moslems”.
What is actually happening is an onslaught on the Coptic community by Moslem groups, now that Mubarak is out of power, as can be seen in many online news reports. But the phrasing plays that down, and carefully creates a false equivalence.
The BBC also uses the term “conservative” — the major British right-of-centre party — to describe the extremists. I’m sure the news team laughed as they did that.
It’s like reading TASS or Pravda in the old Soviet days.
Whatever I want from the BBC, for which my taxes pay, it is not this.
UPDATE: The Islamic Mickey Mouse seems very hard to find. Here’s a low-quality version:
What I’d like now, to complete the set, is the cartoon of the businessman! Anyone know where it is?
Posted in Christianity, Information accessTagged Christianity, Information access3 Comments on BBC: Those Christians are out rioting again
British Library to place 250,000 books online — thanks to Google
It seems that the BL will allow Google to place 250,000 books published between 1700 and 1870 online. See AFP article here.
All the works will be available for text search download and reading on the British Library’s website www.bl.uk and at Google Books on books.google.co.uk.
The cost of digitising all 40 million pages will be borne by Google, which has entered similar partnerships with Stanford and Harvard universities in the United States as well as in the Netherlands, Italy and Austria.
BBC article is here, BL press release here (and do read a few other announcements first, and laugh to see how many merely repeat the press release).
This is good news. More.
Posted in British LibraryTagged British Library, Information access2 Comments on British Library to place 250,000 books online — thanks to Google
A mysterious reference to Theodoret in the NPNF John Damascene
An email reached me asking:
I was reading John of Damascus in NPNF Series 2, and a comparison was made to Theodoret’s “Epitome of Divine Dogmas.” I tried searching with Google but gave up. Do you know of an available English translation?
The reference is to the prologue here, “From the Latin of the Edition of Michael Lequien, as Given in Migne’s Patrology”. The NPNF says:
After the rules of Christian dealectic and the review of the errors of ancient heresies comes at last the book “Concerning the Orthodox Faith.” In this book, John of Damascus retains the same order as was adopted by Theodoret in his “Epitome of Divine Dogmas,” but takes a different method.
Looking in Quasten’s Patrology reveals no such work by Theodoret; in Migne, vols. 80-84, nothing either. Le Quien’s preface to John Damascene is PG94, columns 66-97. But I could find no such sentence in it.
But my correspondent was luckier, and found a reference in a Word document at the Documenta Catholica Omnia site accessible from here. In the Life and Writings, which takes a while to download. It contains the following:
(ii.) The Haereticarum Fabularum Compendium, was composed at the request of Sporacius, one of the representatives of Martian at Chalcedon, and is, as its title indicates, an account of past or present heresies. It is divided into five. Books, which treat of the following heretics.
I. Simon Magus, Menander, Saturnilus, (1) Basilides, Isidorus, Carpocrates, Epiphanes, Prodicus, Valentinus, Secundus, Marcus the Wizard, the Ascodruti, (2) the Colorbasii, the Barbelioti, (3) the Ophites, the Cainites, the Antitacti, the Perati, Monoimus, Hermogenes, Tatianus, Severus, Bardesanes, Harmoniu Florinus, Cerdo, Marcion, Apelles, Potitus, Prepo, and Manes.
II. The Ebionites, the Nazarenes, Cerinthus, Artemon, Theodotus, the Melchisedeciani, the Elkesites, Paul of Samosata, Sabellius, MarcelIus, Photinus.
III. The Nicolaitans, the Montanists, Noetus of Smyrna, the Tessarescdecatites (i.e. Quartodecimani) Novatus, Nepos.
IV. Arius, Eudoxius, Etmomius, Aetius, the Psathyriani, the Macedoniani, the Donatists, the Meletians, Appollinarius, the Audiani, the Messaliani, Nestorius, Eutyches. V. The last book is an “Epitome of the Divine Decrees.”
So it is, in fact, part of the Compendium of the Fables of the Heretics. My correspondent added:
…there was enough to cross-reference at Source Chrétiennes where I found this:
Résumé des fables hérétiques (Haereticarum fabularum compendium); CPG 6223. 420 – env. 460. PG 83, 336-556.
Still nothing in English though.
The work ought to exist in English but I don’t believe it does. Nor does it appear in the French Sources Chretiennes series. The work is apparently derivative of earlier works, which probably explains the neglect by scholars.
Posted in Information accessTagged Information access, Theodoret3 Comments on A mysterious reference to Theodoret in the NPNF John Damascene
The British Library — whoring the national library?
They say a leopard cannot change its spots, and too often, this is so. Over the last few years I have documented various outrageous examples of greed and cynicism by the British Library.
The BL is, remember, a body entirely funded by the money of others. That money is not given freely. It is exacted by the state under threat of imprisonment from people who (in the main) cannot use the library or its facilities.
Now there is an argument for a national library, as a centre of learning, funded by taxes in order to benefit everyone. In the age of the internet, it could and should act like Google Books, placing books online in PDF’s to disseminate knowledge.
But that is not what the BL does. Instead, those who control it keep trying to use the internet to get money, rather than to serve the nation. Unlike the internet model, where everyone gives away content, they keep trying to exploit it commercially.
Today I read this heading: Put a thousand books from the British Library on your iPad for free. Well, it’s not much, really — think of Archive.org — but it’s something. Although… why an iPad?
I just love finding apps like this, and I think you’ll be excited too. The British Library has released 1000 books from its 19th Century collection into a free iPad app that includes novels, historical works, poetry, philosophy and scientific books.
The books have been scanned in high resolution and color so you can see the engraved illustrations, the beauty of the embossed covers, along with maps and even the texture of the paper the books were printed on.
You can search the collection, browse titles by subject, and even read commentary on some of the titles. The books can be downloaded for reading offline. …
The app only works in portrait mode, but some of the illustrations are oriented in landscape view. …
Yup. It’s not a set of books. It’s an “app”. In other words, the books are locked inside some proprietary software. As soon as I saw that bit, I knew. I could smell it. And sure enough…
Although the app is free, the British Library plans to charge for an enhanced version of 60,000 titles later this year.
You bet they do.
Let us thank heavens for Google Books. Thank heavens for Archive.org.
And a raspberry to these loathsome little civil servants, selling what is not theirs to sell, in an age when even ordinary chaps like me give content away.
I award them the Bloodsucker award for June 2011.
Posted in Bloodsucker award, British LibraryTagged British Library9 Comments on The British Library — whoring the national library?
A list of the new manuscripts online at the British Library site
Posted on June 9, 2011 June 11, 2013 by Roger Pearse
At the British Library manuscripts blog, Julian Harrison is paying attention, and well done to him. In response to comments like those here, he’s today posted a list of the 25 newly uploaded manuscripts. Here it is, with extra text by me.
Additional MS 4949 – 12th c. four gospels
Additional MS 4950 – 13th c. Matthew, Mark, a summary of Luke, and a page of stuff from Eusebius on Jesus and the Evangelists “Ex Eusebio Chronicis”. Anyone able to read any of the last?
Additional MS 4951 – 13th c. Luke, John, Menologion, plus a colophon.
Additional MS 5107 – 1159 AD. Eusebius, letter to Carpianus, with a bit of a canon table, then the 4 gospels.
Additional MS 5111 – 6-12th century. Eusebius to Carpianus, canons, plus Matthew and Mark.
Additional MS 5112 – 12th c. Luke, John, and 3 leaves of a patristic florilegium. Clearly written, this one! But I can’t make out any names.
Additional MS 5117 – 1326-1457. 4 gospels, Eusebius to Carpianus, and a couple of other late things.
Additional MS 10057 – 14-16th c. Euripedes!!! — 3 plays: the Hecuba, Orestes, and Phoenissae, plus scholia!
Additional MS 11870 – 11th c. Metaphrastes, Saints’ Lives for September.
Additional MS 14771 – 10th c. Gregory Nazianzen!!! — a bunch of his orations (1, 45, 44, 41, 21, 15, 38, 43, 39, 40, 11, 14, 42, 16), including the funeral oration for Basil the Great. The ms. starts with a table of contents in red uncial. I was once told such tables of contents were rare! This manuscript once belonged to Niccolo Niccoli in Florence, then to the monastery of St. Mark, where Niccoli’s books went after his death. Evidently someone stole it and sold it on.
Additional MS 18231 — 972 AD. Dionysius the Areopagite, Gregory Nazianzen’s orations (again with table of contents): 2, 12, 9, 10, 11, 3, 19, 17, 16, 7, 8, 18, 6, 23, 22, 38, 39, 40, 1, 45, 44, 41, 33 against the Arians, 27 against the Eunomians, 29, 30, 31, 20, 28, 34, 14, 36, 26, 25, 24, 21, 15, 42, 43, 4 & 5 against Julian the Apostate, 37, 13, ; letters 101 and 102 and 202; a couple of Carmina; a vita of Gregory; ps.Nonnus’ Scholia mythologica (I wonder what these are).
Additional MS 18277 – (modern papers)
Additional MS 19387 – 13th c. 4 gospels.
Additional MS 20002 – 10th c. Old Testament; Judges, with bits of Joshua and Ruth. This was acquired by Tischendorff from Sinai.
Additional MS 21030 – 13th c. Psalter. Acquired in Maloula in Syria.
Additional MS 21061 – 15th c. Anastasius the Sinaite on the Hexameron, followed by ps.Caesarius, Quaestiones et Responsiones.
Additional MS 21165 – 15th c. Iamblichus! Life of Pythagoras, Protrepicus, De communi mathematica scientia, In Nicomachi arithmeticam introductionem.
Additional MS 21261 – 14th c. Gospel lectionary.
Additional MS 22733 – 11th c. Metaphrastes, more saints’ lives.
Additional MS 22750 – 14th c. Hagiography: “Fragments of sermons and services in honour of the Archangel Michael, including that of Pantaleon the Deacon”, from a burned volume.
Additional MS 22909 – 1680 AD. Some very late Byzantine writers.
Additional MS 23895 – 16th c. Onasander, Strategicus!
Additional MS 23927 – 16th c. Aristotle, Problemata.
Additional MS 35021 – (modern)
I was a bit afraid after the opening section that it would all be gospel mss.! But thankfully not — there are some gems in there. But what does smack you in the face is the need for a course in Greek paleography in order to make much of them.
Do add that blog to your RSS feeder. They don’t post that often, but all the posts are interesting and useful, and usually illustrated with some precious page image.
Posted in British Library, ManuscriptsTagged British Library, British Library Digitisation, Information access, Manuscripts2 Comments on A list of the new manuscripts online at the British Library site
Obtaining the catalogue of manuscripts of the Vlatadon monastery in Thessalonika
Posted on June 9, 2011 November 25, 2011 by Roger Pearse
I have just placed an order for a photocopy of the catalogue of the manuscripts of the Vlatadon monastery in Thessalonika. This is the place which had the unknown Galen manuscript, which recovered such treasures for us. I’ve ordered it from the French National Library using their online (and unduly complex) form. Here’s their catalogue entry:
Auteur(s) : Eustratiadès, Sophronios
Titre(s) : Katalogos tôn en tê Monê Blateôn (Tsaous-Monastêri) apokeimenôn kôdikôn [Texte imprimé] / Sôphronios Eustratiadês
Publication : Thessalonkê : S Pantelê kai N Thenopôntu, 1918
Description matérielle : 1 vol. (136-VII p.) ; 26 cm
Veronique Boudon-Millot emails to say that it also appeared in a periodical, Γρεγόριος ὁ Παλαμᾶς, vol. 2 (1918), p. 97-107 ; 224-237 ; 274-283 ; 326-330 ; 386-404 ; 437-443 ; 473-475 ; 503-507 ; 708-717. and vol. 3 (1919), p. 29-45 ; 74-91 ; 137-150.
It was interesting using their form, because it showed you what it cost. I first asked for digital images, sent by email. They wanted 6,000 euros for that (!). I then asked for photocopies and that was merely 34 euros. So that’s what I ordered.
Let’s see if it works.
Posted in Information accessTagged Information access1 Comment on Obtaining the catalogue of manuscripts of the Vlatadon monastery in Thessalonika
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Cultural Studies and Modern Languages online course receives Award for Education
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The SBS Experience
Music has played an integral part in the school’s rich history and expression, and is considered an indispensable part of the college preparatory experience. Our recently renovated music facility, with choral and instrumental practice rooms, is indicative of the emphasis we place on the participation and study of music at The Stony Brook School.
VOCAL ENSEMBLES
Concert Choir is one of three vocal ensembles at The Stony Brook School. The group is comprised of students in grades 10-12 and specializes in concert and chamber styles of choral music. Last year, Concert Choir performed fall and spring concerts, a service of Lessons and Carols, numerous chapel services, Music in the Parks, where the ensemble received an excellent rating and third place, and Orlandofest at Universal Studios Florida, where the ensemble received a superior rating and first place. This year, the group will compete at Music in the Parks. The group is under the direction of Dustin Ramirez and accompanied by Majida Smith.
Chamber Singers
Chamber Singers is the second of the vocal ensembles at The Stony Brook School. This auditioned group is comprised of students in grades 9-12 and specializes in madrigal, concert, and chamber styles of choral music. This ensemble performs a fall and spring concert, a Christmas service of Lessons and Carols, Maundy Thursday Service, and numerous chapel services on campus and in the local community. Last year, Chamber Singers competed at Music in the Parks, where they received an excellent rating and second place and the Long Island Music Festival, where the ensemble received a superior rating and the highest score of the day. This year, the group will participate in the NYC Music Festival, Music in the Parks, and the Long Island Music Festival. The group is under the direction of Dustin Ramirez.
Chorus is the third of the vocal ensembles at The Stony Brook School. This group is comprised of students in grades 7-9 and specializes in concert choral music. This year, Chorus will perform at the Fall Fine Arts Night, Winter Concert, and Spring Concert. Last year, Chorus participated in Hershey Park’s non-competitive festival. This year, the group will participate in the Long Island Music Festival and Orlandofest at Universal Studios Florida. The group is under the direction of Dustin Ramirez and accompanied by Majida Smith.
Chamber Orchestra is comprised of students in grades 10-12 and specializes in concert and chamber styles of orchestra music. They perform at the fall and spring concerts, a Christmas service of Lessons and Carols, an Easter Service for Maundy Thursday, and also received First Place and the award for the highest scoring instrumental ensemble, regardless of class, at Music in the Parks, for the third year in a row. This ensemble will occasionally have pull out ensembles to create a Chamber String or Chamber Wind Ensemble. This year, the group will compete at Music in the Parks. The group is under the direction of Jamie Ramirez.
Instrumental Ensemble
Instrumental Ensemble is comprised of students in grades 7-9 and specializes in concert and chamber styles of music. This ensemble will perform at the Fall Fine Arts Night, Winter Concert, and Spring Concert. Instrumental Ensemble will also participate in the Long Island Music Festival. The group is under the direction of Jamie Ramirez.
Private Music Lessons
The Stony Brook School offers a wide range of private music lessons during the school day. For more information, please contact Dustin Ramirez, Director of Performing Arts.
Dustin Ramirez
Director of Performing Arts
Ball State University - Masters of Education
Anderson Univeristy - Bachelor of Arts
Dustin.Ramirez@stonybrookschool.org
Jamie Ramirez
Instrumental Director
Messiah College - Bachelor of Science
Jamie.Ramirez@stonybrookschool.org
Majida Smith
The Stony Brook School
Wheaton College - BA
Majida.Smith@stonybrookschool.org
TAS Production
1 Chapman Parkway, Stony Brook, NY 11790 | 631-751-1800
A Christian, co-ed, college preparatory boarding and day school for 7-12th grade students
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by Stuart Kelly
September 15, 2014 | by Stuart Kelly
THAT the name of the protagonist of Michel Faber’s spellbinding, heartbreaking and mind-bending new novel, The Book Of Strange New Things, is Peter is hardly coincidental. The book opens with Peter and his wife, Beatrice, having impassioned but melancholic sex in the back of their car before Peter departs to take up a new job. Indeed, it is more than a mere employment opportunity: it is a mission. Just beforehand, Peter had confessed to loving the man-made lighting on the way to Heathrow, and was musing on how the idea that ‘unspoiled nature is supposed to be the ultimate in perfection’ buckles when one considers what travelling in the ‘total darkness’ of the ‘natural state of the world’ might actually be like. That conversation will haunt the reader, as will the neat foreshadowing in the ‘vaguely humanoid shape’ of a hitchhiker the couple pass before their elegiac tryst. This is very much a book that rewards re-reading; its subtle echoes and wisps of allusion reverberate across the text like the minimalist music of Philip Glass.
The first reveal: Peter and Beatrice are committed Christians, who use the word ‘crisis’ whenever an unbearable urge to break the third commandment and take the Lord’s name in vain steals upon them. Peter goes to the airport’s Prayer Room and reads the plaintive, angry, tender and sarcastic comments in the visitors’ book. The two of them worry about the divine sanction of his decision to accept the position: ‘You don’t feel God’s hand in this?… Do you think He would send me all the way to – ’. So far this novel could be social realism until we reach the second reveal. We already know that Peter’s career change is being funded by the shadowy acronym USIC (I can’t help hearing ‘you sick’ when leafing back through the book in order to write this review) and that the transport alone is costing millions of dollars. Peter is being sent to Oasis, humanity’s first extra-terrestrial colony, because, we later learn, the indigenous aliens – a lovely paradox – have demanded a man of the cloth. Peter, of course, was the first earthly apostle, originally named Simon and renamed by Jesus as a pun on petrus, stone, the rock on which the Church is founded.
Before Peter can meet the Oasans, we have a beautiful sequence of scenes: the nausea-inducing and eerily vague descriptions of the actual journey to Oasis, with its horrendous version of interplanetary jet-lag; the Vonnegut-esque evocation of the stultifyingly boring, bureaucratically repressive and devil-may-care cynicism of the human colony – sorry, community. It’s a place of Patsy Cline and outdated pornography, heavy engineering and light fizzy drinks deducted from your wage, where Peter has been told that ‘food is provided whenever we need it’ and a new colleague informs him ‘you just gotta make sure you don’t need it at the wrong time’. Then there is Peter’s encounter with the planet itself, its three-day long nights and its green water, its aquamarine sky and its lack of a moon, its humidity and its barrenness. He also meets Grainger, a smart-mouthed, snarky woman from the American South, who becomes a foil-y kind of friend. She takes him to the Oasan settlement, on a regular drop-off of the pharmaceuticals they crave as much as the Gospel.
Then we meet the Oasans. Like China Miéville or Jeff VanderMeer rather than H P Lovecraft, who nearly always gave us almost precise height, weight and number of tentacles statistics for his ‘weird’, Faber leaves a glorious smudge of ambiguity. ‘Here was a face that was nothing like a face. Instead, it was a massive whitish-pink walnut kernel. Or no: even more, it resembled a placenta with two foetuses – maybe three-months-old twins, hairless and blind – nestled head to head, knee to forehead. Their swollen heads constituted the Oasan’s clefted cheeks, their spindly arms and webbed feet merged into a tangle of translucent flesh that might contain – in some form unrecognisable to him – a mouth, nose, eyes’.
There’s a phrase in fan discussions about Star Trek – ‘Forehead Of The Week’ – meaning why do other life-forms so often look like badly disguised humans. Faber resists this with elegance: your mind can’t visualise an Oasan. Nor can your tongue imitate one. The book drops in alternate graphemes to convey the Oasan’s inability, with their alien tongues or teeth or lips, to say ‘t’ or ‘s’. The use of different typographies and fonts can often be a sign of lazy writing. When an author just clicks up the font size box to represent shouting, it is because they can’t convey shouting in words alone. Faber is ingenious in this respect: the reader has to decode the Oasan’s approximation of the sounds of English. It ramps up the extent of our ability to decipher. The reader has, by the end, to become alien and alienated.
Across this narrative there are Peter’s letters to Beatrice, full of confusion, optimism and the reveals of why he became a Christian. We have Beatrice’s letters, ‘shot’ into the void, describing a world that Peter thought he was leaving but was in fact escaping. As she sends letters from a Ballardian future, he becomes a variant on Dostoevsky’s The Idiot, the man undone by innocence. Beatrice is a sly reference to Dante, for as Peter inches towards Heaven, she spirals into a wholly man-made Hell.
Each of Faber’s chapters is headed by a phrase, with which the chapter itself concludes. When one realises this game of predestination, there is a visceral shiver across your brain. You start re-reading before you have finished the book. It extends and deepens Faber’s obvious interest in the relationship between damage and identity: like the tiger-striped heroine of The Crimson Petal And The White, desperately trying to have a life of plenty, or the uncomfortably human-ised A9 alien murderer of Under The Skin, the Oasans are about harm and hope. Faber’s central concern has been about bodies and how they let us down, and how the metaphysics that cocoon our fears let us down even more.
There are narrative hooks which propel the reader through the story. When Peter meets the Oasans for the first time, they touchingly sing ‘How Great Thou Art’ to the best of their physiologies. How do they know about religion? Why has it become embedded in their culture to the extent that they rename themselves ‘Jesus Lover Fifty-Four’ or ‘Jesus Lover Seventy-Eight’? I thought immediately of MacDiarmid’s ‘The Innumerable Christ’ – ‘An’ when the earth’s as cauld’s the mune / An’ a’ its folk are lang syne deid, / On countless stars the Babe maun cry / An’ the Crucified maun bleed’. Likewise, there is an element reminiscent of Conrad: will Peter ‘go native’, become a Kurtz of the cosmos? The human understanding of the ecosystem of Oasis is patchy at best – and a swarm of things is on the horizon (‘What are we gonna call these critters?’ someone asked. ‘Chickadees’. ‘Duckaboos’. ‘How about fatsos?’ ‘Woglets.’ ‘Xenomammals.’ ‘Flabbits.’ ‘Lunch!’)
Then there is a very Scottish dimension to The Book Of Strange New Things. The idealist minister, confronted with something utterly different and often attracted to someone despite themselves, forms a spine in our literary history through such novels as John Gibson Lockhart’s Adam Blair, John Buchan’s Witch Wood, JM Barrie’s Farewell Miss Julie Logan and James Robertson’s The Testament Of Gideon Mack and Ken MacLeod’s The Night Sessions. Peter is cut from the same cloth, though the resulting vestments are somewhat different.
The Book Of Strange New Things is Faber’s strongest, most plangent and most intellectually gleeful novel. It is affecting as much as it is challenging. It not only made me want to read his next book, but re-read his backlist immediately. Faber takes religion and religiosity seriously, and this is to be highly commended in these days of milquetoast secularism and horrendous extremism (and, one might add, a Christian church more concerned with its fissures than its fishers). The other novel which kept coming back to me was David Lindsay’s under-rated A Voyage To Arcturus, a significant influence on CS Lewis. The titular planet reshapes the body of the hero as he goes in search of the ultimate meaning, Crystalman, who, on the final pages, reveals his name on earth is Pain. There was once a school of critics who thought Knox’s Calvinism was the withered hand throttling the throat of creative endeavour in Scotland. We can now, I think, better appreciate the positive aspects of that legacy as well – rigour, self-examination, the individual voice over the collective call-and-response, the sense that we are transitory in this world – ‘for here we have no continuing city’. Faber’s bold, brave, brilliant novel weaves these themes seamlessly. It’s also, by the way, the most wonderful love story.
The Book Of Strange New Things
Michel Faber
Canongate, £18.99, ISBN 978 1 78211 406 2, PP550
The Case for Culture
by Cairns Craig
For Peat’s Sake
by Brian McCabe
Talent Spotting
by Jennie Renton
The ‘Tragedy’ of Gordon Brown
by Ian Bell
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Edinburgh’s New Town: Haunted by double-led lives.
Do you Want to Know a Secret?
Double Exposure: A Memoir
Saraband, £9.99, ISBN: 978-1910192672, PP 220
by Candia McWilliam
March 3, 2017 | by Candia McWilliam
As epigraph to his poem ‘The Commonplace’, Brian Johnstone offers these words, translated from the Latin of Horace:
The jar will long retain the fragrance
Of what it was steeped in when new.
His memoir Double Exposure bears out, in its progression, its technique and in its highly controlled but not burnished diction, the veracity in his own case of these words. A careful poet, with a strong gift for packed but lucid utterance, Johnstone has the responsible schoolteacher’s resistance to obfuscation or anything whatever that might be designated pretentious (a weasel word if ever there was one; and more verminously carnivorous yet in this time of name-calling). His life has been generously led, both publicly, as primary schoolteacher, as poet, as performer of his poetry with or without musical accompaniment, as poetry administrator, enthusiast, proponent, exegete and representative, and as StAnza Festival co-founder, and privately, as declaredly devoted and longstanding husband (to the artist Jean Johnstone), and as son – and fond brother.
It is in this last role, as brother, that his whole life was steeped in something – in some things – far more than he knew, and that brings the title to this book, which is, he makes plain at its start “a baffled memoir, a perplexed memoir, a disconcerted memoir”.
For into his life that reads as almost implausibly ordered unless one had resided in the Edinburgh of the time (he was born in 1950) and into such a family as his (hardworking and almost, he – correctly – senses, wilfully conventional) there irrupted, many years apart, two secrets, symmetrical almost to the point of implausibility, secrets so astounding, yet, it may be speculated, far from unprecedented beneath the suppressing lid of ‘respectability’ of the time, that they leave the reader raw with distress for all they may have occasioned in terms of retrospective pain and uncertainty, and all that they appeared to necessitate for those who kept them, as well as those who discovered them. We are left almost hankering, indeed, for messier times, when such secrets might have been offered the warmth and light of common day.
For these are, no mistake, living secrets. And once they are exposed they make moral sense not only of certain attributes of Johnstone’s parents’ conduct, but also of his artistic decision to forge a prose-style, in Double Exposure, that is quite without delinquency or flourish, to the point of stifled breath, which strikes the reader of his, far freer, poetry, with its capacity to look into the mouth of the lion, or on occasion to offer what Nabokov called ‘aesthetic bliss’, as rather peculiar and exceedingly Edinburgh, where that proper noun is used as an absolutely superlatively proper, nay stifling, adjective.
Johnstone is a dedicated photographer, photography being an art close to poetry in its capacity to draw a response from its viewer or reader with the developed attention to a moment that may have gone, but that has left its trace and so may be recreated once more in the apprehension of another person than the one who has caught it, in light and shadow or in words, should sufficient shaping consciousness be present. Johnstone possesses this consciousness in a fashion that is reliable and strongly fettled. Drawn to images of building and making in his poems, he has the dry-stone-wall builder’s appreciation of each word’s shape and weight, its provenance and of the spacing wherein it must be set to hold and brace with conviction, and of how to lean words together so that they give strength to one another without risk of falling to incoherence. He is good too at edges and hedges and sings the richness of dust and weed.
Johnstone writes in the book’s short introduction: ‘If this memoir is anything, it is an attempt to “fix” and then “stop” this story – and the people involved – in time’. An impossible task then, which is surely the only decent way to approach or to understand one’s own impulse to make a memoir.
No Scot of feeling and with the sickness for reading will not prick up their ears at the delicious, promising, word ‘Double’. It’s not a greed for second helpings or bigger portions, it’s what the recently late Scots novelist Emma Tennant in an interview called ‘the Caledonian malady, seeing doubles everywhere’. The also unhappily late Karl Miller wrote a masterpiece called, simply, Doubles. It is a commonplace that Edinburgh, birthplace of Johnstone, is itself a doubled city split at the spine, at once high-heaped and secretive in the Old Town and commodious and silverily-ordered in the New Town, the streets haunted by doubly-led lives, Deacon Brodie and Jekyll and Hyde merely the celebrity avatars.
How to write an autobiography that casts a shadow the author may control and that will add to the deepening understanding in the reader’s mind? We each ‘have a little shadow’ as in RLS’s nursery poem. There are the coarse approaches of the pompous public man or the self-deceived star, leaving out all bruising or shading such that the effect is flat, bleached-out and unsatisfying. It’s not an intelligent approach and bears little relation to conscience, consciousness or art.
There is the approach taken by Muriel Spark in her Curriculum Vitae, which had the inestimable advantage that her readers were accustomed already by her fiction to her grand dissociative trapdoors and the understanding that truths may arrive from differently carpentered untruths and destabilising shocks, that are no more ‘untrue’ than anything else in all fiction, anywhere. She can also indulge in a self-satirical hyper-realism whose effects are distraction and dislocation, and that discourages us from reposing trust – that can so soon degenerate into passivity – in any apparently stated authorial intent. We must, as her readers, listen carefully, keep up at the back, and do some of the work ourselves. Moreover, next time we read the book, we shall find new work to do. We may not rely upon those structures, necessarily artificial, that console us in more conventional or sentimental work. We are alone and we are fragmented; there is no smooth single story.
An author remains separate from that which he or she is writing should he or she be any good, in order best to express thought to the mind of another and to make something enduring from fleet matter. The author is controlling the means whereby information is offered and the style by which it is disclosed, but cannot altogether be trusted not to elide or doctor ‘versions’ when it comes to autobiography. There are also the matters of the unconscious, and of the protection of the living, and, no less importantly, of the dead. Spark sets out to confute untruths that she believes are already loosed in the world when it comes to the subject of her own life, untruths that are jumping about ‘like fleas’.
Matters lie very differently for Johnstone. Because he is a realist and possessed of a responsible nature, he tells in unfanciful detail of the routines and prohibitions around which the orderly days of his own and his brother’s boyhoods were woven, by a tightly controlled house-proud mother and a decent very hard-working salesman father, each of them separately shaken up by the recent world war. He recounts a social order hirpling towards … something unforeseeable, at a time when the vocabulary of introspection was unpermitted to those attempting to conduct a life of perceived normality (nosey parkers everywhere), and the expression of affection was strictly encrypted, even amid so devoted a family as ‘the four of us’, Johnstone, his brother and their mother and father, understood themselves to be.
In my own Edinburgh childhood, that commenced five years after Johnstone’s own and in circumstances less secure and more ‘Bohemian’, there was considerable flurry around an individual I found glamorous on account of his wearing not a coat in the street but a paint-spattered fisherman’s jersey. My parents moved in what were called left-wing circles; among more conventional citizens however, this jersey was taken for irrefutable proof of its wearer’s Communism. Karl Miller records, in his memoir Rebecca’s Vest, encountering ‘the Communist intelligentsia, in the persons of an Edinburgh University lecturer and his wife’. Classification was everywhere.
The ostensible protecting safeties of convention at this time, cleaved to by the parents of Brian Johnstone, should not be sneered at. The continent was only just recovering from chaos and war. There is particular tender ruefulness to Brian Johnstone’s account of his own and his brother’s rebellion against their parents’ seemingly smug ways; he sees smugness’s boot on the other foot, now that he is in possession of the two secrets his parents worked separately and together to keep from their two sons. For, in one case, a secret was carried unconfided to a spouse in a fashion vividly reminiscent of John Lanchester’s memoir Family Romance, in which he comes to realize that his mother, once a nun, had lifelong falsified her age, making his own birth, if not miraculous, something quite blessed. Retrospect not merely horizontal, but dizzyingly vertiginous.
On first reading, this book’s pursed style seemed to be unnecessarily withheld by a man with such verbal acuity as its author demonstrates in his poetry. On a second, it seemed like good mimetic housekeeping and a form of tribute to two parents recognised posthumously in more dimensions than their managed living days had offered to their son, who has done them, and the contained secrets, fine respect in his quiet telling of what was doubly unexposed, and his tactful summoning of the fragrance of lost days, even if the jar be broken, in which he was actually steeped.
Man on the Margin
by Dani Garavelli
Wheesht!
Labour Pains
by Jamie Maxwell
by Neal Ascherson
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Sam Siemon
Josie Siemon
Douglas Hassinger
Alexis Putt
Ravelle Smith
Tiffany A. Cleveland
Andrew B. Margolis
Kate E. Diem
Demetrius J. Price
Ervin M. Hall
Jordan J. Edwards
Legitimation and Paternity
LGBTQ Family Law
Alimony and Spousal Support
TN Alimony Case Springboard for Examining GA Spousal Support
On behalf of The Siemon Law Firm | Jun 7, 2011 | High-Asset Divorce
A case in Tennessee that is attracting a considerable amount of legal interest and is currently before that state’s Supreme Court highlights the concept of alimony following divorce, also commonly referred to in Georgia as spousal support or spousal maintenance. The case serves as a useful springboard for examination of Georgia’s spousal support system.
Under Georgia law, a court has discretionary power to award or deny alimony, with spousal maintenance generally not considered to be as broad a remedy as it is in certain other states. In fact, alimony awards in Georgia can be quite subjective; unlike child support, for example, no state guidelines exist to guide a judge in his or her ruling.
Courts in both Georgia and Tennessee do make awards for what is termed “permanent alimony,” but there are distinguishing factors in the case in Nashville that set it apart.
Notably, a Tennessee appellate court has ruled that an ex-husband must pay his former wife alimony for life, even though she worked throughout the marriage, has an ongoing career that pays her more than $70,000 annually, and was 43 years old when the marriage ended.
An award of permanent alimony in Georgia, while certainly not exceptional, typically applies in much more limited and dire circumstances than that. Generally, permanent alimony is awarded an ex-spouse who is much older than her (or his) early 40s , who sacrificed having a career in lieu of raising a family, who often cannot work because of a serious illness, and who was in a lengthy marriage — often, one that lasted several decades.
That fact pattern obviously contrasts greatly to the case presently before the Tennessee Supreme Court on appeal. The Court is being asked to reconsider the award, which is for $1,250 a month. In a hearing last week, the ex-husband’s attorney argued that the man’s former spouse can reasonably be expected to live for at least 40 more years, making for an award of more than $600,000 in a case where the recipient already has a thriving and secure career.
Several justices inquired about other forms of alimony that might be available, including rehabilitative alimony that is more commonly awarded over a limited period to help an ex-spouse transition to new circumstances.
A ruling in the case is not expected for several weeks.
Related Resource: Daily Journal, “Tenn. Supreme Court hears oral arguments in lifetime alimony case” June 2, 2011
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Pillars Of Eternity Complete Edition Nintendo Switch Version Will Appear On August 8, 2019
By Jenni Lada July 26, 2019
Another RPG has been announced for the Nintendo Switch. This time, it is a port of a Kickstarter success story and spiritual successor to games like Baldur’s Gate and Planetscape: Torment. Pillars of Eternity Complete Edition will make its way to the system on August 6, 2019. If people preorder, 20% will be taken off of the price.
As this is the full version of the game, that means people get everything found in the PC release. The White March two-part expansion is added in. This means you get the new White March location, its Cragholdt dungeon, and the allies Devil of Caroc, Maneha, and Zahua. It also increased the level cap, new abilities and spells, a new difficulty, new AI for allies, and Soulbound weapons. The product page also noted that this version has been designed to play while someone is both docked or undocked.
This is not the only game of its type to find its way to the Nintendo Switch. The titles it drew inspiration from are on the way too. The Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition Pack and Planetscape: Torment Enhanced Edition and Icewind Dale Enhanced Edition will arrive on September 27, 2019. Neverwinter Nights Enhanced Edition will appear on December 6, 2019.
Pillars of Eternity Complete Edition will come to the Nintendo Switch on August 6, 2019. It is immediately available on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
Jenni Lada
Jenni has been playing games since getting access to her parents' Intellivision as a toddler. She continues to play on every possible platform and loves all of the systems she owns. (These include a PS4, Switch, Xbox One, WonderSwan Color and even a Vectrex!) You may have also seen her work at GamerTell, CheatCC, Michibiku and PlayStation LifeStyle.
Nintendo eShop Preorder Cancellation Case in Germany Dismissed
Watch Siliconera’s Mistover Livestream
By Jenni Lada 1 hour ago 0
More in Nintendo Switch
Horror Game Yuoni: Rises Releases on Nintendo Switch on February 6
By Alistair Wong 4 hours ago 0
Super Smash Bros Ultimate Kunio-kun Spirit Board Event Adds Kunio, Riki, and The Dragon Twins
By Jenni Lada 18 hours ago 0
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Author Archives: Sills Legal
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Employment Law: What’s to come in 2020?
Legal NewsBy Sills Legal January 21, 2020
2020 looks to be a big year for employment law. Brexit is due to go ahead on 31 January 2020. There will be a transition period until 31 December 2020, during which EEA Nationals will still be able to come to work in the UK. Employers should ensure that EEA Nationals obtain settled or pre-settled status, to enable them to stay at the end of the transition period. EEA Nationals resident in the UK have until 30th June 2021 to make an application. From April 2020… The National Living Wage rate, for workers aged 25 and over, will increase from £8.21 to £8.72 per hour. All new employees and workers…
Family Mediation: Conversations worth having
Press Release 17.01.2020 When relationships break down, families face a lot of challenges. Among these are practical considerations such as “What arrangements will be best for any children?” and “What will happen with finances?” Professional family mediators act as neutral third parties to help ex-partners have conversations about these issues. Survey results just published show that this is a highly successful way of helping couples resolve disputes, with mediation successful in over 70% of cases. The survey also shows that where both of the people separating go and see a mediator for an initial meeting, three quarters choose to go on to mediate. This is despite the fact that many…
Debt Recovery Specialist joins the firm’s Commercial Law Team
Firm NewsBy Sills Legal January 10, 2020
The Commercial Litigation Team at Sills & Betteridge LLP has recently been strengthened by the appointment of Debt Recovery Chartered Legal Executive Madeline Broddley. Madeline joins the firm with over 30 years of experience in national and international debt recovery and insolvency, representing national and international banks, local government, builders merchants and energy and utility providers. She specialises in the enforcement of charging orders by way of applying for orders for sale and the realisation of legal, equitable and statutory charges along with other possession actions, such as mortgage repossession. She also deals with the recovery of overpaid benefits, benefit fraud, bankruptcy and foreign process, which may involve the recovery…
Nottingham Solicitor Retires After 50 Years Service
Firm NewsBy Sills Legal January 2, 2020
Almost 50 years after entering legal practice, Nottingham Solicitor Duncan MacLaren, has announced his retirement from Sills & Betteridge. After graduating from Sheffield University, Duncan became an Articled Clerk (trainee) with the old established Nottingham firm of Richards & Flewitt. On his admission to the Roll of Solicitors in 1972, he worked in Loughborough to gain general experience of legal practice. In 1975, he founded his own firm in Nottingham called Cruickshank, Bird and MacLaren which became MacLaren Britton in 1992. The firm merged with Sills & Betteridge in October 2013. Duncan’s first love has always been property work, but latterly he concentrated his expertise on Wills and Probate. Along…
Scunthorpe solicitor returns to her roots
Firm NewsBy Sills Legal November 26, 2019
Family Law specialist Stacey Wraith has recently joined the Oswald Road team of Sills & Betteridge to head up the Emergency Team there. Stacey specialises in supporting families where there is social services intervention, including where care proceedings are being issued, helping families with their child arrangements on separation and protecting the victims of domestic abuse. Prior to joining the firm, Stacey worked in the legal department of a Local Authority and other private firms but has moved on to Sills & Betteridge because she wanted to work for a firm which is known for making a real difference, not only in the delivery of its legal services, but in…
Sleaford solicitor retires after 37 years of practice
Well known local solicitor Stephen Swift has recently retired from the Sleaford office of Sills & Betteridge. He started his legal career in 1982, qualifying at Mossop & Bowser. He moved to Godsons in 1984 and soon after became a partner in that firm. Sills & Betteridge then merged with Godsons in 2010, and Stephen remained a partner in the newly merged firm. During his long career, Stephen developed a reputation as an excellent agricultural and commercial property lawyer. He was well liked by clients and professional colleagues alike. Euan McLaughlin, partner responsible for Sills & Betteridge’s Sleaford Office, commented “Stephen was a valued member of the team, with an…
Court of Appeal – 18th November 2019
Approved Judgment: Interim Separation “It was an honour to represent a client in a Court of Appeal case where I act on behalf of a mother within Care Proceedings. Wherever we feel a wrong decision may have been made, we will always strive to do what is right by our clients and their children. I am really pleased that our appeal was allowed and justice was achieved.” Chrystal Theofanous, Family Lawyer Click here to read full details of the case.
The end of “no fault” evictions – Part 2 by Robert Pearson
Legal NewsBy Sills Legal November 4, 2019
In a previous article, Is this the end of no-fault eviction notices?, I considered the possible impact of the Government’s proposed abolition of so-called “no fault” evictions under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988. In July 2017 , the Government has published further details of its proposals in a consultation boldly headed “A New Deal for Renting”. By way of a reminder, Section 21 of the 1988 Act currently allows landlords to serve notice on a tenant without giving a formal reason for evicting them (hence the reference to Section 21 Notices as “no fault” evictions). In the Government’s consultation paper “Overcoming the Barriers to Longer Tenancies in the…
Law Firm recognised by two national publications
Firm NewsBy Sills Legal October 22, 2019
Sills & Betteridge LLP is a firm with a lot to celebrate this month as it enters for the first time, The Lawyer UK 200 Annual Report, and once again receives recognition in the latest Legal 500 Guide. Both publications are impartially researched based on collection of data and interviews. The Lawyer UK 200 is a list of the UK’s largest firms by revenue, where Sills & Betteridge were ranked 186. https://www.thelawyer.com/top-200-uk-law-firms/ The Legal 500 is the leading directory of law firms in the UK. It recognises firms that have real expertise and are able to provide high level advice. Corporate and general counsel, companies and individuals use the guide…
South Yorkshire Merger for Lincolnshire Law Firm
Firm NewsBy Sills Legal October 1, 2019
Sills & Betteridge LLP are delighted to announce further expansion activity following its recent merger with established South Yorkshire practice Bridge Sanderson Munro. The newly merged team will trade as Sills & Betteridge incorporating Bridge Sanderson Munro and will provide a full range of personal and commercial legal services from the existing Bridge Sanderson Munro premises at Hallgate, Doncaster, Bawtry, Thorne and Wath upon Dearne. Jonathan Goodwin, Principal Solicitor at Bridge Sanderson Munro will join the firm as a Partner in the Wills, Trusts & Probate department. “We have been serving clients in South Yorkshire for over 80 years and we are really excited to be joining forces with Sills…
© Sills & Betteridge LLP
Sills & Betteridge, Sills & Betteridge incorporating MacLaren Britton, Sills & Betteridge incorporating TrentSide Legal, Sills & Betteridge incorporating Bridge Sanderson Munro, and Sills Mediation are trading names of Sills & Betteridge LLP. Sills & Betteridge LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales No OC339586.
Sills & Betteridge is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. A list of members' names is available for inspection at the registered office: 46 Silver Street, Lincoln LN2 1ED Sills & Betteridge is a trading name of Sills & Betteridge LLP.
Data Processing Conditions
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5 African Oil & Gas Stories To Watch In 2020
A new decade rich in promise for African oil & gas is dawning.
In no particular order, here are some of the industry stories that have caught our eye recently!
1. South Africa’s Brulpadda field development & further South African gas exploration
“Brulpadda was one of Total’s biggest exploration targets for 2019,” said Dr Andrew Latham, Vice President of Global Exploration at Wood Mackenzie. “Even though the well isn’t an oil discovery, if Brulpadda proves to be anywhere near as big as the estimates suggest, it will still be a game-changer for South Africa.”
Africa Energy President and CEO Garrett Soden said: “This discovery opens a new world-class oil & gas play with significant follow-on potential. The success at Brulpadda significantly de-risks four other similar prospects already identified on existing 2D seismic data.”
The field’s ongoing development signals a new era for South Africa’s energy future. Its recoverable gas reserves stand at 1bn barrels of gas condensate, which will add extensive value to the South African economy with proper oversight.
More exploration work will commence in key blocks this year. Africa Energy, Total’s partners in the deepwater Block 11B/12B located 40km north of Brulpadda, has stated that further exploration activity will take place in 2020, with Total expected to drill three further exploration wells.
Also offshore SA, the Luiperd-1 exploration well is also forecast to spud using the Odfjell Deepsea Stavanger rig in Q1 2020. Could it yield further recoverable resources?
Such activity folds into a wider African gas narrative. Natural gas has been discovered in huge quantities in blocks around the continent, particularly in the Southeast, potentially powering Africa towards gas giant status.
2. The USA & other international investment in Mozambique LNG
While Brulpadda is a very important find, it’s currently Mozambique and its gas resources that are really powering African gas development.
A wave of US-based investment in the development of the Southeast African nation is coming. The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) approved a $5bn loan to support the export of US goods and services for development and construction of an integrated LNG project in Mozambique in September 2019. This will supply the Mozambique LNG project, a one of a kind asset, developing resources in the gas-rich Rovuma basin.
Mozambique is seen as particularly low-risk for investors, as much of the end product has already been sold via contracts to buyers in Asia and Europe, effectively bankrolling the project.
ExxonMobil, alongside partners Eni, Korea Gas Corp, and CNPC, is also developing a $30bn LNG project to capitalise on Mozambique’s gas reserves. The project will have a capacity of more than 15m tons per year.
It sits alongside two other developments which are poised to turn Mozambique, one of the poorest nations on Earth, into a major gas supplier. The others include Anadarko’s, now Total’s, $25bn 13mpta facility, and an $8bn 3.4 FLNG platform spearheaded by Eni.
88 Energy Limited (ASX:LON:88E) Charlie-1 Appraisal Well Update
Estimates forecast that Mozambique can generate up to $95bn in revenues from gas production and exports by 2045. Not only will this spur on better economic performance for the country, but it will also provide international majors with solid revenue and production streams into the next decade.
3. Total swoops in on Occidental’s African assets after Anadarko acquisition
Occidental Petroleum closed its $38bn acquisition of Anadarko and its assets in August 2019, giving the company in-roads into Africa’s oil & gas industry.
As mentioned above, Anadarko was one of the key investors in developing Mozambique LNG, and Occidental, through its acquisition, has assumed this mantle. Or rather, it had, until it came to sell $8.8bn worth of African hydrocarbon assets to Total. This divestment effectively removes Occidental from some of Africa’s largest plays and prospects. Although negations are still ongoing regarding blocks, acreages, and resources previously owned by Anadarko in Algeria, Ghana, and South Africa, the Mozambique deal has closed.
Speaking of the deal, Occidental CEO Vicki Hillub said: “Given our long history of working together productively, I am confident we can execute this sale quickly and efficiently. The total has extensive experience working in Africa and is well-positioned to maximise value from these assets.”
Will this prove a major boon for Total? Certainly, it makes the French giant’s position in African much stronger, providing a massive geographical spread of key resources and projects throughout the region.
4. Egypt continues its major gas overhaul
Since the discovery of the Zohr Gas Field, and an overhaul of appropriate hydrocarbons legislature, Egypt is rapidly positioning itself as North Africa’s major gas power.
Eni, the chief explorer and developer of the colossal Zohr find, successfully completed a gas production test from the field’s last well in December 2019. Its overall current production capacity is roughly 3.2bn cubic feet per day, with onshore production treatment facilities completed ahead of schedule boasting a daily output of 2.3bn cubic feet.
Away from Zohr, however, there is more gas and hydrocarbons activity that makes Egypt attractive. For example, SDX Energy is pioneering its South Disouq gas project in the Nile Delta with further exploration work.
The firm announced in January 2020 that it had noted a 35% increase in reserves at the project site, which will add further importance to Egypt’s position in North African gas supplies. Ultimately, Egypt is aiming at becoming a major Mediterranean force in natural gas supplies, with sites on the Middle East and Europe as end markets.
Additionally, in the same month, the Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources announced the discovery of a new field in the Western Desert. Found by Borg El-Arab Petroleum Company, this latest find’s production output is forecast at 7,000 barrels of oil per day, and 10m cubic metres of gas.
EQTEC PLC (LON:EQT) Approval for RDF testing at University of Lorraine
What’s more, the green light has been given for Shell, Chevron and Mubadala to begin the exploration of offshore blocks within the Red Sea.
Egypt is likely to remain at the forefront of North African gas production from 2020 onwards, although it does have a regional Mediterranean rival in the shape of Israel to contend with.
Israel’s Leviathan play is appropriately named, and a rival for Zohr when it comes to reserves. That said, Egypt and Israel recently inked supply and export deals, so a harmonious future may be on the horizon.
5. Ongoing exploration in MSGBC Basin
The MSGBC Basin, spanning territorial waters between Senegal and Mauritania on Africa’s Western Atlantic Coast, continues to captivate explorers.
As of May 2019, 168 Newfield drilling operations throughout the basin, which covers an area roughly a third of the Gulf of Mexico, have revealed 9 BBOe. Over half the volume of discovered resources is in Senegalese blocks.
The expansive resources found in the Basin’s offshore acreages have drawn a mixture of international players to the region. For instance, Cairn Energy’s plays have revealed enormous quantities of oil, Kosmos’ activity discovered the largest offshore gas deposit in West Africa and so on. Total, BP, and ExxonMobil also have a strong presence here.
However, this area, rich in promise, is comparatively underexplored. Further activity is planned, both in developing existing fields, and discovering new opportunities. November 2019, for instance, saw Norwegian survey service firm TGS declare that it is to set up a 3D seismic survey to cover an area of 5,100 square kilometres to scope out further potential. Data will be available in Q4 2020.
Considering its potential, the MSGBC Basin will remain a major focus of exploration and analytical attention well into the next decade.
Africa Oil Week: At the heart of African Oil & Gas
For over 25 years, Africa Oil Week has been the meeting place for Africa’s most senior E&P stakeholders.
It attracts the entire value chain including Governments, NOCs, international oil companies, independents, investors and service providers. They come to set out the future direction of the continent’s upstream oil and gas sector, secure major deals, lucrative new partnerships and take part in bidding rounds held by the largest gathering of African energy Ministers.
It is the best place to discover investment opportunities throughout one of the most promising regions on Earth for oil & gas development.
Learn more about Africa Oil Week today.
Home page www.africa-oilweek.com
Tags: Africa Oil Week, Cairn Energy, Chevron, Israel, Mediterranean, MSGBC Basin, North African, Shell
AIM-ing Higher in 2020! Turner Pope Investments (TPI) Limited
Level 2 Tip: Know Your Market Makers
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Barry Bonds won't return as Marlins' hitting coach, reports say
Written By Joe Rodgers
(Getty Images) https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/omnisport/66/1b/barry-bonds_xb4thpzz3foh1j33p9xnpxdop.jpg?t=-319364628&w=500&quality=80
Home run king Barry Bonds will not return as the Miami Marlins' hitting coach next season, according to MLB Network.
Bonds was hired in December of 2015 to turn around a Marlins lineup that ranked next to last in the majors in runs and home runs, and last in walks. This season, however, was more of the same as the club again ranked next to last in the majors in home runs, was fourth-worst in runs scored and fifth-worst in walks.
Injuries to $325 million slugger Giancarlo Stanton and an 80-game suspension of reigning batting champion Dee Gordon didn't help the Marlins' numbers, yet the team strung together a .263 batting average that ranked second in the National League and fourth in all of baseball.
MORE: One Marlin makes the list of baseball's 2016 most disappointing players
According to the Miami Herald, Bonds was liked by Marlins front office, but manager Don Mattingly wanted to go in new direction after seeing his commitment level dwindle.
Before joining the Marlins, Bonds hadn't had much experience as a coach. He was a spring training instructor for the Giants, but that wasn't a major role.
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SSO Albums
Goldmark - Rustic Wedding Symphony
Music Web International, September 2013 ”…Lan Shui and the Singapore Symphony are fantastic throughout, showing not just a great color palette and top-quality orchestral sound but the kind of life, liveliness, and humour necessary.”
Mainly known today for his violin concerto, during his lifetime the Hungarian composer Karl Goldmark was praised for the quality of his instrumentation, his skilful use of folk music and his own Jewish heritage, and his evident gift for melody.
The author of several operas, among them The Queen of Sheba, Goldmark wrote music in most genres, and although largely self-taught he was sought out as a teacher of composition by Sibelius, among others. Composed in 1875, his ‘Rustic Wedding’ Symphony was his most popular orchestral work. At the first performance the audience hailed it as a triumph, and Goldmark’s friend Brahms said about it: ‘clear-cut and faultless, it sprang into being a finished thing, like Minerva from the head of Jupiter.’
The five-movement symphony has sometimes been described as a suite of tone poems, including a wedding march with variations depicting the wedding guests, a nuptial song and a bucolic wedding dance. Even though the work is now a rarity in concert, conductors such as Sir Thomas Beecham and Leonard Bernstein demonstrated their belief in it by performing it on many occasions.
Composed some ten years later, Goldmark’s E flat major symphony, Op.35, is far less well-known. Although its form is more traditional than that of its predecessor, it is similar in mood – bucolic and high-spirited – and provides rich opportunities to sample Goldmark’s skill as an orchestrator and musical colourist. Performing these unjustly neglected works is the Singapore Symphony Orchestra – a band which under its principal conductor Lan Shui has impressed reviewers in repertoire as diverse as Debussy’s La Mer (‘an unequivocally world-class performance’, BBC Music Magazine), Zhou Long (‘utterly compulsive… orchestral playing of the highest calibre’, International Record Review) and Rachmaninov’s Second Symphony (‘a moving, completely satisfying performance’, allmusic.com).
Karl Goldmark
Lan Shui
Symphonie Ländliche Hochzeit“, ‘Rustic Wedding’ Symphony, Op.26 (1875)
01 I. Hochzeitsmarsch, Variationen
02 II. Brautlied, Intermezzo
03 III. Serenade, Scherzo
04 IV. Im Garten, Andante
05 V. Tanz, Finale
Symphony No.2 in E flat major, Op.35 (1887)
06 I. Allegro
07 II. Andante
08 III. Allegro quasi Presto – Trio
09 IV. Andante assai – Allegro alla breve
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Chicago Dance Review: Christopher Wheeldon’s THE NUTCRACKER (The Joffrey Ballet)
by Lawrence Bommer on December 2, 2018
in Dance,Theater-Chicago
TAKING ANOTHER CRACK: AN UPDATE
ON MARIE AND THE GREAT IMPRESARIO
No matter how many times you see it, you will ALWAYS be amazed by the gorgeous Nutcracker that Christopher Wheeldon imagined in 2015 for the Joffrey Ballet and the Auditorium Theatre. It’s simply impossible to remember how beautiful it is, so each witnessing is transcendently close to the first one.
As the famous architect — here called “The Great Impresario” — behind Chicago’s 1892-3 Columbian Exposition, said, “Make no small plans.” Honoring Daniel Burnham’s genius and setting the story in that South Side splendor, Wheeldon has made no small Tchaikovsky either. Puppetry, special effects, delightfully delusional video, and dazzling painting and projections all splendidly combine with a sterling company, Julian Crouch’s time-capsule sets and Victorian costumes, and Natasha Katz’s sun-shaming lighting. They raise Marie’s journey to the World’s Fair and beyond to the highest stakes of the finest music.
Unlike Robert Joffrey’s previous version, which emphasized the wealth of Clara’s Currier & Ives-like parlor, Wheeldon (creator of the equally eye-popping Gershwin tribute An American in Paris) delivers his own astonishing synchronicity: He roots Tchaikovsky’s 1892 ballet in a building, the Auditorium Theatre, that was standing at the same time as the work’s Mariinsky Theatre debut, as well as the “Great White City” itself. It’s the perfect confluence of music, cultural history and architecture, a time trip in its own right.
This fourth time around, however, some stuff — good and less so — stands out enough to deserve a reverent reappraisal.
For some folks the proletarian setting of the first act, which depicts at Christmastide the immigrant workers who were erecting the Fair’s terra-cotta marvels five months before the May opening, will be a downer. If this is the R.M.S. Titanic, we’re in steerage.
Including ragamuffin brats and shivering shop girls, Wheeldon’s drably clothed survivors — including Marie’s mother (Jeraldine Mendoza), the sculptress of the Fair’s presiding statue — are not exactly Chicago’s first citizens: When they don masks spoofing the swells and mock their manners, well, it’s not Chamber of Commerce material. There’s real poverty here, which makes the presence of a roguish Rat Catcher (Rory Hohenstein) and the actual rats themselves who the Nutcracker Prince (Alberto Velazquez) and intrepid Marie (Anais Bueno) will have to vanquish, very unsurprising.
But, yes, it’s wise and good of Wheeldon to show us “how the other half lives.”
As always, the projections — a gigantic Christmas tree, frost patterns that really are the frosting on the Joffrey cake, and the textures of the International Pavilions — are perfect pictures and stories in their own right (though why does the backdrop depict two palm trees on Jackson Park’s Wooded Island in Chicago?). Along with the dolls and dandies who visit the Fair, it makes perfect sense that the famous Midway Plaisance, which was a global village in its own right, should here burst with international delights, including Spanish, Arabian, masked Venetian, and Chinese dragon dancers. Most intriguing, in a kind of reverse Russian infiltration, Tchaikovsky’s Cossack dancers are here transformed into American icons, specifically a rope-twirling Buffalo Bill (Hohenstein) and three cowgirls from his Wild West Show (Olivia Duryea, Brooke Linford, and Olivia Tang-Mifsud).
This time around, the ballet seemed shorter than ever. Indeed, at two hours, including a 20-minute intermission, it’s one of the most condensed Nutcrackers anywhere. That comes at a cost, including the deletion of the soldier’s and ballerina’s novelty dances in the first act, some of the Snowflakes’ ensemble music in the second, and much of the pas de deux in the final act. This may be fine for children’s attention spans, but Tchaikovsky and adults deserve more.
A cautionary note: The Joffrey Ballet will soon move its offerings to the West Loop, specifically the Civic Opera House (which dates from 1929, 37 years later than the current juxtaposition of ballet, building and World’s Fair). We can only hope that The Nutcracker remains at Louis Sullivan’s unrivaled Auditorium Theatre, whose magnificent filigreed arches are echoed by the set in a spectacular final effect. Never has a glorious production so well fit its marvelous environs. Hopefully, if it does move, it won’t lose a ton in the transfer.
photos by Cheryl Mann
Christopher Wheeldon’s The Nutcracker
The Joffrey Ballet
Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University,
50 E. Congress Parkway
ends on December 30, 2018
for tickets, call 312.386.8905 or visit Joffrey
for more shows, visit Theatre in Chicago
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WHAT ARE DISCIPLE GROUPS?
Disciple Groups include four to six young people in 7th and 8th grade with one or two adult mentors to help plan and carry out service projects with them. Disciple Groups are optional but highly encouraged.
WHO MENTORS THE DISCIPLE GROUPS?
Mentors for these groups have come from the entire St. Clare Parish Community. Parents participate as well as aunts, grandparents, sponsors, young adults and senior members of our community. Usually a Disciple Group finds its own mentor. A Confirmation sponsor may act as a Disciple group leader. Parents and candidates should form and select their own disciple group.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR DISCIPLE GROUP LEADERS?
Disciple Group Leaders should be Confirmed Catholic adults who have submitted a criminal background check form to the Religious Education office and taken a Protecting God’s Children (PGC) class. You may register for a PGC class and download a background check form at: http://www.aodonline.org/AODOnline/Safe+Environments+14627/090126Abuse.htm
No adults may mentor children until these two requirements are met, pursuant to the safe environments policy of the Archdiocese of Detroit.
WHY PARTICIPATE IN A DISCIPLE GROUP?
A goal of St. Clare’s Religious Education program is that the students not only understand the meaning of being a disciple of Jesus Christ, but also to become disciples and participate in the life, mission and work of the Church. The purpose of the disciple group program is to make these service experiences worthwhile and enjoyable for young people as a group.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION STUDENTS:
7th grade religious education students are asked to complete 15 service hours per year. 8th grade religious education students are asked to complete 15 service hours per year. Since Religious education students meet only weekly, (instead of daily like St. Clare School students) their number of service hours differs.
ST. CLARE SCHOOL STUDENTS:
7th grade St. Clare School students are asked to complete 15 service hours per year. 8th grade St. Clare students are asked to complete 15 service hours per year. School students are required to perform more hours because they have religion classes five days a week and weekly Mass, and are therefore able to acquire more service hours more readily because it is part of the curricula.
Disciple Groups are just one of a variety of ways to complete a portion of the total service project hours required.
WHERE CAN WE FIND IDEAS FOR SERVICE?
There are opportunities in a variety of areas - family, neighborhood, parish, school, and community. Please call the Religious Education Office at (313) 647-5057, for contact names and organizations that would welcome young people to do service ministry for them. You may also contact Mr. Michael McDevitt, Christian Service Coordinator at (313) 647-5025.
HOW DO STUDENTS KEEP TRACK OF THEIR SERVICE HOURS?
The students are given a service hour certificate (which is also available on our parish Confirmation web page) to fill out to verify the service they have completed. The certificate is turned into their catechist each semester. The certificate includes the date, service description, how long the service took, and a signature by a parent, mentor or person who received the service. The catechist/teachers and director of religious education periodically reviews this record, and it is also reviewed by the priests during Confirmation interviews.
ARE THERE DEADLINES FOR COMPLETING THE SERVICE PROJECTS?
A written service verification certificate should be completed for each project and submitted to the student’s catechist/teacher or to the religious education office each semester. All service project certificates are due after the project is completed. All service hours are to be completed by April 24, 2013.
Confirmation Service Log sheets are all due to the religious education office by April 24, 2013
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Floor Loudspeaker Reviews
Snell Type E/III loudspeaker
Larry Greenhill | Apr 5, 2008 | First Published: Oct 5, 1991
One question posed by John Atkinson at the July 1991 Stereophile Writers Conference had to do with the ease of reviewing: Is it harder to write a bad review of an expensive product than a good review? I find it hardest to write a good review of an inexpensive product. If I admire a less expensive loudspeaker, for example, it may become a recommended component, and can displace a more expensive speaker (that received mixed comments) from our twice-yearly rankings. This can be a big responsibility; even a conditional rave of a low-cost product means that JA may assign another Stereophile reviewer to do an immediate follow-up report. The Snell Type E/III loudspeaker may be a good case in point.
Thomas J. Norton, who had been breaking the speaker in for me, warned me what was coming when he sent along this product's three modest-sized cartons. "I really like this loudspeaker," he said. His tone of voice suggested that the Type E/III is not at all a hobbled or downsized cousin of the Snell Type C/IV that was reviewed positively by Bob Harley (Vol.14 No.4). Later, Kevin Voecks, Snell's chief designer, informed me that Snell sells more Type E/IIIs than any other speaker in their line. Customers and dealers were voting with increasing orders and sales.
The late Peter Snell designed the first Type E as a speaker for the people, to bring some of the sonics of the Type A to the market for a price under $1000. The Type E/III appeared in early 1990 about the same time as the Type C/III (the Type C is now in its fourth version). The speaker's low price and TJN's enthusiasm suggested I might like the speaker on two counts: low price and good sound. As you see, this reports finds the Snell Type E/III meets Peter Snell's criterion all too well.
The Snell E/III is a medium-sized, ported, nominally floor-standing system employing an 8" woofer and a 1" textile-dome tweeter. An additional rear-firing 0.75"-dome tweeter is mounted on the enclosure back. The E/III closely resembles the "slim, streamlined, elegant appearance" of the company's more expensive C/IV, but lacks that three-way system's separate midrange driver and its unique diffraction-reducing baffle mounting and grille-cloth arrangement. My review samples were finished in a dark oak veneer. Also supplied were black, boxlike stands, slightly smaller in area than the E/III's dimensions, that raise the E/IIIs 10" off the floor. Kevin Voecks finds that the stands reduce midrange colorations due to floor reflections.
The cabinet is made of ¾" high-density particleboard, the front baffle of 1"-thick particleboard. A number of internal braces are used to make the enclosure more rigid. Low-frequency signals are vented from a 3"-diameter port in the lower rear of the cabinet. As reported for the Snell C/IV, the fit and finish of the Snell Type E/III supplied for review were excellent. The cabinets were matched closely, for their veneers were taken from different depths of the same piece of wood.
The input terminals sit in a cutout well about halfway up the cabinet rear. As with the C/IV, the E/III features two pairs of five-way binding posts for bi-wire operations. Bi-amplification is possible with the E/IIIs by using two stereo amplifiers, one per channel ("vertical" bi-amping). The terminal plate also has a front-tweeter level control. Instructions from Kevin Voecks suggested that this control should be set in the 9–10 o'clock position for the flattest frequency response (all other Snell models are flattest at 12 o'clock). The slightly recessed input terminals did not interfere with speaker-cable connections, including both Monster Cable and Levinson HFC-10 types.
The Type E/III's Vifa tweeter is the same as the HF unit found in the top-of-the-line Snell Type A/III Improved. This tweeter is the major innovation in the latest Type A, and accounts for its much-improved treble response over previous Type A designs (see review in Vol.13 No.3). The 8" woofer is mounted halfway up the front baffle and has a cast basket frame. It was chosen for its flat response both on- and off-axis, and has a particularly low-distortion, controlled response in its upper range. The rear-firing, ¾" dome tweeter is similar to the unit in the Type C/IV, but has greater power handling.
The Type E/III's crossover reflects the work done by Kevin Voecks using Canada's National Research Council speaker test facilities in Ottawa. As detailed by Robert Harley in the introduction of the Snell Type C/IV review (Vol.14 No.4), many NRC-influenced speaker designs feature "steep crossover slopes, wide dispersion, [and] smooth off-axis response." The Type E/III, at half the Type C's price, shares many of its design characteristics. The E/III's 24dB/octave crossover and 2.7kHz crossover frequency can be found in the Type C's tweeter/midrange section. The higher-order filter allows the Type E/III to have fewer driver interactions, higher power handling, improved frequency and off-axis response, and lower distortion.
Why mount a tweeter on the back of the speaker enclosure? The front tweeter becomes more directional at higher frequencies, and contributes less to the reverberant sound field, or total energy in the room. As the tweeter becomes more directional, its dispersion narrows, giving a "flashlight" effect (producing music only directly in front of the driver). The back-mounted ¾" tweeter begins to play when musical information includes frequencies higher than 6kHz, gradually increasing in volume with frequency using a first-order slope. At those frequencies, the rear tweeter contributes to the reverberant soundfield and maintains the total radiated energy from the entire speaker. This maintains, as Harley noted, the speaker's "sense of air and spaciousness" while the front tweeter's dispersion narrows.
The Type E/III's crossover employs high-quality non-polarized electrolytic capacitors, Mylar capacitors, and air-core inductors. The crossover design was created with a computer program after each driver had been measured in the very cabinet used in production. Once designed, the actual manufacturing process involves tuning each speaker's frequency response, with grilles in place, to within 0.5dB of a standard, called the "reference master." This tolerance is far better than the ±4–5dB quoted by the vendors supplying the drivers. Each speaker is trimmed by a "specialist," who spends most of his time at the Snell plant just matching loudspeakers to the reference master. This is done by overwinding inductors, and then pulling turns off, one at a time; starting with smaller capacitor values, and adding trimmers; and finally, adjusting variable resistors. The tweeter-level control is also calibrated against the reference master. These final speaker adjustments require 20 minutes' labor for each Type E/III produced.
Bob Harley's C/IV review emphasized the company's cost-priority design criterion. Expenses and materials are limited to components or labor expenditures that produce audible differences. With the Type E/III, the cost reflects the speaker's high-quality woofer and tweeter, and the time spent in calibration. The stands, which help the unit's midrange, are available à la carte. Other niceties, such as expensive caps, fancy internal wiring, or very thick cabinet walls, are not included. As a result, Voecks was able to keep the price of a pair of Type E/IIIs and stands below $1200.
The Type E/IIIs were used as my primary loudspeaker for a month. Later, they were compared to the Quad USA Monitors/SW-63 system and to Snell A/III Improved loudspeakers. Anne Kelley, Snell Acoustics' Executive Administrator, provided me with a copy of the Room Analysis Computer Program, CARA, and LEO. These programs analyze room resonance mode distribution and suggest optimal speaker/listener locations for each dimension of the listening room. Following LEO's suggestions for "better" locations ("best" was not convenient!), the E/IIIs were positioned about 32" from the rear wall (middle of woofer to wall) and 36" from each side wall. The speakers were toed-in slightly and were 6' apart. The seated position was 8' away from a center line between the speakers, the seat placing my ears about 34" off the floor (about the level of the E/III's tweeters). All listening was done with the grille cloths in place. In addition, I adjusted the tweeter-level controls to 9:30, as Kevin Voecks had suggested.
Snell Acoustics
300 Jubilee Drive, PO Box 3717
Peabody, MA 01961-3717
www.snellacoustics.com
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Magnepan MG-20 loudspeaker
Magnepan LRS loudspeaker
Klipsch Forte III loudspeaker
Listening to the Wilson WAMM Master Chronosonic
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Our Oil & Books
280 Holmes Road
Forrestfield WA 6058
Sundays 8am - 10.30am following by a free morning tea in the hall.
Please ring or email if you would like to visit outside of this time.
info@stjohnmonastery.com.au
©2017 St John's Monastery
Πηγή Ζωής
Click on link to purchase.
Fountain of Life
Our Oil
Our monastery hand presses extra virgin olive oil. To purchase bulk please contact the monastery.
Click link to purchase online.
The Prodigal Son's Brother
Available for purchase online at www.orthodoxbookstore.com.au
Ο του Ασώτου Αδελφός
The Spiritual Life in the World
Book in English. Click link to purchase online.
Η ΠΝΕΥΜΑΤΙΚΗ ΖΩΗ ΣΤΟΝ ΚΟΣΜΟ
Book in Greek. Click link to purchase online.
Our monastery extra virgin olive oil.
To purchase bulk OR even just a few bottles, please contact the monastery on (08)9359 2988
A brief expose about our Olive Oil:
For over a decade now in Perth, we have a functioning Greek Orthodox Monastery, a monastery dedicated to prayer and love of God. The Monks pray for the world and the salvation of their souls. Apart from their daily prayer programme the monastery also services our Orthodox Community. Considering our close proximity to the 'world', the monastery annually takes in many pilgrims, both locally and interstate, pilgrims looking for a deeper spiritual life or pained in the world. They come to give rest to their weary souls, the monastery is to them a peaceful harbour, away from the turbulent and stormy sea of the world.
For our Monastery to exist it needs to be financially sustainable which is obvious considering its ongoing expenses, everyday running costs and maintenance. Our Monastery is still in its development stage of the construction of our buildings.
in 2012, the late George Kailis, took a keen interest in our Monastery and was concerned about its future sustainability. We explained to Mr Kailis, our financial issues, how our only income was from the Sunday Church attendance, Mr Kailis decided he would find us a way to generate a small income to sustain us. Mr Kailis proposed the idea for the Monastery to produce its own extra virgin olive oil; considering we had just planted 300 olives trees in the previous years.
Mr Kailis put the idea into action, raising funds from our local Greek Orthodox Community along with his own generous donation. We then purchased olive oil procession equipment and established a processing plant for the olives of the Monastery.
The olive oil produced was never intended nor could ever be commercially competitive with major leading brands, local or imported from Europe. Essentially the idea is to provide a product made by the Monks from their own labour in return for a donation. Every bottle of olive oil purchased thus goes to supporting the Monastery.
Monks working for their 'daily bread' is not something new. Apostle Paul tells us, 'if anyone will not work, neither should he eat'. (Thess:3.10).
Monks of the early church, the desert Fathers of Egypt and Palestine, used to make their own handicraft of rush-mats or cane-baskets, and then take them to market to sell to sustain their existence. Even in the 21st Century, this is a practice of Orthodox Monasteries around the world, selling their handicrafts or products to build their monasteries and cover their daily needs.
The Eastern Orthodox Church has for centuries past used olive oil as part of its sacramental life. The word Oil in Greek "Έλαιο" systematically also means 'Mercy'. We use olive oil in many distinct ways during our Orthodox Sacramental Worship; during Euchelaion (Healing Service), Baptism, Artoklasia(Blessing of the loaves), Funerals and also during the offering of the Prosphoro bread; during this offering the Faithful bring also bottles of olive oil, wine, incense and charcoals. This is because the person who brings the Prosphoro bread in essence also brings along and offers all the essential items needed for the Divine Liturgy; the bread and wine for the Holy Eucharist, olive oil for the votive lamps and incense and charcoals to be used during the Divine Liturgy, symbolising our Prayers raising to Heaven.
The Fathers of the Holy Monastery ask you to keep the above in mind when purchasing a bottle of our extra virgin olive oil and know that proceeds from your donation, benefit out future sustainability to keep Orthodox Monasticism and the life of Prayer alive in Perth, Western Australia.
We appreciate your support and we pray that our Good God gives you in the Kingdom, the benevolent acts you sow here in earth.
The Holy Monastery of Saint John,
Perth, Western Australia.
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia
Our monastery hand presses extra virgin olive oil. To purchase bulk please contact the monastery. Click link to purchase online.
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Monday 01/16/12
Posted on January 16, 2012 in Human Interest News
SpongeBob Square Pants to the rescue!
Jet Skier Eric Bettanin survived nine hours adrift off Australia’s South Coast, and he’s crediting his loud, yellow SpongeBob shorts for the feat. He wore the “silly” shorts around his head to keep warm, and waved them at a passing boat to finally be rescued.
“As silly as it sounds, they made quite a significant difference to my core temperature,” Bettanin said. “I bought them the other day as a bit of a joke.”
Canada was prepared for terrorists — but it wasn’t prepared for mollusks.
The Canadian navy tried to protect the harbor in Halifax from attack by putting up a huge underwater net that would keep bomb-laden terrorist boats from getting near ships and exploding.
The plan failed miserably, however, when the net became covered with so many mussels and barnacles that it sank to the bottom.
This law is for the dogs!
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed a new ordinance calling for professional dogwalkers handing four or more pooches at once to be licensed.
Beginning next Jan. 1 (2013), dogwalking pros will also be required to complete training in park etiquette for dogs and canine first aid.
The real reason for her weight loss..
An Englishwoman, who shed 84 pounds after getting gastric-bypass surgery was shocked to find out the real reason for her weight loss.
Karren Knight started to exercise after her surgery, and it turned out her stomach band broke soon after the operation, so she did it all on her own.
“I thought surgery was an easy way to lose weight,” she said.
“But . . . all it took was a bit of determination.”
With friends like this guy, you don’t need enemies — but you might need insurance.
A Florida man has been charged with grand theft after he was asked to house- sit — then allegedly pawned $10,000 worth of his pal’s possessions.
From The New York Post.
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Home > Media > Press releases > TechnipFMC Awarded Offshore Water Handling Project for Woodside
Press release | June 6, 2018
TechnipFMC Awarded Offshore Water Handling Project for Woodside
LONDON & PARIS & HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- TechnipFMC (NYSE: FTI) (PARIS: FTI) has been awarded a contract by Woodside to upgrade the Pluto Platform Offshore for water treatment, located offshore Western Australia.
The contract includes the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation and Commissioning (EPCIC) of the Pluto Water Handling Module. This module, to be installed on the existing Pluto Alpha Gas Production Platform, will consist of facilities for water separation and treatment, together with upgraded power generation units.
Nello Uccelletti, President of TechnipFMC's Onshore/Offshore business, commented: "We are honored to be entrusted with the execution of this prestigious contract which is a testimonial to our long-term partnership with Woodside and our leadership in the Gas Monetization industry. This award is one of our strategic “early engagement” achievements, based on the optimized design developed by TechnipFMC during the tendering phase."
The Pluto offshore facility is located approximately 190 kilometers off Karratha, in Western Australia's north-west. The produced gas from the offshore facility is transferred through an existing pipeline to Woodside’s Pluto LNG Onshore plant. The production license is held by Woodside (Operator and 90%), Kansai Electric (5%) and Tokyo Gas (5%).
Note: this inbound order was included in the company’s first quarter results.
Important Information for Investors and Securityholders
This release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The words “estimated”, “aimed”, “scheduled” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are generally not historical in nature. Such forward-looking statements involve significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections. Known material factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include the Company's ability to successfully deliver, and Woodside’s acceptance of, the products ordered. For additional information regarding known material factors that could cause actual results to differ from projected results, please see our risk factors set forth in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, which include our Registration Statement on Form S-4, Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K.
We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any of our forward-looking statements after the date they are made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law.
About TechnipFMC
TechnipFMC is a global leader in subsea, onshore/offshore, and surface projects. With our proprietary technologies and production systems, integrated expertise, and comprehensive solutions, we are transforming our clients’ project economics.
We are uniquely positioned to deliver greater efficiency across project lifecycles from concept to project delivery and beyond. Through innovative technologies and improved efficiencies, our offering unlocks new possibilities for our clients in developing their oil and gas resources.
Each of our more than 37,000 employees is driven by a steady commitment to clients and a culture of purposeful innovation, challenging industry conventions, and rethinking how the best results are achieved.
To learn more about us and how we are enhancing the performance of the world’s energy industry, go to TechnipFMC.com and follow us on Twitter @TechnipFMC.
Matt Seinsheimer
Vice President Investor Relations
Email: Matt Seinsheimer
Director Investor Relations Europe
Email: Phillip Lindsay
Christophe Belorgeot
Vice President Corporate Communications
Email: Christophe Belorgeot
Delphine Nayral
Senior Manager Public Relations
Email: Delphine Nayral
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Home > Journal Archive > Uranium Remediation by Ion Exchange and Sorption Methods: A Critical Review
Continuous Chlorine Detection in Drinking Water and a Review of New Detection Methods
“Sustainable Water Treatment: Innovative Technologies”
Johnson Matthey Technol. Rev., 2016, 60, (1), 59
Uranium Remediation by Ion Exchange and Sorption Methods: A Critical Review
Various types of solid phase sorbents are studied and evaluated
By Edward Rosenberg*, Glenn Pinson and Ranalda Tsosie
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
*Email: Edward.Rosenberg@mso.umt.edu
Hlanganani Tutu and Ewa Cukrowska
Environmental and Analytical Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
The solid phase materials or sorbents applied to the removal of uranium from industrial waste streams and surface waters are reviewed. The speciation of the element in the environment is discussed. A series of examples on uranium remediation from the recent literature using the different kinds of solid phase sorbents are reviewed in detail and evaluated. The criteria for making the best choice of ion exchanger are discussed with suggestions for further evaluation of the described technologies.
1.1 General Background on the Element
As the world's consumption of energy increases there has been an increased interest in nuclear energy. Uranium is one of the most common elements used in nuclear reactors as well as in weapons and other military uses. It is the heaviest and most abundant naturally occurring radioactive element, making up 2.4 mg kg−1 of the earth's crust. It can be easily dissolved, transported and precipitated within ground and surface waters by slight changes in the environment. With half-lives of millions to billions of years, uranium atoms slowly break down to a host of radioactive byproducts: thorium-230, radium-226, radon-222 and the radon daughters: lead-210 and polonium-210 (1, 2). For uranium to be used as an energy source, the ore must be enriched to obtain higher concentrations of a particular isotope, 235U. 235U is fissionable and releases a large amount of energy in the form of heat but also produces large amounts of radioactive waste. Currently, the spent uranium can only be stored, reprocessed or disposed of underground (3).
U(IV) is stable in reducing environments, is slightly soluble and is the least mobile form of uranium. Uraninite (UO2+x ) is the most common reduced mineral species and is the main ore mineral in many uranium deposits (2). U(VI) is stable in oxidising environments and its compounds are the most soluble and therefore the most mobile (4, 5). It can also form complexes with hydroxides, carbonates, sulfates and phosphates (5). Therefore, in the presence of oxygen U(IV) is oxidised to U(VI) which allows the uranium to dissolve in water as the uranyl cation (UO22+). The dissolution of uraninite is shown in Equation (i).
1.2 Uranium Speciation
Recovery of uranium from surface and ground water waste streams depends strongly on the type of uranium species in solution. Determining the distribution of these species is a complex analytical problem and various extraction techniques are required to determine speciation (6–8). These species can be in the form of colloids or dissolved ions. Extraction is therefore not an ideal method for determining uranium speciation because the process can change the original species present (8). In aqueous environments uranium speciation can be determined by computational modelling and analytically. However, analytical methods remain to be improved. Therefore much of the speciation of uranium is determined by thermodynamic speciation modelling that uses the equilibrium constants or the Gibbs free-equation to arrive at species distribution (8). We present here three Eh-pH diagrams that illustrate the variability of speciation under different environmental conditions.
The speciation diagram for uranium where the total [U] = 1 M is shown in Figure 1 (9). In a reducing environment the major species in solution is neutral UO2, over a wide range of pH, making ion exchange useless under these conditions as a method of uranium recovery. This occurs in humic soils. Under oxidising conditions, as in surface waters, the uranyl cation, UO22+, is predominant only at very low pH and would be an important species in acid mine drainage, accompanied by hydroxide-bridged cationic uranium cluster species. At higher pH hydrolysis of uranyl leads to the formation of neutral oxo-hydroxo-species such as UO2(OH)2 (Figure 1). Thus in the absence of other coordinating ions ion exchange would be limited for uranium remediation.
Fig. 1. [corr]
Uranium Eh/pH diagram for high uranium concentration (total [U] = 1M) (dashed lines represent the zone of stability for water) (9)
At low total [U] the speciation changes drastically. The UO22+ along with crystalline U4O9 are the major species in an oxidising environment up to about pH = 5.5 (Figure 2) (10, 11). Above this pH neutral and anionic hydroxyl complexes are the major species and in reducing environments UO2 is again the major species. Thus at low [U] the uranyl cation becomes more dominant making cation exchange more useful in the absence of other ligands such as sulfate and carbonate.
Uranium Eh/pH diagram for low uranium concentration (total [U] =10 μM) (dashed lines represent the zone of stability for water) (10, 11)
In air, with carbon dioxide concentrations of 0.3% the picture changes again. UO22+ is still the dominant species up to about pH = 5, but above pH = 7 anionic carbonate complexes become important, making anion exchange a viable option (Figure 3) (12). The exceptional stability of these carbonate complexes makes their formation favourable over a wide range of concentrations such as those referred to in Figures 1 and 2. Modelling of these uranium solutions suggests that under reducing conditions UO2 exists in its hydrated form, shown as U(OH)4 in Figure 3.
Uranium speciation in air in the presence of 0.3% carbon dioxide (12)
To summarise, because the UO22+ is a strong Lewis acid it can complex with many different compounds via oxygen atoms especially in natural waters. At dilute concentrations (<10−6 M) UO2(OH)+ is the dominant hydrolysed species and above this concentration a mixture of UO2(OH)2, UO3(OH)42− and UO2(OH)53− forms are also observed. In seawater, uranium exists in the form of carbonate complexes, such as UO2(CO3)34−, UO2(CO3)32− and UO2(CO3) (12).
In consideration of the discussion above it is imperative that a detailed study of the environment must be taken into account when considering a U remediation project. This type of sensitivity is not peculiar to U, but is also important for other metals in their higher oxidation states such as manganese, vanadium, molybdenum and tungsten. It should be noted here that that acid mine drainage in general is often characterised by high sulfate which complexes with uranium. These are discussed in Section 2.1. Although 1 M total [U] is never found in waste streams, comparison of Figure 1 with Figures 2 and 3 provides a view towards the sensitivity of uranium to changes in concentration.
2. Examples of Uranium Recovery with Polymer Based Adsorbents
Ion exchange resins based on organic polymers, specifically polystyrene, are by far the most widely used solid phase sorbents for remediation and recovery of toxic and valuable metals. The functional groups used for uranium are varied and include amidoxime on polystyrene and on acrylic based copolymers and fibres (13–15). Most recently, magnetic core-shell particles coated with functionalised polymers have been employed for uranium recovery (16, 17). The three case studies discussed here use commercially available polystyrene resins and focus on the three types of uranium streams encountered in the industries associated with uranium mining and processing: (i) ore processing; (ii) recovery of uranium from industrial waste; (iii) recovery of uranium from acid mine drainage.
2.1 Recovery of Uranium From Acid Leaches of Ores as Sulfate Complexes
The overall process used for uranium ore enrichment and recovery is given in Scheme I and the chemical composition of the ore is given in Table I (18). The ore was leached with 50 g l−1 H2SO4 and the final pH adjusted to 1.5 with ammonia. At this pH a clear solution was obtained that contained 1.163 g l−1 U, 1 g l−1 Fe, 25 ppm V and 0.52 g l−1 P. 150 mL of ammonia was required to neutralise 4 l of leach solution. The conditions for treating the 4 l of leach by ion exchange are given in Table II.
Composition of the Uranium Ore (18)
Content, % 65 15 10 0.01 0.2 0.1
Conditions for Fixation of the Ore Leach on the Ion Exchange Column (18)
Condition, units
Internal diameter of resin column, cm 0.5
Height of resin bed in column, cm 43
Resin volume, ml 20
Flow rate, ml min−1 2.23
Retention time, min 3.6
Bed volume, ml 20
Scheme I.
Stepwise process for concentration and recovery of uranium from an ore (18)
The Type I strong base anion resin, Amberlite® IRA-400, that has a trimethyl ammonium ion on cross-linked polystyrene in the chloride form was used for the ion exchange step. The ion exchange process used to extract uranium from the leaching solution is based on the high binding constants of the anionic sulfate complexes of uranium relative to the anion on the anion exchange resin (chloride) primarily due to their higher negative charge. The uranium is fixed primarily as a 3:1 complex and to a lesser extent as a 2:1 complex (Equations (ii)–(iv)) (19):
The uranium fixation reaction is shown in Equation (v):
where R = resin; X = HSO4−; Cl−; NO3−.
The major species in solution is the uranyl trisulfate tetra-anion. In principle, this anion will take up four strong base sites and so loading effective concentrations of the feed will be limited. The high charge on this anion also leads to poor stripping. Thus, although the capacity of the resin was high at 67.2 g U l−1 resin, the concentration factor was negative. The final strip solution had 1.0 g U l−1 and was 1.63 g U l−1 solution before ion exchange. Stripping the column required over 200 ml of dilute nitric acid. Anionic ferric sulfate complexes competed with the U sulfate complexes. The percent recovery from the feed was only 75%. The overall process is fairly efficient but the poor capacity of the resin and the large amount of the expensive nitric acid needed for stripping could make this process noncompetitive with the alternative, solvent extraction (20).
2.2 Recovery of Uranium from Carbonate Solutions of Industrial Waste Streams
Uranium carbonate industrial waste streams from a Brazilian nuclear production plant were treated by an ion exchange process using a Type II strong base anion exchange resin, IRA-910A with a dimethyl 2-hydroxy ethyl functional group (21). The stream needed to be boiled for 6 h to lower the total carbonate concentration before it could be treated. In order for ion exchange to be effective total carbonate concentration has to be <5 g l−1. Table III describes the chemical composition of the waste stream before and after carbonate removal.
Chemical Composition of the Waste Stream Before and After Carbonate Removal (21)
Original industrial effluent
Industrial effluent after carbonate removal
U mg l−1 43 63
CO32− g l−1 170.9 4.0
F− g l−1 0.35 0.5
NH3 g l−1 78.4 9.0
Fe mg l−1 2 3
Na mg l−1 <0.1 <0.1
pH − 10.1 9.7
The breakthrough and stripping profiles under various loading rates and with different stripping solutions are shown in Figure 4. Flow rate did not have a big effect on breakthrough but stripping with various carbonate solutions did.
(a) Breakthrough and (b) elution profiles for uranium recovery from industrial waste (21)
The best strip was with 3 M carbonate, which gave a U concentration of 2.7 g l−1, a respectable concentration factor of about 43. Interestingly, the uranium-depleted effluent could be used for the strip and gave a concentration of 2.3 g l−1 after dilution from 2.3 M to 1.3 M carbonate concentration. The final effluent contained <4 mg l−1 uranium which met the plant specifications but is well above the Brazilian government's recommended release level of 0.02 mg l−1 (see Table IV). However, it should be pointed out that without further dilution or a polishing step this level of uranium is still highly dangerous from a toxicity point of view, especially if the effluent is discharged into surface waters. The authors did not specify this.
Chemical and Radiochemical Analysis of the Acid Mine Water (23)
Acid mine watera
Permissible level
U 12.0 0.02
Th 0.8 b
226Ra 3.5 Bq l−1 b
Mn 173.0 1.0
Ca 158.0 b
Mg 8.9 b
Al 170.4 b
Zn 41.0 5.0
Fe 180 15.0
SO42− 1400 b
F− 110 10.0
SiO2 57.0 b
pH 2.7 6.0−9.0
aUnless indicated, units are expressed in mg l−1 (except pH)
bPermissible level not defined by Brazilian legislation CONAMA 357/2005
An older report on the removal of uranium carbonate from industrial waste is discussed here as it contains important information on the effect of competing ions and used a more dilute uranium carbonate feed (22). The authors used a strong base anion exchange resin and although they did not specify the exact nature of the resin it is assumed here that it was a Type II resin based on the fact that the more recent studies used this type of resin. Two feed solutions were tested. Solution A contained 0.010 M carbonate and comparable amounts bicarbonate, chloride and sulfate as their sodium salts while Solution B contained only 35 × 10−4 M carbonate and both solutions contained 7 × 10−4 M uranium added as UO2(NO3)2 (Table V).
Table V
Composition of the Feed Solutions and Column Configuration (22)
Solution components, mol l−1
NaHCO3
A 0.010 0.025 0.015 0.010 3.0−9.0
B 35.70 × 10−4 − − − 5.0−9.1
Concentration of uranium: 7.14 × 10−4 mol l−1 UO2(NO3)2. Column configuration: ID = 0.8 cm, length = 10 cm. Resin weight = 0.5 g
When tested individually all the ions in Solution A as well as UO2(CO3)34− showed adsorption isotherms that obeyed the Langmuir and Freundlich models starting with the chloride form of the resin. Correlation coefficients were very good, with the Freundlich model showing a better correlation for UO2(CO3)34−, 0.99 versus 0.87 for the Langmuir model. These equilibrium studies allowed the establishment of a selectivity order for the competing ions: UO2(CO3)34−>> NO3− >> SO42− ∼ CO32− > HCO3− > Cl− with selectivity coefficients of 537, 98, 7.5, 7.4 and 5.2. The pH at which this order of selectivity was established was not provided for the equilibrium isotherm studies but maximum loading of UO2(CO3)34− occurs at pH = 6.5−7.0. Table VI shows the pH dependence of uranium loading for Solutions A and B. It can be seen that the presence of competing ions had only a slight effect on uranium loading, peaking at 6.5−7.0 in agreement with the reported selectivity values (Table VI). Subsequent spectroscopic studies suggested that at the optimal loading a portion of the uranium is converted to U2O72−. The lower charge on this species accounts for the increased loading of uranium at pH = 6.5−7.0.
Table VI
pH Dependence of Uranium Loading for Solutions A and B (22)
Uranium loading capacity from composition of A at different pH values
mg U g−1 dry resin 199 223 271 370 352 235 183 171
Relative loading capacity 1.16 1.30 1.58 2.16 2.06 1.37 1.07 1
Uranium loading capacity from composition of B at different pH values
mg U g−1 dry resin 49 300 398 423 392 188 179
Relative loading capacity 0.27 1.68 2.22 2.36 2.19 1.05 1
Although uranium loading showed a clear maximum at pH = 6.5−7.0 stripping with neutral salts such as NaCl or NaNO3 only recovered ∼60% of the uranium loaded at this pH. Stripping with additional ethanol or HCl did not recover any significant amounts of uranium. Stripping with Na(NO)3 was very efficient for columns loaded at pH = 9, but loading was much lower at this pH (Table VI). The authors did not consider using a carbonate leach at high pH as suggested by the observed selectivity coefficients and by the equations governing the conversion of UO2(CO3)34− to the apparently nonexchangeable U2O72− in the resin phase (Equation (vi)):
where R = resin site.
Overall taking the two studies together, it would appear that loading at pH = 6.5−7.0 and stripping with carbonate at pH >9.0 would be the best approach, even in the presence of significant amounts of competing ions.
2.3 Removal of Uranium from Acid Mine Drainage using Strong Base Ion Exchange Resins
This study compared the effectiveness of Type I (DowexTM MarathonTM A) with Type II (Amberlite® IRA-410u) strong base resins (Figure 5) for the removal of uranium from high sulfate acid mine drainage (23). Table VI shows the chemical and radiochemical profile of the waste stream. The uranium is present as sulfate complexes and considering the large excess of sulfate and the low pH the major species in solution is likely UO2(SO4)34− (Equations (ii)–(iv)). The other ions in solution are present as cations except for sulfate, silicate and fluoride which have lower negative charges but could compete with the UO2(SO4)34−. Column experiments were performed on 5.0 ml volumes of each resin at pH values of 2.7 and 3.9 in a 1.2 cm ID column at a flow rate of 24 BV h−1 (Figure 6). The Type II resin IRA-410u performed significantly better than DowexTM A (Table VII). Both resins performed at only about 40–60% of their theoretical value (1 equiv. g−1 for IRA-410u and 1.3 equiv. g−1 for DowexTM) probably because of the interference of other anions. However, the authors were unclear about whether these theoretical values took into account the higher negative charges on the sulfate complexes. Performance was slightly better for both resins at the higher pH. Sulfate and fluoride levels were monitored and revealed that indeed sulfate does compete but fluoride does not (Figures 7(a) and 7(b)).
Table VII
Maximum Loading Capacities and Distribution Coefficients for Uranium (23)
DowexTM A588964357279
KD, ml g−1
Qmax, mg U g−1 resin
IRA-910U 6667 6887 100 108
Structure of the silica bound cyclam ligand (41)
Adsorption profile for uranium on the two strong base resins. Flow rate = 2.0 ml min−1, bed volume = 5.0 ml, 24 BV h−1 (23)
(a) Sulfate comes through at the feed concentration up to 900 BV and then increases indicating sulfate adsorption in competition with U; (b) fluoride comes through at the feed level all the way through indicating no adsorption (23)
The authors report an economic analysis of the uranium recovery based on the adsorption data. However, this is meaningless in the absence of elution data, especially in light of the poor stripping reported for the sulfate complexes above (21). The value of this study is the demonstration that Type II resins work better than Type I strong base resins and that unbound sulfate competes with the uranium sulfate complexes. No cycle testing is provided. In the absence of this data the scale up analysis reported in the paper is of little value.
3. Uranium Removal Materials Based on Silica and Other Inorganic Matrices: Overview
In the past 20 years there has been considerable development in the area of silica gel based chelator materials for metal ion removal and recovery. This is due, in part, to the development of new methods for synthesising silica gels but also because silica gel offers some advantages over the widely used and highly developed polymer based materials (Section 2). Silica gel does not shrink or swell with changes in pH or temperature and has a hydrophilic surface that affords faster mass transfer kinetics (24). On the other hand, strong alkali degrades silica while polystyrene is quite stable at high pH. In general, polystyrene shows more resistance to mechanical shock but has a higher cross section for neutron capture limiting its use for actinide separations and recoveries. Each matrix has its advantages and disadvantages and these will be summarised later in this review.
Silica gels used as solid phase sorbents are of two general types, amorphous silica gels and mesoporous silica gels. Amorphous silica gels are made by the fusion of sodium carbonate and silicates at high temperature (∼1100°C) to produce sodium silicate (water glass), which is dissolved in water and then reprecipitated with acid under carefully controlled conditions. The porosity, particle shape and size are very sensitive to the precipitation conditions and subsequent curing. The conditions for precipitation used in industry are proprietary. The silica gels available commercially for use as solid-phase sorbents can be made in a wide range of particle sizes (25–500 μm) and all have high porosities and surface areas. Table VIII illustrates the physical properties of the midrange particle sizes available from different suppliers (24). Amorphous silica gels can also be made as nanoparticles (25). As expected, these have much lower porosities but higher total surface areas. Amorphous silica gels can also be made by the sol-gel route using siloxanes (Si(OR)4) and functionalised siloxanes (SiR(OR)3) that provide direct functionalisation of the surface (26). This approach offers more control over pore-size distribution, a parameter that can affect the uniformity of mass transfer kinetics in ion exchange applications. The sol-gel method can afford much narrower pore size distributions (26). Most recently, it has been shown that rice hull ash can be converted to amorphous silica gel by simply extracting the material with 1 M sodium hydroxide and then precipitating with acid. The resulting gel can be converted into useful solid phase sorbents but lack the mechanical strength of the commercially available amorphous gels (27).
Table VIII
Physical Properties of Commercially Available Amorphous Silica Gels (24)
Diameter, mm
Pore diameter, Å
Pore volume, ml g−1
Porosity, %
Surface area, m2 g−1
Crosfield 90−105 267 2.82 84.7 422
Qingdao Haiyang 150−250 194 2.39 85.0 493
Qingdao Meigao 180−250 378 2.86 85.3 303
Nanjing 180−250 164 2.30 85.8 561
Nanjing Tianyi 80−250 150 2.28 85.6 526
Mesoporous silica gels differ from amorphous silica gels in that they are ordered phases made by the sol-gel method using a templating agent, usually a detergent such as cetyl ammonium bromide (28) or more recently block copolymers containing hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments (29). The block copolymers provide the option of removing the template by solvent extraction while the ionic detergent requires calcination at 400–500°C. Both methods provide highly ordered phases of nanoparticles with pore diameters in the 2–10 nm range with very high surface areas (>700 m2 g−1) and good mechanical strength. Commercially available mesoporous silica gels are marketed by many suppliers as MCM-41 and SBA-15, which differ slightly in their physical properties. Because these mesoporous silica gels are made by the sol-gel method they offer the opportunity of direct surface functionalisation using Si(OR)4 and SiR(OR)3 (26, 29).
For the purposes of uranium recovery and remediation the cheaper more porous amorphous silica gels are probably a better choice than the mesoporous gels, while for catalysis the higher surface area and more mechanically strong mesoporous materials, and the related zeolites, are a better choice. In comparing the silica matrix with the polymer based materials described in Section 2, the latter have seen a much wider use, but as described at the beginning of this section silica gel offers some distinct advantages.
3.1 Commercially Available Silica Based Ion Exchange Materials
Steward Advanced Materials, USA, offers Self Assembled Monolayers of Mesoporous Silica (SAMMS®) functionalised with 3-propane thiol for gold, silver and mercury recovery. The ordered silica pores are very small but form a high surface area-ordered material. The silica matrix is made using a detergent template followed by calcination. These materials were developed at Pacific Northwest Labs by the group of Glen Fryxell and have been used in a variety of metal capturing applications, including uranium that will be discussed in Section 3.3.2. The materials show high capacity but are difficult to strip and are expensive to produce. This material has not seen widespread use in the base metals industry. There are many studies on their use for actinide metal recovery, but none on the commercial scale.
IBC Advanced Technologies, USA, makes both polystyrene and silica based materials modified with macrocyclic ligands that are highly selective for a given metal. The ligands work on so-called molecular recognition technology (MRT) and are based on size selectivity rather than covalent binding constants. They are quite expensive but according to their website this technology has seen a wide range of applications in the mining industry. The company has presented the results of these projects at numerous conferences but access to the actual data is limited and their product web pages come up blank.
SiliCycle Inc, located in Quebec, Canada, markets a selection of metal scavenging agents based on silica gel modified with propyl groups bearing a purportedly selective metal scavenging agent. Ligand loadings vary from 0.3 to 1.2 mmol g−1, slightly lower than related polymer based materials. They have lower bulk densities than polystyrene sorbents similar to silica polyamine composites (SPC) (vide infra ). Pore size is quoted at 6 nm, in the same range as that reported for both amorphous and mesoporous silica gels with particle sizes in the range of 40–60 μm. The website does not provide metal capacities or longevity data for the materials. The website offers quantities of up to 500 g but states that bulk quantities are available. These amino propyl resins (SiliaBond® Amine) do not stand up well to repeated use and the EDTA modified propyl silanes (SiliaMetS® Triaminetetraacetic Acid (TAAcOH)) actually lose capacity with increasing pH (30). Finally, all of these products list very general metal selectivity according to the website without any quantitative data on preferences within mixtures. Metals are listed as scavengers or preferred scavengers. No uranium selective adsorbents are listed on the website. The main application of these materials is most likely the removal of excess metals after a bench scale chemical reaction.
Johnson Matthey Plc is currently developing a series of silica polyamine composites (SPC) that use a chloropropyl/methyl silane mixture to modify an amorphous silica gel surface that is subsequently treated with polymeric amines, and then further modified with metal selective ligands (31, 32). The polyamine surface is much more robust than the aminopropyl modified surface in that the multipoint anchoring provides a more stable composite surface and elevating the metal capturing ligand away from the surface eliminates ligand interactions with the surface. This group of sorbents has been extensively compared with polystyrene analogues and offer distinct advantages. Separations are sharper as a result of better column utilisation factors, no shrink-swell during pH changes and lower bulk densities (33). Functionality is available over a range of metal selective ligands, including analogues of the strong base resins (34, 35) and amino phosphonic acid groups that have been applied to uranium remediation (vide infra) (36). These materials have been employed on a large scale by the mining industry for remediation and recovery of transition metals.
3.2 Silica Based Hybrid Materials for Uranium Recovery
The literature is full of sorbents based on mesoporous and amorphous silica gels. Their surfaces allow a wider degree of functionalisation relative to organic polymers because the silanisation step offers an almost infinite choice of functional groups that can be further modified (37–39). Here, we have chosen representative examples of inorganic and hybrid materials that have been specifically designed for uranium recovery from waste streams.
3.2.1 Uranium Recovery with Chelator Ligands Bound to Amorphous Silica
Murexide is a commonly used organic indicator that changes colour on complexation with metals. Recently, this commercially available ligand has been bound to silica gel and has shown a high affinity for uranyl ion and for thorium (Scheme II) (40). These investigators used acid-activated amorphous silica (6 nm pore diameter, 63–212 μm). The resulting murexide composite showed very good capacities for uranyl ion over a wide pH range with a maximum batch capacity of 1.13 mmol g−1 at pH = 5.5. Flow capacities of ∼0.5 mmol g−1 were realised at relatively rapid flow rates of 10 ml min−1. The material could be regenerated efficiently with 0.1 M HCl but no cycle testing is reported and the actual loading of the murexide ligand is not reported. This could have been easily done by nitrogen analysis before and after reaction of murexide with the amino propyl modified silica. The most appealing aspect of this new ligand is its high degree of selectivity for uranyl ion. It shows exceptionally high selectivity values for uranium versus other anions and cations (selectivities of 70–1000) with only Zr4+ and Th4+ and the anions VO3−, PO43− and C2O42− causing significant interference (Table IX).
Table IX
Tolerance for Competing Ions for the Murexide Modified Silica Gel (40)
Foreign ion
Tolerance limita
K+, Cl−, Na+, NO3−, CH3CO2− >1000
I−, SO42−, Cd2+, Tl+, Mg2+,
Ca2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Pb2+, Zn2+ 1000
La3+, Ce3+, Al3+, MoO42−, Cs+ 100
Fe3+, Co2+, Zn2+, Cr3+ 70
VO3−, PO43−, C2O42− 7
Th4+, Zr4+ 2
aThe concentration ratio of the foreign ions to the U(VI) ions
Scheme II.
Protection and binding to silica of the HOPO ligand (40)
Another class of ligand that has shown excellent properties for uranyl ion recovery are the carboxylate modified cyclams bound to silica (Figure 5) (41). The silica gel used was Kieselgel 60 (bead size 0.2–0.5 mm, 35–70 Mesh, specific area 550 m2 g−1).
These composites were made by either adding the cyclam to a 3-chloropropyl group on silica followed by reaction of the remaining three N atoms with an acrylic acid or by preassembly of the trimethoxysilyl-tris-acrylate ligand to the chloropropyl surface.
Different cyclams were grafted to silica gel and the best performance was obtained with the cyclam shown in Figure 5. As expected from the Eh-pH diagrams (Figures 1 to 3) in the introduction the highest uranium capacity was obtained at pH = 4–5 (dynamic Kd = 158 ml g−1 at pH = 4). This study reports regeneration studies with very little loss in capacity over nine load regeneration cycles, with typical loadings of 0.25 mmol UO22+ g−1 gel. However, the stripping kinetics were poor; even though complete recovery was realised in the nine cycles, large volumes of 2 M nitric acid were required.
A schematic diagram for a continuous extraction of uranium in the presence of other actinides is shown in Figure 8 and used two 12 l columns one loaded with unmodified silica gel for use as a pre-filter and the second loaded with the cyclam modified silica. This system was used to capture a mixture of U, Am and Pu at concentrations typical for radioactive waste. All three metals were removed to below detection limit.
Schematic drawing for continuous extraction experiments: 1 contaminated solution (A) or concentrated solution (B); 2 peristaltic pump; 3 column filled with silica gel-bound macrocycles; 4 thermostated jacket; 5 decontaminated solution (A) or 2 N nitric acid solution (B) (41)
Interestingly, the distribution coefficient almost doubles on going from 298 K to 353 K. This may be characteristic of all amorphous based silica gels as it has been observed with related silica polyamine composites (42). Overall, this study is the most complete evaluation of a solid phase uranium adsorbent and lacks only selectivity studies relative to other ions that are associated with uranium waste streams.
A silica polyamine composite modified with an amino phosphonic acid functional group has been used to selectively recover uranium from a mock solution that profiles the acid mine drainage found in the gold mine tailing around Johannesburg, South Africa (43). The previously reported polyamine composite, BPAP, is schematically represented in Figure 9 (36). Amorphous silica with a 180–250 μm particle size distribution, a 38 nm average pore diameter and a 303 m2 g−1 surface area was used for this study.
Schematic representation of the amino-phosphonic acid modified silica polyamine composite, BPAP (36)
The mock solution was run through a 5 ml column with a flow rate of 1.0 ml min−1 at pH = 2.5. The mock solution contained 175 mg l−1 Fe, 55 mg l−1 Zn, 18 mg l−1 Ni, 81 mg l−1 Co, 78 mg l−1 Mn, 123 mg l−1 U, 41 mg l−1 Cu, 195 mg l−1 Ca and 82 mg l−1 Mg. After 15 bed volumes (75 ml) were passed through the solution, all the metals except Fe and U reached their feed concentrations. Stripping with 2 M H2SO4 was not effective but stripping with 2 M Na2CO3 removed all of the uranium along with some of the Fe and Ca. The strip solution contained only minor amounts of the divalent transition metals and the Fe and Ca could be precipitated as their hydroxides and carbonates by subsequent pH adjustment. Thus, the divalent transition metals mainly passed through the column but Fe3+ and Ca2+ co-loaded with UO22+. On stripping with carbonate all of the uranium is removed as soluble UO2(CO3)n m − (n = 2, 3; m = 2, 4) complexes. The wt% uranium is increased from 17% in the feed to 45% in the strip (Figure 10).
(a) Composition of acid mine drainage mock solution; and (b) composition after loading and carbonate stripping on BPAP column (43)
For this process to be useful the remaining Fe3+ and Ca2+ must be removed to fully regenerate the column. This could be done with EDTA as has been previously shown (44). The valuable aspect of this report is that the BPAP can be used to effectively separate uranyl cation from divalent transition metal ions.
3.3.2 Uranium Recovery with Chelator Ligands Bound to Mesoporous Silica
A recent study surveyed the effectiveness of variously functionalised MCM-41 mesoporous silica gels (75–250 μm particle size, 480 m2 g−1, 7 nm pore diameter) and compared them with polystyrene chelator resins having the same functionality and with various forms of MnO2 (45). Three functional groups were tested: sulfonic acid (SCX), iminodiacetic acid (IDAA, referred to as EDTA in the Tables) and 3,4-hydroxypyridinone (HOPO-) (Figure 11). Ligand loadings were 0.67, 0.29 and 1.3 mmol g−1 respectively, using (MeO)3Si(CH2)3R (R = functional group) procedures.
Surface functionalities synthesised on nanoporous silica and tested for this study. The functional groups are: (a) sulfonic acid (SCX); (b) iminodiacetic acid (IDAA); (c) 3,4-hydroxypyridinone (HOPO) (45)
These modified SAMMS® were compared with two polystyrene resins: a strong base anion exchange resin (SAX) and Chelex® 100 (EDTA, actually IDAA), two different mesh sizes of MnO2 (70–200 μm and <5 μm) and MnO2 adsorbed onto a polystyrene sulfonic acid resin.
The materials were used as sorbents for the radioactive isotopes of actinide and lanthanide elements present in trace amounts in seawater (3 pbb for U) and the Columbia River (∼70 pbb for U). Experiments were conducted in batches (for example, lanthanides together with other isotopes: 234Th, 237Np, 233Pa and 233U) and determined using either gamma emission or liquid scintillation. Standard solutions were used and compared with the data from Columbia River water and Galveston Bay water in order to evaluate the contribution of organics and other ions to the observed distribution coefficients. Samples were counted until the counting error of the fitted peak area was less than 10%, which typically required counting times on the order of 102 to 103 min. The activity of each analyte was used to determine a mass-weighted distribution coefficient (KD, l kg−1), Equation (vii):
(vii)
where AS is the total activity of the isotope retained in the sorbent, Aw is the total activity remaining in solution, V is the volume of the batch experiment (50 ml), and m is the mass of sorbent in kg.
Distribution coefficients are reported for all six of the isotopes in the standard solutions for each adsorbent in both the river water and seawater. There are relatively small differences between ions but the big differences are between the adsorbents and type of water. We discuss only the data for uranium here (Table X).
Table X
Uranium Distribution Coefficientsa (45)
Columbia River water
Galveston Bay seawater
Blank silica 4.0 ± 0.02 3.4 ± 0.02
SCX-SAMMS® 4.0 ± 0.02 2.9 ± 0.03
SAX resin 5.3 ± 0.2 3.7 ± 0.02
Chelex® 100 resin 5.2 ± 0.1 3.1 ± 0.02
EDTA-SAMMS® 4.1 ± 0.1 2.9 ± 0.02
HOPO-SAMMS® 5.2 ± 0.04 4.8 ± 0.05
MnO2 in resin 6.1 ± 0.4 2.0 ± 0.1
MnO2 60−200 mesh <1 <1
MnO2 < 5 μm 5.1 ± 0.1 3.0 ± 0.02
alog KD, ml g−
The biggest difference in log KD is between the two water sources, where the values are much lower for the bay water than for the river water by about two orders of magnitude on average. This suggests there are more interfering ions in the seawater and is a very valuable contribution. Between the different sorbents, the polystyrene sulfonic acid with MnO2 (SCX-MnO2) was by far the best for the river water and the worst for the seawater, pointing to the affinity of this adsorbent for a wide variety of cations. The IDAA (EDTA) chelator worked better on the polystyrene than on the SAMMS® and the SCX SAMMS® is no better than blank silica. HOPO SAMMS® showed the best all around performance for both river water and seawater. Most interesting is that the anion exchange resin performed relatively well for both samples but the authors ignored this in their conclusion, as well as a detailed discussion of solution pH. Given the complex nature of uranium speciation this was a significant fault with this otherwise elegant and informative study. More work needs to be done to evaluate saturation capacities and the stability of the sorbents.
A recent report from the group that pioneered the development of SAMMS® compares the performance of the mesoporous phase MCM-41 with amorphous silica gel for loading of the HOPO ligand or a benzyl protected HOPO ligand and subsequent uranium capture (Scheme III) (46).
Scheme III.
Synthetic steps for binding the HOPO ligand to silica gels (46)
It was thought that protection of the phenolic OH would improve the efficiency of the coupling step between HOPO and the aminopropyl silane. Two different types of silica were used for these experiments, a surfactant templated mesoporous silica MCM-41, and an amorphous, chromatographic silica (Davisil® 634 and 635, Aldrich). The batch of MCM-41 has a specific surface area of 800 m2 g−1, an average pore size of 3.5 nm (very uniform pore size distribution), and a pore volume of 1.29 cm3 g−1. The smaller pores of MCM-41 are more easily crowded during monolayer deposition, but the very high surface area of this support suggests that it might be possible to get a higher functional loading in the SAMMS® made using this support. Also, the highly uniform pore size distribution makes it possible to monitor dimensional changes in pore size with each reaction. The amorphous Davisil® silica gels used had specific surface areas of 480 m2 g−1, and an average pore size of ∼6.0 nm (broad pore size distribution, up to ∼20.0 nm ), and a pore volume of 1.67 cm3 g−1. The difference between Davisil® 634 and 635 is their granulation – Davisil® 634 has 75–150 μm particles (100 to 200 mesh), while Davisil® 635 has 150–250 μm particles (60–100 mesh). The larger pores of the Davisil® silica make this support more amenable to making monolayers with large bulky ligands, like the benzyl-protected HOPO ligands.
The authors experimented with the impact of different methods of cleaving the protecting group and found that this had little effect on mass weighted KD using the usual formula (47). The type of medium (blood, plasma, river water) had a major effect on the efficiency of U(VI) with the highest being the more homogeneous river water (Table XI).
Table XI
The Effect of Cleavage Method of the Benzyl Protecting Group, the Type of Silica Used and the Adsorption Medium on the Distribution Coefficient for U(VI) with HOPO Modified Surfaces (46)
Cleavage method
MCM-41 Olda Buffer >100,000
MCM-41 Old Blood 7000
D-634 None (Bz ether) River water 5800
D-634 Old River water 10,000,000
D-634 Oldc River water 100,000,000
D-634 Newd River water 100,000,000
D-634 New Blood 55,000
MCM-41 New Plasma 32,000
MCM-41 New Blood 6100
D-635 Unprotected River water >10,000,000
D-635 Unprotected Plasma 10,000
MCM-41 Unprotected Plasma 12,000
MCM-41 Unprotected Blood 8900
a18 h at 25°C, bReference (58), c4 days at 25°C, dNew = 50–60°C for 18 h
The most important result of this study is that the amorphous silica gel performed better in every medium and regardless of the method of deprotection. Even without using the protecting group the amorphous silica-HOPO performed better than the protected MCM-41-HOPO. This makes an important point with regard to silica adsorbents and remediation. Porosity, not uniformity is the key property for a good solid phase sorbent. Less porous ordered phases are better suited to structural investigations and catalysis where they give better resolution of the environment and better stereoselectivity.
A different approach, using functionalised polymers adsorbed onto ordered silica phases has been reported (48). An ordered nanoporous silica (MSU-H) with a hexagonal array structure that has a specific surface area of ∼700m2 g−1 and nanopores of ∼4 nm in average diameter was used in the study. Three common polymers: poly(ethyleneimine), carboxymethyl, poly(ethyleneimine) and polyacrylic acid were used in the study. The silica gel was activated by treatment with hydrochloric acid and then the polymers were mixed with the gel for a set period of time. After washing and drying the polymer-silica composite was exposed to solutions of uranyl ion of various concentrations. Very poor distribution coefficients are reported (∼102) for all three polymers and most importantly, 15% of the uranium leached off the material after one day. No stripping data is reported and it is likely that the polymer would have desorbed with any reagent that was capable for recovery of the uranium. This report is presented here as an example of what does not work for designing a solid phase sorbent for uranium.
3.4 Layered Sulfide Materials for Uranium Capture
An entirely different type of sorbent based on layered sulfides is reported here for comparison with the more developed polymer and silica based sorbents discussed so far. Very recently, the layered sulfide material, K2MnSn2S6 (KMS-1) has been shown to be an effective ligand for Rb+, Cs+ and UO22+ (49, 50). The metal ions exchange for potassium that sits between layers of MnS6 (0.32 occupancy) or SnS6 (0.68 occupancy). The exchange is driven by the greater affinity of the larger cations for the soft sulfur atoms on the surface of each layer. In the case of UO22+ the rod-like shaped ion lies horizontally between the layers in order to directly interact with the S atom (Figure 12).
Proposed mechanism for displacement of K+ by UO22+ (49, 50)
The material can reduce uranium levels from a variety of sources over a wide range of pH to very low levels, even in the presence of other cations (Table XII). In most cases 98–99% of the uranium is removed and an average of 84% where other cations are present at very high levels.
Table XII
Removal of UO22+ by KMS-1 from Various Water Sources (49)
Adsorption, ml g−1
U concentration, ppb
Removal, %
Finala
Distilled water, 0.34 M NaCl 3 1000 2500 12−22 99.1−99.5
Distilled water, 0.15 M NaNO3 6.5 1000 3250 103−128 96.1−96.8
Potable waterb 7 100 36 0.5−0.7 98.1−98.6
Lake Michigan waterc 7.3 100 34.2 0.9−1.1 96.8−97.4
Contaminated seawater, Gulf of Mexico 8.2 16−50 1308 1.2−6.5 99.5−99.9
Contaminated seawaterd, Pacific Ocean 8.2 20−50 1278 1.1−2.0 99.8−99.9
Contaminated seawater, Gulf of Mexico 8.2 100 39 5.3−8.5 78.3−86.5
Original seawatere, Gulf of Mexico 8.2 100 3.8 0.6−0.9 76.3−84.2
aRange of concentrations obtained from three different experiments
bPotable water as found in Evanston, Il, contains 10.7 ppm of Na+, 32.9 ppm Ca2+, 8.5 ppm Mg2+, 7 ppm K+, and other ions of insignificant concentrations
cWater samples from Lake Michigan, Evanston, Il, contain 20 ppm Na+, 24 ppm Ca2+, 8.8 ppm Mg2+, 2.7 ppm K+ and other ions of insignificant concentrations
dThe cations with the highest concentrations in these seawater samples were Na+ (8557 ppm), Mg2+ (820 ppm), K+ (500 ppm) and Ca2+ (262 ppm)
eThe cations with the highest concentrations in these seawater samples were Na+ (9486 ppm), Mg2+ (897 ppm), K+ (556 ppm) and Ca2+ (274 ppm)
Thus, KMS-1 is very effective for removal of trace levels of U from real-world water samples. KMS-1 is: (a) inexpensive and easy to make (51), (b) very stable in the atmosphere and water, (c) highly selective for UO22+ with very fast sorption kinetics, (d) easily regenerated with 2 M Na2(CO)3, an affordable and environmentally friendly method, and (e) reusable for at least six cycles. The material lost about 40% of its capacity after the first regeneration cycle but then remained constant for remaining five. It represents one of the most promising solid phase adsorbents for efficient and cost-effective treatment of wastes and groundwater containing highly toxic U levels. For removal of low levels of uranium it stands out relative to the other adsorbents discussed in this review, but it would not be suitable to an industrial or mining environment where much higher levels of uranium must be processed and where a 40% loss in capacity after one cycle is not acceptable.
4. Concluding Remarks
This review focused on the application of the two main types of solid phase adsorbents used for uranium recovery in various forms, polymer-based (organic) and silica-based (inorganic) materials. The first challenge an end user must face is which of these matrices to choose, as there is considerable overlap in functionality. Table XIII summarises the differences between the organic and inorganic exchangers (52).
As can be seen from Table XIII organic ion exchangers usually have higher capacities and better mechanical stability. The Achilles heel of the polymer-based materials is their sensitivity to radiation and heat. However, with the appropriate choice of a polymer-based resin this can be minimised.
Table XIII
A Comparison of the General Properties of Organic and Inorganic Ion Exchangers (52)
Organic exchangers
Inorganic exchangers
Thermal stability Fair to poor Good Inorganics are especially good for long term stability
Chemical stability Good Fair to good Specific organics and inorganics are available for any given pH range
Radiation stability Fair to poor Good Organics are very poor in combination with high temperatures and oxygen
Exchange capacity High Low to high The exchange capacity will be a function of the nature of the ion being removed, its chemical environment and the experimental conditions
Selectivity Available Available For some applications, such as caesium removal, inorganics can be much better than organics, owing to their greater selectivity. Ion selective media are available in both organic and inorganic forms
Regeneration Good Uncertain Most inorganics are sorption based, which limits regeneration
Mechanical strength Good Variable Inorganics may be brittle or soft or may break down outside a limited pH range
Cost Medium to high Low to high The more common inorganics are less costly than organics
Availability Good Good Both types are available from a number of commercial sources
Immobilisation Good Good Inorganics can be converted to equivalent mineral structures, organics can be immobilised in a variety of matrices or can be incinerated
Handling Good Fair Organics are generally tough spheres, inorganics may be brittle; angluar particles are more friable
Ease of use Good Good If available in a granulated form both types are easy to use in batch or column applications
A separate set of problems associated with anion exchange resins is fouling with intrinsic organic contaminants. This is usually dealt with by treating with brine at elevated temperatures. Due to the poor thermal stability of strong base anion exchange resins this usually results in a loss of capacity for the regenerated resin. Strong acid cation exchange resins have a problem with fouling due to calcium sulfate precipitation on regeneration with sulfuric acid. This is alleviated by back washing with warm lime followed by acid regeneration.
The Achilles heel of the inorganic exchangers is high pH, silica in particular degrades rapidly at pH>13. Organic-inorganic hybrid materials slow this process down but do not eliminate it (53).
In choosing the right ion exchange resin for a given application the properties of the waste are of primary concern. Total suspended solids should be less than 4 mg l−1 or prefiltering is necessary for both organic and inorganic exchangers. The waste should have a low dissolved ionic solids content of less than 1–2 g l−1. In the specific case of radionuclides, they need to be in the anionic form to be suitable for ion exchange with strong base anion exchangers. This can usually be done with pH adjustment but this will raise the total ion content and may affect removal efficiency (52).
For uranium removal from industrial waste or groundwater containing high levels of sulfate or carbonate the commercially available strong base anion exchange resins are currently the best option as discussed in Section 2. However, strong base silica polyamine composites with a higher tolerance for solutions with high ion concentration (upper limit for polystyrene is 4 meq ml−1) are under development and may prove competitive for these applications (35).
As stated clearly in Section 3.3.2 mesoporous materials are not a good choice for remediation projects. These materials and the related zeolites have found a wide range of applications in catalysis, medicine and many other fields. Their smaller pore sizes make them more difficult to regenerate, they do not tolerate bulky ligands well and the lower porosities generally lead to slower exchange kinetics (47). In addition they are more expensive to make.
For the inorganic exchangers discussed here to make an impact on uranium remediation, investigators need to focus more on testing regeneration and evaluation of usable lifetime. In fact, for the particular examples presented in Section 2 on polystyrene resins this is also an issue. In the nuclear industry regeneration and resin lifetime are central issues (52). Large-scale remediation of uranium waste streams is just beginning to receive attention and the processes and procedures developed in the nuclear industry should serve as model for this emerging field (52).
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E. Rosenberg, C. Hart, M. Hughes, V. Kailasam, J. Allen, J. Wood and B. Cross, ‘Performance Improvements through Structural Design and Comparisons with Polystyrene Resins of Silica Polyamine Composites’, in “67th International Water Conference 2006”, IWC 06-34, 22nd–26th October, 2006, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, p. 345
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J. J. Allen, E. Rosenberg, E. Johnston and C. Hart, ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 2012, 4, (3), 1573 LINK http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/am201761m
M. Berlin, J. Allen, V. Kailasam, D. Rosenberg and E. Rosenberg, Appl. Organomet. Chem., 2011, 25, (7), 530 LINK http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/aoc.1798
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E. Rosenberg, ‘Silica Polyamine Composites: Advanced Materials for Metal Ion Recovery and Remediation’, in “Macromolecules Containing Metal and Metal-Like Elements: Group IVA Polymers”, eds. A. S. Abd-El-Aziz, C. E. Carraher, Jr, C. U. Pittman Jr and M. Zeldin, Vol. 4 John Wiley & Sons, Inc, New Jersey, USA, 2005, p. 51 LINK http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/0471712566.ch4
V. Kailasam and E. Rosenberg, Hydrometallurgy, 2012, 129–130, 97 LINK http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hydromet.2012.08.010
E. Rosenberg, V. Kailasam and W. G. Pinson, ‘Oxyanion Removal and Recovery using Silica Polyamine Composites’, in “74th Annual International Water Conference 2013”, IWC-13-13, 17th–21st November, 2013, Orlando, Florida, USA, p. 211
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D. L. Hagers, ‘Performance Evaluation for Heavy Metal Ion Removal Using Silica-Polyamine Composite Materials Made with Different Silica Gels and Polyamines’, Masters Dissertation, University of Montana, USA, 1999 LINK http://catalog.lib.umt.edu/vwebv/search?searchType=7&searchId=21977&maxResultsPerPage=20&recCount=20&recPointer=0&resultPointer=0&headingId=2439803
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D. J. Nielsen, ‘Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Silica Polyamine Composites and their Application to the Reclamation of Hazardous Mining Wastewater and Tailings’, PhD Thesis, University of Montana, USA, 2006 LINK http://catalog.lib.umt.edu/vwebv/search?searchType=7&searchId=21987&maxResultsPerPage=20&recCount=20&recPointer=0&resultPointer=5&headingId=2794199
B. E. Johnson, P. H. Santschi, C.-Y. Chuang, S. Otosaka, R. S. Addleman, M. Douglas, R. D. Rutledge, W. Chouyyok, J. D. Davidson, G. E. Fryxell and J. M. Schwantes, Environ. Sci. Technol., 2012, 46, (20), 11251 LINK http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/es204192r
J. D. Davidson, R. J. Wiacek, S. Burton, X. S. Li, G. E. Fryxell, R. S. Addleman, W. Yantasee, T. Sangvanich and K. Pattamakomsan, Inorg. Chem. Commun., 2012, 18, 92 LINK http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.inoche.2012.01.025
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‘Application of Ion Exchange Processes for the Treatment of Radioactive Waste and Management of Spent Ion Exchangers’, Technical Reports Series No. 408, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria, 2002 LINK http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/TRS408_scr.pdf
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A. A. Zagorodni, “Ion Exchange Materials: Properties and Applications”, Elsevier, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2007
F. G. Helfferich, “Ion Exchange ”, McGraw-Hill, New York, USA, 1962
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“Ion Exchange Technology II: Applications”, eds. I. Inamuddin and M. Luqman, Springer, Dordrecht, The Netherlands, 2012 LINK http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4026-6
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“Ion-Exchange Membrane Separation Processes”, ed. H. Strathmann, Membrane Science and Technology, Vol. 9, Elsevier, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2004
The vertical axis in Figures 1 and 2 should be labelled "Eh, V" and not "Eh, mV"
Edward Rosenberg received his doctorate at Cornell University, USA, and held post-doctoral fellowships at the University of London, UK, and the California Institute of Technology, USA. He is the author of 180 peer-reviewed publications, five book chapters, eight patents and one book in the areas of environmental and organometallic chemistry. He has received awards for his research and student mentoring from the University of Montana, USA, and has had visiting faculty fellowships in Italy, Israel and South Africa.
William G. Pinson earned his PhD in Chemistry in 2012 at the University of Montana under Professor Ed Rosenberg. He then did post-doctoral research at the University of Montana until 2014 on recovery and regeneration of petroleum cracking catalysts, followed by a nine-month post-doctoral position at the Department of Metallurgical Engineering at Montana Tech, carrying out research on flotation of rare earth elements using novel collectors. Currently Dr Pinson is working for the Government Publishing Office in Washington DC as a Research Scientist in materials science and product processing.
Ranalda Tsosie is Diné from Tółikan, Arizona, USA. She is currently a third year graduate student at the University of Montana, in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Chemistry and Environmental Science. Her research interests are directed toward the development of remediation technology for the specific use in groundwater and metal ion cleanup efforts.
Hlanganani Tutu received a PhD degree in Environmental Chemistry from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, in 2006, an institution that he has worked for since then. Professor Tutu's research interests span geochemical modelling of solutes transport, designing remediation strategies and chemometric data modelling. He teaches courses in general chemistry, environmental chemistry and geochemical modelling, has supervised a number of research projects and published over 100 peer-reviewed articles.
Ewa Cukrowska is a Professor of Environmental and Analytical Chemistry at the University of the Witwatersrand. Professor Cukrowska received MSc and PhD degrees from the Maria Curie-Skodowska University in Poland in 1982. Her research interests include speciation of trace elements in industrial, environmental, and biomedical samples with emphasis on the development and application of different analytical techniques and remediation methods. She also has interest in: studies of metal transport and fate, effects of seasonal changes on contaminant behaviour and biological uptake. She teaches courses in general, analytical and environmental chemistry and has published over 200 publications.
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How to Make an Absolute Value Sign on a Computer
By: Steven Melendez | November 13, 2018
You can usually represent absolute value using two vertical bars, which you can type on most keyboards. On a smart phone, you may have to click to a symbol menu in your phone's on-screen keyboard. Certain programming languages and typesetting systems such as LaTeX will have their own ways to display absolute value.
credit: Yozayo/iStock/GettyImages
Absolute Value Symbol
The absolute value sign represents the distance of a number from zero. For a positive number, the absolute value is the same as the number itself, and for a negative number, it's the number without its minus sign.
The absolute value is replaced by surrounding a numeral or variable with two vertical bars. You can often use the "|" to represent an absolute value if you're typing on a computer keyboard.
This symbol is also widely used in Unix systems, including Linux and macOS, where it's referred to as a "pipe." It's used to feed the output from one program into another. It also has various other meanings in various computer programming languages.
If you're going to be writing for an audience who might not be sure what the symbol means in context, you might want to explicitly explain it on first using the symbol.
Typing the Absolute Value Sign
On most computer keyboards, you can find the "|" symbol above the backslash, which looks like "". To type it, simply hold down the shift key and strike the backslash key.
On a smart phone, you will likely need to hit a symbols key to access this symbol with a few extra taps.
If you find you're frequently hunting for mathematical symbols on your smart phone, you can often install a special math keyboard plugin to make them easier to find. Check your phone's app market for details.
Absolute Value in LaTeX
Computer typesetting systems often have their own ways to represent certain symbols and mathematical concepts.
LaTeX is one popular typesetting system. You can type an absolute value symbol in LaTeX by typing "\mid" and it will be replaced by the symbol when you generate your output.
Many programming languages use the "|" symbol for something other than absolute value. For example, the C family of languages, including Java and JavaScript, uses "|" to represent bitwise or and "||" to represent logical or. The database language SQL uses "|" to represent string concatenation.
These languages will usually provide separate notation for an absolute value. For example, the Math.abs function in JavaScript will compute an absolute value.
How to Do a Straight Vertical Line on a Keyboard
By: Steven Melendez
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By: Nick Peers
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How to Use the Euro Symbol on a Dell Keyboard
By: Jason Artman
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How the Premier League drifted south: The worrying decline of football in the North
All three of the North East's contingent - Hull, Sunderland and Middlesbrough - were relegated this season Credit: Reuters
Luke Edwards
20 May 2017 • 11:35am
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It was once the heartland of the English game, football’s fertile breeding ground in the North, where clubs prospered, teams thrived and international footballers were plucked from an apparently never ending production line of talent. Not anymore.
The football map of the North has a desolate look. If Huddersfield Town do not beat Reading in the Championship play off final next weekend, for the first time in the Premier League era, English football could have just two top flight clubs in the huge land mass north and east of Manchester.
The famous names are no longer relevant. The big city clubs in Leeds and Sheffield have lost their way, so have those from the old Lancashire towns, Blackburn, Wigan, Preston. Blackpool and Bolton. It is the same in Yorkshire.
Burnley are an exception to the rule, but their first priority will always be to survive in the Premier League. In fact, that seems to be the extent of the ambition of most clubs outside of London and Manchester. Depressingly, in recent years, the northern ones have not even managed that.
Burnley will not threaten the status quo. It looks increasingly unlikely anyone will in the foreseeable future. Of the 60 domestic trophies given out over the last 20 years, London and Manchester have claimed 47 of them, including 19 league titles. Only Leicester City’s shock success last year broke the monopoly.
As for the North beyond Greater Manchester, there have been just three trophies won. Blackburn and Middlesbrough lifting the League Cup in 2002 and 2004 respectively, while Wigan Athletic, who are now in League One, won the FA Cup three years ago.
In the North East, where football continues to dominate the social landscape, often to the detriment of other pastimes and hobbies, there has been a particularly worrying recent decline.
Sunderland finally lost their perpetual battle against relegation, after spending the best part of a decade desperately trying to cling on to a place in the Premier League. A few miles down the road. Middlesbrough fought for seven years to get out of the Championship, but having done so, surrendered meekly to relegation.
They will be replaced by Newcastle United, who with Rafael Benitez as manager, at least offer a hint of a brighter, more vibrant future. Newcastle have always had the potential to be one of the major powers, but they have rarely looked like fulfilling it. English football, though, needs them to be strong.
However, if things are more positive under Benitez, it is still worth remembering that a club that had never been relegated from the Premier League, has done so twice in the last eight years.
Football's Inbetweeners
Depressingly, the closest thing Newcastle will have to a local derby is two-and-a-half hours, 120 miles and three counties away in Burnley.
Football in the north is struggling to come to terms with a new order in a country that has seen two cities, London and Manchester, prosper at the expense of others, sucking in wealth, opportunity and jobs.
It used to only be London and the South East that drained Northern cities – 310,000 graduates left for London in the decade leading up to 2016 - but they now have a rival closer to home as Manchester’s rapid growth, excellent transport links and affluent suburbs, means it now dwarfs them.
It is also starting to manifest itself in sport. Just as they did in the region’s difficult days under Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government in the 1980s, the North’s big clubs have struggled to not only attract the best players, they cannot hold on to them – even ones they develop themselves – when they do.
This is not a new problem, but the symptoms are getting worse because the power and wealth has become focused so heavily on London and Manchester. These are the cities that are booming and are, in turn, able to support the most powerful, wealthy and successful football teams as a symbol of their omnipotence.
Newcastle could buck that trend. They have done so before, of course, under Kevin Keegan and Sir Bobby Robson, but until recently they sold themselves to foreign players as a stepping stone club; a shop window.
Newcastle carry the North's biggest hopes this season Credit: PA
Benitez inspires two things on Tyneside, confidence and hope, but the ramifications of Newcastle’s revival stretch way beyond the banks of the River Tyne. A strong, successful Newcastle will help others believe they can do more than just stay in the Premier League and Benitez insists he does not anticipate any problems attracting the players he wants.
“Players want to join a club that is ambitious,” explained Benitez. “They want to join a club that can match their ambitions. I am ambitious and I want Newcastle to be ambitious.
“After that, they look at the [financial] package, the manager, maybe the style of football. Then, maybe, they look at where they will be living. For footballers, I don’t think it is important where they live. For their families, maybe, but I don’t see any problems getting players to come here. If the money is right, if we compete financially with other clubs, they will come.”
It was Newcastle’s stirring under Keegan in the early 1990s, at the start of the Premier League era, that helped rouse Leeds, Sunderland and Middlesbrough from their slumber. The North, downtrodden, beaten and suffering from low self-esteem following the loss of the mining and ship building industries, got its swagger back through football.
Leeds have not recovered from relegation - a fate that the other clubs from the North will be desperate to avoid Credit: PA
Relegation is a huge blow for both Newcastle’s neighbours, they only have to look at what has happened to Leeds since they tumbled through the Premier League trap door 13 years ago to see what can happen if you do not come straight back up.
But relegation it is not necessarily a disaster. Sunderland have been through it before and they have always finished in the top six after relegation, losing twice in the play-offs, but securing automatic promotion three times.
On paper, Boro have a team that is more than capable of challenging for promotion next season, with owner Steve Gibson already declaring, with the extra money they will gain from parachute payments, he wants to "smash the Championship".
“The Premier League needs the North-East clubs to do well,” argued Sunderland manager David Moyes. “The clubs up here arguably have the best support in the country, but for one reason or another, they have not been as successful as they would like.
The ultimate yo-yo clubs
“Both Newcastle and Sunderland need to rebuild, which isn’t easy, and there are problems associated with that.
“Other managers know as well as I do, that it is not always easy to get players to sign for Sunderland, but I think that is because they are put off by the relegation battles rather than scared of living in the North East. It would be very sad if players did not want to play for clubs because they didn’t want to live up here.”
Given the fact Sunderland’s hugely inflated wage bill – the tenth highest in the division this season – is largely down to having to offer more money than rivals in order to win transfer battles – Moyes’ optimism may be misplaced.
Perhaps the last word, though, should go to a former Sunderland manager, Roy Keane.
"If a player doesn't want to come to Sunderland then all well and good,” said Keane, a decade ago. “But if he decides he doesn't want to come because his wife wants to go shopping in London, then it's a sad state of affairs.
“It's not a football move, it's a lifestyle move. It tells me the player is weak…To me it's wrong.”
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The Secret to What Does Slope Mean in Physics
Getting the Best What Does Slope Mean in Physics
As an example, geoscientists help determine which locations would be ideal for undertaking these crucial pursuits. For instance, a few percent change in the worth of the fine structure constant would www.essay-company.com/ be sufficient to eliminate stars like our Sun. On the other hand, the wedge metaphor also captures the concept that unpleasant end result is a larger application of a principle linked to the initial decision which is frequently a feature of decisional slippery slopes on account of their incremental nature but might be absent from causal slippery slopes. There are different ways of defining a line. That means you will get used to it.
There’s an entire bunch of fancy notation which goes along with it. http://www.coe.neu.edu/student-life/orgs It is also feasible that you may be provided a line segment, which is a section of a line which has a start and an end. Its value is extremely hard to measure experimentally. The slope is going to be a negative number. I have to be sure that it travels in a straight line! Round your reply to the nearest integer.
There’s no hard and fast rule about the variety of forces that have to be drawn in a free-body diagram. This could indicate that y is quite sensitive to x. Ultimately, we will want to draw only forces with a considerable influence on the object’s behavior, and leave out any which are negligible. Drawing the standard force on an absolutely free body diagram.
Let’s look at some free-body diagrams to determine how they work. Our objectives are to increase your skill with totally free body diagrams and to demonstrate a number of the connections between them and the bodily situations they represent. Managing torque demands a more elaborate approach you’ll learn later on in your training course. Let’s do a fast refresher on the best way to draw free-body diagrams. Please read AddThis Privacy for more info.
Static friction usually means the 2 surfaces in contact aren’t sliding across each other. In this piece, you will observe how to figure out the slope ratio of a road or a ramp. Once more, this bigger slope is indicative of a bigger velocity. It is indicative of a larger velocity. Velocity measures displacement with time, instead of distance.
Yes, it’s a fact that the car has a decrease mass and a greater acceleration. While GPS may be able to provide some indication of your relative elevation, it won’t be in a position to calculate slope for your particular circumstance. We can tell this vehicle isn’t accelerating. Switch on the sensible cart.
You have to use radians to gauge the angle. In mathematics class, you can memorize a formula to help you acquire the slope. Slippery Slope is a particular sort of logical fallacy.
The spread of information will give a clearer idea of the uncertainty and it’s this that you will use on the graph. We’ll examine some other graphs to see whether this a principle that’s true of all position vs. time graphs. Recently, however, the units have a tendency to get defined with regard to the bodily constants. After you’ve practiced the principle a few times, it turns into an extremely natural way of analyzing position-time graphs.
It’s an engaging way to get each student actively involved and practicing her or his vocabulary. The one final thing I would like to leave you with is thinking about word troubles, because plenty of times graphs, as we know, represent the true world. You could begin by asking, 1. For the moment we’ll pretend you’re attempting to climb until the cap of the slope. For Kahoot quizzes, you may set the time for virtually any amount up to two minutes, so you might throw a couple of formula questions in their as well. On the program, we deal with this all of the time because a shot which goes from 1 point to another that is at precisely the same height is the exception instead of the rule.
In this instance, the name unknown is sensibly supplied to the variable x. That is something which you should practice by yourself to be able to really understand well. It’s an argument that suggests taking a minor action will cause major and at times ludicrous consequences. There’s often more than one method to address an issue. It probably is already but in case you have problems this may be the reason.
Get the Scoop on What Does Slope Mean in Physics Before You’re Too Late
The purpose of application of a force gets crucial and must be indicated on the diagram. OK, hopefully you’ve got an answer by now. Let’s build as much as a more intricate example.
If you’re watching this by yourself, pause the video every time a new example appears, to attempt to learn what’s wrong. Remember a graph doesn’t represent an image of the path the biker takes. You’re able to observe it is very different from a completely free body diagram. Solution We start by developing a diagram for the very first object of interest.
Autor: John558334 en 21 noviembre, 2019
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Coalescence review
Entry posted by Stevewren · March 29, 2018
narrative gaming
(note, this is kind of a retrospective post as I forgot to post it originally!)
This week i am attending the Coalescence event at Warhammer World hosted by Steve (@tinracersteve) and James (@jimbo9jimbo), part of the NEO network. For those of you that aren't aware of the event it is a narrative event being run at numerous locations around the world on the same day, and all feeding into a single narrative. I've chosen to take Tzeentch to the event, which gave me a bit of a dilemma as the Tzeentch book is pretty strong, so finding a narrative list that isn't ridiculously over the top was a bit of a challenge. One of the things I have noticed with narrative events is the different ways that people approach the narrative - some people pick a 'softer' army, which I have done before, and I didn't find that much fun. The solution I have gone for is to pick what I think is a strong list, but one that isn't ridiculously over powered, but I have decided to give myself a story and some goals for the days gaming.
I have written a little bit of narrative based on one of the armies (or fairly shamelessly stolen) in the Tzeentch book:
My general shall be Zyclaw, a bitter and power hungry Tzangor Shaman. He fully believes that he is guided by the future - his visions have so far proven to be extremely successful and he has been on an epic quest to kill 999 other magic users. His visions have lead him into the Realm of Shyish, where he hopes to find some magical users of great power. Unfortunately he has sent away many of his fabled Skyfire Warriors on a secret task, leaving only a small force to look after him, but he has been sent a small group of Demons to work with him. One of the Omniscient Oracles has been looking over Zyclaws Changemasters, and should the need arise, will make an appearance to turn the tides of battle in Tzeentchs favour.
My plan is to use this as a kind of secondary objective for the games where I have to kill any magic users in the opposition army. I've played against someone before who had a goal for his army which he tried to achieve at the expense of the overall objective, and this was a game that I didn't enjoy at all as he basically let me walk away with the game as he made no attempt to stop me, and I just let him achieve his objective. We basically played two different games and I cant imagine it was overly satisfying for him either. I think its important that both players have the game objective in mind, but a fun secondary narrative goal is also a nice idea.
My main aim of course is to have three excellent games and a nice slap up lunch in Bugmans though!
So, how did it go....?
Well, the event itself was really well run by Steve and James. From my point of view I had three fun games, although the first two were a little one sided for various reasons, but the third game was very good. I played James (the TO) first with his Seraphon. The game started off badly as I did hardly any damage to James's force, but I did manage to get my Harbinger into the Warscryer Citadel which allowed me to really start utilising the Malign Portent options. I had picked the Falling Star option as the narrative was all about seeing the future, which suited my backstory. I then found that for five prophecy points I could give the Skyfires plus one on their hit roles....
...at this point we broke for lunch, but when we returned the three sky fires went mental and smashed their way through a whole unit of Saurus Guard. I shot the Skink Starpriest to achieve my narrative goal, and that was pretty much the game.
The Skyfires go into battle as Zyclaw looks on from the Warscryer Citadel...
Second game I played the Ironjawz, and the gentleman I played was a newer player so we spent quite a bit of time discussing how rules interactions worked, and talking through the intricacies of piling in and how to do it to maximise attacks etc. Once again the Skyfires went ballistic, and I also found out the an Exalted flamer does have some uses. The Screamers killed the war chanter early on to keep the narrative going, and after that it became a slug fest. In the end I had 10 Kairic Acolytes left who managed to survive the game due to being so out of position as to be virtually useless, and a single pink horror who managed to cast Bolt of Tzeentch and do the remaining five wounds needed to remove the last two brutes in the opposing force, thus carrying the day for the forces of Tzeentch.
The battle lines are drawn...
The Screamers assassinate the Warchanter...
My third game was against Steve's son Ben who I've known for a while but never played. He had a tough Nurgle force with 20 Blightkings (we both thought James and Steve paid us up !) and a Great Unclean one, and for this battle I had a Lord of Change who had arrived to oversee Zyclaws quest and report back to the Changer of Ways. This game didn't look good to begin with, but I managed to send the screamers on an assassination run to kill a herald and a little bit of clever placement meant the Blightkings got pulled backwards away from my lines, and allowed me to get into them with the Lord of change and the Skyfires. It was a solid game, but eventually the Tzeentch force carried the day once again, however it was not enough to stop the Focus of Death from claiming the overall narrative victory.
The Lord of Change goes into the Blight Kings...
The guys had done a few awards for the weekend, and Matt Hinton took the Narrative prize. He was rocking a unit of custom Lion knights with their own war scroll which was something I realised I could have done with the War Wagon and the Free People - definitely an opportunity missed! I was lucky enough to take the best painted award for the event. Overall it was great fun day, and I hadn't played in a long time so I was happy to have the three games. I think the army was too strong for the event in all honesty - the three Skyfires were just ridiculous all day long. This is still the hurdle I think has yet to be fully cleared with narrative events - how do you balance the games as people have very different views about what the narrative game should be. To be able to devise a story and battle plan that allows a variety of army compositions is still the holy grail, and I hope the NEO group continue to push the envelope of narrative gaming so we can see how far it can go.
Previous entry Chaos Warriors of Nurgle
Next entry Darkoath Warqueen complete
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How to unlock iCloud Lock Permanently on an iPhone via IMEI code
Finding a consistent and working iCloud key to iCloud unlock Apple’s iPhone is generally not an easy task.
Finding a consistent and working iCloud key to iCloud unlock Apple’s iPhone is generally not an easy task. Even the numerous iCloud unlock providers that are available online, do not offer a clear response on how accurately they will unlock the device and what kind of system they are using to accomplish the task. The iCloud Activation screen problem is not a new crisis, for the millions of iPhone users around the globe. It has been harassing them for quite a long time, without even an official explanation in the Apple’s site. Initially, this problem wasn’t addressed to be so serious, and most of the users thought that they can easily handle it without a trouble. Yet it turned out to be totally the opposite.
Activating this lock feature restricts the users from accessing their iPhone and does not let them use the device, until the appropriate login credentials are entered. Years ago, Apple dealt with an increased concession issues in iPhone devices, which has reached a critical level. So, Apple has integrated a new set of security protocols, to fix this issue.
The new improved security protocol has given the assurance to the users that they can use their iPhone without any worries and their saved data can be retrieved at any point, from their accounts.
How could this iCloud Lock Issue Happen?
Interestingly, the new security protocol has brought essential improvements and support to the iPhones and iCloud platform. But still, users could forget their iCloud login credentials or could get stuck with this issue on a second-hand phone bought from eBay, which still has the previous owner’s credentials and it is completely understandable that this is a disturbing problem, which needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Solution for the iCloud Activation Lock Issue
In order to make the iPhone function normally again, there exists a way, which will help you remove and bypass the iCloud lock screen and activate the account.
There is a service that calls itself the “Official iPhone Unlock”, you can get more information about them here.
The process is explained below, in their own words.
By using our service, you can permanently resolve the iCloud lock issue on any iPhone device, be it iPhone 4, 4S, 5, 5S, 5C, 6, 6+, 7, 7 Plus or even iPad Air 2, 3, 4. And the good news is that this software is absolutely free and compatible with any IOS device regardless of the version or the broadband in use. On the whole, you only need to follow a set of simple instructions given below, to remove and bypass the iCloud activation lock from your handset.
Go to our official iCloud Unlock iPhone website.
Enter your iPhone’s or iPad’s IMEI code and send it to us.
Wait for a moment, until you receive a confirmation from our side that the activation lock is removed via email.
Create a new Apple ID and password, once you have received the confirmation email.
After creating a new account, login to your iCloud by using the new login credentials.
Now, you can successfully unlock your iCloud locked iPhone.
Thus, it is entirely achievable to permanently resolve this lock issue. So without a delay, hurry up to get our iCloud Unlocker for your Apple iPhone or iPad.
Ruchi Gupta -
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The environment: Fracking ban a small step in right direction
March 9, 2017 — 6.30pm
Congratulations to the Victorian Parliament for finally passing the legislation to ban fracking in the state. Fracking is bad for our health, and an increasing number of reports from the United States show that there are adverse impacts on the health of nearby residents. Importantly, the burning of fossil fuels causes climate change. The increasing frequency of heatwaves, bushfires, floods and severe storms are costing Australians dearly in terms of health and social disruption.
It is clear that we need to transition away from fossil fuels. The federal government's love of projects such as the proposed Adani coal mine is a travesty for the environment and negates any realistic attempt to reduce global emissions.
Illustration: Jim Pavlidis
Australia is being left behind in a global trend to stop burning fossil fuels to improve air quality and to mitigate our changing climate. China invested $US103billion in renewables in 2015, one-third of the world total. Yet in Australia, more than 5000 jobs in renewable energy have been lost since 2011 under the government's policies. The banning of fracking in Victoria is a small step in the right direction. Let us hope the federal government takes note of how dearly Australians value their health, environment and future.
Dr Liz Bashford, Doctors for the Environment Australia, Geelong
A woeful state of affairs
The state of the environment: woeful. The response from Josh Frydenberg, the federal Environment and Energy Minister: woeful. Where are the initiatives and leadership to urgently reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide to 350 parts per million to give at least some chance of saving the Great Barrier Reef (and coral reefs worldwide)?
This government is hell-bent on burning as much coal and gas as possible before voters realise the extent of the damage we are doing to ourselves and other species.
Brewis Atkinson, Tyabb
Coalition going around in circles
The Coalition government uses a circular argument to undermine the necessary shift to sustainable energy supply: The problem with renewable energy is that there is no plan for the transition; we refuse to initiate or participate in the development of a transition plan; therefore there is no plan; therefore renewable supply is unworkable.
Hopefully, like small children spinning in the playground, this strategy will make them dizzy and they will fall over ... soon.
Richard Jamonts, Williamstown
Gas largesse to multinationals a disgrace
There is an elephant in the room. We have the world's largest gas reserves and we are giving them away to four foreign-owned multinationals. Currently, we are exporting huge quantities of natural gas at bargain-basement prices (about half the cost that local users are paying), and the producers are contributing minimal revenue to government because of the huge concessions they have been given.
The best way to provide "baseload" back-up to renewables is natural gas. It is much cleaner than coal and, in addition, gas turbines can be switched on and off at the drop of a hat, making them an ideal backup for renewables.
We expect our government to regulate the use of our natural resources wisely. Meanwhile, the federal government wants Victoria to endanger water tables and farmland by fracking for gas. What is happening is a national disgrace.
Tim Mahar, Fitzroy North
Aunty, a public service
ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie is reported to have suggested that Four Corners "be kinder to business" (The Age, 9/3). This fits with the federal government overruling an independent selection panel to appoint the chairwoman of the Minerals Council, Vanessa Guthrie, to the ABC board (The Age, 28/2), and with Malcolm Turnbull's avowed aim of having more businesspeople on it. The board should be composed of people with a commitment to public broadcasting and experience or extensive knowledge of media. The ABC is not a "business"; it is a highly valued public service whose aims are to inform, educate and entertain Australians.
Gael Barrett, Balwyn North
Stripped to the bone?
The grand restructure of the ABC, including the loss of 200 jobs (The Age, 8/3), looks like a five-year plan to remove its creativity and investigative abilities. It is that old-school management strategy of dressing up the pig and parading it around.
Tom Vanderzee, Coburg
The 'right' of the ABC
Now that the Liberal appointees to run the ABC are purging management, quite possibly new recruits will be the "right" people. I wonder what that will mean for the type and quality of coverage of the next election. But they would not do that, would they?
John Patrick, Wangaratta
Yes, an advantage
Ross Gittins (Comment, 8/3) says removing or reducing the stamp duty that first home buyers pay will not make it easier for them because they will all get the same help, thus negating any advantage. But at least it will decrease the likelihood of them missing out on a property to investors who must factor in the significant extra cost of that stamp duty. This is a welcome initiative by the Victorian government.
Tim Nolan, Brighton
No, wily investors win
So first home buyers will no longer have to pay stamp duty on properties worth up to $600,000. Watch for the spike in investors paying $600,001 for properties that are worth anything over $560,000. They know full well that they will knock out the first home buyer competition and make up the difference later in tax concessions.
Jennifer Morris, Parkville
Appalling behaviour
Elizabeth Knight (BusinessDay, 9/3) rightly points out that the wooden-spoon performance at the parliamentary inquiry into banking should go to the Commonwealth Bank's chief executive, Ian Narev. Panel member Matt Thistlethwaite said it "beggars belief" and was "obnoxious" that the so-called independent review into CommInsure did not interview customers who had complained and/or were denied claims. Mr Narev is so immersed in the profit-driven culture that he cannot see his inadequate responses make him look like a self-serving, corporate fundamentalist who should not be in charge of a piggy bank.
Reinhard Beissbarth, Beechworth
Disease left its mark
Pauline Hanson, I was left with life-long asthma due to a severe bout of whooping cough in 1937. There was no vaccination for that disease then. This is why it is so necessary. A vaccination could have saved me from endless weeks away from school, wheezing and choking with asthma. Fortunately I grew out of it. But guess what? It has come back to bite me, 80years later.
Margot Sherwood, Malvern East
The great GP rip-off
Some GPs also charge excessive fees (Letters, 8 and 9/3). I fractured a bone in my foot. The doctor in the hospital's emergency department fitted a moon boot and crutches, which I paid for. To claim back some of this money, my private health insurer requires that a doctor sign a document stating that I require these appliances.
While I was seeking treatment for my foot as a bulk-billed patient, my local GP refused to sign the document unless I made another appointment and paid the $72 fee. The practice manager said the GP was a contractor and could make up his own payment schedule. I hobbled to another bulk-billing practice and had a treatment plan and the signed document within 30minutes.
Joanne Dietrich, Oak Park
The missing leaks
WikiLeaks seems happy to attack democratic or semi-democratic governments (World, 9/3) but steers clear of authoritarian regimes, such as China, Russia, Belorussia, North Korea and a range of oligarchies and kleptocracies. When was the last time WikiLeaks made a contribution to disrupting the genocidal behaviour against Muslims in Myanmar or against women and children by Islamic State or the Syrian government?
Peter Topping,North Melbourne
Cleaning up politics
Maybe political parties should engage the services of reputable employment agencies to vet prospective candidates before endorsing them ("What shall we do with the toxic workers?", 8/3).
The art of prestidigitation has morphed into a "mindful sleight of memory matter" – oops, I have forgotten to inform my boss about the extra "Cash" investments, the odd living-away-from- home "Don's caravan" allowance, and so forth. The more you dig, the more you will find.
Well done, Linda Blair, for this informative article. So, Dan, Malcolm and all, are you feeling stressed and unloved? Are the polls slipping? Fix the rot before it is too late. Your average electors are not dumb and can see through the rorts. Whilst you're at it, nail the banks as well.
Paul Reynolds, Wangaratta
Shame, Don, shame
Don Nardella, you have defiled the labour movement and abused your humanity by deceiving your Melton electorate. Please leave the ALP and Parliament and return the funds to which you were not entitled.
Tony Lack, Frankston
Living up to our names
Bill Rogers notes that "Cash" is a good name for a pollie (Letters, 9/3). He might like to consider that in the early 2000s, the then ruling National Party in New Zealand simultaneously had three cabinet members with surnames that were just as apt: Brash, Rich and Power.
Gregory Sawyer, Altona
Tell me it's a joke
At lunch this week with seven women friends, I asked how many supported introducing traffic "walk lights" with supposedly female symbols. None. We wear slacks and some of us have short hair, just like the figure in the traffic lights. We had not realised we were being discriminated against by the lights. I have even seen men in kilts crossing at these signals. There are better things that the money could be used for, such as supporting the homeless. Or was it actually April 1 when the change was announced?
Mary Hoffmann, Richmond
The future is rail
The observation that Melbourne is the centre of economic growth (The Age, 8/3) does not assist planning for Victoria's future. We need long-term planning alternatives before total traffic gridlock occurs. The solution is to promote employment and lifestyle opportunities in regional centres by having fast, reliable rail connections.
This would enable people to choose between living and working in the regions or Melbourne, or living in Melbourne and working in the regions. Such options work well for London and other important centres of employment, all built around dependable rail networks. We need to ensure there is space for additional rail tracks and infrastructure, such as car parks, to allow for rapid transit, increased rail patronage and regional growth.
Graeme Macmillan, The Rail Futures Institute
We need more trams
On Wednesday, my wife and I took a No.59 tram from the Flinders Street terminus at 8.40pm. The tram coming in was chockers and it took ages to unload. When we boarded, there was hardly room to stand and some people had to get off to allow the doors to close.
As we departed, the next tram came arrived, also chockers. And our tram remained full of "standees" through to our stop at Moonee Ponds. It is high time to increase the frequency of evening trams. Twenty-minute intervals are absurd in a modern city. Based on the current visible patronage, the Victorian government should move immediately to double the frequency to 10-minute intervals.
Charles Sowerwine, Moonee Ponds
No reason for joy
This week I heard on the radio that the Australian stockmarket had rallied with the news that President Donald Trump might repeal Obamacare in the United States. What a tragic world we live in, where affluent people think it a good thing that many millions of poorer classes of people may go without healthcare.
Bill Proctor, Launching Place
A Sam-less world?
An article about Craig Hutchison and Channel Nine's The Footy Show (Sport, 9/3) spread across two pages – without one mention of Sam. What has the world come to?
Eddie Wilgar, Yarraville
When asked about Michaelia Cash, Turnbull said: "The public holds us to very high standards." Incorrect.
James Meehan, Malvern East
Pauline, if you admire Putin, you must adore Kim Jung-un.
Carl Areskog, Tarneit
So the CIA, a spy agency, is spying on people. How shocking.
David Zemdegs, Armadale
Nardella must need the money. He's losing respect and a good name, and has a lonely life ahead.
Rex Condon, Ashwood
"The Trump Diet" (7/3) didn't mention psychedelic mushrooms.
John Green, Beaumaris
The sand that climate change-deniers are burying their heads is getting hotter.
Marie Nash, Balwyn
Maybe the deniers need an app to know if climate change is dangerous or not.
Barbara Fraser, Burwood
Victorian Liberal MPs will buy campaign software used by the Republicans. It comes with the Trump virus.
Politicians are careless with the truth and ethical behaviour. No wonder we're careless about them.
Gary Mills, Ivanhoe
If increasing housing supply doesn't help, how about reducing demand? What happened to zero population growth?
Andrew Remington, Travancore
Why not a green tick and a red cross for traffic signals?
Stephen Baldwin, Frankston
I'd prefer Elle McPherson in a bikini. That would encourage this 84-year-old to cross in a sprightly manner.
Jarker Gorander, Sandringham
Maybe green lights in pants and red lights in skirts? Yes, we've gone mad.
Anne Frank, Hawthorn East
Why this bias in favour of Scotsmen?
Richard Lyon, Elwood
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Tax Return Audits for the Self-Employed: Common Questions Answered
Taxes & Accounting Tax Information
Learn The Facts About Audits For Self-Employed Tax Returns
••• utah778 / Getty Images
By Mindy Lilyquist
Everyone wants to avoid a tax return audit, especially those who earn self-employment income. The challenges inherent in keeping organized records and properly using deductions can increase the risk of an IRS audit flag. To protect yourself and your business, consider the answers to these common tax return audit questions asked by people who are self-employed.
How Many Years Can I Report a Loss Before Getting Flagged for an Audit?
There's an IRS rule called the Hobby Loss rule: If a business reports a net profit in at least three out of the five years, it is assumed to be a for-profit business. However, if the business reports a net loss in more than two out of five years in operation, it's assumed to be a nonprofit hobby business.
If you are legitimately trying to make a profit but have run into tough times, and you're audited, you'll need to answer the following questions to prove it to the IRS:
Is your intention to make a profit?
Do you depend on that income?
If there are losses, are they due to circumstances beyond your control or did they occur in the start-up phase of the business?
Have you done anything different to increase profits?
Do you have expertise in this field?
Have you made a profit in similar activities in the past?
Is the business profitable sometimes?
Is it reasonable to expect a profit in the future?
How Much Income Can I Receive Without Having to Report It?
None. The IRS requires you to report all of your income, even if it is a payment as little as $20.
The IRS indicates it is a common misconception that if a taxpayer does not receive a Form 1099-MISC or if the income is under $600 per payer, the income is not taxable. There is no minimum amount that a taxpayer may exclude from gross income.
What Are Audit Red Flags for a Self-Employed Business?
Home office space deductions
Meals, travel and entertainment
Writing off a vehicle
Consecutive years of income loss (hobby business)
Hiring family
Disproportionate income to lifestyle
What Is the Chance That I Will Get Audited?
Based on figures from 2011, figures show that for those making less than $200,000, only 1% can expect an audit. Obviously, your chances to be that 1% are much greater if your return raises an audit red flag.
For those earning more than $1 million annually, your chances of being audited have quickly risen to 12%.
Anyone earning more than $200,000 but less than a million can expect to be audited at around 4%.
What Can I Expect if I Get Audited?
The majority of all audit notices come in the mail. Only some IRS audits actually involve a face-to-face meeting between the taxpayer and an IRS agent—most are carried out entirely through the mail.
The IRS will request more information about income, expenses, itemized deductions, and other items on your tax returns from as far as three years back. You can request a face-to-face audit if what you have to show is too difficult to mail. The length of audits vary depending on their complexity and a variety of other factors.
After the IRS completes the audit, you'll be notified of the findings—which could mean that you owe additional money. If needed, you can arrange a payment plan. If you disagree with the findings, you can request mediation or file an appeal.
Your best protection to survive an IRS audit? Have detailed documentation to back-up all deductions. Keep each year’s tax information, including receipts, in an organized fashion somewhere safe. The last thing you need is your tax documents destroyed due to a natural or man-made disaster.
The information contained in this article is not tax or legal advice and is not a substitute for such advice. State and federal laws change frequently, and the information in this article may not reflect your own state’s laws or the most recent changes to the law. For current tax or legal advice, please consult with an accountant or an attorney.
15 Simple Answers For Tough Self-Employment Tax Quesitons
How the IRS Determines a Business Is a For-Profit Business vs a Hobby
5 Common Tax Questions About Home Business Deductions Answered
How to Survive an IRS Tax Audit of Your Business
My Business Received an IRS Notice—What Should I Do?
Weighing the Pros and Cons of a Home Office Deduction
Thinking of Claiming Business Expenses Without Receipts? Don't!
Confused about the 1099-MISC tax form? Here are some answers!
6 Most-asked Questions about IRS Audits of Businesses
How to Report and Pay Taxes on Your 1099 Income
Deducting Health Insurance Premiums When You're Self-Employed
What Are the Tax Burdens for Self-Employed Seniors?
How to Calculate and Pay Self-employment Taxes
7 Questions Businesses ask about Business Tax Returns
How to Prepare and File Small Business Taxes
How Business Losses Affect Your Tax Return
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