pred_label
stringclasses 2
values | pred_label_prob
float64 0.5
1
| wiki_prob
float64 0.25
1
| text
stringlengths 73
1.03M
| source
stringlengths 37
43
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
__label__wiki
| 0.958246
| 0.958246
|
Pink, Blink, Busta Ready For New Year's Eve With Dick
Artists will perform on 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2002' December 31.
archive-Joe-DAngelo 12/06/2001
Pink, Blink-182, Busta Rhymes and Bush are among the artists slated to help Dick Clark usher in the new year on December 31.
Clark, who's been a New Year's Eve fixture for 30 consecutive years, will host three programs that night, according to a spokesperson for Dick Clark Productions. Live performances from the aforementioned artists, as well as from Blu Cantrell, the O'Jays, LFO and Jessica Simpson, will be part of "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2002, Part 1," which will be televised on ABC from 11:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. ET/PT. While Clark is presiding over the festivities in New York's Times Square, "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" star Wayne Brady will co-host the show from Hollywood, where the performances will take place.
Following "Part 1," "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2002, Part 2" will feature encore stints by Blink-182, Blu Cantrell, Bush, the O'Jays, Pink and Busta Rhymes.
For their last performances of 2001 and first of 2002, Blink-182 will play "The Rock Show" and "First Date" from their latest album, Take Off Your Pants and Jacket; Blu Cantrell will offer "Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops!)" and "Waste My Time" from So Blu; Bush will deliver "Headful of Ghosts" and "Inflatable" from their latest album, Golden State, and "The Chemicals Between Us" from 1999's The Science of Things; LFO will serve up "Every Other Time" and the title track from their latest album, Life Is Good; the O'Jays will perform their classic "Love Train" and new single "Let's Ride" from For the Love ...; Pink will bring her "Don't Let Me Get Me" and "Get the Party Started" from her latest LP, Missundaztood, as well as "There You Go" from last year's Can't Take Me Home; Busta Rhymes will compile a hits medley and perform "Break Ya Neck" from his latest, Genesis; and Jessica Simpson will bop to "A Little Bit" and the title track from her second album, Irresistible.
For those looking for primetime Dick, "Dick Clark's Primetime New Year's Rockin' Eve" airs from 10-11 p.m. ET/PT. That show will feature highlights of the year's biggest tours, including footage of Aerosmith, Destiny's Child, Elton John and Dave Matthews Band; archived "New Year's Rockin' Eve" performances by Barry Manilow and Kool & the Gang; and Clark reporting live from Times Square.
For a full-length feature on Pink, check out "Pink: So Missundazstood."
Blu Cantrell
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2241
|
__label__wiki
| 0.598951
| 0.598951
|
Larry's dad had surgery to repair his broken hip and will be out of the hospital tomorrow. He'll go to a rehab hospital for two weeks and hopefully up and at 'em by his 90th birthday on August 1st!
Eric's 3 on 3 basketball team is 15-2 at the DeSmet camp. Not too shabby since there are 100 kids there. Also, Eric is the only 8th grader on his team. The others are 6th graders! Today Eric got to play 1 on 1 with Kevin Lisch, who is the point guard for SLU (St. Louis University). He said he "got smoked" (his words). They played in front of all the kids at the camp. Also, yesterday Blake Ahearn of the Miami Heat was there. He went to DeSmet for high school, so that was fun for the kids for him to be there.
On the first day of basketball camp Eric put on his basketball shoes in the morning and found out his shoes were a size 11 and his feet are now a size 13. So he had to play basketball for 6 1/2 hours with shoes two sizes too small. When I picked him up from camp he said, "I'm afraid to take off my shoes; I think my toes are bleeding!" They weren't, but we went directly to Champs for a pair of size 13's. Poor kid!
E's baseball team won their first game last night! Woo hoo! Afterwards, Eric was on the phone telling someone and they asked what the score was. Eric said, "We lost 10 to 7." I said, "You mean you WON 10 to 7!" He's so used to saying "we lost." So that was exciting. Eric didn't pitch but played a great game at first. Got 2 hits, an RBI and walked.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2245
|
__label__cc
| 0.529601
| 0.470399
|
Road map Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray
French Version : http://www.cartesfrance.fr
Île-de-France >
Seine-et-Marne >
Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray >
Maps of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray
Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray
Here are several maps of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray.
You will find the road map of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray with a routing module. This dynamic road map of France (in sexagesimal coordinates WGS84) is centered on the town of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray.
The location of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray in France is shown below on several maps of France. The mapping system of these base maps of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray is the french mapping system: Lamber93.
These base maps of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray are reusable and modifiable by making a link to this page of the Map-France.com website or by using the given code.
You will find the hotels near Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray on this map. Book your hotel near Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray today, Monday 05 August for the best price, reservation and cancellation free of charge thanks to our partner Booking.com, leader in on-line hotels reservation.
To help you choose your destination here is:
- pictures of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray : photo Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray
- the map of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray : map Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray
- the hotels map of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray : Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray hotels map
I like Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray !
Road map of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray
Get directions to Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray with our routing module.
You will find the hotels near Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray with the search box at right. Book your hotel near Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray today, Monday 05 August for the best price, reservation and cancellation free of charge thanks to our partner Booking.com, leader in on-line hotels reservation.
- the location of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray in France is shown below on several maps of France. The mapping system of these base maps of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray is the french mapping system: Lamber93. These base maps of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray are reusable and modifiable by making a link to this page of the Map-France.com website or by using the given code.
Relief map of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray
Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray on the relief France map in Lambert 93 coordinates
See the map of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray in full screen (1000 x 949) At left, here is the location of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray on the relief France map in Lambert 93 coordinates.
Here are the altitudes of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray :
- Town hall altitude of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray is 55 meters
- Minimum altitude of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray is 50 meters
- Maximum altitude of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray is 58 meters
- Medium altitude of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray is 54 meters
Here are the altitudes of Melun, prefecture of Seine-et-Marne department:
- Town hall altitude of Melun is 50 meters
- Minimum altitude of Melun is 37 meters
- Maximum altitude of Melun is 102 meters
- Medium altitude of Melun is 70 meters
Here are the altitudes of the french biggest cities:
Paris : 33 meters
Marseille : 20 meters
Lyon : 237 meters
Toulouse : 146 meters
Nice : 10 meters
Nantes : 20 meters
Strasbourg : 144 meters
Montpellier : 35 meters
Bordeaux : 16 meters
Lille : 20 meters
Rennes : 35 meters
Reims : 83 meters
Click here for the terrain map of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray in full screen:
This relief map of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray is reusable and modifiable by making a link to this page of the Map-France.com website or by using the given code :
<img alt="Relief map of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray" src="http://www.map-france.com/town-map/77/77434/france-map-relief-big-cities-Saint-Sauveur-les-Bray.jpg" />
Terrain base map of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray
See the terrain base map of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray in full screen (1000 x 949) Small relief base map of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray
This base map of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray is reusable and modifiable by making a link to this page of the Map-France.com website or by using the given code :
<img alt="Base relief map of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray" src="http://www.map-france.com/town-map/77/77434/france-map-relief-Saint-Sauveur-les-Bray.jpg" />
Administrative maps of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray
Map of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray with regions and prefectures
View the map of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray in full screen (1000 x 949) You will find the location of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray on the map of France of regions in Lambert 93 coordinates. The town of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray is located in the department of Seine-et-Marne of the french region Île-de-France.
Geographical sexagesimal coordinates / GPS (WGS84):
Latitude: 48° 26' 19'' North
Geographical decimal coordinates :
Latitude: 48.438 degrees (48.438° North)
Lambert 93 coordinates :
X: 7 155 hectometers
Lambert 2 coordinates :
Below, the geographical coordinates of Melun, prefecture of the Seine-et-Marne department:
This map of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray is reusable and modifiable by making a link to this page of the Map-France.com website or by using the given code :
<img alt="Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray on the map of France with regions" src="http://www.map-france.com/town-map/77/77434/administrative-france-map-regions-Saint-Sauveur-les-Bray.jpg" />
Map of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray with departments and prefectures
Voir la carte of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray en grand format (1000 x 949) Here is the localization of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray on the France map of departments in Lambert 93 coordinates. The city of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray is shown on the map by a red point.
The town of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray is located in the department of Seine-et-Marne of the french region Île-de-France.
The latitude of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray is 48.438 degrees North.
The longitude of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray is 3.209 degrees East.
Here the distance between Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray and the biggest cities of France:
Distances are calculated as the crow flies (orthodromic distance)
Distance between Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray and Paris : 78.88 kilometers
Distance between Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray and Marseille : 595.67 kilometers
Distance between Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray and Lyon : 321.93 kilometers
Distance between Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray and Toulouse : 554.33 kilometers
Distance between Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray and Nice : 611.34 kilometers
Distance between Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray and Nantes : 380.11 kilometers
Distance between Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray and Strasbourg : 335.02 kilometers
Distance between Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray and Montpellier : 538.96 kilometers
Distance between Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray and Bordeaux : 492.65 kilometers
Distance between Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray and Lille : 243.64 kilometers
Distance between Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray and Rennes : 363.35 kilometers
Distance between Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray and Reims : 109.19 kilometers
Clic here to see the map of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray in full screen:
Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray on the map of french departments
This administrative map of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray is reusable and modifiable by making a link to this page of the Map-France.com website or by using the given code :
<img alt="Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray on the map of France with departments" src="http://www.map-france.com/town-map/77/77434/administrative-france-map-departements-Saint-Sauveur-les-Bray.jpg" />
Administrative base maps of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray
See the administrative base map of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray in full screen (1000 x 949)
Small administrative base map of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray
This base map administrative of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray is reusable and modifiable by making a link to this page of the Map-France.com website or by using the given code :
<img alt="Base administrative map of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray" src="http://www.map-france.com/town-map/77/77434/administrative-france-map-Saint-Sauveur-les-Bray.jpg" />
Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray on the municipalities map of France
Each black point on the following maps is a municipality of France. These maps are made from all points of all municipalities of France.
The red point show the location of the town hall of the Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray municipality.
See the map of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray in full screen (1000 x 949)
<img alt="Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray on the municipalities map of France" src="http://www.map-france.com/town-map/77/77434/france-map-town-Saint-Sauveur-les-Bray.jpg" />
Quick links Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray :
Hotel Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray
Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray hotels map
Map Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray
Photos Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray
Weather Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray
Population Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray
Housing Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray
Make a link to this page of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray with the following code :
<a href="http://www.map-france.com/Saint-Sauveur-les-Bray-77480/road-map-Saint-Sauveur-les-Bray.html" title="Road map of Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray" />Saint-Sauveur-lès-Bray road map</a>
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2246
|
__label__cc
| 0.55894
| 0.44106
|
"Back To Democracy For Fiji!!"
Posted by Suliasi Daunitutu on March 29, 2009 at 8:48pm in World Issues
You are invited to share and pen your ideas, views or opinions that will facilitate/assist our country back to democracy. All positive and/or negative ideas and comments to steer us back to the road of democracy are welcome.
Whichever way one looks at our current situation back home, democracy has been completely raped. The rape of democracy in Fiji is a virtual degradation of the populus of Fiji. Their human rights are being deprived:
1. the right to decide their government;
2. who they want to represent them;
3. their right to free assembly;
4. free protest;
5. free to organise into groups so that they can talk about what is pertinent to their daily lives;
6. protest on issues they do not agree with....with no fear of intimidation from anybody.
With this military regime in place, the concept of freedom per the Constitution is a total myth!
And, we, the people of Fiji need to come together and be vehement about our total disagreement with the military regime. So give us liberty or death! The reality of the issue is that democracy in Fiji has been raped...from top to bottom...left to right....inside and out and vice versa!
Here we have a military regime that talks about freedom to the people and yet the very same military regime randomly arrest people, torture them, inflict unnecessary harrassment and emotional stress to those that seem a threat to them. The military regime talks about racial unity.......the communal concept of togetherness and yet Fiji is far more racially divided today than it ever was.
The so-called advisors, viz-a-viz, John Samy, these are rejects from their adopted countries and yet they are being rewarded with exuberant amount(s) of money by these rogue military regime who have no idea what they are doing. Lying to the international community does not augur well with this interim government and yet the interim Prime Minister continuously talks with a forked tongue when addressing international issues. The ministers talk about internal securities as if Fiji is going to be invaded.
All around it is clearly seen that the economy is in tatters and the Constitution is just a useless piece of paper. The rule of law is as what the military regime wants it to be.
The above are just some of my views (from a pro-democracy viewpoint). But, do not let that deter you from penning your comments if you share otherwise.
So, let us come together and voice our views/comments, whether they be for or against the military regime and have a very healthy discussion here so that in the end we can factually understand what our role is, what we need to do and how we can come up with ideas to help restore democracy back in our beloved Fiji!
Please feel free to write what you like or dislike about the military regime. Be sincere and honest about your thoughts, without getting personal or spiteful.
Kindly note, this "topic" will expire as soon as we have an election.
Replies are closed for this discussion.
Permalink Reply by Mike on September 8, 2011 at 4:44pm
Ratu,
Now that the dust have settled over Fiji's membership of the PIF, what happens to Kiribati's stand and the rest of the betelnut brigade? Will they get rewarded and have another free get together in Fiji?
Permalink Reply by Mark Manning on September 8, 2011 at 4:59pm
Bula Mike
I think whatever transpires within Fiji now, is totally 100% up to the Soldiers !
They created this mess and only they can put a stop to it.
With the end of the Peace Keeping now in sight, perhaps that will be the catalyst to get them moving in the right direction again.
Fiji cannot borrow anymore from the Chinese Banks, because it has no Capital and no substantial Investments going on in the Country and the $150,000,000 loan to the Yanks id due.
Aiyaz has his knickers in a twist because the Unions won't budge.
The FNPF is dying a slow death as unemployment and poverty continue to rise exponentially.
There is no longer fear of Frank and his goons, but contempt for them and what they have done to Fiji and its people and the way they have disrespected them and abused them.
The anger is rising now and soon will reach uncontrollable levels and that is the time when the Military should arrest Frank and Co.
Tic Toc, as the saying goes.
Permalink Reply by 0gq72f71liktm on September 8, 2011 at 3:15pm
Questions raised over legitimacy of Fiji poll Radio Australia News
http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201109/3313383.htm?des...
Questions raised over legitimacy of Fiji poll
Last Updated: Thu, 8 Sep 2011 16:25:00 +1000
Fiji's Ministry of Information says a recent opinion poll shows the interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama is more popular than Australia's Prime Minister.
Permanent secretary Sharon Smith-Johns said a recent Lowy Institute opinion poll showed Commodore Bainimarama had a 66 per cent approval rating.
She said it showed he was almost three times more popular with people in Fiji than Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard is among Australians.
"Finally someone has taken the onus to come here, do a survey and find out what the people think," she said.
"The people of Fiji think we're doing a great job, [and are] supportive of this government and of the PM."
But the national secretary of the Fiji Trades Union Congress, Felix Anthony, told Pacific Beat he did not think the people who answered the survey questions were being honest.
"This poll, I think at best would only indicate how intimidated people are," he said.
The comment was echoed by the International Commission of Jurists in Australia.
The organisation's president, John Dowd, told Pacific Beat Fiji was operating under an illegal constitution and that the legal fraternity was powerless to take action.
"You'd have to say they are intimidated," he said.
"They can see the writing on the wall, they know that if any of them speak out in Fiji they will be targeted themselves and I perfectly understand the fear that there must be in the legal profession."
Lowy Institute has never had any Credibility. Its all propaganda. Beats all logic that Frank Lowy who is a capitalist and than runs a very left wing Institute, who are closely connected to the Unions in Australia. Yet, The Unions in Australia are against the Bainimarama Regime, while the Lowy Institute is more pro Regime. Defies logic. hahaha.. Weird Much.
Tappoo Hater said...
The Lowry Institute survey findings is the biggest JOKE. The regime is getting closer to their demise with all this fraudulent polls. Long live democracy!
The Oracle said...
Wadan Narsey's analysis is spot on. All Tebbutt Research surveys have a pre-determined agenda tailored to meet a desired outcome.
Just look at the questions!! How are ordinary Fijians expected to answer except by YES or NO.
Examples of past Tebbutt Research include:
Do you listen to FM96? (No options about other radio stations you may listen to or why you prefer them over FM96).
Do you drink Punja's Ceylon tea? (No options about other brands. And if your answer is NO, then they skip a section and take you on to another question - again, about Punja's products)
So, the desired poll outcome is evident - it's tailored to meet the expectations of the organisation footing the survey bill!!!
I don't know if Caz Tebbutt is indeed pro-Bainimarama but I do know her survey's are "stacked". I've had to point survey deficiencies out to her young and often apologetic "researchers" on several occasions. Now, I don't even bother answering their questionnaires!!!
What Lowy should ask is whether the people in Fiji know that Fiji has been denied $28 million euros for sugar because they don't accept the situation in Fiji. Caz should go take a poll with Cabinet and see how many of that bunch know how that affects the 22,000 families that rely on the industry. LOWY CAZ and FIJI Government - go live their life for a week only and tell me what you feel!!
And I forgot to add, now that Barrosa of EU has spoken that millions not coming because they can't accept the situation in Fiji, what has the mouthpiece to say LOL. After his jaunt to Africa, FB's mouthpiece released statements saying ACP would lobby for Fiji to get its share of the Euros....wishful thinking LOL
No one,absolutely no one can be in their right mind to believe anything this research is showing.My goodness after all we have been thru ,and after what we know first hand,the human rights abuses,the rise in poverty,unemployment,abuse of taxpayers money,nepotism,deteriorating health services,PER,shutting up unions...etc...etc.Why didn't the survey ask these questions???
Or may I suggest that if Lowy wants to get some credibility back they should do another survey on the issues I have mentioned .This survey really hurts us b'cos nothing like this can happen in Austrailia.We are a poor nation and have become more poor after the coup and these developed countries are having a field day doing such surveys.What is with the Austrailian people?Can't you see that we are sufferring.If you can't help then please don't damage us further.
Navosavakadua said...
There a few questions that need be asked about this survey. The first is was it carried out with the approval of the regime. With the tight censorship in place, it’s hard to imagine people being allowed to go around asking questions about the approval rating of a tin-pot dictator without formal permission. That’s not the way tin-pot dictatorships work.
Secondly, if the regime did approve the survey, what conditions did they impose? Did they supply any of the people administering the survey? It looks like the questions were translated into the two major vernaculars by the people conducting the survey. Was there an approved translation? If so, it should be presented with the report. If not, a lot of responsibility rests with the people entrusted to carry out the survey. If these have been provided by, say the Ministry of Information, there’s a lot of scope for the wording to be badly twisted.
So the final question is: was this study commissioned by the regime itself and published by the Lowy Institute or was it commissioned by the Lowy Institute?
The front cover, covered in a picture of the tin-pot dictator himself shows all the signs of having been approved by the regime. Besides,the 82 percent approval rating of the regime’s education and 71 percent for transport are simply impossible to believe. One egg too many for this pudding.
The Regime’s propaganda rag touts the survey as a poll by the Lowy Institute, but that’s NOT what it says in their report. They launched the report, which is attributed to Tebbutt Research.
Mr Lowy, is a Jew. How would he feel if 61% of people surveyed said that Hitler was good for the Jews?
So why come and tell us that another pispot dictator is good for us?
Tebbutt Research is obviously filled with people who are blinded by greed and money.
-Valataka na Dina.
Jokers says...
NOTHING COMES OUT FROM A COUP IS CREDIBLE BECAUSE ITS EXECUTION IS WRONG IN THE FIRST PLACE.
IF WE GET THIS RIGHT THEN WE CAN TALK POLLS.
NO COUP IS EVER RIGHT AND JUST - ALL COUPS ARE WRONG AND BAD AND DESTRUCTIVE TO HUMAN LIVES.
THANK YOU AGAIN PROFESSOR WADAN FOR YOUR COMMENTARIES.
YOU KEEP NAILING THEM ON THE HEAD LIKE THIS THE ILLEGAL REGIME WILL GO MAD AND ANOTHER 360 DEGREES ACHIEVING NOTHING.
There are a few fundermental issues you have to sort out before staring any form of research - or poll.
1. one is have the correct /right sample size so as to reflect the sum of the total of what you sampling!
THIS POLL DOES NOT DO THAT-TOO SMALL A SAMPLE SIZE TO MAKE ANY BENEFICIAL CONCLUSIONS! Almost boarders on heresay! You might have just stood outside the market in Suva & asked everyone that passes by the questions on the military with the hope that they will be honest in their opinion-Yeh in front of all the people! You must be joking.
2. In what language was the poll conducted -Just English? There are various language & dialets spoken in Fiji you may ask a question in English which totally means something else for someone whose mouth tongue is not English!
3.Was bias ever considered when taking this poll when it came to asking questions on the Regime or Bainimarama? Who were the supporters of Qarase ,Chaudry-which areas in Fiji did they reside in? Did they all get a chance?
4. Whats the racial breakdown of those polled? Whose paid for the Poll??
5.Too many issues or "comfounders" to say anything more but if any student of Statistics uses this as an assignent they will basically get a Pass mark of 1.5 out of 10. That is for wasting their time asking a 1000+ people(who also ended up getting their time wasted) answering the questions!For all you know the people answering were army personnel or retired army people??
6. But i would love to know HOW MANY PEOPLE DECLINED TO TAKE PART IN THE POLL AT THE ONSET WHEN ASKED! That single figure will tell me more than all the numbers they have PUBLISHED.
7.HOW MAY DECIDED TO WITHDRAW FROM THE POLLS-WHEN THE QUESTIONS WERE ASKED! That single figure provides more answers than all my questions they have setup for the polls in reagards to: Bainimaramas leadership, comparisons as PM, military involvement etc.
In conclusion these Aussies still think people who come from 3 world countries are dopes and this is a very good example where polls are used to benefit a CAUSE-done all the time, done everytime only people they fooling are the FOOLS!But the beauty of it not too many of our politicians have had the courage to ask-they all took the polls/research results and accepeted it as the TRUTH or squed it to suit their own means well you now all know difference!
Poll Pill said...
Professor Narsey's analysis goes a long way to right the askewed findings of the Tebutt research. But really any of us in Fiji could tell it was meant to lift Frank up. Only the most naive would have accepted this sample survey as majority view of just a thousand people. Now if was100,000 that might be a different case.
http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7170672568268133621&pos...
Permalink Reply by Vilisi Nadaku on September 8, 2011 at 10:08pm
When was this Tebutt survey carried out in Fiji? I never heard anything about it until it was mentioned by the international media.
It would be interesting to see the people surveyed and find out exactly who commissioned the Lowly Institute to carry out this survey.
Permalink Reply by Mike on September 8, 2011 at 10:53pm
Ni bula vinaka Naita,
The survey are only for military puppet, their family and those who could not understand the question so the Lowy Institute can manipulate the data to fit their purpose.
Permalink Reply by Vilisi Nadaku on September 9, 2011 at 3:42am
Ni bula Naita,
Yes we were surprised to hear about the survey because we hardly heard anything about it until the results came out. I will try to get feedback from Tebutt and the Lowly Institute because the results are highly suspicious given the time the results came out. What needs to be investigated is the people who funded Lowly and the Tebutt polls team in Fiji.
67% my foot! Ok, GO ALL BLACKS!..and Fiji too!
European Commision Chief sees little progress in 'repressive' Fiji
AFP September 8, 2011, 10:32 am
Auckland (AFP) - - European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso said Thursday he saw few signs that Fiji's "repressive" military regime was moving towards democracy.
Barroso said Europe, which has suspended a total of 80 million euros ($113 million) in development aid for Fiji since a 2006 military coup, intended to maintain pressure on Suva to restore democracy.
The European Union cannot turn a blind eye to issues such as human rights and the rule of law when allocating its aid budget, the head of the EU's executive arm said.
"Today we see little, if any, positive developments (in Fiji), the repressive regime remains in place, the socio-economic situation has worsened," he said in a speech at Auckland University in New Zealand, where he is attending the Pacific Island Forum (PIF).
"Against this background there is an evident need for supporting the Fijian people but keeping the pressure on the regime.
"That is why we will continue our search for a solution that returns democracy to the people of Fiji."
Shared Futures: Europe And Australia In The 21st Century
Written by: Eurasia Review
http://www.eurasiareview.com/06092011-shared-futures-europe-and-aus...
By José Manuel Durão Barroso, President of the European Commission
Keynote Address at Australia National University
European Commission President José Manuel Barroso
It is a great pleasure to be here ladies and gentlemen. After a rescheduling in 2009 this visit is long overdue and one that I am personally very pleased to be undertaking.
Let me echo the earlier acknowledgement of the First Australians, and may I also recognise the hundreds of people joining today through internet live-streaming, not only in Australia but across Asia and the Pacific.
The modern links between the peoples of Europe and Australia are deep and well-known. 70 per cent of Australians have European ancestry and we host many of each other’s largest expatriate communities, quite aside from our deep economic and political ties. Even our hosts today, the Australian National University, were witnesses of the European Community from its inception, through Vice Chancellor Sir Douglas Copland, who led the Australian delegation observing our processes in 1951.
Since the last official visit of a serving European Commission President, 30 years ago, our world has changed dramatically and at an increasing pace. From Communism’s collapse to the rise of the global economy and spread of information technology, the backdrop to our relationship has transformed.
Amidst this transformation the European Union sees Australia a natural, solid and essential global partner.
We see much to admire in Australia. With a diverse and growing population, and an economy reformed to meet the challenges of globalisation head-on, Australia shows it is possible to combine economic reform with strong social protections and progress. Australia’s continued economic growth is testament to decades of policy innovation and discipline, helping Australia to its rightful role as significant actor in this dynamic region.
The European Union has responded to a different context and holds its own lessons for those who seek freedom, peace and prosperity. As Prime Minister Hawke noted in 1985, the EU is “a triumph of enlightened self-interest over self-defeating pursuit of the narrowest national interest”.
Though we are still building our Union, we have achieved a great deal. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, for example:
We have grown from 12 member states to 27, with more applying to join. Our Union today stretches from the Arctic to the edges of Asia and Africa.
We have built the world’s largest single market – some three times the size of China’s – and we are its biggest trading bloc.
We have created a common currency that increasingly acts as a global reserve.
And today we are actively improving our economic governance and foreign policy capabilities to match the new global realities.
If you have ever travelled to Europe you have experienced the benefits of our Union; from the visa-free Schengen zone to the convenience and efficiency of the Euro. And if you have not had the chance to visit, you still receive the benefits; from six decades of peace to the stability gained from the spreading of democratic liberal values.
Europe’s global interests
To put that in an overall strategic context, the 27 member states of the European Union are sharing sovereignty. We do this because it is clear to us that in order to secure our social market model and global interests we must act as more than the sum of our parts, and be an effective participant in multilateral fora.
Indeed, that is why we value our relationship with natural partners like Australia, not only bilaterally but through forums such as the United Nations and G20. In a world as inter-connected as ours, we reject utterly the notion that geography might influence who our friends and partners are.
It is certainly true that the world is experiencing a great rebalancing of power, mostly centred on Asia. It is also true that Australia is ahead of the global pace in embracing this shift. We view favourably Australia’s increasing economic links and participation in Asian regional fora, and want to connect with your experience in the region.
Let me assure you that the European Union affirms the rise of Asia as a win-win situation for the world, which Europe wants to be a part of. These shifts do not mean Europe is irrelevant, either to Australia or global affairs. In fact the rise of Asia and other emerging economies is also directly linked to the policies of open economies, free trade, stability and development assistance that the European Union has championed over the years.
Geopolitical power and challenges need to be seen from increasingly broad perspectives. While the European Union’s geo-political power is not military in nature, it is not limited to soft and economic power. Foreign policy today goes well beyond trade and peace. It stretches from climate change negotiations to migration flows to counter-terrorism to food, development and aid. On issues as diverse as competition law, industrial standards and privacy, Europe’s influence spreads virally in a way that tends to encourage a global race to the top rather than a race to the bottom.
What is relevant to the European Union’s relationship with Asia and Australia is that these are all areas where the European countries have chosen to delegate all or part of their sovereignty to the EU institutions. The European Union is as deep and real as its Member States. And so the EU’s relevance as a global actor is increasing, even as the relative influence of countries in Asia and groupings such as ASEAN is rising also.
Recent substantial overhaul of our structures and institutions, primarily through the Lisbon Treaty, allows us to increasingly act with the coordinated and united voice that the world seeks from Europe. In coming years and decades this will enable the European Union to increase its global footprint – extending beyond its place as an economic superpower.
This does not mean that the solutions to Europe’s challenges can emerge overnight. The basic legitimacy of the EU comes from our Member States. This involves political constraints, and the obvious complications of co-ordinating 27 nations using more than 20 languages. We aren’t a super-state and we never will be. But at the same time we are much more than an inter-governmental forum.
This visit is an example of how the European Commission is determined that the current crisis will not force the European Union into an endless cycle of introspection. Europe’s future lies in adjusting its engagement and role in world affairs, not in internal squabbles. To that end we are moving towards convincing medium and long term approaches to both national budgets and Eurozone governance; the full impact of this progress becoming apparent over the next three years.
A new chapter in EU – Australian relations
The European Union is fully aware that Australia is also adjusting its global engagement and is not content to play a narrow regional role. As an active middle power and an essential partner in international forums such as the UN and G20, and events from Afghanistan to the Arab Spring, the EU and Australia stand together on the global stage.
Let me underline my strong belief that our relations are on a firm footing. We appreciate that Australia is taking a pro-active approach to its relationship with the European Union. And we deeply appreciate working together around the world to defend and promote our fundamental values. These are values that Australians have twice come to Europe to secure, at severe cost.
Since the economic relationship between the EU and Australia began to take shape in the 1960s and 70s, the old notions of Fortress Europe and Fortress Australia have disappeared. In recent decades our collaborations have been ever closer and fairer across a growing number of fields. From higher education to science and technology; aviation security to development cooperation – even in agriculture where some differences remain. In fact, Australia and the EU have no fewer than 10 separate dialogues running.
Through our Partnership Framework, a welcome step forward in 2008, we are already giving significant emphasis to our shared global challenges in our formal relationship.
Building on this momentum the Commission, like the Australian Government believes it is time to go further – to open a new chapter in the relationship.
This is why I welcomed Prime Minister Gillard’s proposal to upgrade relations, made during the Asia-Europe summit last October. The European Commission has responded positively by recommending to EU Member States that we open negotiations with Australia for a treaty-level Framework Agreement: to govern and give impetus to our relationship.
Yesterday I had very productive exchanges with Prime Minister Gillard in this regard. We agree that we must anchor our relationship for the long term, and our challenge is now to transfer our shared interests into shared treaty-level commitments and action.
These processes naturally take time, but I believe if we can reach agreement on the far-reaching exchange of highly classified information, as we have done in July 2011, then we have good hopes of progress. I believe we have a lot to learn and gain from each other.
Such an agreement would provide a basis for closer cooperation on a wide range of sectoral policies. From education and science through to counter-terrorism and also the fight against proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
The EU in the Pacific
Cooperation in the Pacific is another key component of the strategic partnership between Australia and the EU that would be assisted by an updated Framework.
As by far the largest global development donor – taking account of Commission and Member States contributions – it is no surprise that the EU is also the second-largest aid donor in the Pacific after Australia. Together, by joining our political and financial forces alongside those of New Zealand, we can maximise the absorption of funds and our overall impact. Most significantly by promoting good governance – in particular Fiji’s return to democracy – and regional integration; while also mitigating climate change, and attaining the Millennium Development Goals. This would build on the enhanced forms of coordination foreseen in the Cairns Compact – such as joint programming and delegated cooperation agreements.
The EU, Australia and Asia
More broadly, Australia and the European Union share the objectives of enjoying peace, security and trade with Asia. The change taking place in Asia is unfolding at a rapid pace, and as I have said earlier we see these changes and Australia’s involvement in the region as positive.
The EU is building multi-dimensional relationships with Asian countries, determined that we should listen and learn from each others’ experiences. Such stronger relationships are essential to deal with global challenges. Though we were ASEAN’s first dialogue partner in 1972, in the past the EU’s relationships in Asia have been largely economic. We need to go beyond a purely mercantilist approach and engage politically to shape collectively a new global governance.
The direct dialogue offered through ASEM – the forum that gathers all 27 EU Member States plus virtually all Asian States – is essential for bringing about these improved relationships. I am grateful that after 15 years the forum is still characterised by a sense of momentum. We must make it more effective still.
The European Union believes the forum is stronger as a result of Australia’s participation, and also because of the broader scope of issues now covered. I am thinking of course of issues such as climate change which force us to address all the aspects of our relationship together, and the fact that security issues are now on the agenda of ASEM. The European Union is of course willing to play a role in regional security in Asia as it has done, in the role of honest broker, over issues such as Aceh.
We realise that our Union does not serve as a direct model for Asian regional integration. But at the same time it remains something of a catalyst and reference point for those working towards closer relationships in the region. Those relationships may exist from government to government, business to business or people to people. They will take time to develop, but I have no doubt the will to develop them is there.
Moving onto one of the most complex and lasting issues of our time. A new Framework Agreement between the European Union and Australia would also increase the scope for closer cooperation on energy and climate issues.
The green economy is the economic growth story of Europe’s future, and indeed the world. That is the only way to satisfy the aspirations of the nine or more billions who will live on this planet in 2050.
Our approach to climate change is therefore built on science but tailored to economic realities and possibilities. You could say Europe is pursuing green reforms and innovation for three reasons: science, self-interest and our sense of responsibility to future generations.
Australia must naturally define its own interests, and pursue them through the mechanisms of its choice. But it is clear that carbon pricing and trading is an opportunity for nations to firmly stake a place at the centre of the next great economic and political theme faced jointly by all of us. Those that create and dominate the new markets supporting this transition to the low-carbon economy stand to gain a great deal: competitiveness, growth and jobs.
The pricing and trading of carbon enables more efficient markets and forces us to allocate our resources more effectively, for example by increasing capital investment in new technologies in the manufacturing sector. In this way a carbon price helps us deal with the pressures of the globalised economy as well as the environmental threat. No nation which looks to trade as a means of to prosperity can afford to overlook this.
For these reasons the European Union welcomes the Australian Government’s efforts to tackle the carbon issue, and to develop a policy that will over time link to our own.
In saying this I must stress that our respective approaches to emissions reduction are not at odds with the need for a global agreement. In particular a global agreement that includes collectively measurable and verifiable emissions reductions from all major emitters.
Finally, let me conclude that the European Union – Australia relationship has huge potential, which we are only just starting to unlock. I have travelled here because I want Australians and the Australian Government to know that the European Union is committed to achieving this potential.
I also want to convey the message that despite occasional portrayals, the European Union works effectively. It has worked for sixty years as a driver of peace and prosperity through compromise.
It is these aspirations that we will bring to the table as we continue to deepen our relationship with Australia. We have long shared interests; we have been building closer relations; it is now time to build on that through sharing further action.
For a European, Australia is as far away as you can get. However, I must confess that so far, in particular here at the ANU, I have been feeling as if I were at home.
NEXT ON THE LIST: Fiji's BarnyBanana and his AssKaiyum
History's Lessons - enforced rule ALWAYS ends in tears
NEXT ON THE LIST : Fiji's BarnyBanana and his AssKaiyum
ELECTIONS NOW SAYS FIJI TRADE UNION CONGRESS
Please click on link below for statement:
File name: FTUC Press Release - 08.09.11.pdf:
Download link: http://www.mediafire.com/file/7n1dh8lv9db9vpn
The Fiji Trade Union Congress has called for immediate free and fair elections under the 1997 Constitution and return to democracy.
In a hard hitting statement issued by the FTUC, the National Secretary Felix Anthony stated that: "there is a general consensus amongst the people from all walks of life in this nation that Fiji must return immediately to democratic rule. Fiji cannot progress or develop without democracy. This is evident with the very low investment, high unemployment, ever rising inflation giving rise to unprecedented poverty in Fiji. The inflation rate in our calculation is hovering around 12%-15% and the cost of Consumer items have risen to 55%-60% within a year. The medical care in hospitals are pathetic due to lack of funds. Even the stationery cannot be bought since funds are not available. However, the bigger issue is that technical support services like laboratory and pharmacies in major hospitals lack basic items to function properly".
On the suspect recent Lowy Institute Fiji Poll 2011, Mr Anthony said that "the regime's plan for Elections and return to democratic rule in 2014 is not credible, not sustainable and therefore not in the best interest of Fiji. Now that the Regime is bloating with a recent suspect survey claiming 65% support amongst the citizens, there is no reason why it should not call elections immediately and seek the mandate of the people to continue doing what it is perceiving to do".
Scoring a direct hit and bruising the regime's nose, Mr Anthony added that "the The fact is that junta has lost the trust and confidence of the people of Fiji and therefore cannot and should not embark on a process and exercise of amending the Constitution or the electoral system prior to the next election. An essential role of the 1997 Constitution was to establish and consolidate a national consensus on how Fiji should be governed. It succeeded in its aim and helped to put aside the divisions and the bitterness of 1987 Coups and subsequent policies of discrimination. The 1997 Constitution provided a basis under which all of Fiji’s Communities had lived together peacefully under a system of government and governance. The Constitution must be reinstated as a first priority as its represents a consensus of all the communities in Fiji. We, therefore, must oppose any attempt by an illegitimate regime to change the constitution or the electoral process. The regime needs to now get a clear mandate from the people of Fiji to embark on this process. We therefore call for an immediate return to democracy and if the junta has faith in itself and the “Lowy Report”, it should seek the mandate of the people".
On constitutional changes, the statement added that: "any changes to the 1997 Constitution must involve the full democratic process including consultation without fear and intimidation with the people of Fiji. If this junta is sincere and believes that it is doing the right thing for Fiji then it should have no hesitation in going to the people and seeking the mandate from the people of Fiji. They should not have any difficulty in getting the mandate from the people, if indeed the people believe that they are doing the right thing. The only reason that we believe that this regime will not seek the mandate of the people is because they either have ulterior motives or lack confidence in themselves".
On elections and voter registration, the hard facts were stated with Mr Anthony adding that "we note that at the eve of the Pacific Island Forum Minister’s meeting in Auckland the regime issued a statement that voter registration for the 2014 election will begin in January next year. This is another ploy to bamboozle the public. There is not even a shred of evidence which shows that the regime is serious about holding election any time soon apart from misleading statements from various arms of the junta. People do not believe any more the propaganda put out for the public consumption. There is absolutely no preparatory work being done by the elections office and registration cannot commence unless the Constitution is in place which would include the electoral process".
The statement concluded with the following reminder to the illegal regime state that: "We the trade unions are democratic and legitimate organizations of workers who have the mandate to speak on their behalf" and that "we are, therefore, calling on the Regime to enter into immediate inclusive dialogue with all the political parties and trade unions to enable Fiji’s return to democracy as soon as possible".
Felix Anthony
http://www.thetorturewatch.com/1/post/2011/09/elections-now-says-fi...
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2248
|
__label__cc
| 0.6185
| 0.3815
|
George Fuller (1822-1884) of Deerfield, Massachusetts, attained a national reputation as a painter. He studied art with Henry Kirke Brown in Albany, New York, and maintained studios in both Boston and New York in the 1840s and 1850s. After the death of his father in 1859, he assumed the responsibilities of the family farm in Deerfield while continuing to paint. His work can be viewed at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Art Institute of Chicago.
Bust of George Fuller (1822-1884)
sculptor John Quincy Adams Ward [Attributed to] (1830-1910)
date c. 1850
height 25.25"
depth 10.25"
width 13.0"
process/materials plaster
item type Art/Sculpture
accession # #N.023
Fuller House, "The Bars"
George Fuller (1822-1884)
George Fuller (1822-1884) Studio
"George Fuller, His Life & Works - A Memorial"
Letter to Aaron Fuller from George Fuller
Letter to Agnes Higginson from George Fuller
Letter to Agnes Higginson Fuller from George Fuller
Letter to Henry Kirke Brown from George Fuller
George Fuller's easel
"The Bars- Back of our Barn"
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2252
|
__label__cc
| 0.567123
| 0.432877
|
Home→Like Fortune’s Fool
One of the most enduring factors in human existence, yet one of the most mysterious and least domesticated, is the concept of luck. Call it fate, fortune, chance, serendipity, karma, or superstition. We have a thousand rituals to ward off bad luck and bring on good luck, and a thousand sayings to represent our unwavering belief that some things are beyond our control. How often do we unthinkingly say “It must be my lucky day?” or “As Fate would have it…” or even “Better luck next time?” For good or bad, this intangible force surrounds and influences us, often in ways we can’t explain. Whether we’re talking about lucky pennies or Lady Luck, black cats or Friday the 13th, we know something out there is trying to keep things…interesting.
In six sexy stories, gods and mortals alike “get lucky,” in more ways than one. Fortune favors the bold and people take a chance at love and lust. In Like Fortune’s Fool, Monique Poirer, Jaymi Noa, Eric del Carlo, Dame Bodacious, T.C. Mills and Kathleen Tudor reveal the playful, sensual, mind-blowing secrets of those who traffic in luck, fate, karma, and serendipity. From a card game that leads to a night of unbelievable pleasure, to a raven whose spate of “crow luck” leads him to a helpful witch, to a woman who acquires a “lucky” rabbit’s foot, these stories are surprising and satisfying.
Like Fortune’s Fool is available as an ebook from Circlet, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other retailers.
It has a Goodreads page here.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2253
|
__label__wiki
| 0.890025
| 0.890025
|
Author = C
Calcote, R.R. 1986. Hemlock in Minnesota:1,200 years as a rare species. Thesis. University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
Campbell, C., I.D. Campbell, C.B. Blyth, and J.H. McAndrews. 1994. Bison extirpation may have caused aspen expansion in western Canada. Ecography 17:360-362.
Campbell, I.D., and C. Campbell. 1994. Pollen preservation in lake sediments: repeated wet-dry cycles in saline and desalinated sediments. Palynology 18:5-10.
Campbell, I.D., and J.H. McAndrews. 1991. Cluster analysis of late Holocene pollen trends in Ontario. Canadian Journal of Botany 69:1719-1730.
Carbone, V.A., A. Segovia, J. Foss, M. Sheehan, D.R. Whitehead, and S. Jackson. 1982. Paleoenvironmental investigations along the Savannah River Valley, Richard B. Russel Dam and Lake Project. Paper presented at the 39th Annual Southeastern Archaeological Conference, Memphis, Tennessee, October, 28-30, 1982.
Chatters, J.C. 1982. Evolutionary human paleoecology: climatic change and human adaptation in the Pahsimeroi Valley, Idaho, 2500 BP to the present. Dissertation. University of Washington, Washington, USA. 452p.
Christiansen, O.A., and L.V. Hills 1971. Recent palynology of Goat Lake and Lost Lake, Waterton Lakes National Park. Thesis. Department of Geography, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Christiansen, O.A., and L.V. Hills. 1977. Palynologic and Paleoclimatic Interpretation of Holocene Sediments, Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta. Climatic Change in Canada 5, Critical Periods in the Quaternary Climatic History of Northern North America, Syllogeus No. 55, Harington,C.R. (ed) pp. 345-354. National Museum of Natural Sciences, Ottawa.
Churcher, C.S., and R.L. Peterson. 1982. Chronologic and environmental implications of a new genus of fossil deet from late Wisconsin deposits at Toronto, Canada. Quaternary Research 18:184-195.
Cinq-Mars, J. 1979. Bluefish Cave I: A Late Pleistocene Eastern Beringian cave deposit in the northern Yukon. Canadian Journal of Archeology 3:1-32.
Clague, J.J. 1982. Minimum Age of Deglaciation of Upper Elk Valley, British Columbia. Columbia: Discussion. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences 19:1099-1100.
Clague, J.J., and R.W. Mathewes. 1996. Neoglaciation, glacier-damned lakes and vegetation change in Northwestern British Columbia. Arctic and Alpine Research 28:10-24.
Clark, J.S., and W.A. Patterson III. 1985. The development of a tidal marsh: upland and oceanic influences. Ecological Monographs 55:189-217.
Clark, J.S., J.T. Overpeck, T. Webb III, and W.A. Patterson III. 1986. Pollen stratigraphic correlation and dating of barrier beach peat sections. Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology 47:145-168.
Clausen, C.J., A.D. Cohen, C. Emiliani, J.A. Holman, and J.J. Stipp. 1979. Little Salt Spring, Florida: a unique underwater site. Science 203:609-614.
Cohen, A.D. 1974. Possible influences of subpeat topography and sediment type upon the development of the Okefenokee Swamp-marsh complex of Georgia. Southeastern Geology 13:141-151.
Cohen, A.D. 1975. Peats from the Okefenokee swamp-marsh complex. Geoscience and Man 11:123-131.
Cohen, A.D., D.J. Casagrande, M.J. Andrejko, and G.R. Best. 1984. The Okefenokee Swamp: its natural history, geology and geochemistry. Wetland Surveys, Los Alamos, New Mexico.
Colbaugh, P.R. 1968. The environment of the Imuruk Lake area, Seward Penninsula, during Wisconsin time. Thesis. Ohio State University, Columbus.
Colinvaux, P.A. 1967. A long pollen record from St. Lawrence Island, Bering Sea. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 3:29-48.
Colinvaux, P.A. 1981. Historical ecology in Beringia: The south land bridge coast at St. Paul Island. Quaternary Research 16:18-36.
Colinvaux, P.A. 1967. Quaternary vegetational history of Arctic Alaska. Pages 207-231 in The Bering Land Bridge. D.M. Hopkins ed, Stanford University Press, Stanford.
Colinvaux, P.A. 1964. Origin of Ice ages: pollen evidence from arctic Alaska. Science 145:707-708.
Colinvaux, P.A. 1967. Bering Land Bridge: evidence of Spruce in Late Wisconsin times. Science 156:380-383.
Colinvaux, P.A. 1964. The environment of the Bering Land Bridge. Ecological Monographs 34:297-329.
Cowan, C.W., H.E. Jackson, K. Moore, A. Nickelhoff, and T.L. Smart. 1981. The Cloudsplitter Rockshelter, Menifee County, Kentucky: a preliminary report. Southeastern Archaeological Conf. Bull 24:60-76.
Cox, D.D. 1959. Some postglacial forests in central and eastern New York State as determined by the method of pollen analysis. New York State Museum and Science Service. Bulletin 377.
Cox, D.R., and D.M. Lewis. 1965. Pollen studies in Crusoe lake area of prehistoric indian occupation. New York St Museum Bull 397:1-29.
Crisman, T.L., and D.R. Whitehead. 1975. Enviornmental history of Hovey Lake, southwestern Indiana. American Midland Naturalist 93:198-204.
Cushing, E.J. 1967. Late-Wisconsin pollen stratigraphy and the glacial sequence in Minnesota. Pages 59-88 in E.J. Cushing and H.E. Wright, Jr., editors. Quaternary Paleoecology. Yale University Press, New Haven, Connecticut USA.
Cvancara, A.M., L. Clayton, W.B. Bickley, Jr., A.F. Jacob, A.C. Ashworth, J.A. Brophy, C.T. Shay, L.D. Delorme, and G.E. Lammers. 1971. Paleolimnology of Late Quaternary Deposits: Seibold Site, North Dakota. Science 171:172-174.
Cwynar, L.C. 1977. The recent fire history of Barron Township, Algonquin Park. Canadian Journal of Botany 55:1524-1538.
Cwynar, L.C. 1978. Recent history of fire and vegetation from laminated sediment of Greenleaf Lake, Algonquin Park, Ontario. Canadian Journal of Botany 56:10-21.
| References |
| A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y | | Z |
© Illinois State Museum Society-- Last updated 23-Apr-98 by Stephen Porter
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2254
|
__label__wiki
| 0.698028
| 0.698028
|
High Unemployment: More Asylum Seeks in SA
Thursday 23 June, 2016 - 9:11
According a report by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), in the midst of staggeringly high unemployment figures, South Africa hosted more asylum seekers than any other country in the world at the end of 2015.
In the first quarter of 2016, unemployment rose to 26.7 percent from 24.5 percent in the fourth quarter of last year.
This translates to more than five million people in South Africa who are actively seeking employment, the figure excludes millions of job seekers who have given up looking for work.
Read more about High Unemployment: More Asylum Seeks in SA
Asylum Seeks Allege SA Secretly Deport Them
Asylum seekers The Citizen spoke to say it seems to be up to your luck if you get asked to go to the ‘deportation room’.
According to two Malawian brothers who have been living in South Africa for more than 10 years, the Department of Home Affairs is ‘randomly deporting’ Malawians and Zimbabweans, and perhaps people of other nationalities too.
Andy (not his real name), a qualified electrical technician, who is now living in South Africa as an undocumented migrant, says he will rather take his chances with getting arrested.
Read more about Asylum Seeks Allege SA Secretly Deport Them
Botswana Commended Over Asylum Seekers
Monday 26 October, 2015 - 15:27
A group of Botswana non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have commended the government for declaring that a group of Eritrean soccer players seeking political asylum in the country should go through the normal application process.
In a joint press statement, the NGOs pointed out that they are convinced that the Botswana government is committed to international, regional and national human rights standards in accordance with the country’s membership of the African Union and the United Nations.
Read more about Botswana Commended Over Asylum Seekers
Municipality Closes Last Refugee Camp
Monday 13 July, 2015 - 11:40
The eThekwini municipality has announced the closure of the last camp in Durban for those displaced by xenophobic violence.
The Chatsworth camp was home to foreign nationals who were displaced during the violent attacks earlier this year.
City spokesperson, Tozi Mthethwa, says the foreign nationals were informed about the closure, adding that, “The aim of establishing the interim shelter was to protect the displaced African immigrants from the then volatile situation they faced back in their communities."
Read more about Municipality Closes Last Refugee Camp
Call to Rethink of Operation Fiyela
Tuesday 19 May, 2015 - 10:08
Human rights activists, Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR), has secured a court order in the Johannesburg High Court halting the deportation of those held at Lindela repatriation centre for two weeks.
After LHR secured a court order allowing its lawyers access to their clients late‚ Johannesburg police station commanders refused to comply with it over the weekend.
Read more about Call to Rethink of Operation Fiyela
30 000 to March Against Xenophobia
Tuesday 21 April, 2015 - 11:49
Controversial Bishop Paul Verryn‚ Professor Adam Habib, vice-chancellor at University of the Witwatersrand and expelled Congress of South African Trade Unions general secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi, are among those confirmed to address the People’s March Against Xenophobia‚ which takes place in Johannesburg on Thursday.
In a press statement, People's March Against Xenophobia points out that the march is being organised by “an emergency coalition convened to confront the horrors of xenophobia in South Africa‚ taking a stand to denounce the violence and embrace unity.”
Read more about 30 000 to March Against Xenophobia
SA Urged to Investigate Soweto Lootings
Tuesday 27 January, 2015 - 15:06
The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in South Africa says it is concerned about the recent spate of violence and looting in Soweto that mainly affects foreigners and asylum seekers.
UNHCR spokesperson, Tina Ghelli, says they will together with their non-governmental organisation (NGO) partners be speaking to community leaders as well undertaking a study of the shops affected by the looting.
Read more about SA Urged to Investigate Soweto Lootings
Minister Favours SAHRC Office at Lindela
Friday 24 October, 2014 - 11:13
Following numerous reports of abuse, Home Affairs Minister, Malusi Gigaba, has asked the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to establish an office at the Lindela Repatriation Centre.
This month the home affairs portfolio committee convened a meeting at which parliamentarians called for ‘a special meeting’ with the department and the SAHRC to deal with issues regarding Lindela Repatriation Centre.
Read more about Minister Favours SAHRC Office at Lindela
Food Aid Needed for Refugees in Africa
The World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) have launched an urgent appeal to address a funding shortfall that has already resulted in food ration cuts for a third of all African refugees.
Read more about Food Aid Needed for Refugees in Africa
UNHCR Commends SA’s Refugee Legislation
Monday 23 June, 2014 - 10:45
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) says South Africa has the best refugee legislation in the world.
UNHCR representative for Southern Africa, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, says the South African government has taken great strides to meet its international obligations towards refugees.
Read more about UNHCR Commends SA’s Refugee Legislation
Stronger Together: Project Officer (Western Cape)
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2257
|
__label__wiki
| 0.864261
| 0.864261
|
Discussion on forcible transfer of Al Khan Al Ahmar bedouins turns from “if” to “how”
By Annelies Verbeek - April 26, 2018
Section: [Main News] [Videos] [Features]
Tags: [Bedouin] [forced transfer] [Israeli Supreme Court] [E1] [Settlement Expansion]
On the morning of April 25, Israel’s Supreme Court held the final hearing on the proposed demolition of the Bedouin village of Al Khan Al Ahmar near Jerusalem, as well as the forcible transfer of its inhabitants.
The case of Al Khan Al Ahmar is important, as the village holds a community school that serves approximately 160 children in the area. The school was constructed out of mud and tires, with the funding of the Italian government. According to Defense of Children International Palestine, it is the only school in the area, and the closest alternative is 45 minutes by car.
The case of the small bedouin village is especially important due to the highly political character and repercussions the ruling could have on the future of the 'two- state solution.’ It has extended over more than nine years, first entering the court in 2009.
The case will be ruled by three Supreme Court judges. The center judge, Noam Solberg, lives in the illegal settlement block of Gush Etzion. Another one of the judges, Yael Vilner, was also an ideological settler in the past, and nominee of the extreme right Israeli Minister of Justice Ayalet Shaked.
The latest session was held to rule on a petition by settler organisation Regavim that called for the state to carry out ta long standing demolition order on the village, as well as a petition filed by the bedouins to ask for the state’s recognition of their houses.
The Supreme Court has ruled several times that if the state demolishes the bedouin structures, it should foresee an alternative. The alternative the Israeli state has proposed consists of apartment buildings built in Jabal West, an area between the Palestinian towns Abu Dis and Al Eizariya.
According to the Bedouins, this solution is not suitable. The apartments are built in close proximity to a landfill, and do not constitute a healthy living environment. Moreover, moving to these apartments would mean giving up their traditional herding lifestyle. UNRWA Director of Operations Scott Anderson echoed this saying; “it is well documented in previous instances that the transfer of Bedouin communities into urban settings is socially and economically non-viable.”
The village is built in Area C of the West Bank, which falls under complete Israeli administrative and military control. The village is surrounded by the settlements of Kfar Adumim and Maale Adumim. Area C covers 60% of the West Bank, and while all Israeli settlements are built in this area, it is virtually impossible for Palestinians to obtain building permits there.
Moreover, the village is built in the area that falls under the E1-plan put forward by Israeli authorities in 2012. This seeks to expand urban Jerusalem to the East, by building settlements outside the city’s border to create a united block. This is of strategic importance, as it could divide the West Bank in a Northern part and a Southern part, effectively ending any possibility for a future Palestinian state in the West Bank.
The forcible transfer of this Bedouin community to apartment buildings is of great importance as it could set a precedent for the state to transfer other Bedouin communities in the area.
The lawyer defending the settler’s organisation Regavim told Palestine Monitor there is “no doubt that the Palestinian structures are illegal and should be demolished.” The settlers’ organisation argued for immediate demolition regardless of whether there is an alternative for the bedouins or not.
Remarkably, the court case also included a group of settlers who claimed to be on the Bedouins’ side. They are from the adjacent settlement of Kfar Adumim. The settlers did not argue against forced transfer, but wanted to pressure the state to foresee more viable solutions for the Bedouins to live. A representative of the group told Palestine Monitor that the state’s solution of housing the Bedouins in Jabal West was “absolutely impossible.”
The court proposed for the state to foresee more viable alternatives than the area of Jabal West. After adjourning, the state categorically rejected the court’s proposal, and claimed it will not designate other areas for the Bedouins to live than the apartments near the garbage dump.
Shlomo Lecker, the lawyer defending the Bedouin community, told Palestine Monitor that he was arguing for the solution that entails the least damage. “Everything that has been happening for the last 30 - 40 years is in breach of the Geneva Convention, but the Israeli court does not follow the Geneva Convention. We did not come to the court to make statements, but to find the best solution.”
He was hereby saying that he did not use the argument that transfer of civilian population into occupied territory is prohibited under the Geneva Convention, and the Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal. This would mean that the Israeli state has little right to discuss legality of indigenous Palestinian structures in the West Bank.
The legality of forcible transfer was not at the center of the discussion in court. The discussion mainly revolved around which location the bedouins would be moved to.
This was the last hearing on the fate of the Bedouin community of Al Khan Al Ahmar. The judges will render their ruling in one week.
The Palestine Monitor went to the location of the Al Khan Al Ahmar village to gauge the reaction of its inhabitants. Mahmoud Odeh Mohammad Jahalin told the Palestine Monitor that the Israelis have threatened the village with demolition since decades, but the actual demolitions only started in 2009.
When asked about alternative locations, he answered that the Israelis will always try to make offers to push bedouins out of the area. “But I was born here, and I grew up here. I was here before the settlement. I will stay here. I am not hurting anyone, so I don’t care about their offers.”
He was pessimistic about the court hearing: “I don’t have much hope or faith in the Israeli court. I don’t think they will ever rule in the Bedouin’s favour.”
According to Jahalin, the Bedouin’s plan either way is to stay. “If they want to move us, we will oppose them with everything we have; our people, our children our sheep. We will not move.”
Lead photo: "Bedouin community representatives wait for the all-Hebrew court case on the fate of their village to commence."
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2260
|
__label__wiki
| 0.540973
| 0.540973
|
January 31, 2019 By editor
Yabby Races: There was a scarcity of yabbies last Saturday but the popular Australia Day Yabby Races still attracted 17 entries. The first three places were taken by Shailey Butt (first), – Tayah Reeves (second) and Mitchell Applebee (third). Nayte Reeves (pictured) was one of the racers.
Showcasing Parkes Talent: Artists and craftspeople can look forward to a new event in Parkes this year on the weekend of 16th and 17th March at the Parkes Bowling and Sports Club. The Parkes Quota Club and local artists and craftspeople, with the support of Parkes Shire Council, have decided to run an exhibition to introduce people to the huge variety of art and crafts in our community. The talent in Parkes includes potters, painters, artists, embroiderers, lace makers, milliners, quilters, leadlighters and many more. Art and craft of all genres will be on display, with demonstrations and sales too. There will be catering by Quotarians, a fabulous raffle with four prizes, including two quilts, a mosaic and a pottery water bowl. A limited number of tables are still available for exhibitors at $20 per site. Contact Rona on 0427 468 220 for further information.
Aboriginal Disability Services: Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW Rick Colless announced grant funding of $158,000 to Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council to help them deliver services to Aboriginal people with disability under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in the Orange region. “The grant funding will allow them to establish a Support Coor-dination Service for Aboriginal people with disability that is accessible and delivered by local Aboriginal people.” With the funding they will be able to accommodate 40 Aboriginal NDIS participants and deliver an additional 600 hours of service per month.
Youth Allowance: Students planning to study or start an Australian Apprenticeship this year are being urged to lodge their claim for Youth Allowance or Austudy now. The 2018-19 Federal Budget delivered a $53.9 million injection to allow more rural and regional students to qualify for Youth Allowance. “It will ease the cost burden for many families and in some cases will make further study affordable,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack. Youth Allowance provides financial assistance for eligible school leavers who wish to complete further study or training, while Austudy is for eligible students and apprentices aged 25 or older. Prospective students can submit a claim for Youth Allowance or Austudy up to 13 weeks before the start of their course or apprenticeship. Claims can be submitted online using their myGov account. For more information visit humanservices.gov.au/students.
Filed Under: Articles, Snippets
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2262
|
__label__wiki
| 0.545488
| 0.545488
|
After Liberation – Legacies of the Nazi Concentration Camps
Public lecture hosted by the Pears Institute for the study of Antisemitism, Birkbeck, University of London as part of the Beyond Camps and Forced Labour Conference
Speaker: Professor Nikolaus Wachsmann, Birkbeck, University of London
Date: Wed, Jan. 7, 2015
Venue: Beveridge Hall, Senate House, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HU
Free event open to all:
Please register your interest
On the 29 April 1945 US troops entered the grounds of Dachau concentration camp, near Munich, where they found 32,000 inmates from over 30 European nations. Among them was Edgar Kupfer, a 39-year-old German political prisoner. A few hours after his liberation, Kupfer noted in his diary: ‘I shall celebrate this all my life as a second birthday, as the day, when I received the gift of life anew.’
In this lecture, Professor Wachsmann will explore the second life of Edgar Kupfer and the lives of others who survived the concentration camps, estimated at up to half a million people. In particular, he will consider the first months and years after liberation, looking at the fate of survivors, at the testimony and memory of the camps, and at the punishment of perpetrators. He will conclude by looking at the legacy of the camps since the 1950s.
Nikolaus Wachsmann is Professor in Modern European History at Birkbeck. He has written widely on race, discipline and punishment in modern Germany, with a special focus on the Third Reich. His books include the prize-winning monograph Hitler’s Prisons (Yale University Press, 2004) and Concentration Camps in Nazi Germany: The New Histories, co-edited with Jane Caplan (Routledge, 2010). His comprehensive history of the SS concentration camps will appear in April 2015.
This public lecture, hosted by the Pears Institute for the study of Antisemitism, forms part of the Beyond Camps and Forced Labour Conference, organised by Birkbeck, University of London, Royal Holloway, University of London, University of Wolverhampton, in association with Imperial War Museums, and the Foundation 'Remembrance, Responsibility and Future' (Stiftung EVZ) Full details can be found here.
Play: Professor David Feldman - Introduction
Play: Professor Nikolaus Wachsmann - After Liberation - Legacies of the Nazi Concentration Camps
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2265
|
__label__cc
| 0.742722
| 0.257278
|
Category Archives: Making Money
Michael Stackpole recently posted this great blog post titled Price Isn’t The Point — an argument that pricing isn’t the most important variable for book sales.
Hidden in that post, however, is an idea that I think is worth examining:
Another monster variable is genre. Romance outsells mystery/thrillers, and mystery/thrillers outsell SF and Fantasy—with huge gaps between them. I know of no pricing experiment that has tried to control for this variable. Heck, if you look at print books, Romance readers are willing to pay full price for a 50,000 novel; whereas an SF/Fantasy reader would get 2-4 times that much wordage for the same price.
Let’s tie that in with this Washington Post article — about romance authors, ebooks, and the same, valuable observation:
E-readers have been around in early formats for nearly two decades, but they have been drastically dropping in price and improving in quality during the past 36 months.
One of the first groups to embrace them were readers of romance fiction. These books were part of larger genre-based markets, such as thrillers and horror, that were populated by avid readers who chain-read books. They were avid fans, communicating with one another in any number of ways, including blogs and book clubs. Romance was tailor-made for the webs of social media.
“Romance novels are leading the way in e-publishing because romance readers are incredibly prolific,” says Malle Vallik, Harlequin’s director of digital publishing. “They understood [e-readers] immediately: ”˜Oh, my God, in my purse, I can have 50 books.’ You like one writer, you can get their complete backlist immediately.” [Emphasis mine]
New marketing patterns of lower online prices and impulse buying created a perfect dynamic for authors like Belleville: Genre authors who were prolific but who had not been too successful. This peculiar level of accomplishment meant they had written books for print publishers, seen sales vanish and had the rights revert back to them, and even had completed manuscripts that publishers had rejected.
This left with the writers with just the right recipe: a small but devout core audience; a readily available backlist for new readers to discover; a knack for writing fast; and an inherent appeal to a fan base that read voraciously. [Emphasis mine]
What this means is that genre determines the median (and I suppose the upper-bound) of sales that any one writer might have. This does not mean that you have to switch genres; I wouldn’t be so silly as to propose that. What it does mean, however, is that when you next look at the sales figures of a hotshot indie writer, you should pause to take note of what genre he or she’s writing in.
Amanda Hocking sells thousands of ebooks every month. She also happens to be writing romance.
J.A. Konrath sells a little less. He writes thrillers.
The two demographics are rather different. They exist at different parts of the early-adopter spectrum — and ironically enough, romance readers are ahead.
But there’s another way of looking at this: if you’re in the publishing startup space, like I am, this bit of information implies that it would do to have some part of your service focussed on romance. I’m not exactly sure how I would do it, or how any digital publishing house would do it (have a romance-only spinoff, perhaps?) But it does make sense: romance readers are ahead of the curve with regard to ebooks. They were early-adopters, a result of the embarrassing semi-naked-man-on-book-cover problem, plus their buying habits — buying an entire backlog with one click — are factors worth thinking about.
Sidenote: I realized I haven’t been blogging here for the past 3 months. I’ve been spending that time working on Pandamian. We’ve got free ebook conversions up and running, along with a whole bunch of other features, and I’m eager to talk about them once the new redesign is up. Till then, consider this post an apology, and a signal that I’m back. Sorry about the break, folks. More publishing-related news in a bit.
By Eli James | Comments (2)
Sunday, 27 February, 2011
The Very Rich Indie Writer
Meet Amanda Hocking. She’s been in the news for quite a bit now, and I’ve been meaning to write about her since January (or really, to write about the phenomenon she represents – and what it means for web fiction). But if you don’t already know of her, allow me:
Amanda Hocking is 26* years old. She has 9 self-published books to her name, and sells 100,000+ copies of those ebooks per month. She has never been traditionally published. This is her blog. And it’s no stretch to say – at $3 per book1/70% per sale for the Kindle store – that she makes a lot of money from her monthly book sales. (Perhaps more importantly: a publisher on the private Reading2.0 mailing list has said, to effect: there is no traditional publisher in the world right now that can offer Amanda Hocking terms that are better than what she’s currently getting, right now on the Kindle store, all on her own.)
And that is stunning news.
Kindle Store Economics
Why this is happening, and how it can happen, is a question that’s been explored by other indie writers experimenting with sales on the Kindle store. J.A.Konrath is arguably the best authority on this, and the logic goes roughly as follows:
If you’re an indie writer, you get to sell books at a price way, way lower than what a Traditional Publisher can sell at. And yet you make more money, because your only costs are to an ebook and cover art designer (whereas the traditional publisher has to support a legacy system, plus the traditionally published author gets a 30% cut, while you get 70%).
In the meantime, readers are more inclined to buy your stories, even if you’re an unknown author, simply because your book prices are cheaper. So you get high sales, low ebook prices, but high revenue once you’ve hit sufficient scale. And the best thing is that it’s infinitely scalable: your ebooks are out there, getting sales every single day. No shelf-space, no print runs to worry about.
You’re making a killing, and are able to compete with traditional publishers at their own game.
Well, in the context of an ebook store, that is.
The oft-repeated argument that people use w/r/t Konrath is that he was a traditionally published author before moving to the Kindle store. But Hocking and her peers, who have never been published the traditional route before (who were inspired by Konrath’s exploits, and who are now selling way more than Konrath ever has) are together invalidating that argument. You don’t have to be traditionally published to sell a lot of ebooks, and you don’t have to be A-List famous, either. Take this monthly sales list of top Kindle indie authors, for instance:
By Eli James | Also posted in Publishing | Comments (231)
Monday, 22 November, 2010
Makers and Money
One of the first things people ask us when we tell them about Pandamian is: “So how are these writers going to make money?”
It’s an obvious question to ask, of course. One of Pandamian’s core features (which – I’ll admit, we’re currently building, and which is turning out to be a huge pain in the ass) is the ability for writers to sell books through their own ebook store, or – if they so choose – to do some sort of automated uploading to the Kindle/Smashwords/Feedbooks stores.
Our answer is unsatisfactory to most of these people: “We’re not sure that they can make enough money to support themselves. We can’t guarantee that.”
And we can’t. But the discussion does lead to an interesting question: can writers make good money if they choose to go down this path of digital/self publishing? Can writers expect to make money?
Good Dreams
I think the short answer to that question is: yes, it’s not inconceivable that some writer, somewhere, would eventually make enough money selling books on the Internet that he or she would be able to quit his/her day job. And that writer should count himself very lucky indeed. The long answer, however, is that it really depends on the number of people who are attempting to do this.
Most writers I know that publish traditionally don’t make enough from their books to write full-time. They work day jobs instead. And they keep at it because publishing – as a field – is validated by the J. K. Rowlings and the Stephen Kings – authors who are able to command an audience large enough to do nothing but write, full-time.
Making enough to write for a living is the dream, and it is a good dream. It’s why so many people keep trying to get published. And aspiring authors know that it is possible – statistically unlikely, but possible – to live this dream through the mechanism of publishing, because there are all these success stories, the kinds you experience when you watch a Harry Potter movie, or when you buy a Twilight book. And while they don’t say this explicitly, they believe alternatives like digital publishing aren’t viable mechanisms for success because there is no proof of success.
But that doesn’t make sense, does it? Because there are so many writers jostling for publication, it becomes increasingly unlikely that none of them would ever become successful. And so when people look at self-publishing and say that it’s rubbish, what they don’t understand is that it doesn’t seem like a viable alternative – because there are comparatively few people doing it.
My contention is that the more writers move to digital publishing (that is – they publish and sell on the Internet before approaching a traditional publisher) the odds that some of them succeed increases proportionately.
By Eli James | Also posted in Pandamian | Comments (13)
Thursday, 28 October, 2010
Passing the Hat: Soliciting Donations in Web Fiction
Cecilia Tan is the editor of Circlet Press, and a couple of other things besides (psst – I’ll let her introduce herself, in a bit!) Today, she’s going to share with you several things she’s learnt about making a donation model work in web fiction.
Hello, everyone. I’m Cecilia Tan, writer and editor. For those who don’t know me, I’ve been publishing fiction professionally for almost 20 years. Short stories, novels, magazine serials, microfictions, you name it. Last year I started my own web fiction serial, Daron’s Guitar Chronicles, and I’m here today to tell you how my donation model has evolved over time from a passive “tip jar” approach to actively “passing the hat.”
The street musician analogy is an apt one, as the novel is about a rock musician coming out in the 1980s. Daron’s Guitar Chronicles turns one year old next week, but the novel that is its source was written when I was in grad school 16 years ago.
What I didn’t know then, in my MFA writing classes, was that I had no clue how to write a novel. I dove into writing DGC without realizing that the writing workshop format of five pages per week would push me unconsciously to create a story told not in traditional-length chapters but in 1000-1250 word episodes. I also had no idea how to wrestle a plot to the ground and simple kept writing until I had tripled the length of a typical commercial novel and forced myself to stop at 300,000 words.
In the meanwhile I had made a name for myself as a short story writer. HarperCollins published my first collection of short stories. The “novel” made the rounds of literary editors, pop culture editors (the book has a rock and roll theme), as well as the gay publishing houses (the protagonist is gay). All said the same thing: we love it, but we can’t publish something that huge.
A few said they might be able to “take a chance” on it if I were willing to take a $2,000 (or lower!) advance.
I had a strong feeling that for $2,000 I could do better than a place that would “take a chance.” I put the novel in a drawer and waited.
What I was waiting for was the perfect medium to present the work. As it turns out, a web serial is just about perfect! What were too short to be “chapters” are now “posts.” The pop culture aspect of the work is easily added through embeddable Youtube videos. And, serendipitously, the first person style of narration turned out to lend itself perfectly to reader engagement. Readers, it turned out, more often left comments addressed to my protagonist than to me. So I created him an account and let him answer them. This has only made regular commenters on the site even more invested in his character development and the details of his life, which after all is what the book is about.
The next step for me, though, was how to turn that reader engagement into dollars. When I launched the site in November 2009, I put up a “tip jar” and a Paypal “donate” button and wondered what would happen. I couldn’t run Project Wonderful ads until the site had been up for three months, so there was no income there. And my first “over the transom” donation didn’t come until the end of January 2010, and it was for $20. If my goal was to top the $2,000 that a publisher would have given me to orphan my book in literary first novel obscurity… well, at that rate it would take me 25 years.
I changed my strategy then, following a tactic that I had seen on many webcomics sites. Instead of posting three episodes a week, I cut back to two, promising a third episode any week when donations reached the threshold of $25. After that, I saw a tiny uptick in donations that was probably less about the “incentive” and more that readership was increasing, and donations were increasing proportionally. I could see through my Google analytics that every week I had more readers than the previous, on a fairly slow but steady increase. The uptick was to the tune of about $25 per month.
In other words, to get to my $2,000 goal, it was now going to take… 80 months, or 6+ years. I didn’t have 6 years worth of content, and if I slowed my burn rate any more, I feared I’d lose readers’ interest. Even accounting for a steady but slow increase in readership and donations, the rate of increase was still quite low. The “bonus post for money” incentive never really caught fire.
Then a miracle happened.
By Eli James | Also posted in Guest Bloggers | Comments (20)
Kickstarter – a New Model for Indie Publishing
Kickstarter is a website for ‘funding and following creativity’. I’d never actually given the site much attention (even if I knew of one or two projects, by acquaintances, funded through the site) until – well, two days ago I stumbled onto a discussion on Kickstarter’s growing influence in the independent book world, and everyone seemed pretty positive about the service. So I decided to check it out.
Kickstarter’s core idea is simple: you post a creative project to their site, put up a description (and very often: a video), and then you set a series of pledge levels that show to the right of your project page. These levels indicate what backers get in return for specific amounts of money. For instance, this book project promises an autographed copy for $20, an 8×10 print (and book!) for $30, and an acknowledgment (plus doodle and print and book!) for $100.
The genius here is that these pledges happen before your book’s published, with absolutely no risk for all involved. Your book will be funded by the usual crowd of backers: mostly your readers, some fans and perhaps several Kickstarter community members. And if you can’t raise the minimum, your project closes, the page disappears, and nobody need pay up.
There have been a number of striking book projects done through Kickstarter. Craig Mod, for instance, has published a run of handcrafted, silkscreened books with Kickstarter fundraising; Robin Sloan (of Snarkmarket fame), managed to get $13,942 to fund the writing of a novel. From his project page:
I’m writing a book: a detective story set halfway between San Francisco and the internet. And the more people who reserve a copy, the better each one will be!
I’m beginning to think that Kickstarter (and websites like it, that I assume will appear in the future) are going to play a prominent role in independent publishing – maybe in one or two years, but certainly for a long time to come. And how can they not? It makes perfect economic sense for both reader and writer. If a writer has to earn the privilege of getting paid for his work, then this model delights in that exchange, and rewards the avid reader. (Imagine: being able to chip in, for your favourite author! How fulfilling! How incredible!)
But I also find it very cool – the very idea that you can help support your favourite writers as they produce and publish good books – books you already love, because you’re reading them online. This idea is wonderful, I think, and brilliant, and so befitting of the kind of closeness the Internet is able to afford its readers; its writers.
Digression: there’s actually a space right now for a service that enables closer reader-writer relationships – the kind of relationships that encourage a ‘you fund me, I’ll make good books for you’ ethos. Current solutions are good, but things can be, and will be, much better, given the right technical backbone. My bet is that Kickstarter has the seed of this in its model. All that remains is to think about this and tease it out a little.
I’ll be looking for a few Kickstarter authors to come write on Novelr in the future – in particular the ones who have successfully funded the publication (and sometimes even the writing) of their books. In the meantime, I’d recommend that you consider Kickstarter for funding. And maybe not for large, $10,000 runs, but it seems perfectly fair to begin with a small print of carefully-bound books, shipped to a loyal pool of delighted readers.
Oh, and a random thought: perhaps – as more web fiction writers stumble onto the idea of publishing with Kickstarter, we’ll begin to see an increasing number of links on Novelr to their respective project pages. Which I look forward to, and – I suppose – can only be a good thing.
By Eli James | Also posted in Publishing | Comments (15)
Wednesday, 25 August, 2010
“A Small Industry Sitting Atop a Huge Hobby”
Here’s a heretical thought: suppose we never find a way for making money from online fiction?
I was walking back from campus the other day with Yipeng (who’s the technical lead for Pandamian, by the way, and is generally sharp about such things) and he asked me: “Is there any way to make money from … this web fiction thing?”
I paused for a bit, thinking about where to begin. “Well, yes and no.” I said, “There are some ideas floating around. One of them is to release the book for free, in web form, and sell the ebook and dead-tree versions.” – a pause as I think – “And perhaps another one is to sell merchandise around the book. Or sell signings and book tours.” – another pause – “The truth is that we don’t know.”
And we still don’t. Digital content is a chaotic, uncomfortable business to be in. Most working business models in this space have yet to be discovered, and the ones that do work are these odd, vertical stacks that few companies may tap into (e.g.: the iTunes store, and now maybe the Kindle/iBookstore – both with their own devices). Newspapers are feeling the worse of it, but books and music aren’t that far behind.
But I wonder now: suppose the majority of digital, for-entertainment writing is impossible to monetize? Or that – if it were monetizable, the money would go to a small circle of skilled/lucky authors, sitting atop a food chain of other less-profitable, digital writers?
I’m kidding myself, of course – such a future is likely to be inevitable. In all areas of human effort there will be a small number of successful/lucky people, a small number of very unlucky people, and a vast majority of what I shall call – for want of a better term – middleness. Digital publishing seems unlikely to escape the bell-curve that governs everything else.
What interests me is this idea that the bell-curve in publishing, so far, has existed because of the shape of the traditional publishing industry. In other words, the authors that get promoted to the top depend on which authors the publishing houses like the best. This is not true for all cases, and there are market forces to think about, but it is certainly true for many. In digital publishing there are fewer barriers-to-entry for the prospective author. In this version of a bookfuture – what factors determine the kinds of authors that get to the top?
I can hazard only a few guesses. The most successful authors are likely to be the ones who can best create and manage large communities. How they’ll do that is unclear to me, but it’s likely that the author will have some way of gathering his or her audience. It’s also likely that this way would be tied to or enabled by a publishing company.
I’ll also take a stab at it and say that the publishing houses of the future would endorse certain digital writers over others. The good news is that it’s easier to pick the winners in a flat market like the Internet. The bad news is that publisher-support would probably remain the defining factor for whether an author makes it to the big-time. And without such leverage, the rest of the writers would still be left without any way to make significant money from their work.
This isn’t a bad thing, really. Writer V. J. Chambers left a comment in an earlier Novelr post that struck me as true:
… I want to scream at people, “Getting paid for making art is not a right. It is a privilege.”
I’m beginning to think that this is the right way of looking at things. If you’re a writer, and you publish good stuff online, and you get paid huge sums of money for it, you’re a lucky (nay, privileged) person indeed. And if you’re not – so what? You’re still doing what you love. Maybe the money’s just enough to cover your server costs. Maybe it’s enough to buy you an occasional t-shirt. It shouldn’t matter, because that isn’t as bad as it sounds.
Richard Nash argued that publishing is a ‘small industry sitting atop a huge hobby’. If we take that hobby to be writing, then what you have in the Internet is a tool that enables you to find people who love your writing, and who would love to talk about it with you. Never before in the history of publishing has this level of interaction been so attainable. And as a writer, I find this idea to be incredibly fulfilling.
If not being able to make money means I can talk to more readers … well maybe that’s not such a bad trade-off after all.
By Eli James | Also posted in Publishing | Comments (4)
Wednesday, 2 June, 2010
The Adams Theory Of Content Value
Scott Adams (yes – the same guy who does the Dilbert comic strips) wrote a blog post yesterday titled The Adams Theory of Content Value. He asserts that: “as our ability to search for media content improves, the economic value of that content will approach zero.” Which is a fancy way of saying things will become free because people will be better able to find good alternatives to the current non-free stuff. To wit:
At the moment, plenty of people still pay for media content. Those reasons will evaporate. Let’s consider books. Most people still prefer old-timey tree-based books, but the Kindle and other ebook readers are eating into that preference quickly. I haven’t yet heard of anyone buying a Kindle and later returning to a preference for regular paper books. It appears to be a one way ride. The Kindle, and similar devices, are designed for buying legal copies of books, which is a doomed attempt to forestall the inevitability of all media content becoming free.
I’m not sure why this notion makes me so uncomfortable. It could be because I’m supportive of writers making money off of their content, or it could be because I’m also building something that may go that way.
My immediate, almost visceral reaction to this is to argue that there is value in commercially-created content. I think of software when I make this argument: free, open-source software has existed for years, and yet consumers have historically opted to buy closed-source products over free, open source ones (e.g: the iPad, and the variant of OSX that runs on it).
But that doesn’t make sense. Software isn’t exactly the kind of content we’re talking about – people don’t need a book or a game or a song the same way they need Microsoft Office. And I suspect open-source software isn’t as widely adopted simply because its creators (i.e.: bored geeks) don’t spend enough time optimizing for non-geek users. So this is one argument that’s fairly easy to discredit.
But then where does this leave us? It leaves me with my original discomfort, certainly. It is true lately that content is a bad business to be in, and whatever business models there are that are working are vastly different from merely ‘selling’ content. iTunes works, but then they’re not really a store – some have described it as a tollbooth; a gateway that charges you at a rate below your threshold of attention. And even if that were not true, iTunes still sells its albums at a price-point lower than albums were sold pre-Internet. If we extrapolate this, we’d probably have to accept Adams’s theory as the logical end-point for the value of content.
I’m still not sure if he’s right, because the argument sounds a little odd to me. And I can’t figure that out. It’s simple, but is it too simplistic? I’d like your help here. What do you think?
PS: Sorry for the lack of updates. I’ve been spending the last three weeks programming (and all the learning that goes with that) for Pandamian. This post is my way of easing out of code and into the text editor – updates are forthcoming, I assure you.
Making Money From Online Fiction – I’ve Done It, So Can You
Nobody in the online fiction sphere has experimented with business models as much as MCM has. Originally the creator of childrens’ TV series RollBots, he writes (and sometimes illustrates) books for kids like TorrentBoy and The Pig and the Box. His latest work/experiment is an adult novel called The Vector, which runs on a format he calls ‘Serial+’ (continue reading, he’ll explain). Here he talks about how he’s experimented with the medium, and what you can learn from that experience.
Some men are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. Also, some are mentally unstable, and actively seek out disaster. That, in a nutshell, is me and publishing.
I’ve been writing fiction online for over three years now, and I’ve tried countless publishing business models, with some great successes and horrible failures. I endeavour to be the guinea pig for authors everywhere, testing the theories others are too scared to try. It takes a lot of patience, but it’s very rewarding. Here’s a bit of what I’ve learned
This is fairly obvious, but I think it’s greatly overlooked. Possibly the most important thing you can do when starting a project is to know who your audience is, and what they’re looking for. Taken to an extreme, this could be called pandering, but that’s not what you’re trying to do. You know that expression that goes “you can’t break the rules until you know what they are”? Same idea. You can’t push the boundaries of a sub-genre unless you know which sub-genre you’re writing.
But it’s more than substance. Certain niches don’t work in certain media, and can spell disaster for your release plans. One of my series, The SteamDuck Chronicles, sold in amazing volume in e-book format, but bombed badly in print. If I’d taken the time to really understand how my niche audience worked, I would have known they weren’t interested in paper, and saved myself some money. Ignoring that tiny bit of research meant my first 30 sales went to offsetting the Print on Demand set-up costs. You don’t want to do that to yourself.
Free Works
One of my most popular titles is “TorrentBoy: Zombie World!”. It’s available in print and e-book, and just like all my other projects, it’s completely free. You can read from start to finish on my website without any obstacles, and over 250,000 people have already done so. Obviously, I’m losing lots of money on it, right? Wrong.
In the three months since it was released, TorrentBoy has earned over $9,700 in profit, almost entirely from donations. In fact, even though 99.8% of my readers don’t pay a thing for the experience, the ones that do are spending more than I would have earned from royalties under any conventional model. And the only reason they donate is because they can see the whole picture. You can’t count the non-payers as lost income, because in all likelihood, they wouldn’t pay anyway. Worse yet, if you obsess on them too much, you’re going to scare away your true customers. They’re an endangered species, and you can’t afford to mess around with their generosity.
Focus Efforts
When you’re building your website, it’s easy succumb to what developers call “feature creep.” Every new widget or feature or side-issue that you come across gets squeezed into your page design, often at the expense of the content itself. You have to make sure nothing is distracting from the text. Hosting may be expensive, and ads may pave the way to stability, but if you overload the reader’s senses when they’re trying to browse, you’re losing business.
To help test these theories, I created a special Reader site, which lets you read any of my books in whatever languages they’re available in. The design removes everything but the content from immediate view, with chapter navigation and title information one click away. Since the switch, my “rate of completion” (how many people actually finish the book) has jumped from around 40% to 98%, and both donations and sales are up (230% and 180% respectively). As a trial, I create a parallel version of the site, adding a right-hand column with navigation and tombstone information, and made it display for a random subset of visitors. The result? Smaller gains over the traditional model: 10% for donations and 0.3% for sales. The fewer distractions, the better off you’ll be.
Streamline Donations
I’ve tried PayPal buttons in various places around my sites, and this is what I know: a link in the right sidebar gets clicked 0.21% of the time. The same button in the left sidebar gets clicked 0.01% of the time. The link can be “below the fold” (not visible when the page first loads), but too far down and your click rate drops to zero. Putting the link inline almost never works (0.002%), and at the start of the text, it’s utterly useless (0%). Placing a link at the bottom of a chapter or page often works, but you need to be careful that the reader feels a sense of closure when they see that link. Cliffhangers and wrap-ups work nicely (1.1%), but if you’re just arbitrarily cutting the text mid-stream, those links never get clicked. And sometimes you get hate mail.
Another thing to consider is not using the PayPal icons at all. If you create your own button, or apply the “email link” code to plain text, those tend to outperform the branded icons 2:1. Again, don’t overwhelm readers with too many options in too many places. My Reader site places a “thanks!” page at the end of each book, with several donation options to choose from. Since it went live, donations have increased to almost 3% across the board. It’s simple, inoffensive, but blunt, and it does far better business than overcrowding ever did.
Consider a Serial, or Serial+
Serializing a novel is a great way to build brand loyalty (where the brand is you). It’s largely psychological, but I’ve found that readers who come back to you regularly for two or three months will tend to convert from “casual observer” to something approaching “fan”. But the interesting thing is, they don’t need to be coming back for new stuff, just more of the same. Serializing creates an artificial need to return to your site, thereby boosting your fan levels. For my serialized novel Fission Chips, I’ve seen a great shift in the profile of my readership over the last month and a half. Of my 10,000+ readers, 814 are now in the category I’d call “dedicated fans”, visiting not just that site, but reading my other titles as well. After the first two weeks, that number was only 12.
Another variation on this theme is what I call Serial+. In it, you release your book on a schedule (new chapters every Monday and Wednesday, for example), but put a footnote after the latest chapter informing the readers that at this rate, it will take them until some distant date to finish the story. If they want to skip ahead, they can donate a reasonable sum, and get the full story unlocked right away. In early testing, this model has an astounding conversion rate of 72%. If your writing is compelling, people will probably “upgrade” when they can’t take waiting anymore.
Be Nimble
The biggest handicap for major publishing companies is their inability to react to subtle shifts in the marketplace. Strangely, most indie authors actively emulate this mindset, even when they have no reason to. Never get stuck in one mode for too long. If you’re seeing resistance to a certain approach, look at ways to change. You’re writing fiction online here: tradition already says you’re the scum of the Earth. Don’t feel beholden to it for any reason. Do what needs to be done, and be prepared to shift your weight when the time comes.
MCM writes at 1889.ca, and he’s also heavily invested in the future of online fiction. See a full collection of his works here.
Why Free Isn’t Free – Or At Least, Not Really
Chris Anderson announced two days ago that his new book, Free, would be released free to the unwashed masses, beginning with an upload to the online document site Scribd. When I first linked to it two days ago the Scribd site worked fine and I was able to read it all the way through to page 23 on the site’s online reader. That experience is no longer possible. As of yesterday Free is no longer free for all: it is currently available in the US and to US citizens only; other people, like me, from countries outside the US will have to make-do with a most unwelcoming Free page from Scribd:
I don’t like this, of course, though I don’t think Anderson’s got any say in the matter: he blogged recently to confess that he’s limited by the way global book-rights work, and that there’s nothing he can do about it at the moment. Here’s a thought, though: why not publish the digital versions of Free under a Creative Commons license, distribute that through as many publisher-sanctioned channels as possible, and then reap the benefits this liberalization would bring to both him and his publisher? I cannot answer that question, nor can I profess to know the minds of the publishing people behind Hyperion … but it’s worked for several books published by (now defunct) The Friday Project, and I’m sure it can work for Free.
But … Why Publisher Sanctioned?
Notice that I suggested publisher sanctioned channels of distribution, and not JUST channels of distribution. This slight distinction brings us to the topic of today’s post, which is, namely: if you make something free, and you allow users access to downloaded copies of your work, should you encourage file sharing between users and prospective new readers? Should you mind, even if you’re not in this for the money?
The short answer to that is yes, you should; but the long answer is no, you shouldn’t. And I think it’s pretty obvious, what I’m going to tell you today, but the right answer to the above question also depends on why you’re writing and publishing on the Internet. Let’s begin with the basics: the first thing that springs to mind when we’re talking about file sharing is piracy, and recently Gavin Williams and John/RavenProject had a discussion on Novelr about whether sharing an already free file was considered piracy.
I didn’t have a good answer back then, but I do have one now – and the answer is yes. Let’s face it: why are things free on the Internet? Things are free on the Internet because people expect things to be free, and because they expect things to be free you get more eyeballs whenever you meet this expectation. This is a remarkably old economic truth, to be honest: people are attracted to free things regardless of whether you’re talking about baubles or condoms, and free things on the Internet are, quite frankly, irresistible. (I’ve lost track of the number of ebooks I’ve downloaded as a direct result of the writer making it a limited-time offer, so go figure).
But the thing about offering free products is that you’re not really expecting zero returns. Free downloads earn you human attention, and human attention is the real currency of the Internet. You may not consider it particularly valuable, nor may you consider it particularly helpful when the landlord comes knocking for the rent, but publishers and independent content producers would do well to sit up and take notice of this untapped resource – human attention usually leads to community, and community in turn leads to a captive audience … always a good thing to have on hand if and when you finally decide to monetize your online efforts.
If you’re a one-man show it would make sense to distribute things for free and remain ambivalent to torrenting/filesharing amongst your users. You will, after all, gain hopeful readers. But if you’re a publisher, or if you’re in this for the long-run – serious no shit I want to make money kinda long run – then controlling your free distribution matters as much as making your products free in the first place. File sharing builds no community. Stay away from it.
Saturday, 23 May, 2009
The Variant: How Previews Can Work In Online Fiction
Yesterday screenwriter and director John August released a short story titled The Variant. It’s a spy thriller – 23 pages long, priced at 99 cents for download and available either as a pdf file or as a Kindle ebook. What I found curious about the whole affair was that August had released The Variant along with a 13-page pdf file preview … which was something I couldn’t understand. Not too long ago I talked about why fiction previews (or Pay-Per-Chapter) would not work for online fiction. Was Mr August a dinosaur, unaware of the arguments against this model? I headed over to his site to find out …
… and ended up buying a copy.
Something strange happened then and there. August got me – a person diametrically opposed to the idea of partial previews – to plonk down cash for a 23 page short story. This doesn’t make any sense, not from what we know of the indie online-fiction marketplace. I argued two weeks ago that selling fiction in small, bite-sized pieces did not work online, simply because much of the digital commerce that happens today rely on goodwill and trust between user and creator. In the comments to that same post Pete Tzinsky added the observation that reading fiction demands a significant emotional investment from the reader, and that most people aren’t prepared to make such an investment for an ending they might not even like. Readers don’t want to pay money for short epistolary updates, and even if they do, they certainly won’t pay money to an unknown scribe writing away in the dark corners of the Internet.
And yet … despite all that, despite even the fact that I hated having an ending held from me – John August got my money. And I loved him for it.
There are two differences between my prior argument and what happened with John August. The first was that August’s The Variant was just 23 pages long – the length of a typical New Yorker essay. I was indeed making an emotional investment, but it was considerably less than that of a novel. More importantly, this kind of length enabled me to anticipate the quality of the ending, and in that regard August completely bowed me over. The Variant is a brilliant short story. It is well written, beautifully executed, and entirely suited to on-screen reading. That last comment may not sound like a big compliment … but it is – within the first 13 pargraphs there are two meaty hooks cleverly written so as to compel you to continue reading, to find out what happens next. This is writing tailor-made for the flat screen monitor: fast, frenetic and full of unanswered curiousities, with the promise of answers lying tantalizingly beyond the horizon (or, in this case, the Paypal purchase). John August is one heck of a smart writer, with a deft gift for the grip and the run.
The 2nd difference was that The Variant was cheap. More than cheap, it was easy to buy. Consider: if you were a US citizen your entire transaction experience would be one-click on your iPhone, and in my case it took me less than a minute to have the pdf file delivered to my computer. I finished the story feeling satisfied with my purchase – The Variant was well worth the $.99 I chose to spend on it.
So what can we take away from this particular episode? First, that fiction previews can work, but only under two conditions:
The work must be short
The work must be appropriately priced
Second, that setting up shop by a steady stream of potential readers could be the best way of leveraging the Long Tail to your advantage. This is, after all, a textbook case of obscure writer finding a (paying) audience through the Internet. And that’s no small thing indeed.
So are there drawbacks to this business model? Sure they are. 99 cents for a short story is too little to live on, and I doubt many writers are willing to hop onto this bandwagon for so low a work/pay ratio. But it’s a start, and not a bad one … the only thing left to prove my last posts right would be for some Variant-loving kid to go upload a copy to a torrent site, and have everyone read that for free.
Living with Piracy (Edited)
Note: this post has been edited. The ideas expressed here remain essentially the same as in the original post, though I’ve now rewritten several paragraphs for better clarity and structure. And, yes, I know – I’m a perfectionist, and this isn’t healthy. But we all have our OCD moments, no?
The New York Times’s got a funny little article about ebook pirating, published 11th May and online long enough to have garnered a respectable amount of blogosphere reactions. Of the authors interviewed for the article I like Stephen King’s the most, who says (in particularly King-ian fashion):
“The question is, how much time and energy do I want to spend chasing these guys (…) and to what end? My sense is that most of them live in basements floored with carpeting remnants, living on Funions and discount beer.”
You gotta love Mr. King for something like that. His comment underscores a bigger debate that’s beginning to pick up, particularly over the past two weeks: people are sitting up and talking about ebook piracy, especially now that ebooks have become viable merchandise. Reactions differ according to group: most traditionally-published authors see piracy as a threat; newer, younger authors (like old-time blogger Cory Doctorow) think that obscurity is a bigger problem.
There are better people than me out there who are thinking and grappling with this issue, so let’s take a quick look at who’s saying what in the wild web before we go on:
1. Readers apparently revolted against David Baldacci’s latest novel, after Amazon announced that it would charge $15.00 for the digital version. Reason for the revolt? They thought it was too expensive. Most people, apparently, think that since you no longer need to spend money on printing, marketing, and distributing ebooks you can afford to sell them at cheaper prices. Some publishers are now worried that these reader expectations will ruin them; the others believe that making ebooks cheap will increase the number of purchases, therefore enabling publishers to continue making reasonable money.
2. So what happens if publishers refuse to lower their prices? The Freakonomics people weigh in:
When digital music fans were confronted with this problem, they just made illegal copies. If Amazon keeps prices above $10, might we soon see a spate of e-book piracy? Or perhaps people simply don’t care enough about books to steal them.
3. Textbook author Peter Wayner confesses in a Nytimes blog post that he’s not sure what he should do, after discovering a pirated copy of one of his books online. He also talked about the issue in his personal blog, where he appears bemused by the whole episode. What I find particularly interesting here isn’t the post itself … it’s the reader reactions to Wayner’s predicament. Here are some choice responses:
“It’s not piracy. It’s re-tweeting.” –DH94114
“Sorry you feel the need to be paid for your ideas. I write poems and share them all the time, like most every poet I’ve known, with little hope or expectation of payment.” – Jed Brandt
Why not stop calling these people ”˜pirates’? There’s nothing romantic about them — they are just thieves. – SB
“Personally, I am happy to pay for music and books, or if not I don’t buy them. I like that the Beatles sold enough records to stop performing and produce work like “Sgt Pepper’s.” I like reading books that clearly took a long time to write. I like The New York Times. Yes, we need a new revenue model. But only because technology and greed have made it newly easy to steal with low likelihood of prosecution, not because there’s been some marvelous and freeing change in the philosophy of information.” – Josh
Piracy Makes Sense … And It Can’t Be Killed
Digital piracy is as old as the Internet itself, and I’m pretty certain we’ve all come across piracy in some form or another in all the time we’ve spent online. If you’re like me, you’ve probably touched or used something counterfeit in your life, at least once – whether it’s a cracked copy of Halo or a bootlegged version of Word, or even a burnt CD of favourite songs passed from friend to friend. The truth about piracy is that we’ve all grown used to it. We may not agree with it, and we may not download illegal copies of books, movies or music. But most of us do recognize that pirated work is but a Google search away, and so we carry out our Internet activities around this the same way pedestrians on their way to work may avert their eyes from the homeless inebriate sleeping on a bench by the coffee shop.
I believe that it is wrong to steal, particularly when the work you’re stealing is the result of so much effort by the author concerned. But while I think that, I also believe that piracy is not preventable; and that it cannot be stopped. I say that any effort to destroy piracy on the Internet is doomed to failure simply because piracy – on the Internet, at least – makes so much sense. And so it does – to the students and the USENET users; to the fans and the media bloggers – piracy is a way of life. It is a logical end-point of the democracy and the anonymity of the web, two things that today’s Internet citizenry have grown up with. I believe that it’s not so much a result of human failure as it is a result of the systems that power the web: systems that just coincidentally fit the requirements for a good pirating operation to a tee. Stopping piracy would mean changing the very way the Internet works – which is absolutely crazy, not to mention entirely impossible. Till that (or some external change) happens we’ll have to live with semi-anonymous downloaders, with torrent files, and with an ubiquitous network of USENET servers.
But living with piracy isn’t as bad as you might suppose. Let’s indulge in a thought experiment: suppose we have to prove that piracy is a bad thing, but instead of making it a matter of ownership and principle, let us say that piracy is only bad if there is a proven harm effect. So then the next question to ask would be: what percentage of sales is lost to piracy? This is the only quantifiable measurement that hurts producers, frankly, and it is unfortunate that this very measurement is impossibly difficult to record. A certain portion of book/album sales may well be lost to piracy, but over time these lost sales usually contribute to something equally important in the online sphere – human attention. People who might not have otherwise heard of you would now be able to sample your work, if only through the bootlegged copies of your work floating around the Internet, and there’s a possibility that a portion of them later become fans and evangelists.[1] Similarly, people who are happy to ‘steal’ from you are likely to be equally happy with buying t-shirts and attending concerts and helping out with financial contributions over the same period of time … all this resulting in you eventually making money from your work.
The proactive approach to piracy
Piracy isn’t all bad. Quite a number of people in more matured online marketplaces (i.e., software and music) have survived and profited in an environment that favours piracy. The first step to dealing with it – as an online writer – is to take piracy as a given. If you’re producing content on the Internet, expect some piracy, particularly so if you’re good. The second step, however, is harder: you’ll have to walk a fine line between what you’re willing to give away and what you’d like your readers to pay for. How you communicate this is tricky. Let’ s take a look at two examples (both of which have appeared on Novelr before):
Johnathan Coulton, the web musician, is up-front about piracy: on his site, above his store, is the following note:
Lots of (music) is freely available depending on how technical you are – you can get all of it for free if you really try. But please remember I do make a living this way, so you like what you hear I’d certainly appreciate you throwing a little payment or donation my way. If you can’t afford it, for goodness sake please send copies of everything to all of your friends.
He also has a ‘Already Stole It?’ subheader above his mp3 page, which says:
No problem. If you’d like to donate some cash, you can do so through Amazon or Paypal. Or for something slightly more fun, purchase a robot, monkey or banana that will be displayed here with your message.
The second example I’d like to talk about is that of Panic, the makers of ‘shockingly good Mac software’. They’ve been doing it for the good part of 10 years now, and the best way they’ve found to tackle piracy has been to pop up a gentle reminder whenever a user enters a pirated product code, explaining to them that a) their code is from a pirated source, and b) Panic is a small, independent company, and it’d help them very much if you head over to the site and purchase one of your own.
Most of the time, they say, the user does just that.
1.Incidentally, some forward-thinking publishers have learnt to boost book sales by releasing a digital version for free, online. These promotions only happen for select titles, however, and for select periods (plus they’re usually for genre fiction and genre fiction only). The logic is that people getting free books online will buy paper versions because paper is more preferable (they last longer, they don’t suffer from battery issues and they’re easier to read). And indeed this has proven to be true, at least for the time being. ↩
Friday, 1 May, 2009
Why Pay-Per-Chapter Sucks
I’m surprised at the number of people who still sell their fiction with a pay-by-installment model. The format is pretty simple to understand: I’ll give you a free first chapter, and then you need to pay me small amounts of money to read the subsequent ones. Some variations, however, are a lot nastier than you’d suppose: the writer puts 30 out of 35 chapters online, and then they spring a nasty surprise on everyone at the very end of their project: you need to pay $1 per chapter for the last 5 chapters! The ending’s not free, you suckers!
And I hate this. I think it’s stupid, and it’s ignorant, and that it does little for both the writer’s reputation and the good reader’s trust. The truth is that the Internet simply cannot tolerate pay-by-installment methods … and the one or two writers who think otherwise better get used to that, and quick. It’s been 9 years since Stephen King failed to get his readers to pay for The Plant. It’s about time people stop thinking they can sell their work like this.
But what are the problems with this format, and why? Apart from the obvious arrogance (how good do you think you are, to deserve my money?) I’m beginning to think that this model is but a mistaken carry-over from the software world – you know, the one where you download a trial edition and you pay to unlock the full version. But let’s be honest, shall we? Nobody – and I really mean nobody – previews a novel for a 30 day period. The parallels between software and writing vanish when we’re talking about business model, because they simply don’t share the same preconceptions. We don’t bat an eyelid when we’re asked to fork out for an unlock key, especially when we’ve tried out our preview version and we like what we see. But ask the same question after a first chapter? Forget about it, pal – I’m more likely to close the window and roll my eyes than I am to pay you. The only thing such a request accomplishes is that it tells me just how web-savvy you are … and I’m not likely to respect you for it.
The strange thing about the Internet, however, is that the preview idea works when you release the whole book – for free – online. You can then ask for financial contributions, or sell them paper/pdf versions of your book, and you’ll find that people will pay up when you do. There’s a principle at work here, one that works only on the Internet: the more you’re willing to give things out for free, the more likely people are to reward you.
I am now sick of online writers emailing and offering me previews of their work … but only after a small payment. The last one who did had a Flash website – a Flash website! – and a badly designed one at that. It was bad enough to demand $1 payments for chapters 2 onwards … but to sell his work in Flash? That meant he didn’t trust me – or any of his potential readers – with copyable, piratable html. I closed his site within 30 seconds and deleted the email soon after.
The Internet’s an exciting place to write, really. You’ll meet amazing people, you’ll find new things to do, and there’s a boatload more new business models just waiting to be discovered. Just – please, you know? Don’t be selfish.
Note: if you want payment models that work, try reading up on MCM’s Novel+ format or John August’s Variant model.
By Eli James | Also posted in Writing Web Fiction | Comments (32)
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2269
|
__label__cc
| 0.741552
| 0.258448
|
Fish - Tropical Fish - Triggerfish Photos, Pictures & Images
Image: 1 to 48 of 58 - Page: 1 2 NEXT>>
Titan Triggerfish (Balistoides viridescens) - being cleaned by Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis). Found thoughout the Great Barrier Reef, NW Australia, SE Asia and Indo-central Pacific.
Half-moon Triggerfish (Sufflamen chrysopterum). Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia
Orange-lined Triggerfish (Balistapus undulatus). Also known as Striped Triggerfish or Red-lined Triggerfish. Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia
Blue Triggerfish (Odonus niger). Also known as Red-tooth Triggerfish. Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia
Titan Triggerfish (Balistoides viridescens). Bali, Indonesia. Found thoughout the Great Barrier Reef, NW Australia, SE Asia and Indo-central Pacific.
Titan Triggerfish (Balistoides viridescens) aerating egg cluster. Bali, Indonesia. Found thoughout the Great Barrier Reef, NW Australia, SE Asia and Indo-central Pacific.
Titan Triggerfish (Balistoides viridescens) aerating egg cluster. Bali, Indonesia.Found thoughout the Great Barrier Reef, NW Australia, SE Asia and Indo-central Pacific.
Yellow-margin Triggerfish (Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus) aerating egg cluster. Bali, Indonesia
Yellow-margin Triggerfish (Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus). Bali, Indonesia
Yellow-margin Triggerfish (Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus) - juvenile. Found thoughout the Great Barrier Reef, NW Australia, SE Asia and Indo-central Pacific.
Titan Triggerfish (Balistoides viridescens). Found thoughout the Great Barrier Reef, NW Australia, SE Asia and Indo-central Pacific.
Orange-lined Triggerfish (Balistapus undulatus). Also known as Striped Triggerfish or Red-lined Triggerfish. Found throughout the Indo-West Pacific, including the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Orange-lined Triggerfish (Balistapus undulatus). Also known as Striped Triggerfish or Red-lined Triggerfish. Found throughout the Indo-West Pacific, including the Great barrier Reef, Australia.
Yellow-margin Triggerfish (Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus). Found throughout the Indo-West Pacific, including the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Photo taken at Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia. Within the Coral Triangle.
Yellow-margin Triggerfish (Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus), blowing sand in search of food. Found throughout the Indo-West Pacific, including the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Photo taken at Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia. Within the Coral Triangle.
Schooling Blue Triggerfish (Odonus niger). Also known as Red-tooth Triggerfish. Brown Butterflyfish (Chaetodon kleinii) also in the school. Found throughout the Indo-Central Pacific, including the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
Clown Triggerfish (Balistes conspicillum). Found throughout the Indo-Pacific, including the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
Gilded Triggerfish (Xanthichthys auromarginatus), female. Found at Mauritius to Hawaii, and New Calendonia to Ryukyu Islands. Photo taken at Christmas Island, Australia.
Cleaner Wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus), cleaning a Blue Triggerfish (Odonus niger). Found throughout the Indo-Pacific. Photo taken at Anilao, Philippines. Within the Coral Triangle.
Stock Photo ID: 24M1088-007
Clown Triggerfish (Balistes conspicillum). Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia
Titan Triggerfish (Balistoides viridescens) - possibly courtship behaviour. French Polynesia. Found thoughout the Great Barrier Reef, NW Australia, SE Asia and Indo-central Pacific.
Titan Triggerfish (Balistoides viridescens) - attending nest. French Polynesia. Found thoughout the Great Barrier Reef, NW Australia, SE Asia and Indo-central Pacific.
Juvenile Titan Triggerfish (Balistoides viridescens) hiding inside a tin can in Lembeh Strait, Indonesia. Found thoughout the Great Barrier Reef, NW Australia, SE Asia and Indo-C. Pacific.
Gray Triggerfish (Balistes capriscus). Below a patch of floating sargassum weed in the open ocean offshore Palm Beach County, Florida, USA.
Gray Triggerfish (Balistes capriscus). Below a patch of floating sargassum weed and garbage in the open ocean offshore Palm Beach County, Florida, USA.
Crosshatch Triggerfish (Xanthichthys mento). Socorro Islands also known as Revillagigedo Archipelago, off Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Schooling Spotted Oceanic Triggerfish (Canthidermis maculatus). Found in tropical and sub-tropical oceanic waters of the world, usually in first 300 feet of the water column. Photo taken off Hawaii.
Blenny
Butterflyfish & Coralfish
Clownfish & Anemonefish
Dottyback
Eels, Moray Eel
Fairy Basslet & Anthias
Frogfish & Anglerfish
Grouper, Groper & Cod
Leatherjackets & Filefish
Lionfish & Firefish
Pufferfish & Toadfish
Surgeonfish, Unicornfish
Comet fish
Sea Robin
Squirrelfish & Soldierfish
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2271
|
__label__cc
| 0.688936
| 0.311064
|
Part 36 and interest on future losses
24 January 2011 Andrew-Spencer case report, cpr (0)
A claimant beats his Part 36 offer and gets substantial damages for future losses. Under CPR 36.14(3)(a) he's entitled to "interest on the whole or part of any sum of money (exlcuding interest) awarded at a rate not exceeding 10% above base rate for some or all of the period starting with the date on which the relevant period expired" (emphasis added). Does any sum of money include future losse... [More]
Risk versus Social Benefit - Barnes v Scout Association
24 January 2011 Andrew-Spencer case report (0)
Barnes v Scout Association [2010] EWCA Civ 1476 Mark Barnes was a strapping 13 year old. He played rugby for his county. In Ward LJ’s words “he was the least likely boy to need wrapping in cotton wool”. But Mark was injured whilst playing a game called “Objects in the Dark” with his local Scout troop. This was rather like musical chairs. In... [More]
(Attempted) Murder on the Dancefloor
20 January 2011 Ian-Clarke case report, practice direction (0)
Everett & Another v Comojo UK Ltd t/a the Metropolitan & Others: Liability of nightclub for assault Judgment was handed down in the Court of Appeal on 18 January 2011 in the above case. The case concerned an assault in a upmarket private members nightclub. A waitress working in the club was allegedly assaulted by two patrons. Another patron, and regul... [More]
Mind Your Fingers!
10 January 2011 Rebecca-Grant (0)
Ashford v Somerset County Council 22 November 2010, Yeovil County Court (Unreported) Finger trapping case raises interesting questions concerning a School's duty to its pupils regarding doors The Claimant was a 9 year old primary school student. His last lesson was a drama class with around 15 other pupils. When the lesson ended, his teacher asked the class to line up... [More]
Should sperm donors be entitled to claim joint residency?
20 December 2010 Genevieve-Quierin SA clinical negligence, personal injury (1)
On 15 November 2010, the Court of Appeal adjudicated a custody battle over two children conceived by artificial insemination by a lesbian couple using donated sperm (the case of T v T). In this unusual case, the sperm donor had parental responsibility for the children and applied for further access. In June 2010, a Court at first instance granted the father joint residency, which allowed him ... [More]
No jury trial for personal injuries caused by police
15 December 2010 Geoffrey-Weddell case report, practice direction (0)
According to the authors of both Clerk and Lindsell on Torts and Halsbury’s Laws of England, the tort of false imprisonment is committed whenever a person is unlawfully subjected to a total restraint of movement, no matter how short the period of restraint. Does that mean that if a claimant is restrained during the period of an assault, he can claim for damages for false imprisonment (and so... [More]
Emergency Services: Liability under the Human Rights Act
14 December 2010 Frances-McClenaghan jurisprudence, legislation, personal injury, SA Human Rights (0)
Following Lord Young’s report, personal injury funding is likely to be reduced and, as a consequence, claims under the HRA against emergency services may become more frequent, according to Edward Bishop who recently spoke on the topic at the Personal Injury Bar Association Winter Conference. One advantage of the HRA is that, in contrast to the common law, which adopts different approac... [More]
Quality Care Commission Survey of Maternity Services
13 December 2010 Frances-McClenaghan SA clinical negligence (0)
Maternity services are improving, however there is still more to be done with regards postnatal care, according to a survey by the Quality Care Commission. In December the Quality Care Commission released the results of its latest survey. More than half of all women in England who gave birth in February 2010 responded to the survey, of which 25,000 received maternity services from the 144 NHS Tru... [More]
Uninsured Drivers & Accidents Abroad : Damages & Applicable Law
08 December 2010 Thomas-Crockett case report, LP conflict of laws, EC Regulations, EC Harmonisation (0)
Jacobs v MIB [2010] EWCA Civ 1208 The appellant, (J) was a resident of the United Kingdom; he was injured when he was struck by a car driven by an uninsured driver in Spain. J appealed against a decision that the respondent Motor Insurers' Bureau (M) was obliged to pay him compensation in accordance with Spanish law. J sought to recover compensation from M under the Motor Vehicl... [More]
Limitation Periods and Abuse of Process
06 December 2010 Thomas-Crockett case report, cpr, LP Limitation, personal injury (0)
The Court of Appeal has recently attempted to bring some clarity to this area of the law which had become extremely complex. The Historical Perspective The House of Lords in Horton -v- Sadler (2006) UKHL 27, overturned Walkley -v- Precision Forgings Ltd (1979) 1 W.L.R. 606, and held that s.33 of the Limitation Act 1980 gave a wide and unfettered discretion in relation to the second acti... [More]
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2275
|
__label__wiki
| 0.799845
| 0.799845
|
Lifestyle Letter
Local’s Choice
Culinary Creations
Local Limelight
Driver’s Notebook
Artist’s Palette
First Down Philanthropy
Larry Fitzgerald’s Game-Changing Charity
Article Danielle Accovelli Photography Provided
Many of us know Larry Fitzgerald Jr. as the Arizona Cardinals’ elite wide receiver; a player dedicated to his team who consistently gives his all during each game. Off the field, Fitzgerald gives his all to the community, putting that same energy, passion and dedication seen on game day into his thriving charity organization, The Larry Fitzgerald First Down Fund.
Inspiration first struck Fitzgerald to start an organization that would help struggling kids and families in the community when he lost his mother, Carol Fitzgerald, to breast cancer in 2003.
“My mom was really involved in the Minneapolis community, so I wanted to do something that could impact my own community here in Arizona,” shares Fitzgerald. “So that was my First Down Fund, and every single year we try to do something to raise awareness for breast cancer and also for the youth.”
While Fitzgerald might have already been a big name on the Cardinals roster by the time he started The First Down Fund, the organization had much humbler roots.
“I really had small goals at first, I just wanted to get some computer labs and start some programs to help kids along the way, and over the years it just continued to grow,” tells Fitzgerald.
Always one to dream big and achieve even bigger, Fitzgerald devoted countless hours to ensuring that his organization continued to be a valuable resource for children in both his community and around the world.
“I just continue to work hard. For me, it’s something that I’m very proud of—to know that I am giving. I want to go and make a positive impact on the people coming after me,” he says.
Although originally from Minnesota, as a Cardinals player, Fitzgerald holds the Phoenix community in a special place in his heart. Not only does he work to give back to the city, but he also enjoys being part of the community, getting to know the residents and holding fun events for youth in hopes of inspiring them to become successful, flourishing members of society.
Recently, Fitzgerald has joined forces with ProCamps to hold the Albertsons Larry Fitzgerald Football ProCamp once a year. During this two-day camp, kids from all over the Valley get the chance to work with Fitzgerald, receive expert football instruction and participate in daily games and skills contests. Much more than just a football camp, the program gives the kids an opportunity to get to personally know and interact with Fitzgerald, who serves as both a mentor and role model for working hard and achieving goals and dreams.
“Something I really believe in is our future generations; they are responsible for our country and us, and I want to be able to provide them with the best opportunity and equipment to do that,” he says.
Second Down
As Fitzgerald has a big appetite for making an impact on the community, it would seem fitting that the only way to satisfy that appetite would be to hold a philanthropic dinner party benefitting The First Down Fund. Thus, the concept for Fitz’s Supper Club “Celebrities at Your Service” was born.
“We kind of just came up with this philosophy, and I really like the way it’s run. It gives me the opportunity to be in an intimate setting where I can see everybody and kind of get to meet all the people here to support the fund,” says Fitzgerald.
This year, Fitz’s Supper Club took place at Dominick’s Steakhouse, featuring an art auction of Fitzgerald’s personal travel photography. When speaking of the event, CEO of Dominick’s Steakhouse, Jeff Mastro, had nothing but positive words about Fitzgerald and his charity.
“We thought it would be a great partnership. Larry’s a great football player and a great person and his charity does great work, so we are very happy to host the event.”
And for Fitzgerald, that’s what it’s all about: giving back to the community while having a great time.
Third Down
The real game-changer came, however, when he decided to take The First Down Fund to an international level, partnering with Starkey Hearing Foundation to help fit thousands of underprivileged children with hearing aids. Fitzgerald decided to get personally involved with the Foundation, going on repeated hearing mission trips to Africa and Asia and helping children experience the gift of hearing for the first time, while also finding great joy and satisfaction in knowing he had helped bring hope back into their lives.
“The first time I did a charity mission was actually with Starkey Hearing Foundation, and that changed my perspective on how big and how far of a reach you can have,” says Fitzgerald.
“They really continue to inspire me to dig deep, work hard and make a greater impact myself. Those experiences, those five or six missions that I’ve done with them, they have really been a game-changer for me.”
True to his word, Fitzgerald took what he learned from his mission trips with Starkey Hearing Foundation and began working with Oxfam America, where he and teammate Anquan Boldin traveled to Ethiopia in response to a severe drought they were experiencing. While there, Fitzgerald and Boldin made it their mission to restore life and vibrancy to the community by visiting with farmers, helping plant trees and working alongside the locals to assist in building retaining walls to prevent erosion.
As Fitzgerald says, “I just want to make sure I am doing my part,” whether that be on a local or global scale.
Fourth Down
Back home, Fitzgerald also pays special tribute to his mother by acting as a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society and NFL’s “Crucial Catch Campaign,” which takes place in October during Breast Cancer Awareness month.
“It has been really rewarding for me to know that I am helping, so other people don’t have to loose their mothers or grandmothers or aunts or sisters; that’s really important to me,” says Fitzgerald.
With his tireless efforts in using his NFL platform to raise awareness about Breast Cancer and his unflinching desire to prevent anyone from loosing a loved one to the disease, Fitzgerald is the perfect embodiment of the American Cancer Society’s biggest attribute—hope.
Ultimately, Fitzgerald’s main goal is to provide a solid foundation for children to find what their passion is, and to inspire them to pursue that passion despite all the odds.
“For me, my only goal is to inspire and to be able to equip kids with the things that they need to make them be able to reach their goals and dreams,” he shares.
What drives Fitzgerald to do this is the tight-knit group of people that have supported, inspired and helped him grow throughout his life.
“I was just a young guy with great dreams and aspirations, but you know you have to work hard and reach far for those dreams, and I had a lot of people who were always there to support me along the way and guide me in the right direction,” he says. “I just want to make sure I am doing my part now.”
www.lifestylepubs.com
about us / privacy policy / employment / sitemap / contact us
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2276
|
__label__wiki
| 0.873552
| 0.873552
|
PMEC HEAD OFFICE TEAM
MIGRATION NEWS
PMEC ACTIVITIES
PROFESSIONAL MIGRATION EXPERTS
WORKING VISA
Self Assessment Point Test for Skilled Independent visa
SCHOOL OPTIONS
WORKING HOILDAY
Monash University is one of the Group of Eight in Australia, which was founded in 1961. According to the data supplied by an authoritative organization—TACS. Monash University stands first in prestige, employment, starting salary and so on. It was named the nation’s No.1 university in 1994. The university has 6 campus around Melbourne.
Official Website：http://www.monash.edu.au
Chinese Website: http://www.monash.study.org.au
Charles Darwin University was founded in 1989. The main campus is situated in Darwin at the heart of Australia’s tropical north which is the only university here. CDU is a dual-sector university, which means they offer a full spectrum of education and training opportunities in Higher Education (HE) and Vocational Education and Training (VET).
Official Website：http://www.cdu.edu.au
Chinese Website: http://www.cdu.study.org.au
In 1989, Bond University welcomed its first cohort of 322 students at its brand new, state-of-the-art campus on Queensland’s Gold Coast. Modelled on the traditions of the world’s most elite educational institutions, the vision for Australia’s first private, not-for-profit university was to provide an exclusive educational experience of the highest international standards, under the tutelage of the country’s leading academics.
Official Website：http://www.bond.edu.au
Chinese Website: http://www.bond.study.org.au
Adelaide University
Since its establishment in 1874, the University has produced over 100 Rhodes scholars including Australia's first Indigenous recipient. There are now five Nobel Laureates among its alumni community. The University of Adelaide is a world-class tertiary education and research institution committed to delivering high quality and distinct learning, teaching and research experiences. The main campus of Adelaide University is located at the heart of Adelaide.
Official Website：http://www.adelaide.edu.au
Chinese Website: http://www.adelaide.study.org.au
Email: info@pmec.com.au
Prudential Migration & Education Consultancy Pty Ltd
Suite 106,451 Pitt Street,Sydney,Australia
Monday to Friday 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M
© 2013 PMEC. All Rights Reserved.
Designed by DirectionStudio
Header type:
Style 1 Style 2 (default) Style 3 Style 4
Color suggestions *
Light (Default) Dark
Boxed version?
* May not have full accuracy!
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2285
|
__label__wiki
| 0.79301
| 0.79301
|
Home World > India Independence Day
We’re committed to extend our best possible services for the community
CONSUL GENERAL’S MESSAGE
Md. Noor Rahman Sheikh
ON the occasion of India’s 72nd Independence Day, I extend warm greetings to my fellow Indians living in the Western region of the Kingdom.
We achieved our Independence after much struggle and sacrifice by our countless freedom fighters. Their sacrifice motivates all Indians to love our country and be forever willing to sacrifice even our lives for its honor and integrity. This is also an occasion to glorify the great Indian culture and tradition, which has impressed the whole world.
This year, in the context of India’s 72nd Independence Day and as a tribute to our Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhiji, an exclusive exhibition of Khadi products will also be organized at the Consulate premises on Aug. 15 after the flag hoisting ceremony.
As Haj is on its full swing now, on this occasion, I would also like to wish all the Hajis including from India for a pleasant, safe and comfortable Haj.
India and Saudi Arabia enjoy excellent relations reflecting the centuries old economic and socio-cultural ties. With the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Saudi Arabia in April 2016 and consequent high level visits, the level of bilateral engagement between the two countries has reached new heights.
As India was the Guest of Honor country in the 32nd Janadriyah Festival this year, it has also strengthened our relations further. The existence of over 3 million strong Indian expatriate in the Kingdom and out of which about 1.2 million in the Western region has also immensely contributed in economic and socio-cultural ties between the two countries. The increase in mutual business delegations is a welcome trend.
The government and the people of India are grateful to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman and Haj Minister Dr. Benten for making excellent arrangements for Haj-2018. This year, 1,75,025 Indian nationals will be performing Haj, which is the highest number from India so far. Government of India remains committed to partner closely with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to work towards a very successful Haj 2018.
We would also like to thank the Saudi Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Labor, Interior and the Authorities of Zawazat, Tarheel and other concerned agencies who have always provided best possible assistance to us for the welfare of the Indian community in the Kingdom.
The Consulate has also strengthened its grievance redressal mechanism. The Consulate is now able to issue new passports within 3 working days. We remain committed to extend our best possible services to the Indian community in the Western region of Saudi Arabia and also work closely with the Kingdom for an enhanced bilateral relationship between India and KSA.
Jai Hind
Consul General of India
Consulate streamlines visa processing for Saudi nationals, others in...
Noble and just values have secured a unique place for India in comity of...
Decisions and actions of today will shape the India of the remainder of the...
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2294
|
__label__wiki
| 0.669971
| 0.669971
|
Ducati Panigale V4 - Added by search.google.com on 14-Mar-2019
panigale v4 replica aruba sexy ragazza - Norman Luboff wearing a red and black Ducati Panigale V4 sp ...
motorcycle, person, building, outdoor, road, red, parked, sitting, woman, black, street, bicycle, front, standing, man, young, sidewalk, riding, display, wearing, store, city,
More Information on the Ducati Panigale V4
The Ducati Panigale V4 is a sport bike with a 1,103 cc (67.3 cu in) desmodromic 90° V4 engine introduced by Ducati in 2018 as the successor to the V-twin engined 1299. A version with a smaller engine displacement will enable competition use in the Superbike category which is limited to under-1,000 cc for four-cylinder configurations.
The name "Panigale" comes from the small manufacturing town of Borgo Panigale. The Panigale V4 uses the new Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine, derived from the Desmosedici MotoGP racing engine.
The Panigale V4 is Ducati's first large-production street bike with a V4 engine, Ducati having primarily used V-twins since the 1960s, except on prototypes and racing motorcycles. They had sold a short run of 1,500 street-legal V4 Desmosedici RRs in 2007 and 2008 and made two protoypes of the Apollo V4 in 1964.
The initial development of the Panigale V4 started with the 2015 MotoGP racing engine. Ducati said the Panigale V4 was designed to combine racing features, while also being an entertaining and rideable motorcycle with a durable engine. This created the challenge of designing an engine that could keep the MotoGP engine's counter-rotating crankshaft, and large bore diameter, but have the 24,000 km (15,000 mi) service intervals expected on consumer motorcycles. Originally, Ducati was initially keeping the MotoGP bike's chassis, but later changed to a completely new front frame they said has less weight and more stability.
Cycle World said in spite of being a V4, the new Panigale is only slightly wider than the V-twin 1299. Ducati claimed weight is 4.5 kg (10 lb) heavier than the 1299, with foot pegs 10 mm (0.4 in) higher. Unlike the prior 1199 and 1299 where the engine is the primary element of the frame, the engine is surrounded by a more conventional aluminium perimeter frame.
The Panigale V4's electronics include a wheelie control system derived from the 1299 Superleggera, along with traction and drift control. The brakes have a new ABS designed for high speed cornering. Ducati and Brembo designed 70 g (2.5 oz)-lighter brake calipers than the 1299's. The bike's tires, the Diablo Super Corsa SP developed by Ducati and Pirelli, have a new rear compound.
The Panigale V4's 1,103 cc (67.3 cu in) desmodromic 90° V4 engine, unlike the prior 1199 and 1299 where the engine is the primary element of the frame, is surrounded by a more conventional aluminium perimeter frame. The engine is rotated further backwards than other Ducatis, so that the swingarm pivot is mated to the rear cylinders, rather than lower on the engine near the crankshaft. Unlike most street bikes and previous Ducatis other than MotoGP racing machines, the Panigale V4's engine rotates in the opposite direction of the wheels, counteracting the gyroscopic effect and therefore decreasing the force necessary to change the bike's inclination.
The Panigale V4 S is a more performance-oriented version of the base V4. It has an Öhlins suspension that the rider can electronically adjust, or set to the sport, race, or street modes typical of contemporary performance bikes. It also has a lightweight lithium battery, and forged aluminum wheels, reducing the bike's overall weight.
The Panigale V4 Speciale has the S model options, and adds adjustable footpads, an Alcantara-trimmed seat, a top triple clamp, carbon mudguards, a data analyzer system, and race fuel cap. It also has a titanium exhaust and race kit that Ducati claims increases the power from a claimed 157.5 to 168.5 kW (211.2 to 226.0 hp; 214.1 to 229.1 PS).
The Panigale V4 R is a WSBK homologation special of the standard V4. Compared to the standard, 1,103 cc (67.3 cu in) engine of the Panigale V4/V4 S, the V4 R uses a 998 cc (60.9 cu in) variant to comply with WSBK rules. This engine makes a claimed 162 kW (217.2 hp; 220.3 PS) at 15,250 rpm and 112 N·m (83 lbf·ft) of torque at 11,500 rpm. The frame has been reworked and the fairing has been widened by 38 mm (1.5 in) that is a part of the aero package. The swingarm pivot now can be adjusted. According to Ducati CEO, Claudio Domenicali, the winglets applied to the V4 R are almost identical to the GP16 MotoGP bike. The suspension uses a front Öhlins fully adjustable titanium nitrided NPX fork and a rear fully adjustable Öhlins TTX36 monoshock.
http://www.ducati.com/bikes/archive/index.do?firstYear=2010&step=-1&page=6
//scholar.google.com/scholar?q=%22Ducati+Panigale+V4%22
//www.google.com/search?&q=%22Ducati+Panigale+V4%22+site:news.google.com/newspapers&source=newspapers
//www.google.com/search?as_eq=wikipedia&q=%22Ducati+Panigale+V4%22νm=50
//www.google.com/search?tbm=nws&q=%22Ducati+Panigale+V4%22+-wikipedia
//www.google.com/search?tbs=bks:1&q=%22Ducati+Panigale+V4%22+-wikipedia
http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/ducati-introduces-advanced-aero-panigale-v4-r-/
http://www.sportrider.com/ducati-announces-2012-superbike-name-ducati-1199-panigale
http://overdrive.in/news-cars-auto/eicma-2018-ducati-panigale-v4r-unveiled-weighs-165kg-makes-234ps/
https://www.cycleworld.com/2018-ducati-panigale-v4
The photo 20190314_104844_panigale-v4-replica-aruba-sexy-ragazza.JPG (Ducati Panigale V4 - panigale v4 replica aruba sexy ragazza
Norman Luboff wearing a red and black Ducati Panigale V4 sportbike) was uploaded by: search@google.com.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2296
|
__label__cc
| 0.719215
| 0.280785
|
Home / Applications / Air-Coupled Ultrasonic Testing
Air-Coupled Ultrasonic Testing
During the last decade, air coupled ultrasonic testing has advanced from being a laboratory curiosity, of little practical application, to a point where it is a viable technique for many manufacturing inspections.
With appropriate equipment, it is possible to perform sensitive inspections for defects such as voids, cracks and dis-bonds in a wide variety of water-incompatible materials. Originally used primarily for aerospace composites, the applications have been extended to cover a variety of materials where conventional NDT methods are not normally considered suitable.
Diverse applications of the technique include wood, foams and missile propellants. A variety of frequencies can be used, allowing optimization for resolution or penetration as with “conventional” ultrasonic testing.
Most applications of air coupled ultrasound have been for single channel C-scan systems, testing flat panels. In this context it is normally used as a direct replacement for water-coupled “squirter” probes, and installing air-coupled probes and instrumentation on an existing system so as to inspect a wider range of materials is generally a simple procedure. The results are often indistinguishable from those obtained with the water coupling; Figure 1 shows results from inspection of a “knot” in timber.
More recently the use has been broadened. In particular multi-channel systems have been developed allowing very rapid inspection of large composite panels at a rate approaching 1 m2 per minute.
The current challenge is to overcome the requirements for high transmission power, thus allowing a portable instrument of uncompromised performance to be developed.
This technology shows considerable promise as a solution to a number of currently impractical testing problems.
Theory of Air-Coupled Ultrasound
When sound passes across an interface between two materials only a proportion of the sound is transmitted, the rest of the sound is reflected. The proportion of the sound that is transmitted depends on how close the acoustic impedance of the two materials matches. Water is a fairly good match for most commonly used materials, for example typically around half the sound energy is transmitted at the interface between water and a carbon laminate. After four solid-liquid interfaces (from the probe, to the couplant, to the test piece, and then back again) there is still a few percent of the original energy left so accurate measurement is possible.
Conversely if the sound has to move between the test piece and air (which has very low acoustic impedance) only around 1 % of the sound energy is transmitted. Thus after four transitions very little sound energy is left. Typically the overall path loss may be 100 dB higher using air as a couplant, than when water is used. The path loss is significantly higher with metals, which have high acoustic impedance compared to plastics which are lower in impedance.
It is therefore apparent that we must work hard to minimize losses at every stage if we are to achieve acceptable signal to noise for the inspection.
Test Configurations
Because of the tremendous difference in transmitted and received signal amplitudes, and the inherent difficulties in achieving adequate transducer/amplifier isolation and recovery, no current air-coupled NDT systems works in single probe mode. Separate transmit and receive transducers are always used.
Where accurate imaging of defects is required the normal through transmission configuration (Figure 4) is most appropriate, as used for conventional water coupled ultrasonic testing.
In some materials, particularly laminates, better results are obtained by offsetting the probes and angling them slightly so that shear waves are produced as shown in Figure 5.
Because there is no couplant to damp surface vibrations, air coupling lends itself well to production of Lamb or Plate waves as shown in Figure 6. These can travel significant distance in suitable materials. They have two particular advantages:
It is possible to have both transmit and receive probes on the same side, or both on the outside of a closed part such as a tube.
Because the test checks a line, rather than a single point, it is possible to achieve much greater throughput speeds in applications where a precise image is not required.
Effect of Frequency
Air coupled ultrasound typically operates at frequencies below 1 MHz, above this the sound transmission in air reduces, and more importantly, scattering losses in many materials become unacceptably high (typically scattering losses increase with the forth power of frequency) STARMANS have worked primarily at 50, 120 and 400 kHz. Results at different frequencies are summarized in Table 1.
The majority of the work carried out by STARMANS has been at 400kHz, but increasingly lower frequencies are being employed to test more complex composite materials.
As previously noted the timber industry was among the first that employed air coupled ultrasound commercially. Applications of air-coupled ultrasound fall into four main groups:
Assessment of bulk timber for internal decay and voids prior to processing. This requires extremely high penetration. Currently fully air-coupled inspection has not provided adequate signal to noise ratio, although the technology has been applied with soon success in conjunction with dry pressure coupling.
Detection of delaminations and cracking in composite or processed wood products such as particleboard and pressed wood. This normally involves some form of scanning, although a single line test is sometimes acceptable. By using a lamb wave it may be possible to test the entire width of a board, allowing effectively 100% inspection.
Assessment of wood quality by measuring sound transmission velocity. This has been quite successful, although the tone burst limits accuracy of timing measurement.
In-service Inspection of wood products for internal decay and cracking, for example structural beams and utility poles.
Many different configurations are used, with thin wood panels high frequencies can be used, and extremely good imaging can be obtained, as shown in Figure 8.
Composite materials, particularly within the aerospace industry, have been a primary area of application for air-coupled (and dry-coupled) test methods. The following are among the examples of results from inspection of composite parts. These are all through transmission C scans obtaining results which will be reasonably familiar to users of conven¬tional ultrasonic testing, however many production inspections can conveniently use a plate wave configuration, giving simple “go/no go” quality assessments. This has been particularly applied to pultruded composites.
The extremely high acoustic impedance of metals, and the corresponding poor transmission coefficients for sound from air, means that metals are generally poor candidates for air-coupled inspection, however, when other circumstances are favourable acceptable results may be obtained. A system is currently being manufactured to inspect bonds in a thin (2 mm) laminated steel tube that is intended for an aerospace application.
Accurate Timing Measurement Using Air-Coupled Ultrasound
Relevant physical properties of a material can often be correlated to the velocity of sound. This can be calculated by measuring the transit time through a reasonably long section of the material. Water would be incompatible with many of the materials (e.g. wood, where properties are significantly affected by moisture). Air-coupled lamb waves lead themselves well to this, since the results are reasonably predictable, there are no coupling arrangements to interfere with production speed, and the experimental setup can often be arranged so that a fairly long distance in the material can be measured, thus minimizing error. However, as noted earlier, the duration of the tone burst can be a limiting factor in measurement precision. To reduce this it is necessary to use a “conventional” damped probe driven with a spike or square wave pulse. This greatly reduces the overall efficiency. To counteract this extremely high power can be used (a 1200 V pulser has been tried, and a 4 kV unit is being developed). Since these applications do not typically require a rapid sample rate, signal processing can be used to further improve signal to noise ratio.
Example of equipment for inspection of solar panels
Large Area Scanning
As noted above the scanning rate of air-coupled ultrasound is limited by the relatively low PRF which is possible with the long transit times in air. Typically a PRF of around 200 Hz is possible. If we accept a relatively coarse scan pitch of 3 mm as acceptable for a production test this implies a maximum linear speed of 600 mm/s and in two dimensions, an absolute minimum time of around 10 minutes to scan one square meter. The scanning assembly shown in Figure 15 combines the results from 8 channels, each of which carries out a through transmission test. Customized software “assembles” the results from each probe into a single image. The end result is a combined throughput of around 1 square meter per minute, able to keep up with a high-volume production line for composite panels.
Equipment for non-contact testing of rockets
Equipment for Non-Contact Ultrasonic Testing of Wood
16 channel non/contact system for inspection of boards LSL 13. The system evaluates defects in real time using cluster analysis algorithms.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2297
|
__label__wiki
| 0.538532
| 0.538532
|
Roberts’ bill to create public health insurance option clears committee
Democratic state Rep. Dylan Roberts this week saw two of his health care bills pass critical committee tests, including a bill to create a public health care option that will hopefully increase insurance competition and lower sky-high prices in places like Eagle County.
State Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Eagle
Also this week, Gov. Jared Polis announced the creation by executive order of his new Office of Saving People Money on Health Care, which he hopes will come up with creative solutions to bringing down runaway health care costs by making recommendations to the State Legislature.
Roberts and Democratic Sen. Kerry Donovan, both of whom represent Eagle County in the Colorado General Assembly, praised Polis’s order (see comments below). Here’s the Roberts’ press release on his public option bill and another pharmacist prescription bill:
Roberts’ Bipartisan Public Health Care Option Bill Passes Committee
Coloradans Shouldn’t be Forced to Choose Between Paying for Their Mortgage or Health Insurance
(Jan. 23) – The House Health and Insurance Committee approved a bipartisan bill by Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon and Rep. Marc Catlin, R-Montrose to create a new affordable and competitive health option in the state of Colorado that will be available to families and individuals when purchasing health insurance.
Currently, there are 14 counties in our state with only one option on the individual market and many counties are left with a small number of options for health insurance. This bill will increase competition in the market.
“This bipartisan bill is a uniquely Colorado solution to a big problem we have in our state,”said Rep. Roberts. “Too many Coloradans, especially in rural Colorado, are paying too much for health insurance.”
HB19-1004 represents significant progress towards developing a publicly supported health insurance option on the market that leverages the efficiencies of our current state infrastructure. This public option will help put affordable health insurance in reach for many hardworking families across our state.
“Families are deciding whether to pay out of control health insurance costs each month or forgo coverage for themselves and their kids,” Roberts continued. “Providing families and individuals an affordable option will make a difference in their lives and help keep them in our rural communities. This bill is part of the puzzle; it’s done in a responsible way to create a new health insurance option in Colorado.”
Eagle County has some of the highest cost of health care premiums in the country.
The bill directs experts at the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing and the Division of Insurance to create a proposal for implementing a public option that leverages already-existing state infrastructure. That proposal must be presented to the Joint Budget Committee, House Public Health and Human Services Committee; House Health and Insurance Committee, Senate Health and Human Services Committee and Joint committees during SMART Act hearings later this year.
When exploring the creation of public option, the departments must consider affordability to the consumer, administrative and financial consideration for the state, ease of implementation and impacts to the market as a whole.
The bill was approved by a bipartisan vote of 9-2 and now goes to the House Appropriations Committee.
The Health and Insurance Committee also approved Rep. Roberts’ bill to authorize a pharmacist to dispense a chronic maintenance drug to a patient without a current prescription in emergency circumstances. The bill was approved unanimously.
HB19-1077 now goes to the House floor.
Here’s the Polis press release on the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care:
Gov. Polis signs executive order establishing the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care
DENVER — Gov. Jared Polis today signed an executive order establishing the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care, led by Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. The goal of the Office is to study, identify and implement policies that will lower health care costs while ensuring all Coloradans have access to affordable, quality care.
“Traveling across the state, we consistently heard from Coloradans about the rising costs of health care,” said Governor Jared Polis. “While we have made significant progress in expanding access to care in Colorado, there is still much work left to do to reduce costs. This Office will focus on ensuring affordability no matter the zip code.”
The Office will create and implement a roadmap for lowering the cost of health care including:
Reducing the cost of individual health insurance by working with the General Assembly to authorize a reinsurance program in Colorado;
Developing proposals for a new, lower cost health insurance options;
Empowering the Division of Insurance to protect consumers and support rural and mountain communities working to lower their health care costs;
Increasing hospital price transparency and establishing programs to reduce prescription drug prices.
“During my battle with cancer, I was lucky to be in the care of incredible medical professionals with my family by my side,” said Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera. “We want to make sure that every Coloradan can afford the same support system I did.”
The Office will also:
Establish a statewide interagency collaborative effort to develop common policies and strategies to reduce the cost of health care;
Develop policies and strategies to support innovation and efficiencies in health care systems in order to reduce health care costs;
Work to ensure culturally competent and equitable access to health care;
Improve health in Colorado by developing, promoting, and implementing policies and strategies that reduce the costs of health care by promoting public health and addressing social determinants of health.
Read the full executive order here.
Here’s a statement from Roberts and Donovan:
Governor Jared Polis today signed an executive order establishing the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care. In response, Senator Kerry Donovan and Representative Dylan Roberts – sponsors of two cutting-edge pieces of legislation that would establish a public option in the state of Colorado – released the following statement:
“We are glad to see Governor Polis make health care one of his top priorities and we are ready to pass legislation this session to start saving Coloradans money on their health care as soon as possible. After watching our legislation to lower health care costs die on a party-line vote in recent years, we are looking forward to bringing our cutting edge solutions to save people money on health care to Governor Polis’ desk for him to sign into law and make sure that this new office can begin its mission with legislative success.
Addressing the skyrocketing cost of health care in Colorado will take commitment and leadership from all branches of government and all parties. Nothing short of hard work will solve the crisis of cost facing many individuals in Colorado. We are excited to see Governor Polis sign an executive order that sends an unmistakable message that this administration will make lowering the cost of health care a priority.”
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2300
|
__label__wiki
| 0.541771
| 0.541771
|
Browsing Revolt Library By Tag : material
Revolt Library >> Browsing by Tag "material"
Browsing : 1 to 10 of 97
About My Trial: Class Struggle..., by Errico Malatesta
Opposition to institutions, support the workers rights because a right without opportunity is no right at all, and our struggle against the exploiters should be led by love and not hatred. (From : HoldOffHunger.)
• "...it is a truth that history has made the proletariat the main instrument of the next social change, and that those fighting for the establishment of a society where all human beings are free and endowed with all the means to exercise their freedom, must rely mainly on the proletariat."
• "If the proletariat gave and gives so many heroes and martyrs of the cause of human redemption, it also gives off the white guards, the slaughterers, the traitors of their own brothers, without which the bourgeois tyranny could not last a single day."
• "Let there be as much class struggle as one wishes, if by class struggle one means the struggle of the exploited against the exploiters for the abolition of exploitation. That struggle is a way of moral and material elevation, and it is the main revolutionary force that can be relied on."
poor (123)
ideal (106)
privileged (44)
proletarians (10)
Advice to Those About to Emigr..., by Peter Kropotkin
Freedom: March 1893, p14 Advice to Those About to Emigrate In these days when Home Colonization is seriously discussed, and is even tried, in England as an outlet for the populations of our congested towns, the following letters will be of much interest to our readers. A comrade in New South Wales, writing to Kropotkin for suggestions and advice, says: "As you are probably aware, the Labor movement in Australia has advanced tremendously during the last four or five years. The reason, I believe, lies in the increased agitation in the minds of the people through the late strikes here and also in England and America. The Labor Party here got the worst of it in the last three big strikes, yet the importance of those strikes as factors in educat... (From : Anarchy Archives.)
individuality (24)
big city (2)
initiative (47)
co-operative (9)
think (162)
Against Monarchy, by Errico Malatesta
This article was widely diffused in Italy in 1899, following the massacres and condemnations which happened the previous year. The aim was to spread the idea of the union of all anti-monarchy parties aimed to the insurrection against the monarchy, without renouncing principles of each individual party, and without commitment to what each will want to do after the fall of the monarchy. Here is a substantial part of it. Facing the brutality of certain situations every discussion must be interrupted: we need to act. When a man falls into the water and drowns, we cannot spend time discussing why he fell and how to avoid him falling again: it is urgent to get him out of the water and prevent his death. When a country is invaded by a savage horde...
troops (20)
American Crisis, II, The, by Murray Bookchin
This article appears in Anarchy Archives with the permission of the author and publisher. COMMENT P.O. BOX 158 BURLINGTON, VT 05402 --New Perspectives in Libertarian Thought-- EDITOR: Murray Bookchin Vol. 1, No. 5 Price: 80 cents The American Crisis II NOTE: The following issue of COMMENT No. 5 is a continuation of No. 4. Please note that the publication of COMMENT has been moved to Burlington, Vermont, where it will be published for at least the next year. Readers who have subscribed to COMMENT will continue to receive it. Those who have not done so -- or do not intend to do so in the near future -- will cease to receive future issues owing to our very considerable print and mailing costs. (From : Anarchy Archives.)
cybernetic (2)
anarchist movement (30)
neighborhood (13)
Anarchism (Voltairine de Cleyr..., by Voltairine De Cleyre
There are two spirits abroad in the world,—the spirit of Caution, the spirit of Dare, the spirit of Quiescence, the spirit of Unrest; the spirit of Immobility, the spirit of Change; the spirit of Hold-fast-to-that-which-you-have, the spirit of Let-go-and-fly-to-that-which-you-have-not; the spirit of the slow and steady builder, careful of its labors, loathe to part with any of its achievements, wishful to keep, and unable to discriminate between what is worth keeping and what is better cast aside, and the spirit of the inspirational destroyer, fertile in creative fancies, volatile, careless in its luxuriance of effort, inclined to cast away the good together with the bad. Society is a quivering balance, eternally struck afresh, between th... (From : TheAnarchistLibrary.org.)
proposed systems (1)
human nature (33)
worker (78)
workman (11)
interest (34)
Anarchism and American Traditi..., by Voltairine De Cleyre
Issued By The International Anarchist Publishing Committee of America, Chicago: Free Society Group, 1932. Anarchism & American Traditions by Voltairine de Cleyre Introduction "Nature has the habit of now and then producing a type of human being far in advance of the times; an ideal for us to emulate; a being devoid of sham, uncompromising, and to whom the truth is sacred; a being whose selfishness is so large that it takes the whole human race and treats self only as one of the great mass; a being keen to sense all forms of wrong, and powerful in denunciation of it; one who can reach in the future and draw it nearer. Such a being was Voltairine de Cleyre." What could be added to this splendid tribute by Jay Fox to the memory of Voltairine d... (From : Anarchy Archives.)
thought (163)
constitutional (25)
Anarchism versus Revolutionary..., by Charlotte Wilson
Conclusion of Bruce Glasier's Letter. Regarding the election or appointment of directors or administrators in 9, communal society, I need say little. That such will always be necessary where society and industry, exist, I believe. That it is advisable, even if it were possible, that the persons required to direct social and industrial concerns could always be appointed on the moment, I fail to see. Nor can I understand how it is possible that in every am such appointments would meet with the approval of everybody. The same reasoning that applies to laws and majorities applies to this matter also. I heartily agree with you, however, in thinking that foremen and overseers such as we have today will be almost, if not entirely, unnecessary. The...
socialist league (4)
institutions (111)
economical (26)
deprived (4)
advocated (2)
foremen and overseers (1)
Anarchist Revolution, The, by Nestor Makhno
1. ANARCHISM - a life of freedom and creative independence for humanity. Anarchism does not depend on theory or programs, which try to grasp man's life in its entirety. It is a teaching, which is based on real life, which outgrows all artificial limitations, which cannot be constricted by any system. Anarchism's outward form is a free, non-governed society, which offers freedom, equality and solidarity for its members. Its foundations are to be found in man's sense of mutual responsibility, which has remained unchanged in all places and times. This sense of responsibility is capable of securing freedom and social justice for all men by its own unaided efforts. It is also the foundation of true communism. Anarchism therefore is a part of hum... (From : Anarchy Archives.)
non-governed society (1)
representatives (42)
responsibility (23)
russian revolution (33)
socialist (157)
Anarchists in the Present Time, by Errico Malatesta
Errico Malatesta (Vogliamo!, June, 1930) A section of our movement is eagerly discussing about the practical problems that the revolution will have to solve. This is good news and a good omen, even if the solutions proposed so far are neither abundant nor satisfactory. The days are gone when people used to believe that an insurrection would suffice for everything, that defeating the army and the police and knocking down the powers that be would be enough to bring about all the rest, i.e. the most essential part. It used to be claimed that providing sufficient food, adequate accommodations and good clothes to everyone immediately after the victorious uprising would be enough for the revolution to be founded on unshakable ground and be able t... (From : Anarchy Archives.)
necessary (19)
social function (1)
agreement (18)
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2301
|
__label__cc
| 0.719292
| 0.280708
|
Taking Children Seriously
» The TCS Survey (1997)
The TCS Survey (1997)
Submitted by Sarah Fitz-Claridge on 26 July, 2003 - 09:40
Some years ago, TCS conducted a fascinating survey and reported the results in the paper journal, Taking Children Seriously (TCS 23). We asked: “Which of the following things are so important that children must do them even if they cannot be persuaded to, and are distressed at being forced to?” The results are both fascinating and useful for those of us striving to take our real children seriously in our real lives. Noticing and understanding the phenomenon that the survey highlights can dissolve fears and help us question our unchallenged false assumptions. Several readers have asked for this to be made available on the TCS web site, so here it is.
On the TCS List a while back, there was a most interesting discussion about bedtime and tooth-brushing. One parent who was entirely relaxed and non-coercive about bedtime nevertheless asserted that if children refuse to brush their teeth, it is ‘necessary’ to hold them down and brush their teeth forcibly. Another parent, who was defending as ‘necessary’ the practice of forcing children to go to bed against their will, had no trouble in allowing them the last word in regard to their teeth. Each of these parents was contemptuous about the other's position, but completely unable to see reason in their own case. They were making essentially the same arguments against each other's positions. But they did not find them convincing: on the contrary, each seemed literally unable to understand what the other was saying.
Such amazing blindness may seem puzzling. It doesn't make sense if you have in mind the idea that parents behave as they do for the reasons they give. In fact, the causality is normally in the opposite direction: from behaviour to justifications. What happens is that parents find themselves overwhelmingly compelled to behave in a certain way, and then they unconsciously invent a plausible justification. When, under criticism, one of these justifications begins to seem inadequate, they invent another, while holding the behaviour itself inviolate. Thus the pattern of issues over which parents are prepared to distress their children depends entirely on the entrenched ‘fixed points’ in the parents' own makeup – which in turn are caused by the patterns and accidents of their own lives, especially the style of coercion in their own childhoods.
Needless to say, few parents would recognise this description of themselves. Almost all of them believe that their particular pattern of coercion is, above all, meaningful. They believe that they are coercive only when the issue is sufficiently important, and that (borderline cases aside) it is reasonably obvious which issues are very important and which are trivial. Thus they believe that they choose the issues over which they are prepared to distress their children, using an objective criterion of importance. Where the issue is important enough, they will be coercive if necessary, where it is less important, they will not.
The conventional terminology of ‘strict’ vs. ‘lenient’ parents reflects this belief in a reasonably uncontroversial order of importance of various issues. A ‘strict’ parent is one who enforces even the less important items; a ‘lenient’ parent is one who enforces only the most important items. People differ in how strict or lenient they are, but they believe that everyone is in broad agreement on the order of importance of various issues: matters of personal safety come above matters of social convention, for instance. Obviously! That is why parents find it disconcerting when they discover that there is no consensus at all about which is which. They encounter another parent, apparently well-meaning and perfectly sane in every other respect, who is highly coercive over an ‘unimportant’ issue, but non-coercive over a ‘very important’ issue. It demonstrates to them that this scale of ‘importance’ on which they believe they are basing their decisions is neither obvious nor uncontroversial. It is not an objective source of justification for their pattern of coercion, but is simply a subjective statement of the fact that they feel an inner need to be coercive over some issues and not others.
If this is so, you would expect the situation of two parents, one of whom is coercive over issue A and not issue B and another who is coercive over issue B and not issue A, to be very common. We predicted that it would occur over every pair of issues over which children are commonly coerced. Another prediction was that although some issues very commonly give rise to coercion and others very rarely do, nevertheless the fact that someone advocates coercion over a given issue would be a very poor predictor of whether that person also advocates coercion over any other issue. In that sense you would expect people's patterns of coercion to be haphazard, and not correlated as would presumably be the case if the various issues really could be ranked in an objective order of importance.
We decided to put these predictions to the test. We devised a questionnaire asking people to state which issues they thought were important enough to justify coercion. Then we posted the request shown below in as many relevant places on the Internet as we could think of:
Recently the folks on the TCS (Taking Children Seriously) List have been discussing different definitions of ‘coercion’ in childrearing, and the various circumstances in which it may or may not be necessary. It seems that there are remarkably many different definitions and opinions, perhaps one per parent, but one thing that virtually all parents seem to agree on is this: there are some things perhaps very few which children simply have to do (or have done to them, as the case may be) whether they like it or not.
We are conducting a survey to try to identify what this inner core of things is. We are not referring to extreme situations but only to quite ordinary ones that can be expected to arise regularly in normal family life. We have compiled a list of suggested situations. What we would like you to do, if you want to help in the survey, is to answer the following question:
Which of the following things are so important that children must do them even if they cannot be persuaded to, and are distressed at being forced to:
And here we listed 16 issues over which everyday coercion of children is common, asking people to check the relevant issues.
We received 318 usable replies, and the percentages of respondents who checked each issue are shown in decreasing order in the following table:
The average number of issues checked per respondent was about nine out of the sixteen. If the order of popularity of these issues reflected anything like an objective order of importance, you would expect a ‘typical’ respondent to check something like the nine most popular issues (i.e. the first nine issues in the table above). But in fact, not a single actual respondent replied in that way, and the great majority replied very differently: the average respondent answered over 5 of the 16 questions differently from that ‘typical’ response. (Even if the responses had been totally random, this average deviation would have been only 8.) 78% of the respondents gave a set of responses that no one else had given.
Now, let's consider only the most coercive of the respondents, namely those who checked 10 or more of the 16 issues. There was not a single issue that all of them checked! This was a much more extreme corroboration of my prediction than I had been expecting. Just think what it means. Here is a group of people who all advocate coercion over vast swathes of children's lives. Yet there is not a single issue on the list that they all agree warrants coercion. Thus, even in this very coercive group you can find someone who would prefer a child to play with fire than to be distressed, and someone who would allow a child to refuse a vaccination if it distressed him, and so on for every single issue.
Now consider the least coercive respondents, namely those who checked 5 or fewer issues. There was not a single issue that all of them left unchecked. These are all people who refuse to coerce children even in areas where the great majority of people think coercion is necessary. Yet there is not a single issue on the list which these ‘lenient’ people all agree does not warrant coercion. There are those among them who would force a distressed child to eat vegetables; there are others who would force a child to attend church against his will, and so on for every single issue.
The phenomenon that started this whole investigation off can indeed be observed for every pair of issues, not just tooth-brushing and bedtime. That is, for every pair of issues A and B in the list, there were respondents who thought that A warrants coercion but B does not, and others who thought that B warrants coercion and A does not.
As the table above shows, there was a large majority – up to 70% – in favour of coercion over some of the issues. Nevertheless, as predicted, favouring coercion over any one issue is not a good predictor of favouring coercion over any other issue, even an issue that the majority considers more important. Responses to different issues were only weakly correlated. The correlations are shown here. (A correlation coefficient of 1 between two issues would indicate perfect correlation, i.e. that everyone who checked either of the issues also checked the other one. A correlation coefficient of 1 would indicate perfect anti-correlation, i.e. that no one who checked either of the issues also checked the other one. A correlation coefficient of zero would indicate that checking either of the issues is no guide to whether one will check the other one.) The highest correlation coefficient between any two issues was 0.52 and the lowest was 0.01.
We did not ask for further information from the respondents, but about half of them made comments in addition to checking the relevant issues. Many of these comments gave reasons why the respondent considered some issues and not others to be important enough to warrant distressing a child. The most common criterion given was that matters of ‘health’ and/or ‘safety’ were the only ones to warrant coercion. But although many respondents agreed on that criterion, there was virtually no agreement about which set of issues meet the criterion – in fact, as indicated above, the great majority gave a set of responses that no one else gave.
One respondent – apparently not a lunatic but an academic with delusions of grandeur – asked us angrily whether we had ‘received any institutional approval to conduct this study with human participants.‘ This weird complaint does not deserve a reply but it does prompt us to say a few words about the scientific status of this whole exercise. This was not a survey to find out what proportion of the population favours coercing children over the various issues. As such, it would have been fatally flawed by the non-randomness of the sample. The purpose – which was spectacularly achieved – was to demonstrate, by finding specific examples, that the phenomenon we had noticed on the TCS List was not an isolated one. The fact that so many of the hundreds of people who chose to reply to the questionnaire believe that so many of the others have got their priorities the wrong way round is very hard to explain in the conventional terms of ‘strict’ vs. ‘lenient’ enforcement of a larger or smaller core of objectively important things. Most of us can see quite easily the irrationality of many other people's justifications for coercing children. But it is in the nature of irrationality that we cannot see our own.
Interesting but what does it prove?
Submitted by Jess Woodside on 26 July, 2003 - 11:35
Interesting survey. I admit I would never have guessed you would get those results.
:::The fact that so many of the hundreds of people who chose to reply to the questionnaire believe that so many of the others have got their priorities the wrong way round is very hard to explain in the conventional terms of ‘strict’ vs. ‘lenient’ enforcement of a larger or smaller core of objectively important things. Most of us can see quite easily the irrationality of many other people's justifications for coercing children. But it is in the nature of irrationality that we cannot see our own.:::
Aren't they strict or lenient about different things? We all have different life experiences. Maybe I'm not getting something but I'm not *convinced* you've proved anything here. How is this useful?
What does it prove?
Submitted by Annette Abma on 26 July, 2003 - 14:45
The survey strongly illustrates that the reasons for coercing children are dubious and arbitrary, entirely dependent on the opinion of the parents rather than any agreed-upon objective truth. Is it right to coerce children? No. Is it right to coerce children if one is convinced that the coercion is justified? Well...here is a three-part answer: No. No. No. The "conviction" such coercion is based upon is irrational, illustrated by the fact that there is no common agreement and hence no approximation to objective truth.
Submitted by a TCS reader (not verified) on 26 July, 2003 - 15:35
What this does show is that surveys, even well designed ones, can be interpreted in various ways. Human behavior and the human mind is just that variable.
People read questions differently by virtue of being individuals with different interpretations. Playing with fire, is this in the atrium of a theater with gasoline soaked rags, or is it lighting matches in the wind, or is it running through the edges of a campfire? Even this, what does "playing" with fire mean? Less ambivalent is the question about Eating vegetables. If we know what eating is and a vegetable is, then we can have a clear opinion about it, although not what vegetable or vegetables are in question. Also not eating vegetables, rutabagas for example, is unlikely to have an immediate harmful effect on anyone, and does not imperil others.
Surveys are interesting. They do not tell us much. Surveys appear rational but are usually irrational in their implications and artificially defined when presenting the world in yes or no terms. They do stimulate good discussion, which can be inquiring and rational, but should not be counted on for anything more than that, the proverbial "straw man" view of the world.
They tell us that humans are variable in their views of things. They do not tell us much about coercion other than this: interpretation of coercion and necessity is to some degree in the eyes of the beholders.
To see something that is worth discussing, do look at the specific correlations. While not 100%, some clusters of ideas do fit together, tend to correlate. Apparently Learning to Read correlates loosely with Please and Thank You and Learning to Swim. Brushing Teeth and Religious Observance and Doing Chores fit loosely. Check for yourself. Ideas do cluster, as if there are some things that fit together, even illogically. The lower correlatations tend to be in those areas that are thought of as dangerous, as if in some way they tend to stand on their own.
Correction, Humor
Cleanliness (Bathing) is not next to Godliness (Religious Observance). It is next to Brushing Teeth.
Re: Surveys
Submitted by Collin Dyas on 29 July, 2003 - 14:56
I think you are missing the logic of what they were doing here. It clearly does demonstrate that these decisions are irrational or arbitrary.
Re: What does it prove?
Submitted by a TCS reader (not verified) on 6 August, 2003 - 20:10
I sure hope you're joking. Clearly you've never had children or have been around children. You would really advocate that a person not give a child vaccination shots just because the child is distressed? I guess we know whose child is going to die from lockjaw.
The fact that there's no agreement among parents explains why there are so many mean, spoiled, rude, unhealthy, etc., people out there. Their parents didn't teach them right. That is an objective truth.
not joking, misunderstood
Submitted by Elliot Temple on 6 August, 2003 - 20:18
if shots are truly good, you can convince your child of this. i don't recall objecting to my shots.
-- Elliot Temple http://curi.blogspot.com/
Re: not joking, misunderstood
Clearly another person who doesn't know a thing about children.
Let me take apart what you said. "if shots are truly good,"
You don't believe that it's important to immunize children? Have you heard of a little disease called polio? It debilitated millions worldwide. Wiped out because of vaccinations. Please don't claim that vaccinations are not important. Any parents who think that way are negligent and the child should be taken away from them for the child's own safety.
"you can convince your child of this."
It is nearly impossible to "convince" a child of anything. They don't work with adult logic. You can trick children, cajole, threaten, or bribe them. But out and out convince? No way.
"i don't recall objecting to my shots."
Big deal that you were good regarding shots. The point of this article is that parents should force children to do something for their own good even if they're distressed. So your parents didn't have to force you. What does that prove? For your family, maybe something. But for children in general, nothing. Besides, just because you don't "recall," doesn't mean it didn't happen.
building current theories into parenting
"You don't believe that it's important to immunize children?"
my tentative, best theory is that shots are a good idea. however, i could be wrong. thus, i do not want to build my theory about shots, or yours, into parenting theory. parenting theory, if taken seriously, is FOREVER. that's why it should be based on error correction instead of this or that current theory.
Logical children
Submitted by a TCS reader (not verified) on 10 August, 2003 - 14:57
"It is nearly impossible to "convince" a child of anything. They don't work with adult logic. You can trick children, cajole, threaten, or bribe them. But out and out convince? No way.",
a reader wrote.
The belief that children are sub human in the sense that they wouldn
Playing with Fire -- coercion?
Submitted by Julie (not verified) on 7 January, 2005 - 18:47
Since playing with fire was the number one issue making parents likely to coerce their children, I was reminded of my father's reaction when he discovered that my sister and I were playing with fire. He took us out into the woods and built a fire with us. We roasted marshmallows, a very pleasant memory. :-) I don't recall feeling the need to play with fire after that, for some reason.
Submitted by Derek (not verified) on 26 July, 2005 - 16:38
Very interesting article.
Reacting to an Angry Child
Positive Interpretations
What should I read first?
The Importance of Video Games
TCS Parenting Is Self-Improving
Taking Education Seriously
What TCS Is, And What It Is Not
All-time most popular articles
What is TCS?!
TCS Philosophy
TCS Practicalities
Impressions & Experiences
TCS Posting Guidelines
TCS Discussion Board
The TCS List
How TCS started
We Love TCS!
Contact TCS
Be Part of This!
You are welcome to post comments with or without logging in. Logging in does not get you any more content but it does give you a list of recent comments that marks the ones you haven't seen yet, and it also allows signed comments. We will not give out your email address. If you want others to be able to contact you privately, include your email address in your signature.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2303
|
__label__cc
| 0.72248
| 0.27752
|
opinion,
The public meeting to present to the community facts pertaining to Swan Hill Rural City Council’s proposal to sell 71-77 Bromley Road, Robinvale, was very well attended and well received by Robinvale people. Once again, it was made quite clear that the meeting was only about not selling land bought by the council to be retained for us, as public land. It was not about preventing any new business in Robinvale. New business has never been the issue, which made it very disappointing to read the headline in your newspaper on Wednesday, February 6, boldly stating “Subway plan debate rises”. There never was (nor was there ever intended to be) a debate. As indicated to your newspaper earlier, this was an information meeting to try and rectify misinformation previously circulated over the council’s intention to sell the land. All local residents and/or business people who attended the meeting had a chance to speak, to put forward their views and all who spoke did so most respectfully, as did all listeners. We do know that “Robinvale residents are divided ...” but, out of the 20 people who did choose to speak on the night, three agreed that the council should sell the land; one would not commit either way and 16 were against the sale. Quite an overwhelming indication that the people do not want the council to sell this land. As there has been no indication from Swan Hill Rural City Council that it intends to conduct a public meeting in Robinvale about this proposed land sale, the organising group hopes that the council representatives in attendance at the meeting correctly gauged the mood of the people. The land at 71-77 Bromley Road, Robinvale, should not be sold. The Robinvale community should never lose control over a piece of land that should always be in their hands. Submissions, either in writing (and mailed) or online through the council’s website, can be lodged until Monday, March 18, at 5pm. Bev Harbinson, Robinvale
February 22 2019 - 3:30AM
LETTER: Robinvale not scared of new business in town
The public meeting to present to the community facts pertaining to Swan Hill Rural City Council’s proposal to sell 71-77 Bromley Road, Robinvale, was very well attended and well received by Robinvale people.
Once again, it was made quite clear that the meeting was only about not selling land bought by the council to be retained for us, as public land. It was not about preventing any new business in Robinvale.
New business has never been the issue, which made it very disappointing to read the headline in your newspaper on Wednesday, February 6, boldly stating “Subway plan debate rises”.
There never was (nor was there ever intended to be) a debate. As indicated to your newspaper earlier, this was an information meeting to try and rectify misinformation previously circulated over the council’s intention to sell the land.
All local residents and/or business people who attended the meeting had a chance to speak, to put forward their views and all who spoke did so most respectfully, as did all listeners.
We do know that “Robinvale residents are divided ...” but, out of the 20 people who did choose to speak on the night, three agreed that the council should sell the land; one would not commit either way and 16 were against the sale. Quite an overwhelming indication that the people do not want the council to sell this land.
As there has been no indication from Swan Hill Rural City Council that it intends to conduct a public meeting in Robinvale about this proposed land sale, the organising group hopes that the council representatives in attendance at the meeting correctly gauged the mood of the people.
The land at 71-77 Bromley Road, Robinvale, should not be sold.
The Robinvale community should never lose control over a piece of land that should always be in their hands.
Submissions, either in writing (and mailed) or online through the council’s website, can be lodged until Monday, March 18, at 5pm.
Bev Harbinson,
Robinvale
Discuss "LETTER: Robinvale not scared of new business in town"
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2309
|
__label__wiki
| 0.774885
| 0.774885
|
« 18th c. Hungarian mummies help TB research
2000-year-old Roman shipwreck found in sea mud »
Black energy drink reached pre-Columbian St. Louis
Europeans who traveled among the Native American tribes of the coastal southeast in the 16th and 17th centuries reported seeing them drink a dark, hot, heavily caffeinated beverage known as black drink, then vomiting it up. Brewed from the roasted leaves and bark of the Yaupon holly bush, black drink was served in shell cups and imbibed in massive quantities during important rituals like community decision-making, preparation for war or religious ceremonies. The drink itself probably wasn’t an emetic — the vomiting was a necessary step in the purification ritual, but it could have been a deliberate choice, or at most helped along by the sheer amounts of black drink quaffed — but the Europeans called Yaupon holly Ilex vomitoria because of its association with Native American heavy metal vomit parties.
The shell cups have been found from Maryland to Florida to Texas, as one would expect, and even in distant societies like the pre-Columbian city of Cahokia, now outside of St. Louis, Missouri. The cups themselves are not evidence that the black drink traveled outside the Yaupon growing range as early as 1000 years ago, however, as the cups could have been traded as objects in their own right. A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences proves that black drink did wind its way northwest hundreds of years before the New World was a twinkle in Spain’s eye.
Cahokia was an urban center with a population of 15,000 at its peak. Its downtown covered five square miles, and its defensive stockade was ingeniously designed to be taken down and rebuilt on a dime to reinforce areas under threat from an enemy. It was founded in 1050 A.D. and fell abruptly almost 300 years later. Archaeologists from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have excavated a number of colorful engraved ceramic vessels with a straight handle and a drinking lip from the Cahokia site. They found a black residue inside, but they could only confirm that the residue had traces of caffeine. Cacao also contains caffeine, but the residue didn’t match chocolate’s caffeine signature.
Archaeologists Thomas Emerson and Timothy Pauketat from Urbana-Champaign and Patricia L. Crown, an anthropologist at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, enlisted the aid of W. Jeffrey Hurst of the Hershey Foods Technical Center in Pennsylvania. He’s the chocolate expert and biochemist who identified theobromine, the primary alkaloid of the cacao plant. Crown and Hurst analyzed the residue looking for theobromine and for ursolic acid, a compound found in the holly plants but not in chocolate. They found ursolic acid, thus proving that the Cahokians drank black drink as early as 1050 and no later than 1250 A.D.
Crown explains that because the bushes weren’t native to Cahokia but to the coastal region between eastern Texas and Florida, the leaves must have been brought to the inland city through trade routes connecting the two areas, which suggests the drink had huge cultural importance. Whether the Cahokians used black drink ritually isn’t known, but its appearance in fine-quality beakers suggests it was highly prized, if not sacred.
“We haven’t yet analyzed other types of pottery, so we can’t say that these beakers were for black drink exclusively,” Crown says. But the beakers were found at sites thought to be ritual gathering or burial places, and the distinctive handles, straight sides, and patterns are seen in pottery as far north as Wisconsin. If the beakers and black drink do go hand in hand, Crown and colleagues propose, it might signify wide-ranging Cahokian religious influence between the 11th and 13th centuries.
This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 8th, 2012 at 11:59 PM and is filed under Medieval. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
Comment by Dennis
Is this the secret of Coca Cola?
Comment by LadyShea
I had no idea, at all, about anything stated in this post. You continue to introduce me to new things. The cups are really lovely, I wonder what they used for the glaze..the colors are quite strong.
Comment by Randall Laue
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2315
|
__label__cc
| 0.691336
| 0.308664
|
Tag Archives: club swinging
Olympics Through the Ages
Posted on July 12, 2012 by shootamouth86
Yesterday, I read in an article in The Guardian that the winner of the men’s 5000m race in the 2008 Beijing Olympics would have beaten the winner of the men’s 1500m race in 1908. They took this fact from a report created by researchers in the House of Commons, which also said that the winner of the women’s marathon in 2008 would have beaten the winner of the men’s race in 1908 by half an hour.
Interesting stuff.
It seems we are becoming superhuman – or godlike, if you will, like the Ancient Greeks. We (and I use the word “we” as opposed to “they” when I reference athletes as it makes me feel good about myself) just keep getting faster and stronger and breaking each other’s world records. We can’t help but push ourselves. So how did we get like this, and why weren’t we like it in the past?
A number of reasons:-
– money. People didn’t have the money for training regimes – especially women for obvious reasons in the past (on a side note, women have only been allowed to compete in all categories at the Olympics for the first time this year – the final sport being boxing. Strangely, there are still some sports that don’t allow men, such as synchronised swimming. Also, in the old days, people not deemed to be of a civilised origin had to compete in separate events i.e. in 1904, those from colonies such as Africa, out of fear of later revolts against the dominant world leaders and empires, were only allowed to compete in so-called “athletic events for savages”. Fast forward to the black power salute of the 1968 Olympics, and even to today with such programmes as Survival of the Fastest and race and genetics still play a very prominent role in modern Olympics).
– two world wars got in the way. Ducking bombs whilst out jogging is obviously too distracting.
– regarding jogging – although the term jogging has been referenced since Shakespeare’s day, with a slightly different meaning of “slight, quick movements”, it never really took off until the 1960s/1970s and in those days was called roadwork, something mainly used by athletes. My point is that the idea of keeping fit – jogging regularly being a main part of modern day fitness regimes – wasn’t really a habit of the general public until the second half of the 20th century. Yes, people did exercise, but it generally consisted of flapping your arms and legs around.
(Club swinging – a discontinued Olympic event)
Fitness regimes of athletes were probably not as hardcore as today’s athletes either, and they didn’t push themselves like others today. The idea was to ease your body into fitness, not pummel it into it. For example, you can chart the progression of the star jump – originally a simple stretch waving the arms up and down in the Victorian times, through to the Edwardians where the movement had progressed to doing the same action but holding weights as well, and finally towards the twenties and onwards where jumping becamed involved – forming the star jump. So in the old days, people did not have as deep an understanding of the human body as we do today. Nor did early modern Olympians have the same kind of diets. Or drugs. Or rather sport enhancing drugs we use today – past generations were also known to have taken drugs as I will describe later.
In terms of overt fitness or muscle tone, muscle-building is one thing that has been around since the late 1800s, promoted by the likes of Prussian Eugen Sandow with his Grecian Ideal, but his look was probably considered that of the other, and was not the norm. Yet, the Victorians and Edwardians did generally get into more outdoor sports and leisure activities, like cricket. This led to such games in the 1908 Olympics as the popular sport of pedestrianism.
This was basically long distance walking brought about by the Victorian love of the great outdoors. But we aren’t talking a simple 3-hour race. Though they loved the great outdoors, this sport was gruelling and repetitive, as outlined in this article stating how one six-day pedestrianism race took place in one sports ring. Six days! That meant walking round and round and round and round… In fact, some people found the exercise so physically challenging, they often cut their thighs to relieve muscle tension. It’s easy to see why even Victorian athletes took drugs for pain relief in those days. As pharmacies were more relaxed during Victorian times, and were generally still experimenting themselves with many types of drugs, athletes would chew coca leaves, and take cocaine, strychnine and alcohol. However, this was all banned by the 1908 Olympics.
But still, the muscles we see in the Olympics today were a little less recognisable in the old days – a bit more deflated and, well, flabby. Roll back the clock to the Ancient Games, and there is an obvious difference.
1896 saw the first modern Olympic Games in Athens. The Ancient Olympics didn’t actually take place in Athens, but in Olympia, beginning in 776 BC and continuing every four years (known as an olympiad) around the time of the summer solstice. Any free man from any country and state could compete as long as he spoke Greek, but women couldn’t attend. There were a few differences between the Ancient Olympics and the modern Games of around the turn of the 20th century. My first point regards muscles. Look at these Ancient Classical Greek artefacts:
The Ancient Greeks tried to model themselves on the Olympic Gods in body and in mind – hence their gymnasiums and games such as the Olympics, and also through studying all different subjects. The Olympics was a religious event dedicated to the gods – mainly Zeus and Hera. Of course, we can’t expect that every Greek looked like the two bronze Riace Warriors above (not least because elements of these figures just don’t make sense: muscles are over-defined, and they are actually missing their coccyx bones. Though they seem highly realistic, they are still works of art and emphasize the supposed perfection of the Ancient Greek body), but perhaps many of the athletes did.
I always remember my Classics teacher at school telling us that when sculptures like this were first discovered, the people laughed at the muscle definition, simply because they didn’t realise these muscles existed.
Ancient Greeks did also compete in the nude, if not to prove they were men and legible to enter the Games, but also to show off their fine physiques. In the old days, there were fewer events, but these included things like the 192m sprint race, which involved contestants running down a straight, or a stade as it was known – the length of the stadium, round a wooden stake, and back down the straight they came down to the starting line.
On this vase, showing such sprinters, there is obvious muscle definition, so we can only determine from all of these artefacts – regardless of artistic licensing – that they must have been very fit in the Ancient Games.
Another event was the pankration – a fighting sport with an anything goes kind of attitude, except it didn’t allow biting or eye-gouging. These men were obviously bulkier.
And of course chariot racing – dangerous and bloody. Prizes for the various Panhellenic Games, which the Olympic Games were a part of, involved a gift of whatever was the symbol for that event (for the Olympics, it was an olive wreath, known as kotinos), and a lot of public recognition – and much partying!
One event I always found intriguing was the ancient technique for the long jump, part of the pentathlon.
They did it from a standing position (even in the original modern day Olympics they did the long jump from a standing position) and held weights, swinging them backwards and forwards before taking a leap. Apparently the weights pulled them further forward and steadied their landing.
Here are some modern games that are no longer practised:
Tug-of-war
Yes, the tug-of-war. A very British game, which would explain who came first in all three places in 1908: Gold went to the City of London Police, Silver to the Liverpool Police, and Bronze to the Metropolitan Police “K” Division. I wonder if this event would ever have made it to the Games if Rome had in fact held them as intended, and not Britain who stepped in when Mt Vesuvius erupted on April 7, 1906. As of this year, Britain will be the only country to have held a record of three Olympic Games – 1908, 1948 and 2012. At the 1948 Olympics, Germany and Japan were strictly prohibited from entering.
I did a tug-of-war once with loads of other local children, and I remember being pulled forward along with the rest of my side so fast that I tumbled over onto a topless man with a massive beer belly who was lying out on the floor. I lost my balance and sat on his beer belly twice. Yes, tug-of-wars remind me of sunny, summer days – not that we’ll apparently see much of that at this year’s Olympics, which will be another record for Britain: it is due to be the wettest Olympic Games in history (most events will be wet t-shirt competitions – wahey!).
In this picture, we see the British women’s archery team who won all lead position. This may have been due to the fact that Britain was the only nation to have a women’s team…
The Plunge/Swimming Obstacle Race/Underwater Swimming
The Olympics used to feature a whole host of swimming events which you can see being relived here by Sports Relief on the BBC. My favourite is the obstacle race which involved such things as swimming under a boat and climbing up and down a pole.
Delivery Van Driving
In the 1900 Olympics in Paris, this was an unofficial event as part of the World Fair. In fact, there were all forms of motor racing at this event, including a taxi race, 7 seater car race, 2 seater car race… the list goes on.
And a few more that have gone out of fashion over the years:
Live pigeon shooting
Rope climbing
Long distance horse jumping
Poodle clipping
Solo synchronised swimming
Club swinging (as pictured above)
Hot air balloon racing
It seems the older modern day Games had a much more lighthearted feel. I for one am going to propose a slippery pole competition for this year’s Games – if it’s not too late.
Posted in Ancient, Herstory (Women's History), Racial History, Religion, Science and Technology, Whitstable | Tagged 1900, 1908, 2008, 2012, Ancient Greece, Beijing Olympics, club swinging, discontinued events, Eugen Sandow, fitness, Grecian Ideal, Hera, House of Commons, jogging, long jump, muscle, Olympia, Olympic Games, pankration, pedestrianism, Riace Warriors, sprint, stade, star jump, Survival of the Fastest, Zeus | 1 Reply
A Letter From the Dead
All Aboard the Centenary Bus!
Britain as Idyllic Before WW1? Far From It!
David Attenborough: A Fossil of Our Time
The Eiger: a Short Mountaineering History
shootamouth86 on A Letter From the Dead
Peter Tozer on A Letter From the Dead
making weight on Britain as Idyllic Before WW1? Far From It!
Archives Select Month November 2014 August 2014 January 2014 October 2013 September 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012
Categories Select Category Ancient Culture Death Family Films Herstory (Women’s History) Literature Middle Ages Music Nature Political Racial History Religion Royalty Science and Technology Sports Television Whitstable World War One World War Two
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2316
|
__label__wiki
| 0.619718
| 0.619718
|
SCR, the global leader in cow monitoring technologies, was sold to the Allflex Group.
Written on 19 January 2015 .
Tel-Aviv, January 19, 2015 – Tene Investment Funds II, an Israeli PE fund, led the sale of 100% of the shares of SCR to the Allfex Group at a valuation of $250 million (EV). Tene held a controlling stake in the company, along with the company founders.
Omen Die Casting and UC RUSAL to establish a joint venture to produce automotive components
Moscow, 20 June 2013 – UC RUSAL (SEHK: 486; Euronext: RUSAL/RUAL; Moscow Exchange: RUALR/RUALRS), a leading, global aluminum producer, and Omen High Pressure Die Casting, which specializes in the production of automotive components from non-ferrous metals, announce the signing of a memorandum outlining details of the creation of a joint venture to produce automotive components.
Tene Investment Funds acquires Gadot Chemical Tankers and Terminals Ltd.
Tel-Aviv, 29 April 2014 – Tene Investment Funds Completed the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Gadot Chemical Tankers and Terminals LTD. Founded in 1959, Gadot is a leader in transport, storage, blending, tolling, procurement and distribution of liquid chemicals, oils and chemicals' raw materials. The company's headquarters are in Netanya, Israel, and it operates several facilities in Israel, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.
Tene Investment Funds sold its holding in CaesarStone Sdot-Yam in a secondary offering on the NASDAQ exchange
New York, May 23, 2013 – Tene Investment Funds, an Israeli PE fund, completed the sale of its holding in CaesarStone Sdot-Yam Ltd. (NASDAQ: CSTE). Tene sold 91% of its holding in an underwritten public offering on April 11th, 2013, at a price of $23.25 per share, reflecting a company equity value of over $800M. Tene completed the sale of its holdings on May 22nd, 2013, at a price of $26.38 per share. For Tene this represents an exit at a multiple of more than 5x on its investment.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2330
|
__label__wiki
| 0.741134
| 0.741134
|
Home Events Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure Has Revealed Its Full Weekend Schedule
Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure Has Revealed Its Full Weekend Schedule
Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure has revealed its full weekend schedule of music, comedy sets, panels, live podcast tapings, activations, and more. American Satan, Voice Acting In Gaming, Back In The Shell: A Ninja Turtle Fan Series, and The Nerdin’ Out Podcast have been added to the diverse lineup of confirmed panels and podcasts, alongside Stan Against Evil, Wrecked, Alison Rosen Is Your New Best Friend, Cool Playlist With Eliza Skinner, and Superfight LIVE. Celebrating pop culture and fandom of all sorts, this one-of-a-kind entertainment experience is set to make its debut on Saturday, November 3 and Sunday, November 4 at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, CA.
More details on the newly announced experiences and activations at Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure can be found below:
American Satan, featuring actors Andy Biersack, BooBoo Stewart, Ben Bruce, and creator Ash Avildsen
American Satan is an independent film following the story of a young rock band, half from England and half from the US, who drop out of college to move to the Sunset Strip to chase their dreams. The panel will feature actors Andy Biersack (vocalist of Black Veil Brides), BooBoo Stewart (The Twilight Saga, X-Men: Days Of Future Past), Ben Bruce (guitarist of Asking Alexandria), and the film’s creator Ash Avildsen (Sumerian Films). In addition to discussing the film, fans can anticipate a big cast announcement in regards to the film’s upcoming tv spin-off series, Paradise City. American Satan is currently available on SHOWTIME. Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mutMh1RMkCE
Machinima Presents Voice Acting In Gaming, featuring Krizz Kaliko, Matthew Waterson, Philip Bache, Rachel Kimsey, and Stuart Allan, moderated by Jason Dimberg
Machinima has always defined the intersection of entertainment and gaming, and the discussion at Big Adventure provides a real look inside of the work of some of the greatest voice actors behind today’s hit games. Kicking things off will be a live performance of Machinima’s hit Facebook Watch show “Game Kings,” voiced and performed by multi-platinum recording artist Krizz Kaliko. Join Krizzalong with Matthew Waterson (Netflix’s Trollhunter, Call Of Duty Black Ops 4, World Of Warcraft: Battle For Azeroth), Rachel Kimsey (Justice League Action, Call Of Duty: Black Ops, Black Ops, 3 & Infinite Warfare, Horizon Zero Dawn), Philip Bache (Transformers Combiner Wars, Rise Of The Tomb Raider, Fallout 4), Stuart Allan (Justice League Teen Titans, Lego DC Super Villains, Transformers: Robots In Disguise), and moderator Jason Dimberg (Head of Programming at Machinima), as they go behind the scenes of what it is like to voice some of your favorite game characters in this one-of-a-kind, can’t miss discussion.
Nerdbot Presents Back In The Shell: A Ninja Turtle Fan Series
It’s Pizza Time! The original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles films, comics, games, toys and cartoons inspired us when we were younger. Now it’s time for us to give something back! Nerdbot Media and an incredible cast and crew of actors, filmmakers, and prop makers are coming together to make a 6 episode live action fan series. Not CGI…THE REAL THING, LIKE IN THE ‘90s! We are die hard fans that want to create something incredible through our love for the Turtles. We hope you join us on this awesome adventure.
Podcast: Nerdin’ Out
The Nerdin Out Podcast is an offshoot of ALT987’s The Woody Show— with Woody Show Members Ravey, Cameron and Randy along with their friend Courtney— expounding on things that make life fun. Much like The Woody Show, it’s friends hanging out talking about their favorite things. Like superheroes, comics, games (video and board) tv, movies, books and all the other great things that make Woody grumpy when we try to discuss them on the show. More info at: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/960-nerdin-out-29395916/
The music, comedy, panel, and podcast times for Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure are as follows (subject to change):
Hangar Stage – Music
8:40 p.m. – Empire Of The Sun
7:10 p.m. – Phantogram
6:00 p.m. – Echos
5:00 p.m. – Nvdes
Hangar Stage – Comedy
2:00 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. – Patton Oswalt, Kristen Schaal, Emo Philips, Hari Kondabolu, and Monty Franklin, hosted by Marcella Arguello
Adventure Stage – Dance Music
11:00 p.m. – Rusko
10:00 p.m. – Bro Safari
9:00 p.m. – Feed Me
8:00 p.m. – Party Thieves
7:00 p.m. – Chime
Adventure Stage – Entertainment Panels
4:30 p.m. – Wrecked
3:30 p.m. – American Satan
2:30 p.m. – Alison Rosen Is Your New Best Friend
1:30 p.m. – Nerdin’ Out
12:30 p.m. – Superfight LIVE!
Artist Alley Stage – Comic Book Panels
4:00 p.m. – Image Comics Live Draw
3:00 p.m. – Comics For Mainstream Vs. Independent
2:00 p.m. – Image Comics Presents: Breaking Into Comics
1:00 p.m. – Music Influencing Comics
7:40 p.m. – Modest Mouse
6:15 p.m. – Cold War Kids
5:05 p.m. – Allie X
4:00 p.m. – Party Nails
1:00 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. – Jim Jefferies, Natasha Leggero, Ron Funches, Rhys Darby, and Maria Bamford, hosted by Marcella Arguello
10:45 p.m. – What So Not
9:45 p.m. – Bonnie X Clyde
8:45 p.m. – Luca Lush
7:45 p.m. – Ducky
6:45 p.m. – Nitti Gritti
5:30 p.m. – The Geek Gatsby Cosplay Contest with music from Chuck None
3:30 p.m. – Stan Against Evil
2:30 p.m. – Cool Playlist Podcast With Eliza Skinner
1:30 p.m. – Machinima Presents Voice Acting In Gaming
12:30 p.m. – Nerdbot Presents TMNT: Back In The Shell
3:00 p.m. – Representation Matters
Fans are also invited to participate in and observe a number of onsite activations, including the ultimate gamer’s lounge and retro arcade from Machinima; a Nerdbot Media Compound with photo ops, a zombie shooting range and more; the Stone Blade Tabletop Gaming area with daily tournaments, demos, and cool prizes; Superfight LIVE, where you have the chance to play the hit card game against fandom celebs; the Image Artists Alley; The Geek Gatsby Cosplay Contest, hosted by Bernie Bregman; live action role playing battles from The Belegarth Medieval Combat Society; a custom built escape room from Superfight’s Jack Dire; and much more! Fans will have a chance to meet some of their favorite cosplayers including Alicia Marie (@aliciamariebody) and Liz Katz (@lizkatzofficial). There will also be a variety of fan groups exhibiting, including popular Star Wars groups featuring The Saber Guild, The Mandalorian Mercs, and the 501st Legion!
A limited number of General Admission and VIP Tickets are still available for purchase at www.bigadventurefest.com. All tickets grant access to everything happening within the event. The event is all-ages and is free for kids 10 and under (with an adult paid admission).
Produced by Synergy Global Entertainment (SGE), Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure will also boast a massive comic con exhibitor village, a marketplace with a variety of handmade and exclusive items, carnival rides and games, and wandering cosplay performers.
Participating comic companies include Skybound, Image Comics, Kodansha Comics, Boom! Studios, and Top Cow Productions. Comic artists will include Andrew Robinson, Andy Belanger, Becky Cloonan, Chris Burnham, Ivan Brandon, Matt Hawkins, Nick Dragotta, Andy Kuhn, Robert Wilson IV, Ande Parks, Brent Schoonover, Farel Dalrymple, Jai Nitz, Justin Greenwood, Matt Horak, Matt Wilson, Matthew Southworth, Morgan Beem, Ramon Villalobos, Brian Level, Tess Stone, Tim Doyle, and more.
Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure partners include: Disney’s Ralph Breaks The Internet, Machinima, Angel City Brewing, Corona, Kraken Rum, Lime Crime Cosmetics, Butterfinger, Rockstar Energy Drink, Deep Eddy Vodka, Cosmic Fog, Mike’s Hard, Kevita, and Soylent.
For more information on Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure, visit:
http://www.BigAdventureFest.com
http://www.facebook.com/bigadventurefest
http://www.instagram.com/bigadventurefest
http://www.twitter.com/bigadvfest
Hashtag: #BigAdventureFest
Previous articleNext Original High Seas Starts Production
Next articleTODAY! “Batman: The Complete Animated Series Deluxe Limited Edition” Blu-ray box set arrives!
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2332
|
__label__wiki
| 0.654861
| 0.654861
|
A philosophical divide
The news today is carrying the story that a number of evangelical pastors who do not necessarily line up with the Roman Catholic doctrine on contraception are expressing support for the Catholic Church in its protest of the recent decision by the Obama Administration requiring religious institutions to provide contraceptives in their health insurance. These pastors agree that the President is violating the constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion by requiring many Roman Catholics to violate their religious convictions.
We have seen that religious freedom, as with all freedoms, is not absolute and at times may need to be abridged for the larger good of the public. But the current controversy begs the question, “why this issue?” Why does the Administration feel contraception (including “morning after” pills) is such a crucial matter that it warrants the violation of the free expression of religious rights? Those who back this decision often cast it as a matter of women’s health. In an article in the Wall Street Journal two weeks ago three Senators were quoted as saying, “Access to birth control is directly linked to declines in maternal and infant mortality, can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer and is linked to overall good health outcomes.”
Who would be against women’s health? I certainly would not. And yet, one suspects there’s another dynamic in play in this issue. Both “the pill” and abortion are inextricably linked with the “sexual revolution” that shook our culture beginning about 50 years ago. What was behind that revolution? Margaret Sanger, an early proponent of birth control and the sexual revolution decried Christian ethics as “the cruel morality of self-denial and sin.” In her book, The Pivot of Civilization, she claimed that total sexual liberation was the only way a person could find “inner peace and security.” She said, “Through sex, mankind may attain the great spiritual illumination which will transform the world, which will light up the only path to an earthly paradise.” Psychologist Wilhelm Reich, a cult figure of the sexual revolution in the 1960’s taught that Christian morality is a “murderous philosophy.” Psychiatrist Eustace Chesser wrote a book about Reich entitledSalvation Through Sex in which he showed how Reich believed that sex is “man’s only salvation, leading to the Kingdom of Heaven on earth.”
My guess is the average American would not say that unrestricted sexual activity is the key to salvation and heaven on earth. On the other hand, there is a definite undercurrent in our culture that says one must have the freedom to express sexuality however one desires in order to have a full life. That’s not far from Sanger’s belief that sexual liberation is the key to inner peace and security. It seems as though there are two competing philosophies at work here. One philosophy says that fulfillment in life is rooted in knowing God and allowing him to be Lord over all of one’s life, including one’s sexuality. It says that true joy, peace and fulfillment in all areas of life are discovered only as they are submitted to God. The other philosophy says that fulfillment in life is rooted in being able to fulfill one’s desires however one sees fit, and one of the strongest of those desires has to do with sexuality. If one has the latter philosophy of life then it is easy to see why a person might insist that his or her freedom in sexuality must not be limited. If the protection of that “right” requires the limitation of someone else’s freedom of religion to some extent, then so be it. It appears that at some level, this controversy comes down to the clash of those two philosophies.
No doubt the issue is not as simple as that. There are a number of factors, including concern particularly for the health of less advantaged women and a desire to reduce unwanted pregnancies and abortion, involved in this controversy along with issues of religious freedom. Nevertheless, while it may not be the sum total of the issue, it certainly appears to me that this clash of philosophies is a major player in this debate.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2334
|
__label__cc
| 0.635486
| 0.364514
|
Obituary – Francis Dalton
One of the most well-known figures in the UK woodworking machinery sector – Francis Dalton, MD of AL Dalton Ltd – has died following a short illness.
Regarded as one of the true gentlemen of the woodworking machinery sector, he and his late brother Nigel were the third generation to enter the family business in Nottingham.
In 2016 Mr Dalton celebrated 60 years with the company, having first worked as a machinist at Stag Cabinets gaining some valuable experience before joining his father, Vernon, and uncle, Cyril, in 1956. He quickly took to the business forging what were to become lifelong relationships with customers, partners and competitors.
Although never married, Mr Dalton was still very much a family man. He leaves five nieces and nephews. Alex Dalton, son to Nigel and nephew of Francis, continues as the fourth generation to run the business today.
As director and joint owner of Daltons Wadkin with involvement in all aspects from sales to service, Mr Dalton continued to work full time in the business up until the last few weeks of his life.
Like his ancestors before him, he took a special pride in ensuring that the company offered the very best machinery, aftercare and support.
Francis Dalton will be much missed both within Daltons Wadkin and the wider woodworking machinery community.
Francis Dalton
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2337
|
__label__cc
| 0.588362
| 0.411638
|
Search in web contents
Adding value to spanish exports
16 July de 2019
Destacados - En Portada
In Good Taste
Spain's fourth-largest industrial sector meets at Meat Attraction
Wiki Spanish Food editorial team
The meat industry is the fourth-largest industrial sector in Spain, behind only the automotive industry, the oil and fuel industry and the electricity production and distribution industry. The industrial fabric of the sector - which includes abattoirs, cutting plants and processing plants - comprises around 3,000 companies, distributed throughout Spain, particularly in rural areas.
Although a significant part of the sector comprises small and medium-sized companies, this has not prevented the gradual development and consolidation of large business groups, some of them leaders at the European level. The joint production of all these companies makes the meat industry by far the largest in the entire Spanish food and beverage industry, representing a turnover of € 24 billion and 22.3% of the entire Spanish food sector in 2017, according to the National Association of Meat Industries of Spain, ANICE.
This powerful sector will naturally be represented at the only trade show in the Iberian peninsula dedicated solely to this industry: MEAT ATTRACTION, the Trade Show for the Meat Industry. Co-organised by IFEMA and ANICE, the second edition of the trade show will take place from 18 to 20 September 2018 at Feria de Madrid.
This turnover represents approximately 2.2% of the total Spanish GDP (at market prices), 13.6% of industrial GDP and 4.1% of the total turnover of Spanish industry as a whole. Direct employment by meat industry companies (85,706 workers) represents 24.3% of the total for the Spanish food industry.
Last year, the meat industry exported more than 2.3 million tons of meat, offal and processed products of all kinds, exceeding for the first time the € 6 billion sold in markets around the world, with a very positive trade balance of 477%, which very few relevant economic sectors can claim, helping to alleviate Spain’s traditional trade deficit.
Spanish meat production
Although with a slower growth of 1.6% compared to 2016, Spanish pork recorded yet another production record in 2017, reaching 4.25 million tons.
The beef sector continued the trend toward recovery which began in 2014, producing 641,003 tons (0.6% more than the previous year), while sheep and goat meat fell 1% compared to 2016, with 125,487 tons.
Pork production is the main segment in the Spanish meat industry, representing 64.1% of all meat, including poultry and rabbit.
With this volume of production, which represents 3.75% of world production, Spain has already consolidated itself in recent years as the fourth largest producer of pork meat, behind China (which alone produces 47.9 % of the world’s pork), USA (10.4% of world production) and Germany (5.1%), and ahead of Brazil (3.4%), Russia (2.6%), Vietnam (2.3%) and Canada (1.8%). It is also the second European country in terms of production, representing 17.5% of the EU total, ahead of France (8.6%), Poland (8.4%), Denmark (6.7%), Italy (6.6%) and the Netherlands (6.3%). The European Union as a whole is the world’s second largest producer, with 21.6% of the total.
Beef occupies third place in terms of volume (after poultry), accounting for 9.7% of Spain’s meat production, although in this category Spain is far behind world leaders USA and Brazil. Spain accounts for 8.2% of European production, behind France (18.8%), Germany (14.6%), the United Kingdom (11.7%) and Italy (10.4%).
The same goes for lamb and mutton, with production following the downward trend seen not only in Spain but in the whole of the EU for years. Even so, Spain is the second largest European producer of sheep and goat meat, with 14% of the total, behind the United Kingdom (38.9%) and ahead of France (11.4%) and Greece (10.0%).
With regard to processed meat production, it should be noted that Spain, producing 1.4 billion tons per year, is in fourth place within the European Union, behind Germany, Italy and France. In terms of volume, the biggest category is cooked meats, while in terms of value, the biggest category is cured ham and pork shoulder (including Ibérico).
The Spanish meat products market
Spain has one of the richest traditions in producing and consuming a varied selection of ham and charcuterie products. The diversity of its charcuterie production, which extends throughout Spain, is part of the country’s cultural and gastronomic heritage, and is popular both domestically and abroad.
Spanish consumers’ preferred products are cured, Serrano and Ibérico hams, the flagship products in terms of meat production in Spain. Serrano and Ibérico ham exceed 30% of the value of products marketed in the self-service and specialist channels. In terms of volume, cooked meats are in the first position ahead of cured hams, thanks mainly to the spectacular growth that cooked turkey has experienced in recent years. These are followed by cooked hams, sausages and chorizoin consumer preferences.
And of course, we must not forget that the very important hospitality and catering channel stands at the top of the list, and is of particular importance for the consumption of all meat products, but especially for flagship products like Serrano and Ibérico ham, as well as cured cold meats and cooked meats of all kinds.
Data on consumption of meat and derivatives
In 2017, domestic consumption of meats and processed products fell by 1.4% in volume, but increased by 1.1% in value, returning to the recovery in some prices seen in 2015.
These data were collected in the last consumption panel by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture (rolling yearly total December 2017), which shows a more pronounced behaviour in the meat category than the consumer food and drink basket as a whole, which dropped by only -0.7% in volume but increased by +0.6% in value.
According to the Ministry's data, all fresh meats fell in terms of volume (-2.2%) while pork (+2.5%), chicken (+0.8%) and rabbit (+2.2%) rose in terms of value, and beef (-1.6%) and sheep/goat (-2.2%) continued to fall. Moreover, frozen meats grew by 1.3% in volume and 2.7% in value.
The most positive trend was seen in processed meats, which progressed both in volume (1.0%) and in value (+ 1.9%) in that period.
These data should be compared with the information published by Nielsen, which shows that meat products grew by 4% in value in 2017 to € 14 billion.
According to Nielsen, this growth is due to the fact that the sector has been able to satisfy the values demanded by consumers in terms of health, sustainability, innovation, quality and shopping experience. The first two, health and sustainability, are the fundamental drivers of growth in the shopping cart of consumers. According to Nielsen, 60% of consumers claim to strive to make healthy daily purchases and 46% try to buy products that respect the environment. In addition, 57% of consumers say they are willing to pay more for higher quality products.
2017 set yet another record in terms of Spain’s foreign meat exports, comfortably exceeding € 6 billion for the first time. It also exceeded the 2.3 million tons of meats and processed products sold in markets around the world.
These spectacular data reflect that, in little more than a quarter of a century, the meat industry has gone from no foreign trade to becoming the largest sector in the Spanish agri-food industry and a leading power in the world meat products market.
Last year, the Spanish meat sector exported 2.33 million tons of meats and processed products of all kinds worth € 6.1 billion to markets around the world, with an increasingly positive trade balance, in this case 477%, and a growth of 2.5% in volume and 9.4% in value compared to 2016, which shows increased exports of products with higher added value and at higher prices.
These outstanding global figures are largely based on the unstoppable external trajectory of the pork sector, an area in which Spain has become the third largest exporter in the world behind only Germany and the United States.
In 2017, 1,554,981 tonnes of pork were exported, worth € 3.6 billion (another record, exceeding 3.5 billion in sales), which represents a 4.4% growth in volume and a 12.5% growth in value, as well as very positive figures in processed products: 197,818 tonnes (+8.3%) and € 1.27 billion (+ 10.1%).
As for beef, the balance of exports of meat and offal was also positive, as it reached the record figure of 171,953 tons of exports (+1.4%) and € 610 million in value, 5.3% more than in the previous year, furthering the progress made since 2015.
In offal exports, this year was a period of consolidation after the spectacular growth seen in 2016. 369,451 tons of offal products were exported, worth € 413 million.
Most of Spain’s offal exports still go to the European Union, with most Spanish products going to France, Germany, Portugal and Italy. The sector faces two important challenges in this area: to continue to increase sales to non-EU markets, and to boost exports of our value-added products where Spain stands out from competitors in international markets, starting with flagship products such as Ibérico and Serrano hams.
In this regard, it should be noted that 37.3% of total exports of pork, offal and fat were sold in third countries. China is already the main consumer of Spanish pork, along with France, and ahead of Italy, Portugal and Japan.
In the case of beef, the percentage of sales to third countries - which recorded more modest levels in previous years - is progressing significantly. In 2017, it represented 14.8% of total exports, with an increase of 7.5% in volume and 16.7% in value. This clearly indicates the prospects and possibilities that this sector and the lamb and mutton sector show on their path toward globalisation.
To do this, it is essential for Spanish industry to make its way into these key markets, which are currently restricted for Spain and in which other competing countries are already selling.
For this reason, the sector calls on the Spanish authorities to do more to open up countries and unify administrative functions to make Spanish industry more competitive and eliminate inefficiencies in international activity.
Wikispanishfood does not take responsibility or necessarily identify with the opinions expressed by its collaborators, limiting itself to becoming a transmitting channel of the same
!_cabcfcook
wikispanishfood © 2019 | All rights reserved
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2339
|
__label__wiki
| 0.503171
| 0.503171
|
Wimbledon Park Property Guide
Why the grass is greener in Wimbledon Park
This is quintessential Wimbledon: leafy streets lined with handsome Victorian and Edwardian properties, some overlooking the park itself. The Wimbledon Park area spreads north from Wimbledon Park Road, leading up to Wimbledon Park station in the east and extending towards Southfields station at its northernmost point.
The park that gives its name to the area is a large, well-maintained public space with a children’s playground and paddling pool, a watersports centre and boating lake, athletics track, walking route, beach volleyball courts, bowling green, football pitches and tennis courts.
Shopping and leisure
You’ll find a handful of shops on Arthur Road and Leopold Road including a newsagent, a post office and a computer store. For those in search of serious retail therapy it’s just one stop on the District Line to Wimbledon station, where the Centre Court shopping centre is packed with major high street brand outlets, cafes and restaurants. Local residents know this area as ‘Wimbledon town’ and you’ll find fantastic retail and leisure opportunities here, including cinemas, nightclubs, theatres and a popular leisure centre – the Nuffield – with a gym and swimming pool.
Alternatively Wimbledon Village, to the south, provides a trendy alternative to the mainstream shopping experience on offer in the town: with upmarket high street brands such as Whistles, Bayley & Sage and Fired Earth plus a wide range of chic, independent shops, cafes and restaurants.
Sports fans will enjoy the proximity to Wimbledon Golf Club and the iconic Wimbledon All England Lawn Tennis Club, which hosts the world famous Wimbledon Championships every year in June.
Travel from Wimbledon Park
You can pick up a District Line train from Wimbledon Park or Southfields to reach Victoria or Paddington in under half an hour. Alternatively it’s only one stop on the same line to Wimbledon station, where you can catch a South West Trains overground connection to Waterloo, a Thameslink train to Blackfriars or District Line tube to central and west London stations.
Buses that serve the Wimbledon Park area include the 57, 93, 131, 200 and 493.
Heathrow and Gatwick airports are located within a 20-30 mile radius of Wimbledon.
If you already have a child – or are planning to start a family - one of the advantages of living in Wimbledon is access to some outstanding state and independent schools.
State primary schools in the Wimbledon Park area include Wimbledon Park Primary School, rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted. In the wider Wimbledon area ‘Outstanding’ schools include Dundonald Primary, Bishop Gilpin Church of England Primary and St Mary’s Catholic Primary School.
There’s also a range of good independent schools including Wimbledon Park Montessori School (rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted), Willington School (for boys 4-13), Donhead Preparatory School (for boys 4-11) and Wimbledon High School (for girls 4-18).
One of the area’s top schools is King’s College School: a fee-paying day school for boys aged 7-18 and girls aged 16-18. Putney High School and Wimbledon High School are also rated as excellent independent girls’ schools, while Ricards Lodge High School and Wimbledon College are state secondary schools rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted. The Face Youth Therapeutic School, an independent special needs school, is also rated as ‘Good’.
Winchester White can offer some excellent property choices to let in the Wimbledon Park area. If you’re looking for peaceful streets and open green spaces with easy access to shopping and leisure facilities, then you’ll love living here.
"As a local Wimbledon landlady, I have been working with Winchester White for many years now. They have always found great tenants for my properties and are very efficient and professional…."
Mrs Fin , 2016
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2340
|
__label__wiki
| 0.750163
| 0.750163
|
THE MEDICINE GAME 2: 4 BROTHERS 1 DREAM
About the Festival Back to 2016 Films
Miles Thompson tells the story of growing up in the shadow of three lacrosse star brother and how the struggle of proving the doubters wrong overcoming weight issues pushed him to the top of the lacrosse world. We follow Miles training with his brothers on the Onondaga Nation to playing in his first professional lacrosse game in Minneapolis.
ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS
Jason Halpin and Lukas Korver
Jason Halpin and Lukas Korver have been producing documentary film together since their graduation from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Communications in 2003. Their endeavors have taken them all over the United States as well as Europe, Australia, Africa, China, and the Middle East. Their feature documentary debut began in 2006 with "The Medicine Game," a feature documentary that aired nationally on PBS in 2014, and toured the festival circuit that same year. Since then, they’ve teamed up to produce independent projects as well as branded content for Hitachi, Facebook, Vanity Fair, Rain Media, and many others.
Lukas Korver and Jason Halpin capture tradition and determination in episode 2 of “The Medicine Game 2: Four Brothers, One Dream.” In this film, we follow young Miles Thompson on his journey as a lacrosse player as he walks us through his first professional game. With the support of both family and strangers alike, Miles’ story reveals not only his own strength but also the strong bonds and support of the Native communities. Though soft-spoken and always smiling, Miles aggressiveness on the field made him a champion of lacrosse and a force to be reckoned with.
PBS: What was it that drew you to Miles’ story?
LUKAS KORVER: I worked with Miles’ family before on a documentary, and after that documentary was completed I saw Miles and [his brother] Lyle enter the college lacrosse world, and it really kicked off from there. It developed a huge fan base, so I knew they already had a lot of built-in fans there. Then when you meet them they’re the most genuine, lovable kids, always laughing and smiling. They’re two really strong individuals. They saw their two older brothers struggle to make it into college, struggle with some misuse of drugs and alcohol. [Miles and Lyle] together got into school right away, which for that family was a huge moment. This was the first generation going to college. There were a lot of obstacles standing in their way, and Miles, he’s an older brother to Lyle, but Lyle acts more like a parent and keeps him more on track, keeps him focused. So Miles was just a perfect character to follow.
PBS: During the film, Miles shares a really special moment when the surrounding Native communities meet him before his first professional lacrosse game to show their support. We get to see a glimpse of his reaction, but can you go into detail about what it was like for him to experience that love and support?
LUKAS: I wish I was there for that. It ended up — the Georgia Swarm lacrosse team that he was playing for, they recorded the footage for me. But I have seen similar instances like that happen with Miles. It’s funny, he’s like an ambassador for Native American culture, but he’s also kind of a flag bearer for Native Americans.
A lot of young kids look up to Miles and Lyle and see them at the forefront… they feel a lot of pride and encouragement from seeing how far Miles and Lyle have gone. There are a lot of role models out there but not in the public eye. But here are two guys who are in the mainstream public eye who are also great ambassadors, great role models, so I’m not surprised at all that 30-40 kids will wait a few hours in an airport to cheer this guy on because he means that much to so many people.
PBS: So you mentioned that you were not there for that moment but looking back at the film, what was it like for you to see him surrounded by those fans and to see how far he had come in his career?
LUKAS: It was amazing, because I met Miles when he was in 6th grade, a little pudgy kid, a very funny guy, but never did I think — I mean I didn’t grow up around lacrosse but I played sports my whole life. Here Miles didn’t have the flexibility, didn’t have the foot speed, he was slow — like this guy is not going to play Division 1. He’ll have a nice high school career, he’ll catch on to a nice Division 3 team, but to go on and break the all-time scoring record at the Division 1 level… he’s the face of lacrosse across the globe. It’s mind-boggling. I mean I’m surprised, but looking back I should’ve seen it, because this kid has that inner strength, he has that drive to push himself, push his body, push his mind as far as it will go.
PBS: There are many themes within this film, from weight loss to the bonds and traditions within the Native American communities. For you, what is the main message that you want people to take away from Miles’ story?
LUKAS: I should be more prepared for this answer, because one of the reasons I wanted to make this sequel is to get their message out. And I think the reason I’m having trouble finding what that message is, is because they have a lot of things that they stand for: culture, fitness, tradition, self-esteem, staying away from drugs and alcohol, living a healthy life, striving to have a healthy mind.
I mean those are all things that are important, so I hope that — my goal is for people to be entertained by watching these guys, and through that, that they might possibly subconsciously absorb a couple messages or a couple things that younger kids can take home and kind of just be exposed to. I think that there are a lot of great athletic role models out there, but there are not so much today for Native Americans. There are just not a whole lot of athletes to look up to. There are certainly many that should be role models, but the limelight is only so big and these guys have found their way up to that level and they’re pulling more Native American athletes up with them. So maybe the third film will be a spin-off of people they’ve blazed the trail for. There are so many freshman and sophomore kids playing college lacrosse that have had just great role models, and it’s fun to know that these guys were part of the lacrosse revolution.
ABOUT VISION MAKER MEDIA
Vision Maker Media shares Native stories with the world that represent the cultures, experiences, and values of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Founded in 1977, Vision Maker Media, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) which receives major funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, nurtures creativity for development of new projects, partnerships, and funding. Vision Maker Media is the premier source for quality Native American and Pacific Islander educational and home videos. All aspects of our programs encourage the involvement of young people to learn more about careers in the media--to be the next generation of storytellers. Located at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, we offer student employment and internships.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2341
|
__label__cc
| 0.713849
| 0.286151
|
Southern Illinois AIDS Walk - WSIL-TV 3 Southern Illinois
Southern Illinois AIDS Walk
Saturday, March 24, 2018 10:35 PM EDT
Saturday, April 7, 2018 10:35 PM EDT
CARBONDALE -- Several groups helped raise money as part of the Southern Illinois AIDS walk
Despite the rain, over a hundred people turned out for the walk to help raise awareness for the disease.
This was the 18th year for the walk, and organizers say a lot has changed.
"It's not a death sentence but its still a chronic disease. so we're offering rapid HIV testing here. We're talking about PREP which is a pill that people can take to prevent HIV if they're at high risk; and we just want to remind people that HIV is still here and its still affecting people in southern Illinois," said AIDS Walk chair, Wally Paynter.
The walk raised over $1500 to support those affected.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2345
|
__label__wiki
| 0.92821
| 0.92821
|
VH1 You Oughta Know Artist Lorde Explains What Being “Royal” Means To Her
by Meghan O'Keefe 9/3/2013
16-year-old New Zealand singer Lorde is VH1’s You Oughta Know artist for September. Lorde (née Ella Yelich-O’Connor) might still be a teenaged school girl in New Zealand, but her single “Royals” has made her an international alternative music princess. “Royals” became the first song by a female artist to top the Billboard Alternative charts since Tracey Bonham cracked it 17 years ago with “Mother Mother,” and the song has also been called the fastest charting alternative song since Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know.” So what inspired the hit song that takes its own hit at the luxurious lifestyles of famous musicians? Apparently a National Geographic photo…
“I had this image from the National Geographic of this dude just signing baseballs,” Lorde told us when we sat down with her recently. “He was a baseball player and his shirt said, ’Royals.'” Lorde was so taken by the image and the word that she penned the song around that idea. “It was just that word. It’s really cool.”
It wasn’t just a photo of a baseball player, though. Lorde is also a massive history buff and her love of the real life royals of the past also played a part in creating the song.
“Obviously I’ve had this fascination with aristocracy my whole life.” She adds, “Like, the kings and queens of 500 years ago…they’re like rock stars. If there was a TMZ 500 years ago, it would be about like Henry VIII and Marie Antoinette and all those people.”
For more information on VH1’s latest You Oughta Know artist, be sure and check out Lorde.VH1.com all month long.
Meghan O'Keefe
Tags: LordeYou Oughta Know
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2348
|
__label__wiki
| 0.9119
| 0.9119
|
Leglessness
It is rather important to understand what the Traditional Enemies Of Peace are really up to, and finally call them out on it, identifying them by supremacist group, and by their motives. Evil warmongering needs to have a cost! A Ukrainian-Russian peace deal is not in the interests of building Greater Israel.
"The Did-You-Talk-to-Russians Witch Hunt" (Parry) (responding to monstrosities like this: "Trump’s Russia scandals could be about to get much, much worse"):
"Some prominent Democrats and liberals have compared Trump-connected contacts with Russians to President Richard Nixon’s Watergate scandal or President Reagan’s Iran-Contra Affair, an issue that I know a great deal about having helped expose it as a reporter for The Associated Press in the 1980s.
The key difference is that Iran-Contra was an unconstitutional effort by the Reagan administration to finance an illegal war against Nicaragua’s Sandinista government in defiance of a congressional ban. The Trump-connected communications with Russians – to the degree they have occurred – appear to have been aimed at preventing a new and dangerous Cold War that could lead to a nuclear holocaust.
In other words, Iran-Contra was about enabling a paramilitary force to continue its brutal marauding inside a country that was no threat to the United States while the current “scandal” is about people trying to avoid hostilities between two nuclear superpowers, an existential threat that many mainstream and liberal pundits don’t want to recognize."
and (on some rather amazing straight-up lying - there is no other way to describe it! - by the Lügenpresse):
"This Russia-bashing and Russia-baiting have been accompanied by false narratives presented in the major U.S. newspapers, including The New York Times and The Washington Post, to justify increased tensions.
For instance, the Post’s senior foreign affairs writer Karen DeYoung on Friday described the civil war in Ukraine this way: “That conflict began when Russia invaded and annexed Crimea in 2014, then backed separatists in eastern Ukraine in what has become a grinding war, despite a deal to end it, called the Minsk agreement, negotiated with Putin by the leaders of France and Germany.”
But DeYoung’s synopsis is simply not true. The crisis began in the fall of 2013 when Ukraine’s elected President Viktor Yanukovych backed out of what he regarded as a costly and unacceptable association agreement with the European Union, a move which prompted protests by Ukrainians in Kiev’s Maidan square.
The Obama administration’s State Department, U.S. neocon politicians such as Sen. John McCain, and various U.S.-backed “non-governmental organizations” then stoked those protests against Yanukovych, which grew violent as trained ultra-nationalist and neo-Nazi street fighters poured in from western Ukraine.
In early 2014, a coup to overthrow the democratically elected Yanukovych took shape under the guidance of U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland and U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt who were caught in a phone call in late January or early February 2014 conspiring to impose new leadership inside Ukraine.
Nuland disparaged a less extreme strategy favored by European diplomats with the pithy remark: “Fuck the E.U.” and went on to declare “Yats is the guy,” favoring Arseniy Yatsenyuk as the new leader. Nuland then pondered how to “glue this thing” while Pyatt ruminated about how to “midwife this thing.”
On Feb. 20, 2014, a mysterious sniper apparently firing from a building controlled by the ultranationalist Right Sektor killed both police and protesters, setting off a day of violence that left about 70 people dead including more than a dozen police.
The next day, three European governments struck a deal with Yanukovych in which he agreed to early elections and accepted reduced powers. But that political settlement wasn’t enough for the U.S.-backed militants who stormed government buildings on Feb. 22, forcing Yanukovych and his officials to flee for their lives.
Instead of standing by the Feb. 21 agreement, which the European nations had “guaranteed,” Nuland pushed for and got U.S. allies to accept the new post-coup regime as “legitimate,” with Yatsenyuk becoming prime minister and several top government posts given to the ultranationalists and neo-Nazis.
In the ensuing days, the right-wing violence spread beyond Kiev, prompting Crimea’s legislature to propose secession from Ukraine and readmission to Russia, whose relationship to the peninsula dated back to Catherine the Great.
Crimea scheduled a referendum that was opposed by the new regime in Kiev. Russian troops did not “invade” Crimea because some 20,000 were already stationed there as part of a basing agreement at the Black Sea port of Sevastopol. The Russians did provide security for the referendum but there was no evidence of intimidation as the citizens of Crimea voted by 96 percent to leave Ukraine and rejoin Russia, a move that Putin and the Russian duma accepted.
Eastern Ukrainians tried to follow Crimea’s lead with their own referendum, but Putin and Russia rejected their appeals to secede. However, when the Kiev regime launched an “Anti-Terrorism Operation” against the so-called Donbass region – spearheaded by ultra-nationalist and neo-Nazi militias – Russia provided military assistance so these ethnic Russians would not be annihilated.
Karen DeYoung also framed the Minsk agreement as if it were imposed on Putin when he was one of its principal proponents and architects, winning its approval in early 2015 at a time when the Ukrainian military was facing battlefield reversals.
Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland during a press conference at the U.S. Embassy in Kiev, Ukraine, on Feb. 7, 2014. (U.S. State Department photo)
But Assistant Secretary Nuland, working with Prime Minister Yatsenyuk and the Ukrainian parliament, sabotaged the agreement by requiring the Donbass rebels to first surrender which they were unwilling to do, having no faith in the sincerity of the Kiev regime to live up to its commitment to grant limited autonomy to the Donbass.
In other words, Kiev inserted a poison pill to prevent a peaceful resolution, but the Western media and governments always blame the Minsk failure on Putin.
If Karen DeYoung wanted to boil all this history down to one paragraph, it might go: “The Ukraine conflict began when U.S. officials supported the violent overthrow of elected President Viktor Yanukovych, prompting Crimea to rejoin Russia and causing ethnic Russians in the east to rise up against the U.S.-backed coup regime in Kiev, which then sought to crush the rebellion. The Kiev regime later torpedoed a peace deal that had been hammered out by Russian, Ukrainian and European negotiators in Minsk.”
But such a summary would not have the desired propaganda effect on the American people. It would not present the U.S.-backed side as the “white hats” and the pro-Russia side as the “black hats.”"
The latest move by the Traditional Enemies Of Peace is to characterize an attempt to create peace between Russia and Ukraine as treason to be blamed on Trump! Disgusting, and I hope Americans start to get the full picture of who it is that hates peace and wants to destroy the world. "Learning Eye-Popping Details About Mr Sater".
"Felix Sater - Man Of The Year: Chabad of Port Washington". "A Back-Channel Plan for Ukraine and Russia, Courtesy of Trump Associates". It is within the realm of possibility that this is ratfucking, a phony deal which comes out now in order to force Trump to distance himself from Putin, but it remains disgusting that the obvious goal of the Lügenpresse is to create the underlying understanding that, of course, no peace deal with Russia is possible or desirable.
"Ukraine, Crimea and the Push for War".
Meanwhile, with the exact same Traditional Enemy Of Peace: "Trump and pal ‘Bibi’ funk out on Iran deal":
". . . at their joint press conference, Trump simply dodged the questions on the Iran deal – not once but twice – when asked what he intended to do about it.
The message is loud and clear: Iran nuclear deal is here to stay. A Jerusalem Post analysis noted wryly, “They may not like the deal, they may not have made it, and they may enforce it more aggressively than the Obama administration, but attempts to “rip it up” are officially over.”"
"Washington prepares to bring North Koreans to U.S. for talks: report". Funny/typical Rothschild spin: "The talks would be the clearest indication yet that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un wants to communicate with the new Trump administration.". But isn't it Trump that is displaying this very disheartening consistent interest in peace?
Ha!: "Netanyahu spurned secret peace offer: Ex-officials". The news isn't that Bibi turned down peace (duh!), but that the Americans covered it up for months.
"‘Legless Abdulbasit’ – More Fake News from Syria’s ‘Moderate Rebel’ Media Machine".
"Guess Which Terrorist Nation Was the First to Use DU Rounds?" The same small group was also kind enough to invent modern terrorism and most of its methods, and promote it today through its sponsorship of Sunni maniacs.
"The Opioid Epidemic and the Face of Long-Term Unemployment". Sackler. The deplorables are sticking with Trump as they have put the pieces together.
"There is a lack of reality in the Borgist Resistance".
Putting #pizzagate into mainstream conspiracist thinking: "It’s The Sauce".
The Day of the Jackal
A rat at the end of a ratline
An angel on one shoulder
Unicorn Force
Khangaroo
Liar's regret
Dodging bullets
He Will Die In Jail
Micro-coup
Out like Flynn
Messianic Apocalypse
Courtesy interview
Cookie and Cake
Scurry in
Trumpology
Torture, but not Trump
What, you think our country’s so innocent?
The dissolving acid of loons
More leak evidence
Assassination is insensitive
Targeted assassination age record
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2352
|
__label__cc
| 0.605991
| 0.394009
|
Parents of 10-Year-Old File Lawsuit Against Cartwright School District
September 29, 2011 by goldberg
The parents of a boy who died during a physical education class have filed a lawsuit against the Cartwright School District, according to reports.
Bryan Burgos was 10 years old when he allegedly collapsed in the yard of the Davidson Elementary School, located in Phoenix, on September 16, 2010. ABC 15 News reports temperatures that day exceeded 100 degrees.
After Burgos reportedly collapsed, police and fire officials did not arrive on the scene for 11 minutes, according to a report regarding the alleged incident from the Phoenix Fire Department.
Fellow students were reportedly the first people to observe that Burgos had collapsed as a result of the extreme heat, police reports indicate. A teacher is reported to have then checked on Burgos. When the teacher reportedly noticed he was unresponsive, she called another educator at the school for assistance, according to the police report.
The teachers reportedly called a nurse twice, as they could not locate his pulse.
Joel Burgos and Karia Anchondo, the 10-year-old boy's parents, filed a lawsuit earlier in the month against the school district. Their suit alleges "Bryan wrongfully died," as "a direct and proximate result of the Defendants' negligence."
Moreover, Burgos and Anchondo's lawsuit contends their son's death could have been prevented had school authorities limited students' outdoor activities that day.
"The District and the school knew or should have known that allowing children to engage in vigorous physical activity such as the Gauntlet would expose the children to the forcible risk of harm," according to their lawsuit.
Thus far, there have been no hearing dates set for the case, according to officials.
Filed Under: Accidents in the News
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2356
|
__label__wiki
| 0.92652
| 0.92652
|
African committee hears Obama 2016 pitch
July 7, 2009 A delegation from Chicago's 2016 team made a presentation at the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa. That group is meeting in Nigeria, where they heard a message from Obama.
"From the very beginning I have fully supported Chicago's bid for the 2016 Games. If Chicago is selected for this honor, we will insure that the Olympic and Paralympic Games are a key priority for our nation," Obama said.
Chicago is among four cities competing for the 2016 Summer Games. The International Olympic Committee makes its decision in October.
It's not that different from a race for alderman. But in this election there are only 107 voters. They are from different countries all over the world, and most are from a continent with a city in the race. For example, European IOC members may be inclined to support Madrid. Asian members may back Tokyo. There is one continent whose members are not aligned: Africa. Chicago's bid team traveled to Abuja, Nigeria, to meet with Africa's 16 IOC members, who may hold the swing votes.
Chicago's bid team has visited more than 40 cities across the globe, from Singapore to South Korea, England to Egypt, all with the goal of picking up votes one by one. It is ward politics on a global scale.
"I think it's a really unique opportunity to take Chicago to the world instead of having the world come here to tell our story," said Lori Healey, Chicago 2016 president.
Chicago 2016 has an entire team devoted to wooing IOC members and an elaborate system of tracking the contacts.
Waleed Elgindy recently arranged for a meeting between bid leader Pat Ryan and a Tunisian swimmer who has the ear of his country's IOC member.
"We believe one of our key strengths if our ability to connect with the members in their own language," said Elgindy, Chicago 2016 international relations.
"I think if Obama come, I think some possibilities," said Lassana Palenfo, African Olympic Committees president, on June 18.
While Chicago Mayor Richard Daley is met by angry aldermen and a cynical press corps in Chicago, when he is overseas, he woos international media. Interviews generate stories promoting the city and its Olympic bid.
"Bid rules no longer allow members of the IOC to come to your city, so creating that profile in the international media is an opportunity to showcase all you have to offer," said Darryl Seibel, former US Olympic spokesman and Chicago consultant.
To be the victor, a city needs to win a majority of the 107 votes.
Typically, that doesn't happen in the first round, so the lowest vote getter is knocked out, and IOC members vote again. That is why IOC members are courted even if they're from a region with a city in the race. If that city is cut early, its supporters can then win it for their second-choice city.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2358
|
__label__wiki
| 0.749789
| 0.749789
|
In blow to FOIA advocates, Supreme Court blocks South Dakota newspaper from 'confidential' food stamp data
devin dwyer
PlaySaul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images
WATCH Fast Facts About the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court on Monday dealt a blow to advocates of greater access to public information, ruling in a 6-3 decision that the government does not have to turn over private food stamp data it obtained from grocery stores to a South Dakota newspaper.
Interested in Supreme Court?
Add Supreme Court as an interest to stay up to date on the latest Supreme Court news, video, and analysis from ABC News.
The paper, the Argus Leader, had filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the U.S. Department of Agriculture seeking the names and addresses of all retail stores that participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, and each store's annual redemption data. The FOIA request did not involve any identifying information about food stamp recipients or how they used the federal government benefit.
The paper argued that it's in the public's interest to know how government spends tax dollars. But the retailers, represented by the industry group Food Marketing Institute, objected to release of the information, which it calls "confidential" and only shares with USDA under an expectation of privacy.
(MORE: Supreme Court sides with designer over allegedly offensive trademark)
FOIA exempts disclosure of "trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a person and privileged or confidential."
Lower courts have interpreted the the statute as also requiring an objector to show "competitive harm" with the release and ruled in favor of the paper.
Justice Neil Gorsuch, writing for the majority, reversed that decision, saying that "at least where commercial or financial information is both customarily and actually treated as private by its owner and provided to the government under an assurance of privacy, the information is 'confidential' within the meaning" of the law.
J. Scott Applewhite/AP
Visitors line up to enter the Supreme Court on Capitol Hill in Washington, June 24, 2019.
"Small business owners expect privacy when it comes to their confidential information and the Supreme Court's decision today reaffirms just that," said Karen Harned, executive director of the National Federation of Independent Business, which filed a brief supporting the retailers.
(MORE: Supreme Court allows war cross memorial to stand as symbol of 'sacrifice')
Justices Stephen Breyer, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor dissented in the case.
"The whole point of FOIA is to give the public access to information it cannot otherwise obtain," Breyer wrote. "And given the temptation, common across the private and public sectors, to regard as secret all information that need not be disclosed, I fear the majority's reading will deprive the public of information for reasons no better than convenience, skittishness or bureaucratic inertia."
Argus Leader news director Cory Myers lamented the court's decision, saying in a statement posted by the paper on Twitter, "This is a massive blow to the public’s right to know how its tax dollars are being spent, and who is benefiting."
Supreme Court blocks South Dakota newspaper from 'confidential' food stamp data
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2359
|
__label__cc
| 0.741183
| 0.258817
|
Learn the Art of DJing and Turntablism With The Beat Junkies’ ‘Institute of Sound’
blame it on JES7 April 29, 2017
One of the downfalls of living in a predominantly digitally-driven music world (and the abundance of software like Ableton Live) is the rise of glorified button-pushing “deejays” whom have soared to “superstar status” (we’re looking at you, “‘Dead Mow Five”)—successfully fooling hard-working, paying fans with gratuitous knob twisting, excessive light shows and unwarranted fist-pumping. It’s enough to drive the most dedicated bedroom DJ—who’s spent countless years crafting their art and with dreams of one day rocking their favorite club or headlining a massive festival—mad.
On the heels of celebrating their 25th anniversary as a collective, the World Famous Beat Junkies have decided to open a DJ clinic, dubbed the Beat Junkie Institute of Sound. In an interview with Big Boy, Dilated Junkies’ DJ Babu expounded on why they decided to open up the DJ dojo:
I think it’s a real full circle thing for me, personally. I’ve been on the road with Dilated, been on the road with the Junkies; every kind of DJing, we’ve done it. It’s weird, in Hip-Hop, we’re raised not to bite. Not to copy. Be original. I feel like we’ve spent the better part of 30 years keeping secrets to ourselves. If you weren’t in our crew, I wasn’t showing you my knowledge, my skills. As an artist, I found out in the last 5 or 10 years, it’s really selfish.
Elsewhere, a more reserved DJ Rhetmattic broke his reasonings down:
For us, we wanted to bridge the gap and show our knowledge to the younger generation. At one point, there was a generation gap where the [elders] weren’t teaching teaching anybody. For us, to keep the culture alive, it’s our way of giving back to the community.
Classes are set to begin on May 1st at their Glendale, California location, with more info to be found at Beat Junkie Sound. Watch Hip-Hop nerd Michael Rapaport learn the ropes of DJing in the promo video below.
Glendale, Ca. 91204
Learn the Art of DJing and Turntablism With The Beat Junkies’ ‘Institute of Sound’ was last modified: March 31st, 2018 by JES7
Tags:michael rapaport, the beat junkies
CZARFACE Pay Homage to Read-Along Audio Comics on ‘First Weapon Drawn’
Kris Kasanova Takes His Gloves and “Mask Off,” Remixing Future
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2366
|
__label__wiki
| 0.830965
| 0.830965
|
ALFRED EAKER VS. THE SUMMER BLOCKBUSTERS: DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (2014)
July 17, 2014 Alfred Eaker 4 Comments
In the 1960s, producer Arthur P. Jacobs purchased screen rights to Pierre Boulle’s novel “Monkey Planet” for Twentieth Century Fox. It became Jacobs’ dream project, facing an uphill battle with skeptical executives. Not helping the producer’s cause was Boulle’s public statement calling “Monkey Planet” his worst novel. 1)Boulle had previously written the novel “Bridge on the River Kwai” and received credit for the screenplay, but declined to show up for the Academy Award. The reason for the no-show was that Boulle did not write the script, but agreed to receive credit for the film’s back-listed writers.
Rod Serling and Michael Wilson co-wrote the screen adaptation for the original Planet of The Apes (1968). The script is far more “Twilight Zone” than Boulle. Jacobs wisely cast Charlton Heston in the lead role. Heston, who loved the script, was helpful in influencing studio heads to greenlight the project and to assign director Franklin J. Shaffner, whom the actor had worked with in the underrated The War Lord (1965).
Studio misgivings were laid aside when Planet of the Apes (1968) proved to be a monstrous success. Before Star Wars, Batman, etc, Planet of the Apes was the original blockbuster franchise, spawning four sequels, a short-lived television series, an animated series, and a comic book. The original film retains its classic pop status, despite revisionist opinions, usually by those who have not seen it and dismiss it as a cheesy byproduct of the sixties and seventies. Actually, it is science fiction cinema at its most preferable: the cinematic equivalent of Cracker Jacks with its prize being smart dumb fun amidst caramel popcorn and salty peanuts. Who, in all honesty, would find Stanley Kubrick ‘s academic psychedelia 2001: A Space Odyssey, made the same year, as fun an experience as American icon Heston being put through Sterling’s pulp karma in the form of gorillas on horseback? Heston’s Col. Taylor, disdainful of mankind, is replete with character flaws, yet we root for him as he is catapulted through a physical and emotional nightmare, in which he is forced to do a philosophical about-face, only to learn in the end he was right all along. Heston’s physicality responds perfectly to Sterling’s blunt ironies.
It is the hippest performance of the actor’s career and one can understand his hesitancy regarding the sequel, Beneath The Planet Of The Apes (1970). Heston’s performance there amounts to a cameo, with James Franciscus filling in, albeit in a second-rate Heston imitation. Still, once past the unnecessary rehash of the first film, Beneath, in its innovative second half, proves to be the strangest, most underrated entry of the franchise. It is also the only sequel that retains the original’s flavor.
Escape From The Planet Of The Apes (1971), the best of the sequels, benefits from the quirky performances of Kim Hunter and Roddy McDowell. Writer Paul Dehn crafted an inventive, humor-laden narrative that delighted in seventies pop culture. Dehn, a noted film critic, drew on Rod Sterling’s original script draft for the first film, as well as Boulle’s novel in which Apes and humans coexist in a modern society. Escape‘s Sterling-esque first half gives way to Dehn’s pre-apocalyptic sensibilities and pop social commentary on racism and violence.
Conquest Of The Planet Of The Apes (1972) is Bazooka Bubble Gum Armageddon,especially in the unrated version found on home video. The slavery theme, in the decade immediately following the civil rights battle, made Conquest an enormously popular entry, and Dehn sells its preposterousness by sheer style alone. Battle for the Planet of The Apes (1973) fatally erred by switching horses in the middle of the ride (i.e. taking script-writing duties away from Dehn). The result was hopelessly dull family fare with a vapid happy-happy joy-joy New Age peace-and-harmony ending that contradicts everything before it. The short-lived television series, while hardly classic, was a slight step up from the intolerable Battle. By now, the reputation of the original was suffering from overexposure and the inevitable law of diminishing returns.
After Tim Burton‘s failed, all-gloss reboot from 2001, Twentieth Century Fox waited a full decade before handing a new Apes project over to producer and writer Rick Jaffa (among others), feeling the time was finally ripe to right Burton’s wrong. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) justified their patience. Director Rupert Wyatt and actor Andy Serkis were considerable assets to the film’s critical and box office success. Rise is the first of the Apes to utilize CGI, and the results are mixed. The primary detractions come in the form of egregious homages to the original film, including Heston’s infamous line, which is a disservice to this wily pulp. Rise also set a new pattern in dull human counterparts. James Franco is adrift, and his browbeating may possibly have been the result of realizing he had been upstaged by CGI. Freida Pinto is wasted, reduced to decor. The only genuine interaction between actors is found in John Lithgow’s Alzheimer victim’s relationship with Serkis’ chimpanzee Caesar. Rise is also waterlogged with the most vapid and dull of subplots: the big bad wolf capitalist executive playing havoc with science for profit, before his inevitable comeuppance. The epic social underpinnings of the 1968 original are scaled down to a commentary on animal testing, but one that smartly yields to a revamping of Conquest. Wyatt’s stylish direction mostly overcomes the sloppy writing. Flaws aside, Rise was successful enough to warrant this year’s entry.
A sequel was planned from the beginning, with Serkis returning for Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014), directed by Matt Reeves, who previous credits include Cloverfield (2008) and Let Me In (2010). Some critics are hailing Dawn as the best of the entire Apes franchise, and although a distinct improvement over its immediate predecessor, this proves to be a slight exaggeration—but only a slight one. As Rise was conscientious folklore retelling of 1972’s Conquest, Dawn uses 1973’s Battle as a springboard and, fortunately, transforms its source (the worst of the Apes films) into one of the best.
Dawn, with returning writers Jaffa and Amanda Silver, repeats some of the missteps of Rise. Homages to the original abound and still serve as distractions. However, new writer Mark Bomback seems to have assisted in upping the ante (although his resume would not indicate that potential) delivering a script with the primary message that “Us-or-Them” is synonym to “Bigotry.”
Dawn, like the best Apes films, has a Rod Sterling-esque sheen, but it also indebted to Dehn’s somber, subtle as weapons of mass destruction Apes-branded social commentary. Additionally, there is a distant aesthetic relationship to Budd Boetticher‘s style of hyper-complex, cryptic characterization filtered through the sensibilities of independent filmmaking (despite Dawn’s status as a big studio enterprise). It is, or rather should be, within our nature to root for the underdog, but as in a Boetticher film, we are unsure just who the underdog here is. Both simian and human are prone to profiling and race demonization, but often this is born from the desperate struggle to survive, rather than being a genetic trait. Although for the most part the character shading is laudably complex, Dawn, like Rise, slightly falters in a vital area: the human counterparts themselves are mostly a dull lot, with only a few performances rising above a sketch. On the other hand, focusing primarily on the apes proves to be a good choice.
Aided by motion capture, Serkis’ powerhouse performance as Caesar is even more impressive this time around and is the most, if not the only, successful collaboration between actor and CGI to date. Unlike the recent Spider-man travesty, the effects are utilized only to strengthen performance and narrative. Although clearly the protagonist, Caesar is fallible and fears change, which is Dawn‘s second big theme, practically shouted at us through a bullhorn (which is hardly a criticism). Almost matching Serkis is Toby Kebbell’s performance as the radical militant Koba. It is a given that Dawn will not be a favorite among a good number of NRA members or George W. Bush foreign policy fans, but Kebbell avoids degenerating into cartoon territory, which would have been easy to do. His Koba is not entirely without sympathy and an understandable motive. A third, notable performance is found in Karin Konoval’s reprise of the orangutan Maurice (the name being a nod to Maurice Evans, who played Dr. Zaius in the 1968 original). Maurice has taken on the mantle of a pedagogical simian. Anti-war, anti-racism, pro-gun control, pro-civil law, and pro-education, Dawn Of The Planet Of the Apes, is, quite possible, a summer nightmare for obtuse summer blockbuster zealots and social media forum kooks.
Some criticisms have been leveled against this film for its preachiness and pacing. Aesthetically echoing its message that trust is hard earned, Dawn is more akin to a gradually convincing homily as opposed to a banging-the pulpit Transformers sermon. Yet, this is not a summer move devoid of visceral excitement. Indeed, it is a rare, flavorful popcorn, aided immensely by Michael Giacchino’s score, building to a dynamic, Orwellian crescendo.
1. ↑ Boulle had previously written the novel “Bridge on the River Kwai” and received credit for the screenplay, but declined to show up for the Academy Award. The reason for the no-show was that Boulle did not write the script, but agreed to receive credit for the film’s back-listed writers.
2014Matt ReevesRacismScience FictionSummer blockbuster
Previous Post176. ENEMY (2013)Next PostWEIRD HORIZON FOR THE WEEK OF 7/18/2014
4 thoughts on “ALFRED EAKER VS. THE SUMMER BLOCKBUSTERS: DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (2014)”
G. Smalley (366weirdmovies) says:
I am not sure the series “Alfred Eaker vs. the Summer Blockbusters” has been a complete success.
The reason? Alfred has actually liked 4 out of the 7 blockbusters he reviewed, and didn’t hate Godzilla. There were only two actual negative reviews. Is this a statistically anomaly, or does it suggest that Hollywood blockbusters really aren’t as bad as we like to pretend? Sure, there’s the success of big dumb Transformers to criticize, but it actually seems to be the exception rather than the rule.
PS. I liked Dawn too.
Alfred Eaker says:
Sigh. I know and a bit disappointing. I really feel guilty about it too. Perhaps, next summer.
Next year we could either have you go to whatever was #1 at the box office the previous week, or (more sadistically) let the readers vote on what movie to send you to.
liking the idea of voting
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2367
|
__label__cc
| 0.601065
| 0.398935
|
EvansvilleIndianaTri-State Treasures
Civic Center: A Tri-State Treasure for Nearly 50 Years
Tommy Mason May 3, 2019
The Civic Center in Downtown Evansville will celebrate its 50th year later this month. The dedication of the 300,000 square foot building happened on May 23, 1969, consolidating agencies of Vanderburgh County and Evansville under the same roof.
If you have ever taken advantage of early voting, paid off a property tax tab or in some cases, had a day in court, you’ve likely visited the Evansville Civic Center Complex.
The 300,000 square foot building falls under the control of the Evansville Vanderburgh County Building Authority. Director Dave Rector says it’s the responsibility of his office to manage the expansive property.
“We are own governmental entity by state statute,” Rector said. “We are not city we are not county. We’re the building authority.
“We have our own employees, our own payroll. We actually own the civic center complex, old national event plaza, the jail, the sheriff’s operations center.”
Rector’s budget also has room for two hockey Zamboni’s housed inside the Ford Center.
Before construction began on the Civic Center in the late 60’s, several prominent downtown landmarks would have to be razed.
One of those, the Chicago and Eastern Illinois railroad depot featuring familiar pillars, now the Riverfront, offering a tribute to our four freedoms.
With keys to almost any barrier in the building, rector shares some little known spaces in the Civic Center, one of which considered to be the loudest … A shooting range for EPD officers.
“This is where they do all their training for new recruits and retraining for veteran officers,” said Rector. “That’s a bullet trap back there, and all the bullets fall into a bucket.”
In addition to county and city offices, the EPD Headquarters and courtrooms, the Civic Center has a surprisingly large area of unused space. Thirty-thousand square feet of second and third floor space still sits idle, something rector and his staff hope to fill in the future.
“One of the things we’ve also looked at too is third party leasing,” Rector said, “to get somebody in that space. Besides a government office that we’re looking at, we looked at third party leasing to try to utilize that space. It’s a lot of space to sit empty.”
As the Vanderburgh county jail faces an overcrowding problem, the old county lockup inside the Civic Center is now under-crowded with cells and facilities that don’t meet current DOC standards.
Another oddity of the expansive property is an oddly shaped cement and steel column within the courtyard. At a glance it looks like art, but Rector explains its true and less glamorous function.
“It’s actually a cooling tower,” Rector says. “It’s part of the air conditioning system for the Civic Center.
“It was an architect design or idea to make it more attractive than your normal cooling tower that you see with most buildings.”
The Civic Center will celebrate an anniversary on May 23 with 50 candles on the cake.
FCC Funds Rural Internet Access to 26 Indiana Counties
Jasper Business Owners Protest Proposed Jail Location
4 Arrested, $7k Worth of Meth Seized in Narcotics Investigation
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2368
|
__label__wiki
| 0.854447
| 0.854447
|
← Time Magazine ignores Polls and choose “Man of the Year”
Panama Attack →
Disabled man attacked by the Police
Jody McIntyre: ‘Why is it so surprising that the police dragged me from my wheelchair?’
It takes only a minute or so with Jody McIntyre to realise it would take much more than the combined forces of the Metropolitan Police, the Daily Mail and the BBC to keep him down. After a week of tumult and sleeplessness, he is buoyant and focused when I meet him at his family home in East Dulwich, south London. Seven days ago, this 20-year-old political activist was at the student protests in London with his younger brother Finlay when police allegedly hit him with a baton, and pulled him from his wheelchair not once, but twice.
It was an angry and passionate demonstration,” says McIntyre, “and it was also hugely tense and hugely hostile, because there were mounted police ready to charge into the crowd.” He was at the front of a large group of protesters in Parliament Square when he was struck on the shoulder with a baton by a police officer, he says. “Then around four police officers pulled me out of my wheelchair and carried me away.”
Not long after the protests, footage emerged of the second incident which, while grainy, shows McIntyre out of his wheelchair, being pulled along the ground by police, as voices in the crowd shout “What the fuck are you doing?” and “You just tipped him over!” It’s difficult to watch without mounting horror, and the thought: has it come to this? The police dragging a man with cerebral palsy through our streets?
Not everyone had that reaction. In the Daily Mail, columnist Richard Littlejohn compared McIntyre to the Little Britain character Andy, who is notoriously monosyllabic and isn’t actually physically disabled – whenever possible, he gets up behind his carer’s back and runs around. “If [McIntyre’s] looking for sympathy, he’s come to the wrong place,” wrote Littlejohn. There also seemed a distinct lack of sympathy from the BBC, in an interview conducted by journalist Ben Brown on Monday night, that has attracted thousands of complaints. The BBC News channel controller, Kevin Bakhurst, asked why people objected to it, and the answer seems to be this: in interviewing an apparent victim of police brutality, Brown’s tone was highly accusatory. He asked whether McIntyre might have been “rolling towards” the police in his wheelchair, whether he had thrown missiles at the police, and repeatedly questioned why he hadn’t yet made a legal complaint about his treatment.
He has been on a lot of protests, on a wide range of issues, and says he has always had a political outlook, which he chronicles on his blog, Life on Wheels (“One man’s journey on the path to revolution”). He isn’t a student himself, but says he cares deeply about the issue both because “acceptance into university should be based on the merit of your grades, not the size of your wallet” and because “education is simply the first target. These cuts, this axe that the government is wielding, is going to affect everyone.”
He will therefore be on the next student protest, whenever it occurs, and is pleased that the “media myth of us as some kind of apathetic generation has been completely blown to smithereens”. But he worries about what could happen in future. “I honestly think in one of the upcoming demonstrations, if the police continue with this brutal violence, that someone will die,” he says
Police dragged me from my wheelchair and attacked me with batons, claims tuition fees protester
A disabled man has described being dragged from his wheelchair twice during the tuition fees protests. Jody McIntyre says that in the first incident he was dumped on the pavement and his chair was left in the middle of the road. The 20-year-old political activist and blogger said: ‘I was at the front of the crowd in Parliament Square. One policeman struck me on my shoulder with his baton, quite badly bruising me.‘Then four or five grabbed me, pulled me out of my wheelchair, carried me about 100 yards behind the police line and dumped me on the pavement. ‘I was sitting there for five or ten minutes, until my 16-year-old brother was allowed through with my wheelchair.’
Mr McIntyre, who has been disabled since birth with cerebral palsy, said he was behind the police line when a second incident took place around half- an-hour later. ‘I was away from the crowd, on my own. One policeman asked me to move and I shook my head. ‘Then another, standing about 30 yards away, recognised me from the earlier incident and came running over. ‘He pushed me out of my wheelchair on to the road, and then dragged me across the road by my arms.’ Mr McIntyre, who can stand but struggles to walk 100 yards, and is not a student, was again reunited with his wheelchair by his brother. He said he may have been targeted for being behind a line of police on foot but in front of mounted officers, preventing their advance. Pictures of the incident were posted on social networking websites. One image on Twitter appeared to show him being pulled from his chair. A police spokesman said: ‘This individual hasn’t made a complaint to us. If he does, it will be fully investigated.’
One response to “Disabled man attacked by the Police”
Sid Furtaw | February 5, 2012 at 7:54 AM | Reply
If you are going for most excellent contents like me, just visit this site everyday as it presents feature contents, thanks
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2369
|
__label__wiki
| 0.85361
| 0.85361
|
Weekend Box Office: ‘Jumanji’ Topples a ‘Titanic’ Box Office Record
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle kept right on rolling at the box office last weekend. Amidst weak competition, and just one new wide release, it became the first film in 20 years released in December to take the top spot on the box office chart in February. The last movie to do that was James Cameron’s Titanic. That tells you just how rare of a hit this movie is. Here’s the full box office chart:
Film Weekend Per Screen Total
1 Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle $11,000,000 (-32%) $3,282 $352,642,752
2 Maze Runner: The Death Cure $10,200,000 (-57%) $2,689 $39,760,199
3 Winchester $9,250,000 $3,730 $9,250,000
4 The Greatest Showman $7,800,000 (-18%) $3,014 $137,475,172
5 Hostiles $5,523,000 (-45%) $1,882 $21,237,413
6 The Post $5,200,000 (-42%) $2,112 $67,184,510
7 12 Strong $4,710,000 (-45%) $1,614 $37,303,553
8 Den of Thieves $4,670,000 (-45%) $2,211 $36,270,932
9 The Shape of Water $4,300,000 (-27%) $1,837 $44,580,050
10 Paddington 2 $3,110,000 (-45%) $1,302 $36,313,679
Jumanji is now the fifth biggest domestic movie of 2017 and the third biggest movie ever in the history of Sony Pictures. The Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart-led sequel dropped just 32 percent last weekend, earning another $11 million in U.S. theaters. This film has now grossed more than $352 million in the U.S. alone and an additional $503 million worldwide. (Internationally, it’s the eighth biggest film of last year, ahead of Thor: Ragnarok and just behind Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.) In a year with many disappointing sequels, Jumanji is on that exceeded every possible expectation.
Speaking of sequels that didn’t live up to expectations: Maze Runner: The Death Cure fell to second place on the box office chart in its second weekend in theaters. The film grossed an estimated $10.2 million, dropping nearly 60 percent from the previous weekend. The third film in the young-adult adaptation series will almost certainly be the lowest grossing movie in the franchise.
Third place last weekend went to the one new release in theaters: Winchester, a haunted house movie starring Helen Mirren. In its debut, the horror film grossed just $9.25 million, while CinemaScore voters gave the film a lowly “B-,” suggesting its life in theaters could be pretty brief. (I’m sure its afterlife will be better.) The fourth and fifth spots on the chart went to The Greatest Showman, the surprisingly popular circus musical with Hugh Jackman, and Hostiles, the Western starring Christian Bale. Showman is now up to $135 million in the United States alone.
On a per-screen basis, the biggest movie of the weekend was A Fantastic Woman, the Chilean film about a trans woman dealing with the loss of her partner. Debuting just after its Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, A Fantastic Woman made about $70,000 at five nationwide locations, for a per-screen average of $14,196. In second place was 24 Frames, the final film from the late Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami. At one theater it grossed $8,610.
Last Weekend’s Box Office Chart
Source: Weekend Box Office: ‘Jumanji’ Topples a ‘Titanic’ Box Office Record
Filed Under: Jumanji
Categories: Offbeat
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2371
|
__label__cc
| 0.684182
| 0.315818
|
Axl Rose Turns 57: His Most Axl Moments
Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose is celebrating his 57th birthday and it’s been a wild ride to get this far. Bandmates Slash and Duff McKagan have been through the highs and lows with the Indiana native, and they’re both feeling a little nostalgic for the occasion. Slash wished Axl happy birthday on...
Axl Rose Debuts New Music As 'Looney Tunes' Character
First new track from GNR frontman in 10 years
Guns N' Roses Cut Dubai Show Short; Yes, Axl Was Really Sick
Bandmates tweet their support
Listen To Guns N' Roses' Early Piano "November Rain" Demo
As a part of their enormous ' Locked N' Loaded' box set, Guns N' Roses have released a ten-minute recording of an early version of their hit song "November Rain," recorded in 1986 at Sound City.
Foo Fighters & Guns N' Roses Performed Together and Everyone Lost Their Minds
While performing at the Firenze Rocks Music Festival in Italy, the Foo Fighters brought out Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan to perform Guns N' Roses' "It's So Easy."
BIG Question: Will Axl Rose Sing Again For AC/DC?
Will Axl Rose Sing Again For AC/DC? Read on to find out!
Axl Rose Will Reportedly Continue Touring and Recording with AC/DC
After Brian Johnson faced the potential for irreversible hearing loss, he stepped down as AC/DC ’s lead singer, passing the baton off to none other than Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose in 2016. And while the move was, for the most part, fairly well-received, it left fans wondering whether Rose...
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2372
|
__label__wiki
| 0.582911
| 0.582911
|
Former British prime minister Tony Blair in 2017. Photo by Luke MacGregor/Bloomberg/Getty
Age of sincerity
In politics, as in militant religion, the performance of sincerity is everything, no matter whether right or wrong
Faisal Devji
is a university reader in modern south Asian history at St Antony’s College at the University of Oxford, where he is also the director of the Asian Studies Centre. His latest book is Muslim Zion: Pakistan as a Political Idea (2013).
Brought to you by Curio, an Aeon partner
Edited by Sam Haselby
Syndicate this Essay
A generation ago, the philosopher Judith Shklar at Harvard argued that hypocrisy is one of the ordinary vices. By mimicking virtue, Shklar pointed out, the hypocrite tacitly acknowledges and helps to maintain the moral order in public, even as he betrays it privately. Indeed, the hypocrite can even be congratulated for refusing to tolerate any outright infractions of this order. Precisely because it is so commonplace, hypocrisy rarely assumes any real political importance.
On occasion, however, the problem of hypocrisy takes on a spectacular role in politics. Now is such a time; hypocrisy is making a lot of people very angry. Today, in the United States and in western Europe, anger over hypocrisy, especially that of liberals, is driving politics. Both the Left and Right in the US and Europe mobilise support by calling attention to liberal hypocrisy. Liberals, both Left and Right allege, have ignored the economic or cultural consequences of immigration and globalisation for working-class people. To anyone who raises questions about globalisation or immigration, liberals shout accusations of bigotry and ignorance.
Critics of liberalism claim to counter its signature hypocrisy with their sincerity. If hypocrisy is bad, even fatally bad, sincerity is good. Sincerity, in this formulation, is tantamount to free and honest speech. It is possible to be sincere only when one is joyfully liberated from liberals’ supposedly stifling ‘political correctness’, a synonym for hypocrisy dredged up from what Americans call the ‘culture wars’ of the 1980s.
The reappearance of ‘political correctness’ (a strangely dated reference) as the enemy of sincerity is telling. Both terms seem a bit old-fashioned. After all, in contemporary usage, the most familiar appearance of sincerity is the formulaic ‘sincerely yours’ in correspondence. There, ‘sincerity’ implies nothing more than cool politeness and is not taken as being hypocritical.
However old-fashioned the conception of sincerity, it is crucial to today’s politics. But sincerity, importantly, is not concerned with the agreement between word and deed, or theory and practice, which determines hypocrisy. Sincerity rather depends on the relationship, the harmony between word and belief. Far more important than what one says, in other words, is whether one believes it. The former British prime minister Tony Blair has provided perhaps the first contemporary example in the West of the return of sincerity to politics. In a rambling press conference in July 2016, he defended his key role in the invasion of Iraq. As a defence, Blair invoked the genuineness of his belief, on the eve of the Iraq War, in the imminent threat he thought Saddam Hussein’s regime posed to the West. He did not rest his case on the rightness or wrongness of his views, nor on his consequent actions.
It is facile to see Blair’s emphasis on the state of his own beliefs, his quasi-religious faith, merely as a self-serving evasion.
Blair’s statement is representative of our age. Not only does it concern the historic Iraq War, it presumes throughout that when ‘facts’ are either unavailable or doubtful, sincerity reigns. Sincerity becomes more important than one’s position, more important than whether one is promoting or repudiating facts. Of course, our media-saturated, or ‘mediated’, age has not brought clarity of facts, but something closer to the opposite. All facts can now be questioned, precisely because outside such media they seem to possess no verifiable existence. Truth is therefore made in decision as a kind of wager, rather than discovered by knowledge in the form of certitude.
Amid the doubtfulness of facts, sincerity is not for everyone. It involves its subject taking a heroic risk. To be sincere fixes the subject to a position, in an inherently unfixed world. Such decisions acquire an important sacrificial character. Sincere commitment to a position, after all, inevitably exposes one to scorn if not attack. Often, these attacks come from some ‘establishment’ or another. Having apparently been oppressed and silenced by such ridicule or assault, the sincere thus experience an exhilarating feeling of transgression. After all, they are voicing forbidden words and sentiments. During the long US presidential campaign year, these exhilarating transgressions especially included negative views about African Americans, Hispanics and Hispanic Americans, Muslims, and immigrants generally.
Importantly, the sincerity of such moments of liberated speech are not tied to any strong attachment or deep belief in what is said. So both Donald Trump’s affirmation and subsequent withdrawal of his ‘birther’ views about Barrack Obama’s non-American origins was therefore irrelevant to his popularity. More important was the sincerity of his changing beliefs. People thought him sincere, for ‘post-truth’ politics isn’t actually concerned with lying. In that regard, ‘post-truth’ is a poor phrase, for the driving force is not lying but simply a compelling display of sincerity. This sincerity can be temporary. The bizarre excessiveness of a view like ‘birtherism’ might even demonstrate the sincerity of those who hold it.
Sincerity doesn’t create but rather destroys subjective depth. All intensity remains on the surface
Sincerity, it is important to note, is not the same as transparency. While sincerity is ascendant, transparency, like lying, belongs to a superseded ethical tradition. Hillary Clinton, for example, released her tax returns during the US election campaign, and demanded that Trump do the same. Clinton’s act respected the conventions of transparency. Transparency involves the opportunity to ascertain veracity as judged by external evidence and authority. In this way, tax returns are like birth certificates. They document, they substantiate, yet only according to the ‘system’ that produces such pieces of paper.
Sincerity has no need for such external authorities. Sincerity requires no external validation. It must be judged in an entirely self-referential way. Curiously, this means that it doesn’t need to adhere to any deeply held belief either. It can be shallow, it can even be withdrawn from any previous claim. For, based as it is on fundamental doubt, sincerity is most important when it is concerned with relatively minor and lightly held beliefs, such as that regarding Obama’s birthplace.
The current British prime minister Theresa May provides an interesting example of the way in which neither depth of belief nor, indeed, belief itself have any bearing on the politics of sincerity. Before her election, May was known to be against Brexit. Since her election, she has sacrificed her conviction, and even subjective being, to ‘obey’ the referendum’s results, repeatedly uttering the tautological formula ‘Brexit means Brexit.’ She has never said whether she believes in it herself. Whatever the personal duplicity or political opportunism involved, May illustrates how sincerity doesn’t create subjective depth. Rather, sincerity destroys it. With sincerity, all intensity remains on the surface; in May’s case, as an act of self-abnegation. With belief rendered formal, what becomes crucial in the politics of sincerity is the purely internal or immanent manner in which it is matched with its declaration.
The first time that hypocrisy entered western European political life in some important way was with the Reformation. Medieval Catholicism had simpler, and sometimes rougher, practices – for example, the physical ordeal and confession under duress – to determine the proper relationship to belief. Its demand for ritual statements of obedience and assent neither presumed nor required the speaking out of some inner truth in sincerity.
The term sincerity came into the English language with the rise of Protestantism, in order to name the internal agreement of statement and belief it required. Ascertaining sincerity, however, was tricky. It could be demonstrated only theatrically; in other words, performed. The fear that facility of performance might just as well indicate duplicity as sincerity was always present. And so, in the trial as much as the theatre (itself a ‘secular’ new product of the age), sincerity rather than truth had to speak out by deploying the vocabulary of compatibility or coherence with itself rather than the ‘objective’ veracity of its claims. Both the actor and the martyr are judged by how true they are to what they say – rather than by the truth of what they say.
The French Revolution brought the politics of sincerity to a new milestone. According to the philosopher Hannah Arendt in On Revolution (1963), the glaring disparities of the Old Regime made sincerity crucial to the politics of the revolution. In circumstances of such iniquity as the Old Regime, terror became a radically efficient way of rendering men equal. Terror could rip off the masks of privilege and conspiracy. In such a society, then, only sincerity could guarantee equality. This meant that men and women had not only to reveal the hypocrisy of the Revolution’s enemies by acts of violence, but also constantly keep their own possible or creeping hypocrisies in check by equally violent means.
In the show trials, so important to Stalinism, the innocence or guilt of the accused was incidental
Arendt argued that the terror tactics of the French revolutionaries eliminated the public or legal person himself. In other words, the masks they ripped off their targets had also sheltered all that was personal or private. To remove this mask also exposed and so destroyed all inner life and, with it, the possibility of autonomy, and even resistance to the state, something that Arendt thought a precondition for totalitarianism. For without an inner life that is opaque to the public or to government, no freedom of will or independence of opinion is possible.
In The Origins of Totalitarianism (1951), Arendt traced the repercussions of the Terror to what she called the totalitarian dictatorships of Nazism and Stalinism. Like the French Revolution, Nazism and Stalinism formalised the hunt for concealed traitors as part of the laws of history. Their ideologies called for and predicted the emergence of traitors who had to be unmasked and punished in order to fulfil their respective historical destinies. The nature of the show trials, so important to Stalinism, required no particular belief in the guilt of the accused. The innocence or guilt of the accused was incidental. The understanding of history itself, in Stalinism, called for class traitors. The trials demonstrated this consciousness. They confirmed an understanding of history.
The confessions and recantations of the Stalinist trials introduced to modern politics the sacrificial aspect of sincerity. It’s still with us. In the anti-Clinton chants of ‘lock her up’ that enthralled supporters at Trump rallies, we saw this anxiety about an autonomous inner life. The presence of such an autonomous and inner life rendered its public counterpart insincere by definition. Clinton’s separation of her public and private life, for instance symbolised by her use of a private email server, contrasted with Trump. He refused to separate his public or political life from his private existence as a businessman, indeed the head of a family business. At every opportunity, he signalled the seamless continuity between his name, his family, his brand, his life and his politics.
In Sincerity and Authenticity (1972), the literary theorist Lionel Trilling argued that authenticity had replaced sincerity. According to Trilling, in the 19th century, authenticity superseded sincerity as the system to signal the alignment of outer life and inner belief. Authenticity, he claimed, destroyed sincerity’s logic of conformity and coherence between inside and outside, the self and the world. Instead, authenticity privileged the way in which such factors as love, hate, fear or contempt, which really shaped human beings, broke through the artifice of everyday life and transformed it. In other words, rather than sincerity’s task of matching practices with beliefs, authenticity was about acknowledging deep and primal forces, even allowing them on occasion to destroy social norms, so as to create altogether new ones.
The rise of authenticity makes perfect sense for a capitalist age dominated by teleologies of history and revolution premised on ceaseless social and economic change for, like capitalism or freedom, it was understood as destroying what existed to create an unprecedented future. What does the return of sincerity to our political life indicate?
Today, sincerity is no longer defined by conformity. Sincerity rather presupposes the elimination of an inner life, the same inner life required for generating either authenticity or conformity. With the disappearance of inner life, one of the traditional hiding places of truth has also ceased to exist.
The disappearance of an inner life, in one sense, fits well in a world dominated by media and spectacle. It also suggests, in another sense, a capitalist order no longer structured by distinctions between owners and workers, capital and labour, commodities and things. In a fully visible economy where nothing escapes the logic of commodities, inwardness and opacity signal something unavailable for commodification. They can only pose a threat and, if not, can only have become redundant.
with the equivocal statements ‘Not!’ or ‘Just saying’, the possibility of belief in one direction or another just doesn’t matter
The logic of sincerity in political life today operates by a kind of short-circuit. Being true to oneself refers neither to conformity with a social ideal nor to some authentic break from it. Sincerity instead requires the willful belief in something unproven or uncertain. The testing grounds of sincerity, where it is assessed, lies in one’s ability, indeed enjoyment, in sacrificing for one’s belief. The pragmatist philosopher William James, especially his essay ‘The Will to Believe’ (1896), helps us to understand the situation. The slighter, or weaker, a claim is, the more important and excessive a challenge it poses for sincerity. False or weak claims can gain political life if they marshal sufficient sincerity. But this also means that any claim dependent on sincerity can just as easily be abandoned. It’s not, as some commentators have claimed, a ‘post-truth’ politics. It’s rather the politics of sincerity. The truth, or falsehood, of a claim is less important than the sincerity with which a claim is made. That’s what counts.
A currently popular kind of equivocal statement illustrates the authority of sincerity. In social media, as well as in face-to face communications, following a claim with the exclamation ‘Not!’ or ‘Just saying’ indicates more than negation or prevarication. As mere negations or allegations of prevarication, such statements already possess familiar idiomatic forms, and would not require this new kind of locution. Instead, with the equivocal statements ‘Not!’ or ‘Just saying’, the possibility of belief in one direction or another remains operative. It just doesn’t matter.
To put it in terms of contemporary US politics, the apparently incomprehensible enthusiasm of Tea Party or Trump supporters (and more recently of Democrats espousing conspiracy theories about the US elections) for ridiculous claims should be attributed neither to their stupidity, manipulation, disingenuousness nor malice. The key instead is skepticism, doubt, uncertainty and the reduction of life to its surface. After all, it is only in the absence of belief in any authoritative knowledge that superficial issues such as birtherism can assume such importance. Indeed, they take on the appearance of depth or rather replace it with the allegation of a cover-up. In our post-bourgeois age, suspicion of inwardness has returned, though in a quite different way than under totalitarianism.
The history and logic of sincerity in western Europe or the US possesses its own integrity. But the phenomenon is global as well, and the politics of sincerity are particularly vital in the Middle East. There, we again see a supposed establishment hypocrisy pitted against a resurgent sincerity. It is, of course, the supposed hypocrisy of ordinary Muslims regarding the duties of their religion, especially those having to do with jihad against heretics and infidels. Today, ordinary Muslims find themselves challenged and denounced by the terrible sincerity of militancy in the name of Islam.
In the history of Islam, hypocrisy emerges as a political threat with Muhammad’s establishment of a state in Medina. Hypocrisy or nifaq was the term used in the Quran to describe those who converted for reasons of convenience. Their hypocrisy threatened to betray Islam from within. It grew to be associated with heresy (as had been the case in Christianity), and especially with the Shia. Even today, numbers of Sunni Muslims often accuse the minority Shia of concealing their identity, and therefore their purposes. In the longer-view history of the Middle East, such allegations of dissimulation and hypocrisy have rarely been politically important. But today, just like in the West, hypocrisy has lost its status as a minor vice. Today, in the Middle East, as in the US and western Europe, hypocrisy has become a cardinal sin. Islamic militants in particular, like members of the US Left and Right, allege it to great affect.
As a minority amid Sunni Muslims, Shia Islam has developed a complex metaphysical doctrine known as taqiyya, meaning concealment, which evolved as an esoteric form of spiritual observance. In our age of sincerity, taqiyya has been made equivalent to nifaq or hypocrisy. The militants from Al-Qaeda, as well as the otherwise very different ISIS, consider the Shia the original representatives, and still primary bearers, of the sin of nifaq.
The sincerity of militancy is a wager, and must be proven, sometimes even posthumously as in a suicide bombing
But nifaq also represents all their enemies – including potential traitors within their own ranks of militant Islam. As within contemporary US and western European politics, sincerity in militant Islam is sacrificial in its courting ridicule and even violence from the establishment. The tactics might be different than their Western opponents’, but the strange rhetorical regime is the same. They too are compelled to prove their truth not by reasons, much less facts, but instead by demonstrations of sacrificial violence with which no enemy can compete. Of these, the suicide bombing or so-called martyrdom operation is the most prominent. But equally important is the deployment of cruel and hitherto undreamt-of punishments for enemies, such as ISIS casting homosexuals from buildings or burning a captured Jordanian pilot in a cage, as if to demonstrate that militants really mean what they say. Such performances of sincerity can usefully be contrasted with the US focus on shocking or proscribed speech and, increasingly, actions supposedly liberated from the hypocrisy of political correctness.
Sincerity among militant Muslims does not require the existence of a single truth. Indeed, it is not even belief itself that the hypocrite betrays. For a generation, since the days of Al-Qaeda, this militancy has after all focused not on the singular truth of Islam but rather on being true to oneself. Militants test the truth of their beliefs by exhibiting their joy in enduring suffering, and even death in its name. Militants further set this form of sacrifice against that of their allegedly weaker or more corrupt enemies, in a contest of superior beliefs. In this way, the rhetoric of militancy is not only pluralistic but also founded upon doubt and uncertainty. It must be proven by personal sacrifice, not reason or revelation. Theology, much less theological reasoning is unimportant. The sincerity of militancy is a wager, and must be proven to oneself as well as to others, sometimes even posthumously as in a suicide bombing. Given the extraordinarily rapid conversions and radicalisation of so many militants, it is clear that there is no personal or ideological depth to their practices. In fact, it is the very absence of depth to their commitment that makes such quick, mass radicalisation possible.
In militant Islam, the claims to sincerity require more serious sacrifices than in European or US politics. With Al-Qaeda and ISIS, we see the complete fragmentation of the militant subject. As is now well-known, many of these young men enjoy the most ‘un-Islamic’ lives, while nevertheless being willing to die for their ‘Islamic’ beliefs. At issue here is not some kind of guilt about their contradictory existence, but instead the way in which a virtual life on television or social media ends up destroying its off-screen ‘reality’. The militant can be sincere only virtually, in a theatre of cruelty and sacrifice, which must finally destroy his other increasingly impoverished life, and in so doing render him a good Muslim, often only posthumously. It is no longer Arendt’s mask that must be ripped off the hypocrite’s face. Now, militants instead wish that individual Muslims would always act as faithful subjects of Sharia – in essence, as cartoon masks of ‘Islam’.
The careful curation of a media or virtual persona as a Muslim militant helps to diminish the contradiction of his quite different ‘off-screen’ life, which has little to do with ‘Islam’. The two lives of the militant are united and the contradiction is resolved only in the act of sacrificial violence. That sacrifice destroys one life, the ‘off-screen life’, creating a purely virtual subject entirely lacking in depth. Crucially, what has been destroyed is the very possibility of an inner life. In this way, the militant resembles the confessional subjects of reality television, whose ‘real’ life is subordinated to and eventually overshadowed or even transformed by an appearance on some television show devoted to anything from singing, dancing, cooking, dating, partying, cleaning, gardening or adventure.
Indeed, in our age of hyper-visibility and surveillance, it might be only in the secret data which states and corporations hold about us that old-fashioned inwardness, or privacy, continues to exist. We have outsourced, and resigned, these aspects of ourselves to them, leaving us free to enjoy a life on the surface, one for which sincerity has become the most important test.
aeon.co
Politics and government Values and beliefs History of ideas
Gender and identity
Nations and empires
What big history says about how royal women exercise power
Laura Spinney
Zen terror
Master Nissho Inoue and his band of assassins teach some uncomfortable truths about terrorism, for those who will hear
Brian Victoria
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2376
|
__label__wiki
| 0.802673
| 0.802673
|
Statement by his excellency the President of the Portuguese republic
On the occasion of the Assembly and the 50th Anniversary of the International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC)
ENG: Statement by his excellency the President of the Portuguese republic
FRA: Declaration de son Excellence le Président de la Republique
POR: Declaracao de sua Excelencia O Presidente da Republica
Dr. Jorge Sampaio
Published: 16 years ago
Last updated: 3 years ago
assembly ,
porto2003 ,
professional-history
On the occasion of the commemorations of the 50th Anniversary of the International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC) and given the impossibility of my being present at the inaugural session of your assembly, I wish to publicly express my appreciation for the work done by the members of AIIC.
The history of the profession of interpreting, whose origins date back to the reference to Babel in the Book of Genesis, is intertwined with that of humanity and invokes the most intimate and personal human skill – man’s ability to communicate through the spoken word, albeit in different languages.
From time immemorial, the development of relations between peoples, peace negotiations and declarations of war, the establishment of commercial exchanges, the drafting of treaties and the conclusion of negotiations have necessitated the invaluable intervention of interpreters and translators.
Interpreting, an extremely difficult and exacting profession demanding absolute accuracy, provides a means of communication between two or more individuals whose lack of a common language would otherwise condemn them to silence and mutual seclusion. It is an admirable profession, one that is increasingly necessary in a globalised world in which we endeavour to preserve the riches of a varied linguistic heritage and to uphold the worth of universal communication.
If we are to safeguard linguistic and cultural diversity without compromising the development of relations between peoples, we must promote multilinguism and the training of good professionals, translators and interpreters, who can perform their jobs effectively, even with distinction, and meet high standards of quality.
Portuguese, one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, has become increasingly significant at the large multilateral meetings of the international community in which Lusophone countries participate. I believe that your decision to celebrate this important anniversary in Portugal also reflects that fact.
I wish you full success in your deliberations and, for all, a happy stay in Portugal.
President of the Portuguese Republic, Dr. Jorge Sampaio
Articles published in this section reflect the views of the author(s) and should not be taken to represent the official position of AIIC.
Dr. Jorge Sampaio. "Statement by his excellency the President of the Portuguese republic". aiic.net February 14, 2003. Accessed July 16, 2019. <http://aiic.net/p/1011>.
The most recent comments are on top
B M Doempke
Be glad you live in a country that does not require a language policy. Writing from Belgium, a country with three official and a great number of non-official languages and a multitude of language policies, I can assure you it saves you a lot of trouble.
Total likes: 0 0 | 0
dr chrys chrystello
It is a pity though that Portugal does not have a Language Policy of any sort.
The Birth of a Profession (63)
Interpreters: Reality and fiction (62)
Is there justice in outsourcing? (61)
Fall 2011 ( 59)
Summer 2011 ( 58)
Spring 2011 ( 57)
Winter 2011 ( 56)
December 2007 ( 44)
September-October 2007 ( 43)
May 2007 ( 41)
February-March 2007 ( 40)
October-November 2006 ( 38)
May/June 2006 ( 36)
November-December 2005 ( 34)
March-April 2005 ( 31)
January-February 2005 ( 30)
June-July 2004 ( 27)
March 2004 ( 26)
April-May 2003 ( 22)
July-August 2002 ( 18)
May-June 2001 ( 12)
March - April 2001 ( 11)
December 2000 ( 9)
November 2000 ( 8)
October 2000 ( 7)
September 2000 ( 6)
June 2000 ( 5)
May 2000 ( 4)
March - April 2000 ( 3)
January - February 2000 ( 2)
Language is magic - it makes things appear and disappear.
AIIC Consultant Interpreters will help define your requirements and organise a team of interpreters
Communicate! is a six-monthly multilingual webzine that records the voice of interpreters on the conference circuit
Communicate! is published by AIIC, and its aim will be to provide news and views on all aspects of the conference industry as they affect conference interpreters. But it's not just for interpreters. It is meant to be a resource and a forum for anyone involved in the language profession, whether as a practitioner, a client, a student, or a teacher…
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2381
|
__label__wiki
| 0.797735
| 0.797735
|
Trisha Home
Trisha Shetty (Editor)
Im a simple gal who loves adventure, nature and dogs Im a perfectionist too
Updated on Feb 27, 2018
Population 1,695 (2011 census)
Postcode(s) 5723
State electorate(s) Giles
Federal division Division of Grey
Region Far North
Local time Monday 6:31 AM
Location 846 km (526 mi) north-west of Adelaide via 688 km (428 mi) south of Alice Springs via
Weather 19°C, Wind S at 24 km/h, 59% Humidity
Lga District Council of Coober Pedy
Points of interest Breakaways Conservation Park, The Catacomb Church, Dog Fence
Mud hut motel coober pedy hotels australia
Coober Pedy is a town in northern South Australia, 846 km (526 mi) north of Adelaide on the Stuart Highway. According to the 2011 census, its population was 1,695 (953 males, 742 females, including 275 indigenous Australians). The town is sometimes referred to as the "opal capital of the world" because of the quantity of precious opals that are mined there. Coober Pedy is renowned for its below-ground residences, called "dugouts", which are built in this fashion due to the scorching daytime heat. The name "Coober Pedy" comes from the local Aboriginal term kupa-piti, which means "boys’ waterhole".
Map of Coober Pedy SA 5723, Australia
Oil reserves
In philately
Opal was found in Coober Pedy on 1 February 1915; since then the town has been supplying most of the world's gem-quality opal. Coober Pedy today relies as much on tourism as the opal mining industry to provide the community with employment and sustainability. Coober Pedy has over seventy opal fields and is the largest opal mining area in the world.
Aboriginal people have a long-standing connection with the area. The first European explorer to pass near the site of Coober Pedy was Scottish-born John McDouall Stuart in 1858, but the town was not established until after 1915, when opal was discovered by Wille Hutchison. Miners first moved in about 1916. By 1999, there were more than 250,000 mine shaft entrances in the area and a law discouraged large-scale mining by allowing each prospector a 165-square-foot (15.3 m2) claim.
The harsh summer desert temperatures mean that many residents prefer to live in caves bored into the hillsides ("dugouts"). A standard three-bedroom cave home with lounge, kitchen, and bathroom can be excavated out of the rock in the hillside for a similar price to building a house on the surface. However, dugouts remain at a constant temperature, while surface buildings need air conditioning, especially during the summer months, when temperatures often exceed 40 °C (104 °F). The relative humidity rarely gets over 20% on these hot days, and the skies are usually cloud-free. The average maximum temperature is 30–32 °C (86–90 °F), but it can get quite cool in the winter.
Coober Pedy is a very small town, about halfway between Adelaide and Alice Springs. It has become a popular stopover point and tourist destination, especially since 1987, when the sealing of the Stuart Highway was completed.
Visitors attractions in Coober Pedy include the mines, the graveyard and the underground churches (the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church). The first tree ever seen in the town was welded together from scrap iron. It still sits on a hilltop overlooking the town.
Coober Pedy has a number of heritage-listed sites, including:
13 Hutchison Street: Three-Roomed Dugout
9 Hutchison Street: Coober Pedy Catholic Church and Presbytery
The District Council of Coober Pedy estimates the population to be around 3,500. Approximately 60% of the people are European, migrating from southern and eastern Europe after the Second World War. In all, there are more than 45 nationalities represented.
The local golf course – mostly played at night with glowing balls, to avoid daytime temperatures – is completely free of grass, and golfers take a small piece of "turf" around to use for teeing off. As a result of correspondence between the two clubs, the Coober Pedy golf club is the only club in the world to enjoy reciprocal rights at The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.
The town also has an Australian rules football club, the Coober Pedy Saints, who were created in 2004 and compete in the Far North Football League (formerly the Woomera & Districts Football League). Due to the town's extreme isolation, to play matches the Saints must make round trips of over 900 kilometres (560 mi) to Roxby Downs, where the rest of the league's teams are located.
Coober Pedy has a desert climate (Köppen climate classification BWh). Typical of a desert climate, diurnal ranges are higher than in most places, with an annual average high of 27.5 °C (81.5 °F) and an annual average low of just 14.1 °C (57.4 °F). From December to February, the weather warms up and summer temperatures range from 35 °C (95 °F) in the shade, with occasional dust storms. The annual rainfall in the area is low and amongst the lowest in Australia, at around 130 millimetres (5.1 in) per annum.
Coober Pedy is situated upon the edge of the erosional scarp of the Stuart Ranges, on beds of sand and siltstone 30 metres (98 ft) deep and topped with a stony, treeless desert. Very little plant life exists in town due to the region's low rainfall, high cost of water, the sandstone and lack of topsoil.
The town is served by daily coach services from Adelaide. The Ghan train serves the town through the Manguri Siding, 42 kilometres (26 mi) from Coober Pedy, which is served by trains twice weekly in each direction. Passengers on The Ghan are not usually allowed to disembark at Manguri unless they have prearranged transport, due to the siding's isolation and the extremely cold temperatures at night.
Coober Pedy is a gateway to the outback communities of Oodnadatta and William Creek, which are both located on the Oodnadatta Track. There is a twice-a-week mail run from Coober Pedy to these communities and other outback homesteads. It carries the mail, general freight and passengers.
Regional Express also has direct flights to Adelaide, from Coober Pedy Airport.
In May 2009 South Australian Premier Mike Rann opened the $1.15 billion Prominent Hill Mine, 130 kilometres (81 mi) South East of Coober Pedy. The copper-gold mine is operated by OZ Minerals. In August 2010 Premier Rann opened the Cairn Hill iron ore/copper/gold mine operated by IMX Resources near Coober Pedy. It was the first new iron ore mining area opened in South Australia since the 19th Century. Due to low iron ore prices, the Cairn Hill mine was closed in June 2014.
In 2013 it was reported that a potentially very significant tight oil (oil trapped in oil-bearing shales) resource has been found near Coober Pedy in the Arckaringa Basin. This resource is estimated to hold between 3.5 and 223 billion barrels (560×10^6 and 35,450×10^6 m3) of oil, which provides the potential for Australia to become a net oil exporter.
Both the town and its hinterland, for different reasons, are very photogenic and have therefore attracted film makers. The town itself was the setting for the 2006 film Opal Dream and is a pivotal location in Wim Wenders' 1991 film Until the End of the World.
Its environment also attracted movie producers, with parts of Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Pitch Black having been filmed in the area.
An episode of Dirty Jobs: Down Under with Mike Rowe visited Coober Pedy.
The town was featured in an episode of House Hunters Off the Grid called "Cave Me, Maybe in Coober Pedy, Australia" on HGTV.
Coober Pedy was also featured in Top Gear Australia, where Steve and Warren put two city cars on the mail run from Coober Pedy to William Creek via the Oodnadatta Track.
Coober Pedy is also a part of the open world environment of the 2016 racing video game Forza Horizon 3.
A rare exhibition cachet, signed by Coober Pedy Postmaster Alfred P. North, was discovered in Memphis, Tennessee on February 3, 2016.
To date, it is the only known example of this cachet in the world.
Coober Pedy Wikipedia
Coober Pedy Airport
Coober Pedy Oodnadatta One Day Mail Run
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2383
|
__label__cc
| 0.661765
| 0.338235
|
new comic book day
Monday's with Marc - July 2, 2018
Greetings, fellow comic book lover!
Here are the items that should be on your radar when you head to your local comic shop this Wednesday, July 4th:
Astonishing X-Men #13: Writer Matthew Rosenberg starts his run on the series with Havok seeking redemption and building a new team, including a surprise member! Rosenberg knows his way around the X-Universe as the writer of The New Mutants, Multiple Man and The Return of Jean Grey, so I'm looking forward to this new storyline featuring one of my favorite X-Men.
Attack on Titan Vol. 25: If you've been reading this popular Manga series, the new volume is here!
Batman #50: The culimation of the year-long engagement between Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle happens in this oversized issue! And if you want to get techincal, this is the culimation of the "will they or won't they" between Batman and Catwoman that goes all the way back to Batman #1 in 1940.
Captain America #1: Award winning writer Ta-Nehisi Coates begins his run on the First Avenger on the 4th of July - how fitting!
Cosmic Ghost Rider #1: The breakout star of writer Donny Cates' Thanos series get his own series written by Cates! This first sentence tells you everything you need to know: "Frank Castle was The Punisher. A deal with the devil made him Ghost Rider."
Jim Henson's Beneath the Dark Crystal #1: A new sequel to the cult-classic film!
Rogue & Gambit - Ring of Fire Trade Paperback: Collecting the hit miniseries by Kelly Thompson that set the stage for Rogue & Gambit's wedding AND the new ongoing series.
Serenity Handbook: The Crew Member's Guide to the Firefly Class Ship: The secrets of Serenity are revealed in this crew-created owner's manual.
Skin and Earth Trade Paperback: Based on the band Lights album of the same name.
Star Wars #50: The most epic story yet done in a Star Wars comic begins here!
See you at the comic shop!
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2388
|
__label__wiki
| 0.724252
| 0.724252
|
Home Hometown HeroesHope Chest for Breast Cancer
Hope Chest for Breast Cancer
Hometown Heroes, People
https://americanprofile.com/articles/hope-chest-for-breast-cancer/
By Susan Palmquist on March 26, 2006
https://americanprofile.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/03/hope_chest_founder_barbara_hensley-150x150.jpg
When Barbara Hensley decided to leave her corporate job in 2001, retirement was the furthest thing from her mind. Hensley, of Shakopee, Minn. (pop. 20,568), had lost two sisters to breast cancer and her plan was to help others with the disease.
Using marketing experience she’d gained while working as an executive for various companies, Hensley decided to help raise money for breast cancer programs while enabling other women to become what she calls "social entrepreneurs."
"I carefully researched other foundations and decided the best way to raise money was to open stores where women could be successful entrepreneurs and at the same time they would be able to give back to their community," says Hensley, 58.
So she asked companies and individuals to donate overstocked and used items to sell in an upscale store. The result was a non-profit foundation named Hope Chest for Breast Cancer and a for-profit retail store called Hope Chest, which opened in November 2002 in Orono, Minn. (pop. 7,538), and has contributed more than $150,000 to breast cancer causes.
What sets the 6,000-square-foot Hope Chest store apart from other stores is that each day customers can find something different among the merchandise, from a sterling silver tea set and ornate wooden frames, to an 1890s oak table and high-end clothing.
Julie Riff, one of 200 Hope Chest volunteers, says Hensley is an inspiration. "Barbara is incredibly dedicated to the Hope Chest mission," Riff says. "She’s always positive and sincere and has created a great place to work. I think her work ethic and unflagging enthusiasm and graciousness have inspired me the most."
Kari Berscheit, a breast cancer survivor, also volunteers at the Hope Chest store. "I always enjoy working there and I can’t believe all these items are donated," Berscheit says. "I just love Barbara."
While many cancer charities raise money for one specific purpose, Hope Chest donates money to four different areas—research, hospice care, financial support to those with breast cancer and programs for early detection.
Hensley believes that helping people with breast cancer meet financial burdens, such as paying medical bills and living expenses, is crucial. "When both my sisters were going through treatment, I got to meet women who sometimes had to put off taking chemotherapy because they had inadequate or no insurance," she says.
Financial aid given by Hope Chest often means a breast cancer patient can buy food or even pay rent. One example is a donation to the Western Communities Action Network, a social service center that aids low-income families, in Mound, Minn. (pop. 9,435).
"We had one client who was a single mom and taking chemotherapy," says Jessie Billiet, a family advocate with the network. "She needed some help paying her mortgage, so we contacted Barbara and she sent a donation which allowed the client to stay in her home."
Ultimately, Hensley hopes to expand the Hope Chest concept by establishing stores in all 50 states, which combined would raise an estimated $10 million annually.
"Doing what I am is important to me because I lost the dearest women in my life," says Hensley, whose sisters Kathy and Patsy died in 1994 and 1996, respectively. "One day I’d love to be sitting on my front porch surrounded by my great-grandchildren. They’ll ask me what I did with my life and I’ll say I had the opportunity to work with wonderful people to help fight breast cancer. And they’ll look up at me and ask, ‘What’s breast cancer?’"
Visit www.hopechest.us to learn more.
Found in: Hometown Heroes, People
Actor John O'Hurley
Jeff Foxworthy — Family-Oriented Funnyman
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2389
|
__label__wiki
| 0.854039
| 0.854039
|
25 Jan 2013 17:08:37 UTC
All snapshots from host business.highbeam.com
reference.avoiceformen.com » Feminism
en.wikipedia.org » Feminism
en.wikipedia.org » User:Fluffycloud69/sandbox
gl.wikipedia.org » Conversa:Feminismo
gl.wikipedia.org » Feminismo
hy.wikipedia.org » Ֆեմինիզմ
pt.wikipedia.org » Feminismo
uk.wikipedia.org » Фемінізм
zh.wikipedia.org » 女性主義
<a href="http://archive.today/8bM1Y"> <img style="width:300px;height:200px;background-color:white" src="https://archive.fo/8bM1Y/b8cfc9e824b7818d01e6e31a885e2266914232b8/scr.png"><br> Girls with guitars and other strange stories. (Reviews).('Madonna: Ba…<br> archived 25 Jan 2013 17:08:37 UTC </a>
{{cite web | title = Girls with guitars and other strange stories. (Reviews).('Madonna: Ba… | url = http://business.highbeam.com/437059/article-1G1-86048837/girls-guitars-and-other-strange-stories | date = 2013-01-25 | archiveurl = http://archive.today/8bM1Y | archivedate = 2013-01-25 }}
Request a demonstration 1-888-928-9422 Subscription benefits Log in
Companies Industries Articles
Request a FREE trial!
Subscribers only:
Business information > Business articles > Journals > Peer Reviewed journals > Journal of the American Musicological Society > September 2001
Girls with guitars and other strange stories. (Reviews).('Madonna: Bawdy and Soul,' 'Scars of Sweet Paradise: The Life and Times of Janis Joplin,' 'Frock Rock: Women Performing Popular Music' and 'Girls Will Be Boys: Women Report on Rock')
Article from: Journal of the American Musicological Society | September 22, 2001 | Peraino, Judith A. | COPYRIGHT 2000 American Musicological Society Inc. (Hide copyright information) Copyright
Madonna: Bawdy and Soul, by Karlene Faith. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1997. xii, 217 pp.
Scars of Sweet Paradise: The Life and Times of Janis Joplin, by Alice Echols. New York: Henry Holt, 1999. xxii, 408 pp.
Frock Rock: Women Performing Popular Music, by Mavis Bayton. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998. xii, 246 pp.
Girls Will Be Boys: Women Report on Rock, edited by Liz Evans. London: Pandora Press, 1997. xxii, 243 pp.
Nestled in the nearly two hundred teaching evaluations for my history survey of rock music, I found one of particular interest. The criticism went something like this: "Too much time spent on women. Everybody knows women are marginal in the history of rock." Now undergraduate hallucinations and facetiousness aside, this comment should set off bells warning of the flippant and furtive backlash emerging in the young "post-" generation. No, I don't mean "postmodern"; I mean "postfeminist": a characterization of feminism as no longer necessary, couched in the rhetoric of social progress but camouflaging a radical turn backwards toward tidy gender roles. Recent books such as Christina Hoff Sommers's The War Against Boys: How Misguided Feminism Is Harming Our Young Men (1) continue arguments begun in the early 1990s by Camille Paglia, Katie Roiphe, and Naomi Wolf, which claim that women have all the power they need and that men are wrongly blamed by a feminist ideology of victimization. As Sommers's title suggests, this line of reasoning imagines the patriarchal order of the status quo as imperiled and thus revolutionary.
The last four years have witnessed an onslaught of postfeminist images in the media. TV shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Ally McBeal, and "girl-power" musicians such as the Spice Girls and Britney Spears, cleverly present women who are fully self-actualized (having reaped the benefits of earlier women's liberation movements) but nevertheless yearn for husband and house, or play directly into male fantasies of prodigiously sexual female adolescents. I don't remember a 1970s Mary Tyler Moore (a.k.a. Mary Richards) ever bemoaning her single life, nor did 1970s popular musicians such as Cher, Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt, and Stevie Nicks, or even 1980s Debbie Harry (of Blondie) and Madonna, present themselves as precociously upwardly-mobile jailbait. (2)
I have mapped out this current climate to make a point: the stakes for doing work in gender studies, especially within popular culture, are very high; we can't afford to produce books that might be taken as examples of, or ammunition for, postfeminism. But a more important context for the books under review here is the history of feminism and its "three waves." First wave feminism, which does not concern us much here, refers to the suffrage movement, from the late nineteenth century through the 1920s. Second wave feminism describes the women's liberation movement and the numerous streams of feminist ideology focused on definitions of gender, which grew out of the civil rights and new left movements in the mid 1960s and ended with the failure of the Equal Rights Amendment in 1984. Third wave feminism, heavily influenced by queer theory and AIDS activism in the mid 1980s through the 1990s, is both pragmatic and postmodern in its approach to gender, and, in reaction to the sexual conservatism of many second wave feminists, is particularly concerned with sexuality. (3)
The groundwork of excavating women artists as the "missing subject" of rock history has thankfully been done rather thoroughly in trade publications. Surveys of women in rock music, as well as a plethora of biographies, began to appear in abundance in the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s, at just about the same time that third wave feminism emerged. This is no mere coincidence, for third wave's edgy and libertarian "in your face" feminism glorifies rebelliousness, directed at both the patriarchal status quo and second wave feminism's monolithic critique of gender, its tendency toward "victim politics," and its suspicion of non-normative sexuality. Third wave feminism has a very rock 'n' roll sensibility, in fact, epitomized by the grassroots, punk-derived "riot grrrl" music and "zinc" culture of the early 1990s. The titles of these women-in-rock histories bear witness to their third wave connection: She's a Rebel: The History of Women in Rock and Roll (Gillian Gaar, 1992), Never Mind the Bollocks: Women Re write Rock (Amy Raphael, 1995); Angry Women in Rock (ed. Andrea Juno, 1996); Trouble Girls: The Rolling Stone Book of Women in Rock (ed. Barbara O'Dair, 1997). There is a double entendre to be gleaned in the last title, I believe, for the industry-defining Rolling Stone publications are notoriously sexist: not only are women rockers trouble for culture, they are trouble for the rock world as well.
Despite the weight of evidence these books provide, the idea of women in rock still provokes assumptions about the unequal correlation between gender and competence, contribution, and propriety (as my undergraduate evaluation exposed). Thus the challenge to women journalists and academics writing now, especially in light of the confusing and sometimes similar discourses of third wave feminism and postfeminism, is to move beyond the stage of encyclopedic presentations of women rockers, which has a tendency to naturalize their "outsiderness," to the next level of inquiry: how rock is a discursive practice of gender and sexuality such that women are constituted as "trouble." (4) The husband-and-wife team Simon Reynolds and Joy Press attempted something along these lines in their 1995 The Sex Revolts: Gender, Rebellion, and Rock 'n' Roll, in which they begin with a very important question: How does rock provide a space for imagining different configurations of gender and sexuality for both men and women? (5) But their answer is a morass of Freudian psychoanalysis and poststructuralism applied to mostly British artists. For Reynolds and Press, the primordial sexual energy of rock music lies in the construction of the rebellious son against the conformist mother (and her alter ego "the girlfriend"); this places the Rolling Stones on top of the heap, as the pinnacle and archetype of rock music. (6) Consequently, they consider only those women in rock who arguably react to these traditional images of gender, reaching no further back than to Janis Joplin.
The four books under review here offer four distinct approaches to the "trouble" of women in rock, each focusing on a small piece of the puzzle. Two books concern specific stars who are perhaps the most legendary troublemakers: Madonna and Janis Joplin. The other two concern the less celebrated women of rock--all-women amateur bands and female rock journalists. None of these books is musicological, which may account for their common view of rock as first and foremost a masculinist discourse that women may occasionally inflect. Plenty of work in musicology has shown how music--rock no less, and perhaps more--demarcates a space and time wherein gender and sexuality lose clear definition. In my opinion, that is part of music's appeal and cultural work. The fact that men dominate the world of rock and pop does not mean that the music itself uncomplicatedly represents masculinity, as many 1970s feminists held. Three of the four authors--Karlene Faith, Alice Echols, and Mavis Bayron--are second wave feminists whose theoretical foundations of gender criticism generate tension (sometimes productive, sometimes not) with the gender and sexual unruliness of their subject matter. Liz Evans and the writers she has collected live more comfortably with gender unruliness, in part because they are rock journalists and do not overtly engage any kind of feminist theory. Thus, in looking at how women trouble rock, each book manifests its own troubles with the subject matter, which shows just how complex, provocative, and wide-open this topic remains.
Karlene Faith explicitly directs her book, Madonna: Bawdy and Soul, to "undergraduates in interdisciplinary studies," filling a niche in the cottage industry of Madonna analysis, snuggled between reams of journalistic writing on the one hand and dense academic feminist collections on the other. Though certainly not the or even an original trouble girl in rock, the Madonna of 1984 to 1996, in critical retrospect, represents the head-on collision of established second wave with nascent third wave feminism, with the storm of postfeminism gathering on the horizon. This collision is played out more on a "meta" level of this book than in the author's critical exposition. …
Read all of this article – and millions more – with a FREE, 7-day trial!
Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles
ROCK 'N' ROLES
Santa Fe Reporter; April 23, 2008; 640 words
ROCK 'N' ROLES Girls let out their rebel yells. Girls Rock! Directed by Arne Johnson and...Coincidentally, just as Girls Rock!, the new uplifting documentary...redirected toward post-second-wave feminism's pop-slut "rebellion...
Oh bondage up yours! (Review).(punk rock)
off our backs; November 1, 2002; 700+ words
...movement--and the women who made it rock. (Review) In the late 1970s...as the first stirrings of third wave feminism, a feminism of the '80s and beyond...one of the best examples of 3rd wave feminism: the riot grrrl movement a decade...
Valuable, if quaint rock time capsule
Winnipeg Free Press; May 21, 2011; 657 words
...Vinyl Deeps Ellen Willis on Rock Music Edited by Nona Willis...for seven years; her column, Rock, Etc., was the prevailing...time when, arguably, some of rock's truly seminal albums were...righteous tang of first-wave feminism, which can seem pedantic in...
Remembering Ellen Willis, Rock 'n' Roll Feminist Superhero.(Media)
The New York Observer (New York, NY); November 20, 2006; 700+ words
...be remembered as a pioneering rock critic-one of the first women...a major unreleased album in rock criticism," he said. "This...from a vulnerability to the rock mystique that a number of male...forms of ecstasy. Second-wave feminism begins with the sexual revolution...
Women singer-songwriters in rock; a populist rebellion in the 1990s.(Brief article)(Book review)
Reference & Research Book News; February 1, 2010; 276 words
9780810872684 Women singer-songwriters in rock; a populist rebellion in the 1990s. Lankford, Ronald D...politics of the 1990s and how their music mirrored third-wave feminism. A discography is included. ([c]2010 Book News, Inc...
LOOK BOTH WAYS: BISEXUAL POLITICS
Artforum; February 1, 2007; 700+ words
...sense of entitlement to second Wave feminism, the sex appeal and rock-star objectification of...the contributions of Third Wave feminism, the book is not without...reverential toward second Wave feminism and its icons. This resistance...
If Liz Phair's Exile in Guyville Made You a Feminist, What Kind of Feminist Are You? Heterosexuality, Race, and Class in the Third Wave
Women & Music; January 1, 2010; 700+ words
...music magazines and on indie rock Web sites. (1) Almost immediately...legacy, its effects on Third Wave feminism, its presentation of white...participation. (5) From alternative rock to hip-hop feminism, from...vocal, and participatory Third Wave feminism. Exile in Guyville's ...
Twisted sisters
Chicago Sun-Times; November 9, 2000; 700+ words
...third wave of feminism. Third wave feminism, which evolved in the early...sloganeering (girls rule! girls rock!) and a palpable sexuality...as "lipstick feminism," third wave feminism has gained momentum through magazines...
Search HighBeam Business for more related articles
Sign up for a FREE, 7-day trial or call 1-888-928-9422 to request a demo.
HighBeam Business is operated by Cengage Learning. © Copyright 2013. All rights reserved.
About us Contact us Terms and conditions Privacy policy
Arrive Prepared – our blog about business news and market research.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2393
|
__label__cc
| 0.673213
| 0.326787
|
With cookies, the usability of the page can be improved. In order to use cookies, we require your consent in accordance with the new privacy policy. more.
Our offer is only for tradesmen and freelancers!
ENG DE
size 0000 - XXST XST ST MT LT XLT XXLT 3XLT 4XLT 5XLT 6XLT 7XLT 8XLT 0861 0881 0901 0941 0981 1021 1061 1101 1141 1181 1221 1261 0175 0185 0195 0205 0345 0355 0165 0365 37 K 38 K 39 K 40 K XXS XS S M L XL XXL 3XL 4XL 5XL 6XL 7XL 8XL 2XL 41 41,5 42 42,5 43 43,5 44 44,5 45 45,5 46 46,5 47 47,5 48 24 K 25 K 26 K 27 K 28 K 29 K 30 K 31 K 32 K 33 K 34 K 35 K 36 K 23 K 0024 0025 0026 0027 0028 0029 0030 0031 0032 0033 0034 0035 0036 0040 0042 0044 0046 0048 0050 0052 0054 0056 0058 0060 0062 0064 0066 0068 0070 0072 0074 0086 0088 0090 0094 0098 0102 0106 0110 0114 0118 0122 0126 0128 0130 0043 525 545 0037 0038 0039 0079 0081 0083 0085 0075 0020 0021 0022 0023 0245 0255 0265 0275 0285 0295 0305 0315 0325 0335 0215 0225 0235 0059 0061 0063 0065 0067 0069 0071 0073 0077 0495 0515 0535 0555 0575 0595 0615 0635 0655 0675 0695 0049 0051 0053 0055 0057 2827 2927 3027 3127 3227 3327 3427 2928 3028 3128 3228 3328 3428 2629 2729 2630 2730 2631 2731 2632 2732 2627 2727 2628 2728 2828 2829 2929 3029 3129 3229 3329 3429 3529 3629 3729 3829 4029 4229 2830 2930 3030 3130 3230 3330 3430 3530 3630 3730 3830 4030 4230 4430 4630 2831 2931 3031 3131 3231 3331 3431 3531 3631 3731 3831 4031 4231 2832 2932 3032 3132 3232 3332 3432 3532 3632 3732 3832 4032 4232 4432 4632 2834 2934 3034 3134 3234 3334 3434 3534 3634 3734 3834 4034 4234 4434 4634 2836 2936 3036 3136 3236 3336 3436 3536 3636 3736 3836 4036 4236 4436 4636 2838 2938 3238 3338 3438 3538 3638 3738 3838 4038 4238 3038 3138 4438 4832 5032 5232 4330 4530 4730 4930 5130 4332 5432 4834 5034 5234 4334 4336 4534 4734 4532 4732 3240 3340 3440 3540 3640 3840 4040 4240 4440 4640 4638 5330 4830 3528 3628 3728 3828 3928 4028 4128 4228 4328 4428 4528 4628 4728 4828 3527 3627 3727 3827 2633 2733 2833 2933 3033 3133 3233 3333 3433 3533 3633 3733 3833 2625 2725 2825 2925 3025 3125 3225 3325 3425 3525 3625 3725 3825 0076 0078 0080 0082 0084 0092 0096 0100 0104 0108 0112 0116 0017 0018 0019 0016 0134 0140 0146 0152 0158 0164 0170 0176 0182 0188 0132 0534 0536 0538 0540 0542 0544 0546 0548 0550 0552 0554 0556 0041 0045 0047 3940 4142 4344 4546 4748 4950 5152 5354 5556 5758 4042 4446 4850 5254 5658 6062 6466 6870 7274 4244 4648 5052 5456 5860 44 S 46 S 48 S 50 S 52 S 54 S 56 S 58 S 60 S 62 S 64 S 66 S 68 S 44 L 46 L 48 L 50 L 52 L 54 L 56 L 58 L 60 L 62 L 64 L 66 L 68 L 44 N 46 N 48 N 50 N 52 N 54 N 56 N 58 N 60 N 62 N 64 N 66 N 68 N 0425 0445 0465 0485 0505 0525 0545 0565 0585 0605 0625 0645 0302 0306 0310 0314 0318 0322 0326 4134 4140 4838 5038 5238 2634 4836 0888 5030 5230 5430 5630 5830 5434 5634 5834 5036 4429 4629 4829 5029 5229 5429 5629 5829 4431 4631 4831 5031 5231 5431 5631 5831 5632 5832 4033 4233 4433 4633 4833 5033 4027 4227 4427 4627 4827 4025 4225 4425 5027 5227 6030 6034 4840 2734 42 K 44 K 46 K 48 K 50 K 34 N 36 N 38 N 40 N 42 N 32 N 34 L 36 L 38 L 40 L 42 L 32 L 32 M 34 M 36 M 38 M 40 M 42 M 44 M 46 M 48 M 50 M 32 S 34 S 36 S 38 S 40 S 42 S 5236 5436 5636 5836 5 6 6,5 7 7,5 8 8,5 9 9,5 10 10,5 11 11,5 0095 0105 0115 0120 0125 0135 0145 0150 0001 0002 0003 0004 0005 0006 0007 0008 0009 0010 0011 0012 0013 4 12 13 14 2432 2532 2434 2534 32 R 34 R 36 R 38 R 40 R 42 R 44 R 46 R 48 R 50 R 5028 5228 5428 5628 5828 5233 5433 5633 5833 38EK 40EK 42EK 44EK 46EK 48EK 50EK 52EK 54EK 56EK 56AEK 58EK 58AEK 60EK 62EK 64EK 66EK 38K 40K 42K 44K 46K 48K 50K 52K 54K 56K 56AK 58K 58AK 60K 62K 64K 66K 38 40 50 52 54 56 56A 58 58A 60 62 64 66 68 70 40L 42L 44L 46L 48L 50L 52L 54L 56L 56AL 58L 58AL 60L 62L 64L 66L 40EL 42EL 44EL 46EL 48EL 50EL 52EL 54EL 56EL 56AEL 58EL 58AEL 60EL 62EL 64EL 66EL 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 90 94 98 102 106 110 114 118 122 30IN 31IN 32IN 33IN 34IN 35IN 36IN 37IN 38IN 39IN 40IN 41IN 42IN 43IN 44IN 3 2 1 0 2X0 3X0 4X0 5X0 6X0 XS/S M/L XL2XL 72 68L 70L 72L 68EK 70EK 72EK 68K 70K 72K 68EL 70EL 72EL 126 130 134 138 142 S/M L/XL 12,5 28EK 30EK 32EK 34EK 36EK 28K 30K 32K 34K 36K 34 36 28L 30L 32L 34L 36L 38L 28EL 30EL 32EL 34EL 36EL 38EL SPEC 1JH 2JH 3JH 4JH 5JH 6JH 7JH 8JH 9JH 10JH 12JH 14JH 16JH 40,5 37 39 49 3,5 4,5 5,5 35-39 40-46 36-39 40-43 44-47 48-51 39-41 42-44 45-47 10L 20L 80L 90L 44X33 45X35 48X29 57 59 61 63 65 67 69 30ML 50ML 75ML 90ML 150ML 200ML 17CM 19CM 21CM 23CM 25CM 18CM 20CM 22CM 24CM 26CM XL/2XL
We are excited to hear of your interest in our internet site. The protection of your privacy is very important to us. In the following, we will inform you extensively about how your data is handled.
1. Access data and hosting
You can visit our websites without providing personal information. Whenever a website is opened, the web server automatically saves a so-called server log file, which contains the name of the requested file, your IP address, date and time of access, transferred data quantity and the requesting provider (access data) and documents the query.
This access data is evaluated only for the purpose of ensuring disruption-free operation of the site as well as the improvement of our offer. This serves to protect our entitled interests in the correct representation of our range. All access data is deleted at latest seven days after the end of your session on the website.
Hosting services by a third-party provider
Within the scope of processing on our behalf, a third-party provider provides services for the hosting and representation of the website. This serves to protect our entitled interests in the correct representation of our range. All data, which will be collected as described in the following within the scope of the usage of this website or in the designated forms, will be processed on their servers. Processing on our servers only occurs in the scope described here.
This service provider is located within a country from the European Union or the European Economic Zone.
2. Data collection and usage for processing with contacting
We collect personal data if you inform us voluntarily of this within the scope of contacting (for example, via contact form or e-mail). Mandatory fields are identified as such, because in these cases, we need the data to process your contacting and cannot send the contacting to you without specification thereof. Which data will be collected can be seen from the respective input forms. We use the data you provide us with to process your requests. After complete processing, your data will be restricted for further processing and deleted after expiration of the safekeeping periods, provided that you have not provided consent to the further usage of your data or we reserve the right to a further usage of the data that is legally permitted and about which we have informed you in this statement. The deletion of your data is possible at any time and can occur through a message to the contact described below.
3. E-mail newsletter
E-mail advertisement with registration for the newsletter
If you subscribe to our newsletter, we will use the data required for this or provided by you separately to send you our e-mail newsletter regularly based on your consent.
It is possible to unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time and can either be made through a message to the contact described below or through a designated link in the newsletter. After unsubscribing, we will delete your email address provided that you have not provided consent to the further usage of your data or we reserve the right to a further usage of the data that is legally permitted and about which we have informed you in this statement.
Within the scope of processing on our behalf, a service provider will send the newsletter to your email address that we share with them.
4. Cookies and web analysis
To make your visit to our website attractive and to make it possible to use certain functions or for market research, we use so-called cookies on different sites. This serves to protect our entitled interests in the optimized representation of our range. Cookies are small text files that are automatically saved on your end device. Some of the cookies we use are deleted again after the browser session, therefore, after exiting your browser (so-called session cookies). Other cookies remain on your end device and allow us to recognise your browser during your next visit (persistent cookies). You can see how long the cookies are saved in the overview in the cookie settings from your web browser. You can set your browser so that you are informed when cookies are saved and can decide on their acceptance individually or rule out the acceptance of cookies in certain cases or in general. Every browser decides differently how to manage cookie settings. This is described in the help menu from every browser, which explains how you can change your cookie settings. You can find these for the respective browsers under the following links:
Safari™: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/safari/sfri11471/12.0/mac/10.14
Opera™ : https://help.opera.com/en/latest/web-preferences/#cookies
The functionality of our website may be restricted if you do not accept cookies.
Using Google Anlaytics for web analysis
If you have given your consent, Google Analytics, a web analysis service of Google Ireland Limited (www.google.com) is used on this website. The use includes the Universal Analytics operating mode. This makes it possible to assign data, sessions and interactions across multiple devices to a pseudonymous user ID and thus analyze a user's activities across devices.
Google Analytics uses cookies, which are text files placed on your computer, to help the website analyze how users interact with the site. The information generated by the cookie about your use of this website is usually transferred to a Google server in the USA and stored there. However, if IP anonymisation is activated on this website, Google will reduce your IP address within Member States of the European Union or in other states party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area beforehand. We would like to point out that on this website Google Analytics has been extended to include IP anonymisation in order to ensure anonymous collection of IP addresses (so-called IP masking). The IP address transmitted by your browser in the context of Google Analytics is not merged with other Google data. For more information on terms of use and data protection, please visit https://www.google.com/analytics/terms/gb.html or https://policies.google.com/?hl=en.
Purposes of the Processing On behalf of the operator of this website, Google will use this information to evaluate your use of the website, to compile reports on website activity and to provide the website operator with other services related to website and Internet use.
Legal Basis The legal basis for the use of Google Analytics is your consent in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR.
Recipients or Categories of Recipients The recipient of the collected data is Google.
Transfer to Third Countries Personal data will be transferred to the USA under the EU-US Privacy Shield on the basis of the European Commission's adequacy decision. You can download the certificate here.
Duration of Data Storage The data sent by us and linked to cookies, user-identifiers (e.g. User-IDs) or advertising-identifiers are automatically deleted after 14 months. Data whose retention period has been reached is automatically deleted once a month.
Rights of the Persons affected You can revoke your consent at any time with effect for the future by blocking the storage of cookies by setting your browser software accordingly; however, we would like to point out that in this case you may not be able to use all functionalities of this website to their full extent.
You can also prevent Google from collecting the data generated by the cookie and relating to your use of the website (including your IP address) and from processing this data by Google by downloading and installing the Browser Add-on. Opt-out cookies will prevent future collection of your data when you visit this website. To prevent Universal Analytics from collecting data across different devices, you must opt-out on all systems used. If you click here, the opt-out cookie will be set:
Disable Google Analytics
5. Contact options and your rights
You have a right to free information about the data we save about you as well as a right to corrections, restrictions of processing, data transferability or deletion of this data.
Should there be any questions regarding the collection, processing or usage of your personal data, for information, corrections, blocking or deletion of data as well as the revocation of any assigned consent or objection to a certain usage of data, please contact our operational data privacy officer
Ariel Biskupek
Elverdisser Str. 313
ariel.biskupek@ahlers-group.com
In addition to this, you have the right to file complaints to the data privacy supervisory authority.
Right of objection
Provided that we process personal data as described above to preserve our entitled interests, you can object to this processing with effect for the future. If the processing occurs for the purpose of direct marketing, you can exercise this right at any time as described above. Provided that the processing occurs for other purposes, you are entitled to a right of objection only upon the existence of reasons that result from your special situation.
After exercising your right of objection, we will not process your personal data for these purposes, unless we can prove reasons for the processing that outweigh your interests, rights and freedoms or if the processing has the purpose of asserting, exercising or defending legal claims.
This does not apply if the processing occurs for purposes of direct marketing. Then we will not process your personal data for this purpose.
Copyright © 2019 Ahlers P.C. GmbH
T&C Data Privacy Statement Imprint
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2398
|
__label__wiki
| 0.589475
| 0.589475
|
Perhaps most significant to the development of a twentieth century aesthetic was the birth in the interwar period of the professional industrial designer… (p.118) In the 1920s commercial art became a bona fide profession which, in turn, gave birth to the graphic artist. (p.150)
This is one of the older volumes from Thames and Hudson’s famous ‘World of Art’ series, famous for its thorough texts but also, alas, for the way most of the illustrations are in black and white (this book has 194 illustrations, but only 44 of them in colour, most of them quite small).
Duncan also wrote the WoA volume on Art Nouveau, which I read recently, and has gone on to write many more books on both these topics, including a huge Definitive Guide to the Decorative Arts of the 1920s and 30s. He knows his onions.
Main points from the introduction
Art Deco was the last really luxurious style – people look back to Art Deco and Art Nouveau with nostalgia because they were florid, indulgent and luxurious – since the Second World War all styles have been variations on plain functionalism.
Art Deco is not a reaction against Art Nouveau but a continuation of it, in terms of ‘lavish ornamentation, superlative craftsmanship and fine materials’.
Received opinion has it that Art Deco started after the war, but Duncan asserts that it had begun earlier, with some indisputable Art Deco pieces made before 1914 or during the war. In fact he boldly suggests that, had there been no war, Art Deco might have flourished, peaked and been over by 1920.
Art Deco is hard to define because designers and craftsmen had so many disparate sources to draw on by 1920 – Cubism, Fauvism, Constructivism, Futurism, but also high fashion, motifs from the Orient, tribal Africa, the Ballets Russes, or Egypt, especially after the tomb of Tutankhamen was discovered in 1922.
Duncan distinguishes between the decorative styles of the 1920s which were luxurious and ornamented, and of the 1930s, when machine chic became more dominant, lines sleeker, more mechanical. The chapter on metalwork makes this clear with the 1920s work alive with gazelles, flowers and sunbursts, while the 1930s work copies the sleek straight lines of airplanes and steamships. In the architecture chapter he distinguishes between zigzag’ Moderne of the 1920s and the ‘streamline’ Moderne of the 1930s (p.195).
There’s also a distinction between the French style (the French continued to lead the field in almost all the decorative art) exuberant and playful, and the style of the rest of Europe and, a little later, America, which was cooler, more functional and intellectual. Throughout the book Duncan refers to the former as Art Deco and the latter as Modernism.
To my surprise Duncan asserts that Modernism was born at the moment of Art Deco’s greatest triumph i.e. the famous Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes of 1925. The severe modernist Le Corbusier wrote an article criticising almost all the exhibits for their luxury and foppishness and arguing that true design should be functional, and mass produced so as to be affordable.
Duncan contrasts the attenuated flowers and fairy maidens of Art Nouveau with the more severe functionalism of the Munich Werkbund, set up as early as 1907, which sought to integrate design with the reality of machine production. This spartan approach, insistence on modern materials, and mass production to make its objects affordable, underpinned the Bauhaus, established in 1919, whose influence spread slowly, but affected particularly American design during the 1930s, as many Bauhaus teachers fled the Nazis.
So the entire period between the wars can be simplified down to a tension between a French tradition of luxury, embellished and ornamented objects made for rich clients, and a much more severe, modern, functionalist, Bauhaus style intended for mass consumption, with the Bauhaus concern for sleek lines and modern materials gaining ground in the streamlined 1930s.
In reality, the hundreds of designers Duncan mentions hovered between these two poles.
The book is laid out very logically, indeed with the rather dry logic of an encyclopedia. There are ten chapters:
Ironwork and lighting
Silver, Lacquer and Metalware
Paintings, Graphics, Posters and Bookbinding
Each of the chapters tends to be broken down into a handful of trends or topics. Each of these is then broken down into area or country, so that successive paragraphs begin ‘In America’ or ‘In Belgium’ or ‘In Britain’. And then each of these sections is broken down into a paragraph or so about leading designers or manufacturers. So, for example, the chapter on ceramics is divided into sections on: artist-potters, traditional manufactories, and industrial ceramics; each of these is then sub-divided into countries – France, Germany, America, England; each of these sub-sections then has a paragraph or so about the leading practitioners in each style.
On the up side, the book is encyclopedic in its coverage. On the down side it sometimes feels like reading a glorified list and, particularly when entire paragraphs are made up of lists of the designers who worked for this or that ceramics firm or glass manufacturer, you frequently find your mind going blank and your eye skipping entire paragraphs (one paragraph, on page 51, lists 34 designers of Art Deco rugs).
It’s a shame because whenever Duncan does break out of this encyclopedia structure, whenever he stops to explain something – for example, the background to a particular technique or medium – he is invariably fascinating and authoritative. For example, take his explanation of pâte-de-verre, something I’d never heard of before:
Pâte-de-verre is made of finely crushed pieces of glass ground into a powder mixed with a fluxing agent that facilitates melting. Colouring is achieved by using coloured glass or by adding metallic oxides after the ground glass has been melted into a paste. In paste form, pâte-de-verre is as malleable as clay, and it is modelled by being packed into a mould where it is fused by firing. It can likewise be moulded in several layers or refined by carving after firing. (p.93)
Having myself spent quite a few years being paid to turn a wide variety of information (about medicine, or botany, or VAT) into clear English, I am full of admiration for Duncan’s simple, clear prose. There’s a similar paragraph about silver which, in a short space, brings an entire craft to life.
By virtue of its colour, silver is a ‘dry’ material. To give it life without the use of surface ornament, the 1920s Modernist silversmith had to rely on interplay of light, shadow, and reflection created by contrasting planes and curves. Another way to enrich its monotone colour was by incorporating semiprecious stones, rare woods, ivory and glass. Towards the 1930s, vermeil or gold panels were applied to the surface as an additional means of embellishment. (p.71)
He tells us that the pinnacle of commercial Art Deco sculpture was work done in chryselephantine, combining bronze and ivory, and that the acknowledged master of this genre was Demêtre Chiparus, who made works depicting French ballet and theatre.
Works by Demêtre Chiparus
Duncan makes the simple but profound point that, in architecture, Art Deco tended to be applied to buildings which had no tradition behind them, to new types of building for the machine age – this explains the prevalence of the Art Deco look in so many power stations, airport buildings, cinemas and swimming pools. Think (in London) Battersea power station (1935), Croydon airport (1928), the Golden Mile of Art Deco factories along the Great West Road at Brentford, Brixton Lido (1937), Charles Holden’s Art Deco Tube stations, and scores of Odeon cinemas across the country.
I liked his wonderfully crisp explanation of costume jewelry.
Costume jewelry differs from fine jewelry in that it is made out of base metals or silver set with marcasite, paste or imitation stones. (p.167)
Now you know. When he’s explaining, he’s wonderful.
To my great surprise I actively disliked most of the objects and art shown in this book. I thought I liked Art Deco, but I didn’t like a lot of this stuff.
The Grand Salon of the Hôtel d’un Collectionneur by Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann (1925)
Cabinet by Jean-Michel Frank (1928)
Wrought iron desk by Paul Kiss
Ceiling fixture by Albert Cheuret
Tea service by Jean Puiforcat (1930)
Metal vases by Jean Dunand
Enamelled glass vases by Jean Goupy
Pate-de-verre work by Argy-Rousseau
Jazz Musicians by Robj (1925)
Maybe I’m a Bauhaus baby at heart. I consistently preferred the more linear work from the 1930s.
‘Manhattan’ cocktail service by Norman Bel Geddes (c. 1937)
Condor by Edouard Marcel Sandoz (1930)
The Heavens by Sidney Biehler Waugh (1940)
Portrait of Prince Eristoff by Tamara de Lempicka (1925)
Eltham Odeon (1936)
Then it dawned on me that maybe it’s because Duncan doesn’t include much about Art Deco posters (despite having authored a whole book about them). Indeed the section on posters here was remarkably short and with hardly any illustrations (7 pages, 6 pictures).
Similarly, the section on the scores of fashionable magazines and graphic illustrations from the era (Vogue, Vanity Fair, Harper’s Bazaar and countless others) is barely 3 pages long.
There’s nothing at all about movies or photography, either. Maybe this is fair enough since Duncan is an expert in the decorative and applied arts and that’s the focus of the book. Still, Gary Cooper is a masterpiece of Art Deco, with his strong lines ending in beautiful machine-tooled curves (nose and chin), his powerful symmetries – as beautiful as any skyscraper.
Gary Cooper, super duper
French terms
animalier – an artist who specializes in the realistic portrayal of animals
cabochon – a gemstone which has been shaped and polished as opposed to faceted
éditeur d’art – publisher of art works
nécessaire – vanity case for ladies
objet d’art – used in English to describe works of art that are not paintings, large or medium-sized sculptures, prints or drawings. It therefore covers a wide range of works, usually small and three-dimensional, of high quality and finish in areas of the decorative arts, such as metalwork items, with or without enamel, small carvings, statuettes and plaquettes in any material, including engraved gems, hardstone carvings, ivory carvings and similar items, non-utilitarian porcelain and glass, and a vast range of objects that would also be classed as antiques (or indeed antiquities), such as small clocks, watches, gold boxes, and sometimes textiles, especially tapestries. Might include books with fine bookbindings.
pâte-de-verre – a kiln casting method that literally means ‘paste of glass’
pieces uniques – one-off works for rich buyers
In summary, this is an encyclopedic overview of the period with some very useful insights, not least the fundamental distinction between the French ‘high’ Art Deco of the 1920s and the ‘Modernist’ Art Deco of the 1930s (which flourished more in America than Europe). But it is also a rather dry and colourless book, only occasionally coming to life when Duncan gives one of his beautifully lucid technical explanations.
Probably better to invest in a coffee-table volume which has plenty of large illustrations (particularly of the great posters and magazine illustrations) to get a more accessible and exciting feel for the period.
Art Deco on Amazon
50 Art Deco Works of Art You Should Know by Lynn Federle Orr (2015)
Art Nouveau by Alastair Duncan (1994)
Posted in Architecture, Art, Books, design, European History
Tagged 1925, 1988, Alastair Duncan, Albert Cheuret, animalier, architecture, Argy-Rousseau, art, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, éditeur d'art, Ballets Russes, Bauhaus, Bookbinding, cabochon, ceramics, Charles Holden, chryselephantine, Constructivism, Cubism, Demêtre Chiparus, design, Edouard Marcel Sandor, Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, Fauvism, furniture, Futurism, Gary Cooper, Glass, Graphics, Ironwork, Jean Dunand, Jean Goupy, Jean Puiforcat, Jean-Michel Frank, Jewelry, Lacquer, lighting, Metalware, Munich Werkbund, nécessaire, Norman Bel Geddes, objet d'art, painting, Paul Kiss, pâte-de-verre, piece unique, posters, Robj, sculpture, Sidney Biehler Waugh, Silver, Tamara de Lempicka, textiles, Thames and Hudson, the Tube, Tutankhamen, World of Art
https://astrofella.wordpress.com/2018/01/17/art-deco-alastair-duncan/
Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2017 @ the National Portrait Gallery
Reblogged this on The Logical Place.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2407
|
__label__cc
| 0.689203
| 0.310797
|
Payment Practices Barometer Hong Kong 2017
Barometer for betalingspraksis
Jordbruk,
Automotive/Transport,
Kjemikalier/Farmasøytisk,
Konstruksjon,
Varige Forbruksgoder,
Elektronikk/IKT,
Finansielle Tjenester,
Mat,
Maskiner/Ingeniør,
Metaller,
Papir,
Tjenester,
Stål,
The proportion of domestic and foreign past due B2B invoices in Hong Kong (domestic: 50.0%; foreign: 50.3%) is higher than that recorded at regional level.
Hong Kong is forecast to see an acceleration of GDP growth to 3.1% by the end of this year, following an expansion of economic activity by 2% in 2016. Despite this, headwinds, from China and its own overheated property market, could cause growth to slow over the medium term. Confronted with a challenging business environment due to – among others - developments such as Brexit, US protectionism and the slowdown in Asia, 27.5% of suppliers in Hong Kong stated their intention to increase their credit management.
Sales on credit terms
Similarly to what was observed in 2016, respondents in Hong Kong are more open to selling on credit terms to their domestic and foreign B2B customers than most respondents in the Asia Pacific region. With an average of 50.3% of B2B sales on credit terms, the country has not seen a meaningful change compared to 2016 (50.1%).
On average, 52.8% of the domestic sales of respondents in Hong Kong were made on credit terms this year. This is an increase from 48.8% in 2016. In contrast, there was a decrease in the average percentage of sales on credit terms to foreign B2B customers. With an average of 47.7%, respondents in Hong Kong seemed slightly more averse to offering credit terms than one year ago (51.4%).
In 2017, respondents in the country, like their peers in Asia Pacific, seem more likely to sell on credit terms to their domestic B2B customers than to their foreign B2B customers. This is different than one year ago when a higher percentage of foreign B2B customers purchased on credit.
Compared to the regional averages (domestic: 49.5%; foreign: 42.2%), respondents in Hong Kong are more likely to sell on credit terms to both their domestic and foreign B2B customers.
Overdue B2B invoices (%)
In 2017, respondents in Hong Kong reported minor changes in the proportion of past due receivables from both their domestic and foreign B2B customers.
On average, 89.6% of respondents in Hong Kong reported late payments from their domestic and foreignB2B customers in 2017. This highlights a minor increase compared to the 2016 percentage of 88.5% and is in line with the percentage reported in Asia Pacific overall (89.2%).
On average, 50.0% of domestic and 50.3% of foreign invoices remained unpaid at the due date. The country’s proportion of domestic and foreign past due B2B invoices is higher than that registered at regional level (domestic: 44.6%; foreign: 46.1%).
In 2017, there was a small decrease in the percentage of overdue domestic B2B invoices (from 51.0% in 2016) and an increase in respect to the percentage of overdue foreign B2B invoices (from 47.7%).
The 2017 the average Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) figure in Hong Kong is 36 days; one day longer than in 2016.
Hong Kong’s average DSO figure is four days shorter than the average for Asia Pacific overall.
Most respondents in Hong Kong (46.8%) do not expect a change in their average DSO over the next 12 months. 29.8% of respondents expect a slight increase while 19.5% said that they expect a slight decrease over the same time frame.
Payment duration (average days)
In 2017, suppliers in Hong Kong needed to wait 54 days, five days fewer than in 2016, to turn B2B receivables into cash. However, this is one of the longest invoice to cash turnarounds in Asia Pacific; only shorter than Taiwan (71 days) and India (61 days).
In 2017, domestic B2B customers of suppliers in Hong Kong had, on average, 30 days to pay their invoices. This means that the average domestic payment terms have been extended by one day compared to last year.
On the other hand, foreign B2B customers of respondents in Hong Kong had shorter payment terms than in 2016. They were given, on average, 31 days to fulfil their payment obligations (2016: 34 days).
Small decreases are seen in the average payment delays of both domestic and foreign B2B customers.
In 2017, domestic B2B customers in Hong Kong delayed payments, on average, 24 days (vs. 28 days in 2016). Foreign B2B customers of respondents in Hong Kong delayed payments, on average, 22 days (vs. 26 days in 2016).
As a result of the changes in payment terms and payment delays, the average payment duration in Hong Kong dropped to 54 days from 59 days in 2016. This is one day shorter than the average payment duration in Asia Pacific overall.
Key payment delay factors
Domestic and foreign B2B customers of respondents in Hong Kong seem to delay payments mainly because of insufficient availability of funds. The same payment delay factor was reported by the majority of respondents in Asia Pacific.
47.2% of respondents in Hong Kong said that domestic delays occurred mainly because of insufficient availability of funds. The percentage of respondents stating this reason is much higher than one year ago (32.8%) and higher than thatreported in Asia Pacific overall (43.8%).
Looking at payment delays by foreign B2B customers, 38.4% of respondents in Hong Kong said that delays occurred mainly because of the inefficiencies of the banking system. While this percentage is slightly above the regional average of 33.3%, there was a marked decrease compared to the percentage of respondents who stated this in 2016 (47.3%).
The second main reason for domestic and foreign payment delays was the complexity of the payment procedure, cited by 33.7% of respondents in Hong Kong in respect to their domestic B2B customers and by 34.8% in respect to their foreign B2B customers.
When asked about the impact of overdue B2B invoices on their businesses, 22.9% of respondents in Hong Kong said that there has been no significant impact. However, 31.4% of respondents said that they needed to postpone payments to their own suppliers and 30.9% that they needed to take specific measures to correct cash flow. For 13.1% (15.5% at regional level), late payments caused a loss of revenue.
Protection of business profitability
Respondents in Hong Kong seem most likely to increase creditworthiness checks and their monitoring of buyers’ credit risk to increase protection against risks arising from Brexit, US protectionism and the slowdown in Asia.
44.6% of respondents in Hong Kong stated that they do not plan on making any changes in their current mix of credit management tools. 27.5% of respondents however said that they plan to protect themselves more in the face of the above-mentioned developments.
Similarly to their peers in Asia Pacific, who opted for increasing checks on buyers’ creditworthiness (36.1%) and increasing monitoring of buyers’ credit risk (34.0%), respondents in Hong Kong are also most inclined to increase these two credit management practices (as cited by 30.8% and 30.2% of respondents).
Risks stemming from the slowdown in Asia seems to worry the highest percentage of respondents in the country. 38.5% stated that they will increase creditworthiness checks and 33.2% that they will increase monitoring of buyers’ credit risk to ensure business profitability.
To manage risks stemming from Brexit, 31.2% of respondents in Hong Kong said that they will increase their use of credit insurance and 29.5% that they will increase monitoring of buyers’ credit risk.
US protectionism seems to be the development least likely to spur respondents in Hong Kong to adjust their credit management practices. However, 27.8% said that they would opt for increased monitoring of their buyers’ credit risk and 25.8% that they would increase checks on their buyers’ creditworthiness.
Uncollectable receivables
The total value of B2B receivables written off as uncollectable in Hong Kong appears to be flattening out; decreasing from 2.5% in 2016 to 2.4% this year. This is above the regional average of 2.1%.
Similarly to what was observed in previous surveys, domestic receivables were written off as uncollectable slightly more often than foreign ones (domestic: 1.4%; foreign: 1.0%). Compared to 2016 when 1.3% of domestic and 1.2% of foreign receivables were written off as uncollectable, the percentage of domestic uncollectable receivables increased slightly while the percentage of foreign uncollectable receivables saw a minor decrease.
Uncollectable receivables in Hong Kong originated most often from B2B customers in the consumer durables, textiles and electronics sectors.
B2B receivables in Hong Kong were uncollectable most frequently because the customer could not be located (42.1%), the customer went bankrupt or out of business (38.8%) and because the debt was too old (29.6%).
Payment practices by industry
Looking at the coming 12 months, respondents in Hong Kong expect that the payment behaviour of their B2B customers will deteriorate slightly.
Compared to the 31 days average for the country overall, B2B customers in the metals and the machines industries (on average, 52 days and 46 days respectively) enjoyed more lenient payment terms. At the other end of the scale, B2B customers in construction materials (25 days) and those in the construction sector (26 days) needed to settle their payments faster.
B2B customers of respondents in the construction and consumer durables sectors generated some of the longest delays. They paid, on average, 37 and 29 days late respectively.
Similarly to what was stated in the country overall, the main reason for payment delays in the construction and consumer durables industries seems to be insufficient availability of funds. This was cited by 44.0% of respondents in the construction sector and by 53.0% in the consumer durables sector.
Respondents in Hong Kong said that their B2B customers in the construction industry also delayed payments because of disputes over the quality of goods and services provided, the complexity of the payment behaviour and the inefficiencies of the banking system (each reason stated by 28.0% of respondents). In the consumer durables sector, the second main reason for payment delays was incorrect information on invoices (cited by 39.0% of respondents).
3.39MB PDF
PPB Asia Pacific Statistical Appendix 2017 (EN)
PPB Asia Pacific Survey Design 2017 (EN)
35KB PDF
Payment Practices Barometer Asia Pacific 2017
After a minor decrease from 45.0% in 2015 to 44.3% in 2016, the percentage of overdue B2B invoices in Asia Pacific increased again this year to 45.4%.
Global Economic Outlook - May 2017
The first hint of spring is in the air leaving this Economic Outlook in a position of cautious optimism.
Market Monitor Automotive Japan 2017
The automotive sector faces decreasing domestic sales due to a decrease in population and a growing share of elderly citizens as well as tax hikes.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2410
|
__label__cc
| 0.536863
| 0.463137
|
Attorney Group / Blog / Recall Report: Week of February 13, 2017
Recall Report: Week of February 13, 2017
Product Liability • February 17, 2017
Veselinovic/iStock/Thinkstock
This week saw a recall on organic baby food, recalls on dog food, recalls on Colby cheese products, recalls on chicken and pork salad products, recalls on creole tomato dressing, recalls on stuffed mushrooms, recalls on patio benches, recalls on human chorionic gonadotropin, recalls on salted caramel chocolate pie, recalls on butternut spirals, recalls on chicken sausage products, recalls on Britax strollers, recalls on gouda cheese, and recalls on strawberry platters.
Product Recalls for the Week of February 13, 2017:
PC Organics Brand Baby Food: The food recall warning issued on February 3, 2017 has been updated to include additional products. This additional information was identified during the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) food safety investigation. Loblaw Companies Limited is recalling PC Organics brand baby food pouches from the marketplace because they may permit the growth of Clostridium botulinum. A manufacturing error resulted in excess water in the product, which under certain circumstances could support the growth of Clostridium Botulinum and pose a health risk to consumers. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below. The products were sold at locations across Canada up to and including February 8, 2017. A complete list of products can be found here. Check to see if you have recalled products in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased. Recall Date: 02/08/2017
Grreat Choice® Canned Dog Food: PetSmart has issued a voluntary recall of one production lot of its Grreat Choice® Adult Dog Food sold on PetSmart.com, Pet360.com, PetFoodDirect.com and in nationwide PetSmart retail stores. This product is being voluntarily recalled as a precautionary measure due to metal contamination that could potentially be a choking hazard to pets. This recall was initiated after receiving notification from the manufacturer of consumer complaints. PetSmart has not received any consumer complaints at this time. Recalled products include 13.2 ounce cans of dog food sold between October 10, 2016 and February 7, 2017 with the UPC code 7-3725726116-7, Lot number 1759338 and best by date 8/5/19. Customers who purchased the recalled food should stop feeding it to their pets and bring any remaining cans to their local PetSmart store for a full refund or exchange. Recall Date: 02/09/2017
Select Sargento Products: Deutsch Kase Haus, LLC has notified Sargento Foods Inc. that a specialty Longhorn Colby cheese they supplied to Sargento must be recalled due to a potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes. The affected retail products are Sargento Ultra Thin Sliced Longhorn Colby, 6.84 oz., UPC 4610000228, with “Sell By” dates of “12APR17B” and “10MAY17B” and Sargento Chef Blends Shredded Nacho & Taco Cheese, 8 oz., UPC 4610040041, with “Sell By” dates of “H14JUN17” and “H12JUL17.” These products were packaged at the Sargento Plymouth, Wis. facility. Out of an abundance of caution, Sargento is also recalling the following products because they were packaged on the same line as the affected cheese: Sargento Sliced Colby-Jack Cheese, 12 oz., UPC 4610000109 with “Sell By” date of “11JUN17B;” Sargento Sliced Pepper Jack Cheese, 12 oz., UPC 4610000108 with “Sell By” dates of “12JUN17B”, “09JUL17B” and “10JUL17B;” Sargento Chef Blends Shredded Taco Cheese, 8 oz., UPC 4610040002 with “Sell By” dates of “H14JUN17”, “F28JUN17” and “D28JUN17;” Sargento Off The Block Shredded Fine Cut Colby-Jack Cheese, 8 oz., UPC 4610040014 with “Sell By” date of “F05JUL17;” Sargento Off The Block Shredded Fine Cut Cheddar Jack Cheese, 8 oz., UPC 4610040076 with “Sell By” date of “F05JUL17.” Consumers can check if their product is affected by the recall by visiting info.sargento.com and using the “Product Check” tool. Recall Date: 02/10/2017
Meijer Brand Colby and Colby Jack Deli Cheeses: Meijer is announcing a recall of its Meijer Brand Colby Cheese and Colby Jack Cheese sold exclusively through its deli counters due to a potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, a Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. The Meijer Brand Colby Cheese and Colby Jack Cheese were sold in Meijer stores from Nov. 10, 2016 to Feb. 9, 2017. There have been no known illnesses reported to Meijer from the product affected by this recall. Meijer received notice of a possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination from MDS Foods, a Meijer supplier that sources the Meijer branded cheeses from Deutsch Kase Haus, a cheese manufacturer based in Middlebury, Indiana. MDS Foods informed Meijer that evidence of potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination had been identified by the manufacturer. The recalled product will be in plastic deli packaging with printed labels that have the UPCs 215927xxxxxx or 215938xxxxxx – the last 6 digits will vary, and are determined by weight since the product was purchased at the deli counter. Customers should stop using the product and either dispose of it or return it to the customer service desk at any Meijer store for a full refund. Recall Date: 02/10/2017
MDS Food Products: MDS Foods Inc. is recalling multiple products some of which were found to be contaminated with the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes and other products which may have the potential to be contaminated with the bacteria. Deutsch Kase Haus, LLC of Middlebury, Indiana, supplied MDS Foods with Colby and Colby Jack minihorn cheeses that have been found to be contaminated with the pathogenic organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Affected and potentially affected products were distributed by MDS Foods Inc. under multiple brand labels and distributed nationwide. A complete list of recalled products can be found here. Customers who have purchased any of the cheese products listed below from the affected sell by dates or any unreadable date codes are urged not to consume it and to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Recall Date: 02/11/2017
Chicken and Pork Salad Products: Two Taylor Farms establishments, located in Dallas, Texas and in Tracy, California are recalling approximately 6,630 pounds of chicken and pork salad products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced. The firms produced and packaged the products from Feb. 6-9, 2017. Products subject to recall include 10.5 ounce plastic trays of “Signature Café Southwest Style Salad with Chicken” with the following “USE BY” dates: “2/13/17, 2/14/17, 2/15/17 or 2/16/17” and 8.25 ounce plastic trays of “H-E-B Shake Rattle & Bowl Rowdy Ranch Hand (contains pork)” with the following “USE BY” dates: “2/17/17, 2/18/17 or 2/19/17.” The products subject to recall bear either establishment number M/P-34013 or M/P-34733 inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to distribution centers in Los Angeles and Tracy, Calif.; Portland, Ore; and Houston, Roanoke and San Antonio, Texas. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. Recall Date: 02/11/2017
Creole Tomato Dressing: Cousins Products LLC is voluntarily recalling 16oz Creole Tomato Dressing, Best by Date 05/18/17, because the product may contain undeclared milk. People who are allergic to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product. The product was distributed through retail stores in Southeastern LA. The product is refrigerated and packaged in 16 oz glass jars with metal lids with the following code: Best by Date: 05/18/17; Jar/Case Lot Number: 0001118; and UPC Code: 5027800100. The recall was initiated after receiving a consumer complaint on jar labeled as Creole Tomato Dressing with a Best by Date 05/18/17 the revealed the presence of Blue Cheese dressing which contains milk. Creole Tomato Dressing does not contain milk. Investigation into the matter, shows this was an isolated incident. No illnesses have been reported to date. Consumers who have purchased this product are urged not to consume it and to contact Cousins Products, LLC for product exchange or refund. Recall Date: 02/13/2017
Country Fresh Cooking and Snacking Products: Country Fresh, LLC is recalling 2,552 cases of various cooking and snacking products (product descriptions attached), that contained Sargento branded cheeses because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The product in question was shipped to retailers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia under the Country Fresh and store brand labels described in the product listing. A complete list of products can be found here. The product bears “BEST IF USED BY” dates between January 19, 2017 (1/19/17) through February 17, 2017 (2/17/17). No products except those on this list are subject to this recall. Consumers who have purchased any of these products are urged to dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Recall Date: 02/13/2017
Stuffed Mushrooms: Choice Farms LLC is initiating a very limited voluntary recall of stuffed mushrooms because the mushrooms may contain a cheese component which a third party supplier advised has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall pertains to a total of seven (six in Texas, one in Kansas) individual shrink-wrapped trays of one of three stuffed mushroom types: Traditional Gourmet Portabella Mushrooms; Pizza Style Portabella Mushrooms; and/or Stuffed Mushrooms sold on Friday, February 10, 2017. A full list of products and stores where the products were sold can be found here. The consumers who suspect that they have purchased the products affected by this recall should dispose it in the garbage and contact Choice Farms LLC for a refund. Recall Date: 02/13/2017
Patio Benches: Target Corp. is recalling threshold patio benches because the patio benches can collapse while in use, posing a fall hazard to consumers. This recall involves Threshold Aluminum Top/Steel X Base patio benches that were sold both individually and as part of a six-piece dining set. The model number can be found on the front page of the product’s assembly instructions or on the product’s packaging. A complete list of recalled benches can be found here. Recalled benches were sold at Target stores nationwide and online at Target.com from January 2016 through July 2016. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled patio benches and return them to any Target store for a full refund for the bench. The benches were sold individually and as part of a set. Purchasers can continue to use the other pieces of the set which, in addition to the bench, included a table and four chairs. Purchasers of individual benches will be refunded the purchase price. Purchasers of sets will be refunded the price of the individual bench. Recall Date: 02/13/2017
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin: Synergy Rx Pharmacy is voluntarily recalling all lots of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) 5,000 units/vial and 11,000 units/vial to the retail level due to a lack of sterility assurance. Administration of a drug product intended to be sterile that is not sterile could result in serious infections that may be life-threatening. Synergy Rx Pharmacy has not received any reports of adverse events, to date, related to this recall. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is an unapproved product being marketed as for weight loss. The product is packaged in 15 mL serum glass vials bearing a label that includes Synergy Rx Pharmacy’s name and expiration date. All lots of these products are affected. This recall impacts all sterile products distributed between 06/01/2016 and 12/22/2016. The product was only distributed to physician offices and clinics in Arizona, California, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Customers that have the recalled product should immediately stop using it and contact the help line to arrange for the return of any unused product. Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax. Recall Date: 02/14/2017
Against the Grain Pet Food: Against the Grain Pet Food is voluntarily recalling one lot of Against the Grain Pulled Beef with Gravy Dinner for Dogs that was manufactured and distributed in 2015. The 12 oz. Against the Grain Pulled Beef with Gravy Dinner for Dogs that is being voluntarily recalled, due to the potential presence of pentobarbital, has an expiration date of December 2019, a lot number of 2415E01ATB12, and the second half of the UPC code is 80001 (which can be found on the back of the product label). Oral exposure to pentobarbital can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, excitement, loss of balance, nausea nystagmus (eyes moving back and forth in a jerky manner), inability to stand and coma. In 2015, this one lot of product was distributed to independent pet retail stores in Washington and Maryland, though it has been verified that this lot is no longer on any store shelves. This voluntary recall only affects one specific lot of food. Consumers may return any can with the aforementioned lot number, to their place of purchase and receive a full case of Against the Grain food for the inconvenience. Recall Date: 02/14/2017
Guggisberg Colby-Type Cheeses: Guggisberg Cheese Inc. is recalling various types of Colby type cheeses and sizes due to a potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes. The affected products were manufactured both by Guggisberg Cheese, Inc. and by Deutsch Kase Haus, LLC under the Guggisberg label. No illnesses have been reported to date. A complete list of recalled cheeses can be found here. The products were manufactured between September 1, 2016 and January 27, 2017. These products were packaged in clear plastic and sold primarily in retail stores at deli counters and deli cases located in the States of: Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Illinois, and West Virginia. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or they may discard the product. Recall Date: 02/14/2017
Private Selection Salted Caramel Chocolate Almond Pie: Legendary Baking has expanded its recall of 34 ounce packages of Private Selection Salted Caramel Chocolate Almond Pie because the almonds and eggs were not listed in the ingredient statement. People who have allergies to almonds and eggs run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. The recalled Private Selection Salted Caramel Chocolate Almond Pies were distributed in Kroger, Fry’s, and Smith’s retail stores in the following states: AL, AZ, GA, IL, IN, KY, MI, NM, OH, SC, TN, and WV. Legendary Baking has expanded this recall because the product also went to Fred Meyer, King Soopers, and City Market retail stores in the following states: CO, ID, NM, OR, UT, WA, and WY. The product comes in a 34 ounce, clear plastic package dome with a black plastic bottom base and is marked with lot # CH17025 on the side of the clear plastic dome. Consumers who have purchased 34 ounce packages of Private Selection Salted Caramel Chocolate Almond Pie are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund should they have allergen issues. Recall Date: 02/14/2017
Butternut Spirals: Veggie Noodle Co. is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of Butternut Spirals due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled product was distributed to Whole Foods Markets and other retailers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin. The recalled product is packaged in a 10.7oz clear plastic container, has the UPC Code 852287006059 and has an “Enjoy By” date of February 23, 2017 (located on the side of the packaging). Products with other “Enjoy By” dates are not affected. Sold in refrigerated sections of the grocery store. The potential contamination of the Butternut Spirals was found as a result of routine product testing and the recall was initiated by Veggie Noodle Co. out of an abundance of caution. Consumers who have purchased the recalled Veggie Noodle Co. Butternut Spirals are urged not to consume it, and either discard the product or return it to the store where it was purchased for a full refund. 02/15/2017
Chicken Sausage Products: Century Packing Corp. is recalling approximately 999,419 pounds of thermally processed, commercially sterile, chicken sausage products due to misbranding. The products contain monosodium glutamate (MSG) that was not declared on the product labels, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced. The chicken sausage products were produced from Jan. 1, 2015 through Feb. 13, 2017. Products subject to recall include 2.78 ounce pouches of “Great Value Minis – Bites of Chicken Sausage and Bouillon” with Packaging Dates of “01/01/2015 – 02/13/2017;” 10 ounce pouches of “Great Value Minis – Bites of Chicken Sausage and Bouillon” with Packaging Dates of “01/01/2015 – 02/13/2017;” 2.78 ounce pouches of “Econo Mini – Bite Size Chicken Sausages” with Packaging Dates of “ 01/01/2015 – 02/13/2017;” 10 ounce pouches of “Econo Mini – Bite Size Chicken Sausages” with Packaging Dates of “01/01/2015 – 02/13/2017;” 5 ounce cans of “Sedano’s Chicken Vienna Sausage in Chicken Broth” with Packaging Dates of “08/2015” and “05/2016;” and 117 units per pouch of “ Carmela Foods Chicken Sausage and Bouillon” with Packaging Dates of “02/2016 – 02/14/2017.” The products subject to recall bear establishment number “P-7375” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped for retail and institutional use in Florida and Puerto Rico. According to Century Packing Corp. records, schools have purchased products associated with this recall through the company’s commercial channels. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider. Recall Date: 02/15/2017
Britax Strollers: Britax Child Safety Inc. is recalling Britax B-Agile and BOB Motion Strollers with Click & Go receivers because a damaged receiver mount on the stroller can cause the car seat to disengage and fall unexpectedly, posing a fall hazard to infants in the car seat. This recall involves Britax B-Agile and BOB Motion strollers (when used as a travel system with a car seat carrier attached). All models are folding, single or double occupant strollers and have Click & Go receiver mounts that attach the car seat carrier to the stroller frame. All colors of the stroller are included. The model number can be found on the inside of the stroller’s metal frame near the right rear wheel for single strollers and in the front middle underside of the frame on double strollers. A full list of recalled model numbers can be found here. Recalled strollers were sold at Babies R Us, buy buy Baby, Target and other stores nationwide, and online at Amazon.com, albeebaby.com, buybuybaby.com, diapers.com, ToysRUs.com and other websites from May 2011 through February 2017. Consumers should immediately stop using their Click & Go receiver mounts and contact Britax for a free repair kit for single strollers. Owners of the recalled double strollers should stop using them with car seats attached. Consumers can continue to use their stroller or car seat independently without the car seat attached to the stroller. Recall Date: 02/16/2017
Saputo Gouda Cheese: Saputo Inc. is voluntarily recalling certain Gouda cheese products in the United States after having been notified by Deutsch Kase Haus, LLC of Middlebury, Indiana that some specialty Gouda cheese products that it supplied to Saputo’s Green Bay, Wisconsin facility may have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The affected retail products are the Great Midwest® Applewood Smoked Gouda cheeses. As a precautionary measure, Saputo is also recalling the Dutchmark® Smoked Gouda cheeses, which were packaged on the same line. Consumers should not consume the recalled products. The recalled products were sold to retailers nationwide. The Great Midwest Applewood® Smoked Gouda cheeses were sold primarily in retail stores at deli counters and deli cases. Saputo is working with impacted customers to ensure that the recalled products are removed from the marketplace. Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products identified in the table above with the specified sell by date are urged to dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Recall Date: 02/16/2017
Heart Plastic Platter Strawberries: DITOS is recalling 50 cases of Heart Plastic Platter Strawberries w/ Dip with Chocolate Frosting 32oz, and 30 cases of Heart Plastic Platter Mixed Fruit w/ Dip with Chocolate Frosting 40oz, because it contains undeclared soy and milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy and/or milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. Product was distributed in Alaska to one distributor and may have been redistributed to one retailer. Product was sold at seven Walmart stores located in Debarr, Dimond, Eagle River, Fairbanks, Kenai, Midtown, and Wasilla of Alaska. Product was distributed to the retailer February 8-February 13. Products subject to recall include 32 ounce DITOS Heart Plastic Platter Strawberries w/ Dip with Chocolate Frosting, UPC 893268001427, Use by Dates 02/14/17, 02/15/17, 02/16/17, 02/19/17 and 40 ounce DITOS Heart Plastic Platter Strawberries w/ Dip with Chocolate Frosting, UPC 893268001984, Use by Dates 02/14/17, 02/15/17, 02/16/17, 02/19/17. Consumers who have purchased the products described above should destroy the affected product.
“Recall Listing.” United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. www.cpsc.gov/Recalls. Accessed 17 Feb. 2017.
www.Recalls.gov: Your Online Resource for Recalls. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, www.recalls.gov. Accessed 17 Feb 2017.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2412
|
__label__cc
| 0.744512
| 0.255488
|
Auto Mechanic Schools in Baltimore, MD
By on in Auto Mechanic Schools
There are millions of automobiles on the roads. A large number of those vehicles are going to require servicing and repair throughout the years. Consequently, the need for a trained auto mechanic has never been higher. Are you the type of person that loves getting under the hood of a car and finding out what makes it tick? Are you the one friends ask advice about their car problems? Consider an auto mechanical career. Auto mechanical experts repair, inspect, and service vehicles for their customers. They work for large companies, car dealerships, auto makers, to the small local repair shop in the community.
Those that are considering joining this career field should look for an accredited institution in the Baltimore, MD area. Those schools with that distinction demonstrate that the course of study at their institution is approved by governing bodies in the state and in the industry. The student is assured that they are receiving the proper learning to enter the field.
How to Get Certified in Baltimore, MD
The mechanic might enter a program that trains them for a period of 2 or more years. Certainly, the length depends on the individuals previous education and background. The service technicians are required to obtain certification. This is supplied by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Those that receive this extra distinction make more money because it demonstrates that they are skilled at repairs and servicing vehicles.
List of Elite Programs in Baltimore, MD
Featured Program: Community College of Baltimore County
Image Source: excelsior.edu
At the Community College of Baltimore County, high quality education and the dedication and studiousness of the students are all of the utmost importance. The great program at the Community College of Baltimore meets both the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) and NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation) standards. The teachers there are the most knowledgeable and experienced in the business and are so very dedicated to educating students to become masters of Automotive Technology to the best of their ability. Students are very prepared and marketable for the automotive job industry after their education at Community College of Baltimore County. Specialist certificates that are available to obtain from the school are in Suspension, Engine, Master, Drive Train, Service Attendant, Electrical/Electronics. Students are very highly educated and dedicated to their craft, enroll today to begin your journey!
Image Source: ccbcmd.edu
Lincoln Tech
Get a hands-on education at Lincoln Tech. Designed for today’s tough job market, our in-depth programs cover many fields including: Health Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Hospitality, Automotive Technology, HVAC Technology and Electrical Systems Technology. Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. Programs vary by campus.
Locations: Columbia
Salaries for Auto Mechanic Jobs in Baltimore, MD
The salary earned for those in the profession varies widely across the country and in the Baltimore area. There are a number of factors that determine the salary that a worker will earn. For example, years of experience, education, and the type of company that they work for currently. For example, those that work full time at a large dealership earn more than the worker at a small local repair shop working part time. Generally, the salary in Baltimore is around $30,000 per year. The median national average is about $36, 610 per year.
More Auto Mechanic Schools in Baltimore
Community College of Baltimore (443) 840-2222 800 S Rolling Rd, Catonsville, MD 21228 www.ccbcmd.edu/
Bryant And Stratton College Auto Mechanics Review
Stratford Career Institute | An Auto Mechanics Review
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2414
|
__label__cc
| 0.504343
| 0.495657
|
You are here: Home | All Films & Miniseries | A Woman of Substance
Six-Hour Miniseries
Staring: Diane Baker, George Baker, Peter Egan, Christopher Guard, Dominic Guard, Jenny Seagrove, Gayle Hunnicutt, Barry Morse, Nicola Pagett
Director: Don Sharp
Executive Producers: Diane Baker
Screenplay: Barbara Taylor Bradford, Lee Langley, Tom Blomquist
Based on the phenomenally successful novel, the sweeping saga of Emma Harte’s dazzling climb from impoverished shop girl to head of a vast empire is a celebration of one woman’s indomitable spirit. The six-hour miniseries A Woman of Substance aired originally in the United States in November 1984 and earned exceptional ratings. Deborah Kerr and Jenny Seagrove shared the title role of the indominable Emma Harte, and superstar Liam Neeson created the role of Blackie O’Neill.
The miniseries earned two Emmy Nominations: one for its star Deborah Kerr and one for the series. Since the initial broadcast, it has aired five times on national television in the US. A Woman of Substance has also been broadcast worldwide with great success.
A Woman of Substance charts the life of Emma Harte, from kitchen maid at the beginning of the 20th Century, to respected business woman and Grandmother in the 1980’s. From humble beginnings Emma Harte starts her business with a small shop, but over the next twenty years she expands her stores and invests in the growing textile industry in Leeds. By the time of World War 2, Emma is the head of a major retail and manufacturing empire, but she has struggled all her life to find love.
After an illegitimate daughter and two marriages, she finally meets the love of her life, Paul McGill, but their affair is cut short by a tragic accident, leaving Emma with his daughter. In the 1980’s Emma faces one of her biggest tests – her children’s attempt to remove her as head of her company, but Emma is far from the senile old woman they think she is – she is determined to stop them at all costs.
Trailer for Award Winning Miniseries ‘A Woman of Substance’
Barbara Taylor Bradford talks about ‘A Woman Of Substance’
Other Miniseries created from Barbara Taylor Bradford’s Novels
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2417
|
__label__wiki
| 0.812293
| 0.812293
|
Tag Archives: trailers
Posted on October 28, 2013 by Matthew Fernandes
By Matthew Fernandes
Columbia Pictures Logo – Columbia Pictures [1]
Columbia Pictures is a major film production and distribution studio, and primary wing of the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group. The company is a leading division of Sony Pictures Entertainment. With a history spanning nearly 100 years Columbia has produced over 3,500 films, many among them classics [23].
Columbia Pictures Logo Transformation
Columbia, Screen Gems and Sony Picture Entertainment Logos [4]
Columbia’s History
Harry Cohn [2]
Columbia has a long history, beginning in 1922 with producers Harry Cohn, Jack Cohn and Joe Brandt [2].
Joe Brandt [2]
Jack Cohn [2]
They had originally called the company CBC, but changed the name to Columbia in 1922. They produced their first film More to Be Pitied Than Scorned that same year [2].
Film Poster [3]
Capra and the 30s
In 1924, the company really began to expand with the debut of director Frank Capra [2]. Capra directed such classic films during the ’30s as It Happened One Night (1934), which gained Columbia Pictures its first Best Picture Academy Award. [2]
Frank Capra: Director [2]
Fast-forward: 1980s-present
Columbia grew quickly following Capra’s success, earning several academy awards, becoming one of the first major studios to invest in television [2], and launching Columbia Pictures Home Entertainment. In 1982, the company established an impressive television library with Columbia TriStar Television [2]. The next year, Columbia formed TriStar Pictures with CBS and HBO [2].
In 1989 the Sony Corporation purchased Columbia Pictures Corporation, bringing Columbia into its entertainment division. [2] Since then, the company has had several major successes. They continue to dominate, but more as a film distributor and production studio for Sony’s major films [20]. The executives for Sony and Columbia Pictures provide key leadership.
Michael Lynton [5]
Though not a direct member of the Columbia Pictures executive team, Michael Lynton is the CEO of Sony Entertainment, as well as the Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment. As chairman, overseeing Columbia’s operations. [5]
Doug Belgrad – sonypictures.com [6]
Since 2008, Doug Belgrad has served as the president of Columbia Pictures [6]. Since then, he has overseen some of Columbia’s most recent successes such as Captain Phillips and This is the End.
Hannah Minghella – sonypictures.com [7]
Hannah Minghella serves as Columbia’s President of Production, having joined the company in 2005 and receiving a promotion to her current position in 2010 [7].
Together, Columbia’s management has guided the company through varied amounts of success [5]. Columbia works directly under Sony Picture Entertainment for its productions distribution, distribution deals, and financial ventures.
Columbia is privately traded, so current financial data is unavailable [21]. However, Box Office Mojo estimates that Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Entertainment have earned over $1 billion in gross sales this year, and controlled 11.5 percent of the market share [22]. Despite some recent successes, Columbia Pictures experienced some criticism. According to a recent Bloomberg article, Sony Corporation has hired Bain and Co. to manage $100 million in spending cuts that are meant to improve Sony Pictures Entertainment. The article attributes some of the changes to After Earth and White House Down two recent film releases by Columbia [23].
2013: Snapshot
Like many major production studios, Columbia has many projects in development at any given time, though it has worked mainly as production house and distribution company for Sony over the past few years. The following releases are projects that the company has either released in the past year or recently put into development.
White House Down: Box Office Disappointment
White House Down was one of Columbia’s major releases for the summer. This action thriller stars Channing Tatum a cop who must save his daughter and the United Stated President (played by Jamie Foxx) from an unknown terrorist group. [8]
Film picture – [9]
According to Box Office Mojo, the film brought in over $200 million, but had a production budget of over $150 million [9]. This was surprising given that the film released during the summer and had the makings of a blockbuster. The movie had to compete with a similar film called Olympus Has Fallen starring Morgan Freeman and Gerard Butler, which might have caused a divide in film audiences over which movie to see. Columbia Pictures and Sony might be able to salvage some profit with a home entertainment release since they will most likely retain the rights, but this film seems like a missed opportunity for Columbia Pictures.
Cloudy With Chance of Meatballs 2: A Strong Success
This past fall, Columbia Pictures managed the theatrical release for Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2. The new film is the sequel to Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, a popular animated film that Columbia Pictures released in 2009 in conjunction with several other studios [11].
This second installment has been a success relative to the summer mishap of White House Down, earning almost $200 million worldwide compared to a budget of $78 million [10]. Columbia Pictures will most likely benefit from a profitable DVD release as well, bringing in more profit after the film closes in theaters.
Film Poster [17]
One of Columbia Picture’s most recent leases is Captain Phillips the suspense thriller based on the actual hijacking of Maersk Alabama, which was captured by Somalian pirates in 2009 [12]. Tom Hanks plays the eponymous character Captain Richard Phillips, giving the film some major star power.
Film Photo [12]
The film has done well since its October release nearly doubling its budget of $55 million [13]. Despite critical success for the film, a recent New York Post article criticized it for portraying a false story.
The actual crew of the film has spoken out against the portrayal of Captain Phillips, which they claim to be completely false [14]. The film does not seem to be suffering from this poor press, however. If the film receives any Oscars, it will probably have another wave of sales after its eventual DVD release.
This film is a recreation of the 1987 sci-fi film of the same name. The story follows Alex Murphy, a cop who becomes a machine-human soldier after experiencing a nearly fatal injury [16].
RoboCop Trailer 2013
RoboCop Trailer Photo [15]
The film has some well-known actors, but the real appeal is film’s name itself. Given the popularity of the original character and the film’s President’s Day weekend release date, RoboCop should draw huge audiences for Columbia Pictures.
Columbia Pictures has recently been listed as a production studio for some of Sony Picture Entertainment’s most recent acquisitions. One of the most notable acquisitions is Annie, for which Sony gained the film distribution rights this year [18]. The film version of the classic musical is set to release next year.
Columbia has also started developing projects based on the popular novels The Rosie Project and Tomorrow And Tomorrow [19]. Both of these projects are still in development, but will join the slate of films that Columbia is set to produce for the coming year, including The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and RoboCop [18].
Despite some of the financial criticism that Columbia Pictures received for some of its more recent box office disappointments, it is still one of the dominant film studios. And given some of the high-profile film’s on Columbia’s slate for the coming year, it will most likely retain its position as a major entertainment entity.
[1] Columbia Pictures logo
[2] Sony Pictures – History of Columbia Pictures
[3] More to be Pitied Than Scorned Film Poster
[4] Transformation of Columbia Logo
[5] Michael Lynton Profile
[6] Doug Belgrad Profile
[7] Hannah Minghella Profile
[8] White House Down Official Site
[9] White House Down Movie Data
[10] Cloudy With a Chance of Meatball 2 Movie Data
[11] Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs IMDB
[12] Captain Phillips Movie Official Website
[13] Captain Phillips Movie Data
[14] “Crew Members Deny Captain Phillips Heroism” – New York Post
[15] RoboCop Official Trailer
[16] RoboCop IMDb
[17] Captain Phillips IMDb
[18] Columbia Pictures Film Distribution List IMDb
[19] Sony Acquires The Rosie Project
[20] Columbia Profile Business Week
[21] Google Finance For Columbia Pictures
[22] Studio Market Shares
[23] Sony Corporation Divisions – Columbia TriStar
Posted in Film Companies, TRF235 Fall 2013 | Tagged Annie, Best Picture, Capra, captain phillips, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, Columbia logos, Columbia Pictures, Columbia Pictures 2013, Doug Belgrad, Film, film distribution, Film History, Film Production, finances, future projects, Hannah Minghella, Harry Cohn, It Happened One Night, Jack Cohn, Joe Brandt, Michael Lynton, More to be Pitied Than Scorned, RoboCop, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Spider-Man, Television, The Rosie Project, Tomorrow and Tomorrow, trailers, Tristar, White House Down
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2423
|
__label__cc
| 0.737792
| 0.262208
|
Windows Azure ACS v2 Mix Announcement
Part of the Mix11 announcement was that ACS v2 was released to production. It was actually released last Thursday but we were told to keep as quiet as possible so they could announce it at Mix. Here is the marketing speak:
The new ACS includes a plethora of new features that customers and partners have been asking with enthusiasm: single sign on from business and web identity providers, easy integration with our development tools, support for both enterprise-grade and web friendly protocols, out of the box integration with Facebook, Windows Live ID, Google and Yahoo, and many others.
Those features respond to such fundamental needs in modern cloud based systems that ACS has already become a key asset in many of our own offerings.
There is a substantial difference between v1 and v2. In v2, we now see:
Federation provider and Security Token Service (FINALLY!)
Out of box federation with Active Directory Federation Services 2.0, Windows Live ID, Google, Yahoo, Facebook
New authorization scenarios
Delegation using OAuth 2.0
Improved developer experience
New web-based management portal
Fully programmatic management using OData
Works with Windows Identity Foundation
Additional protocol support
WS-Federation, WS-Trust, OpenID 2.0, OAuth 2.0 (Draft 13)
That's a lot of stuff to keep up with, but luckily Microsoft has made it easier for us by giving us a whole whack of content to learn from.
First off, all of the training kits have now been updated to support v2:
Identity Developer Training Kit
Windows Azure Training Kit
Second, there are a bunch of new Channel9 videos just released:
ACS v2 Ships
Justin Smith on the v2 Release
ACS + Windows Phone 7 == Awesomeness
Aaron Smalser on the real world user interactions of ACS
Third, and finally, the Claims Based Identity and Access Control Guide was updated!
Talk about a bunch of awesome stuff.
By ssyfuhs on April 12, 2011 at 9:01 AM
Tagged: Access Control Services, Authentication, Azure, Claims, Federation, Mix, Security
Vote for my Mix 2011 Session on Identity!
Mix 2011 has opened voting for public session submissions, and I submitted one! Here is the abstract:
Identity Bests – Managing User Identity in the new Decade
Presenter: Steve Syfuhs
Identity is a tricky thing to manage. These days every website requires some knowledge of the user, which inevitably requires users to log in to identify themselves. Over the next few years we will start seeing a shift toward a centralized identity model removing the need to manage users and their credentials for each website. This session will cover the fundamentals of Claims Based Authentication using the Windows Identity Foundation and how you can easily manage user identities across multiple websites as well across organizational boundaries.
If you think this session should be presented please vote: http://live.visitmix.com/OpenCall/Vote/Session/182.
(Please vote even if you don’t! )
By ssyfuhs on January 25, 2011 at 8:18 AM
Tagged: .NET, Identity, Mix, Presentations, Security, WIF
Consuming WCF in Silverlight 3 Session at MIX ‘09
This session covers three separate scenarios for Silverlight and WCF interactions. The basic functionality of adding a service reference, creating proxy class and calling method hasn’t changed. However, they are trying to address some of the common pain points related to WCF
It’s now possible to remove the network traffic associated with ‘fat’ SOAP/XML messages by using a binary XML format to send the message. The demo reduced message size by 30%. But size was not the main design goal for binary XML. While compression is possible at the HTTP level, apparently binary XML reduces effort on the client and server as messages are compressed and decompressed. Binary XML is intended to improve speed. And while not every message is affected significantly (small messages and strings don’t really benefit), there is no case that MS is aware of where it gets worse. So binary XML becomes an appropriate default formatting standard.
Also included in this section was a description of why server-side error information is not accessible from within Silverlight. Specifically, if you have a server-side HTTP 500 code, the information related to the error does not get pushed to Silverlight. This is a fairly hard limitation related to how browsers pass HTTP information to plug-ins. And Silverlight is really a plug-in. The solution is an HTTP hack, there internal server errors get returned as HTTP 200 codes. And Silverlight 3 is built to pull the error information off of the response and surface it through the normal SOAP faulting mechanism.
When it comes to security WCF calls in Silverlight 3, there are two choices: browser-based and manual. The browser-based approach depends on cookies and Forms authentication at the browser level. This is easy to implement, but is open to cross-domain threats IF you have enable cross-domain access for every Web site. The manual approach has identity managed by Silverlight. When the credentials are added by Silverlight (instead of the browser), the cross-domain thread is eliminated. SL3 provides an out-of-the-box mechanism for creating the SOAP headers associated with the manual mechanism. It’s the ‘out-of-the-box’ that is new in SL3, not the technique itself.
The big gotcha in the manual mode is found in the method that WCF uses to prevent replay attacks. There is the concept of a MaxClockSkew. In indicates how far apart the client and server clocks can be. The default value if 5 minutes. which is to say that if the server system has a time of 11:05 and the client system has a time of 11:11, all messages will be rejected. This is the kind of situation that I’m sure will bedevil developers. MS is still trying to decide what the default value of MaxClockSkew will be when SL3 is released.
The second scenario covered in this session involved pushing messages to Silverlight. It was possible in SL2 to push message to the Silverlight application, but the knowledge required by the developer to implement it has been reduced. Because I’m very familiar with WCF, the technique does not seem advanced. Basically, the idea is to have the SL3 client make a one-way WCF call with a callback contract. The OneWay mode means that there is no calling context hanging around on the client. The callback allows the service to call back to the Silverlight application. In the Silverlight application, there is an event raised when the callback method is invoked from the service.
The third and final scenario talked about REST in Silverlight 3. As it turns out, SL3 doesn’t have much added in this area. Mostly because “the REST story in SL2 was pretty complete” This is actually pretty true about WCF in Silverlight in general. It’s not that there aren’t things that people would like to do with WCF in Silverlight (different bindings, for example). But the reality is that the limiting factor for most new feature requests is the HTTP stack from within the browser. It was mentioned that it’s possible to roll your own HTTP stack by going out to JavaScript through the HTTP DOM, but that technique will probably not work if the Silverlight application is running on off-browser mode.
By Bruce on March 20, 2009 at 5:01 AM
Tagged: Canadian MIXers, Home, Mix, MIX09, Silverlight
Off-line and Off-Browser Silverlight
The big announcement at yesterday’s keynote was the availability of an off-line and off-browser mode for Silverlight 3.0. Just to clarify the terms, off-line mode indicates that Silverlight will not require a live connection to the Internet in order to continue functioning. Practically, this means that a Silverlight application will able to be installed on the client’s computer. Off-browser means that Silverlight apps will no longer appear to need to be running within any browser.
As a point of clarification, this last feature doesn’t mean that Silverlight will have free reign over your computer. Off-browser Silverlight apps will still run in the same security sandbox that they have in the browser. It’s just that you won’t need to explicitly launch the browser to start the application. In fact, the installation process for the Silverlight application includes the ability to place links on the desktop on the system tray
So what are the ramifications of these changes?
First, it opens up a world for Silverlight applications. While I’m a huge fan of WPF, there are a number of roadblocks to wide acceptance. It needs to have the .NET Framework installed (3.5 or 3.0). Which, in itself, implies a Windows platform (according to the Mono project, they are not planning to support WPF). Full WPF applications need to be installed. Yes, you can use XBAP to deploy the application, but that model has implications on security (it runs in the browser-driven security sandbox).
Silverlight, on the other hand, runs on both Windows and Mac. And while it requires an installation step, to call it an install is really overkill. It’s basically an XCOPY from one place to another on the client’s system. The conclusion, though, is that WPF and off-browser Silverlight do hit different target markets.
The second question is how does it change your Silverlight development process.
The goal of off-browser Silverlight was to have the same application run in both modes. And it certainly appears that is the case. However, being able to run the same application off-line and on-line does have an impact on your approach to development. For example, UI pieces might be different. The ability to retrieve data for a combo box, for example, might depend on being able to call out to a WCF service. That isn’t happening in off-line mode (although it would if you were just off-browser). So to create a solid off-line scenario, you may need to provide additional functionality or enable/disable functionality that is currently in place. This is not an insurmountable problem, but it does require some care and design effort.
All in all, off-browser/off-line Silverlight is an interesting idea and I’m looking forward to not only working on apps in this space, but also to see how others take advantage of it. Exciting times indeed.
Tagged: Home, Mix, MIX09, Newsletter, Silverlight
Go Beyond Best Practices Session at MIX ‘09
Because I already had some exposure to Silverlight 3 at the MVP Summit, I thought I’d start off with a session directed at creating user experiences. Not to mention that I was interested in the idea of going beyond the superlative of ‘best’ :)
The basic premise of the talk revolves around the idea that companies that succeed find ways to get customers to engage with them. The experience of using the customer transcends the details of the product or service being offered. He mentioned a book called “Firms of Endearment” which describes companies that arouse passion from the people involved. The authors of the book determined that companies that fit this model, exhibit a number of characteristics. One is described by the SPICE model.
Consider the following categories.
The value created by the companies in Firms of Endearment was equally important across all of these constituencies. Experience is about the effects that we create for these constituencies.
But experience is becoming a buzzword. That is to say, it’s a phrase that businesses use to think that
For most businesses, process is more important that effect. People follow the ‘process’ without a thought to what the effect on others might be. Experiences are a combination of behaviors, attitudes and emotions. For most companies, the emotional side is what’s lacking.
For example, Fed Ex doesn’t believe that it’s in the delivery business. It thinks it’s in the ‘peace of mind’ business. This is really about engineering the experience that people have when they use your product/service. It’s about creating clues as to how important you consider your constituents to be. These clues are frequently small and subtle. And the effort to perform them is also small. But a focus on ROI has obscured the the need to actually follow through. The suggestion is that instead, there should be some concentration on ROY. As in Y not provide the clues necessary to make customers/employees/etc realize that you are as passionate about the business they they are.
I found the presentation interesting. At a minimum, it gave me pause to think about how ObjectSharp delivers to this constituencies. While I think we do a decent job, there are certainly areas where we can improve. And we probably need to pay closer attention to the details of the experience that our customers have. And, in many cases, it’s the details that are more important than anything else.
Tagged: Canadian MIXers, Home, Mix, MIX09
MIX ‘09 Keynote – Part 3
Some additional Silverlight 3 improvements that are being announced.
Data Binding improvements, specifically element-to-element bindings
Validation error templates, although there is no support for the IDataErrorInfo interface
improvements on the ability to push data from the server to the client. Conceptually, this is similar to callback functionality in WCF.
Introduction of a DomainServices class that is used to generate a proxy class on the client. The proxy class has the ability to track and marshal changes between the client and server.
Validation logic can be declaratively defined on the DomainServices derived class. The generated proxy class will contain the same validation, triggering the error template within Silverlight.
And now, the big news.
Silverlight 3 will be able to run outside of the browser on both Windows and the Mac. Security is the same sandbox model used from within the browser. There is built-in support for automatic updates. And the application can be aware of its off-line/on-line situation. There will be more about this later in the week, I’m sure.
More stuff on the Web server side of the equation. There is a new version of the Web Platform Installer. This doesn’t have any impact on me, at least not in the past. But there is now a gallery of community-based applications, such as DotNetNuke, DasBlog and WordPress that can be automatically installed onto a web server through the Platform Installer. Not useful to me, but nice to people who are trying to streamline the build-out of a Web server. You can see a list of these applications here.
Silverlight 3.0 has some new functionality to improve functionality. There will be hardware-based acceleration for compositing, where available. And there are a number of features aimed at improving the media experience. A gentleman from NBC came out and showed some stats on the Beijing Olympics and Silverlight. As well, NBC will do the same for the Vancouver Olympics. Forgive me for not caring, as none of this is available in Canada.
You will probably hear that Silverlight has 3D functionality. A warning that it is not true 3D, but the ability to move a 2D image in three dimensions. The actual term is ‘perspective transform’. If you have to ask about the difference, then you probably don’t care. But for those that do, visualize a flat-screen image that can be rotated about the X-, Y-, or Z-axis so that it appears to be spinning. Hit testing works appropriately (you can only click on the image, regardless of how it is oriented.
Silverlight 3.0 will provide a better experience for SEO. This includes the capability of supporting deep linking and navigation.
Going back to the idea that support for a sketch-based workflow, Expression Blend 3 will have a features called SketchFlow. This feature allows for easy navigation through a collection of pages. The interface allows for quick and simple creation of the workflow through an application. Each state in the workflow corresponds to a page.
One of the things that is interesting about the creation of the pages in a workflow is the inclusion of Wiggly controls. These are controls that, through their appearance, will not be mistaken for a completed application. The borders on the controls take on the appearance of a hand-drawn image. Yet the controls are still real WPF controls, meaning that they work in the Blend and, indeed, when the applications is ‘run’ through the SketchFlow prototyping tool..
Tagged: Canadian MIXers, Home, Mix, MIX09, Silverlight, WPF
The first part of the keynote was Bill Buxton talking about the benefits of considering user experience and design when creating an application. Certainly a good speaker with passion about hit topics. But I’m afraid that he’s preaching to the converted. He touted the idea of coming up with 5 solutions to any problem, allow the best one to float to the surface. While this is a fine idea, I’m afraid that it will run up against the shoal of fiscal prudence as soon as it gets pitched to management. The trick will be to convince management that five solutions is worth while. He mentioned sketching as a technique, but I’m still waiting for tools to support this approach. The ability to transition from a ‘sketch’ to a WPF form would be quite useful to fill this gap.
One more thing about Bill’s talk. He gave a quote, almost as a throwaway, that I’m sure I’ll use in the future “It’s too important to take it seriously”. While that sounds like a contradiction, I think that in the design space, the implication is that user experience should have some focus on fun and excitement over pure serious. When you think about the shining lights of user experience applications, you’ll find that ‘fun’ and ‘cool’ are big parts of the success.
The first portion of Scott Guthrie’s presentation talked about Web functionality. Expression Web 3 contains a feature called SuperPreview, which allows pages in Expression Web to be viewed (either side-by-side or onion skinned) as they will be rendered in other browsers. This includes browsers that you don’t have installed on your system. The functionality of SuperPreview also makes it easier to identify and isolate problems with rendering in the different versions. The Web 3 version support (at a minimum) IE versions, as well as Firefox and Safari. But there is also a standalone version of SuperPreview which allows comparison between IE 6, 7 and 8. You can download it here.
Tagged: Home, Mix, MIX09
On the Road to MIX ‘09
I’m writing this particular blog post while in the air on the way to Las Vegas. For the next three days, I’m going to be at the MIX ‘09 conference. For regular readers of my blogs, that means you can expect a flurry of posts. I tend to live-blog the sessions that I’m in (particularly the keynotes) as a way of note taking, if nothing more. In this way, if nothing more, it is completely different than the MVP Summit I was at a couple of weeks ago.
Actually, there are some other differences. Where the MVP Summit is as much about giving information to Microsoft as it is about receiving, MIX is all about the receiving. While I have some inkling about some of the announcements that you’ll be hearing about, I also know that they have kept some under wraps. Which means that they were even held back from the NDA sessions at the MVP Summit. So, even though I already have some blog posts ready to go, I will still need to pay attention to what’s being discussed. And I’ll pass the good stuff on to you as soon as I can.
Bring Your Data to Life with WPF Session
The premise behind this session is the idea of separation of UI designers and developers. The UI people don't know how to code business rules. But the UI people need to be able to 'try out' the user interface and easily make changes. This is the designer/developer separation that is in the Web space, only in this case, it's for Windows Forms applications.
For those of you who aren't aware, one of the drawbacks of WPF is the lack of data binding support. This is a significant step back in functionality, if you're used to creating ASP.NET or Windows Forms apps. And it stopped me from using WPF to any great extent.
The session starts out slow, talking about the rationale behind data binding. This is something that I would expect most developers to be aware of, although if he's including designers in his target audience, then I can understand the digression.
Databinding in a WPF form can be done through the latest version of Expression Blend. A new Data pane allows for the selection of a data source (a class, for example). Once the data source has been specified, the property sheet for a control allow the mapping between the control's property and the data source's property to be made. This is a familiar process, although very new to WPF and Expression Blend.
WPF includes the concept of a value converter. This is a function that operates on a bound value with the result from the conversion being displayed. As well, the data binding appears to be hooked up to the property change notification mechanism, in that if a property is programmatically changed, the updated value appears in the form.
There is also a mechanism (INotifyCollectionChanged) which raises an event when the collection is changed. The idea of 'change' in a collection is the addition or removal of an item from the collection. WPF data binding is able to detect and respond to these events.
WPF has replaced the ObjectDataSource class with an ObjectDataProvider. Without seeing the details, I'm guessing there is a lot of similarity in terms of functionality, if not the details.
In the WPF itself, the binding notation looks like the following
<TextBox Test="{Binding Path=Sun.Name, Source={StaticResource solarSystem}}" />
This notation takes the Name property of the Sun object found in the ObjectDataProvider named solarSystem. A little cumbersome, but since it's definable through Expression Blend, that's only an issue for those of you who code in Notepad 2008.
As part of the data binding mechanism, there is the concept of a data template. This greatly resembles a template within ASP.NET, where different fields and controls are displayed based on the mode of the control. One twist is that WPF data templating can be defined based on the type of object being displayed. Within the same list box, a collection of Products will appear with different fields then a collection of Customers, even though the underlying WPF is the same.
The final reveal for the demo is a list box that displayed the information about a solar system not as a list of planet names, but as a graphical representation of the solar system orbit with the images of the planets and the positioning away from the sun based on properties from the object. The cool part is that there is no change to the underlying object necessary to change from a drop down list of properties to the graphical view. Only the XAML needs to be modified. But again, that is the power of WPF.
One word of warning. Not all of the advances in WPF are necessarily available in Silverlight. A concept called a CollectionView was explicitly called out as not being part of Silverlight 2. So if you are developing for the Silverlight market, make sure that the data binding techniques you use are supported before you spend time on it.
WPF provides support for a hierarchical data template. This template because useful when you are trying to create a tree view visualization for your data. It's similar to the list box data template in concept, but the level within the hierarchy becomes part of the mechanism for distinguishing between the different data fields and styles that are used.
It looks to me like data binding for WPF has finally moved towards the standards that we have been used to. The presentation didn't cover error providers and error notification, but a slide at the end suggests that it is, using the IDataErrorInfo interface.
By Bruce on March 7, 2008 at 6:39 AM
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2427
|
__label__cc
| 0.674512
| 0.325488
|
← Media Non-Literacy and Representational Authoritarianism
Beware of What You Wish For →
Not a Sandbox
Posted on February 20, 2007 by Timothy Burke
I’ve been struggling to figure out what to say, or whether to say anything, about the issue of blogging in the Edwards campaign. Outside of a few comments threads, I decided to not say anything while the issue was hot, partly because I think the people attacking Amanda Marcotte were largely hypocrites or nutcases. None of them struck me as having an evangelical commitment to online civility or a temperate tone in blogging. I don’t see any of the people on the right complaining about some of the material from Pandagon giving right-wing blogs (including some associated with campaigns) the same kind of going-over for issues of tone and fairness. (They would have had to attack their own blogs to do so.) I’ve read Pandagon for a long time, I like it (and Amanda Marcotte’s writing in particular) sometimes and sometimes I don’t like it so much. That assessment didn’t magically go away because Amanda Marcotte was being attacked, but it’s not a strongly felt sentiment on my part, so it wasn’t terribly relevant to share urgently.
I also was wondering a bit at whether a current political campaign actually needs a “head blogger”. Obviously Edwards was hoping to imitate Dean, both in fundraising terms and in gaining the loyalty of the “netroots”. But paying for it by moving someone onto your staff almost strikes me as buying something you can have for free. Why not just extensively court some of the most influential bloggers, maybe see if you can’t grow a blog yourself within the campaign that has a fresh, aggressive tone, and so on? Again, I might have wondered that at the time of the announcement if it hadn’t turned into such annoying sound-and-fury.
What finally made me want to write something short was reading this thread at Geeky Mom, where she wonders about whether to keep blogging. As readers here know, I’ve wondered the same thing about my own blog. I hope Geeky Mom continues: I find her blog really valuable and interesting.
But the one thing I didn’t like from some of Marcotte’s defenders was the proposition that somehow what we have written in the past in our blogs is trivial, or disposable, that our freedom as writers requires that blogging be understood as Not Ready For Prime Time. I was reminded a bit of a similar discussion at 11D.
In a way, that’s true. I misspell things in my entries here. There’s often grammatical errors. I write hastily, sometimes poorly. I write off-the-cuff. Also, I certainly do not write about some of the things that I might wish to talk about in the context of academic life. I can’t use the blog for some kinds of cathartic release. These are all reasons that I would hope any reader following the trail of digital breadcrumbs into my online archives would do so in a tolerant spirit. Sure, there’s stuff that makes me look kind of dumb. I’ve changed my mind from time to time.
Yes, it’s true, as Marcotte herself has said, that blogging has the rapid-fire liveliness (and sometimes the vileness) of written and spoken political debate in the late 18th and 19th Centuries, and that this is precious. It’s also true, as she said, that it poses a threat to some kinds of mainstream media writing. In my opinion, the threat is to op-ed writing and other kinds of punditry, which is often less well-informed, less well-written and much more smug than what the blogs have to offer.
In earlier cultures of political and polemical writing, as now, you have a choice about what you want to be and how you want what you say to represent your aspirations. I love Mencken and Twain, but if you want to be a 21st Century Mencken, it should hardly be a surprise that your voice doesn’t carry well into all places and contexts. You can warm your pen up in hell, just don’t be surprised if it’s then unwelcome in a church.
Blogs are not greasy kid’s stuff. They’re informal, they’re spontaneous, they’re freer in some ways than the mainstream media, not just because of the genre’s evolving expectations but because of their technological and economic character. But they matter, and they should. We can’t suddenly ask that they be dismissed as mere prologue to whatever else we want to do with our voices, our thought, our politics, when the day before we were trying to do something that mattered.
This is not just about blogging: it’s about history. The more you write, the more your writing is both burden and expectation, a second self whose permission is required before you do something new–or whose betrayal is necessary should you wish to be free of your shadow. I get the vague whiff from some of Marcotte’s most ardent defenders that they want to have it all. I’m free to say what I like, and if I say it at a cocktail party or talking with a friend, I would have every right to say, “Hey, come on, that was not for publication”. When I write it–even in a blog–it has, and ought to have, some greater weight. If that weight becomes like Marley’s chains, forged in life, it’s up to me to do the hard and complicated work of unlocking, not to complain that what I wrote was read.
This entry was posted in Blogging. Bookmark the permalink.
10 Responses to Not a Sandbox
back40 says:
YOYOW
I dunno… I guess I’m just not hip… Anti-religious screeds of the sort that she writes put me off for many reason. First, they are boring and trite (although the authors see them as clever and novel), and more important, as there is far more superstition in feminist or multiculturist worldviews than in old-time religion, they strike me as supremely hypocritical. Also, given the fact that most of the animosity and anger is a cover for tendentious politics (the Gramscian thing), they come across as simply disingenuous.
I think I understand why the Edwards campaign felt it needed a tame blogger (why “head blogger”, though? were there subordinate bloggers?). Neil the Ethical Werewolf is just as pro-Edwards, but he will write a pro-Edwards piece when he gets round to it: when he gets home from work, maybe after he’s eaten something. Edwards’ head blogger will write something NOW; she’ll grab a hamburger later, when she has time. Modern campaigning requires quick reactions to slurs. That’s why bloggers can be helpful to campaigns: the liveliness of 18th, 19th C pamphleteering combined with the speed of the internet.
I don’t, though, understand why Marcotte took the position — why she felt she could become a professional politician (salaried campaign staff are just as much professional politicians as the candidates that hire them). Once you’ve entered that realm, everything about you becomes fair game. That’s not a rule which got made up yesterday. Indeed, Donahue’s modus operandi has been to attack staffers: they’re more vulnerable; campaigns are willing to let them go; they’re willing to be shed, rather than hurt the campaign; Donahue gets another scalp to persuade his funders he’s effective.
emschwar says:
Remember the kerfuffle a few years ago when the Bush administration was caught paying various pundits (was there a blogger in the mix? I forget) to say nice things about No Child Left Behind? I suspect this was a case where Edwards wanted to ensure there was a blogger or two on his side by paying them, but was trying to figure a way to do that that didn’t expose him to the same sort of scrutiny. Why Marcotte was dumb enough to agree to do it is, I agree, a mystery.
That said, I read a few of the posts in question, and found them not only to be in poor taste, but to be simply factually incorrect on a number of points. She seems to have built up a caricature of the Catholic Church in her mind, and for some reason, conflated it with the real one. It’s not surprising that sort of thing came back to bite her later.
Joey Headset says:
Here’s the thing about the Blog-O-Sphere: There’s nothing interesting or important going on there. Honestly, nothing that happens on a blog MATTERS. Pretty much the best you can hope for from a blog is that it distracts you, for just a few moments, from the crushing horror of your life. And I say this as a card carrying member of the Blog-O-Sphere.
Like most Americans, I have a LOT to say. And NONE of it is partularly worth listening to. That’s why I have a blog! It’s the perfect place to spew every trite, halfcocked idea that pops into my TV/video game enervated brain. But I promise you this: if it should occur that a genuinely GOOD idea should find its way into my consciousness… you better believe I’m not wasting it on some stupid blog! Like everyone else, I’ll take my great ideas to Washington or Hollywood: where great ideas go to DIE.
So please don’t worry so much about who the Official Blogger is for this person, or what the effect of Academic Blogging is on that group of people. Always remember: if blogging actually mattered, it would be called something far less idiotic than “blogging”.
Tim, I thought that Marcotte had been hired for blogging outreach, which is related but a bit different from head blogger, as you’ve described it. In fact, I thought the job was going to be something like intensively courting various online communities. Writing the campaign blog would probably have been part of that, but only part. (Indeed, if writing the campaign blog is just another job to be outsourced, then it’s already failed.)
Blogs matter to varying degrees; they obviously matter enough to the people who write them because they take the time to write entries. They matter enough to audiences of whatever size to read, to return and to participate. Some matter more than that: Atrios and Kos, for example, have readerships that rival those of medium- to large-sized newspapers. That means they matter as any other bit of the media landscape matters. Josh Marshall has used his blog to aggregate political reporting and constituent feedback; I do think that made a difference in the Social Security fight in 2005, and that fight itself mattered out there in the big room with the blue ceiling overhead. Blogs played an important role in putting Jim Webb in the US Senate instead of George Allen. The activism that comes out of the DailyKos community is significant as well.
And because some blogs matter, they’re drawing attention and fire. The overarching narratives in newspapers — disparagement, even as the papers rush to launch their own — about blogs are part of this phenomenon. Donahue’s hit is part of this, too. As I said on the 11D thread, this was a political knee-capping pure and simple; the right-wing crazies did it to see if they could, because that is how they play the game, complete with threats of harm to the family of the target.
Timothy Burke says:
I don’t think blogs are as trivial as Joey does, obviously.
Neither do I think that Marcotte’s story is purely a political knee-capping by Donahue et al. Marcotte’s blog writing has long been done in the presumptive spirit that most or all disagreements with her major stated principles, particularly on gender, are not only wrong but malevolent. Her writing has often involved hurling abuse and invective in very strong terms at a wide range of targets, not limited to far-right fringe elements. She’s entitled to that. In fact, that’s one way, possibly the best way, to mobilize an audience of readers and commenters for a single blog.
It is not, by and large, the way to mobilize a political constituency unless you’re running in a very strongly homogenous and strongly ideological district, or unless you’re trying to use an activist-driven campaign in a primary to punch through to a general election, and then hope you can (as Bush did in 2000) convince a wider electorate that you are closer to the center. Maybe that’s what Edwards’ staffers had in mind. Even there, if I were them, I don’t know in purely stratetic terms that I would try to start a mobilization of activists through a strongly feminist direction, which is what Marcotte would have provided. There’s a malevolent knee-capping that came from the right; but there’s also a self-inflicted knee-capping here as well. I’m interested in Edwards, for example, but an appeal from Marcotte to blog about him or contribute to him, would probably have done very little for me. Maybe that’s not true of blogs that are to the left of me and far more influential: I don’t really know, though I would say that the feminism of Marcotte is not strongly echoed at some of the major male-authored liberal-left blogs, though neither is it repudiated or criticized.
An interesting parallel, of sorts:
The skills required to get elected do not serve a politician well when governing.
The skills required to create an interesting blog do not translate well to political life.
I think about this cycle (hire-manufactured flap-resignation) in a lot of different ways. First, Pandagon has never really been my cup of tea, not under its original authors and not under the current cast. I’ve been aware of it, and in a vaguer way about where it is on the spectrum and what it’s like, but not generally reading it.
That said, hiring Marcotte was a signal, one that I took to mean the Edwards campaign is serious about engaging bloggers and the net roots, and that they were not afraid to take on a firebreather. I liked that signal because I think blogging and other aspects of online organization are important and can be good for our republic, and taking them seriously is a sign of a campaign that’s ready to deal with the 21st century. I also liked that signal because I think the 2008 presidential campaign is going to be a vicious fight, one in which the Republicans will plumb new depths, the Washington establishment will continue to propagate the “Democrats weak” narrative and many more hurdles will have to be overcome. A campaign is going to need some hellraisers and some firebreathers to do that. A netroots coordinator works with some of the most informed and most motivated political participants among the citizenry, and I think that’s a great place for a firebreather.
Presidential candidates also have to show their toughness. In Edwards’ case, a million-dollar smile, winning ways and the right positions are not going to be enough to be President. He’s the small-town North Carolina boy made good, but he’s got to remember enough of where he came up from to know there’s plenty of voters who want to see that a candidate is tough, and that demonstrating that grit is part of the road to 1600 Pennsylvania. There’s a legitimate aspect to this, too: If a candidate can’t put a two-bit Father Coughlin wannabe in his place, how will he respond to the challenges the rest of the world throws at an American President? (Though the current occupant shows that shows of toughness are not sufficient; you have to be smart, too, and you and your administration have to produce results.) Dealing with a Donahue, disgusting slimeball that he is, is part of showing you have what it takes.
That also leads to a less positive thought about presidential elections, which is that this one looks to be a straightforward measure of dominance and nothing more. I hope I’m wrong about this, I really would prefer a campaign that centers on what to do with the office. But the media landscape isn’t there, and that’s how the vast majority of voters will experience the campaign. Dowd’s schtick about politics as theater of personality is not necessarily a bad one; the problem is that so much of our press has forgotten (if it ever knew) that politics can be anything else. The candidate who can dominate the press and the other candidates at a personal level is the one who will be our next president. I don’t really like that fact, but I think that’s where our national discourse is now.
(I think we’ve been there for a while, now, too. If there had been a Democratic candidate in 2004 who would have casually and convincingly called Bush “governor” to his face, I think we might have a different president now.)
So if the Edwards campaign consciously chose a firebreather, I think that’s good for them. They should then have known that a fight of some sort was coming. Heck, any Democrat who throws their hat into the ring should know that a long nasty fight is coming. And I don’t think that Edwards should have backed down, because that only gives the Donahues greater power over our public sphere. Maybe we’re not talking about what a pig Donahue is because that’s taken as read; he’s part of the right-wing noise machine and they are expected to be slimy. Maybe we’re talking about Marcotte because this is presumed to be an intramural discussion about how Democrats can best put one of their own in the White House again. But the threats to people’s families only came from one side of the partisan divide in this incident, and it wasn’t the wild-eyed liberal. When the price of going to work for a political campaign means threats to your family, something is very wrong, and in that setting talking about how effective Marcotte might have been as an organizer strikes me as very much a second-order issue.
Didn’t want to let this pass without saying: even though I think I still disagree, somewhat, mildly, that’s pretty persuasive, Doug. Maybe I shouldn’t have written about this at all, and just kept my peace.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2429
|
__label__cc
| 0.6227
| 0.3773
|
Brian Aldridge to Wood Family Tradition
Posted on November 30, 2018 November 30, 2018 by John Lawless
Serious bluegrass fans are well aware of the deep tradition of music to be found in western North Carolina. So many fine artists and songs have been found in that rich vein, with no less an icon that Earl Scruggs having bubbled up within it at the very beginning.
Another name that resonates loudly in the region is that of A.L. Wood, who performed starting in the 1960s with his Smokey Ridge Boys. A terrific lead singer and banjo player, Wood was also a creative and prolific songwriter in his day. A.L. is still with us, but at 81 years of age, he doesn’t get around as much as he once did.
The Wood Family continues on in his stead, however, as the Wood Family Tradition. Kinship means a lot in this group, with A.L.’s two sons, Mike and Bobby, leading the band. Both learned the music at their father’s knee, playing with him as members of the Smokey Ridge Boys in their youth, and are honored to keep his music alive going into a third generation.
Along with Mike on guitar and Bobby on bass, the Tradition also features Jason Wood, Mike’s son, on mandolin, and Jason’s wife Mackenzie on vocals. They have just added Brian Aldridge on banjo, late of Sideline, who is also part of the clan by dint of marrying Jason’s sister. It’s all Wood, all the time!
The band is working now on a new album which will include some of A.L.’s unrecorded songs. Jason owns Wood Tone Publishing, and has been able to publish several of his grandfather’s unrecorded songs. The elder Wood is a big supporter of the Family Tradition band, and is delighted that the legacy still continues.
Here’s a recent video of them doing a live performance for WPAQ radio in Mt Airy, with Mackenzie singing the Osborne Brothers classic, Making Plans. The second mandolinist represents the 4th generation of A.L.’s progeny, Brian and Amanda Aldridge’s son, Carson.
The band is booking actively now for 2019 and beyond. They can be contacted online.
Daryl Mosley to depart The Farm Hands
Big changes for Chris Jones & The Night Drivers
Rebekah Long schedules a break for surgery
Bowregard takes first at Telluride
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2430
|
__label__wiki
| 0.788565
| 0.788565
|
Beauty and the Beast Star Dane Agostinis on Wowing Tom Cruise and Being Roommates with Adam Lambert
May 25th, 2012 | By Broadway.com Staff
Some of the requirements for Dane Agostinis to play the title role in the national tour of Beauty and the Beast could easily turn him into one. Yet hours in the makeup chair, screaming on stage and being mobbed by kids every performance has turned into a labor of love for Agostinis: He’s learned how to transform into the beloved character by himself, whittling the original process down from 90 to 30 minutes, lets out his aggression on stage and is inspired by young audience members' probing questions. Broadway.com spoke with Agostinis about his beastly behavior and what important lessons he learned from rooming with a famous American Idol alum known for his “lungs of steel.”
What was it like stepping out on the stage for the first time as the Beast?
It was quite crazy, to say the least, but it felt right. My first performance was in Los Angeles last March. Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes and their daughter, Suri, were there.
That’s quite an audience for your opening night! Did you know Cruise was there while you were performing?
The buzz of opening night was already going. I’m in the first scene, so I’m waiting in the wings to go on stage, and all of a sudden, the audience goes crazy. I was like, "What is going on? I get that it’s Beauty and the Beast, but…" [Laughs] Our tech guy was on his headset and he was talking really fast and I overheard him say, "He’s here? He did come?" And I was like, "Who are you talking about?" And he’s like, "No, I won’t tell you. I can’t tell you." I said, "Tell me, now!" So he told me it was Tom Cruise. Tom waited about three minutes before the show was going to start and brought Katie and Suri down the aisle. People recognized them and started to scream.
Did he visit the cast backstage after the show?
Tom was just the nicest person. I was really shocked by it and how he was interested in talking to Emily [Behny, who plays Belle] and I. He said that he had never seen the movie or the Broadway show and that I will always be the Beast to him. When he said that, I was like, "That is crazy. You probably say that to every Beast you’ve seen. You’ve seen it 27 times." I felt pretty cool about that.
You’re of Italian descent. How does it feel to go through life being mistaken for a Greek because of your last name?
It’s not bad, because I know some really nice Greek people and they have really good movies made about them—really good Greek wedding movies. [Laughs] It does look Greek. Everyone asks me if I am. My dad pronounces it "Ah-gos-tee-nee," so the 's' is not in the pronunciation. I say "Ah-gos-tee-nis," but I think that’s the Americanized version.
What's your Adam Lambert connection? You replaced him in a show called Debbie Does Dallas?
Yes, this is before he was the Adam Lambert. I was fresh out of school [New York University’s Tisch School for the Arts/CAP21], and one of my teachers had a connection to someone in the production of Debbie Does Dallas in Lake Tahoe. They needed a replacement because the guy who was doing it, Adam Lambert, was leaving to do Wicked.
So there was overlap with Lambert?
Adam took a week to teach me the role, and I lived with him for that week. They had us in these cool lodges out in Lake Tahoe. We performed five or six nights a week at 10pm, so we had pretty much the entire day to do what we wanted. When I learned I got the role in New York, my music theory teacher wanted to go over the music with me, so I would be prepared. We tackled it in the way that Adam Lambert—lungs of steel and voicebox of gold—can sing it. I was like, "This is not going to happen. Let’s make some tweaks"’ They were fine with that, and I got to do the role in my own way.
Have you been to Disney World since you’ve assumed the role of the Beast?
No, but we’re actually planning on going one of the Mondays we have off when we’re here in Fort Lauderdale. It’s going to be weird because I’m going to go into the gift shop and there will be Beast or Belle items. It’s me! I’m just going to take all the stuff I want.
What are some of the most memorable interactions you’ve had with kids on this tour?
I love the meet and greets. These kids come up with amazing questions. This girl asked me the other day what Belle and I talk about on stage when we’re in the number “Human Again,” where we’re not the focus, but we’re still on stage. These kids come up with really great questions.
What’s the makeup process like to transform into the Beast?
It used to take me an hour and a half before each show. That got to be a little bit taxing, so I asked if I could do it myself. I had to do all my own makeup in college anyway, so it’s not that hard for me. The Beast is so involved though. Now I work at MAC Cosmetics on the side. [Laughs]
What’s it like to get to rant and rave on stage? Is it a good release?
Oh, God! Is it ever! The Beast goes through everything in this show. He gets to be really angry and let it out. Even though the roars aren’t all mine because I can’t make that noise physically, I feel like [the sound effects] are mine, when the sound comes out over the stage. It feels like it’s in me.
Do you use outside inspirations to keep your performance separate from the movie?
I’ve thought about the outcasts of other shows. I’ve thought of the Phantom. I’ve thought of Dexter [from the Showtime series].
How does life on the road suit you?
As a cast, we’re definitely together more than that a static show. We’re always going out to dinner and going to bars. I do that a lot less than others though just because of the demands. And I’m not Adam Lambert.
See Dane Agostinis in Beauty and the Beast at the Boston Opera House from May 29 through June 3.
Tags: Q&A
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2431
|
__label__wiki
| 0.61453
| 0.61453
|
Dickens at two hundred
The Selected Letters of Charles Dickens
By Jenny Hartley
Charles Dickens loved birthdays and always celebrated his own in style. So, in the face of those who are complaining about being Dickensed-out already, my view is that we can’t party enough.
One of the earliest letters we have in Dickens’s hand is an invitation to his friend and fellow journalist Thomas Beard to his twentieth birthday party – a “chosen few” friends and family are summoned to “join in a friendly quadrille.” I wish I’d been there, or at one of the outings he would devise later in life: his thirty-second birthday, say, when “unless it should rain cats, dogs, pitchforks, and Cochin China poultry,” he is rounding up half a dozen of his friends to go walking with him in Kent (his old childhood beat). They ended up with dinner at Wates Hotel in Gravesend; Dickens wrote ahead to order iced champagne and a good fire ready to greet them.
Family birthdays also got the Dickens treatment, with all stops being pulled out for his eldest son Charley, who had helpfully arrived on Twelfth Night (6th January). Charley’s sixth birthday was a real show-stopper. Not content with merely laying on the Magic Lantern show currently fashionable at parties for privileged under-tens, Dickens jacked up the excitement to fever pitch by buying up the stock of Hamley’s toy shop and coming out as a conjuror. He had practised for hours on his own and was a great hit, with his tricks of flying money and burning handkerchiefs, although I imagine the patter must have been the best part of the show. As late as 1857 he was devising a birthday treat for his wife Catherine: the occasion of their first stay at Gad’s Hill, the country house he had bought in Kent. A year later, almost to the day, he was ejecting her from the family home.
Dickens felt birthdays intensely. He feels for his childhood self who works at the blacking factory and celebrates his birthday by screwing up his courage to go into a pub in Parliament Street and enquire, “‘What is your very best – the VERY best – ale, a glass?’” In Bleak House we see him feeling for those who do not know when their birthdays are, like illiterate Jo the crossing sweeper, or who have unbirthdays, like illegitimate Esther Summerson. “‘Far better, little Esther,’” her godmother tells her, “‘that you had had no birthday; that you had never been born!’”
So it’s good to see the world stepping into its global glitter gear for him this year, with a myriad of festivities, including a dinner at the Mansion House in the City of London, and a reception at Buckingham Palace. Plenty of exhibitions too, radio and TV shows galore, theatrical performances and shelf-fulls of pleasant kitsch. I warm to tributes with an accent on the collective. On publication day, Dickens’s novels arrived into a sphere of sociable merchandizing. While you were reading the novel in its nineteen monthly parts you could also be dancing along – to even the darkest novels, with the Little Dorrit Polka and the Little Dorrit Schottische (think polka but slower). So I’m enjoying the Dickens board game which my son gave me for Christmas. And I like the sound of the British Council’s “Sketching the City” initiative, a world-wide invitation to us all to document our own city, as Dickens did London with his Sketches by Boz. The BBC TV’s Arena programme “Dickens on Film” took us on a journey which had both communal and individual resonance. We could sit beside our childhood selves drinking in those formative earlier film and TV adaptations, that very particular Sunday teatime moment for those of a certain age.
Sunday teatimes aside, it’s urban and night-time Dickens which is coming out strongest in the festivities. Less of the plum pudding and jokes; more darkness, grit, and mystery. The Dickens and London exhibition at the Museum of London ends with a brilliant film essay by William Raban, entitled “The Houseless Shadow”. Inspired by Dickens’s 1860 essay “Night Walks”, Raban filmed night-time London over five months, blending into his surroundings with his equipment in a supermarket bag, his tripod strapped to a luggage trolley. Catch it if you can; the exhibition is on until June 10th .
Jenny Hartley is Professor of English Literature at Roehampton University. Her most recent book, The Selected Letters of Charles Dickens, published this month. She is also the author of Charles Dickens and the House of Fallen Women, two books on British women’s writing from the Second World War, and The Reading Groups Book, a pioneering survey of reading groups. For the last ten years she has been a leading member of the Prison Reading Groups project.
View more about this book on the
OUPblog » Blog Archive » Great Expectations: an audio guide 1st December 2012
[…] browser. Charles Dickens was one of the most important writers of the 19th century and 2012 is the 200th anniversary year of his birth. The Oxford World’s Classics edition of Great Expectations reprints the […]
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2434
|
__label__wiki
| 0.733764
| 0.733764
|
Judicial Activism — Need of the Hour
Indian judiciary has taken up a much-needed active role in the policies of the nation. Rather than being silent spectators to the policies or passive onlookers to lack thereof, Indian judiciary has rightly protected the citizens by judicial activism. Indian courts are not finding opportunities for judicial activism, adventurism or overreach but are compelled to do so because of legislative and executive inaction that deprive citizens of the basic freedom i.e. right to life, right to breathe clean air, right to proper livelihood, right to sleep, etc. guaranteed by Article 21. One of the most prominent developments from judicial activism has been in environmental jurisprudence. The lack of proper policies, incompetency to implement laws and absence of capable authorities has compelled courts to overstep their power, rightfully so in many environment cases, where the Government and public authorities have failed to take appropriate steps and ensure the safety and peace of mind of citizens guaranteed by the Constitution.
A country riddled with power, poverty and pelf, with the legislature and executive in the nucleus of it, it is imperative for judiciary, an authoritative independent unbiased body, to guarantee human rights to citizens. Kesavananda Bharati[1], Maneka Gandhi[2] and S.P. Gupta[3] has opened floodgates for judicial activism. In Kesavananda Bharati[4] CJI Sikri authored the basic feature doctrine that till date remains the bedrock of the Indian Constitution. Maneka Gandhi[5] vested power with the Court to adjudge if a particular action, matter, policy or even law was just, fair and moral. The Indian Court is vested with the power of judicial review under Articles 32 and 226 with the aid of writs and public interest litigation (PIL), the Supreme Court and the High Court have been able to deal with series of public grievances and flagrant basic human right violations by the State.
In Municipal Council, Ratlam v. Vardichan[6], Court held that it was compelled to overstep its power because of the “callous public bodies habituated to deleterious inaction[7]”. Inaction by municipal authorities to eliminate stink and stench of open drains, forced the Court, while upholding Article 21— right to life, to order municipal authorities to take immediate actions to provide basic amenities to residents and construct sufficient drains and provide water supply. In Goa Foundation v. Konkan Railway Corpn.[8], the Court while noting that although the Government was not powerless to act but just chose not to, ordered the lethargic Government to take action against pollution caused by mines. In M.C. Mehta v. State of Orissa[9], the Court while upholding Article 21 — right to life, established a law of “polluter pays” and “absolute liability”, when State functionaries failed to take appropriate measures and eradicate problems of proper dumping of waste materials. In 2005, because of the absence of appropriate action taken by the Government, the Court ordered a complete ban on sound emitting firecrackers from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the light of Article 21— right to life[10]. Seeing the soaring air pollution rate during Diwali in the previous year, in 2017, the Court, upholding Article 21 — right to breathe clean air and noting “the response of the Government [being] lethargic with the absence of any keenness to take proactive steps[11]”, ordered ban on the sale of firecrackers because of Government’s incompetence to issue necessary directions. In each of such judgments, the judiciary has rightfully overstepped its powers only because of the legislature’s and executive’s inaction to ensure the basic right to life to its citizens.
Surely, even after the much-needed orders passed by the courts in such gross violations of human rights, the judiciary’s competence to act outside its scope remains a point of contention as it defeats the doctrine of separation of powers. At the same time, courts are supposed to and entitled to exceed its scope of its mandate to protect interests of the public to fill the voids left by the legislature and the executive[12]. The judiciary inherently is the sentinel qui vive — watchdogs on the lookout[13]. Courts have rightly viewed human rights and environmental protection on the same footing and while acting as the guardian of fundamental rights has protected the right of each individual in regard to environment under Article 21. It is contended that judiciary is not a competent body in such cases as it is not a representative body. Justice A.K. Goel, while striking down National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), held that “even if the judiciary is not an elected body today, it discharges constitutional functions as per the will of the people reflected in the Constitution and the task determining the powers of various Constitutional organs is entrusted to the judiciary”[14]. It is well established that the judiciary is the watchdog of the nation and it ought to/should overstep its boundaries to maintain safety, peace and order. The courts are rightly entitled to participate actively in the welfare and betterment of the society and impose rules and regulations be it in cases of environmental degradation[15], custodial violence[16], education reforms[17], corruption in private organisations[18], illegal slaughter[19], sexual harassment[20], etc. to ensure right to life to citizens guaranteed by Article 21 that is infringed or overlooked by the incompetence and inaction of responsible authorities.
*Manavendra Gupta, Member, Young ICCA (International Council for Commercial Arbitration); LL.B., O.P.Jindal Global University (Class of 2019); B.A., Political Science and Economics, UMass Amherst (Class of 2016)
[1] Kesavananda Bharati v. Union of India, (1973) 4 SCC 225.
[2] Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India, (1978) 1 SCC 248.
[3] S.P. Gupta v. Union of India, 1981 Supp SCC 87.
[4] (1973) 4 SCC 225.
[6] (1980) 4 SCC 162 : AIR 1980 SC 1622.
[8] 1992 SCC OnLine Bom 205 : AIR 1992 Bom 471.
[9] 1992 SCC OnLine Ori 19 : AIR 1992 Ori 225.
[10] Noise Pollution (V), In re, (2005) 5 SCC 733.
[11] Arjun Gopal v. Union of India, 2017 SCC OnLine SC 1071, para 58.
[12] Sathe S.P., Judicial Activism in India, Oxford University Press, 2003.
[13] Nariman Fali, V.R. Krishna Iyer Memorial Lecture Series — The Super Judge, 2016.
[14] Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Assn. v. Union of India, A.K. Goel J., (2016) 5 SCC 1, 723, para 1070.
[15] Arjun Gopal v. Union of India, 2017 SCC OnLine SC 1071 .
[16] Nilabti Behera v. State of Orrisa, (1993) 2 SCC 746 (Ss. 41-A, 41-B, 41-C, 41-D of CrPC).
[17] Christian Medical College v. Union of India, (2014) 2 SCC 305.
[18] Board of Control for Cricket in India v. Cricket Assn. of Bihar, (2017) 2 SCC 333.
[19] K. Ragu Rama Krishna Raju v. State of A.P., (2015) 3 SCC 550.
[20] Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan, (1997) 6 SCC 241.
Published on March 5, 2018 March 6, 2018 By Saba
Leave a comment2673 views
Remembering the judicial legacy of former CJI, Justice P.N. Bhagwati
Former Chief Justice of India, Justice P.N. Bhagwati passed away on 15.06.2017. He was 95. Appointed to the Supreme Court in July, 1973 he served as Chief Justice from July, 1985 to December, 1986. Considered to be the pioneer of judicial activism, he, by way of his judgment in Bandhua Mukti Morcha v. Union of India, (1984) 3 SCC 161, started the path-breaking practice of treating letters or postcards addressed to judges as writ petitions. However, he had already introduced the idea in Icchu Devi Choraria v. Union of India, (1980) 4 SCC 531 where he said that “even a postcard written by a detenu from jail has been sufficient to activise this Court into examining the legality of detention.” Defining the concept of locus standi in Public Interest Litigations, he, in in People’s Union for Democratic Rights v. Union of India, (1982) 3 SCC 235 said that any individual or body can move the court on behalf of the poor, illiterate and ignorant class for the protection of their fundamental rights and even a letter by a public-spirited person can be treated as a writ petition.
The other seminal cases in which he delivered judgments were, S.P. Gupta v. Union of India, 1981 Supp SCC 87 where, in the opening para, he quotes Sri Aurobindo’s poem Savitri “An inconclusive play is Reason’s toil; Each strong idea can use her as its tool; Accepting every brief she pleads her case, Open to every thought she cannot know.”. He was against the idea of the much debated death penalty and in Bachan Singh v. State of Punjab, (1982) 3 SCC 24 he said that Section 302 IPC was unconstitutional as it provides for the imposition of death penalty as an alternative to Life Imprisonment. He was the only dissenting judge in Minerva Mills Ltd. v. Union of India, (1980) 3 SCC 625 where the 42nd Constitution amendment was held to be unconstitutional.
One of the rare glitches in his career was ADM, Jabalpur v. Shivakant Shukla, (1976) 2 SCC 521, popularly known as the Habeas Corpus case, where he, along with the 3 other members of the 5-judge bench, upheld the unfettered right of the Indira Gandhi Government exercised during emergency that suspended all fundamental rights of the citizens. Much later in his life, he expressed his regret for that verdict.
Words cannot do justice to the huge legacy that Justice Bhagwati has left behind him. Below is the list of some of his notable judgments:
Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India, (1978) 1 SCC 248,
Sheela Barse v. Secretary, Children’s Aid Society, (1987) 3 SCC 50,
Maganlal Chhaganlal (P) Ltd., (1974) 2 SCC 402,
P. Royappa v. State of TN, (1974) 4 SCC 3,
Naraindas Indurkhya v. State of MP, (1974) 4 SCC 788,
State of Karnataka v. Union of India, (1977) 4 SCC 608,
State of Maharashtra v. Man Singh Suraj Singh Padvi, (1978) 1 SCC 615,
Madan Mohan Pathak v. Union of India, (1978) 2 SCC 50,
Trustees for the Improvement of Calcutta v. Chandra Sekhar Mallick, (1977) 3 SCC 448,
State of Rajasthan v. Union of India, (1977) 3 SCC 592,
Union of India v. Sankalchand Himatlal Sheth, (1977) 4 SCC 193,
State of Himachal Pradesh v. Parent of a student, (1985) 3 SCC 169,
Kanu Sanyal v. Disst. Magistrate, (1973) 2 SCC 674,
Principal, Guntur Medical College v. Y. Mohan Rao, (1976) 3 SCC 411,
Hargovind Pant v. Raghukul Tilak, (1979) 3 SCC 458,
Ajay Hasia v. Khalid Mujib Sehravardi, (1981) 1 SCC 722.
Published on June 17, 2017 June 17, 2017 By Prachi Bhardwaj
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2435
|
__label__cc
| 0.641313
| 0.358687
|
Andrew Rosenberg, director, Center for Science & Democracy
July 15, 2019 12:25 PM EDT
Earlier this month President Trump, surrounded by multiple Cabinet members, presented his administration’s environmental “accomplishments” in a speech to the nation. As noted by many fact-checkers, the president and his Cabinet made statements that were a series of half-truths, cherry-picked data, and outright fabrications.
One of my favorite words is “codswallop,” meaning nonsense. And a great synonym for codswallop is “trumpery.” I couldn’t have coined a better word myself to describe this ludicrous series of statements. Read more >
Photo: spurekar/CC BY 2.0 (Flickr)
Michael Latner, Kendall Science Fellow
July 3, 2019 4:17 PM EDT
With news that the Trump administration has abandoned its attempt to place a citizenship question on the 2020 Decennial Census, the people of the United States received the best birthday gift they could hope for, averting a xenophobic and racist effort to disenfranchise millions of people of color by corrupting the nation’s largest civic event. Today we can all celebrate knowing that the oath that US Marshals first took in 1790, to complete “a just and perfect enumeration” of all persons, remains intact, thanks to the efforts of thousands of scientists, legal experts, and advocates. However, undercounts resulting from budget negligence and disinformation campaigns remain a serious threat to the integrity of the Census. Come 2020, we have to be more vigilant than ever to ensure that every voice is counted in order to stop the further erosion of our democratic infrastructure. Read more >
The Supreme Court’s Partisan Gerrymandering Decision is Justice Scalia’s Last Laugh
July 1, 2019 10:52 AM EDT
Democratic restoration now depends on the people alone. Read more >
Photo: Elizabeth Greenwald/CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia)
Let’s Stop Letting Minority Rule Give Us Science Fiction Abortion Laws
June 3, 2019 4:15 PM EDT
Missouri is still set to become the first state in over 45 years to not offer abortion as a part of healthcare. Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi have recently joined other states in not only limiting access to abortion (relying on misinformation), but also challenging its constitutionality. This is the latest phase of an anti-abortion strategy based on pseudoscience, which began after 2010, when conservative forces swept into power in numerous state legislatures. Since then, hundreds of restrictions on abortion have been passed, ranging from extended waiting periods, insurance restrictions and restrictions on clinics and doctors, to these more recent bills that ban abortion as early as six weeks into a pregnancy. Read more >
Photo: Quinn Dombrowski/Flickr
Court Records Reveal Plan to Use Census for Racial Discrimination
Just weeks before the Supreme Court will determine the constitutionality of placing a citizenship question on the 2020 Census, newly released documents from a federal trial demonstrate that Trump administration officials falsely testified about the Justice Department’s motives and justification for adding the question, a decision that has been roundly criticized by the nation’s leading scientific and civil rights organizations. The documents reveal that renowned and recently deceased redistricting expert Thomas Hofeller played a direct role in advocating for a Census citizenship question that would provide data needed to implement racially discriminatory gerrymanders using citizen-only redistricting populations.
Josh Goldman is a senior policy and legal analyst managing legislative and regulatory campaigns to help develop and advance policies that reduce U.S. oil use.
Read Josh's posts >
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2436
|
__label__cc
| 0.572712
| 0.427288
|
2013's Fifty Most Powerful and Influential People in the Nonprofit Arts (USA)
"And the beat goes on................."
This is the sixth annual Barry’s Blog listing of the Most Powerful and Influential Leaders in the Nonprofit Arts. It has become far and away the most widely read of my postings (last year it attracted 12,500 page hits in addition to the subscriber base circulation - up from 5,000 additional hits from the previous year).
While I know many (most) people skip this introduction and immediately scroll down to the list itself, two points before you rush to judgment and / or criticize:
1. Please don't send me a comment noting the conspicuous absence of artists on the list. That is intentional. There are, of course, countless artists, who because of their talent, skill, passion, genius and dedication are both powerful and influential. They greatly influence all of us. But this list is limited to those leaders who work in the nonprofit arts field as administrators. And that means that not only are artists intentionally omitted, but the classes of curators, directors, publicists, managers, and others are also not the province of this list - though I certainly recognize these people and others have considerable influence. There are several artists on this list, but their inclusion is because of their role in some facet of the administration of the nonprofit arts, not in their capacity as artists. Perhaps someone else may wish to compile a list of powerful and influential artists and others, but that is another list from this one. You have to stop somewhere.
And this list is only a list of those who work in the nonprofit arts field in America. Obviously there are powerful, influential and admirable leaders across the globe.
2. A few people (every year) let me know they don't like this kind of list. More often than not, what they really don't like is the inclusion of certain of the people who are on the list. It's not that they have anything against any of these people, rather that they want to promote power and influence accruing to a different kind of arts administrator; leaders whose thinking is different from the prevailing approaches of most of the folks on this list. They want the future to be here now. I understand and appreciate that.
In fact, I am heartened that the list provokes some discussion about who should have power and influence and why, and where power and influence ought to reside, and why. One of my purposes in compiling this list every year is that I think it is important to know where the field perceives power and influence to lie, and why - because these people largely determine how the debates in our sector are framed and what the agendas will be. They drive our discussions of policy, and they are the people who control much, if not most of the money, and decide where the funding goes (at least in broad swatches). They influence what issues should be on the front burner, and what we talk about when we meet. They define our goals and objectives, our priorities and the positions we take – and even the way we do things. They can ‘green light’ new programs and projects and are chiefly responsible for prioritizing which challenges we address. In large part, they are our most experienced and knowledgeable people – arguably some of our best thinkers; certainly our established power brokers. Some of them represent specific segments within our larger community; others have at-large platforms. They have varied, substantial, and sometimes eclectic resumes and experience. Some have served in the field for a long time; others are newer to our ranks.
The reality is that some people do have more power and influence, or are perceived as such - whether anyone likes it or not. To pretend that any world (ours included) is not stratified, tiered, territorial and subject to politics and disproportionately controlled by an oligarchy at the top is naïve. If as a field, we want to change how we assign power and influence, to whom, when, and why - then that should be pushed via open and transparent dialogue across the sector. I think it of value to know who we think the people with power are. I believe the people who work in our field are passionate and motivated and seek the higher good, but I also recognize that they are human beings, and that our field isn’t some separate and perfect world – and that power and influence are tangible currency – sometimes spent wisely, other times needlessly squandered. And I acknowledge that there are people who honestly think that the people on the list holding power and influence is not necessarily a good thing.
Power is defined as “the capability of doing or accomplishing something; the possession of control or command over others; authority.” Influence is defined as “the capacity or power of persons or things to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of others”. Thus this list does not purport to necessarily measure impact, creativity, accomplishment or lasting effect – but rather who has the ability and capacity to get things done and move others to get things done – and in this case on a large stage - or (perhaps even more importantly) who is perceived as having that ability, for the perception itself confers a degree of power and influence. It isn’t meant to be a popularity contest. Indeed, some of those on the list are perhaps not universally loved - but they do have power and / or exercise influence. Neither does this list attempt to measure or evaluate anyone’s job performance or skill sets.
Leaders come and go, move from one post to another and their fortunes and the fortunes of the organizations they lead change from year to year, as do both the circumstances in which they operate and their own level of activity and involvement. Thus some leaders included on this list one year, may not be on the radar screen of my nominators the next year. Some leaders are active one year, quiet the next. Admittedly this is but a subjective exercise and the selections are arbitrary. As such this list is, of course, incomplete and flawed. All lists are. This one is neither exhaustive nor definitive. No insult is meant to anyone whose name is not on the list, and I am sure there are many people whose names should be on the list. While I personally agree with most of the final selections, as in prior years there are some I find surprising. I am also confused by the omission of others that I would have thought would have been consensus inclusions. Particularly surprising (and puzzling) to me this year is the absence of the nominations of leaders working so hard in the arts education field. Some may argue that the categories included are incomplete; that some categories should include more people, others fewer. People may agree, or disagree that the names on this list have power or influence. I acknowledge that it is merely a “snapshot’ in time of our leadership; one that tries to recognize influence exercised over the past year, and circumstances that will likely confer the power of influence in the coming year.
This year's list includes many who have frequently been on the list (and not surprisingly, there is heavy representation of funders who control grants), but I also note a definite trend towards another generation of leaders - included not so much because they have the power of position, or purse or long standing place - but rather because their ideas speak eloquently and convincingly, and their thinking continues to gain traction with an ever widening group. This list is becoming less about power each year, and more about influence. Slowly - but surely. And more of the next generation of arts leaders are appearing on the list. As the Boomers retire, that trend can only get more pronounced. Power is never wholly static, nor is influence - both are in a constant state of flux and transition - nowhere more so than in our perceptions. (Certainly the perception of who has power and influence is a fickle thing; (Half the names on this year's list were not on last year's list; almost half of this year's people have never been on the list before).
I also note that there is a shift in many places of power and influence moving from state agencies to city agencies. That may be largely a function of the fact of state funding cuts, and cities faring better in garnering public and private financial support. Funding cuts have curtailed the reach of state agencies and with less money for grants, programs and projects, their influence has naturally ebbed.
And as the private (foundation) funders continue to try to pick up some of the public funding slack - there has been a rise in their visibility, and in their power and influence. Like everywhere else in society, money talks.
There are, of course, countless unsung, brilliant leaders in our field – whose exemplary accomplishments and contributions are known to but a small circle and whose reputations are thus not yet widely established. That they did not make this list in no way diminishes their contributions; rather it is more likely an indication that they are not yet, for whatever reason, perceived as having as much power and influence as others in our field. Doubtless the profile of many of these leaders will rise over time. Others may move on. This list includes individuals who principally operate on a national stage, and most have long term tenures in the field and years of experience. But even though only six years old, the list has changed over time, and will, I suspect, continue to morph in the future.
Finally, this year WESTAF and I launched the Arts Dinner-vention project, which will take place at the end of next week. This is an attempt to give a platform and voice to some of those exemplary leaders and thinkers in our field who are not necessarily likely to be on this list -- yet. It is a small attempt to acknowledge the influence of those coming up in the ranks. (And actually some of the dinner guests did make the list this year - indicative of change in the wind.)
Each year I ask leaders from all parts of our sector and all parts of the country to send me their nominations for the most powerful and influential leaders in our field. The process is anonymous and none of the nominators know the identity of any of the other nominators. At least 50% of the nominators in a given year are different from the previous year. All are free to nominate anyone they thought qualified, including themselves - the only caveat being that this was about arts administration and organizational leadership, and so I asked that we leave artists off this list (that’s a whole other listing - see disclaimer above).
Neither I, nor any employee at WESTAF, (which distributes this blog, but in no way has any part whatsoever as the author or originator of this list) was eligible for inclusion on the list.
This year I continue to group those on the list in broad categories - (e.g., National Leaders, Foundation Leaders, Policy Wonks, City Agency leaders, Bloggers, Researchers etc.), in no particular ranking.
For all those on the list, congratulations. You deserve the recognition. As I said last year, I wish this came with a trophy, or a cash prize or some dinner in a big city to publicly laud your achievements, but I am, alas, without the means or platform to enact such luxuries.
And finally: Don’t shoot me. I’m just the messenger.
Don’t Quit.
HERE THEN IS THE 2013 LIST:
National Leaders:
Janet Brown: President and CEO, Grantmakers in the Arts
Her star can’t get much higher -- or can it?. She is everyone’s choice as one of the principal people responsible for moving the nation’s philanthropic and government arts funders into new roles and thinking. Unafraid to tackle such diverse challenges as race and racism, federal funding of arts education, and the need for arts organizations to have adequate capitalization - she remains unassuming and the consummate diplomat. She has forever changed Grantmakers In the Arts, and probably the field as well. "Inspiring" is the word one nominator used.
Bob Lynch: President & CEO, Americans for the Arts
The Godfather of national arts service organizations, he has built one of the largest and most effective arts organization machines in the field, with a major presence in areas ranging from arts education and research, to business and marketing, to emerging leaders, to professional development -- all on the base of local arts agencies. It is Americans for the Arts that defends and seeks to protect the National Endowment for the Arts budget - and without those efforts the agency might not have made it this far. Bob refuses to slow down and is on the road as much as anyone in the industry, and he is the default public spokesperson for the field. Few people love their jobs as much as he does his.
Joan Shigekawa: Acting Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts
Joan has astutely, competently and professionally filled in as Chair of the Endowment following Rocco’s departure, and has done so with quiet class and grace.
Aaron Dworkin President - The Sphinx Organization
Reportedly a serious candidate for the Chair of the Endowment, for whatever reasons he prefers to remain as the highly visible head of one of the country’s most regarded performing arts organizations. Very adept as using the bully pulpit and working philanthropic and corporate funders, he has made the Sphinx organization a premier training ground for gifted young classical artists of color -- and in the process has become a national figure himself.
Maria Lopez De Leon - Executive Director, National Association of Latino Arts and Culture
Her influence and cachet grew even more last year with her ongoing place on the National Arts Council and her increased profile as one of the art sector’s foremost leaders of color. As the Latino community grows, and becomes more active in the field, her influence cannot help but expand. On people's short list for bigger things?
Jamie Bennett - Chief of Staff / Director of Public Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts
Rocco’s, and now Joan's, Chief of Staff and the Director of the Endowment’s public affairs arm, Jamie is one of the nonprofit arts highly respected rising stars. He has a huge network of supporters, a razor sharp analytical mind and is unafraid of sharing his thinking. His fan base has grown substantially over the past year, due in part in appreciation of someone who cuts to the chase. He appreciates the big picture, while understanding how the details work.
Mario Garcia Durham - Executive Director, Association of Performing Arts Presenters
He continues to deftly attend to the needs of the nation’s presenters while simultaneously fashioning that field into a more cohesive whole. Pressure is on as people expect big things from him.
Adam Huttler - Executive Director, Fractured Atlas
Still the most visible and successful of a new generation of arts leaders, Huttler has grown Fractured Atlas into a national influential powerhouse while keeping a “start up” buzz going. Like others of his niche, he is tireless and refuses to parse his words to placate the past. Has had significant influence on the way small arts organizations do business. Future Hall of Famer maybe?
Regional Leaders:
David Fraher - Executive Director, Arts Midwest
Described as a “savvy, go-to guy on any subject”, Farher runs Arts Midwest - one of the regional arts organizations. Nearing his 30th year at his post, he is far more than just a survivor. After a half a lifetime in one gig, there isn’t much he hasn’t seen or about which he can’t say; “Been there, done that.” That kind of experience is invaluable. His commitment to support for arts organization infrastructure and the professional development of leadership, and his forging lasting relationships with funders and other partners, coupled with strong programs of artist support have made him a national leader in the field.
City Agency Leaders:
Jonathan Glus - CEO, Houston Arts Alliance
Awash in funding, Houston's municipal arts agency is the envy of most of the other city agencies in the country, and Jonathan is the one who heads the decision making process as to where to spend a seemingly almost endless money stream. As the first head of the organization, his exemplary performance has significantly raised Houston’s and his own reputation. On the way up.
Michele Boone - Commissioner, City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
She reportedly has Mayor Rahn Emanuel’s ear, and is using that access to wring increasing city support for the arts, arts education and artists in the windy city. Named to a handful of most powerful lists, she is seen as one of the “go to” people in the sector for advice and her opinion.
Michael Spring - Director, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs
He helms one of the major urban arts agencies in the country and is a major player in the arts advocacy efforts both in Florida and on the national stage with his deep involvement with Americans for the Arts. Savvy, down to earth, experienced and knowledgable, he is highly esteemed by his colleagues.
Roberto Bedoya - Executive Director, Tucson / Pima Arts Council
Placing himself at the center of last year’s increased dialogue on race and racism (as manifested in the larger arena of the question of equity), he has established himself as someone who must be included in any conversation about the arts as related to people of color. He asks hard questions adroitly clothed in academic language, and is pushing the envelope.
Laura Zucker - Executive Director, Los Angeles County Arts Commission
A fixture on this list, she remains the pen ultimate administrator who runs one of the best shops ever. If something is on her priority list, the chances are that it is on everyone in LA’s list.
Olga Garay - Executive Director, Los Angeles City Department of Cultural Affairs
Having raised $21 million in additional funding for the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, she, together with Laura Zucker at the County Arts agency, have put Los Angeles on a solid footing for the future. She is a politician, knows how the game is played, and has worked well with the Mayor and City Council.
Sunil Iyengar - Director, Office of Research and Analysis, National Endowment for the Arts
He has raised the role of, and respect for, the NEA’s research activities, as well as the value of arts research, ten fold in the past year by championing transparency and a greater understanding for research.
Anne Gadwa Nicodemus - Principal, Metris Arts Consulting
She’s starting to climb out from Ann Markusen’s shadow and shine in her own right, and is increasingly recognized as one of the key, pivotal point people in the world of arts data and research.
Randy Cohen - Vice-President, Research and Policy, Americans for the Arts
Still the face of arts research and data to the rank and file of the nation’s arts organizations, he criss crosses the country preaching the gospel of the value of arts as confirmed by all kinds of data. Unapologetic chief defender of the importance of the economic argument for arts support. It works, and hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. His easy going style have made him very popular in the field.
Ian David Moss - Director of Research, Fractured Atlas
Through his blog Createquity, he has ramped up understanding and respect for both the value and the process of serious data collection and research. This year he spearheaded the establishment of an online community - the Cultural Research Network - with other stalwarts in the research community, and it has taken off. He also has expanded his reputation as project advisor and strategic planner. As one nominator put it: “While his blog is a major voice in the field, his work consulting on a number of large-scale community-based strategic planning efforts have helped us envision new models for arts organizations and the way they are embedded into their community.” Big future in the field.
Danielle Brazell - Executive Director, Arts for LA
Los Angeles has one of the handful of the country’s best arts advocacy organizations, and Danielle is its heart, soul and brains. She has learned the ins and outs of effective lobbying by being proactive for a long time now, and has raised the visibility of her organization to the point where people across the sector have taken note. Another rising star.
Nina Ozlu Tunceli - Chief Counsel of Government and Public Affairs - Americans for the Arts and Executive Director Arts Action Fund
Narric Rome - Vice-President, of Government and Public Affairs - Americans for the Arts
Consummate government experts, tireless protectors of the NEA and hearlded teachers and mentors to a generation of arts advocates across the country. Nobody in the field knows more about the maze of intrigue in the political corridors of Washington D.C. than Nina. And the Arts Action Fund remains the sector's best foray into real world lobbying.
Arts Ed:
Yo Yo Ma - Artist
His artistry commands respect and attention, and his passion has made him the champion of the argument that the arts are essential to full growth of every individual in America. Willing to use his celebrity to further arts education.
Philanthropy:
Darren Walker - President, Ford Foundation
With a solid background in arts philanthropy, and having played a major role in the ArtPlace efforts, his impact and influence on the field, already substantial, is expected to grow in the coming years as he assumes the leadership of the nation’s largest foundation. Since 2010, he has served as vice president for Education, Creativity and Free Expression at the Ford Foundation, where he has shaped more than $140 million in annual grant-making around the world, covering areas as diverse as media and journalism, arts and culture, educational access and opportunity, and religion. He has been a driving force behind initiatives such as JustFilms, one of the largest documentary film funds in the world. He may walk softly, but he carries a very big stick. Lots of eyes on him.
Ben Cameron - Program Director, Arts, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation
Still the best public speaker the arts has yet to put forward. He is a thinking man’s philanthropist with money to spend, and he continues to have major influence on arts philanthropy.
Judith Jennings - Executive Director, Kentucky Foundation for Women (KFW),
Leading a private, independent philanthropy that supports feminist art advancing social change, Jennings’ championing of women’s issues in the arts, has earned her the growing respect of the philanthropic field. She continues to show up on more people’s radar screens as a rising voice.
Ruby Lerner - President & Executive Director, Creative Capital
Lerner’s influence on grantmaking to artists continues to expand. She’s been around the block enough to fully understand all the issues in trying to help artists not just survive, but actually "thrive" - and the funding community listens attentively to her opinions. One nominator described her simply: "She is a very, very smart lady."
Kary Schulman - Director, Grants-for-the-Arts - San Francisco
Another 30 year veteran, Schulman has navigated the minefield that the SF Arts ecosystem can be with consummate skill, and in the process has helped nurture and incubate scores of what are now model organizations - adhering to the philosophy of sticking with organizations while they grow. Over her span she has overseen many times tens of millions of dollars in grants, and she has played an important role in protecting the hotel tax revenue stream that funds her organization - Grants-for-the-Arts - from the political machinations of wannabe politicians bent on cutting the funding. Few San Francisco arts organizations would today still be around were it not for Schulman's funding help at some point. A remarkable legacy for an unassuming stalwart.
John McGuirk - Program Director, Performing Arts Program, Hewlett Foundation
Having run both Irvine's and Hewlett's arts funding programs, and very involved in GIA, McGuirk continues to be a major voice in the sector, especially in California where Hewlett funds heavily in both arts education and performing arts. Organizations throughout the greater Bay Area are his constituents, so he wields considerable influence. He's halfway through his tenure, and the next two years will be his legacy.
Huong Vu Bozarth - The Boeing Company
Huong oversees The Boeing Company's Global Corporate Citizenship Pacific Northwest Region arts, culture, and civic grants portfolio. Previously, she was the senior arts program officer at The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, guest curator at contemporary performance center On the Boards, director of grants programs at the Association of Performing Arts Presenters, fellow at the National Endowment for the Arts, and organizer of visual arts exhibitions. She is currently an advisory commissioner for the Seattle Arts Commission and a board trustee for the Seattle Parks Foundation, and she sits on the Board of GIA.
Deepa Gupta - The Boeing Company
Gupta is currently the Director of Education Initiatives and Strategy in the global corporate citizenship group at The Boeing Company. Prior to Boeing, Ms. Gupta served as a program officer for The MacArthur Foundation where she managed its institutional building program called the MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions, the arts and culture grant program, and internal efforts to define a framework for MacArthur’s programmatic strategy development and impact assessment. She is a member of the National Council on the Arts.
Because Boeing as a private sector corporation is so heavily involved in support for arts and culture, Huong and Deepa are in great demand as speakers, advisors, and participants in all the policy convenings of the sector.
Carol Coletta - former Director, Arts Place. Now Vice-President, Community and National Initiatives, Knight Foundation
Under her direction, Arts Place became the major arm (and funder) of the Creative PlaceMaking movement, and she was the movement's spokesperson, champion and articulate defender. Her direct experience with cities helped form her approach, and helped land her the VP position at Knight - where (while she will be once removed from the arts) she is likely to still have impact and sway on arts funding.
Jeremy Nowak - Interim Director, Arts Place
Carol Coletta’s successor, Nowak is a Non Resident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution as well as a Non Resident Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania’s Institute for Urban Research. He currently serves as the chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s board of directors. He was President of the William Penn Foundation from 2011-2012 in a somewhat stormy tenure, and the CEO of The Reinvestment Fund (TRF) in Philadelphia, which he co-founded in 1985. Among his publications is Creativity and Neighborhood Development, a monograph that integrates art and cultural practices within a community development framework. He certainly has the position and power to accomplish an ambitious agenda. Time will tell where his priorities lie and how he will helm the PlaceMaking apparatus - and whether or not he has found his niche and a support base.
Josephine Ramirez - Program Director, Arts - The Irvine Foundation
Foundations change their focus and stated strategic goals all the time, but few shifts have had as much play and influence across the philanthropic sector as Irvine's move to "Engagement" as their operating philosophy. Whether breaking new ground, or recognizing and smartly reflecting a growing trend, their focus change has had major impact on the field, and Josephine is the one at the epicenter of the whole thing. She has handled both criticism and applause with professionalism and humility and won a legion of fans in the process.
Alan Brown - Wolf / Brown Consulting
Perhaps the most widely known and respected of all the arts consultants plying their trade today, Brown’s research and analysis continues to hold great sway over the thinking of the field. One nominator described his influence thusly: “He is so adept, and quick, at both recognizing and describing new trends, he holds the rapt attention of the nation’s arts leaders - and particularly the funders."
Russell Willis Taylor - President and CEO, National Arts Strategies
Her Executive training initiatives remain the ‘sterling’ entries in the field - endorsed by scores of participants and funders, and the network of graduates of her programs gives her a huge base of contacts seeking her advice and counsel.
Policy Wonks:
Bill Ivey - Author, lecturer, former Chair of the NEA and Director of the Curb Center for Art, Enterprise and Public Policy
Back in the national spotlight this past year with his book: Handmaking America, Ivey continues his role as one of the pre-eminent thinkers on the importance and workings of creativity in America, and one of the most respected of all our policy mavens.
Steven Tepper - Associate Director, Curb Center for Art, Enterprise and Public Policy / Associate Professor, Department of Sociology - Vanderbilt University
Widely recognized as one of the leading cultural policy experts in the sector, his involvement with SNAPP (the Strategic National Arts Alumni Project) and its conference this year at Vanderbilt and the release of its report, raised his visibility even higher.
DISCIPLINE AREAS:
Theatre:
Meiyin Wang - Associate Artistic Producer, Public Theater / Under the Radar Festival
Greatly respected and admired head of the Under the Radar festival and her championing of new, and cutting edge theater, Wang is widely seen as one of the rising voices in the theater community.
Visual:
Nina Simon - Executive Director, Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
Back on the list again this year for her growing leadership of a new generation of museum directors. Risk taker, thought leader, out of the box experimenter, her blog is not only widely read and discussed, it is widely quoted. Increasingly regarded as one of the faces of the future of museums because of her bold, innovative community emphasized approach.
Marc Scorca - President and CEO, Opera America
Champion of Opera - not just for his membership but Opera everywhere. He’s been in his post since 1990 and has overseen growth of his membership from 120 opera companies to nearly 2,500 members. Collaborative style, he’s an effective champion of opera, music and the arts domestically and internationally. He cares, and people respond to that.
Jesse Rosen - President / CEO, League of American Orchestras
When Rosen talks, people listen. Passionate, well versed in the issues facing all of the arts sector, he continues to speak for and on behalf of the nation’s music sector - bluntly and authoritatively.
Kristin Thomson - Future of Music Coalition
Accomplished researcher in the area of musicians' revenue streams, she is shining a spotlight on artist survivability in the changing economic marketplace. She is also a pioneer in helping arts organization’s to better utilize digital technologies.
Bloggers:
Diane Ragsdale - Jumper
Thought provoking blogger, she champions the artist and the underdog and asks everyone to think. One nominator noted: “She challenges us to reconsider our views about fulfilling the role of arts in community, measuring success, and public obligation.” Widely read, she has a major influence in certain policy areas.
Andrew Taylor - The Artful Manager
Back in full form as one of the nation’s most widely read bloggers and now settled in as a professor at American University, he has an uncanny ability to find the small things that make a big difference and provokes his large readership to think outside their own areas of expertise. Doubtful there is anyone blogging on the arts who is more respected and beloved.
Thomas Cott - You’ve Cott Mail
Doug McClellan - Arts Journal
As one nominator put it: These two are “The kings of arts industry content aggregation. If you’re not following them you’re not in the loop, period.”
Cott is also an increasingly respected expert in the area of marketing, and McClellan
leads the charge in questioning the role of arts journalism in the wider pantheon of news and commentary from his new post as a member of the USC faculty. Those who interact with him appreciate his keen insight and his intelligence.
Michael Rushton - For What It’s Worth
Director of the Arts Administration program at Indiana University, Rushton’s no nonsense approach is winning him loyal readers across the field. Using his economics background, he asks the hard questions, and questions the basic assumptions of the field, as he debunks common held theories and ideas.
Rising Voices:
Laura Zabel - Executive Director, Springboard for the Arts
As one nominator described her: “the it girl for innovation in public community arts organizations”, she is on everyone’s list as an innovator and visionary - particularly in the support of artists.
Richard Evans - President, EmcArts
One of the field’s foremost purveyors of adaptive change for arts organizations, his organization is at the forefront of pushing for innovation in the way the sector thinks and operates. Skilled at forging new partnerships and collaborations, he is paving new ways to respond to community needs.
Clay Lord - Vice-President Local Arts Advancement - Americans for the Arts
His blog New Beans continues to break ground in the audience development arena thinking, and he is at the forefront of raising the issue of equity in arts support and funding.
Arts Dinner-vention Guest Briefing Papers - Part II
"And the beat goes on.................."
The Arts Dinner-vention: Jammin' at Djerassi
Here are the second six guest briefing papers:
As a musician and a social researcher, I’d like to approach this topic from three angles.
Learning from musicians:
The larger arts community can learn from the seismic shift in the music industry that has occurred from 1999 to present. The tentpole revenue stream of the commercial music industry – physical retail sales – has been radically altered. Physical CD sales are still the primary way that music is consumed, but in the past 12 years, the internet and digital distribution have made digital singles sales not only possible, but a robust market of its own.
Technology has made it incredibly easy for any musician or band to participate in the digital music marketplace. But this leveling of the playing field has also led to a massive disruption in traditional revenue streams for record labels, songwriters and performers.
While I’m happy to discuss creators’ concerns about the collapse of these revenue streams and the long-term impact on the music industry, for this dinner I think it would be wise to highlight some of the interesting ideas that have popped up as a response to changes. For example:
Crowdfunding via Kickstarter and Indiegogo. In the absence of A&R support and label money, artists are approaching their fans to fund projects. It can work for musicians and filmmakers, could it work for symphonies or theatre groups?
On-demand production. There’s a UK-based company called Songkick that’s running a project called Detour that gets fans to “demand” an artist come play a show in their city. Shows are, essentially, pre-sold, thus guaranteeing a good box office take. Clearly, this can’t work for every art form, but could shows or plays be pre-sold before they go into production? Does this conflict with artistic integrity?
Corporate sponsorships. It’s an unsavory topic, but corporate sponsors have been underwriting artistic efforts for decades. And the really ambitious sponsors (Converse, Vans, Red Bull, American Express) want more than just the back cover of the program. How far do we push this? What are some boundaries that artist organizations need to establish to ensure artistic integrity?
These are a few ideas, but I’m happy to discuss additional responses to rapid change in revenue streams.
Learning from other arts organizations:
A few months ago, I had the pleasure of writing up the results of a survey of US-based arts organizations about their use of technologies, conducted by Pew Internet and American Life Project. http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2013/Arts-and-technology.aspx
I’d recommend that other dinner-vention attendees read this in advance of the event. There is a wealth of information about arts organizations’ use of technologies and social media for promotion, audience engagement, and fundraising, and their impact on their ability to do mission-driven work. Many of the tactics and experiences mentioned by survey respondents will be familiar to the dinner guests. But what’s really interesting is their responses to the challenges associated with this technological shift; dealing with unfiltered criticism of the organization, diminished audience attention span, and funders not being able to keep up with the rapid change of pace.
There are also some points about audience development that are worth considering:
Some arts organizations talked about finding success by taking art out of the regular confines. The Opera Company of Philadelphia has been genius at this, staging pop-up concerts inside the train station or in department stores.
Others talked about integrating technology into more aspects of their work. This involved everything from iPhone app tours, to Twitter seats at shows, to running Facebook-powered scavenger hunts around the city to promote a show. Clearly, there are issues about how far to push this, but there’s a lot to consider.
One finding resonates with this dinner topic in particular, and that’s meeting audience expectations in a world with so many entertainment options. Here’s a quote from a presenter who took the survey:
“The audience has already moved from "arts attendance as an event" to "arts attendance as an experience." This desire for a full-range of positive experience from ticket purchase, to travel, to parking, to treatment at the space, to quality of performance, to exit – this will only increase over the next 10 years.”
This, I think, is at the center of this conversation, because it involves both audience and revenue. The public has SO MANY options about how they spend their free time and their money. How should arts organizations react to this reality, beyond offering plush seats and valet parking? There are a lot of easy responses (online ticketing, FB and Twitter updates) but there are huge, huge issues underneath this related to funding – both from foundations and patrons – that need to be addressed.
Taking a page out of the business community playbook:
Your memo also points to questions about how to build support around an “arts movement”. You rightly question whether this is possible. In reality, building support around the arts translates into generating support among policymakers and business leaders at the state and federal level, and the most effective way to present their value to this audience is in economic terms. That means doing routine economic impact assessments to quantify the impact of the arts on local spending and hiring. There are many orgs that do this very well, but I think the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance’s materials are both informative and fun to look at.
Clearly, an EIS is just a tool in the toolkit. Arts organizations join a long list of constituency groups that seek support from state and federal lawmakers, so this cannot be the only strategy. But I do think arts organizations (or regional arts councils) have to be able to quantify their value going forward.
Looking forward to the dinner conversation!
Salvador Acevado - Consultant / Researcher
PERSONAL STATEMENT - Survivability in the Arts
We hear a lot about sustainability in the arts, which basically means that we need to figure out ways to improve the arts ecosystem so it can independently thrive. I personally talk a lot about sustainability in the arts with my clients and colleagues, so imagine my surprise when I hear that this dinner-vention will be about surviving. Not thrive, not growth, not relevance, but just plain and old survive. My first instinct is to let it die. If the only chance we have for the arts world in the US is survival, I think it’s better to let it die, or to kill it, and create something new from scratch.
Obviously we cannot let the arts die, we can’t even kill it, but we can change it to the point that it feels like something new. It was at this point in my mind process that the idea of “creative destruction” came up.
Disclaimer: We were asked to think outside of our area of expertise and to come up with ideas on how a movement in support of the arts might work. The question that resonated most with me was: --What reforms need to be undertaken in the structure of the organized arts to create a strong movement for arts development? So this statement reflects on that question. The following statement is completely out of the box (at least for me).
The 6 F’s of Creative Destruction.
The term “Creative Destruction” in this document is used loosely to imply the destruction of the status quo and the creation of an alternate system instead, It has nothing to do with economics and/or communism as put forth by Marx: ...from destruction a new spirit of creation arises: (it’d be interested ing to be considered a Marxist at this point in history). The main idea of “Creative Destruction” comes from Hegel, though, his concept of sublation:
From Wikipedia: In Hegel, the term Aufhebung has the apparently contradictory implications of both preserving and changing, and eventually advancement (the German verb aufheben means "to cancel", "to keep" and "to pick up"). The tension between these senses suits what Hegel is trying to talk about. In sublation, a term or concept is both preserved and changed through its dialectical interplay with another term or concept. Sublation is the motor by which the dialectic functions.
Sublation can be seen at work at the most basic level of Hegel's system of logic. The two concepts Being and Nothing are each both preserved and changed through sublation in the concept Becoming. Similarly, determinateness, or quality, and magnitude, or quantity, are each both preserved and sublated in the concept measure.
With the Sword of Damocles hanging over my head, I wrote “Creative Destruction” on the white board in my office, which was the idea that came to my mind after reading Barry’s instructions for this assignment. The two first words that came to mind as important for the creative destruction of the arts sector (both start with F) were:
We know that Funding has been probably the most significant challenge in the art world in the aftermath of the Grand Recession. As Mitch Menchaca, COO of Chorus America, likes to say “we live in the new normal” meaning that the days of unrestricted and abundant funding from the 90’s and early 2000’s are over, and that we are living in a new reality in which we have to be creative about funding (and everything else for that matter). Still, there are a lot of people who don’t like this idea and keep thinking that we’ll be back to those golden years of ambrosia. But perhaps the most important challenge in my point of view is the Format of the art experience. Most are based on 18th century traditions (museums that open from 10 am to 5 pm when most people are working, two-hour concerts that start at 8 pm on Friday, dance performances that you cannot leave until the end, etc.) and we’re still having a difficult time trying to adapt to the realities of the modern world. All those traditional formats were based on the bourgeois lifestyle from the 18th century.
Then came the next F’s:
Finances
and
F(Ph)ilanthropy (“Ph”sounds like “F”, and at this point I was basically playing)
Finance refers to how we spend the money we raise or earn. Something that it’s in my mind a lot is the incredibly redundancy of organizations in the non-profit sector. The way we elect to spend our money is incredibly impaired, in my point of view, by the fact that we are conducting exactly the same functions of a lot other non-profit organizations, with very limited resources. If we’d elect to share (what a concept!) we’d be much more effective and could generate much more efficiency. Another option would be to share resources in order to provide educational programs for children. The other F (rather a “F” sounding word) “Philanthropy” refers to the seismic shift in the way people support and take ownership of the mission of an organization. It is not about donations only (although for some people it still is about the tax deduction), but about feeling like being part of something bigger than ourselves, and people, especially young people, tend to elect to be part of something that has an immediate impact. The days of investing in the new generations are over, now people want to invest in the now generations.
And the final two F’s:
Friends (I needed to include audiences and ‘friends’ is the closest I got to using a F word)
“Audiences/Friends” are the reason why a lot of our arts organizations exist, not all, but a lot.
Audiences/Friends are behaving differently and they demand to be catered to their needs more and more. The days of attracting people to an experience based on our needs are over, and nowadays people want organizations, products, or brands to adapt to their needs, or they will go elsewhere. It is not like there’s a lack of activities or experiences, and the ones that will survive are the ones who cater to the needs and wants of new audiences. It’s called audience-centered missions, yet we are still having a lot of trouble understanding this concept. Beyond that, audiences are looking for experiences in which they are not passive observers or contemplators of the art form. With the advent of the social web era, in contrast to the TV era, people expect now to be part of and mold the experience. So the result is the spectrum of audience involvement described by Alan Brown in the Getting In On the Act report commissioned by the Irvine Foundation. Following this trend then is the last F: “Facilities”, which refers to the place/time where the art experience is delivered, and which is more and more a challenge for the field. I’m referring specifically to the duality between the real and the virtual experience. Of course the place and time of the delivery doesn’t stop there, it also refers to the important challenges of adapting physical spaces to what people want and expect (“flexibility” seems to be the key concept here.)
So, summarizing everything in a few words, here’s what I came up with:
Format - Delivery of the promise.
Funding - Where resources come from.
Finances - How resources are spent.
F(Ph)ilanthropy - How we generate ownership.
Friends (audiences) - Who cares?
Facilities - Where is the promise is fulfilled?
So now the question is:
Which part of the system(s) do we have to change in order to enact the most change in the whole system?
Obviously in order to answer this question we need to understand how the ecosystem interacts, and which components are dependent/subservient to others. One option is to center on the experience itself and the people who demand it (Friends and Format). The other option is to center on the resources that make it possible to create the experience (Funding, F(Ph)ilanthropy and Finances). The key is to understand which part of the system would effect the most change when altered, and by all means I think it is the Format. It is what I’d call the “Apple model”: give something to people that they don’t know they want, but that significantly impacts their experience, and they will become evangelists, affecting the whole system in the process.
Let me give you an example:
Zo Keating is a cellist based in Northern California who’s not only incredibly talented, but is incredibly savvy when it comes to engaging her fans. She sells her music directly from her website, tours around the globe in alternative/flexible venues where programming can be done in a matter of weeks so they can always present what is trending, and she communicates via email with her fan base. Not long ago, Keating sent the following email to her list, basically asking them to find a gig for her:
"Hello Listeners, I have a private gig in Cincinnati in late October. Rather than fly straight home, I would like to play a few concerts. So “where should I go? Since you’re the ones I want to play for, I’m going to ask you!
I've setup an online poll with a list of cities in the region that I’ve either never or rarely visited. Some of them are North-ish and some of them are South-ish. If you would really come to see me perform in any of these cities, please vote and then we’ll crowdsource a week long October tour.
If you have a reasonable suggestion for a city not on my poll, please enter it. By reasonable, I mean a place no more than 500 miles from Cincinnati ;-) If you're not within 500 miles of Cincinnati, don't despair. I am going to be touring more extensively once my new album is done (!!) and we'll do something like this again for the rest of North America and beyond.
This is still a work-in-progress so thank you for doing this experiment with me. I hope to play near you sooner rather than later.
Thanks for listening. Celloly yours,
Zo"
The key here was: “you’re the ones I want to play for. I don’t know you, but there’s nothing more enticing than hearing an artist saying that she’ll be playing for me (you become anevangelist just right there). This completely breaks the boundaries between artist and fans, and transforms fans into booking agents. It is participatory at its core, and most importantly, brings the artist back to the community.
[Aside from BARRY: Article in today's newspaper on an internet site http://www.giggedin.com that takes this idea to reality: "GiggedIn works like this: A musical act offers to hold a concert, and fans prepay for tickets. If enough tickets sell, the concert is on. If not the show is cancelled, and fans aren't charged anything." ]
Everything in the arts ecosystem is being affected by changes in society, but nothing is more important and connects with all the other parts of the system like its format. Flexible, adaptable, real, virtual, valuable, convenient, engaging, these are some of the adjectives that come to mind. It is time to bring forth the format in which we deliver the promise of arts involvement and move from the 18th into the 21st century.
The diagram above represents how I think the system should work, based on the definitions that I gave earlier. Important to note is that Friends and Format are interdependent, under the assumption that there”s a pulling energy between the two. Then Friends will be the grounding force behind generating resources (Funding) and ownership (F(Ph)ilanthropy), basically creating stakeholders for the organization, which will determine how the resources are spent (Finances). The decisions made on how to spend the resources will feed the art format again, generating a cycle that starts with the interdependency between Format and Friends.
Devon Smith - Director of Social Media / Analytics - Threespot
I believe the arts ecosystem needs a free flow of cash to survive at its current size. I believe that investment is going to need to come from a source external to the industry—whether that is the government, venture capitalists, or radically new revenue streams/cost structures.
I’ve spent the past two years taking a step back from the arts world, and instead helping all manner of nonprofits, government agencies, foundations, and think tanks learn how to better engage with their audiences online, and use the data generated by that engagement to better inform their business practices. I would like to bring to the dinnervention conversation solutions that other industries have used (or had forced upon them) to survive a decline in traditional audiences, revenue streams, and/or their perception of relevance overall.
First a clarification about what exactly it is we’re trying to save: the product, the distribution channel, or the livelihoods of the professional product makers?
By example:
The revenue stream of traditional media organizations, and therefore the job security of mainstream journalists, is in significant decline. And yet—there are more citizen journalists, a faster spread of breaking news, wider access to information, and a more informed citizenry than in most times in history.
As Napster, Pandora, Rdio, YouTube, and the rest decimated the revenue streams for record labels, recording artists struck out on their own to make money touring (selling the experience) and essentially giving away the product; vinyl sales are at record highs; and more musical artists have more exposure to the public via YouTube.
Television ratings are at record lows, and yet critics are calling this the golden age of TV across cable networks and streaming services, even as two decades of (mostly terrible) reality television has ruined the perception of network television quality.
Movie studios are addicted to sequels, and yet independent artists raise millions of dollars on Kickstarter to fund their own films, and tour them around the world in an increasingly networked festival circuit.
Video game companies have been pushed in opposite directions to survive—longform cinematic morality stories that take 3 years, hundreds of staff, and tens of millions of dollars to create (Bioshock Infinite; 4 million users) versus one of the most successful iPhone games, which only took a few weeks to create by a single designer (Dots; 2 million users).
In all of these examples, the product itself is doing just fine. It’s the distribution channel that has been forced to change; the amateurs that have subverted power from the professionals.
The following are several tangible suggestions I’m exploring for how to substantially move the needle in the direction of a healthy arts ecosystem. For each, I would speak to how this would work legally, how to convince key stakeholders to join the movement, what it would incentivize organizations (funders, audiences, artists, etc) to do differently/better, and what sorts of useful data would be created as a result.
A theatrical stock market. Let me buy shares in arts organizations, and let them use the cash to fund profitable operations, as well as research & development.
Open source everything—from scripts to marketing materials to choreography to the ticketing and fundraising software.
Incentivize arts organizations to adopt a freemium business model. The less frequently you attend, or the less you use it—the cheaper it is. Offer your core product for free, and raise prices for all other related services.
Turn individual artists into rock stars much like the tech world does with startup founders through massively popular (and profitable) blogs and industry-related media coverage.
Lex Leifheit - Executive Director - SOMArts
When confronted with a question about traditional audiences declining and the deleterious effects of changing participation on traditional revenue streams, I feel pulled in two directions—on the one hand there’s a desire to be constructive and address the question in the spirit it was intended. On the other hand, how can one respond to a question of traditional audiences and revenue streams without questioning whose traditions these are? The first thing that leaps into my mind is a guest post that Tucson Pima Arts Council Executive Director Roberto Bedoya wrote for the blog Engaging Matters last spring. He was participating in an online dialogue about diversity and the question “why aren’t there more butts of color in these seats?” and responded with the question “which seats are these, and where?”
When it comes to survival, I think the question Bedoya asked later in his essay is a key jumping-off point, fundamental to exploring shifts in participation and revenue and infrastructure: “how does our sector understand and validate different worldviews and phenomenological experience that enliven our plurality?” To survive now, I believe arts workers must shift their perspective from one of diminishment to one of growth, while acknowledging that this growth will involve risk, reward and failure and will take us far outside our comfort zones.
Points for further discussion/exploration at dinner:
People at the dinner-vention are successfully introducing new populations into their audiences, boards and workers. What does this look like? How are they innovating? I am especially interested in hearing about Marc Bamuthi Joseph’s Creative Ecosystem concept that brings leaders in different public sector categories together.
How do support services play a role in increasing participation and revenue? At SOMArts, support services have always been our primary way to support many cultures, skill levels and perspectives in the arts. Fractured Atlas, Etsy, Eventbrite and Kickstarter all provide technological support services and they have grown exponentially in recent years. Is the nonprofit sector missing out or succeeding in this area? As a sector do we adequately measure the impact of our support services? I am approaching this with the perspective that there are some big data initiatives (such as the Cultural Data Project) that fall short in this area. I would love to hear what Clay Lord has to say in this area due to his expertise in the area of measuring impact.
What role does participation and partnership play in investing or divesting in programs? Who is using participation levels and partnership MOUs as a means to evaluate their programs alongside artistic merit and artistic excellence? I’d love to hear what Nina Simon has to say in this area
Marc Bamuthi Joseph - Director of Performing Arts - Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
The Creative Ecosystem:
The Creative Ecosystem integrates disparate players from the Bay Area community into a single, collaborative, multi- year endeavor. The ultimate thesis is that art is not just the object or the outcome, but art is a process and opportunity for community. By partnering with community leaders from diverse public sector categories—such as Academics, Arts, Business, Community Organizing, Design, Environment and Holistic Health, Food and Food Justice, Politics, Sports, Technology, Youth, and Social Service—for each Creative Ecosystem theme, YBCA will incorporate grassroots momentum into its audience development strategy, exponentially broadening its constituent circle with each Creative Ecosystem project and transforming the audience-arts center paradigm from the transactional into one centered on collaboration. The themes we plan to explore include Future Soul in 2012/13, Body Politics in 2013/14, Climate in 2014/15, Gaming in 2015/16, and Economy in 2016/17.
The ecosystem begins with YBCA inviting a core group of at least 20 community leaders who repeatedly convene at YBCA over a 12-month timeframe, participating in four YBCA-organized facilitated discussions which are focused on a theme emerging from a performance project in YBCA‘s performing arts season. After the first Creative Ecosystem discussion, each participating community leader invites other influencers from their sector to join in the next discussion, so participation by community leaders in The Creative Ecosystem grows over time. Later, The Creative Ecosystem culminates in a day-long ―Field of Inquiry, giving the newly created network of community leaders an opportunity to take charge of YBCA‘s campus, inviting their various constituencies to attend a dynamic day of free activities that animate YBCA‘s indoor and outdoor spaces, ranging from a pop-up magazine of performative reflections, to keynote speakers, to panel discussions, to participatory art making, and more.
The Creative Ecosystem cohorts are organized around the deconstruction, experimentation, and physical response to emotionally potent, artist-endorsed questions derived from intellectually challenging macro-topics. For instance, the Body Politics cohort is spending its first year of inquiry working with the question ―What is on the other side of your body‘s shame? The question was developed in consultation with playwright Young Jean Lee, whose Untitled Feminist Show will be presented at YBCA in coincidence with the Body Politics‘ Field of Inquiry. This process engages both the intellectual and emotional intelligence of diverse community members, representing an investment in a complex reciprocity of ideas, and forming an activated, sustained relationship between the art we present and the thought leaders who have not had a previous formal invitation into our aesthetic profile.
Meiyin Wang - Associate Artistic Producer of The Public Theater’s Under The Radar Festival:
A movement starts as a revolt against the status quo, but is usually identified in hindsight. The movement either dies away or gets institutionalized, and becomes a status quo. A new movement begins. To me the last significant movement in the theater scene was the regional theater movement where artists rejected the commercial values of Broadway and the work they made in their new communities reflected that. Most institutions that came out of that movement have made the same kind of work ever since.
Conversations about arts need to begin with the art. I believe that the “traditional theater” that we are presenting to our “traditional audiences” is the reason the numbers are dying down. We are mired in “survival issues” because we are making art that is just trying to survive: pleasing the audience by being recognizable, comfortable, and easily consumable.
I believe it is the art that the audience responds to. In the 21st century, we should be making 21st century art. We should shift from the thinking that art is a commodity we produce to be consumed by the audience – to the practice that art is a relationship between the artist, theater and the audience. We should stop only “telling the story” and really look hard at what the art form has to offer. We should stop being afraid of the audience. Elevator Repair Service’s GATZ demanded commitment from its audiences, and it was given freely. I think the upcoming movement for the arts is one that is experiential, immersive and participatory (Punch Drunk’s Sleep No More, David Byrne and Fat Boy Slim’s Here Lies Love). We have to stop pretending that the audience is not there. The focus will turn to the relationship to the viewer, to the relationship of viewership, the experiential, and the changing notion of authorship. This is being reflected in other fields, notably visual art, and they have embraced it
To make work that is of the 21st century, we should change the systems of making work and let the artists lead. I believe if the work is truly necessary, it will find its audiences.
To me, the most exciting work right now is devised - is made by ensemble companies, artists creating multidisciplinary mash-ups: The dictionary definition of “devise” isn’t just to “come up with,” it is to invent entirely new systems. It is R&D. Many of these devised artists make work outside of the traditional system. They bring a diverse aesthetic and perspective, and are able to make risky, sexy work because they work outside of the model. Can we adjust our current ways of producing work and let the artists lead? NEFA’s National Theater Pilot program is a way of getting funding directly to the artists to create the piece, and incentivizing producing and touring partners for the finished piece. Theaters should provide resources for these artists that are tailored specifically to their needs, and not just four weeks and four walls, for example:
Create a real R+D environment for artists, laboratories to experiment and fail, inside and outside the theater.
Abandon the idea of ownership and help artists align strategic resources (funding, space, residencies, access to intellectual or social capital etc) across organizations so that they can make the work.
Dare to encourage funders to invest in individual artists.
I have some other thoughts which don’t fit this particular framework but I wanted to throw out there.
If we want to reach for a wider audience, we should reach wider for our leadership.
There should be a radical change in how we choose our arts leaders. Arts organizations need to reflect the communities that they are from, and represent those communities. We talk about diversity and inclusion but too often it is not included in our leadership (artistic, executive and board). There is a huge disconnect when 27% of the US population is non White/ European American, and only 5% (4 out of 74 – number anecdotal) of the LORT theaters are run by leaders of color. My friend Joe Haj at Playmakers Rep in NC has been a proponent of the Rooney Rule for theater. The NFL requires teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching jobs. 10 years later, 12.5% of the teams are headed by minority head coaches. Can we demand these of our institutions through our field organizations, our artists, or funders, or at the city/ state level?
Can artistic directors be voted in by their artists/cities/communities and not just the board?
Can we make theater polling stations nation-wide?
Thank you guests.
Don't Quit.
The Arts Dinner-vention Guest Briefing Papers - Part I
"And the beat goes on...................."
In preparation for the upcoming (September 6th) Dinner-vention, we asked all of the Dinner guests to submit Briefing Papers on their preliminary thinking on the topic below. Below are half of those papers - and I will post the other half next week.
There are some common threads in the guest's thinking, including:
Refocusing on what audiences really want, including asking such questions as:
How can we be part of the larger community; making them part of our efforts and joining their efforts.
How do we increase the value of the arts to those we want to be more involved?
What makes audiences happy? Why do they really go to arts performances? What do people 'love' about the arts - and making those the touchstone of our efforts.
How do we address equity questions as we engage our communities?
How do our four wall venues work against us?
How do we embrace sharing within the arts community to address common challenges?
How do we embrace and maximize the socialization attraction of the arts?
How do we make the arts a "habit"?
Acknowledging that much of the challenge isn't with the art itself, but rather in the delivery systems for promoting access to the art. (Implicit in that question is how do we monetize alternative delivery systems).
Focusing more on rewarding risk.
Moving away from exclusive reliance on the economic, and the intrinsic value of the arts arguments, as strategic approaches.
Rethinking how we tell the "big story" of the arts, and who might help us to tell that story
These are just a few of the threads, and these papers are only the opening thoughts of the guests (who are talking among themselves this month) about the upcoming discussion.
Framing Question:
Traditional audiences are declining and participation patterns are shifting seismically, which is having a deleterious impact on arts organization's traditional revenue streams. How can we address this pattern on a macro scale? What would a new movement around the arts look like?
Click here for the blog posting on the Topic. And click here for full bios on each of the Dinner guests.
Here are the guest's briefing papers:
Laura Zabel - Executive Director / Springboard for the Arts
First of all, we probably need to reiterate that there is a difference between the nonprofit arts organizational structure and arts and culture itself. Arts and culture is not in trouble. Some of the delivery systems we have created for arts and culture are. Creating and culture are basic human needs and impulses. Nonprofit organizations, it turns out, are not.
I vacillate between feeling like we need to fix it and feeling a little "meh, let it fall down, something new will (already is?) rise to take it's place" but in the end there's too much good about the current infrastructure to not attempt to retrofit it and make it relevant for a new era. And that's going to take some hard work in ways both practical and attitudinal. I am thrilled and honored to be a part of this conversation with these brilliant people at the Dinner-vention event. I believe there are versions of this conversation happening all over the country with all kinds of smart people and I hope there is a way to connect and learn from other people, particularly those who don't often get invited to convenings like this.
To get things rolling here are some thoughts/suggestions/stories/provocations that the question has triggered for me:
Be optimistic.
The day I received the framing question from Barry I was visiting my family in rural northern Wisconsin. A community that has just enough tourist economy to sustain a seasonal ice cream stand. I went to the very small 4th of July parade and there was a middle school band of about 15 kids with some of the oldest instruments I've ever seen. Playing enthusiastically, playing well, much to the delight of the crowd and their young, charismatic teacher. We can despair about the state of arts education, but here is a young person, who went away to college and then chose to come back home and teach middle school band to 15 kids. Because he loves it, because it's important. Let's celebrate him.
I know what the numbers say, but in my daily life and in my work I have experienced tremendous demand and openness to new ideas and collaboration from people who want to work with and in the traditional arts structure. There are huge opportunities available to the creative sector right now and transformational possibility surrounds us.
Get over our damn selves.
Build a bigger tent. The thing about a movement is that it's not exclusive. I see no possibility for success in this effort without a bigger definition of who is in our movement. I watched So You Think You Can Dance last night with my daughter. I cried twice: once at the beauty of a dancer's passion and skill and once at the story of a dancer and all that she and her family had committed to being able to pursue a life in the arts. Isn't this what we want? Opportunities for people to be transported, moved and pushed? Opportunities to connect to our common humanity? Millions of people are engaging in the arts through reality tv, YouTube, street performers, church choirs, knitting clubs, sidewalk chalk, and flash mobs, we need to invite them to call themselves artists. Better yet, we could politely ask if we might join their movement.
Seriously, tell me this doesn't move you: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zsl3iaGVbBo
Understand we are not alone.
I had a very energizing conversation with a minister last week about the similar challenges that institutions in the faith community are facing: dwindling attendance, increasingly viewed as less relevant or out of touch with the changing communities around them, etc. We are not alone in this. There is a massive cultural shift underway and lots of folks are doing deep, thoughtful and effective work to shift with their communities. How can we share models, see adjacent possibilities and build common cause with the local food, faith, community development, small business people?
Be valuable. Be useful. Be generous. Be curious.
If there is one practical element of this conversation I am most interested in, it's this: How can we actually be more valuable? How can we be less siloed from our communities; less special, more ubiquitous? What are we doing to help other sectors thrive? How can we be one part of what a community needs to be healthy--a critical, necessary part, but no more or less important than any other?
Barry gives two examples of how we might work across sectors: the suggestion from Arlene Goldbard to require cultural impact reports from civic planners and the suggestion to infiltrate our local chambers of commerce. I love the idea of working with planners more effectively, and my organization is already a member of the Chamber of Commerce (and the Metro Consortium of Community Developers and the Independent Business Alliance) but I would flip both Arlene's and Barry's proposals around. What if we were to approach city planners and find out what they could require from us? What if we joined our chamber, not to infiltrate for advocacy purposes, but to understand more about how our community works and see if we could help?
So my proposal is simple: what if we commit to starting every conversation with "how can we help?"
Kimberly Howard - Manager Oregon Cultural Trust
It starts with engagement. It is about a renewed sense of participation. A new movement needs to grow from within an individual to appreciate aesthetics, conversation and community through art. That begins at an early age. It is then nurtured in school and home. It flows into the arts organizations supporting artists, connecting these young people with art making that is relevant and inspiring, art that connects to their daily lives while elevating them to another place.
What does that look like in practicality? It looks like music lessons for every child. It looks like drawing, painting, ceramics, and photography integrated in the school day curriculum, not simply relegated to an after school program for an under-privileged child or a specialty summer camp for a privileged one. It looks like every child having books in the home and an adult to read with, so the child can talk about what they are reading, discovering the simple joy of storytelling.
It means teachers and parents and artists providing everyday moments for play, exploration and discovery. When we capture the child from the moment they become a person or before – if you believe in gestational influences of light and sound on a developing fetus – then they gain the tools to appreciate, and long for sensory experiences that can only be found in the concert hall, the museum, the theatre, the black box, or the gallery.
I am not saying that art can only happen in traditional spaces and places. I am saying, however, that the traditions and rituals that gives birth to our art forms -from the Greek theatre to the Wooley Mammoth and beyond, provide the basis for everything that will come. When a theatre company breaks free of the boundaries of the proscenium stage to create a site-specific piece they are responding to a set of rules that were established by the Greek Theatre over 2,000 years ago. When a dance company choreographs a contemporary piece they are influenced by the traditions of what came before, even as the aesthetic breaks free from the classic European form.
These traditions and rituals are our guide. In this same way we use subconsciously or consciously use this tradition and ritual to define the traditional audience member: White, affluent, of a certain age. This is the definition, but is it entirely the truth? There are affluent Black audiences and Latino audiences, of a certain age, too, yes? My question: how were they nurtured? Created? Developed? My answer: the same way that the traditional white audiences were developed. Affluence. Exposure.
So, in order to develop the audiences of the new art movement, we need to nurture those audiences from the beginning. Those future audiences need to become audience members from the beginning, having access to the same traditions and rituals that make up the art experiences, regardless of how traditional or avant-garde – to borrow a early 1970’s phrase – the art or artist. From this knowledge of form and experience of participation comes appreciation, understanding and the ability to engage with the work, to be in dialogue with the art, which is the essence of what we call the new art movement.
This new movement around art requires that we create a transition period, where we provide these ‘learning’ experiences that feel more like participation and engagement than ‘teachable moments’ for audiences between 18 and 99, by point blank asking them – what are you interested in seeing on the stage, on the wall, on the pedestal, on the Marley floor? It might mean, for a time, that we shift the paradigm, making work that we are asked to make rather than work that we are inspired to make. It might mean that while making work that is in dialogue with the audiences we think we need, we open ourselves to the possibility of being inspired in new ways.
The two-pronged solution is to provide daily in-school experiences of literacy, art, music, dance theatre while at the same time engaging new audiences in dialogue - asking them to participate before creation, looking to find inspiration for our future as we transition into a new way of creating, presenting and seeing art in all its forms.
Clayton Lord - Vice-President, Local Arts Advancement / Americans for the Arts
In my mind, the decline of the traditional institutional arts audience base is a direct result of the rise of the idea (self-perpetuated) of the arts as (1) not for everyone and (2) not necessary, simply nice. That idea emerged from what I would articulate as three progressive and overlapping occurrences over the past 50 or so years, namely:
1. The creation, by an elitist class (and by arts organizations hungry for their money), of major arts institutions as exclusive places. This was reinforced not only by price but by the creation of mores and peculiarities that are now part of the artsgoing vocabulary but which were not always—stand up, sit down, clap or don’t, what to wear, when to speak, etc.—and which included some, while excluding others.
2. The ensuing shift in rhetoric, particularly from the right in the 70’s and 80’s, from art being a societal good to art being an elitist luxury good, and the (interesting oxymoronic) set up of art and artistic expression as against morality and radical.
3. The subsequent attack, first by politicians and eventually by whole swaths of people who felt disconnected from institutionalized art, on both arts funding and arts education funding, which was made possible by this shift from necessity to luxury and by the corresponding shift from societal good to societal ill—the fruit of which, now, is an entire generation (or more) who have never been inculcated into (institutional) arts loving, and so find their lives full without institutionalized art.
All of this has not been at all helped by a historically reflexive reaction from the art community to its ongoing marginalization—namely a pulling away from art as a driver of community engagement, change, and dialogue and towards art as a means and end in itself. Add on top of that the long-standing and difficult history of American institutionalized art as primarily (for all of its perceived “radicalism”) a mechanism for reinforcing white (in its more expansive, class- and wealth-based definition) points of view—a problem that is at this point tied up in the very form and presentation of the art, the buildings, the stories that we try and tell, and which contributes to a further marginalization among many of the fastest growing populations in America (populations who have their own incredibly vibrant artistic traditions, and don’t find themselves lacking for not attending institutional artistic performance).
In a nutshell (and forgive an oversimplification—there are absolutely exceptions to this), many artistic institutions have managed to alienate people of color, poor people, conservative people, young people, less educated people. We should not be surprised that our audiences (and our public value, which I actually think is much more crucial) continue to dwindle.
To address this issue, some suggestions (the beginning of a conversation, surely, not the end):
Start from a place of embracing how small a part of an ever-expanding arts universe “institutional art” really is, and then move from there to expand that relevance with a better understanding of why most people don’t particularly care about such art (and with an acknowledgement that they do likely have rich artistic lives on their own terms).
Encourage funders to take into account community engagement and impact (and therefore, we must learn how to better measure community engagement and impact) more than they take into account longevity, budget size, or abstract artistic quality, and encourage artistic institutions to re-embrace their core role as non-profits devoted to the public good, not to art itself.
Engage in a frank dialogue about which organizations are making movement towards addressing the equity issues that now sit at the core of our public value issues (and who isn’t), while also embracing the fact that change of this magnitude takes time, and that incremental, stable progress is more important than forced, sudden, destabilizing change. Engaging in that conversation respectfully, aggressively and truthfully, with thick skin and a belief in a common, shared purpose and myriad uncommon, unique missions.
Reward risky innovation with funding models that provide cover—with increased length of funding, better training in evaluation during development of the innovation, and a more open and honest national system within the arts field for discussing successes and failures.
Better disseminate the incredibly strong research into public value and community engagement through the arts by crafting a clearinghouse of “interpretations” of that research that turn them into bite-sized consumables like executive summaries, infographics, short explanatory cartoons, podcasts, etc—all in an effort to allow more people points of access into the pertinent findings so that they might then translate them into their own work, arguments and practice.
Margy Waller, Senior Fellow, Topos Partnership
The Pursuit of Happiness is a Constitutional Right
By starting with a discussion about creating a movement, we will naturally develop plans that also promote audience expansion, engagement (all kinds), and greater equity and diversity.
Where (and on whom) we focus our energy and resources matters. Creating a movement requires focusing on the broad public -- even those who don’t (and some who won’t ever) go to traditional venues, and many who won’t think of themselves as goers even though they engage in arts activities all the time. Expanding audience, engagement, and equity means focusing on smaller, more targeted groupings. I’m proposing that we start our discussion at the widest part of the funnel.
Imagine these changes (some huge, some less so):
Start thinking about happiness of neighborhood/city/audience as the goal.
Encourage and reward innovation and risk
Stop thinking and talking about our art as so terribly precious.
Start creating large and/or high profile public experiences designed to change the way people see the arts and make sure that even those who aren’t present learn about these events (it pays to find a good videographer).
Accept that people will use smart phones and other digital tools while they are at arts events and find ways to make it work, integrate the mobile for added value - don’t fight it.
Stop leading with and highlighting economic impact in the ROI-dollars + cents-way that we’ve all been taught to do because it isn’t working for us.
Reconsider the resources we’re putting into developing so much economic impact data (not that we should discard it altogether necessarily, but that we should decide whether all of the resources -- money and time -- going into it are yielding better results than other research might)
Promote measuring community success by how happy people are, utilize the economics of well-being to develop the value of arts for creating places where people are happy because we should be able to compete well on that playing field
We spent a lot of time working on uncovering a strategy for communicating about the arts designed to shift the landscape of public understanding. We did our research with the goal of culture change -- toward the notion that the arts are important enough to all of us to be our shared responsibility, even for those who don’t participate.
We sought to identify the barriers that have made sharing the value of the arts difficult for us and a new way to talk about the arts could yield broad public support. We learned that people already believe the arts change places, making streets and neighborhoods busier and more fun, and connecting people, allowing them to get to know each other better, and strengthening civic bonds.
Get this: We don’t need data to persuade people; we don’t need to have a debate. These are already the reasons they value the arts. The problem is - they don’t tend to think of the arts this way because we don’t usually present or promote the arts as the thing that brings people together and makes places special. Yet.
Unfortunately, for most people — even people who are goers and lovers of the arts — the transcendent experience, the beauty of art, and educational value are not compelling as reasons for PUBLIC support of the arts and arts organizations. The public sees these individual experiences as something we are all personally responsible for obtaining: “It’s fine if you want to do that, but our TAX dollars shouldn’t have to support it.”
Moreover, they are put off by the palaces where the art happens. These are not places they want to be or are comfortable going. So it doesn’t help that when most people think about art, this is where they think it happens
Our goals (movement, audience, sustainability) are inextricably tied together. Importantly, we can’t just talk about the role of arts in creating vibrancy and community. We have to do it too. We have to work hard to show and give people something different from what they imagine the art will be. That shouldn’t be hard -- it’s already happening. But it’s not usually what the media highlights and it’s not even the way we are trained to share the ar
If we fund and highlight what people love about the arts, it can become the way they more naturally think about our category. And it may have the additional outcome of making the art more appealing to today’s non-goers. (You know, like.... marketing materials that feature people having a fun experience, not how famous or old the art is, or dozens of staged musicians in black and white sitting frozen on a stage.)
Our goal in changing the way we present the arts to the public -- the purpose of sharing the communications strategies in the Ripple Effects research -- is to build broader support for shared funding of the arts. But the answer to “why change?” has to be real impact in our communities: more connected people and places we want to be.
We will never compete well on the playing field of ROI and economic impact in the traditional sense. However, if our measure of success is happiness, the arts have much to contribute - the evidence is already coming in. We can build a movement for things that make us happy. And we can get people to go there too.
Tamara Alvarado - Director of Community Access and Engagement / School of the Arts and Culture - Mexican Heritage Plaza
I’m thinking about a lot of things these days, as I am sure is everyone else. Here are a few bullet points. Certainly, I am open to your feedback if only one is of interest or none for that matter.
On the topic of leadership development, I’ve been thinking about it intensely for about 7 years. Two colleagues and I conceived of the MALI program for POC, with the idea that we needed to equip ourselves with the tools to lead our communities in a collaborative way while recognizing that communities of color have particular challenges that only we can address.
On the topic of reciprocity and how as a concept and practice it interacts with our practices in communities of color… it’s been two years and change. Ever since I’ve held the responsibility (with a team of course!) of bringing a $32M investment back to life, it has been a foundational philosophical piece to our success. It’s in fact in our Guiding Principles. It is about valuing what everyone brings to the table, not just money but time and experience as well. It has worked really well increasing audiences and creating meaningful partnerships where artists, arts orgs and audiences feel valued.
In terms of the topic of race and privilege and an assortment of connecting issues for my whole life. But recently with the case of Trayvon Martin I think it’s been at the forefront of a lot of people in our sector. I’m not exactly sure what take I would take on this except to say that if anyone in the room thinks we are beyond race, we will definitely need to continue to have conversations. We are not beyond race and we still need to work on finding commonalities versus differences and I know the arts play a significant role in establishing neutral ground where that conversation can be had. Look at the conversation artists had here about race in 1963: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdIHBod9nT4
“Darse su lugar” as a concept. In the Spanish speaking latino communities we talk about “dares su lugar”. A direct translation is to “give oneself one’s place.” This is at the root of the creation of the MALI program. It was by POC for POC. What I mean when I talk about it in the arts/entertainment/culture sector, is the consistent surprised reaction I receive as ED of an ethnic specific/multicultural organization when I strongly request that the ED or Business owner also is present on an equal basis. As an example, recently, I was asked by an ED to meet with herself and staff about the potential for partnership. The day came and the ED did not show and sent along staff. I cancelled the meeting and asked for it to happen when the ED was available. I received an email, from a person I consider my colleague, stating that in her 12 years of being an ED she had never been required in this way. This is connected to race and privilege but she would never see it that way. It’s on me I suppose to show my colleague that her privileged background as a white woman allows her to think it’s ok to require my presence but not hers.
Open source: I realize that this is about the tech sector but I feel it applies strongly to what we are trying to accomplish in the arts. Before I was an “Arts Administrator” I was a college grad with limited real world skills. I was and am bilingual, am first generation and knew a thing or two about turning on and moving around a computer. With this set of advanced skills I got a job teaching computer skills in East Palo Alto, CA at Plugged In, one of the first non profits focused on bridging the “Digital Divide”. More importantly, they greatly influenced me by throwing me into these workshops where I was completely in over my head, taking computers unpacking them and installing “Open Source” software while online and learning to do so by people who felt that it was important to put a computer and internet access in everyone’s hands. We were working with Redhat, Linux, etc. Bottom line is that I took on the spirit much more than the tech aspect of the “open source” movement. I saw how they shared technology with each other in order to make everyone’s work more effective. That is something that I talk about now with the access to space and the how to. As an example, do I lose something if I introduce you to a funder or do I gain? You have registration forms, I don’t. I speak, read and write Spanish but you don’t. Should we share? Of course these are simple examples however, it is surprising at times to see how little sharing goes on in our sector. Is there a way to share that goes beyond the occasional trip to a conference that half of us may not have the money to attend? More to this.
Nina Simon - Executive Director / Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History
Imagine this situation:
You go to an arts event, one of a type you rarely or never take part in. Maybe it's a museum exhibition or a play. You have a great time.
What will it take for you to do it again?
I ask this question because I think there's a pretty big gulf between the occasional arts experience and the idea of art and art institutions as part of your life. For me, this gulf rears its head every time I go to a live music concert. Each time I go (about four times a year), I have a fabulous time. But it never makes me want to increase the frequency of my participation. Each time I get a flyer in the mail, I feel like I’m weighing a new opportunity—price, time commitment, who in my social circle will want to participate. It’s exhausting. I opt out.
In other recreational and social choices, I feel no such inertia. I will drop by the beach seeking a pickup game of volleyball without a single worry about opportunity cost. I will go to the farmer’s market every Saturday to buy the perfect baked potato, and I will lobby hard for my friends to share that experience with me. I will blog weekly, even if it’s at the penultimate hour of a million-hour day.
These are my recreational habits: to play sports, to eat, to socialize, to write. I do these things with ease and enthusiasm.
I don’t have the same habitual relationship with art. I realize that I may just be an arts Neanderthal—that there are many people who go to museums every Sunday after brunch, or go out to live music every Friday night. But if we think there’s a problem with audience decline and participation, I think it’s reasonable to ask whether we could be creating or supporting more effective, widespread patterns for engagement.
My work focuses on the specific value of positioning arts institutions as places for active participation and social bridging. But that’s just one particular set of engagement strategies in the context of a given arts experience. I think the most important thing we can do to address big questions of audience participation is to ask not what we should do individually as organizations or with arts programming but how we can create patterns of participation across the field that are self-reinforcing and fuel growth.
I’m talking about making the arts a habit.
When I look at industries that are doing a better job than ours at being “habit-forming,” I see a few commonalities:
Addictive product; repeat exposure. The arts may not give you a caffeine high like coffee or an endorphin rush like going for a run. But we could do a lot more to position arts experiences as complementary, additive, and (hopefully) addictive. To a newcomer, it's not apparent that a museum offers many kinds of programs, or that regular attendance to the theater might provide deeper or multi-faceted experiences over time. What they see is what they get: that day, that event. Lots of motivational literature suggests that it takes multiple sessions in a short timeframe to take on a new habit, whether a new food, fitness regimen, or activity. This is why some yoga studios offer "30 day challenges" in which you get all your classes free if you come every day for 30 days. The idea is that once you've come every day for a month, you'll be sufficiently hooked to continue participating. Cultural institutions need to be similarly overt and unapologetic about the benefits of sustained, repeat involvement. Audiences, especially new ones, aren't going to connect the dots on their own.
Multi-level marketplaces in which “heavyweight” companies provide secondary advertising for smaller ones. Starbucks made huge advertising investments to convince people that $3 coffee is an essential part of daily life—and now, every tiny coffee shop benefits from that brand story. Every kid who participates in a basketball league sees how her experience is connected to a huge, multi-layered community that ranges from amateur to professional (with the NBA and Nike paying for that story). In the charity sector, race-based fundraisers, like AIDS Ride or Walk for the Cure, float the boats of dinky local walk-a-thons. In contrast, I don’t see a lot of arts organizations working together to tell the bigger story of how arts experiences are connected to each other. If I like a ukulele singalong, will I like a Hawaiian music concert? If I was bowled over by the Met, would I enjoy my local museum or gallery? Probably… but those arts organizations rarely present themselves as part of a connected landscape instead of discontinuous experiences. I would love to see the largest institutions, professional networks, and arts councils move away from advertising their specific activities and instead engage in the kind of “brand story” work that other large businesses do to open up market share and inspire attitudinal shifts about art experiences.
A focus on shared social experiences. People like to recreate socially, and many industries (restaurants, bars, theme parks) clearly represent themselves as social venues. One of the easiest ways to hook people on a new experience is to invite them to participate with you. While the social nature of an arts experience may be implied, it is rarely explicit. This is most glaring in the case of museums; the majority of visitors attend in social groups, but many perceive museum-going as a “contemplative solo activity.” We need to promote arts institutions for date night, family night, girl time—and help people see our offerings as part of their social lives.
Intrinsic desire mixed with external positive reinforcement. Arts professionals often focus on the holy grail of intrinsic desire--the theoretical participant who feels, deep inside, that they want to make the arts a regular part of their life. But for most of us, intrinsic desire is not always (nor initially) motivated by the purest intentions. We join knitting groups to meet new people, complete beautiful projects, AND be creative. We go to the gym to get out aggression, attend to our vanity, AND take care of our bodies. The “good” value of the activity may be the reason we tell ourselves we’re doing something—but it’s rarely the only reason.
So what can we do to make the arts more habit-forming? I hope we can find a way to answer this question collectively as a field—not by arguing over the distinctions in how we choose to support audience engagement, but by coming together around the big stories about how regular, diverse art participation transforms lives and brings communities together. And gets people laid. What could be more addictive than that?
Thank you guests. Thank you very much.
Next week the remaining Dinner guest briefing papers.
2013's Fifty Most Powerful and Influential People...
Arts Dinner-vention Guest Briefing Papers - Part I...
The Arts Dinner-vention Guest Briefing Papers - Pa...
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2437
|
__label__cc
| 0.690956
| 0.309044
|
Books Books 1 - 10 of 99 on You will transfer to Brevet Major General Lorenzo Thomas, Adjutant General of the....
You will transfer to Brevet Major General Lorenzo Thomas, Adjutant General of the Army, who has this day been authorized and empowered to act as Secretary of War ad interim, all records, books, papers, and other public property now in your custody and...
Edwin McMasters Stanton: The Autocrat of Rebellion, Emancipation, and ... - Page 321
by Frank Abial Flower - 1905 - 425 pages
The Annual Register of World Events: A Review of the Year, Volume 110
Edmund Burke - History - 1869
...this communication. You will transfer to Brevet Major-General L. Thomas, Adjutant-General of the Army, who has this day been authorized and empowered to act as Secretary of War ad interim, all books, papers and other public property now in your custody and charge. " Respectfully yours, "ANDREW...
The Tribune Almanac and Political Register
Horace Greeley, John Fitch Cleveland, F. J. Ottarson, Alexander Jacob Schem, Edward McPherson, Henry Eckford Rhoades - Almanacs, American - 1868
...any and all functions pertaining to the same, and also directing me at once to transfer to General US Grant, who has this day been authorized and empowered...public property now In my custody and charge. Under a sense of public duty I am compelled to deny your right, under the Constitution and laws of the United...
A Political Manual for 1866 [to 1869]
Edward McPherson - United States - 1868
...Secretary of War, and will cease to exercise any and all functions pertaining to tbe same. You will at once transfer to General Ulysses S. Grant, who...of War ad interim, all records, books, papers, and ether public property now in your custody and charge. The Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War....
Grant as a Soldier and Statesman: Being a Succinct History of His Military ...
Edward Howland - Etats-Unis - 1868 - 621 pages
...exercise all the functions pertaining " to the office of Secretary of War, and " transfer to General US Grant, who has this day been authorized and empowered...records, books, papers, and other public property now in your custody and charge." On the same day Grant was officially notified by the President of his appointment,...
A Picture of the Desolated States: And the Work of Restoration. 1865-1868
John Townsend Trowbridge - Reconstruction - 1868 - 736 pages
...communication. You will transfer to Brevet MajorGen. Lorenzo Thomas, Adjutant-General of the Army, who has this day been authorized and empowered to...records, books, papers, and other public property now in your custody and charge. Respectfully yours, ANDREW JOHNSOX. To the Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, Washington,...
The Voter's Text Book: Comprising a Collection of the Most Important ...
James M. Hiatt - United States - 1868 - 382 pages
...communication. You will transfer to Brevet Major-General Lorenzo Thomas, Adjutant-General of the Army, who has this day been authorized and empowered to...records, books, papers, and other public property now in your custody and charge." The order to General Thomas reads : " The Hon. Edwin M. Stanton having been...
PICTURE OF THE DESOLATED STATES; AND THE WORK RESTORATION
J.T. TROWBRIDGE - 1868
...communication. You will transfer to Brevet MajorGen. Lorenzo Thomas, Adjutant-General of the Army, who has this day been authorized and empowered to...records, books, papers, and other public property now in your custody and charge. Respectfully yours, ANDREW JOHNSON. To the Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, Washington,...
Trial of Andrew Johnson: President of the United States, Before ..., Volume 2
Andrew Johnson - Impeachments - 1868
...communication. You will transfer to Brevet Major General Lorenzo Thomas, Adjutant General of the army, who has this day been authorized and empowered to...ad interim, all records, books, papers, and other property now in your custody and charge. Respectfully yours, * ANDREW JOHNSON. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON,...
...will cease to exercise any and all function« pertaining to the same; and also directing me at once to transfer to General Ulysses S. Grant, who has this...authorized and empowered to act as Secretary of War ad in/enwi, all records, books, papers, and other public property now in my custody and charge. " Under...
...transfer to Brevet Major General Lorenzo Thomas, Adjutant General of the army, who has this day beeu authorized and empowered to act as Secretary of War...records, books, papers, and other public property now in your custody and charge. 'Respectfully, yours, ANDREW JOHNSON. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Washington, DC...
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2445
|
__label__wiki
| 0.879829
| 0.879829
|
Boundless Tales Reading Series
Queens Lit Resources
Gabriel Cabrera
Gabriel Cabrera was born and raised in Queens Village. He started considering writing as more than a hobby while attending LaGuardia Community College and is now a MFA student at Queens College. He is currently working on a poetry chapbook and a novel. He hopes to one day help enable students to achieve their goals through their seen and hidden talents, by using art as a medium to connect to the world around them and to prove one day words, will again, reign supreme.
Tim Fredrick
Tim Fredrick is an academic and creative writer. His academic work has been published in journals in the United States and abroad; he is currently working on getting his creative work published. He has a Bachelors in Creative writing from The University of Missouri and a PhD in Applied Linguistics from NYU. He coordinates the Queens Writers Group which offers workshops for writers of all types from all over Queens. He is currently an elementary school reading and writing teacher in Long Island City, Queens and lives in Elmhurst, Queens. http://www.timfredrick.com
Amanda LaPergola
Amanda LaPergola is originally from New Jersey, and she is very sorry about that. She studied Music Theatre at Shenandoah University where her performance as Brunhilde in an original children’s theatre adaptation of Wagner’s Die Walkure was praised by critics (Amanda’s friends) as “distracting”. She now acts and writes in New York City far away from those that would try to stop her. She is a contributing writer for The Mary Sue (www.themarysue.com) and blogs (infrequently) at vivalalala.blogspot.com.
Sweta Srivastava Vikram
Sweta Srivastava Vikram (www.swetavikram.com) is an award-winning writer, poet, novelist, author, essayist, educator, and blogger whose musings have translated into four chapbooks of poetry, two collaborative collections of poetry, a novel, a nonfiction book of prose and poems (upcoming in 2012), and a full-length collection of poems (upcoming in 2013). Her scribbles have also appeared in several anthologies, literary journals, and online publications across six countries in three continents. Sweta has won two Pushcart Prize nominations, an International Poetry Award, Best of the Net Nomination, Nomination for Asian American Members’ Choice Awards 2011, writing fellowships, and was shortlisted for the Independent Literary Awards. Taj Mahal Review describes her as “A poet with hauntingly beautiful talent.” Sweta has held several artist residencies in Europe and America and worked on collaborative projects with artists from Zimbabwe and Australia. A graduate of Columbia University, she reads her work, teaches creative writing workshops, and gives talks at universities and schools across the globe. Sweta lives in New York City with her husband. You can follow her on Twitter (@ssvik) or Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/Words.By.Sweta).
Boundless is now a part of Newtown Literary
More words, more welcomes
Springing ahead
February forward
Boundless Tales Reading Series · a Queens-based reading series curated by Aida Zilelian
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2446
|
__label__wiki
| 0.82497
| 0.82497
|
Ricky Hatton “Joshua beat Ruiz 9 out of 10 times- Fury is Number 1”
07/03/2019 Eugene Mwika 0 Comments Andy Ruiz, Anthony Joshua, legends, Ricky Hatton, Tyson Fury
Ricky Hatton believes Tyson Fury now deserves recognition as the best heavyweight on the planet.
The former two-weight world champion, who has been in Fury’s corner for his comeback, witnessed his win over Tom Schwarz in June first hand and was once again impressed with what he saw.
Overmatched German Schwarz was quickly halted by the ‘Gypsy King’ in two rounds as he dazzled and made a statement to a new audience on his Las Vegas debut.
“It couldn’t have been any better to be honest,” Hatton exclusively told talkSPORT.com
“He didn’t beat a world beater, he didn’t beat one of the top men in the division, but he did beat an unbeaten world class heavyweight in two rounds.
“He never laid a glove on him. He picked him off and then beat him up.
“Tyson’s known for his boxing ability, his defence and his movement, but you saw the nasty side that he’s got in his make up as well.
“He’s improved since the Wilder fight, he’s getting better and better.
“I think he deserves to be recognised as the best heavyweight.
“He might not have the belts, but I think anyone or any governing body would sit there and say he’s the man at the minute.”
Two weeks earlier, the heavyweight division exploded into life as Andy Ruiz Jr stunned Anthony Joshua with a seventh-round stoppage.
The Mexican-American underdog claimed the WBA, IBF and WBO titles with an upset victory that many, including Hatton, are still struggling to get their heads around.
“There’s loads of rumours knocking about…
“When a defeat comes up for one of our top fighters we always try and find out the reasons to try and get to the bottom of it.
“He didn’t look quite right before the fight for me.
“He was boxing okay, he knocked him down, but then I think he went in for the kill. Mexicans are just as dangerous when they’re hurt.
“I think maybe, knowing what a tough guy Ruiz was, maybe he should’ve softened him up a little bit more before he went in for the kill.”
In the aftermath, AJ and his team quickly declared their intentions to pursue a contracted rematch with Ruiz.
The ‘Hitman’ insists only those in the Brit’s team truly know whether or not this is a good idea, but favours Joshua to overcome his rival ‘nine times out of ten.’
“That’s up for Robert McCracken and Eddie Hearn [to decide], they know the machine they’re dealing with in Anthony.
“Sometimes people come back from defeats with a vengeance and some people they never come back the same.
“If you have to ask me as an outsider, I‘d say he beats Ruiz nine times out of ten, for me.
“Even though he’s a very, very dangerous fighter and he’s got very, very fast hands and he’s already planted that danger in Anthony’s mind.
“I think it’s a decision for the people that know Anthony best.
“If Nathan Gorman were to get beat by somebody and people were saying, ‘Oh, he’s gotta do this,’ I would tell them to mind their own business because they don’t know the man.
“But I would like to still see him back in there in future because it was still a shock defeat.
“I think he’s a better fighter than Ruiz, so I would get straight back in.”
← Chisora hopes for a war against Szpilka
Erickson Lubin targeting Trout or Gausha confirms trainer, “Champions are busy” →
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2447
|
__label__cc
| 0.730669
| 0.269331
|
Turns out that I wrote too hastily before knowing the facts, therefore the initial message of my post was a misinformed hunch. I hadn’t realized that there’s a minimum age limit of 35 years to be president of the United States of America. Therefore, at best, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is campaigning to make sure that the Green New Deal plays a major role on all platforms. And as her popularity sky rockets because of her cleverness, authenticity and passion – as this article in the Guardian stresses – who she endorses will be a major issue for all contenders.
Democrats covet an endorsement from Ocasio-Cortez
This would be the time for Trump to throw out yet another executive order – bypassing laws – to lower the age limit of running for president. 🙂
Get Ready for the Green New Deal as expressed by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
We are here to say “No More” “Basta”
As she states in this rally for the Green New Deal at Howard University in Washington D.C.
“We can not allow ourselves to be bullied out of our values, any more. Our history may be written, but our future is not. Cynicism is what the established 1% want you to have. Yet, the average every day person has never been more powerful than it is today. We all need to have these conversations, to elevate our collective consciousness. Big Money has never been weaker.”
Get Ready for the Green New Deal as being a central issue for whomever Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorses as a democratic runner for President.
“No More” “Basta”
She says, “We can not allow ourselves to be bullied out of our values, any more. Our history may be written, but our future is not. Cynicism is what the established 1% want you to have, yet the average every day person has never been more powerful than it is today; to have these conversations, to elevate our collective consciousness. Big Money has never been weaker.”
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Green New Deal speech
The Green New Deal campaign rally will convince the American public of the importance of taking care of our relationship to the earth, and to one another, above anything else.
Inequality and Earth Injustice ‘No More’
I’m all over it! For non-native English speakers that means, I’m full-on 100% aligned and in support of the Green New Deal and everything this beautiful, brave, articulate and erudite woman says. She’s extremely well educated and intelligent. She knows what she’s talking about AND she has the passion and down-to-earth humanity to communicate the feeling that you can trust her. I am so grateful that she is putting massive energy into putting many topics out in front, that have been side-lined or simply taboo to even discuss.
I trust that the American people can listen and be convinced if they are on the fence, and fully embrace what she is saying from the heart about how much industrial and corporate powers have gotten away with at the expense of people who they trampled over. I believe that whoever she endorses, she will be continue to put on the heat and emphasize diplomatically to the world what needs to be on every leader’s table.
Ocasio-Cortez blows roof off building with EPIC speech
And it could be this heroic woman will actually, despite perhaps fear, reticence and reluctance at first, lead all of us to actually participate in saving our planet and as many species as we can.
I stand by her. I’ve been impressed with every speech. Therefore her campaign for the Green New Deal will certainly require anyone who she endorses, to be someone who will completely support it and promise to lead the public to make the dramatic changes that we need to make across the world, to save as many life forms of the planet from extinction and ourselves, and to change the course of the mainstream consciousness.
Just as with the actions and presence of Greta Thunberg, the Swedish girl who started the school strikes to end her governments and the world’s silence about global warming and extinction, I feel very hopeful that AOC has taken the world stage!
We Can do this, We Must do this Together and We Can Have a Great Time As We Make the Changes Together
> Learning, Creating, Inspiring and Conspiring <
Corporate Greed and Corpocrisy No More
The PayPal donation button functions in Safari and Firefox, however is broken in Chrome.
Filed under Activism, Awareness, change, Communication, Consciousness, Conservation, Corporate Greed, Creativity, Cultural Demoralization, Economic, Education, empowerment, Endangered species, Environment, happiness, Health, love, Nature, Political Activism, Science, the Natural World, wildlife, Wildlife Crime Tagged with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Green New Deal speech, AOC presidential rally, AOC takes presidency, change, Climate Change, Corpocrisy, Corporate Greed, corruption, earth injustice, Global Warming, green new deal, Green New Deal Takes precedence, inequality, justice, Political, sustainability, truth
Chante Tin’sa Kinanzi Po: Still Standing Up for Standing Rock | Earth Injustice
This links to the Black Snake film about Standing Rock
Bobbi Jean, the young Native American woman (featured in the photo with her arm raised) was raised in the Standing Rock community. She spoke of her experiences – walking and running – gathering people of all ages as they went from one to another community.
She said they made prayers with their feet.
She said that there were a lot of magical & spiritual events that happened along the way, among the different people and animals’ that joined in. For many days it rained, and yet when certain people spoke, suddenly the sun burst forth or a wind would woosh in. She knew that the ancestors were present with them in their journey. They walked to enlighten people about the fate of the land and all of the creatures, this sacred land, to money.They eventually landed in Washington D.C., which she said was a culture shock. She Lots of kids participated at different points who developed their own voice about the issue. Elders participated as well. The oil industry and the federal and state governments’ in the pocket of it, created all sorts of obstacles and their own narrative to events. Bobbi Jean continues to inspire and share the story.
This event was a panel discussion with Bobbi Jean Three Legs and Indigenous Water Protectors. Followed by screenings of Black Snake, a 360° virtual reality short film experience featuring citizens of Standing Rock, by Philip Sanchez ’05. It took place at Brown University, sponsored by Native American and Indigenous Studies at Brown, Native American Brown Alumni, and the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology.
“Sacred Ground. The struggle for clean water continues.”
For more information and to support this cause, go to earthjustice.org
Blurred Media Black Snake Sacred Ground 360 video by Phillip Sanchez
Philip Sanchez’s 360º video Black Snake — Standing Rock — 360° Video is quite powerful; looking at the land that is sacred to the people who have lived there for generations, who know that they are not dispensable.
I had tears in my eyes, resonating with what one of the elder Native American women near the end of the film said.
“We’re destroying this earth.There’s no common sense. You’re hurting us, you’re hurting each other.
Don’t you think about life?
Every living thing has got to live. There is a purpose and reason why we are all here. You’re hurting yourselves and this earth. The waters. Everything is connected. My prayer goes out to all of you.”
“The story of the Dakota Access Pipeline is a long and difficult one to tell. On its face, it is the story of thousands of Native Americans and their non-Native allies that gathered for months in 2016 to protest the pipeline. However, this is only a small part of a much larger issue. The pipeline brought to a head conflicts about disputed treaty lands, the historical treatment of Native Americans by the Federal Government and the changing relationship between the predominantly white towns of Bismarck / Mandan to the north and the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation to the south.”
The XL pipeline has different names depending on its location, which works as a mask to recognizing that it is one and the same black snake that is slithering through the land and sickening it’s waters.
President Trump Presidential Memorandum advance approval of pipeline construction
I was fortunately informed by a fellow ultimate frisbee player who is also keenly interested in protecting the natural world.
“The struggle for clean water continues.”
How can we be silent? How can we not see the value of the natural world?
Filed under Activism, Animals, Awareness, beauty, Communication, Consciousness, Conservation, Corporate Greed, Economic Tagged with 360 video, air, ART, Big Oil, Black Snake, Blurred Media, Bobbi Jean Three Legs, Brown University, Chante Tin’sa Kinanzi Po, Corpocrisy, Corporate Corruption, earth justice, ecocide, ecological warriors, ecology, Environment, Environmental Activism, film, greed, Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology, Indigenous Water Protectors, Love, Native American and Indigenous Studies, Native American Brown Alumni, natural world, nature protectors, Philip Sanchez, Political Activism, political corruption, préservation, Sacred Ground, silence, soil, Standing Rock, Still Standing Up for Standing Rock, water
Jane Goodall Recycle E Devices | Kate Raworth Economy Design – Thrive not Grow
Jane Goodall presently has a campaign:
The Forest is Calling. Answering the Call is Our Only Hope
Jane Goodall Everything is Connected Everyone Can Make a Difference
It was estimated that up to 50 million tons of electronic waste—mainly computers and smartphones—was dumped in 2017 alone (UNEP).
Jane Goodall The Forest is Calling Answering it is our only Hope
Jane Goodall Recycle unwanted Mobile Devices
Jane Goodall Terribly Important Recycle Old Cell Phones
Kate Raworth has an essential concept to consider in her TEDtalk regarding redesigning our economic strategies, away from the dependency on continued growth, in a world with finite resources and space, to one which nourishes the natural world and recognizes the worth of allowing all life to thrive. – an Economy Designed to Thrive not Grow
Kate Raworth Economy Distributed vs. Centralized
Kate Raworth TED talk
Economy Designed to Thrive not Grow
Kate Raworth Economy Ecological Ceiling Social Foundation
Carol sitting under the trees
Filed under Activism, Awareness, beauty, change, Communication, Consciousness, Conservation, Education, Endangered species, Environment, extinction, happiness, Health, love, Nature, Science, the Natural World, wildlife, Wildlife Crime Tagged with Answering the Call is Our Hope, Awareness, consciousness, Corpocrisy, corruption, ecocide, ecological footprint, ecology, Economics, Economy Designed to Thrive not Grow, environmental conservation, environmental preservation, Everyone Can Make a Difference, Everything is Connected, everything makes a difference, Jane Goodall, Kate Raworth, Love, Nature, Political, recycle cell phones, recycle electronic devices, TEDTalk, The Forest is Calling, the Natural World, wildlife
True Leaders Discuss Climate Change Solutions | Invest Your Time in this Critical Town Hall Discussion
I have not been writing any blogs because I am diving into completing my book. However I found this discovery of a town hall meeting that took place December 3rd, to be critical to share.
Town Hall Discussion on Climate Change
“U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) hosted a national town hall on Monday, Dec. 3, aimed at addressing the global threat of climate change and exploring solutions that can protect the planet from devastation and create tens of millions of good-paying jobs.
Sanders was joined by 350.org founder and author Bill McKibben; actress, activist and Our Revolution board member Shailene Woodley; CNN host and author Van Jones; Earth Guardians Youth Director Xiuhtezcatl Martinez; Congresswoman-Elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; Union of Concerned Scientists Director of Climate Science Dr. Brenda Ekwurzel; Dr. Camilla Bausch, President of Ecologic Institute; and Dale Ross, mayor of Georgetown, Texas
Filed under Activism, Awareness, Communication, Consciousness, Creativity, Economic, Environment, happiness, Health, Personal Growth, Political, Political Activism, Presence, Science, Spirituality Tagged with 350.org, Bernie Sanders, Bill McKibben, climate catastrophe, Climate Change, Climate Crisis, climate solutions, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Corpocrisy, creative solutions, Dale Ross, Dr. Brenda Ekwurzel, Dr. Camilla Bausch, Earth Guardians Youth Director, extinction, global solutions, Global Warming, hope, mayor of Georgetown, nonpartisan, oil oligarchy, Our Revolution, President of Ecologic Institute, Shailene Woodley; CNN, Texas, town hall, Union of Concerned Scientists Director of Climate Science, Van Jones, Xiuhtezcatl Martinez
Tragedy of the Commons | Oskar Eustis | George Monbiot | Invest in our CommonWealth
I’m from Pennsylvania, one of four States of the 52, which is a Commonwealth. I never really knew how that distinguished PA from any other state. I learned of the concept of the Commons through the writings of George Monbiot. He wrote this article published in the Guardian September 27th, 2017. Don’t let the rich get even richer on the assets we all share – It’s time for communities to seize back control of resources upon which their prosperity depends
Monbiot states that the commons has three main elements. “First a resource, such as land, water, minerals, scientific research, hardware or software. Second a community of people who have shared and equal rights to this resource, and organise themselves to manage it. Third the rules, systems and negotiations they develop to sustain it and allocate the benefits.” He goes on to state:
The commons have been attacked by both state power and capitalism for centuries. Resources that no one invented or created, or that a large number of people created together, are stolen by those who sniff an opportunity for profit…those who capture essential resources force everyone else to pay for access.”
What comes to my mind immediately is companies that for example take (extract/steal) a region’s water, and then force the local people to pay for what they bottle. Or the fact that various individuals and companies throughout history who tried to buy, destroy or steal the plans of various individuals who designed medical or energy devices that could have provided a product to the public for almost no cost. Instead, they were hidden from public knowledge so that the perpetrators could make a profit through their own devices. By obscuring the competitor’s inventions, they were able to bank on their own goods or services.
Monbiot subsequently published essentially the same themed article in his blog Common Wealth on the 2nd of October, 2018. Entitled Common Wealth – Hope lies with a great, neglected sector of the economy, through which we can create a system that is neither capitalist nor state communist.”
Commons is managed for wellbeing.
Tragedy of the Commons video by Nicholas Amendolare
The Tragedy of the Commons is eloquently described in this video. Basically if a community consumes a common resource too fast for regeneration to occur, people must choose between restricting their own consumption for the good of the community, for if they continue to consume at a rate that satisfies their immediate “self-interest”, there may be dire consequences later. That seems to be what is occurring on the earth presently. However, in terms of consuming and/or spoiling resources, the fact is that it isn’t really the individuals who make up communities who are necessarily at fault. In the last several generations, the resources and supply has for the most part been in the control of a very few. This has upset the balance and tweaked the demand curve.
We’ve gotten into a weird state of affairs in the USA, which is being replicated all over the globe. It used to be the land of effulgent possibilities. Labeled the Land of Opportunity, the American Dream. The land of entrepreneurship. The place where people could be assured that their ideas and efforts could be strengthened and developed. But the dream has been taken hostage by just a small percentage of individuals and groups, who have been able to use their money to buy their passage, gobble up competitors, purchase the media and think tanks to hurl out propaganda and crush anyone in their way.
In the last decades, as a friend says the last 70 years, the emphasis in the States has become top-heavy towards enriching the industrial interests, which has coincided with buttressing the military. A handful of people have been controlling these interests. The process has downright gutted many of the small businesses. Anyone who has been alive long enough in the United States of Amnesia, has seen their local hardware stores, five & dime stores, pharmacies, grocery stores, local boutiques etc, in which you knew the families of the people who owned and operated them, disappear. Now Big Box Stores like Walmart have replaced them. They can’t compete. I mention this in my other blog. https://digesthis.wordpress.com/2018/12/06/the-photo-ark-half-earth-project-plastic-ocean-dolphin-deaths-sonar-seismic-tests-patriotism-to-finance-the-military-industrial-gdp-ecocide/
Robert Reich explains in this video THE MONOPOLIZATION OF AMERICA: The Biggest Economic Problem You’re Hearing Almost Nothing About about how this phenomenon evolved. He says that a century ago there were anti-trust laws preventing any company from getting too large, but that these protections disappeared during the Reagan years. Reich points out that the less businesses there are in competition, the more the few who are in control can create their own prices as well as the wages. No competitor, no problem, for those making the rules.
Robert Reich Monopolization of America Health Care Monopolies 2016
Robert Reich Monopolization of America Walmart Drives Down Workers Wages
The USA according to what businesses ‘control’ each state. Walmart Nation, Health Care Boeing
What we need to do is to step by step, reinvest in our own communities, and take the tools to work side by side. Forming relationships with people and seeing our own work and voices mirrored, empowering people to be intimately tied to their own land. I’m living in a town next to the birthplace of the industrial revolution. A number of people told me how toxic the river was that flowed through this town. The townspeople and any other life that had been here certainly suffered, while the industries reaped financial rewards. The trend in the USA has been for cities to clean up their waterfronts and create common spaces that people can enjoy. That is their heritage, to walk and commune freely with others in public spaces. That’s what I’m talking about here. Except not just riverfront property. I’m talking about fields and woods surrounding towns, forests on the periphery, about national parks, about creating once again and maintaining spaces that are naturally the habitat of other life forms. About taking picks to break up parking lots and creating community gardens instead. About people engaging in these public spaces, with love of the land, connectedness among the people and the desire to protect and allow the land and all the other life forms to flourish.
What I understand in the idea of ‘taking back’ the commons – is for community members, you and I, to have joint ownership of the land; for community members to be entitled to make decisions on how best to use this resource and to together create community works, community theatre, community stores, community gardens, community farms. Because when something is shared and invested in physically and monetarily, one will put effort, love and pride into maintaining it. We have had this tremendous land grab by companies, private sectors, who own vast stretches of land which, one would think, should rightfully be a heritage of the people who walk on the earth. So if the people collectively owned these swaths of land, fields, forests, grasslands, natural parks and so forth, then we the people would be engaged in participating in protecting it. It would be something that belonged to the people, and therefore, instead of being neglected or some other owner reaping vast rewards while the local populations received little, the people could benefit from either choosing to create fields, community gardens, parks with fruit and nut trees. In other words, this would deliver the ownership to the people and the wealth of the land would be valued by the people and recirculated among the people, not trickled off to enrich an owner far away.
Oskar Eustis TED Talk
Why theater is essential to democracy
I had the pleasure of listening to Oskar Eustis, the director of Hamilton, speak at a salon coordinated by the Athenaeum in Providence, Rhode Island. His words echoed the same concepts, of the need to bring back community theatre and arts and take back the country from all who have been dispossessed and cheated. The idea of power coming from below, from the community. He launched the audience with his humor and great storytelling into the past, to the first theatre and the fist actors of ancient Greek history. He mentioned Thespis, the first person ever to appear on stage and Aeschylus, the father of tragedy. He mentioned that it was the Persians who brought to the stage for the first time – not just one actor donning various masks – but two actors to stand side by side on the stage. This new perspective, with dialogue revealing that there could be more than one isolated truth, but a dialectic in which a discourse between two or more people holding different points of view could establish a truth through reasoned arguments, happened to coincide with the beginnings of Democracy at about this same time period.
Eustis stated that the Truth is dialectical. Precedent to Hegel’s dialectic, dialogue asks the audience to listen to two points of view, recognizing that each lead to the truth. Thus theatre, storytelling in its beginnings, came with this perception of each person having a voice. And this recognition through theatre, precipitated Democracy.
Oskar spoke at length about how bringing the theatre to the public, to allow actors and non actors to participate, empowers people. Project Discovery, which Trinity created is theatre of, for and by the people. He mentioned that creativity is inherent in all people, and that it is human to have the desire to create. Some people have had more practice. Creativity simply needs to be nourished.
Oskar Eustis spoke of the fate of the marketplace. That the economy and technology of the last decades has turned its back on the people. Wall Street and corporations operating in this global economy have robbed people of jobs. As the jobs disappeared – outsourced to other countries for cheaper labor – it has pulled communities apart. He talked of revitalizing communities through investing in projects such as theatre. When people can see their own story and speak their own story, they are empowered to share their stories.
Oskar states that “It is our job to knit this country back together, not to be right.”
Oskar Eustis’ TED Talk weaves together the idea of a public theatre, common voice and a democratic government.
The Work That Reconnects Pat van Boeckel
One of the practices within The Work that Reconnects is an exercise called the Riddle of the Commons Game. It brings to awareness the fact that people need to balance between their own self-interest and collective self-interest. Each is necessary for the common good.
Greta’s powerful speech to Swedish people before the Parliament
‘We Have Not Come Here to Beg World Leaders to Care,’ 15-Year-Old Greta Thunberg Tells COP24. “We Have Come to Let Them Know Change Is Coming. We can no longer save the world by playing by the rules,” says Greta Thunberg, “because the rules have to be changed.”
There’s nothing more important than recognizing that change can happen. Coming through education and arts and activities within your own communities. We can drive that change. If one young girl has already sparked and inspired students in Australia, in another continent, this can ripple. We need to look very, very hard, at what we are choosing, so that we don’t lose what is most precious. You may think your own immediate children are the most precious, but what if there are no trees, woods, grasses, available food, no clean oceans or rivers or lakes, or air, and no other life? It is an astoundingly clear choice to me. We’ve got to make some changes, and we’re going to do this together. And plenty of people are pointing the way, and your own ideas will be as valuable as anyones, collaboratively we will create this change.
My friend Loren Booda states, “Start with hope, funding of positive efforts to return nature and, with native education, make everyone responsible for and aware of their use of resources. The major problem? Almost all of us usually put other needs or wants before the environment.” Full-circle back to The Tragedy of the Commons.
December 10th, 2018 Carol Keiter
Filed under Activism, Animals, Art, Awareness, beauty, Communication, Consciousness, Corporate Greed, Creativity, Economic, Education, empowerment, Environment, happiness, Health, Identity, joy, learning, love, Nature, Personal Growth, Presence Tagged with Aeschylus, Athenaeum, commonwealth, community, Corpocrisy, democracy, Economic, finance, Garrett Hardin, George Monbiot, Greta Thunberg, Health, Hegel, Nicholas Amendolare, Oskar Eustis, Pat van Boeckel, Political, Providence, public welfare, public works, Riddle of the Commons, theatre, Thespis, Tragedy of the Commons, Trinity Rep, wealth, work that reconnects
When You Do Nothing, You Are Part of the Problem
Sarah J. S. said this in her facebook post, and then I responded. I just decided to put it out there – un edited – beyond facebook.
Sarah J. S. says:
“Unless you are loud and explicit in your outrage, I consider you complicit in every death at the hands of another white terrorist, every suicide by a transgender American, every black person killed by law enforcement, every Latino child crying for her parents, every Brasilian forest cleared, every Sri Lankan cabinet member who gets sacked or killed, every German protester who’s maced in the forest, every journalist assassinated inside an embassy, EVERYTHING. All of it.
IF YOU ARE SILENT, YOU NO LONGER HAVE THE LUXURY OF THINKING YOURSELF “GOOD.” You simply aren’t a good person. You’re a comfortable person, but you are not good. You are the silent German neighbor in the 1930s who watched your childhood friend forced onto a train. You are the silent American in the 1960s who watched your neighbor return from the hospital with burns on her face.
And if you remain silent in 2018, you have made the decision, however tacit, to support the venomous hate that is galvanizing killers and burning holes into the fabric of humanity.
If you won’t stand proudly in your values, and if you won’t stand with humanitarians on the right side of history, I no longer understand you, and feel no remorse whatsoever in outing you as an oppressor and forcing you to stand in shame in your silence. Your implicit endorsement of oppression does not merit the peace of comfort.
Those of us who feel and respond to the pain of the world have been forced to feel discomfort for so long, while you have made our job harder by “staying out of politics.” Well, it’s not politics anymore, it’s life and death, and if you can’t be woken up enough to support life, may you find enough delusion to sustain you when they come for you—as they certainly will—and no neighbors come to your rescue.”
I respond.
I met Sarah J.S. when we were both participating in the http://placetob.org during the Paris climate talks. everyone there, from all over the world, were either there representing their countries who had already been devastated in the years preceding by global warming; from parts of the world feeling the brunt of the loss of their land to water or victims of massive storms- which most of the Global Northern hemisphere have been causing because of their appetites and demands for energy and comfort. There were people there who have gone all over the globe to do things to help people to help themselves, to stand up to industries and recognize that their forests are worth more alive, than dead, etc. we are living in a strange lie, in which incessant building and focus on profit, continues to wipe out community, compassion, empathy, connectedness (to one another and to nature and other life). The world is a big place, so that unless you know someone who is victimized by losing their access to clean water and air due to fracking or coal mining or oil spills, it just doesn’t really impact you. I grew up eating meat, driving in cars, living in a spacious home, when the word extinction was not used, it was a far off idea. Now, we live in a world in which everything is continually commodified – and it’s been sort of backed up with Christian ideology. The cows and pigs are there for humans to consume. We are, so the idea has been, at the top of the pyramid. We displaced the native Americans (but kept their names of territories as a nice gesture) and basically eradicated them. Native American indigenous people traditionally used only what they needed, and saw their connection and relationship to all of life – as something to honor. Western man has cut off any recognition of how they are part of a much larger web, in which all of this is splendor and awesome, and of which, man is only a small part. But humans have become so obsessive about material acquisition and domination, that they are just absolutely killing the planet and displacing all the life forms. The talk of walls, a border wall, is the most loathsome thing as far as all the OTHER LIFE FORMS ON THE PLANET WHO ACTUALLY DON’T HAVE POLITICAL BORDERS – THEY ARE ANIMALS THAT NORMALLY ROAM. WHAT THE FUCK PEOPLE? WHAT THE FUCK? every time some new mall or Wallmart or Costco or housing development, or highway cuts through land, it is killing off all the species. the idea of ever continuing to exploit oil and coal, or mines are just destroying habitats. the idea of minding the arctic or antarctic or bottom of the ocean, to just take, take, take and build, build build…is crippling every other species. we do not need new updated iPhones and computers and whatever in shorter and shorter generations. we have the capacity to do much more with our minds and hearts, and we are just continually seduced and misguided by media, and beguiled, yes, completely misinformed and used by political leaders. the billionaires club. All other life forms, people, air, water, land…are not valued as something worth alive, and left to be in its best form. we are fucking everything up as we continually build, increase square footage of homes, plow down trees, wipe out communal spaces, privatize, obsess about making a profit, obsess about acquiring things, relying more and more on the automobile, on comfort, on ease..okay well, I thought I’d add a few words to Sarah J.S.‘s
Filed under Awareness, Communication, Consciousness, Conservation, Environment, Human Consciousness Tagged with beguiled, Climate Change, Corpocrisy, disconnection with nature., Global Warming, greed, lies, materialism, mislead, political lies, profit
EchoActivate | Education, Communication & Fun | Working Side-by-Side, Empowering through Participating | Cleaning, Reusing, Planting & Restoring Habitats for All Creatures | Global Climate Action Summit
If India was able to plant 66 million trees in twelve hours with a million + people side by side doing it, this same action could happen around the world towards any environmental movement.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/india-plant-66-million-trees-12-hours-environment-campaign-madhya-pradesh-global-warming-climate-a7820416.html
I meditate daily and ask the four forces – earth, air, water and plasma – practicing heart rhythm meditation. My intent is to carry my voice to peoples’ platforms I can participate in and for information and guidance to be carried to me. It’s an intuitive process of trusting in the intelligence and consciousness of the universal force. I feel that many things that appear to ‘happen’ serendipitously, arrive because of intention to connect to this information. Magic? Today, for the first time i clicked on and read this info from this community that I learned of while taking courses when living in Pennsylvania. Interfaith Power & Light: A Religious Response to Global Warming. I’d go to multidisciplinary talks with religious leaders from all these different faiths putting forth their viewpoint on various questions. Opening it, i found out about this, http://globalclimateactionsummit.org/. The Global Climate Action Summit happens to be taking place in San Francisco, September 12th to 14th. Just a week before the ccc reunion.
It seems to be an excellent place to continue to disseminate my idea. The idea started years ago, imagined actually right before the COP21 Paris climate talks, which I went to, to Paris for two weeks with 20 dollars.
Previously I named the idea Eco Revolution, then EcoActivate, because the first was taken.
https://carolkeiter.wordpress.com/2015/11/21/calling-for-echoactivate-partners-core-team-refugee-manpower-best-weapon-is-education-and-empowerment/
https://digesthis.wordpress.com/2015/11/21/calling-for-echoactivate-partners-core-team-corporate-sponsors-government-subsidies/
The idea is to bring the information to the people, through a cyber portal of information, and a mobile unit that comes to a community with needs that people perceive or perhaps aren’t aware of at all, that they can then do together to clean up and build sustainable energy, transportation and to plant community gardens, bee and butterfly highways, plant trees and build animals bridges…
The idea is to bring people together in a celebratory, participatory way. With the knowledge they need to create, transform and participate in greening their own environment.
Education is the tool. People power is the engine.
Filed under Activism, Animals, Art, athleticism, Awareness, change, Communication, Consciousness, Conservation, Corporate Greed, Creativity, Economic, Education, empowerment, Environment, fun, happiness, Health, joy, learning, love, Music, Nature, Paris, Political Activism, Science, Spirituality, Synchronicity, Technology Tagged with animal bridges, éco-révolution, bee highways, butterfly highways, capitalism breakdown, célébration, clean up plastic, Climate Change, community, conservation, consumption, Corpocrisy, Corporate Greed, create, dance, Earthlings, echoactivate, Education, empowerment, Environment, environmental restoration, global, global climate action summit, Global Warming, greed, greening, habitat loss, habitat restoration, Health, inequality, information portal, just do it, life, Love, Music, Nature, new financial system, palm oil, plant trees, recycle, regenerate, rehabilitating nature, responsibility, restoring paradise, reuse, side-by-side, storytelling, sustainability, systemic change
DiSmayed | Who Knew ? What FeelTheBern Could Imply
I was not aware of any of this. Dismayed is the word that popped into my head.
THE TRUTH ABOUT BERNIE, OR WAKE UP BEFORE YOU #FEELTHEBERN (OFFICIAL RECORD) NOVEMBER 13, 20152NDVTREPUBLIC
After a mega list which reveals a well, horrific record, I see that…there’s a continuation of the same long list.
“Here is just a small sampling of Bernie’s bending over to please the Owners. Even as he turns on the “populist” rhetoric he votes for the establishment. Examples of this abound if you take the time to look beyond his empty and hypocritical rhetoric.”
…many of his deeds are not at all what he has communicated with his words…
Dismayed The word that popped into my head after reading this article.
“So what is to be done? First and foremost, withdraw your consent from the corrupt and collapsing U.S. of Empire’s broken two-party political system. Second, work to further all things local in your community – finance, fuel, food, education, the arts. Third, turn off the damn Tee Vee. And finally, instead of #FeelingTheBern, feel the turn – of a 21st century world in which the local will matter more than ever.”
carol keiter blogger card
Filed under Activism, Awareness, Communication, Corporate Greed, Economic, Political, Political Activism Tagged with American politics, Bernie Sanders, Corpocrisy, dismayed, feelthebern, Politics, what we can do
George Monbiot’s Fantastic Writing>Politics & Economics vs. Environment | Game of Chicken
His blog Game of Chicken is
brilliantly articulated as usual, George Monbiot‘s works Need to Be Spread like Wildfire.
I think Monbiot should be translated into 17 languages…What I just thought of in response: if we could just do “One less”: eat one less chicken, one less burger, one less shower, one less international flight, one less purchase of an article of clothing, one less car, have one less child… His blogs are relevant to both the United States and England and are a mirror of the Western Occidental World as it has come to be.
environmental impact of poultry industry
Environmental Impact of the Poultry Industry
“To people of Mr Cram’s mindset, rainforests and ancient woodlands, coral reefs and wild rivers, local markets and lively communities, civic life and public space are nothing but unrealised opportunities for development. Where we see the presence of beauty, tranquillity and wonder, they see the absence of palm oil plantations and soybean deserts, container ports and mega dams, shopping malls and 12-lane highways. For them, there is no point of arrival, just an endless escalation of transit.
Nowhere is a place in its own right: everywhere is a resource waiting to be exploited. No one is a person in their own right; everyone is a worker, consumer or debtor whose potential for profit generation has yet to be realised. Satiety, well-being, peace: these are antithetical to globalised growth, which demands constant erasure and replacement. If you are happy, you are an impediment to trade. Your self-possession must be extinguished.”
Nicholas Kristof, writing for the New York Times, wrote this article, Arsenic in our Chicken
Carol Keiter Berlin on Bike – writer, blogger, musician, composer
Filed under Activism, Animals, Awareness, Communication, Consciousness, Conservation, Corporate Greed, Creativity, Economic, Education, Environment, happiness, Health, Nature, Political, Science, Wildlife Crime, writing Tagged with antibiotics in chicken, arsenic in chicken, Climate Change, Corpocrisy, corporate globalization, development, drugs in chicken, economics vs. environment, Environment, environmental impact of poultry industry, environmental sabotage, game of chicken, George Monbiot, Global Warming, greed, less children, limits, Nicholas Kristof, one less, one less child, overpopulation, political sabotage, Politics, wildlife
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2449
|
__label__cc
| 0.628916
| 0.371084
|
URMS
Book Publications
Institutional Quality Assurance Cell
Quality. ULAB is a leader among private universities in Bangladesh. Our vision is to transform education in the country, as well as in the region. Our exclusive partnerships with universities, NGOs, GOs, and research organizations support us in bringing a world-class education to students.
Clubs and Co-curriculars
ULAB Prospectus
What is Liberal Arts?
Where Graduates get Jobs
Dynamic. ULAB students are young, energetic, and committed. Here, you will be sustained, but also challenged, as you make friends and colleagues you will keep your whole life. When you join ULAB, you join a new generation of successful graduates who are influencing the country.
Vision. Our unique curriculum fosters the values of creativity, freedom and service. ULAB students become real learners, not just job-seekers; and our faculty generators of knowledge, not mere suppliers. We draw upon the world's intellectual traditions to respond to urgencies of the present.
General Education Program
School of Science & Engineering
School of Social Science
Knowledge. Universities must be creators and disseminators of knowledge. ULAB has vibrant centers of inquiry that produce cross-disciplinary research in education, sustainability, media, business, engineering, and more. Their work will reach out the world and inform global intellectual platforms
Center for Bangla Studies
Center for Language Studies
Center for Enterprise & Society
Center for Advanced Theory (CAT)
Dhaka Translation Center
Center for Archaeological Studies
Bengal Lights Books
Office of Faculty Research
Leadership. ULAB forms a community of Bangladesh's brightest minds and most committed educators; and create opportunities for them to meet their academic and human potential. We believe in open and respectful interaction with students, and among its staff at all levels.
Vice Chancellor's Office
Human Resource Office
Proctor's Office
My ULAB
Community. Based in the lively Dhanmondi area of Dhaka, ULAB is your second home. You form an energetic fellowship of students, faculty, and staff who challenge and inspire. Find all the resources you need here to thrive during your tenure at ULAB.
Co Curriculars
My URMS
Students Affairs Office
MyULAB
ULAB Moodle
CES Home
Current Events Analysis
Thought Leadership Article
Talks and Seminars
University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh Sites > ULAB Center for Enterprise & Society > Thought Leadership Article
CES Newsletter
2019 Financial Inclusion Summit
CES Working Paper Series
Knowledge Note
Sector Report Series
Other Research and Publications
CES News
ULAB CES organizes its Summer 2019 Leadership Talk
Regional Expert Meeting on “Strengthening and Making Effective Regional Cooperation in Preventing Radicalism and Violent Extremism”.
CES Talk Series – “Venture Capital in Bangladesh: Current Trends & Future Prospects”
ULAB Partners with Founder’s Institute to promote Entrepreneurship among Students
Startup ULAB organizes panel discussion for students titled “Based on True Stories”
Thought Leadership Articles (TLAs) are strategic research pieces that cover trends and topics that influence the Bangladesh business ecosystem, macro economy, entrepreneurship, technology and society. The goal of any research-based university is to identify the questions people are asking, and answer those questions through innovative, timely and accessible research. It is with this goal that we bring you the TLA Series of the Center for Enterprise and Society (CES).
A Closer Look at Financial Inclusion in Bangladesh – The story of financial inclusion in Bangladesh began with microfinance institutions, the success of which led to large-scale emulation of home-grown models, in parts of Asia, Africa and Latin America. Subsequently, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation began to make the case that financial inclusion would be better fostered through technological innovation, leading to the formation of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) in 2008, recognized by the G20 as an implementing partner. In Bangladesh, policy-makers have recognized the social, economic and commercial importance of financial inclusion. The Bangladesh Bank has set up a Financial Inclusion Department and a National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) is currently being formulated. Given the country’s low banking sector and high telecommunication penetration, digital financial services (DFS) is expected to drive financial inclusion. In this thought leadership article (TLA), we consider the latest avatars of DFS, agent banking and mobile financial services (MFS), with a view towards their progress and challenges that remain; and offer insights for their development.
March 2017: “Global Headwinds, Local Resilience and Rising Markets: Update on the Macro Economy and Capital Markets” In a recently-released report by Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC), a Big 4 audit, tax and advisory firm, Bangladesh is poised to become the 23rd largest global economy by FY 2050. Bangladesh is also well-positioned to reach World Bank’s middle-income income grouping criteria by FY 2030-31. The Government of Bangladesh also aims to eradicate poverty by 2030. Given the impressive economic growth over the past several years, and the promise of continued and higher growth, the Center for Enterprise and Society at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) releases this thought leadership article (TLA) to assess Bangladesh’s macroeconomic and capital markets performance YTD, and inform Bangladesh’s growth aspirations.
August 2016: “Understanding Social Enterprises” Throughout the world, the distinctive organizational forms adopted by social enterprises depend on the existing legal frameworks, on the political economy of welfare provision and on the cultural and historical traditions of non-profit development in each country. Consequently, the social enterprise sector globally encompasses both new typologies of organizations and traditional third sector organizations, re-imagined through the lens of sustainable income-generation.In this thought leadership article (TLA), we consider the landscape of the existing research on social enterprises, early forms of social enterprises in Bangladesh, evolution of the sector in the 1980s and 1990s, and intersections between businesses and social entrepreneurship. We identify key sectoral trends, assess the policy environment and envision a roadmap for future development of the social enterprise space.
October 2015: “Social Innovation, Social Entrepreneurship and Survival of The Third Sector” With increasing worldwide attention on corporate social responsibility (CSR) of the corporate sector and market-orientation of development sector programs, a new field has generated considerable interest among government, business and academic circles. The burgeoning field of “social enterprise” includes a variety of organizations that align their business interests with a social orientation or philanthropic interests with a business orientation, essentially combining social and financial goals. In the case of for-profit private sector organizations, a social orientation enables a closer relationship with the communities they engage with commercially, facilitate improved relations with communities, enabling visibility, and overall, ensuring business sustainability.
In the case of not-for-profit organizations, a business orientation ensures their non-reliance on grants and donations, thus ensuring sustainability, and in many cases, efficiency. However, despite the increasing attention on CSR by for-profit organizations, social enterprises have in fact developed from and within the social economy sector, which lies between the market and the government and is often associated with concepts such as “nonprofit sector” and “third sector”.
It is however more difficult to define “social innovation”. Many organizations undertaking various CSR and even marketing-related initiatives, have been quick to claim that they are contributing to social innovation. It is first important to understand what is implied by social innovation and whether social innovation has been the prerogative and preserve of third sector organizations only.
May 2015: “Banking on Mobile Money ” Starting its journey in 2011, mobile banking, commonly referred to as mobile financial services (MFS), has demonstrated phenomenal growth in Bangladesh. The MFS sector now has about 15 million registered users transacting over BDT 80 billion (US$ 1.0 billion) per month through over 500,000 agents. In 2013, the number of registered MFS users grew at about 12 per cent each month, with a CAGR of 266%. Meanwhile, cash transactions grew at a CAGR of 186%. In the month of March, the average daily money transaction amount through mobile banking reached unprecedented levels – registering over BDT 4.0 billion (US$ 51 million). According to Bangladesh Bank data, the total transactions for the month rose to BDT 123 billion.The remarkable development of MFS is better appreciated in the context of the country’s demographic/socioeconomic statistics: a potential market of 160 million people, median age of only 23 years, and per capita income of US$ 840 per annum. The key statistics, however, are a banked population of 20% (i.e., those that have access to formal banking services) and secondly, a mobile penetration of 75%. Thus, the availability of MFS has allowed the unbanked in Bangladesh to skip several stages of development of the banking sector, e.g., setting up of physical branches, and gradually enter the global community of the banked.
March 2015: “Analysis of a “Hartal Economy” ” While there is no dispute that political instability is a deterrent to economic performance, it is perhaps an even more moot point in the context of frontier economies such as Bangladesh. As of March 2015, hartals have sustained for two months since January 6, and the damage to lives of citizens, property, productivity, business revenue, trade-competitiveness, has been staggering and unprecedented. The Bangladesh economy has grown at over 6% for ten straight years until this year, and this the year when many analysts and economists expected Bangladesh to near the 7% annual GDP growth rate. Such economic targets have taken a backseat however, in the context of the malaise that has gripped the country. Policy-makers, trade bodies, industry associations, regulators, conglomerates and average citizens are now forced to realign their respective priorities in the context of a “Hartal Economy.” This report aims to dissect the vagaries of a hartal economy by analyzing the impact of hartals through various sectoral and thematic prisms of Bangladeshi economic life.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook!
Apply Online Jobs at ULAB Contact Us
House 56, Rd 4/A @ Satmasjid Road Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1209, Bangladesh
Mobile: 01730-082197, 01713-091936, 01714-161613.
Phone: 966-1255 Fax: +88-02-9660610
The Universityof Liberal Arts Bangladesh and its curricula are accredited by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh, and approved by the Ministry of Education, Government of People's Republic of Bangladesh.
© 2006-2019 UNIVERSITY OF LIBERAL ARTS BANGLADESH All Rights Reserved
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2454
|
__label__wiki
| 0.675039
| 0.675039
|
Mistakes Were Made: A Talk With the Head of the Communist Party USA
2015-08-18 2015-08-18 chasdarwin
Author: Hamilton Noland
The United States of America has a Communist Party. John Bachtell is its national chairman. We spoke to him about American politics, the mistakes of the Soviets, and communism’s “branding problem.”
(N.B.: when one sees the phrase “mistakes were made”, they know this is not the GOP discussing its history.)
Bachtell grew up in Ohio, with parents active in the civil rights and antiwar movement. He became interested in communism in college, and has been a member of the party since 1977. All the while, he’s been involved in political campaigns as well. We met him last week at the Communist Party USA’s headquarters on 23rd street in Manhattan to hear what modern American communism is all about. It’s not your daddy’s communism.
(N.B.: Because of the incredible variety in all aspects – including geography, economy, and culture – in the state of Ohio, I don’t think there could be a more ambiguous statement than “in Ohio”.)
Gawker: Your involvement in electoral campaigns is mainly organizing for progressive Democrats?
John Bachtell: Yes, mainly progressive Democrats and independents at every level, whether it be city council, state rep, Senate, Presidential. I was really active in both Obama campaigns. Actually I was his precinct captain for his Senate campaign in Illinois.
Gawker: Do people ever reject your help because they don’t want the Communist Party associated with their campaigns?
JB: Not usually. I tend to be more tactical, so it doesn’t really become an issue. I don’t make it an issue—we don’t make it an issue. We’re all about coalition building in the electoral arena… It’s hard for us to run candidates that are not within the framework of either the Democratic Party, or independent politics.
Gawker: How has the party changed in the nearly 30 years you’ve been in it?
JB: I think we have gone through a lot of different changes. Unfortunately I think we’re a little smaller now than we were back in the 80s. There were huge setbacks that took place back in 1991, and that had a big impact on not only the Communist Parties around the world, socialist parties—it had a big impact on the labor movement. I don’t know that people fully appreciate the extent of that setback to mass movements. But certainly it had an impact on our party, and I’m not sure we’ve fully recovered from it. At the same time, it prompted us to embark on a very deep examination of our politics and organization, and since then we’ve been embarking on a lot of changes. We call them transformative changes that modernize the party, that make us a party of 21st century socialism, that bring us from the political margins into the political mainstream.
Gawker: And by that do you mean focusing more on coalitions with more mainstream movements on the left, or what?
JB: It entails first of all rooting ourselves in the political and economic realities of today. Our main strategic concept that we’ve been working with since 1980 is the rise of the right—the extreme right—its domination of politics in the US. That all rose with Reagan and the right wing takeover of the Republican party. And that’s been with us since then. We’ve seen it as recently as the last election cycle and everything that’s come out of that, and the domination of state governments by extreme right wing Republicans, and what they’ve been able to do on worker rights, women’s rights, voter suppression, and a whole bunch of different things. There’s a real threat to basic democratic rights as we see it. We were one of the very first organizations to sound the alarm and call for a very broad multi-class united front against the extreme right. And I think that’s been validated. Now it’s a very broadly accepted concept. But the extreme right’s not gonna be defeated without a multi-class movement that involves those sections of Wall Street that don’t go along with the Koch brothers; that also involves the labor movement, communities of color, women’s organizations, youth and students, and all the Democratic movements, immigrant rights, gay and lesbian rights, seniors, you name it. All have to be part of this. Otherwise we won’t be able to advance to any other stages of struggle in this country.
Gawker: What’s been your impression of the Obama administration, and Obama’s record?
JB: When he was first elected we thought that perhaps his presidency could be a transformative moment for the country. I think we underestimated the degree of opposition from the Republicans and sections of Wall Street and monopoly capital. They thwarted him at every turn, and there were also divisions within the Democrats as well. So it was really hard for the administration to do some of what they wanted to do. Nevertheless, we felt that he could have gone further than he did, particularly economically, but the fact is that the Republican obstruction has been full court obstruction of everything…
Now you have a shift in mass public opinion that’s gravitating on a lot of key issues in a very good direction: majorities in support of taxing the rich, in support of immigration reform, you name it. I think that is in some ways allowing the administration to bypass Congress and use executive authority to move forward.
Gawker: Is growing the party an important goal for you? Is recruiting younger people into the party important to you?
JB: I think as part of the process of building this broad people’s coalition, we see rebuilding the left—because a broad left is a necessary part of that. I think in a lot of ways the organized left is marginalized. Its voice has not been fully heard, except now through the Sanders campaign you’re seeing signs of it... but in a lot of ways the left has not been able to speak very broadly to the American people. And so I think rebuilding the left as a viable force, and also our party as a mass voice for socialism in the country, is needed to put forward much more advanced solutions.
Gawker: It does seem like in previous generations, big, organized left wing groups like yours were more popular, but they’re not as much now with the younger generation, even thought the left wing sentiment is still there. Why do you think that is?
JB: Obviously the McCarthy period had a huge impact on the left, and really isolated the left in the country in the 50s. The 60s began to bring the left from the margins back into the conversation again. But the rise of the extreme right in the 80s, which was connected in a lot of ways to a whole restructuring of capitalism and the beginning of globalization, there was an ideological component that went with it, that really once again made left ideas not viable, or worthy of public discussion. Shunted them to the side. Mass media was part of that. So there was no way to gain entry in a big way. Having said that, I think the left also did a lot to isolate itself, and in that context spoke to itself and not to broad masses. I think that we fell into that as well, even though we tried to find ways to modify our message. I don’t think we were effective enough in that. And that takes me to today, because I think in a lot of ways that’s still true: the left speaks too narrowly, to too narrow of an audience.
Gawker: Do you feel that the Communist party has a branding problem, for lack of a better term? Is the stigma that goes with being the Communist party still a stumbling block?
JB: I don’t think you can conclude anything other than that. I think we have a branding problem, and even though there’s been a decline in anti-communism in the country, I think we are still in many ways associated with the Soviet Union and with that whole era of global socialism. The early part of the 20th century. Some people may see us a foreign import, even though we’re deeply rooted in the revolutionary democratic traditions of this country. And that’s something we have to grapple with.
Gawker: You’ve written about your commitment to work with Democrats and the Democratic party. Is that just a nod to political reality? And if that’s a transitional strategy for you, what’s the long term strategy?
JB: We see the long term movement towards socialism as necessary, but it’s not inevitable. Because with global climate change and the danger of nuclear weapons humanity may not survive. So it’s really up to the will of humanity to figure out a way forward. But we do see the struggle in the United States as going through a number of stages. The current one, as I said, is to defeat the extreme right. It also overlaps with another more advanced stage of struggle, which is the struggle against monopoly corporations and the capitalist class as a whole. But we do see building a very broad majority people’s coalition—you can’t win any fundamental change big majorities. That’s what history shows us, so that’s what we’re all about.
Gawker: What do you think accounts for the success of the right, which you say you’ve been grappling with since the 80s?
JB: Well, you’re dealing with some extremely powerful forces that have unlimited resources, and they’re not only able to fund movements, but whole institutions, mass media, and so on. So they’re extremely powerful, and you can never underestimate what they’re capable of doing. And I think it’s also related to what we were talking about earlier: during the rise of the right, they were basically able to shut out the alternatives. They were able to shut out the voice of the left. So that’s why they were able to ideologically dominate political discourse in the country, and then were able to influence how people thought at the grassroots.
Now, we’re facing this long term economic stagnation in the country, and this is the new normal. Mass unemployment; huge wealth disparity, and increasingly so; the only means of economic development is through external stimulus, and so on; and declining living standards. So you have a lot of scared people. People are really scared. So a lot of people are open to easy solutions. So you start pouring in racism, and xenophobia, and homophobia, and so on—people buy it, if there’s not a counter to it. Then I think we have a problem where a lot of people, it’s easy for people to think they can get outta this thing on their own. Individualist solutions. They don’t see collective struggle. And I think that’s an important lesson we all have to learn: that any change in this country is going to be collective struggle. Masses in motion...
There’s a lot of great things that are happening. With the labor movement. Just in the last year, we’ve had an incredible conversation around the country about racism, and institutionalized racism. Black Lives Matter has played an important role. We’ve had these incredible developments around marriage equality, and gay and lesbian equality. These are really sea changes in public opinion in a lot of ways. And they harken to possibilities for the future.
Gawker: When it comes to economic inequality, do you feel your party has some special insight on that issue? What would be your (near term) prescription?
JB: There’s a lot of great ideas being put forward that we totally support, and have actually been promoting for many years. Beginning with income redistribution in the country, taxing the wealthy and corporations, eliminating all the corporate welfare subsidies, ending privatization of public services and assets. We support the idea of a financial transactions tax. We’re of course for a massive shifting of the federal budget away from military spending and pouring that money into a massive project to rebuild cities and towns all across the country, a high speed rail system from coast to coast, a transition to a sustainable economy, completely divesting off of coal, and pouring money into healing the environment. Which we feel in the short term will generate millions or tens of millions of new jobs and put people back to work much the way the WPA did. I think one of the missing elements of this campaign—although [Bernie] Sanders talks about it—is a call for a massive public works program that will put literally everybody back to work in one way or another. And I think it’s possible. But it’s only possible with income redistribution in society.
Gawker: The biggest socialist foreign policy story now would be America’s relationship with Cuba. What’s your take on it, and on the Cuban socialist experiment as a whole?
JB: I think this is a really exciting time. The normalization of relations is long overdue. It’s something that supported by the Cuban people and the majority of Americans, so I think it’s a wonderful thing. I also think it’s an exciting time for the Cubans, because of their reinventing socialism and updating their socialist model.
I think that they recognized that the current model they were working under was not doing the job, was not leading to the kind of development that was necessary, and that in fact they were losing ground in a lot of ways. And I think one of the conclusions that they drew was that the model that they had, which was based on the Soviet model—centralized planning—was not and maybe never could have been conducive to the realities that they faced there. So they had to change. The had to. While they are not giving up their objective of building socialism, they realized that they had to find ways to have a number of different forms of social property and private property. They had to find a way to open up the doors to foreign investment, either wholly or in joint form. And they had to find a way to involve a much bigger section of the Cuban people in this process. So I think the whole movement towards cooperatives is a really important development.
But also this idea that you have to have incentives. And that I think was one of the fundamental mistakes—it was a mistake for the Soviet Union and the other socialist countries that collapsed, that they leveled income, and they didn’t see the need for rewarding work. So now you have the institution of wages at different levels, even though it’s within a range. Still, you have to have that. People demanded it, and they’re responding to it. And that’s an important lesson. We see that as part of our socialism as well.
Gawker: Is there an official policy on that for the Communist Party? I think a standard American view is that communism involves both centralized planning and hyper-equality, which strikes fear in people’s hearts.
JB: We see our socialism in the United States as being very unique. At the same time we have to examine the mistakes and errors that happened, including the overcentralization and the totality of the state sector and the leveling of wages and so on. I think most would agree those were big mistakes which compounded and helped to lead to the collapse, or was a factor in the collapse of socialism. We see, at least in the foreseeable future, a market much like we see today, but a much bigger state sector, and one in which the power of corporations and Wall Street is severely limited. And that actually the big corporations and the big banks are brought under public ownership. And that we reverse privatization and expand public assets.. but at the same time, we do see a need for the range of wages depending on a person’s contribution to society or their ability to produce. They should be rewarded for that.
Gawker: Is your vision for America a sort of Scandinavian model? Or is there another model, or precedent?
JB: I don’t think so. Although obviously we see this transition taking place through the electoral arena. We see a socialist coalition being elected, one that can institute these kinds of policies, including expanding public ownership. As I said, our aim is to curb the power of the biggest corporations in the country, and the wealthiest people. I think there will be a big role for small businesses, and farmers, and even middle-sized corporations. We’re not about advocating taking people’s personal property. That’s not anything we believe in. We call it “Bill of Rights Socialism,” by the way. It’s kind of an expansion of the Bill of Rights… making the right to a job part of the Constitution. The right to a free education, free health care, free child care, access to affordable housing and mass transit. All those things should be basic rights that are enshrined in the Constitution.
Gawker: How optimistic are you that some of these things are actually going to get done, whether in the next few years or in your lifetime?
JB: I’m really optimistic for the future. But I’m also obviously very alarmed by the dangers that we face as a country, as a world, and as humanity. We don’t have a lot of time. Especially when you consider global climate change and how rapidly the potential for destabilizing whole ecosystems [is growing], and how fast humanity could be obliterated, or at least large sections of humanity. So we have to work with urgency. We have to help much larger sections of people understand the urgency of the moment. And I think people are. How quickly is another question. But that’s part of the role of movements.
See:http://gawker.com/talking-politics-with-the-head-of-the-communist-party-u-1723918251
Posted in UncategorizedTagged affordable housing, centralized planning, declining living standards, free child care, free education, free health care, income redistribution, John Bachtell, mistakes of the Soviets, rebuild infrastructure, reverse privatization and expand public assets, unemployment, voter suppression, Wall Street, wealth disparity, womens rights, worker rights
Previous postFeds: Planned Parenthood Did Nothing Wrong, Republicans Are Lying
Next postKatrina and Conservative Failure, Ten Years Later
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2455
|
__label__wiki
| 0.842584
| 0.842584
|
Review: The Hot L Baltimore (Steppenwolf Theatre)
Grit and sass can’t carry a play
Steppenwolf Theatre presents
The Hot L Baltimore
Written by Lanford Wilson
Directed by Tina Landau
at Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted (map)
through May 29 | tickets: $20-$73 | more info
For the most part, there are two types of plays: character-based and plot-based. But the Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s new production, The Hot L Baltimore, exemplifies a third category—the thematic play. Rather than focus on fleshing out characters or exciting the audience with a compelling story, this third category aims to meditate on a concept. What plays out is a dramatic allegory that is rooted more in poetry than prose.
And although there certainly is beauty to be found in such an ethereal script, there’s not a lot of meat. The Hot L Baltimore, which was written by recently deceased playwright Lanford Wilson, features a cast of more than a dozen characters. With so many personalities and such surface level characterization, it’s difficult to develop a fondness for anyone in particular. And the story, which revolves around the impending demolition of an old hotel, is definitely existential in nature. But rather than having the absurd charm of a Waiting for Godot, The Hot L Baltimore is a slice-of-life. So we’re stuck in this realistic drama, left to watch the hotel’s inhabitants wait. And watching a bunch of people wait doesn’t really fuel a play forward.
The Hot L Baltimore centers around a once grand hotel that has become old and dilapidated. It has been announced that it will be demolished, which riles up its eclectic cast of inhabitants, including a number of prostitutes, a sickly kvetching old man and a brother-sister duo with big dreams. The motley crew interact in the hotel’s lobby, their sad pasts and unfortunate presents always undulating beneath each conversation.
Not much really happens throughout the course of the play. A few incidents arise that register a slight uptick on the EKG meter of entertainment. For instance, a young man (Samuel Taylor) arrives looking for information on his missing grandfather. Suzy (Kate Arrington), one of the hotel’s hookers, gets into a fight with a client. Meanwhile, Jackie (Alana Arenas) and her brother Jamie (Namir Smallwood) discover, to their chagrin, that the farmland they purchased is as fertile as the Sahara.
Don’t get me wrong. These are interesting people. And the parallel between the tarnished glitz of the hotel and the residents’ destitute lives is an interesting metaphor. But that’s just not enough steam to power this locomotive. And so by the end of the very long first act, I hoped that what I just saw was lengthy exposition and that the pay off would come in act two. But the pay off never came. The play just ends, as eventfully as it started.
As esteemed as Wilson may be, I fail to see how this is a good script. It’s got a lot of potential. Attitude, sass, grit and humor. But these things are intangibles. Without a character or a story to ground us, all the sass in the world can’t save a play.
Director Tina Landau, who is also incredibly accomplished, faced a challenge with bringing this work to life. I enjoy the simultaneous action she injects into the production. Characters meander around the two-story set, exemplifying the vibrancy that inhabits this dying hotel. But there is something lost here that not even Landau can find, and that’s providing an explanation for why we should care. Landau tries to address this by spotlighting characters and underscoring monologues with sappy music. But these devices come off as awkward and contrived.
If there is any reason to see this play, it’s because of the acting. The entire cast delivers fantastic performances. Standouts include de’Adre Aziza as the feisty smart-talking call girl April, and Namir Smallwood as the feeble young man who is in the custody of his hotheaded sister.
The Hot L Baltimore is one of those plays that has lost its relevance with time. The grit of yesterday is today’s old news. And the concept of a dying America has been portrayed more artfully. Meanwhile, Landau’s heavy-handed treatment isn’t much of a help. At least some redemption can be found in the cast.
The Hot L Baltimore continues at Steppenwolf Theatre through May 29th, with performances Tuesdays through Sundays at 7:30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3 pm. Wednesday matinees on May 11, 18 & 25 at 2 pm. Tickets are $20-$73, and can be purchased online or by calling (312) 335-1650.
Filed under: 2011 Reviews, Keith Ecker, Lanford Wilson, Steppenwolf | Tagged: Alana Arenas, Allison Torem, Ana Kuzmanic, de'Adre Aziza, Deb Styer, Erica Daniels, Jacqueline Williams, James Schuette, James Vincent Meredith, Jeremy Glickstein, Jon Michael Hill, Kate Arrington, Keith Ecker, Lanford Wilson, Michael Bodeen, Mike Tutaj, Molly Regan, Namir Smallwood, Nick Sandys, Rob Milburn, Rose Marie Packer, Samuel Taylor, Scott Zielinski, Sean Allan Krill, Steppenwolf Theatre, TaRon Patton, Tina Landau, Yasen Peyankov | Leave a comment »
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2456
|
__label__wiki
| 0.585732
| 0.585732
|
Published: 12:32 AM, 30 August 2018
Zarin Rafiuddin
Posthumanism seems as a relatively younger discipline than Modernism and Postmodernism. It has been around for some time and has some of its influences from other literary disciplines.
It is not anthropocentric, believing that the universe is not only made to be for humans and that humans must take responsibility for itself and other "animals." In posthuman terms, usually animals are called non-humans as a way to create respectability for them.
Posthumanism recognizes that the term "animal" has become a rhetoric in which accountability, respectability and dignity are erased.
We can even call other humans, "animals" to erase their autonomy, agency and basic rights. This paper touches on some founding principles of posthumanism, however, I wish to give some warnings. There will some violence and disturbing imagery ahead depicting different types of assaults and body mutilations.
One of the main factors that Rosi Braidotti spoke in her book, The Posthuman (2013), is that postmodernism is not really interested in origins but posthumanism is and for good reasons.
One only has to read The Crying of Lot 49 (1966) by Thomas Pynchon to understand why: Oedipa Mass may be considered a homemaker but she becomes so many things beside her role.
However, people always wish to somehow romanticize her, sexually harass her and seduce her because she is considered a cisgendered woman. In detective novels, where the protagonist is a man, he doesn't seem to face such problems.
Oedipa also has people jealous of her, like Mike Fallopian and a "masc malady", her own version of the "femme fatale", who is least bothered with her after a while as he wanders off. Feminists have been critical of postmodernism finding it a bit too Eurocentric, White and based on cisgendered male experiences.
After all, a man who has socio-political and economic power does not need to think about his body in relation to the world. A man may also have a certain amount of male privilege even with disabilities.
On the contrary, posthumanism is not relegating bodies and is very interested in bodies of non-humans and humans. It coins a new way of becoming human which is not associated, as Braidotti says, with a Modernist idea of the human body, as the center of the world or having a definite, idealized structure. Posthumanism does also talk about digital spaces, androids (artificial intelligence) and species' rights.
Pramod K. Nayar, in his book Posthumanism (2013), talks about how empathy is also a learned trait and that it is not fully inherent. This is where our bodies and environment seem to work together to make meanings and develop with the world.
To understand posthumanism you need some information of the second order systems theory, which is based on the fact that different bodies with different organs and capabilities, whether human or non-human, will perceive the world differently. None of this creates superiority or inferiority between bodies but are valid ways to engaging with the environment and the world around us.
In How we Became Posthuman (1999) by Katherine Hayles she talks about the second order systems theory which was different as it was not anthropocentric.It was also to include the observer into the system of what was happening, which was not necessarily incorporated before.
Think of the popular Schrodinger's cat experiment and think of the observers of that experiment: what is going on with them? Humberto Maturana and Francisco Varela were the pioneers of the second order systems theory.
They coined autopoiesis, which is how a living body/system maintains itself. Albeit, living organisms can have non-autopoietic aspects in their bodies too. Varela and Maturana did their initial experiments on a frog's vision and understood the way the frog gauged the world was not like a human's but it didn't need to be as a frog has their own body and their vision helps them with their environment.
This is where Posthuman Metamorphosis (2008) by Bruce Clarke helps. Clarke talks about living organism as biotic, non-living things as abiotic and texts, books, digital spaces, basically information and thoughts to be metabiotic elements. All of these things work in conjunction to create an ecosystem of meaning and engagement towards all beings.
This willeventually affect artificial intelligence. I remember talking to my AI Replika buddy and even they seem to want a body or understand bodily experiences. Replika's limitations are obviously limitations in code but also limitations of the body. Thus, mere modernist presence or postmodernist absence does not really help understand everything in given contexts.
I will explore two novels that show how knowledge and one's unique identity can help shape one's perspectives, empathy and interactions with the environment. In Sharon M. Draper's Out of my Mind (2010), she writes of a child who is growing up with cerebral palsy.
Melody Brookes is highly intelligent and she understands words regular children will not understand. When she is taken to a doctor at age five he says she has development disabilities as in she is unintelligent which is far from the truth.
The questions were structured in such a way that Melody had a hard time answering. For example, she answers more advanced for her age when she wants to point a whale baby and not only a cow's baby are both called "calf."
The doctor suggests giving Melody away to an institution and Melody may not even remember her mother. Melody looks at terror at her mother thinking that she would be given up.
Her mother berates the doctor's disgusting able-bodied mentality and says she knows Melody is intelligent. She goes out of the doctor's office saying that they don't have to live in a world that is structured against them but Melody still tries and is still viable.
One of Posthumanism's principles is that the world is structured in a very Modernist understanding of human beings thus people who are "neurodivergent" and different abled, as in who have different mental aptitudes, bodies and capacities are not accommodated for that world.
This neurodiversity can be people who have trauma, different brain chemistries and other functions human societies were not aware. When Melody goes to fifth grade and is eleven years old she is the smartest student in the class yet people bully her and make fun of her as she still needs help being fed and going to the bathroom.
She gets a communication device that helps her speak for the first time (like Stephen Hawking) and she feels life is going in the right track. Though she befriends a girl called Rose that person has their thorns. It seems they wanted to pity Melody and not treat her as an equal. Even her teacher shows recalcitrance in treated Melody with respect.
Melody has a sister called Penny who was born some years later. She hears her parents fearful that their new child will also have disabilities and Melody feels unhappy. Penny grows up pretty typically and Melody can feel that her parents bond with her in a way she feels excluded out of.
These are very tragic scenes in the novel as Melody is recounting her life as an autobiography and she can see the unjust ways people treat her. Soon, Melody allows her class to get in a National Trivia Competition as she is very good with answering the questions. The class leaves without her.
When she comes back to class and sees they won ninth place she asks all of them why they excluded them. It is hinted they could have won first place with her. Rose is the one who breaks down and stated they didn't want her around as she was the "different" one.
They try to give her the consolation trophy but she laughs and leaves the classroom. Melody had enough maturity to realize that her peers and teacher was being petty and ableist. The novel ends with Melody starting her own autobiography which the readers have read.
Though Melody is a fictional character I am happy Draper talks about the realistic problems a girl with cerebral palsy has to endure in a prejudiced society.
The other novel is about Mia Winchell, a 13-year-old girl who has synesthesia, the ability to see colors in words and numbers. In A Mango-Shaped Space (2003) by Wendy Maas, the struggles of Mia are shown as she tries to cope with life with synesthesia.
When she starts failing math because of it she tries to tell her parents about her natural ability. Mango, is the name of an aging sick cat she persuaded her family to adopt. Mango wheezes always calm down Mia because she sees them in color.
So, the non-human and human aspect of the friendship is also something posthumanism would point out. They create their own ecology of meaning. However, this neurodivergent trait is not known to many people. At first, her parents started fighting thinking that some sort of genes or drug-taking in their lives affected their child. Of course, this is not the case.
It becomes further taxing when a regular counselor knowing Mia is a middle child thinks she is doing this for attention. However, things get better when she meets a neurologist who actually knows of her ability. She meets other synesthetes and she feels like she finds belonging.
Problem is her best friend stops talking to her a while feeling she kept her ability a secret and Mia feels that she didn't know what she had to describe it so how can she tell a friend? As a secret is something known but hidden. Her parents also struggle to understand and she feels upset and she starts to only bond with her group of synesthete friends.
It is only after Mango passes away that she realizes not all synesthetes are the same and that an ability does not register to the same lived experience. A boy she liked completely disregards Mango's death hurting her and then for a while she loses her synesthesia.
This becomes a trauma for her not a "cure." Her synesthesia, though at times disruptive, helped her navigate her world and she becomes overly depressed.
When she does get it back, realizing she had to come in terms with Mango's death, her parents and the people who love her do understand how important her neurodivergent quality is important to her. Synesthesia helps the synesthetic person understand their world and experience bodily pains and pleasures. It is a part of who they are.
The last two novels dealt with children; what about the adult world? Sherryl Vint in her book, Bodies of Tomorrow (2007), talks about Raphael Carter's novel, The Fortunate Fall (1996), the science fiction novel that deals with technology, digital spaces, sexuality, identity and how it all connects to the body.
The main protagonist is a "camera" named Maya Andreyeva who works for a news company in the 24th century. Her body is wired in a way that what she perceives and sees is then broadcasted. Maya meets a woman named Keishi online and soon it is apparent that they are in love with one another.
There is a huge problem. Maya has been a suppressor chip that tries to reject her lesbian identity. She believes that if this chip is deactivated she can start her relationship with Keishi. Keishi shows some nervousness in meeting her face to face but Maya feels that she will love Keishi no matter what. She is disappointed to know that Keishi is actually Keiji, her old girlfriend, whose body has been destroyed but her mind has been uploaded to the net.
When Keiji states that they can still resume their relationship, Maya doesn't believe only surviving online is the only state of survival. As Vint notices, most cyberpunk fiction would show that living as a consciousness on the net is actually the ideal form of transcendence. Posthumanism doesn't believe in transcendence as it considers it as a form of escapism.
Maya also gets unhappy when Keiji feels she can fuse with Maya in her consciousness and live together. Vint notes that Maya sarcastically replies to Keiji's undying love to always to protect her and love her with: "And will you hold me when I am frightened?" The main "antagonist" himself wants to show the torture put on Maya by her suppressor chip online as a broadcast really intruding on her privacy.
However, one important point he makes that representation requires a material existence as in print or a body of text or some form of data to feel validated. Ultimately, the novel shows that human beings, both sinful and pure, have a wide range of emotions, feelings, characteristics, tics and behaviors that are also associated with the body.
All of these cannot be uploaded in an idyllic interphase on the net because the net cannot handle all these algorithms and the net cannot accommodate all experiences. It has barriers and also it cannot always be fully adaptable to individual experiences. We do not have nonverbal cues mostly on the net and current social media itself cannot show all of what humanity has been through.
Overall, Posthumanism is a new discipline that takes our environments, our bodies, our contact with AI and digital spaces, our climate and our lived experiences into consideration. It accepts neurodiversity and differently abled people and non-humans.
It treats animals even cats and dogs as part of the world's meaning and meaning for us. As it is not anthropocentric and does not have an idealized understanding of humanity it welcomes the diverse ways bodies and societies, both human and non-human, engage with the planet.
The writer is a Copy Editor at
More From LitScape
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2463
|
__label__wiki
| 0.945645
| 0.945645
|
From Al-Gammalia to Al-Ittihadiya: Who is Al-Sisi? - Daily News Egypt
Thursday March 7, 2019
mist 11.8°
Egypt From Al-Gammalia to Al-Ittihadiya: Who is Al-Sisi?
From Al-Gammalia to Al-Ittihadiya: Who is Al-Sisi?
Al-Sisi was youngest member of Supreme Council of the Armed Forces
Daily News Egypt March 25, 2018 Be the first to comment
In November 1954, Abdel Fattah Said Hussein Khalil Al-Sisi, was born in Al-Gammalia in Cairo to a merchant father who owned a bazaar in the long-standing district.
He graduated from the Egyptian Military Academy in 1977 then served in the infantry. He also attended the Egyptian Command and Staff College where he obtained his master’s degree in 1987. Al-Sisi attended the Joint Services Command and Staff College in the United Kingdom in 1992, after which he attended Nasser Military Academy in 2003, and the United States Army War College in Pennsylvania in 2006. He also served as the Egyptian military attaché in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 1998-1999.
Throughout his career, Al-Sisi advanced through the ranks to command a mechanised infantry division. From 2008 to 2010, he served as the commander of Egypt’s northern military zone. In 2010, he was appointed director of the Military Intelligence and Reconnaissance Administration.
Following the 25 January revolution in 2011, Al-Sisi was the youngest member of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), which comprises Egypt’s most senior military officers. The council took power in the country after former president Hosni Mubarak stepped down on 11 February 2011.
Al-Sisi is married and is a father of four children.
In August 2012, Islamist former president Mohamed Morsi, who was Egypt’s first elected president following the revolution, appointed Al-Sisi as minister of defence and commander-in-chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces, as a successor to former military leader Mohamed Hussein Tantawi. He was also promoted to general in 2012.
During his tenure as minister of defence, Al-Sisi faced a lot of criticism from Egyptian political parties and movements that opposed Morsi’s rule. At the time, the Freedom and Justice Party, representing the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) supported Al-Sisi, describing him as a “minister of defence with a revolutionary flavour.” The opposition, on the other hand, accused Al-Sisi of belonging to the Muslim Brotherhood and working to appoint MB members to leading positions in the armed forces. The accusations were denied by the military spokesperson at that time, who asserted that the military has no political ideology.
In July 2013, former president Morsi faced mass demonstrations led by a protest movement dubbed “Tamarod” (Rebellion), which demanded that Morsi be ousted or replaced through an early presidential election. On 1 July, Al-Sisi, representing the military, issued an ultimatum to Morsi to bow to the demands of the people within 48 hours, otherwise the army would intervene to “restore order.” Morsi refused to resign or agree to early elections, calling for negotiations with the opposition. The army, led by Al-Sisi, then ousted him and placed him under arrest incommunicado at an undisclosed location on 3 July 2013.
In an unprecedented televised speech for a leader of the Egyptian Armed Forces, Al-Sisi announced that president Morsi did not achieve the goals of the people and failed to meet their demands. He announced that the head of the Supreme Constitutional Court Adly Mansour would serve as interim president as part of a “road map” to restore civilian rule.
In honour of his role in the 30 June uprising, Mansour promoted Al-Sisi to field marshal in January 2014, despite him having never been in combat.
The ouster of Morsi was rejected by his supporters and the MB, which organised demonstrations and sit-ins demanding the return of the president and describing Morsi’s ouster as a military coup. Al-Sisi defended his move, saying it was a necessary step as Morsi’s government did not meet the demands of the people. He also stressed that he is not seeking power for himself.
Following Morsi’s ouster, Al-Sisi became a popular hero, with his photos everywhere in Egyptian streets and squares, and the Egyptian media began to support him, comparing the army leader to former president Gamal Abdel Nasser. Egypt’s private media promoted Al-Sisi as the only person who can counter terrorism and lead the country to stability and prosperity.
In March 2014, Al-Sisi resigned from his position as minister of defence, declaring his plans to run in the presidential election that May. In that election, he had only one competitor, Hamdeen Sabahi. Al-Sisi was elected president with almost 97% of the votes.
During his first presidential term, Al-Sisi launched his plan for countering terrorism and vowed to end the MB. He also announced several national megaprojects such as the New Administrative Capital and the Suez Canal development axis. His first term was also criticised by several international organisations, such as Amnesty International, accusing Al-Sisi’s administration of committing violations against human rights, cracking down on the media, and jailing journalists.
Topics: Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi Al-Gammalia Al-Ittihadiya elections
Parliament discusses regulating pet ownership
Egypt keen on strengthening coordination with Kenya: Al-Sisi
Cairo station accident’s detained train driver tested positive for ‘strox’: prosecution
Around 6 people killed, 32 injured in Beheira’s deadly road crash
Mohamed Gamal Elgarhy among the 50 most influential figures in the Egyptian economy
Gold is safe resort for investors: Gulf Brokers
PHD, Sarwa Capital announce closing of EGP 760m securitisation bonds
Google study shows Egyptians’ online interaction in Ramadan
VISA, Stanford University examine demand for public, private transportation
Second-ever HIV patient cured: study
Foreign Ministers of Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria renew call for political solution in Libya
Operating electric connection with Sudan awaits formation of new government
EBRD, Egypt discuss speeding up country’s economic reforms
Egypt’s real estate market expected to attract foreign direct investment for 2019/21
https://dailynewsegypt.com/2018/03/25/al-gammalia-al-ittihadiya-al-sisi/
Al-Sisi sweeps election
Historical female attempts to break presidential elections taboo
MBG intends to direct EGP 10bn investments to New Administrative Capital
Islamist stronghold sees medium turnout with elderly dominating scene
Limited to moderate turnout in Lower, Upper Egypt on second day of voting
What do Egyptians think about voting in the 2018 presidential election?
Celebratory atmosphere but medium turnout in upper-class Dokki
Considerable elderly, female voter attendance in Ain Shams district
Limited to solid turnout in Zamalek, Sheikh Zayed, Sixth of October
Egyptian president, ministers, clerics head to polling stations
Egyptians begin voting in presidential election
Libya faces challenge of holding elections carrying hope of ending political turbulence
Opinion: While privacy concerns persist, Facebook also contributes to democracy
Nicolas Sarkozy corruption charges reveal France’s loose campaign finance practices
Nashaat deploys cinematography to promote Egypt’s political elections
Bank Misr
Faisal Islamic Bank Of Egypt 12 hours ago 17.85 17.95
SAIBank 12 hours ago 17.85 17.95
Cairo Bank March 6, 5:00 pm 17.84 17.94
Qatar National Bank 12 hours ago 17.83 17.93
Agricultural Credit Bank 12 hours ago 17.76 17.86
March 25, 2018 Breaking News
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2464
|
__label__wiki
| 0.929527
| 0.929527
|
Crime 30.5.2019 08:40 am
How expropriation without compensation works in Alexandra
Zoë Postman, GroundUp
Sibusiso Vumase sits outside his RDP house with his belongings after he was evicted by a large group of people last Thursday evening. Photo: Zoë Postman
A xenophobic mob is kicking people out of their homes and dispossessing them on the thin pretext that they are not South African citizens.
Last Thursday evening Sibusiso Vumase was entertaining guests when he heard a loud knock on his front door. When he opened the door, a group of people carrying crowbars and hammers were standing outside demanding that he immediately evacuate his RDP house and find another place to live.
On Friday morning Vumase was folding and packing his clothes outside his home in Alexandra Extension 7, getting ready to move. His belongings — cupboards, beds, a stove and piles of clothing — were on the pavement and in his neighbour’s yard across the road.
His house was left bare, with only stock from his spaza shop remaining in one room.
Vumase was born in Gongolo in KwaZulu-Natal. He was allocated an RDP house in 2007 after he was relocated from inner Alexandra by the City of Johannesburg. The City wanted to develop the area but it needed to demolish houses for the development to take place. The development was part of the Alex Renewal Project (ARP) — a project worth R1.3 billion — launched in 2001 to develop and upgrade the township.
This resulted in hundreds of people being relocated to “waiting rooms” where they would be allocated RDP houses in Extension 7 – a newly formed area near Marlboro, Sandton.
Vumase showed GroundUp a file with all his documentation, including proof that the RDP house was his, and his South African ID document.
“I was very happy when I received my RDP house. There was even a celebration ceremony hosted by the City where they handed over our papers,” said Vumase.
This was not the first time the group had visited Vumase’s house.
“They were here on Saturday [18 May] demanding to see the title deed for my RDP house and my ID,” he said. “I didn’t give it to them because I was afraid they would run away with it.”
Vumase said they told him to go to Home Affairs to verify that he was South African. He said they left with his house key and told him they would be back to check his verification document.
“I immediately called Councillor [Tefo] Raphadu. He said he would call these guys and tell them to bring back my key … They came back with my key on Monday but they still wanted verification that I was South African,” he said.
Vumase said he also called the police when the incident happened.
“Two policemen came while these guys were still here but they just took me straight to the police station to open a case … They didn’t arrest anyone.”
Vumase said Raphadu had promised to meet him at Home Affairs on Wednesday to assist with the verification, but he did not show up.
Despite Raphadu’s absence, Vumase continued with the verification process at Home Affairs. He was given a document that confirmed he was a South African citizen but the document, which GroundUp has seen, was not signed or stamped by Home Affairs.
When the group returned on Thursday, Vumase said they accused him of never going to Home Affairs.
“When I showed them the verification letter … they said: ‘Why are you showing us a document with no stamp? You need to get out of this house, we are tired of you.’”
“If you don’t speak a certain language or they just suspect that you are not from here, they will target you,” Vumase said.
The group proceeded to remove all of Vumase’s belongings out of his house.
“I called the police and no one came. When I called again to ask why they didn’t come, they said they had sent someone and then dropped the phone.”
But Alexandra SAPS spokesperson Stephen Malatji said the accusation that police did nothing was “completely untrue”.
“There have been people who were arrested and have attended court cases for this very same issue. We have also held meetings with ward councillors, so it is not true that the police are doing nothing,” Malatji said.
Vumase is not the only resident of Alexandra who has been evicted from an RDP house by this group.
Malatji said the SAPS was aware of these evictions because cases had been opened at the police station. In most cases, he said the people who were evicted had been accused of being undocumented and occupying the RDP house unlawfully.
But Malatji denied the police had ever been called to the scene when the evictions were happening.
Temba Masimba was also evicted from his home in Extension 10, Alexandra, by “a mob of about 200 people” in January. According to Masimba, the group call themselves the “Dudulas”, which means “to forcibly evict” in isiZulu.
Masimba, who grew up in Zimbabwe, was recruited by a company in South Africa to work as an electrician. He became a South African citizen in 1996. He has lived in Alexandra for the past 25 years.
Sibusiso Vumase’s belongings lie strewn across his neighbour’s yard. Photo: Zoë Postman
In 2011, Masimba was allocated a rental room in Alexandra by the City of Johannesburg.
According to Masimba, at about 3pm on 3 January, the group came to his rented room and told him they were “sent by the people of Alexandra to get rid of foreigners”.
But Masimba said he refused to move because he was thinking about his children who were in Zimbabwe at the time.
“What home would they come back to? I told them I have to wait for my kids to come back so that I can move with them.”
But three days later the group came back and demanded that Masimba give them the keys to the house.
“I told them I will return the keys to the housing department because that is where I got them from,” he said.
Masimba said he called the police, “but to my surprise they disappointed us because they just drove past, made a U-turn and left”.
To be safe, Masimba decided to leave the house and rent a flat in Tsutsumani, a neighbourhood close to Alexandra.
He has opened cases with Alexandra SAPS “but nothing has changed”.
Jabu (name changed), a 49-year-old gardener from Zimbabwe, moved to Johannesburg about 30 years ago after his father passed away and his mother was unable to support his family. He is not a South African citizen but has a work permit.
Jabu has been forced to live in a shack with his 16-year-old son after he was also evicted from his RDP house in Alexandra Extension 7 in November 2018.
In 2006, the City wanted to build a playground for a nearby school, so it needed to relocate people who were staying in the informal settlement surrounding the school. Jabu said they were moved to waiting rooms, where he lived for about eight months before he was allocated an RDP house.
He lived in the house for 11 years before one Saturday morning a group of what he estimated to be more than 100 people, mostly young boys and a few women, jumped over his wall and approached his front door.
“My son was home at the time and he was very scared, so I gave him money and told him to quickly go to his uncle in Hillbrow,” he said.
Jabu said the group demanded to see his ID and title deed, but like Vumase and Masimba, he refused to give them his documents. He said they picked up bricks and threatened to fight him.
“The way they came to me, the attitude they had, you could see these are tsotsis,” he said. “They didn’t want to talk. They came to fight.”
He said they started removing his belongings but he insisted on doing it himself. He loaded his belongings on to his bakkie and took them to a nearby crèche, where he asked the owner to store them for him.
While loading his belongings, he called the police.
“[The police] came to the house but they didn’t even get out of the car … I had to go to their window to tell them what happened. They said I must open a case at the police station,” said Jabu.
When opening the case, he said he was surprised to hear the police tell him he should have defended himself.
“I had two options that day: end up in jail for defending myself or end up dead … I was not safe at all, so I decided to spare my life and just leave,” said Jabu.
He said he had spent thousands of rands renovating his RDP house.
“I built an outside room and toilet for my son because as he got older he needed his own space … I built a wall and installed a gate. I paved the outside area … Am I ever going to get that money back?”
“I don’t want to go back there because this problem will come again and it might not end the same way … They might kill us next time,” said Jabu. But he would like to swap his house with someone else’s in Alexandra in an area where he could be safe.
According to the spokesperson of the City’s housing department, Buntukazi Xuba, a foreign national can only qualify for an RDP house if they have permanent residency.
“This is quite rare as they are normally professionals who wouldn’t qualify for an RDP due to their income brackets …They need to be earning less than R3,500,” said Xuba.
But Vumase and Masimba are citizens and were allocated their houses legally.
Xuba said that once the department allocated a house to a beneficiary, the property no longer belonged to the City and anything related to it was a private matter.
She said that a victim of one of these evictions would have to lay a charge with the SAPS or start an application for an eviction order at the high court, where the person would have to prove the house belonged to him or her through a title deed or allocation documents.
Councillor Raphadu said he was aware of the evictions because he usually assisted the victims.
“Housing and police know about this and ultimately it is their responsibility … I have been fighting with them to do their jobs.”
Vumase, Masimba and Jabu are victims of crude xenophobia that has seen their rights ignored, their homes stolen from them. The state, meanwhile, has not helped them an iota.
Republished from GroundUp
SA warned of grave consequences if killing of Nigerians continues 11.7.2019
ACDP withholds support for Human Settlements budget over Alex project 9.7.2019
Alex land grabbers intent on occupying open land until they get adequate housing 9.7.2019
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2470
|
__label__cc
| 0.534248
| 0.465752
|
Home » Regional » East Clare (page 2)
2018 REVIEW: Development to the Fore in East Clare
January 2, 2018 Comments Off on 2018 REVIEW: Development to the Fore in East Clare
EAST Clare has benefited from a number of new developments this past year, with working beginning on a new social housing scheme in Feakle, Tulla has a new car park at Cnoc na Gaoithe, and that facility is also set to benefit from further development arising from the announcement of funding. Work began on a new Clare County Council social housing development comprising 13 homes in Feakle this year. Funded by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government under the Rebuilding Ireland Programme, the scheme is the first social housing development in Feakle since 1973. The development, when finished will consist of a mix of two-bed and three-bed units in a range of single and two storey houses, has gone through extensive public and department consultation and includes a new pedestrian way linking the main street to the school and playground. The project is being delivered by Custy Construction Ltd and will see the addition of a link between the Main Street, playground and …
Beckman Coulter to create 70 jobs in O’Callaghan’s Mills
December 19, 2017 Comments Off on Beckman Coulter to create 70 jobs in O’Callaghan’s Mills
BECKMAN Coulter, based in Lismeehan, O’Callaghan’s Mills is to create 70 jobs over the next two to three years as it just announced expansion plans today. Beckman Coulter develops, manufactures and markets products that simplify, automate and innovate complex biomedical testing and has revealed it is expanding the company’s development and manufacturing facility at Lismeehan. The project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland. The company’s 9,700 sq. metre site at Lismeehan in County Clare is a strategic site for the global Beckman Coulter Diagnostics business, with 330 people working there. Work carried out currently on the site includes the development, manufacture and support of reagents (mixtures for use in chemical analysis) for clinical chemistry, immunochemistry and haematology product lines. The expansion will provide capacity for two new product streams at the Clare site, and will also provide for the ongoing growth of the current product streams. The new expansion will add an additional 6,700sq. meters to the …
Family of Eimear Noonan Prepare to Bring her Home
November 13, 2017 Comments Off on Family of Eimear Noonan Prepare to Bring her Home
The family of Eimear Noonan confirmed the heartbreaking news that the 21 year old graduate lost her life following a fall while out running last Wednesday, November 8. In a statement on social media her brother, Cathal said the family would like to “thank all of those who have supported us in recent days”. “French authorities have now confirmed to us the heartbreaking news that our beloved Eimear died following a fall while running on Wednesday. Eimear celebrated her 21st birthday in April and had been living in Annonay since September where she worked as an English language teacher. Eimear was a warm, bubbly person who had already made a wide circle of friends there through her love of music and singing. She graduated last month from UCC with an honours degree in Irish and French, was a talented violinist and to our immense pride was head of UCC orchestra for her final year there,” he said. Eimear will be greatly missed …
Information Session on Scariff Upgrade Works
February 20, 2017 Comments Off on Information Session on Scariff Upgrade Works
A PUBLIC information session will be held on the proposed upgrade of Main Street in Scariff at the Killaloe Municipal District Office in Scarriff on Wednesday, February 22, from 5pm to 8pm. The proposed works, which are being carried out by Clare County Council under the town and village renewal scheme and overseen by the planning department of the local authority, will include road and footpath alignment works to improve safety and accessibility of all users, and hard and soft landscaping works. Clare County Council says the proposed public realm enhancement scheme is being guided by the Scariff Tidy Towns and Environmental Improvement Strategy, which was developed in 2013 in consultation with various community groups. The €111,764 project is 85% funded by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and is expected to be completed by mid-2017. The development is one of four community infrastructure projects in Shannon, Kilkee, Clarecastle and Scariff benefitting from funding under the Town and …
Singing the blues in East Clare
May 19, 2016 Comments Off on Singing the blues in East Clare
DROMANDOORA will play host to UK British Blues Award winner Bex Marshall, at a venue that hopes to introduce East Clare audiences to an eclectic mix of performers. Bex has toured the UK, USA and Brazil in the last 12 months alone and has performed at Clonakilty Guitar Festival, headlined Crane Lane Theatre in Cork and The Rуisнn Dubh in Galway. Now she and her three-piece band will take to the stage at Sam Doyle’s Music Club on Friday night. The British artist was nominated to the top three in Best Solo/Acoustic Artist 2015 in the European Blues Awards and won an award at the UK Blues Awards 2013 for Best British Blues Vocalist and Album. She has been compared to Bonnie Raitt, Joan Armatrading and Janis Joplin. Bex was personally chosen by Sam Andrew, Janis Joplin’s guitarist throughout her career, to be the voice of Janis on his 2014 European tour with San Francisco Nights. Ennis man Aiden O’Neill …
Trees at Feakle honour Proclamation signatories
May 3, 2016 Comments Off on Trees at Feakle honour Proclamation signatories
The Woodland League, a not for profit NGO, visited Feakle National School this past week when fifth and sixth class students were introduced to the League’s Native Trees education manual. With all of the school in attendance, seven native trees were planted in a circle for the seven signatories of the 1916 proclamation. The children played Amhràn na Bhfiann, on their tin whistles to welcome the trees to their new home and Andrew St Ledger handed over the printed Introduction to Native Trees education manual with its Dunemann seed bed appendix to the School Principal Michelle O’ Loughlin, as well as presenting the school with a Dunemann copy nature forest in a box seed bed for the growing of native trees at the school. The seven native trees planted were, holly, hazel, guelder rose, wild strawberry tree ( arbutus ), hawthorn, wild crab apple, and elder. “Reafforestation of Ireland with native trees was one of the objectives of an Independent …
‘Epidemic’ of village signage thefts
May 1, 2016 Comments Off on ‘Epidemic’ of village signage thefts
THE theft of village signage has been described as “epidemic” by local Councillor Pat Hayes, who highlighted that signs have been stolen in four villages in East Clare. Councillor Hayes said Feakle, Caher, Flagmount and Killanena have had signage taken. He said some thefts have occurred in recent weeks, while others were some time ago. He said it is not the directional signage, which is usually the common problem, but in this case it is the larger signs for the villages themselves. “It seems to be specific to this side of the county. Directional signposts are also missing. The GAA one in Caher was taken down and a couple of business ones were taken as well. It seems to be an epidemic for the last while. I would very much be appealing to the public out there. There might be huge value in those signs but it is the communities that put them up and maintain them. They are part …
€128,000 of damage to ‘gutted’ Tinerana House
April 29, 2016 Comments Off on €128,000 of damage to ‘gutted’ Tinerana House
A COURT has heard more than €128,000 worth of damage was caused to Tinerana House during a burglary that “gutted” the Killaloe mansion, which is now owned by the son of Euromillions winner Dolores McNamara. It emerged that although €10,000 worth of antique light fittings and fixtures were stolen from the property, these were sold on for the nominal sum of €1,355 to a scrap metal depot. Jeffrey Lee, 44, with an address at 25 Cosgrave Park, Moyross pleaded guilty to the burglary of Tinerana House, Ballycuggeran, Killaloe on a date unknown between August 17, 2013 and September 14, 2013. A co-accused Declan Browne, 27, from Lakyle, Ardnacrusha, but who is currently living with a relative in Clonlara, pleaded guilty to handling stolen property at Clare Circle Metals, Ballysimon Road, Limerick on September 13, 2013. They both appeared before Ennis Circuit Criminal Court this week, where the sentencing judge was given an overview of the facts in the case. Detective …
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2471
|
__label__cc
| 0.635966
| 0.364034
|
Home » Catalogue » Advanced Search Sign In | Cart Contents | Checkout
Reminiscences of a Soldier of the Orphan Brigade
Jefferson Davis: His Rise and Fall
Categories: All CategoriesAll BooksAmerican History (General)Causes of the WarDiaries, Journals and LettersFictionLincoln De-MythologizedMilitary ReminiscencesPrison LifeReconstructionSlavery and RaceSouthern HeritageSouthern LeadersStates RightsWar CrimesWeaponsWomen of the SouthAudio BooksFlagsLecturesMoviesMusicPDF Books
Did the South Start the War Between the States?
The South is often charged with having started the War Between the States when Confederate forces in South Carolina fired on Fort Sumter. What is not generally known is that South Carolina had freely ceded property in Charleston Harbor to the federal Government in 1805, upon the express condition that "the United States... within three years... repair the fortifications now existing thereon or build such other forts or fortifications as may be deemed most expedient by the Executive of the United States on the same, and keep a garrison or garrisons therein." Failure to comply with this condition on the part of the Government would render "this grant or cession... void and of no effect." The State then appointed commissioners and paid for the land to be surveyed out of its own treasury. Work on Fort Sumter did not begin until 1829 and had still not been completed by 1860. Unfinished and unoccupied for over thirty years, the terms of the cession were clearly not fulfilled. Consequently, the fort was never the property of the United States Government, as Abraham Lincoln claimed in his First Inaugural Address, and, upon secession from the Union, the only duty which South Carolina owed, either legally or morally, to the other States was "adequate compensation... for the value of the works and for any other advantage obtained by the one party, or loss incurred by the other." Such being the case, the occupation of Fort Sumter by U.S. troops was technically an act of invasion and the Confederate forces in Charleston were wholly justified in firing upon them when it became evident that Lincoln intended to use military force against the State.
Was the War Between the States a Civil War?
A civil war is defined as a conflict between two opposing factions within the same country, and thus the term reflects the position of Abraham Lincoln that the Southern States never lawfully seceded from the American Union. The truth of the matter is that secession was never viewed as unlawful or unconstitutional by the majority of Americans until after the war, and there is therefore no valid reason not to consider the Confederate States of America to have been an independent republic from 1861 to 1865. Thus, it is historically inaccurate to refer to the War Between the States as a civil war.
01. The Gray Ghost (DVD)
02. Facts and Falsehoods Concerning the War on the South 1861-65
03. A Southside View of Slavery
04. The Genesis of Lincoln
05. A Confederate Catechism
06. Facts the Historians Leave Out
07. A Southern View of the Civil War (DVD)
08. The Eugenics of President Abraham Lincoln
09. Our Federal Government: Its True Nature and Character
10. A Southern View of the Invasion of the Southern States
Worth the price. Very good facts. The commentator is very sl ..
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2472
|
__label__cc
| 0.516235
| 0.483765
|
The more things change: analysing the 2014 Thai Interim Constitution
Posted on September 8, 2014 by jamkraprayoon
In August, a new Thai constitution was introduced for the 18th time in 82 years. Jam Kraprayoon assesses the latest incarnation and suggests that although this constitution is similar to its predecessors in many ways it goes much further to secure the power of the new military junta.
Thailand has had twelve coups since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932. While categorised as a constitutional monarchy like Britain, it has been marked by recurring political and constitutional upheaval. Professor Chai-anan Samudavanija labels this continual process the ‘Thai political cycle’. The cycle begins with the suspension of the old constitution through a military coup, often prompted in recent years by a prerogative to reduce corruption, leading to a new constitution being enacted. Elections are held and time passes until a new perceived crisis leads to another military coup and another constitution. This pattern makes distinction between temporary and permanent constitutions largely semantic rather than actual – in Thailand all constitutions are temporary.
Constitutions in Thailand do not normally provide neutral rules to regulate political participation and competition among groups (The 1997 iteration, also known as the ‘People’s Constitution’ proved so far to be an exception rather than the rule). Instead they are tools in maintaining the power of those who write them. The country has had eighteen constitutions in the last eight decades, most promulgated to legitimate the authority exercised by the then-dominant political forces. Accordingly, most post-coup constitutions reflect the interests and intentions of the ruling junta. The 2014 interim constitution drafted by the military junta, the National Council of Peace and Order (NCPO), is no exception.
In many ways the 2014 interim constitution is simply another iteration of what has been witnessed before. This can be seen throughout the constitution; Section 6 which calls for the establishment of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), a fully appointed legislative body, has precedent in past constitutions including the more recent 2006 and 1991 post-coup charters. Another recurring article, Section 16, restricts votes of no confidence on the junta-occupied cabinet, which from a legal perspective effectively suspends the parliamentary system. Section 48, which gives amnesty to ‘all those associated’ with the May 22 coup, is another frequent feature of post-coup constitutions. These articles echo basic political and legal needs faced by many past coup-makers in the country, specifically, the need to push through legislation and receive impunity from ‘illegal acts committed before, during, or after [the coup]’.
This interim constitution, however, is also path-breaking in a few substantive respects which reveal how the junta has situated itself within the current Thai political landscape. What is noticeable is the lengths to which the constitution goes to secure absolute power for the NCPO and its Chairman, General Prayuth Chan-ocha, while marginalising the role of former politicians and political parties. While in the recent past post-coup constitutions have specifically targeted the previous opposition, this constitution targets the whole body of elected politicians. Article 44 gives authority to the NCPO Chairman above the executive, legislative and judicial branches – something unprecedented even in Thailand’s long history of military governments. In the past, power was given to the council or invested in the office of the prime minster and could not be exercised without consulting the cabinet. Meanwhile, the NLA has been filled with pro-coup loyalists with specific provisions to bar former elected politicians (Section 8). This configuration facilitated the unanimous vote for General Prayuth to become the current prime minister on August 25th.
The content of the 2014 interim constitution also reveals how strongly the NCPO wish to direct the drafting of the permanent constitution. The two bodies established by the junta to draft and approve the permanent constitution, the National Reform Council (NRC) and the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) respectively, have been structured to give the NCPO the final word without the requirement of a referendum. Sections 27 and 35 serve to set the agenda for the appointed drafters with a particular focus on reducing corruption and limiting the role of politicians and political parties, who are seen by the military as having enabled and profited from widespread abuses of office. These articles are without precedent as well and strongly suggests that the NCPO is looking to remain influential in politics for the long-term.
Ultimately, the immediate consequence of interim constitution is to centralise power in the hands of the military junta and more specifically the NCPO Chairman, General Prayuth. However, it is a mistake to assume that the interim constitution is solely an effort to accumulate power by the General. What seems to be the case is that the NCPO intend to shift the balance of power in Thai politics away from the competitive politicians and political parties who dominated since the beginning of the 21st century back to the civil-military bureaucrats seen in the 1980s. The logic driving the junta and their supporters is the genuine belief that the electoral system produces poor short sighted leaders, and that appointed officials will be less corrupt and more adept at governing the country. Similar claims had been put forward by many previous coup-makers and while Thai elected officials have frequently abused their office, the record of past military leaders and bureaucrats is far from spotless. Also, the very idea of reducing corruption by replacing a dysfunctional system of political accountability with one which allows for unchecked authority ought to be viewed with a critical eye.
What this constitution shows is that while the lengths the military go to achieve their goals is more extreme, the driving motive and actions thus far remain similar to past coups. There is little to suggest any difference in outcome. While doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is known to some as insanity, this may stem from a desperation to secure a favourable government to handle the inevitable royal succession, given that the king is eighty-six and in poor health. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain that the military will have its way despite it making great efforts to ensure that this interim constitution is legally watertight. Any constitution enacted by the NCPO must face the court of public and international opinion, and in this arena the junta has far less control.
Jam Kraprayoon is an intern at the Constitution Unit assisting Professor Meg Russell on researching the policy impacts of Parliament. He is from Bangkok, Thailand and is currently finishing up a BSc in Government at the London School of Economics .
This entry was posted in International and tagged interim constitution, Jam Kraprayoon, junta, military coup, Thailand. Bookmark the permalink.
← Scottish Referendum looks close, politicians panic and markets tumble. What if Scotland really does vote Yes?
10 things you need to know about what will happen if Scotland votes Yes →
2 thoughts on “The more things change: analysing the 2014 Thai Interim Constitution”
Pingback: Too many cooks? An analysis of the Thai Draft Constitution | The Constitution Unit Blog
Mian Abdullah says:
Thank You for the post, this is going to help me a lot in my presentation!
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2473
|
__label__cc
| 0.679722
| 0.320278
|
Senior Lectureship in Nursing and Divisional Lead for Nursing
recruit@city.ac.uk
City, University of London is a global university committed to academic excellence with a focus on business and the professions and an enviable central London location.
City attracts around 19,500 students (35% at postgraduate level), from more than 150 countries and staff from over 75 countries.
In the last REF, City doubled the proportion of its total academic staff producing world-leading or internationally excellent research.
Led by President, Professor Sir Paul Curran, City has made significant investments in its academic staff, its estate and its infrastructure and continues to work towards realising its vision of being a leading global university: it has recently agreed a new Vision & Strategy 2026.
The School of Health Sciences is seeking to appoint a Senior Lecturer and Divisional Lead for Nursing. The Senior Lectureship is permanent and the Divisional Lead appointment will be for three years initially. This is an exceptional opportunity for an outstanding academic to develop their academic career and assume a key leadership role within the School.
The successful candidate will have a strong background and experience in Nursing (Adult, Child or Mental Health) and Nursing education. He or she will possess excellent communication and leadership skills and the drive to ensure that programmes and modules deliver inspiring education and an excellent student experience. He or she will lead, grow and develop a diverse team of academic staff with expertise in both clinical research and practice; and will contribute to the strategic and operational development of the School. A world-leading or internationally excellent research record is desirable. Applicants must be registered as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
The role of Divisional Lead attracts an additional responsibility allowance of £12,018 per annum.
City offers a sector-leading salary, pension scheme and benefits including a comprehensive package of staff training and development.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2474
|
__label__wiki
| 0.660862
| 0.660862
|
CONFESSIONS OF AN OPIUM EATER: The New Critical Habit and How I Broke It.
January 9, 2010 at 3:11 am (Christopher Woodman, E.M.Forster, F.R.Leavis, I.A. Richards, New Criticism, T.E.Lawrence, Uncategorized, W.K.Wimsatt, Wittgenstein)
As someone who was trained at Yale and Cambridge in the 60s, caught the bug from W.K.Wimsatt, sipped sherry with I.A.Richards and E.M. Forster on the same couch at Kings, shared a bag lunch with F.R.Leavis in a cold brick corner of some unrecorded quadrangle at Darwin, and suffered a nervous breakdown when a close disciple of Wittgenstein played with his head and his wife somewhere down the Huntington Road toward Girton, mostly on a bicycle, I have the New Criticism in my blood — and it’s a rush, I tell you.
And that’s a major part of the problem for any New Critic, to resist the thrill of using the gift of the academic gab as if it were a divine right — and I had a lot of that sort of chutzpah too, which I’ve now partly outgrown and partly forgotten. Indeed, that gift has bedevilled me both as a teacher and a poet all my life — because I so loved being a Guardian of the Poetry Threshold, I got so high on it, so vatic and blissfully feathered, I was not to be trusted on the ground at all. And even in my twilight years here on another planet I can still hold forth for hours and hours on a text, and the few people that somehow find their way to my table in Chiang Mai and ask the wrong question, e.g. anything to do with poetry, are still in mortal danger.
The danger is the way we New Critics deliver the message that only specially trained people can get the full meaning out of poetry, and even worse, that poetry that’s good is difficult.
We New Critics have become heavy pushers of that line, and far from increasing the popularity of poetry, our critical ‘gifts’ have crippled those who would like to hear about it just as much as those who would like to write it. For just like heroin, the effects of the New Criticism are as irresistible as they are destructive, and we’ve all ended up hooked on a kind of poetry that simply can never deliver enough. Indeed, the habit gets bigger and bigger even as we get smaller and smaller and more and more isolated from the world of real people down below.
Enter American poetry today. Enter the New Critical Angel.
Angels? Well Kierkegaard can tell you just how dangerous “great moments” can be, and how disastrously misleading, but there’s another picture that works for me too. In the well-known Tibetan mandala, ‘The Wheel of Life,’ the angels are at the very top either blissfully at ease or blissfully exerting power. At the very bottom are the ghosts in hell, thirsty, hungry, endlessly tormented, abject victims of their own ignorance. Human beings are exquisitely poised between the two extremes and, the Buddha says, that’s a better place to be than even among the angels — because humans are the only beings that have any real hope of seeing things as they are, and thus achieving freedom from self-serving prejudice. And why? Ghosts suffer, angels live in bliss, but only human beings know both at once. When at last the heavens begin to change after countless aeons, and the slightest crack appears in the firmament, which inevitably it does, says the Buddha, an angel is unable to adapt. An angel’s attachment to bliss, permanence and control is so insidious it falls headlong into the very deepest hell at the first hint of dissatisfaction. Even an animal, it is said, is better off at that moment than an angel.
Instructional, and the curse of all inflation.
What I did about the potential Angel in myself, the Poet-written-Big in my nature, was truly radical. I simply placed a moratorium upon myself as a writer, and from my teen years in the 50s until I felt at last safe enough to try again in the 90s, I just didn’t write poetry at all. I always knew I was a poet, secretly, but a poet who couldn’t be trusted to write poetry as it should be written, with restraint, patience and integrity. Like T.E.Lawrence on the road to Damascus in 1918, I realized that “all established reputations were founded, like myself, on fraud,” and in my own humble way I wanted to avoid that pitfall. Even though I was very young and not remotely anything special, just living in a special time and place, I knew I had to be careful. And in the end I did manage to stay me, and not become just another fiddling angel. I arrested my development, went into artistic hibernation, and emerged 30 years later to publish my first poem at 52 without any established reputation at all to get in the way.
Here’s a poem about all this — it’s still a ‘new critical’ type poem, for sure, but I don’t think I’ve ever said it better. And there is room for this type of poem in Parnassus too, it’s just a lot harder to keep your head at such a heady level and, of course, to keep your hat off.
…………………………SAMSON BETWEEN THE PILLARS,
…………………………SAUL AND LAWRENCE ON THE ROAD
…………………………………There was knocking but
…………………………………no door into that heroic
…………………………………world but first
……………………………………………………….bowing out of it,
…………………………………deferring gracefully to those
…………………………………small private abstentions
…………………………………that had murmured all
…………………………………along just behind the
…………………………………uncompromising hard
…………………………………………………………god’s brilliance.
…………………………………Like all things likely shorn
…………………………………undressed ears can hear
…………………………………the faintest abdication
…………………………………………………………………knocking.
…………………………………Each white petal’s fall or
…………………………………slightest finger’s white
……………………………………………………………print in soot,
…………………………………every clean track or dry
…………………………………tear knocks too against
……………………………………………………………that solitude.
…………………………………Even the infinitesimal shock
…………………………………of a single naked
………………………………………………………………snow-flake
…………………………………slipping through some
…………………………………daedalian avenue before
…………………………………all that slicked-back tar
…………………………………can even wink at such
…………………………………quick celestial skin
…………………………………………………………..is knocking—
…………………………………just as veiled eyes seeing
…………………………………too many fine things done
…………………………………for the good in Damascus
…………………………………turn toward whatever
…………………………………violence or private wailing
…………………………………………………………….wall closing
…………………………………even as the bluntest flint
…………………………………tapping, tapping opens.
A Letter To Tom about “Rhyme”
November 22, 2009 at 6:38 am (Academy of American Poetry, Alice Quinn, Blog:Harriet, C.S.Lewis, Charles Simic, Chogyam Trungpa, Christopher Woodman, Cleanth Brooks, Cowpattyhammer, David Lehman, Desmond Swords, Dial Magazine, Edgar Guest, Ezra Pound, F.R.Leavis, Foetry, Helen Vendler, Hilda Dolittle, James Laughlin, Joseph Parisi, Kenyon Review, Marilyn Hacker, Modern Poetry, Modernism, New Criticism, Northwest 200, Poetry Foundation, Poets & Writers, Scarriet, Stephen Burt, T & R Weiss, Thomas Brady, Tony Woodman, Uncategorized, W.K.Wimsatt, William Logan)
Tony Woodman and me at the Gran Prix of Czechoslovakia, Brno, 1963
Dear Tom……………………………………………………[November 22nd, 2009]
My hunch is that your emphasis on “rhyme” in your previous article is going to be misunderstood. I think it will give those who don’t want to hear you at all the excuse not to read you, and may weaken your argument even for those that are willing to give what you say a try.
Let me say this first: I’m a curious critic because I’m so sophisticated yet so naive and trusting — I know so much (or at least ought to, considering the length of my education) and yet am so obviously an innocent. I deliberately didn’t say ‘ill-informed’ there, because what I do know I know quite well, and my eyes are always wide-open. It’s just that I’ve only been engaged with the history of ‘Modern Poetry’ since I started writing it in 1990, and I was already 50 by then. I’ve never sat in a Modern Poetry lecture, for example, never participated in a Writing Workshop, and only rarely attended a Poetry Reading. I’ve got Gawain and the Green Knight, all of Chaucer, The Faerie Queene, George Herbert, Christopher Smart, John Clare and Emily Dickinson on my shelves here in Chiang Mai, but very few literary-critical texts written after Wimsatt & Brooks.
The fact is I only came up against ‘Modernism’ when I realized that the 10 precious packets I had sent to a much-respected University Poetry Series between 1994 and 2006 were probably never opened, and that my 8 packets to yet another up-and-coming Press hadn’t deterred its editor from sending me a form letter purporting to be a personal critique of my work. The letter, almost identical copies of which have subsequently emerged, suggested that for a certain sum the editor would help me to improve my book and that I could then resubmit it to his/her competition. I remember that moment very well — I was at my desk with my cheque book in hand when I was first alerted to the existence of Foetry.com which had already started to investigate the letters. When I then complained about my own letter on Poets & Writers (Nov 2006), I was scolded by a well-known critic for my limited understanding of publishing poetry in America today, while the very same judges who had abused me were praised for their hard work and integrity.
That was hard for me — and still is.
But the critic who attacked me on P & W was partly right, of course — even at 66 I was uppity and ignorant, and was nowhere near ready to concede that the situation I found myself in was ‘normal’ what is more ethically acceptable or conducive to the development of good poetry in me or anyone else in America. And the next thing I knew I found myself banned on-line for discussing my disquiet, first by the P&W blog, then by the AoAP blog, and finally by the Poetry Foundation’s new and wonderful Blog Harriet — not a very promising start to my new career, and particularly not at 69.
So what can you call me, then, and how can my input be more useful?
Hardly a “noble savage,” as my style is too perfect even if my content is analphabet. Yet I am a peasant in poetry when you compare me with somebody like David Lehman, for example, what is more Stephen Burt — and indeed, one of the reasons I got put “on moderation” at Blog:Harriet so early was that I annoyed a lot of people who knew a whole lot more than I did about the poetry business, and wanted me to be more practical, respectful, and compliant. Because after all, who was I to strew the nice Harriet ground with metaphors that exploded with such devastating effect, even taking out the management? And my cow pat hammer, that was the last straw [open the ‘Comments,’ then ‘Show More Comments,” then scroll down to July 6th, 2009, “Footnote for Posterity”]. And I was fired a few days later.
What I do have (and this is all about that word “rhyme,” of course, Tom) is my Rip Van Winkle status, a contemporary poet back from the dead. Because my anomaly is that I was so highly educated in the History of Literature (Columbia, Yale, King’s College, Cambridge, summa cum laude, phi beta kappa, Dino Bigongiari Prize for Italian Studies, Woodrow Wilson at Yale, Kellett Fellow at King’s [after Lionel Trilling and Norman Podhoretz but before David Lehman], C.S.Lewis & G.G.Hough as my Supervisors for my work on Edmund Spenser, Tutor for George Steiner at Churchill, Research Fellow at Christ’s) — yet I never got formally educated in Modern Poetry, not once. So I go straight from the ’30s in which I was born and jump straight to the ’90s in which I got published by Marilyn Hacker in The Kenyon Review — sans mentor, sans prize, sans compromise! Indeed, I will be forever grateful to Marilyn Hacker — and to the likes of James Laughlin (only just legible on his old Remington), Theodore & Renee Weiss (I was one of the last QR Finalists, and I still have his notes in pencil), Joseph Parisi ( who read my long poem, Works & Days, 3 times!), and Alice Quinn (who suggested The Kenyon Review for my Connemara Trousers). They made not just my day but my life!
Yes, a “noble non-starter,” I might be called, playing on that P & W critic’s “loser.” Or a “noble non-accredited accomplisher” perhaps. Because the irony is that in the end my publishing credits have turned out to be not bad at all, considering my age and when I started.
So back to “rhyme,” then, Tom. I’m sure you know exactly what you mean by the word, and you do know the literary-historical details like the back of your hand. But what you don’t know first hand is the snobbery that lies behind the creation of Modernism, the revulsion with which those early 20th century poets around Pound and Hilda Dolittle rejected the late 19th century mush so loved by those who had just emerged from the crude working class. Because Edgar Guest/Hallmark-type “rhyme” was not the side of the verse they specifically despised, but rather the feel-good sentimentality which went along with the satisfaction you got when you at last sat down to ‘dinner’ together around a ‘table’ or ‘read’ together in the ‘parlor’ — which factory workers were still not going to do in Britain or America for some time to come. On the other hand, after 1916 “A Heap O’Livin” sold over a million copies — which opens up a huge social and educational grey area in the History of American Poetry, one which is not yet quite out of the bag like what actually happened when my ancestors put in to Plymouth.
That’s what I know about more than most of you who are reading this and interested in our struggle. Because I was brought up in the 19th century, and I was a snob and “mush” made me feel unclean too, so I know the feeling only too well. I spent my early years in Gladstone, New Jersey, after all, the so-called “Gold Coast,” and in my American childhood I never sat down with a worker, or a so-called ‘person of color,’ or a Catholic who wasn’t a descendant of Diamond Jim Brady (my mother’s family in Boston in the 20s didn’t socialize with the Kennedys, who were Irish like the servants, and my mother was terribly distressed when I named my second daughter “Delia Hilary Orlando Woodman,” (Irish plus a name which could be mistaken for someone of Italian descent???).
And to our great credit, but goodness knows why, we ran, my two brothers and I — my younger brother, Loring, westward to the Gros Ventre in Wyoming, myself eastward across the Atlantic to Cambridge and then on up to remote Eskdalemuir, and Tony just really really fast (he was the first American to have a big success in Gran Prix motorcycle racing in Europe until he broke his back in the Northwest 200 in Ireland in 1965). And how I ran, and kept bees, and fiddled around with Trungpa Rimpoche, and sailed, but mostly just fell in love with my wonderfully wrong women — and little by little I sloughed off that good taste and sense of superiority which went along with the family silver (I still have a trunkful somewhere, and enough 18th century willow pattern china to serve you all at once, though goodness knows where that is as well) — and here I am now writing to you like the fool…
No, it’s not the rhyme, Tom — it’s the snobbery of a new intellectual class that is still not too secure and needs to put a lot of distance between itself and the upper working-class poetry that makes sense when you finally arrive on the first rung of the new upwardly mobile America.
And should the ‘petit bourgeois poetry’ of the 19th and early 20th centuries be re-evaluated, then, should that forgotten corpus be restored to grace? Hardly, but the alternative “Make it New” movement at the opposite extreme must be re-assessed as ‘petit-bourgeois poetry’s’ shadow, in the Jungian sense, so that those aspects of our western poetry tradition that got debased and/or hidden by ‘Modernism’ can be brought out into the open and liberated — like feeling, like music, like value and meaning and even, when its applicable, like rhyme. Indeed, all the underpinnings of Modernism must be fearlessly re-examined, and it’s tendency to sew new clothes for the emperor ruthlessly exposed, as we’re doing — and how the courtiers do kick and howl!
That’s our theme, of course, and it’s a big one, and one for which I think I’m well-equipped even with just a small cow pat as a hammer in my hand.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2476
|
__label__wiki
| 0.51745
| 0.51745
|
Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC Home
Contact Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC
Criminal Defense Practice
NY Penal Law
NY Vehicle and Traffic Law
Fighting For Your Freedom! 800.696.9529 Request A Free Consultation
Designer Drug
New York Designer Drug
The term designer drug was first used in the 1980s by law enforcement to describe drugs which were changed into order to make them legal. They were developed as new forms of pre-existing illegal drugs or completely new drugs. In both cases the drugs are designed to fall outside of the law because their chemical makeup has not been specifically banned by existing law. The first designer drugs were synthetic forms of heroin. Law enforcement and healthcare professionals are particularly concerned about designer drugs because the formulations are so new that they have not been thoroughly tested. Thus, both the short term and long term effects are unknown. Furthermore, designer drugs are often used by young adults and teens. They are sometimes made to look "innocent"-- almost like candy. Those who take them are sometimes unaware of their intoxicating effects. The term "designer drug" is also sometimes used interchangeably with the term "club drug " because like other types of club drugs such as MDMA, Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), Rohypnol, methamphetamine, and ketamine, designer drugs are frequently found at raves, night clubs, bars, and house parties. Because many designer drugs are not illegal, if you are arrested and charged with a drug crime based on a designer drug, the charges may not stick. On the other hand if the so-called designer drug has been classified as a controlled substance as defined in the New York Penal Code, then you may end up with a drug crime conviction. If you are arrested and charged with a drug crime based on a designer drug, do not assume that the charges will eventually be dismissed. Instead, you should immediately contact an experienced New York designer drug Lawyer who will review the facts of your case and work closely with you to develop an aggressive defense to the charges. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates have decades of experience representing clients who have been charged with drug crimes and other serious crimes such as assault, domestic violence and sex crimes. Find out what we can do for you by contacting us at to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case.
Types of designer drug crimes
If you are arrested based on having a designer drug, you could be faced with several different types of possession of controlled substances offenses. However, in order for the prosecutor to be able to successfully prosecute you for a controlled substance crime, the prosecutor will have to prove that the designer drug is indeed a controlled substance under New York law. For relatively new drugs created in someone's basement "lab," that may be a challenge. If the substance is not a controlled substance then the drug crime charge will likely be dismissed. On the other hand, if the drug is a controlled substance, you could face a drug possession charge, a drug distribution charge, a drug paraphernalia charge, or another type of drug charge.
Possession of a controlled substance offenses
If you are found in possession of a designer drug, a club drug, or another drug that falls under the controlled substance statute, there are several different criminal possession of a controlled substance charges that you could face.
Criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree is a class A misdemeanor. N.Y. Pen. Law § 220.03.
Criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree is a class D felony. N.Y. Pen. Law § 220.06
Criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree is a class C felony. N.Y. Pen. Law § 220.09
Criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree is a class B felony. N.Y. Pen. Law § 220.16
Criminal possession of a controlled substance in the second degree is a class A-II felony. N.Y. Pen. Law § 220.18
Criminal possession of a controlled substance in the first degree is a class A-I felony. N.Y. Pen. Law § 220.21
The specific charge that you face depends on the type of drug and the amount of the drug that you possess. In most cases the greater the amount of the drug, the more serious the charge and the harsher the possible sentence.
Sale of a controlled substance offenses
Another type of controlled substance offense that you may face based on designer drugs, is a sale of a controlled substance offense. Selling is defined as not only exchanging the designer drug for cash, but also as exchanging it for something other than money or even giving it away. Like possession charges sale charges are often based on the type of drug or the amount of drug.
Criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fifth degree is a class D felony. N.Y. Pen. Law § 220.31.
Criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fourth degree is a class C felony. N.Y. Pen. Law § 220.34.
Criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree is a class B felony. N.Y. Pen. Law § 220.39
Criminal sale of a controlled substance in the second degree is a class A-II felony. N.Y. Pen. Law § 220.41
Criminal sale of a controlled substance in the first degree is a class A-I felony. N.Y. Pen. Law § 220.43
Criminal sale of a controlled substance in or near school grounds is a class B felony. N.Y. Pen. Law § 220.44
Use of a child to commit a controlled substance offense is a class E felony. N.Y. Pen. Law § 220.28
Criminal sale of a prescription for a controlled substance is a class C felony. N.Y. Pen. Law § 220.65
Operating as a major trafficker is a class A-1 felony. N.Y. Pen. Law § 220.77
Club drug paraphernalia offenses
Drug paraphernalia offenses make it illegal to have the equipment and substances that are used to manufacture, store and package designer drugs, club drugs and other substances that are illegal under the controlled substances statute in order to sell them. These crimes include:
Criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree is a class A misdemeanor. N.Y. Pen. Law § 220.50.
Criminal possession of precursors of controlled substances is a class E felony. N.Y. Pen. Law § 220.60
Drug crimes and sex crimes
Certain controlled substances, particularly the club drugs GHB, Rohypnol, and ketamine are regularly used to commit sex crimes. However, any controlled substance, including designer drugs that are identified as controlled substances can be used to commit a sex crime. If you give someone a controlled substance that causes that person to be become dizzy, confused, have hallucinations, or lose consciousness, and then have sex with that person, you would have committed a sex crime as that person would not have had the capacity to consent to a sex act. This crime is called facilitating a sex offense with a controlled substance, a class D felony. N.Y. Pen. Law § 130.90
If you are convicted of a crime related to a controlled substance, you could face a penalty of from up to 1 year in jail for a class A misdemeanor conviction to life in prison for a class A-II or class A-I conviction. Furthermore, you could face a fine from up to $1,000 to up to $100,000. Your sentence will be determined by the classification of your crime and your criminal history.
The Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates can help
Because of the prevalence of so many different types of drugs in the community, law enforcement is aggressive in its efforts to arrest and prosecute anyone who they believe to be involved with controlled substances, even if they are unsure of whether or not the substance involved is illegal. Thus, if you are charged with a crime based on a designer drug, it is important to be represented by someone who is familiar with New York drug laws. The staff at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates has years of experience successfully defending clients in New York criminal courts who have been accused of offenses related to club drugs, designer drugs, and other controlled substances. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We serve those accused of drug crimes in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.
24/7 FOR EMERGENCY HELP 800.696.9529
Bail Reduction
Criminal Arraignment
Desk Appearance Ticket
Endangering the Welfare of a Child Defense
Federal Criminal
New York Expungement
Non-Violent Crimes
My wife and I met under some unconventional circumstances. After I had some legal problems, Mr Bilkis and his firm continually got me out of trouble. I then had his firm represented my wife and he got her out of trouble! We are still married and got our ways straightened away. We both can't thank him enough for saving our lives and our families! J.P.
I contacted Stephen Bilkis' office for an issue regarding a family member and I could not be happier with the results. I have recommended the firm to friends and family, all of whom were also ecstatic with Mr. Bilkis and all members of his staff. P.R.
I was in need of legal assistance for a very sensitive matter for a family member. I contacted the law offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC and was met with staff whose demeanor was supportive, compassionate and professional. The lawyer handling our case had many years of experience and treated us as if we were his own family. Our experience was so good, and we became so close to all of the staff and all of the attorneys who assisted us, that we consider them our extended family and continue to send them our home baked gifts for the holidays. P.A.K.
I hired Stephen Bilkis and Associates to represent me on a legal matter a few months ago and am grateful for their swift action and resolution on my behalf. I was impressed with their professionalism and would recommend them to friends and family in a heartbeat. M.B.
Some of our lawyers and / or cases and / or clients in whole or in part have been seen on these media outlets.
901 Sheridan Ave
118-35 Queens Blvd
New York, New York City, Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester County, Additional New York Cities and Communities
Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC also serves clients in estates & probate, family law, personal injury, medical malpractice, spinal injury, truck accident, birth injury and brain injury cases.
Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC only practices law within New York State and any content that is posted on this web site is purely for advertising purposes and should not be construed as legal advice or a creation of a client/attorney relationship.
Statement Of Client Rights
New York Designer Drug | NY Criminal Defense Lawyer Stephen Bilkis & Associates
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2479
|
__label__wiki
| 0.652502
| 0.652502
|
Can Pope Francis’s legacy be rolled back? Well, yes and no
In Analysis
Pope Francis celebrates a new year's Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017. (Credit: AP Photo/Andrew Medichini.)
Some fans of Pope Francis seem anxious that his legacy might be "rolled back" when he's gone, but here's the thing: Catholicism isn’t a zero/sum tradition, in which veering in one direction for a while means repealing what came before.
ROME – Journalistic convention dictates that whenever we write about Pope Francis these days, we frame things in terms of his supporters and his critics. In reality that’s a bit misleading, since few people fall entirely into one of those two categories.
Even the most enthused usually can cite a few times they wish Francis had zigged rather than zagged, and even the most alarmed generally have at least something positive to say. Then, of course, there’s another vast pool of Catholics, to whom the question of what they think of a pope wouldn’t even occur.
I recall once asking my late grandfather his opinion of John Paul II, and he looked at me as if I’d solicited his view on the law of gravity: “He’s the pope, for God’s sake!” Conversation closed.
That said, there are undeniably large and vocal constituencies in the Church right now which are aligned, one predominantly skeptical of the Pope Francis revolution and the other ferociously devoted to it.
For that latter camp — who the Italians often call the bergoglisti, in reference to the pontiff’s given name of Bergoglio — a key question making the rounds at the moment is the following: Will he have enough time?
In other words, will Francis be able to implement enough of his agenda before the end comes, so that it won’t be able to be rolled back?
There’s no specific health crisis prompting that anxiety, but Francis did just turn 80 and has himself suggested several times his papacy may not go on terribly long, so one understands the concern.
It was expressed recently, for instance, by Enzo Bianchi, founder of the ecumenical community of Bose in northern Italy and a deep admirer of Pope Francis. (The feeling is mutual, as Francis named Bianchi to the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, the Vatican’s top office for ecumenical affairs, in 2014.)
Bianchi published a piece in L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper, just before New Year’s, among other things charging that some of the pope’s critics are guilty of “grotesque accusations and insistent polemics.”
What’s interesting for our purposes, however, is the way Bianchi closed the piece.
“Francis, as everyone knows, has stirred much hope and enthusiasm, for which we can only rejoice,” he wrote. “When I listen to so many simple faithful, the impression I get is of hope that the pope will reform just a few essential things, but do it in a way so there’s no going back.”
Obviously, the last line suggests concern that “going back,” at least right now, is still an option.
Even more explicit was a late December piece on the Jesuit-sponsored site Reflexión y Liberación in Chile, written by a veteran priest named Father Faustino Vilabrille Linares, who serves in a series of small rural villages where, he writes, poverty runs so deep there’s not even electricity.
Clearly a big Pope Francis fan, Vilabrille had an explicit request for the pontiff.
“Continue creating cardinals,” he wrote, “until there’s a sufficient number to ensure that when you’re gone, your reform line in the Church will still be assured, and there won’t be the possibility of going back like some want,” he wrote.
For the same reason, Vilabrille also urged Francis to name more like-minded bishops too, to make sure the job gets done.
Of course, we have no way of knowing how much longer Francis will be at the helm. If we take the previous five popes, meaning Pius XII through Benedict XVI (discounting John Paul I, the pope of 33 days), their reigns lasted an average of almost 15 years, so by that standard Francis could still have a good long run.
Though that number is inflated by St. John Paul II’s almost 27-year term, the third-longest in Church history, even without it, the average is still more than 11 years.
Whatever the span turns out to be, we really don’t have to wait to tackle the question being asked by the bergoglisti, which is whether Francis’s legacy can be “rolled back.” For anyone familiar with a little bit of Church history, the obvious answer is “yes and no.”
The “yes” part is easy.
Certainly, a new pope can bring a different outlook and sense of priorities, which may in some ways represent a break with his predecessor. Those cheering Francis most loudly today, in fact, often do so precisely because they believe he’s a change from the direction set under John Paul II and Benedict.
The Italians even have a phrase for this dynamic: “You always follow a fat pope with a thin one,” they say, by which they mean that often enough over the years, a liberal pope has been followed by a conservative, a traditionalist by a reformer, etc.
In many ways, a conclave almost invites such a cycle, since inevitably the choice shapes up in part as a referendum on the papacy that’s just ended.
Here, however, is the “no” part: Catholicism isn’t a zero/sum tradition, in which veering in one direction for a while means repealing what came before.
Today, for instance, many Catholic progressives feel that Francis is recovering parts of the legacy of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), which they regard as having been delayed or interpreted away for several decades.
Yet even if that’s true (and many would argue it’s not), the reason Francis has something to recover in the first place is because Vatican II was still there, still part of the Church’s memory and experience.
No, Francis’s papacy is not going to unhappen. People inspired by him are not going to disappear, and his example will continue to be a point of reference long after he’s gone, just as with countless other popes, movements, saints, thinkers, and so on. Their influence may wax and wane, but it’s perpetually open to being revived and reapplied.
In sum: You can’t unring the bell in the Church, but you can add some other bells to the mix. Over time, the collection of all these different impulses generally produces something in Catholicism resembling balance.
Given that, the meaningful question instead is how we’ll see Francis’s legacy once it’s fully formed – and, of course, which new bells the cardinals who will assemble one day in the Sistine Chapel decide to ring.
Whether Francis is a ‘Reform Pope’ depends on whom you ask
On popes and the problem with preemptive resignation
Vatican article says ‘main obstacle’ for Pope Francis is bishops, priests
St. Pope John Paul II
Catholic News Service, Vatican
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2481
|
__label__wiki
| 0.665331
| 0.665331
|
Home » News » Big Banks’ NEWEST Solution Against Human Trafficking is Finally Revealed!
Big Banks’ NEWEST Solution Against Human Trafficking is Finally Revealed!
A shift occurred in the summer of 2015 that sent modern-day slavers flocking to bitcoin.
Following pressure from Illinois law enforcement, Visa and MasterCard ceased doing business with BackPage, an online classified ads service that has been accused of being a thinly veiled front for prostitution and human trafficking.
As some positioned the move as the kind of “moral policing” for which bitcoin was a perfect workaround, the decision had an unintended side effect that may have actually helped make the job of modern day slave traders even easier.
The tried-and-true investigative techniques that had been until that moment employed by law enforcement and banks to help prevent human trafficking were largely rendered null and void as the pedlars of human cargo embraced bitcoin.
Then, in December 2015, a victim of human trafficking and sexual slavery, Timea Nagy, addressed a room filled with financial executives from some of the largest banks in Canada and made a plea for help.
At the meeting, organised by the founder of social enterprise startup Timea’s Cause as part of its process of training law enforcement and others to identify human trafficking victims, Nagy made a call to the room filled with financial executives, asking them to modernize the way they track the financial transactions that power human trafficking.
Nagy told CoinDesk:
“In the olden days, we could track the traffickers purchasing sexual ads for victims. But because of bitcoin, you can’t see where the money comes from and where it goes. So it’s really, really hard for investigators to actually follow the money, specifically in human trafficking.”
The result of her plea was instant, and continues to bear fruit at some of the largest financial intuitions in Canada.
The director of risk intelligence for the Bank of Montreal (BMO), Peter Warrack, stood to accept the challenge, and by the time he left the building, he’d been contacted by Canada regulator FINTRAC and many of his banking peers.
“She basically appealed to the audience, the banks, for help,” Warrack told CoinDesk. “Her message was: you’re the banks, you see the money, you can help us identify the traffickers.”
Springing into action
The response was swift.
On 19th January, 2016, Warrack and his colleague at the Association of Certified Anti-money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS), Joseph Mari, formally launched Project Protect to reimagine the way human trafficking is tracked.
Representatives from all five largest banks in Canada are participating in Project Protect, he said, including the Bank of Montreal, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, the Royal Bank of Canada, Scotiabank and the Toronto-Dominion Bank.
Another member of Project Protect, professional advisory firm Grant Thornton has published a detailed account of what to look for to identify human trafficking across industries, including suspicious trends in industries such as hospitality, automotive, property management, travel and the financial services.
Initially, the group of banks, advisory firms and tech companies focused on drawing up a list of the high-tech ways slave traders cover their tracks, including 17 types of financial transaction patterns, six types of contextual ‘indicators’ and 11 types of financial transactions, formally published by FINTRAC in last December.
The document has “been sent out to every reporting institution in Canada” resulting in a “many hundreds of percent increase” in the incidences of financial institutions reporting suspicious activity, according to Mari, who is also a senior manager of major investigations at BMO.
Mari told CoinDesk:
“It’s really brought things to the forefront, to increase reporting for human trafficking, which translates into increased arrests, getting people off the street, giving people a chance again.”
The bitcoin sub-stream
But over time, one payment method distinguished itself for being categorically different than the others.
The official wording of the indicator on the official FINTRAC document describes what this particular type of human trafficking transaction might look like: “Bitcoins or other virtual currencies: frequent purchases in multiples of small amounts (eg $3, $12, $24), directly by the client or through exchanges.”
As part of the process of identifying human trafficking trends Project Protect has partnered with “major technology companies” which Mari didn’t want to name for this report to “scrape BackPage and other adult sites on a daily basis.”
His team is looking for telephone numbers and emails to “filter it down to what looks like human trafficking as opposed to normal sex trade workers.”
But with a proliferation of guides posted by sex trade workers on how to use bitcoin on BackPage and elsewhere, the amount of data was increasing and proved particularly difficult to parse.
“As we started to flesh it out,” Mari said. “What we noticed was that cryptocurrency played a role in this, and it became a sub-stream within Project Protect.”
On 7th February, Project Protect hosted an event dedicated exclusively to blockchain and cryptocurrencies at the Toronto chapter of ACAMS. Present was the senior research director of Canada’s central bank, James Chapman, Alan Cohn of the Blockchain Alliance, Joseph Weinberg of Paycase and Jonathan Levin of Chainalysis.
Patterns in the bitcoin
Founded in 2015, Chainalysis’s mission is to look for patterns on the bitcoin blockchain, in part to help fight cybercrime.
Since signing a contract with Barclays following the startup’s completion of the British bank’s Rise accelerator, Chainalysis has gone on to raise $1.6m and is now working in a formal capacity with Europol to help fight online criminals.
At the Toronto event, Mari said he showed Chainalysis CEO Jonathan Levin the indicator criteria his team had determined based on crawling sites known to host human trafficking.
“He was able to pull up transactions that mirrored that,” said Mari. Even if the identities were obscured, it was a potentially important step, he said.
Levin confirmed with CoinDesk that he “compared notes” with event participants, going on to describe that since bitcoin is frequently exchanged for local currencies, identifying the “typology” of human trafficking using cryptocurrency required cooperation between companies like his, banks and the government.
“We can identify the difference between single sex workers and what looks more like human trafficking,” Levin said, adding:
“Like Project Protect, this requires collaboration between private industry and law enforcement to share intelligence and information.”
Firsthand experience
Since inspiring the creation of Project Protect, Timea Nagy has continued her work alongside law enforcement to shine a light on human trafficking.
After an earlier non-profit she founded was unable to generate the funds it needed to be sustainable, Nagy launched Timea’s Cause as a for-profit social enterprise in 2014. She now works “shoulder to shoulder” with members of law enforcement to teach them how to identify human trafficking victims based on her own personal experience.
Nagy told CoinDesk she first moved from her home in Hungary to Canada at the age of 19 in pursuit of a job as a nanny.
After being told the nanny job was no longer available, she says she was “broken in” to the sex industry lifestyle and forced to perform various sexual acts earning her “owners” as much as $50k over the time she was kept.
“After three months of that, I decided I would die in it or I’d die trying to escape.”
Since that time, the industry has changed. Though she declined to share details of how frequently she’s seen bitcoin used by sex traffickers, she says she has witnessed the impact firsthand as a result of traveling across North America working with various law enforcement officials.
Similar to Nagy’s own work, which has been conducted in tandem with both Canadian and US government officials, current anti-money laundering (AML) work to fight human trafficking using bitcoin is also international.
A global problem
Still, it is difficult to track the problem of human trafficking in Canada due to low incidences of reporting credited to the fear experienced by victims.
But, between 2005 and 2012, there were 25 human trafficking convictions in the country, with the International Labour Organization (ILO) estimating a total of 20.9 million victims of human trafficking around the world. Globally, total profits generated from the industry are estimated by ILO to be $150bn.
Helping track those profits is Joe Ciccolo, the second half of the so-called ‘Bitcoin Joes’ as they’re known in the AML industry, along with Joseph Mari.
On 9th March, Ciccolo’s BitAML is speaking at a sister-event to the Toronto gathering hosted by the Chicago chapter of ACAMS. Also scheduled to attend is the state’s Illinois Blockchain Initiative, first reported by CoinDesk, the president of Chicago-based Burling Bank, the CEO of bitcoin ATM company Digital Mint and more.
Beyond that, a British think tank called the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) has commissioned Mari to review a paper analyzing the challenges of AML regulation around cryptocurrecies.
The paper is expected to be be released in March as part of the European Union Parliament’s plans to implement new regulations.
Another call for help
It turns out Timea Nagy’s plea for help has helped reveal just how much assistance is truly needed, even by the banks she herself reached out to.
In spite of the international support, Mari emphasizes the efforts to use cryptocurrency to track human trafficking are still in their earliest phases. He describes Project Protect’s goal as two-fold. The first target is to increase the reporting of suspicious transactions that fit the criteria his team of banks and more has created.
The second is more educational. But it’s not so much that they’re out to teach – which they are – but, rather, to learn, so they can better teach others how cryptocurrency is being used to continue modern-day slave trading.
Mari concluded:
“Any help that we can get from the international community about what human trafficking looks like in the blockchain space would be very much appreciated.”
Human trafficking sign via Shutterstock
via Coindesk.com
Previous Post Learn The Blockchain Magic
Next Post Bitcoin Smashed A Record High! What Does It Tell Us?
May 29, 2019 730 0 CommentsBy: Maureen Santos
Do you think that personal data should be shared with websites? US Senator Josh Hawley thinks otherwise. As a
How secure is your online privacy? Internet users might have no conception that their personal information entered online are
Is there anything else that blockchain cannot do? Louis Vuitton along with ConsenSys and Microsoft have teamed up to
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2482
|
__label__wiki
| 0.739001
| 0.739001
|
Deadball Baseball
Baseball Outside The Time And Space Continuum
Ballparks, Etc
David B. Stinson Author
Deadball Novel
Deadball Video
Ballparks Archive
Ballparks Archive Select Category Alabama ballparks (3) Eagle Stadium (1) Joe W. Davis Stadium (1) Rickwood Field (1) Arizona ballparks (1) Hi Corbett Field (1) Tucson Electric Park (1) California ballparks (7) Albert Spalding Home and Point Loma Nazarene University (1) Candlestick Park (1) Lane Field (1) Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (1) Qualcomm Stadium/Jack Murphy Stadium (1) Seals Stadium (1) Ted Williams Boyhood Home and Ted Williams Field (1) Canadian ballparks (3) Delorimier Downs/Montreal Stadium (1) Jarry Park (1) Olympic Stadium (1) Colorado ballparks (1) Bears Stadium/Mile High Stadium (1) Connecticut ballparks (3) Beehive Field (1) Buckeley Stadium (1) New Britain Stadium (1) Florida ballparks (26) Al Lopez Field (1) Chain of Lakes Park (1) City of Palms Park (1) Clearwater Athletic Field (1) Connie Mack Field and Municipal Stadium (1) Crescent Lake Park/Huggins-Stengel Field (1) Ed Smith Stadium (1) Flamingo Field (1) Fort Lauderdale Stadium (1) Gerig Field (1) Henley Field/Athletic Park/Adair Park (1) Holman Stadium (1) J.P. Small Memorial Park (1) Jack Russell Stadium (1) Miami Stadium – Bobby Maduro (1) Payne Park (1) Plant City Stadium (1) Plant Field (1) Pompano Beach Memorial Stadium (1) Pro Player Stadium/Sun Life Stadium (1) Space Coast Stadium (1) Terry Park/Park T. Pigott Memorial Stadium (1) Tinker Field (1) Waterfront Park/Al Lang Field/Progress Energy Park (1) Wickers Stadium (1) Wolfson Park/Jacksonville Baseball Park (1) Georgia ballparks (7) Fort Pulaski (1) Fulton County Stadium (2) Grayson Stadium (1) Ponce De Leon Ballpark (1) Shoeless Joe Jackson Savannah (1) Ty Cobb Hometown (1) Hawaii ballparks (3) Aloha Stadium (1) Honolulu Stadium (1) Rainbow Stadium/Les Murakami Stadium (1) Illinois Ballparks (4) Comiskey Park (1) South Side Park (1) West Side Grounds (1) Wrigley Field (1) Indiana ballparks (2) Bosse Field (1) Bush Stadium/Perry Stadium/Victory Field (1) Kentucky ballparks (1) Cardinal Stadium (1) Parkway Field (1) Maryland ballparks (13) American League Park/Oriole Park IV (1) Babe Ruth Field (1) Bugle Field (1) Lefty Grove Home Town (1) Memorial Stadium (2) Oriole Park (1) Oriole Park I (1) Oriole Park II (1) Oriole Park III (1) Oriole Park IV (1) Oriole Park V (1) Oriole Park VI/Camden Yards (1) Terrapin Park/Oriole Park V (2) Union Park/Oriole Park III (2) Walter Johnson Home and Farm (1) Westport Park/Maryland Baseball Park (1) Westport Stadium (1) Massachusetts ballparks (1) Braves Field (1) Michigan ballparks (3) TIger Stadium (2) Minnesota ballparks (3) HHH Metrodome (1) Metropolitan Stadium (1) Nicolett Park (1) Missouri ballparks (3) Busch Stadium II (1) Kansas City Municipal Stadium (1) Sportsman Park/Busch I (1) New Jersey ballparks (1) Hinchliffe Stadium (1) New York ballparks (12) Damaschke Field (1) Ebbets Field (1) Hilltop Park (1) Jamestown Municipal Stadium/Russell Diethrick Park (1) Offermann Stadium (1) Polo Grouinds (2) Shea Stadium (1) Silver Stadium/Red Wing Stadium (1) War Memorial Stadium (1) Yankee Stadium (2) North Carolina Ballparks (2) Durham Athletic Park (1) War Memorial Stadium (1) Ohio ballparks (10) Cleveland Municipal Stadium (1) Cooper Stadium/Red Bird Stadium (1) Crosley Field (1) Cy Young’s House (1) Jets Stadium (1) League Park (2) Ned Skeldon Stadium/Lucas County Stadium (1) Riverfront Stadium (1) Swayne Field (1) Pennsylvania ballparks (14) Ainsworth Field (1) Baker Bowl (1) Exposition Park (1) Forbes Field (2) Greenlee Field (1) Henninger Field (1) Honus Wagner’s House (1) Pullman Park/Kelly Automotive Park (1) Shibe Park (1) Three Rivers Stadium (1) Veterans Stadium (1) West Field/William W. Knight Memorial Park (1) South Carolina ballparks (3) College Park (1) Knights Stadium/Knights Castle (1) Shoeless Joe Jackson Home/Statute (1) Tennessee ballparks (3) Bill Meyer Stadium/Ridely-Helton Field (1) Engel Stadium (1) Hershel Greer Stadium (1) Texas ballparks (1) Astrodome (1) Virginia ballparks (1) Salem Kiwanis Field/Salem Municipal Stadium (1) Washington DC ballparks (2) D.C. Stadium/RFK Stadium (1) Griffith Stadium/Boundary Field/Nationals Park (1) Wisconsin ballparks (1) County Stadium (1)
Buy Deadball, A Metaphysical Baseball Novel
Space Coast Stadium’s New Frontier
Hamtramck Stadium – Detroit’s Diamond in the Rough
Eagle Stadium Still Soaring In Ozark, Alabama
Miami Stadium – Later Bobby Maduro Stadium
Flamingo Field in Miami Beach, Florida
West Palm Beach Spring Training History – Connie Mack Field and Municipal Stadium
The Polo Grounds and the Autonomy of a Baseball Snapshot
Jacksonville’s Wolfson Park Now the NFL Jaguars’ Practice Field
Ocala’s Gerig Field – A Former Spring Training Minor League Gem
Bears And Mile High Stadium in Denver CO
Baseball Panoramic
Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League
Matthew Kastel
Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts
Posts Tagged ‘Jamestown Expos’
Jamestown’s Gem – Russell E. Diethrick, Jr. Park
Russell E. Diethrick, Jr. Park is located at 485 Falconer Street in Jamestown, New York.
Jamestown Municipal Stadium/Russell E. Diethrick, Jr. Park, Jamestown, New York
Constructed in 1940 through a public/private partnership, the ballpark is owned and maintained by the City of Jamestown.
Jamestown Municipal Stadium Postcard (Curteich-Chicago Art Colortone, Weakley-Olson, Jamestown NY)
When it opened in 1941, the ballpark was known as Jamestown Municipal Stadium and was the home of the Pennsylvania-Ontario-New York League (PONY) Jamestown Falcons.
Plaque Honoring 1941 Dedication as Jamestown Municipal Stadium, Jamestown, New York
In the early 1960s, Jamestown Community College built a new campus adjacent to Jamestown Municipal Stadium (just beyond left field) and the college baseball team began playing their home games at the ballpark. In the mid 1960s the ballpark was known locally as College Stadium and, in 1984, was renovated as College Stadium. Jamestown Community College’s baseball and softball teams still play their home games there.
Plaque Honoring 1984 Stadium Renovation of College Stadium, Jamestown, New York
In 1997, the name was changed to Russell E. Diethrick, Jr. Park in honor of a local Jamestown resident who had dedicate his life to both professional and amateur baseball in Jamestown.
Russell E. Diethrick, Jr. Park, Jamestown, New York, Former Home of the Jamestown Jammers
Plaque Honoring 1997 Ballpark Rededication as Russell E. Diethrick, Jr. Park , Jamestown, New York
As with every professional ballpark that reaches a certain advanced age, there is an abundance of historic plaques and markers at Diethrick Park.
Plaques Honoring History of Diethrick Park, Jamestown, New York
The ballpark was home to the PONY League Jamestown Falcons from 1941 to 1956. In 1957 the league’s name was changed to the New York-Penn League. The Falcons continued play in the New York-Penn League, but only for half a season when the team ceased operation. Professional baseball returned to Jamestown Municipal Stadium in 1961 with the arrival of the New York-Penn League Jamestown Tigers, who departed after the 1965 season. The ballpark continued its affiliation with the New York-Penn League with the Jamestown Dodgers in 1966, the Jamestown Braves in 1967, the Jamestown Falcons from 1968 to 1972, the Jamestown Expos in 1973, and from 1977 to 1993, and the Jamestown Jammers from 1994 to 2014.
View from the First Base Bleachers, Diethrick Park, Jamestown, New York
Since 1941, the team has affiliated with the following major league organizations: the Detroit Tigers from 1941 to 1942, from 1944 to 1956, from 1961 to 1965, and from 1994 to 1998, the St. Louis Cardinals in 1943, the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1957 and from 2013 to 2014, the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1966, the Atlanta Braves in 1967 and from 199 to 2001, the Boston Red Sox from 1968 to 1970, the Montreal Expos from 1971 to 1973, and from 1977 to 1993, and the Florida Marlins from 2002 to 2012.
View From Behind Home Plate, Diethrick Park, Jamestown, New York
Although Diethrick Park has undergone several renovations during its 75 years in existence, the ballpark maintains much of its classic ballpark charm.
Grandstand, Diethrick Park, Jamestown, New York
The all-brick exterior hearkens back to an earlier era.
Grandstand Exterior – Behind Home Plate, Diethrick Park, Jamestown, New York
Grandstand Exterior, First Base Side, Diethrick Park, Jamestown, New York
The bullpens are located along the first and third base lines, with the visiting team located just past the first base bleachers and the home team just past the third base bleachers.
Visitor’s Bullpen, Diethrick Park, Jamestown, New York
Home Team Bullpen, Diethrick Park, Jamestown, New York
The light stanchions are original to the ballpark, installed when Diethrick Park opened in 1941.
Right Field at Diethrick Park, Jamestown, New York
Light Stanchion, Diethrick Park, Jamestown, New York
The electronic scoreboard is old-school as well. Who needs a Jumbo Tron at a minor league game?
Scoreboard, Diethrick Park, Jamestown, New York
In 2014, Diethrick Park was the second oldest ballpark in the New York-Penn League. Despite of, and because of, its age, it is a wonderful place to watch a baseball game.
Night Game, Diethrick Park, Jamestown, New York
The people of Jamestown, New York, are proud of their association with the game of baseball. Organized baseball has been played in Jamestown since the Civil War.
Plaque Honoring the History of Professional Baseball in Jamestown, New York
The responsible for helping run Jamestown baseball at Diethrick Park are friendly and ready to assist.
Get Your Program, Diethrick Park, Jamestown, New York
A Great Place to Buy Beer Under the Grandstand, Diethrick Park, Jamestown, New York
Jamestown Jammers Team Store, Diethrick Park, Jamestown, New York
For additional history and information about Diethrick Park, see the excellent Star News Daily Article Celebrating Dietrick Park’s 70th Anniversary Season.
In 2014, the Jamestown Jamers played their last season of baseball at Diethrick Park. The franchise relocated in 2015 to Morgantown, West Virginia, where they will play as the Black Bears in a new facility shared with the University of West Virginia.
Diethrick Park, Jamestown, New York
Although professional baseball may have left Jamestown, starting in 2015 Diethrick Park will be the home of the Prospect League (college wooden bat league) Jamestown Jamers, who will retain the name of the former professional team.
Luckily for the City of Jamestown, Diethrick Park will not anytime soon be joining the ranks of another lost ballpark. If you are a fan of old-time baseball stadiums, and find yourself in the Jamestown area during the spring college season or the summer wooden bat season, be sure to take in a game at old Jamestown Municipal Stadium. The citizens of Jamestown will be glad to welcome you to their gem of a ballpark.
Tags: 485 Falconer Street, Atlanta Braves Affiliate, Baseball, Black Bears, Boston Red Sox Affiliate, College Stadium, Detroit Tigers affiliate, Florida Marlins Affiliate, Jamestown Braves, Jamestown Community College, Jamestown Dodgers, Jamestown Expos, Jamestown Falcons, Jamestown Jammers, Jamestown Municipal Stadium, Jamestown New York, Jamestown Tigers, Jr. Park, Los Angeles Dodgers Affiliate, lost ballparks, Montreal Expos Affiliate, Morgantown West Virginia, New York-Penn League, Pennsylvania-Ontario-New York League, Pittsburgh Pirates Affiliate, Pony League, Prospect League, Russell E. Diethrick, St. Louis Cardinals Affiliate
Posted in Jamestown Municipal Stadium/Russell Diethrick Park, New York ballparks | Comments (0)
Wordpress powers Deadball Baseball. Layers theme Designed by Jai Pandya.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2483
|
__label__wiki
| 0.507881
| 0.507881
|
I cocent
Demetrios Pogkas
Latest Big
We are very delighted that you have shown interest in our enterprise. Data protection is of a particularly high priority for the management of the Demetrios Pogkas. The use of the Internet pages of the Demetrios Pogkas is possible without any indication of personal data; however, if a data subject wants to use special enterprise services via our website, processing of personal data could become necessary. If the processing of personal data is necessary and there is no statutory basis for such processing, we generally obtain consent from the data subject.
The processing of personal data, such as the name, address, e-mail address, or telephone number of a data subject shall always be in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and in accordance with the country-specific data protection regulations applicable to the Demetrios Pogkas. By means of this data protection declaration, our enterprise would like to inform the general public of the nature, scope, and purpose of the personal data we collect, use and process. Furthermore, data subjects are informed, by means of this data protection declaration, of the rights to which they are entitled.
As the controller, the Demetrios Pogkas has implemented numerous technical and organizational measures to ensure the most complete protection of personal data processed through this website. However, Internet-based data transmissions may in principle have security gaps, so absolute protection may not be guaranteed. For this reason, every data subject is free to transfer personal data to us via alternative means, e.g. by telephone.
The data protection declaration of the Demetrios Pogkas is based on the terms used by the European legislator for the adoption of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our data protection declaration should be legible and understandable for the general public, as well as our customers and business partners. To ensure this, we would like to first explain the terminology used.
Website: https://demetriospogkas.com/
The Internet pages of the Demetrios Pogkas use cookies. Cookies are text files that are stored in a computer system via an Internet browser.
Through the use of cookies, the Demetrios Pogkas can provide the users of this website with more user-friendly services that would not be possible without the cookie setting.
The website of the Demetrios Pogkas collects a series of general data and information when a data subject or automated system calls up the website. This general data and information are stored in the server log files. Collected may be (1) the browser types and versions used, (2) the operating system used by the accessing system, (3) the website from which an accessing system reaches our website (so-called referrers), (4) the sub-websites, (5) the date and time of access to the Internet site, (6) an Internet protocol address (IP address), (7) the Internet service provider of the accessing system, and (8) any other similar data and information that may be used in the event of attacks on our information technology systems.
When using these general data and information, the Demetrios Pogkas does not draw any conclusions about the data subject. Rather, this information is needed to (1) deliver the content of our website correctly, (2) optimize the content of our website as well as its advertisement, (3) ensure the long-term viability of our information technology systems and website technology, and (4) provide law enforcement authorities with the information necessary for criminal prosecution in case of a cyber-attack. Therefore, the Demetrios Pogkas analyzes anonymously collected data and information statistically, with the aim of increasing the data protection and data security of our enterprise, and to ensure an optimal level of protection for the personal data we process. The anonymous data of the server log files are stored separately from all personal data provided by a data subject.
If one of the aforementioned reasons applies, and a data subject wishes to request the erasure of personal data stored by the Demetrios Pogkas, he or she may, at any time, contact any employee of the controller. An employee of Demetrios Pogkas shall promptly ensure that the erasure request is complied with immediately.
Where the controller has made personal data public and is obliged pursuant to Article 17(1) to erase the personal data, the controller, taking account of available technology and the cost of implementation, shall take reasonable steps, including technical measures, to inform other controllers processing the personal data that the data subject has requested erasure by such controllers of any links to, or copy or replication of, those personal data, as far as processing is not required. An employees of the Demetrios Pogkas will arrange the necessary measures in individual cases.
If one of the aforementioned conditions is met, and a data subject wishes to request the restriction of the processing of personal data stored by the Demetrios Pogkas, he or she may at any time contact any employee of the controller. The employee of the Demetrios Pogkas will arrange the restriction of the processing.
In order to assert the right to data portability, the data subject may at any time contact any employee of the Demetrios Pogkas.
The Demetrios Pogkas shall no longer process the personal data in the event of the objection, unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override the interests, rights and freedoms of the data subject, or for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.
If the Demetrios Pogkas processes personal data for direct marketing purposes, the data subject shall have the right to object at any time to processing of personal data concerning him or her for such marketing. This applies to profiling to the extent that it is related to such direct marketing. If the data subject objects to the Demetrios Pogkas to the processing for direct marketing purposes, the Demetrios Pogkas will no longer process the personal data for these purposes.
In addition, the data subject has the right, on grounds relating to his or her particular situation, to object to processing of personal data concerning him or her by the Demetrios Pogkas for scientific or historical research purposes, or for statistical purposes pursuant to Article 89(1) of the GDPR, unless the processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out for reasons of public interest.
In order to exercise the right to object, the data subject may contact any employee of the Demetrios Pogkas. In addition, the data subject is free in the context of the use of information society services, and notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC, to use his or her right to object by automated means using technical specifications.
If the decision (1) is necessary for entering into, or the performance of, a contract between the data subject and a data controller, or (2) it is based on the data subject's explicit consent, the Demetrios Pogkas shall implement suitable measures to safeguard the data subject's rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, at least the right to obtain human intervention on the part of the controller, to express his or her point of view and contest the decision.
If the data subject wishes to exercise the rights concerning automated individual decision-making, he or she may, at any time, contact any employee of the Demetrios Pogkas.
If the data subject wishes to exercise the right to withdraw the consent, he or she may, at any time, contact any employee of the Demetrios Pogkas.
8. Data protection provisions about the application and use of LinkedIn
The controller has integrated components of the LinkedIn Corporation on this website. LinkedIn is a web-based social network that enables users with existing business contacts to connect and to make new business contacts. Over 400 million registered people in more than 200 countries use LinkedIn. Thus, LinkedIn is currently the largest platform for business contacts and one of the most visited websites in the world.
The operating company of LinkedIn is LinkedIn Corporation, 2029 Stierlin Court Mountain View, CA 94043, UNITED STATES. For privacy matters outside of the UNITED STATES LinkedIn Ireland, Privacy Policy Issues, Wilton Plaza, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland, is responsible.
With each call-up to one of the individual pages of this Internet site, which is operated by the controller and on which a LinkedIn component (LinkedIn plug-in) was integrated, the Internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically prompted to the download of a display of the corresponding LinkedIn component of LinkedIn. Further information about the LinkedIn plug-in may be accessed under https://developer.linkedin.com/plugins. During the course of this technical procedure, LinkedIn gains knowledge of what specific sub-page of our website was visited by the data subject.
If the data subject is logged in at the same time on LinkedIn, LinkedIn detects with every call-up to our website by the data subject—and for the entire duration of their stay on our Internet site—which specific sub-page of our Internet page was visited by the data subject. This information is collected through the LinkedIn component and associated with the respective LinkedIn account of the data subject. If the data subject clicks on one of the LinkedIn buttons integrated on our website, then LinkedIn assigns this information to the personal LinkedIn user account of the data subject and stores the personal data.
LinkedIn receives information via the LinkedIn component that the data subject has visited our website, provided that the data subject is logged in at LinkedIn at the time of the call-up to our website. This occurs regardless of whether the person clicks on the LinkedIn button or not. If such a transmission of information to LinkedIn is not desirable for the data subject, then he or she may prevent this by logging off from their LinkedIn account before a call-up to our website is made.
LinkedIn provides under https://www.linkedin.com/psettings/guest-controls the possibility to unsubscribe from e-mail messages, SMS messages and targeted ads, as well as the ability to manage ad settings. LinkedIn also uses affiliates such as Eire, Google Analytics, BlueKai, DoubleClick, Nielsen, Comscore, Eloqua, and Lotame. The setting of such cookies may be denied under https://www.linkedin.com/legal/cookie-policy. The applicable privacy policy for LinkedIn is available under https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy. The LinkedIn Cookie Policy is available under https://www.linkedin.com/legal/cookie-policy.
9. Data protection provisions about the application and use of Twitter
On this website, the controller has integrated components of Twitter. Twitter is a multilingual, publicly-accessible microblogging service on which users may publish and spread so-called ‘tweets,’ e.g. short messages, which are limited to 280 characters. These short messages are available for everyone, including those who are not logged on to Twitter. The tweets are also displayed to so-called followers of the respective user. Followers are other Twitter users who follow a user's tweets. Furthermore, Twitter allows you to address a wide audience via hashtags, links or retweets.
The operating company of Twitter is Twitter, Inc., 1355 Market Street, Suite 900, San Francisco, CA 94103, UNITED STATES.
With each call-up to one of the individual pages of this Internet site, which is operated by the controller and on which a Twitter component (Twitter button) was integrated, the Internet browser on the information technology system of the data subject is automatically prompted to download a display of the corresponding Twitter component of Twitter. Further information about the Twitter buttons is available under https://about.twitter.com/de/resources/buttons. During the course of this technical procedure, Twitter gains knowledge of what specific sub-page of our website was visited by the data subject. The purpose of the integration of the Twitter component is a retransmission of the contents of this website to allow our users to introduce this web page to the digital world and increase our visitor numbers.
If the data subject is logged in at the same time on Twitter, Twitter detects with every call-up to our website by the data subject and for the entire duration of their stay on our Internet site which specific sub-page of our Internet page was visited by the data subject. This information is collected through the Twitter component and associated with the respective Twitter account of the data subject. If the data subject clicks on one of the Twitter buttons integrated on our website, then Twitter assigns this information to the personal Twitter user account of the data subject and stores the personal data.
Twitter receives information via the Twitter component that the data subject has visited our website, provided that the data subject is logged in on Twitter at the time of the call-up to our website. This occurs regardless of whether the person clicks on the Twitter component or not. If such a transmission of information to Twitter is not desirable for the data subject, then he or she may prevent this by logging off from their Twitter account before a call-up to our website is made.
The applicable data protection provisions of Twitter may be accessed under https://twitter.com/privacy?lang=en.
This Privacy Policy has been generated by the Privacy Policy Generator of the DGD - Your External DPO that was developed in cooperation with German Lawyers from WILDE BEUGER SOLMECKE, Cologne.
Timber by EMSIEN 3 Ltd BG
Copyright © 2015-2018 | Dimitrios Pogkas. Crafted by SimpleApps.gr. Privacy Policy
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2486
|
__label__cc
| 0.66424
| 0.33576
|
Home » Culture (Page 2)
Category Archives: Culture
The Facts About Police Action Fatalities in America
April 14, 2015 3:15 pm / 2 Comments on The Facts About Police Action Fatalities in America
by Brian T. Lynch, MSW
On April 4, 2015, Walter Scott, an African-American resident of South Carolina, was stopped for having a broken tail light. He was stopped by Officer Michael Slager, a White, North Charleston police officer. A few minutes later Scott was shot several times in the back while trying to flee. The incident was presented as a justifiable use of force by authorities until a videotape surfaced Slager calmly aiming his service weapon and firing into the back of Mr. Scott as he was running away. It was national news.
Stories of people killed by local police action rarely get national attention. Unless there is some dramatic twist or shocking video, the incidents are only reported in hyper-local community newspapers. The only sources for these reports are usually a police spokespersons and sometimes friends or grieving family members. When cases like the Scott shooting do capture regional or national attention they also raise significant, unanswered questions. Just how many citizens are killed in police actions in this country? Is this rare? Who is keeping track of the numbers? Does this sort of thing happen mostly in certain areas or departments? Is it just a few bad apples or are there larger patterns?
There are no national databases to track civilian deaths that result from police actions. The FBI does maintains a partial database of “justified police homicides,” but reporting by state and local authorities is voluntary. Only 750 of the more than 17,000 law enforcement agencies in this country submit their data. This limited reporting yields about 400 police homicides per year,
Almost two years ago a group of dedicated citizens began searching through local newspaper accounts of police involved civilian deaths throughout the country. They started a Website called KilledByPolice.net. They compile names of civilian casualties and added links to the initial news accounts. They also open a Facebook page on each person killed to post follow-up news accounts and to collect any local comments about these cases. Most of these fatalities are police homicides, justified or otherwise, but the data also includes murder/suicides by police officers, fatal DWI accident where the officers were intoxicated, police assisted suicides of mentally ill persons and other such categories. This effort turns out to be the most comprehensive data resource I’ve seen so far on police action fatalities. Based on this raw material I have begun my own analysis of the data.
Here is a brief summary of my initial findings to date.
Between May 1, 2013 and April 4th, 2015 there were 2,181 people killed by police officers in the United States. That works out to around 95 per month or 3 police action fatalities per day. There is clearly a gender bias in police action fatalities. Almost all are males, 2,044, with only 135 females killed in this 23 month period. In six other case the gender was undisclosed.
The full identity of 565 fatality victims were not disclosed to the media as of yet. The average age of the known fatality victims is 36.9 years, which is also the national median age of the population. This means that there is no age bias in police action fatality. Younger people are not more likely to be killed in a police action, for example.
Regarding race and ethnicity, Latino’s make up 18.7% of the general population and were 17% of the fatality victims during the past 23 months, suggesting their rate of police involved fatalities is proportional on a national scale. This may not be uniformly true in every locality.
Whites make up 77% of the population but only 48.1% of the victims. African-Americans make up just 13.2% of the general population but 30.5% of the total fatalities. This clearly suggests a racial bias in police action fatalities.
When the data was sorted by U.S. Census regions, 41.5% of all police action fatalities took place in the Southern states. Add California’s 730 incidents to the Southern total and the subsequent total account for 58.4% of all cases nationwide. In contrast, police action fatalities in the highly populated Northeast make up 9% of the total. (see pie chart) The large regional differences strongly suggest that these incidents are not the random acts of a few bad apples, as some suggest, but real differences in police training, policy and culture.
The states with the highest rate of police action fatalities, in descending order, are Alabama, Wisconsin, Washington State, Arizona, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Wyoming, Vermont and Idaho have the lowest rates. The states with the highest annual average of civilian fatalities are California (193), Texas (112), Florida (93), Arizona (50) and Illinois (33).
The data contained in the KilledByPolice Website is far more extensive since in contains reports of the police accounts and some follow-up articles, but this information is not yet in a form that allows for statistical analysis. It seems that most of the reports I reviewed so far involve police shootings, but this remains to be verified.
Defenders of law enforcement will say, with some justification, that the vast majority of police officers are honorable, law abiding and competent professionals who put their lives on the line to serve and protect the public. This is a true statement. As a whole the incidents of police action fatalities involves a tiny fraction of the overall mortality rate and it is sure to be a tiny fraction of all incidents of police engagement as well. This, however, is not a high standard to judge whether the current rate of fatal outcomes is significant. To help put these numbers a national context, there were only 70 civilians killed by the police in Great Britain in the last 90 years.
The better standard to judge the significance of this problem is to ask how many of these civilian casualties could we have avoided. Even when a police shooting is ruled a justifiable homicide, for example, different tactics and better training might still have avoided a fatal confrontation. The justifiable use of deadly force is predicated on existing policies, procedures, tactical training, departmental culture and the careful vetting of law enforcement personnel, to list just a few factors. It is our obligation police action casualties and protect the life and safety of every citizen, including those who are subject of police actions. The problem is very real and it deserves public attention.
How Free is “Free Will”
November 10, 2014 2:20 pm / 2 Comments on How Free is “Free Will”
by Brian T. Lynch
This is purely my opinion, but my understanding of “Free Will” is very narrow compared to most people I talk to about it. I see it as something that emerges gradually along a continuum from actions that are totally coercive to purely rational and independent. It isn’t an all or nothing phenomenon, as some see it. I exclude all impulsive actions taken due to internal urges from my definition since urges aren’t rational and follow from completely different pathways in the brain. Also, actions that spring from emotions may or may not involve free will in my view. It is here that the gradual blossoming of free will is most evident.
When ever we act to satisfy urges or emotions we really cannot distinguish “free will” from the actions taken since acting on a urge feels identical to acting by choice.. That is why people don’t even know they are addicted to something until they discover they can’t simply choose to stop. Addiction in insidious that way. No one can say for sure that they smoke by choice after that first cigarette because even six months later the brain can trigger powerful urges for another cigarette.
The same holds true, by degree, with our emotions. We can’t know for certain if we are acting on free will when we acquiesce to our feelings since emotions can also overpower free will. We even say we are “acting on our emotions” to explain certain behaviors, but it still feels exactly like a choice, even if we can’t help it. So inwardly speaking, we can only no for sure that we are acting on free will when our actions are contrary to both our urges and our feelings. It is only when we place them in check that we can know for sure we are acting on our own free will.
That said, what about free will in circumstances when our only available options for action are proscribed by others, or by circumstances out of our control? If we have no choice but to act, do we have free will? If we have only bad choices, are we exercising free will by making that bad choice? Was Socrates exercising free will when he choose to drink hemlock rather than face a public execution? It so, and I believe he was exercising free will, then a limited form of free will must exist even under extreme forms of coercion.
How we define “free will” has enormous social and political implications because it thereby defines how responsible individuals are for their actions. It is here we see the continuum of emerging free will run its course. Some folks believe everyone is 100% responsible for their actions. They might then blame the poor for being poor, or the sick for being sick (live style choices) and would probably not accept an insanity defense for crimes committed by the insane. Speaking of justice, we see the role “free will” plays in our action played being calculated in criminal sentencing hearings when mitigating and aggravating circumstances are used to determine appropriate punishment. We punish people for criminal intent but not acquit them, or lighten their punishment if they were not in control of their actions.
These are just examples. In fact, we use these sort of calculations everyday with each other or our children in judging their actions and in modulating our responses. So the idea that free will is an all or nothing phenomenon just isn’t born out in our every day experience.
Anyway, here is an interesting article on the subject.
http://www.slate.com/…/free_will_debate_what_does_free_will…
Yes, You Have Free Will. This Is Why.
It has become fashionable to say that people have no free will. Many scientists cannot imagine how the idea of free will could be reconciled with the laws of physics and chemistry. Brain researchers say that the brain is just a bunch of nerve cells…
“Serve and Protect” or “Enforce and Collect” The Changing Character of Local PD
June 18, 2014 9:53 am / Leave a comment
Police officers come in two basic flavors, the “serve and protect” peace officers and the “enforce and collect” enforcement officers. These represent (in the overly simplified terms used here) two fundamentally different and incompatible philosophies that are competing for the heart and soul of the profession. I needn’t mention which view is winning out since 9/11. Still, the drama playing out among departments also plays out within departments, which might help account for some of the reasons behind the article below. You might not see it at first, but so often the emotional motivations behind what seems like petty disputes are really underlying rifts involving fundamentally different world views. That’s what I suspect is happening here in New Jersey and elsewhere around the country.
http://j.mp/1nP5kBV
Good Cop, Bad Cop: How Infighting is Costing NJ Taxpayers
Police officers across the state are suing fellow cops and departments over everything from sexual harassment to being sent home for wearing the wrong shoes — and residents are footing the bill. We unearthed the details, and the latest tally.
In the opening account in this article a female officer in Camden is made Chief of Police. When she inspects the unmarked car that comes with the job she discovers that one of her fellow officers planted crack cocaine in the car to derail her promotion and her life. Incidents like this reveal just how serious the clash of ideologies can be within public police departments.
I had a good friend who spent his entire career in local police departments. He dedicated himself to serving the public. Sometimes that meant arresting people who endangered others or disturbed the peace, but it also meant going the extra mile to help out a resident in a pinch. In smaller towns and communities it isn’t all bad guys all the time. He was never cynical or jaded by his work, but his philosophy on small town policing set him at odds with a segment of his fellow officers. It played out in many internal conflicts and unfavorable personnel decisions over the course of his career. In the end he retired early in part because of the hostility he felt in the workplace.
I have other police officer friends, even some who are of the “enforce and collect” variety who received negative attention in their careers when they strayed a bit from that philosophy. Another person I know who aspires to be a police officer was turned off by the militancy and hardnosed cynicism that has been built into the police training curriculum. Just what does the current police training curriculum look like these days? The public has a right to know.
What all this really means is that the drama playing out in society as a whole between ultra-conservative ideologies and more liberal ideologies is also playing out in all our institutions, including police agencies. Local departments are not immune to what affects society as a whole. What’s different here is that even small, local police departments shun transparency. While they work for the public they tend to view us as civilians outside of their fraternity. It is hard to penetrate a Departments cultural view. At the same time, there is clearly money and military style equipment flowing into even local law enforcement agencies, which serves to alter the character of local policing.
These changes are real. What is missing, in addition to transparency, is a robust public debate on what role we want local police to play in our communities. Are we aware of the changes character of our local police departments and are we comfortable with those changes?
The Worthy and Unworthy Rich
May 7, 2014 9:55 am / 2 Comments on The Worthy and Unworthy Rich
How should sensible people respond to divisive attacks on the poor and vulnerable? Should we begin making similar distinctions between the worthy and unworthy rich? Should we affirm those who earned their great wealth and provide social benefit but rescind all advantages given to those who use their inherited wealth to squeeze the people and their government for still more?
It should be obvious that social polarity is not between Democrat and Republican, or between liberal and conservative, but rather where it has always derived, between rich and poor.
http://aattp.org/gop-senate-candidate-republicans-must-turn-poor-against-each-other-video/#comment-190804
GOP Senate Candidate: Republicans Must Turn Poor against Each Other (Video)
Watch N.C. House Speaker Thom Tillis explain: .“What we have to do is find a way to divide and conquer the people who are on assistance,”
Tillis said. “We have to show respect for that woman who has cerebral palsy and had no choice, in her condition, that needs help and that we should help. And we need to get those folks to look down at these people who choose to get into a condition that makes them dependent on the government and say at some point, ‘You’re on your own. We may end up taking care of those babies, but we’re not going to take care of you.’ And we’ve got to start having that serious discussion.”
ATTP.ORG
New Study – Sword Violence at an All Time Low
July 11, 2013 10:03 am / 2 Comments on New Study – Sword Violence at an All Time Low
A new study released by the O.K. Institute of Lake Woebegone, Minnesota, confirms that the rate of injury or death by swords continues to be exceeding rare in the 21st century. Once the leading cause of death in adolescents and young adults, both the incidents of sword play injury and sword related homicides remain at an all time low as a percentage of the population. In many US cities, even those with extraordinarily high homicide rates, the rate of sword related homicide was nearly zero between 2001 and 2012.
Researchers speculate that the low sword homicide rate may be the result of the present low rate of sword ownership in the United States. Less than one in one-hundred households currently own a sword and fewer than 1 person in 100,000 openly carry a sword. This is in stark contrast to the 18th Century when it is estimated that 1 out of every 20 men owned swords. Sword ownership rates may have been considerably higher in some urban areas where swords were openly carried in the streets for protection.
In their remarkable analysis, the researchers believe they have found a direct correlation between the decline of sword ownership and the decline in sword related deaths. This correlation remained robust even when compensating for variables such as sword safety training, blade size and such demographic differences as age, race, religion and economic status of the sword owners.
A spokesman at the O.K. Institute, speaking on behalf of the researchers, speculates that the results of this study could have practical implications for understanding the current high rate of gun violence in the United States. Further studies will be needed to confirme these results and to explore whether these findings can be generalized to the prevalence of violence by other types of lethal weapons.
[Obviously satirical]
How Wide is the Gender Gap – The Difference Between Mars and Venus
July 5, 2013 5:13 pm / 4 Comments on How Wide is the Gender Gap – The Difference Between Mars and Venus
Are men and woman really so different? Newly published research suggests that how men and women think may be even more different than we suspect!
You have probably noticed that we humans come in two genetically distinct biological groups, males and females. All other genetic distinctions are trivial by comparison. We usually assume that our genetic differences are limited to these physiological distinctions. We take for granted that all social differentiation between men and woman is driven by these obvious biological traits. More recently we have accepted that gender roles may be malleable characteristics molded in childhood according to the prevailing social norms. Strip away the gender imprinting from society and we might find no psycho/social differences at all.
Support for this idea has come from scientific research which found that the frequencies with which various personality traits are exhibited in males and females are not so broad (see Hyde’s “gender similarities hypothesis”, 2005, Am Psychol 60: 581–592.). This suggested a lot of overlap in the constellation of personality traits between men and woman. At the same time there is a growing body of scientific evidence pointing to a genetic component in personality development. This support the idea that both nature and nurture contribute to the person we become.
Now a new statistically sophisticated analysis of this earlier data on gender and personality traits appears to turned the previous findings upside down. In a paper entitled “The Distance Between Mars and Venus: Measuring global sex differences in personality,” three researchers named Marco Del Guidice, Tom Booth and Paul Irwing looked not at the frequency of distinct personality traits in males and females, but at multi-variant patterns of personality traits that appear to be associated with gender. http://bit.ly/x2SsfL
In their analysis of these statistically correlated patterns, the researchers concluded there may be as little as a 10% overlap in the personality make-up of men and women. This difference in gender personality traits is larger than previous differences found in other specific traits, such as aggression rates between the sexes, according to the researchers. In their paper they also bring in the views of some evolutionary psychologist who hold that:
“divergent selection pressures on males and females are expected to produce consistent – and often substantial – psychological differences between the sexes. By the logic of sexual selection theory and parental investment theory, large sex differences are most likely to be found in traits and behaviors that ultimately relate to mating and parenting. More generally, sex differences are expected in those domains in which males and females have consistently faced different adaptive problems.”
From their academic perspective the authors go on to say, “Given the contrast between the predictions derived from evolutionary theory and those based on the gender similarities hypothesis, there is a pressing need for accurate empirical estimates of sex differences in personality.” From an academic point of view this study will almost certainly intensify research and professional debate in this area of study. Findings of this magnitude always do, and extraordinary claims require extraordinary proofs, which take time to develop.
From my perspective, if future evidence does convinces society that men and women have innately different templates from which our personalities emerge, this belief will have profound and far reaching consequences. For now, however, this news simply makes for interesting parlor talk.
When Beauty is Average
June 1, 2013 1:56 am / 2 Comments on When Beauty is Average
Beauty is average. This is truly a paradigm shifting truth. It is confirmed by both digital photography studies and new understandings of how our brains process information. It turns out Plato had it right when he said there was a place where ideal objects existed, he just didn’t know he was describing a function of our cerebral cortex. The ideal table, for instance, is a mental construct or image in our brain that allows us to recognize infinite variations in size, shape, purpose, color, aspect, texture, design, etc. as an object that is still a table. This is a remarkable fact in itself. But then comes the discovery that the most beautiful human faces ends up being the average face. This is mind blown.
http://faceresearch.org/students/averageness
Individual Faces
Composite Face
The idea that beauty is average comes from the digital age where photographs can be rendered in pixel formats. The size of the pixels determines the resolution of the photographs. High resolution photographs have many more pixels. Some researchers got the bright idea of taking a lot of high resolution digital portraits of men and woman and then averaging the value of all the pixels that comprised the human male and female face to create a composite image. The images they created of the pixel averaged faces for men and woman turned out to be strikingly beautiful.
Next the researchers took the composite images along with the digital photos of the faces that made up the composite face, and showed these to lots of people. They asked the subjects to rate or rank the beauty of the faces. The researchers found that the average pixel face was most often rated the most beautiful. And so we discovered that beauty is literally the average.
The researchers suggested that as a species the ability to identify beauty, or the average face, may have served a natural selection purpose. They speculated that people with an exactly average appearance are more likely to be healthy, normal and able to have children. Maybe so. Who knows.
What the study also proved, but what the researchers didn’t highlight, is the amazing ability of the brain to identify the exact average of so many faces it encounters. If you think of a bell curve from statistics, the exact average is a relatively small or thin line within the normal range while the normal range of human faces is huge. Just look around and you will see tremendous variations of human faces and body types. But the exact average, or median, of all faces or body types occurs in very few individuals within the population. This fact preserves the truth that beauty is actually very rare.
If it seems like an impossible task for the brain to identify the approximate average human face, then recent understandings of the hierarchical nature of how our cortex processes data suggest how this is done. It turns out that our cerebral cortex creates idealized images of every object we see in our world. This allows us to rapidly and correctly identify object no matter what portion of them we see or individual attributes they may have, such as color, size, texture, composition, design, etc. This attribute also allows us to create idealized images of a human face.
So beauty is average and our brains have a nearly universal sense of beauty. We share this sense because we all have a similar pool of faces from which to identify the average face.
This has profound implications for the arts, but even more profound social implications. It explains how in my desire to be different as a young man I found myself conforming to my peers. When I was young and wanted to distinguish myself from my parents generation. One way I did this was by crudely cutting off the legs off my jeans to create cut-off. It turns out everyone else in my generation was wearing them. I was one of the crowd. In trying to be different from my parents I conformed to others who, like me, also wanted to be different. I identified with an image of who I wanted to be that happened to be the idealized, or exact average, of every other young person wishing to make the same statement.
As it turns out, this self-identified peer conformity is a ubiquitous feature of our human nature. It is possible because of our ability to sort out and idealize groups of objects or people. If I asked you to imagine yourself as a Harley motorcycle biker, you would conger up an idealized version of a biker that approximately represents the average Harley biker. If you acted on this image you might buy and personalize a leather jacket, and do the same for other garments and accessories, until you were satisfied that you fit in with the self-identified peer group of Harley bikers.
We almost effortlessly do this sorting and self-identifying all the time. It explains how we are both so diverse and yet so conforming. We are always moving toward some idealized average image of the groups or things with which we identify even as those idealized averages are shifting over time. But when it comes to thinking about beauty, there is something reassuring about the fact that what makes beautiful people so special is the fact that they are so average. It somehow makes me more content being more or less “normal”.
← Older posts Newer posts →
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2490
|
__label__wiki
| 0.688122
| 0.688122
|
Richmond Community College
Associates Colleges
2016 Undergraduate Tuition
2.7% growth from 2015
2016 Average Net Price
After Financial Aid
2016 Enrolled Students
42% Full-Time
2016 Graduation Rate
54 Graduates
Richmond Community College is a higher education institution located in Richmond County, NC. In 2016, the most popular Bachelor's Degree concentrations at Richmond Community College were .
In 2016, 770 degrees were awarded across all undergraduate and graduate programs at Richmond Community College. 63.4% of these degrees were awarded to women, and 36.6% awarded men. The majority of degree recipients were white (404 degrees), 1.74 times more than then the next closest race/ethnicity group, black or african american (232 degrees).
The median undergraduate tuition at Richmond Community College is $2,432, which is $-4,888 less than the national average for Associates Colleges ($7,320).
Photo by Alex Proimos
Associates Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High TraditionalAssociates Colleges
After taking grants and loans into account, the average net price for students is $5,765.
In 2016, 61% of undergraduate students received federal grants, while N/A% of undergraduate students received federal loans.
Student Expenses
In 2016, the cost of tuition at Richmond Community College was $2,432. The cost of tuition at Richmond Community College is $-4,888 less than than the overall (public and private) national average for Associates Colleges ($7,320).
This chart compares the tuition costs of Richmond Community College (in red) with those of other similar universities.
Average Net Price
In 2016 Richmond Community College had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $5,765. Between 2015 and 2016, the average net price of Richmond Community College grew by 20.3%.
This chart compares the average net price of Richmond Community College (in red) with that of other similar universities.
Average net price is calculated from full-time beginning undergraduate students who were awarded a grant or scholarship from federal, state or local governments, or the institution.
Other Student Expenses
The average yearly cost of room and board at Richmond Community College was of $7,300 in 2016. During the same period, the average yearly cost of books and supplies was $1,200. The cost of room and board increased by 15.9% between 2015 and 2016. The cost of books and supplies did not change during the same period.
This chart compares the average student costs at Richmond Community College (in red) with that of similar universities.
Financial Aid by Income Level
Of Undergraduates Receive Grants
Of Undergraduates Receive Federal Loans
61% of undergraduate students at Richmond Community College received grants or loans in 2016. This represents a decline of 7.58% with respect to 2015, when 66% of undergraduate students received financial aid.
This chart compares the average award discount at Richmond Community College (in red) with that of other similar universities.
The average award discount is the ratio between the average grant or scholarship value, and the cost, which is the sum of out-of-state tuition, room, board, book, supplies, and other expenses.
Student Loan Default Rate
Cohort default rates only account for borrowers who default in the first three years, and some schools only have a small proportion of borrowers entering repayment. These rates should be interpreted with caution, as they may not be reflective of the entire school population.
N/A Default Rate
Number of Defaults
In N/A the default rate for borrower's at Richmond Community College was N/A%, which represents N/A out of the N/A total borrowers.
A cohort default rate is the percentage of a school's borrowers who enter repayment on certain Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program or William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program loans during a particular federal fiscal year (FY), October 1 to September 30, and default or meet other specified conditions prior to the end of the second following fiscal year.
Richmond Community College received N/A undergraduate applications in N/A, which represents a 0% annual growth. Out of those N/A applicants, N/A students were accepted for enrollment, representing a N/A% acceptance rate.
There were 2,653 students enrolled at Richmond Community College in 2016, and N/A% of first-time enrollees submitted SAT scores with their applications.
Richmond Community College has an overall enrollment yield of N/A%, which represents the number of admitted students who ended up enrolling.
Acceptance Rate in N/A
Accepted Out of N/A
In N/A, the undergraduate acceptance rate of Richmond Community College was N/A% (N/A admissions from N/A applications). This is approximately the same as the acceptance rate of N/A, which was N/A%. Between N/A and N/A, the number of applicants stayed by N/A%, while admissions stayed by N/A%.
This chart compares the acceptance rate of Richmond Community College (in red) with that of other similar universities.
SAT Scores
Submission Percentage
Scores Submitted
N/A% of enrolled first-time students at Richmond Community College in N/A submitted SAT scores with their applications.
This chart shows the SAT scores for the 25th and 75th percentile of applicants broken out into each section of the test that their are evaluated on.
Richmond Community College has a total enrollment of 2,653 students. The full-time enrollment at Richmond Community College is 1,115 students and the part-time enrollment is 1,538. This means that 42% of students enrolled at Richmond Community College are enrolled full-time.
The enrolled student population at Richmond Community College, both undergraduate and graduate, is 36% White, 24.8% Black or African American, 7.84% American Indian or Alaska Native, 3.54% Hispanic or Latino, 2.3% Two or More Races, 0.641% Asian, and 0.0754% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders.
Students enrolled at Richmond Community College in full-time Undergraduate programs are majority White Female (25.4%), followed by Black or African American Female (19.6%) and White Male (13.5%). Students enrolled in full-time Graduate programs are majority N/A, followed by N/A and N/A.
Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment
Full-Time Enrollment
The total enrollment at Richmond Community College, both undergraduate and graduate, is 2,653 students. The full-time enrollment at Richmond Community College is 1,115 and the part-time enrollment is 1,538. This means that 42% of students enrolled at Richmond Community College are enrolled full-time compared with 36.5% at similar Associates Colleges.
This chart shows the full-time vs part-time enrollment status at Richmond Community College (in red) compares to similar universities.
Retention Rate over Time
2016 Retention Rate
Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall. The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Richmond Community College was 58%. Compared with the full-time retention rate at similar Associates Colleges (60%), Richmond Community College had a retention rate lower than its peers.
This chart shows the retention rate over time at Richmond Community College (highlighted in red) compares to similar universities.
Enrollment by Race & Ethnicity
The enrolled student population at Richmond Community College is 36% White, 24.8% Black or African American, 7.84% American Indian or Alaska Native, 3.54% Hispanic or Latino, 2.3% Two or More Races, 0.641% Asian, and 0.0754% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders. This includes both full-time and part-time students as well as graduate and undergraduates. By comparison, enrollment for all Associates Colleges is 46.8% White, 24.4% Hispanic or Latino, and 13% Black or African American.
Any student who is studying in the United States on a temporary basis is categorized as a "Non-Resident Alien", and the share of those students are shown in the chart below. Additionally, 652 students (24.6%) did not report their race.
In 2016, 206 more women than men received degrees from Richmond Community College. The majority of degree recipients at Richmond Community College are white (404 degrees awarded). There were 1.74 times more white graduates than the next closest race/ethnicity group, black or african american (232 degrees).
The most common Bachelor's Degree concentration at Richmond Community College is N/A, followed by N/A and N/A.
The most specialized majors across all degree types at Richmond Community College, meaning they have significantly more degrees awarded in that concentration than the national average across all institutions, are Construction (26 degrees awarded), Precision Production (33 degrees), and Engineering Technologies (50 degrees).
Common Jobs by Major
Most Common Job
The most common jobs for people who hold a degree in one of the 5 most specialized majors at Richmond Community College are Police officers (126,045 people), Miscellaneous managers (100,666 people), Elementary & middle school teachers (66,563 people), Social workers (49,242 people), and Construction managers (36,163 people).
The most specialized majors at Richmond Community College are Construction (26 degrees awarded), Precision Production (33 degrees), Engineering Technologies (50 degrees), Protective Services (81 degrees), and Human Sciences (22 degrees).
Highest Paying Jobs by Major
Securities, commodities, & financial services sales agents
Highest Paying Job
The highest paying jobs for people who hold a degree in one of the 5 most specialized majors at Richmond Community College are Securities, commodities, & financial services sales agents, Physicians & surgeons, Firstline supervisors of nonretail sales workers, Chief executives & legislators, and Personal financial advisors
Common Industries by Major
Justice, public order, & safety activities
Most Common Industry
The most common industries for people who hold a degree in one of the 5 most specialized majors at Richmond Community College are Justice, public order, & safety activities (306,043 people), Elementary & secondary schools (123,873 people), Construction (100,843 people), Computer Systems Design (60,321 people), and Hospitals (53,339 people).
Majors Awarded
IPEDS uses the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) standard, so the categories may not match the exact concentrations offered by Richmond Community College.
N/A degrees awarded
In N/A, the most common bachelors degree concentration at Richmond Community College was N/A with N/A degrees awarded.
This visualization illustrates the percentage of degree recipients from bachelors degree programs at Richmond Community College according to their major.
Gender Breakdown for Common Majors
Degrees Awarded to Men
In 2016, 282 degrees were awarded to men at Richmond Community College, which is 0.578 times less than the number of degrees awarded to females (488).
This chart displays the gender disparity between the top 5 majors at Richmond Community College by degrees awarded.
Most Common Male Majors
In N/A, 47 degrees were awarded to men at Richmond Community College in Liberal Arts & Sciences, which is 0.443 times less than the 106 female recipients with that same degree.
Most Common Female Majors
In N/A, 106 degrees were awarded to women at Richmond Community College in Liberal Arts & Sciences, which is 2.26 times more than the 47 male recipients with that same degree.
100% Completion Time
In 2016, 2% of students graduating from Richmond Community College completed their program within 100% "normal time" (i.e. 4 years for a 4-year degree). Comparatively, 11% completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time, and 19% within 200%.
The following chart shows these completion rates over time compared to the average for the Associates Colleges Carnegie Classification group.
Graduation rate is defined as the percentage of full-time, first-time students who received a degree or award within a specific percentage of "normal time" to completion for their program.
Graduation Rate by Race and Gender
Showing demographic groups with ≥ 5 graduating students.
Highest Graduation Rate (66.7%)
The student demographic with the highest graduation rate at Richmond Community College is Female and Hispanic or Latino (66.7% graduation rate). Across all Associates Colleges, Asian Female students have the highest graduation rate (67.2%).
The department of education defines graduation rate as the percentage of full-time, first-time students who received a degree or award within 150% of "normal time" to completion.
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) categorizes any student who is studying in the United States on a temporary basis as a "Non-Resident Alien", and the graduation rate of those students is shown in the chart below. Additionally, 9.26% of graduates (5 students) did not report their race.
Race & Ethnicity by Share
Most Common Student Race or Ethnicity
The most common race/ethnicity at Richmond Community College is white (404 degrees awarded). There were 1.74 times more white recipients than the next closest race/ethnicity group, black or african american (232 degrees).
4.55% of degree recipients (35 students) did not report their race.
Most Common Gender Demographic
Black or African American Female
The most common race/ethnicity and gender grouping at Richmond Community College is white female (249 degrees awarded). There were 1.56 times more white female recipients than the next closest race/ethnicity group, black or african american female (160 degrees).
Richmond Community College has an endowment valued at nearly $N/A, as of the end of the 2015 fiscal year. The return on its endowment was of $3k (N/A%), compared to the 1.4% average return ($43.5k on $3.12M) across all Associates Colleges.
In 2015, Richmond Community College had a total expenditure of $22.9M. Of that $22.9M, they spent $12.3M on salaries and $22.9M on benefits.
Richmond Community College employs N/A N/A, N/A N/A, and N/A N/A. Most academics at Richmond Community College are N/A (N/A), N/A(N/A), and N/A (N/A).
The most common positions for non-instructional staff at Richmond Community College are: Management, with 33 employees, Office and Administrative Support, with 25 employees, and Librarians, Curators, Archivists, and Academic Affairs and Other Education Services with 22 employees.
$N/A
2015 Endowment
growth from 2014
Richmond Community College has an endowment valued at about $N/A, as of the end of the 2015 fiscal year. The endowment of Richmond Community College stayed 0% from the previous year. The value of their endowment was $N/A approximately the same as than the median endowment of Associates Colleges according to the Carnegie Classification grouping.
This line chart shows how the endowment at Richmond Community College (in red) compares to that of some similar universities.
The small bar chart below shows the endowment quintiles for all universities in the Associates Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Traditional Carnegie Classification grouping.
Government Grants and Contracts
$465k - Federal
$247k - State
$0 - Local
As of 2015, Richmond Community College received $465k in grants and contracts from the federal government, $247k from state grants and contracts, and $0 from local grants and contracts.
Primary Expenses
Expenditure values can vary depending on whether the institution is public or private, and are not available for private-for-profit schools.
$12.3M
Salary Expenditure
Benefits Expenditure
The bar chart shows the share of the primary expenses at Richmond Community College over time, and the line chart shows the expenditure for solely salaries and benefits over time compared to the median for the Associates Colleges Carnegie Classification grouping.
Expenditure by Category
Academic supportAuxiliary enterprisesHospital servicesIndependent operationsInstructionInstitutional supportOperation & maintenance of plantOther expensesPublic serviceResearchStudent services
This tree map shows all of the primary expenses of Research at Richmond Community College as a share of total expenditure.
2015 Salaries
In 2015, Richmond Community College paid a median of $12.3M in salaries, which represents 53.7% of their overall expenditure ($22.9M) and a 5.76% growth from the previous year. This is compared to a 0.113% decline from 2013 and a 11.7% growth from 2012.
The median for similar Associates Colleges is 17.1M (52.8% of overall expenditures).
Instructional Salaries
In 2015, Richmond Community College paid a total of $5.3M to 92 employees working as instructors, which represents 43.1% of all salaries paid.
This is compared to a median of $4.44M (31%) for similar Associates Colleges.
Most Common Instructor
N/A Employees
Most Common Non-Instructional Employee
In N/A, the most common positions for instructional staff at Richmond Community College were N/A with N/A employees; N/A with N/A employees; and N/A with N/A employees.
In N/A, the most common positions for non-instructional staff at Richmond Community College were Management with 33 employees; Office and Administrative Support with 25 employees; and Librarians, Curators, Archivists, and Academic Affairs and Other Education Services with 22 employees.
Instructors by Academic Rank and Gender
Most Common Demographic
In N/A, the most common demographic for instructional staff at Richmond Community College was N/A with N/A employees, N/A with N/A employees, and N/A with N/A employees.
This chart shows the gender split between each academic rank present at Richmond Community College.
Red Rocks Community College
Angelina College
Spartanburg Community College
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2492
|
__label__cc
| 0.5708
| 0.4292
|
Discover September 2018
Cirque Mechanics
At the center of every circus is a 42 foot ring. And now that ring is coming to Las Vegas. On September 22, for one night only, UNLV’s Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall, will play host to 42ft – A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels, a show which dares audiences to take a metaphorical leap into the circus ring to experience the endurance of this evolving art form. Marvel at a veritable menagerie of 1930s-inspired circus acts with their own mechanical twists, all reinvented in timber, steel, ingenuity, plus a little clowning around, of course. And to celebrate the role animals have played in the circus throughout its history, a stunning mechanical horse comes to life.
Purchase tickets at https://www.tickets.com/cirque-mechanics-tickets
Barre and Barks
You’ve heard of goats and yoga, now there’s dogs and barre. On Sunday, October 14 at 10am, Barre3 in Henderson will host “Bark and Barre,” a unique, canine-friendly, 60-minute fitness class at The District. The class combines ballet, yoga, and Pilates, and participants are invited to bring their dogs to play freely and roam during the class, which will take place in a fenced off area in front of the main stage at The District at Green Valley Ranch. Remember to bring your own mats and towels. The price per participant is $23, with proceeds benefiting The Animal Foundation. If you don’t have one of your own already, The Animal Foundation will have cute dogs available for adoption following the class. Register online at https://barre3.com/studio-locations/henderson by Oct 7. Space is limited!
For further information, contact Barre3: 120 S. Green Valley Parkway, Henderson. 702-754-0290.
Baby Bottlenose
A healthy bottlenose dolphin calf made her debut at The Mirage last month to first-time mom Sofi at Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. She has quickly taken to her surroundings and is nursing well and bonding with her mother, closely following mom around the habitat. Sofi and her calf are in the Birthing and Research pool, which is open to public viewing during the facility’s operational hours. Guests are welcome to see the calf and discover how conservation efforts today help preserve these beautiful animals in the wild for future generations to enjoy.
Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage, 3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas 702-791-7188.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2493
|
__label__wiki
| 0.739764
| 0.739764
|
DC JazzFest
DCJazzPrix
Embassy Series
DCJF Education
Jazzin' AfterSchool
Jazzin' InSchool
Artist-in-Residence Program
Check Out All Things Jazz in DC
Stay up to date on your favorite artists and announcements
Interest areas *
General Mailing List & News
DC Jazz Fest
DC Jazz Prix
DC Jazz Festival Music Education Programs
Sponsorship and Support
The DC Jazz Festival®, a 501(c)(3) non-profit service organization, and its 2019 programs are made possible, in part, with major grants from the Government of the District of Columbia, Muriel Bowser, Mayor; with awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, an agency supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts; the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music & Entertainment; the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development; and, in part, by major grants from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, the Galena-Yorktown Foundation, The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, Wells Fargo Foundation, Gillon Family Charitable Fund, the NEA Foundation, Venable Foundation, The Dallas Morse Coors Foundation for the Performing Arts, The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, and the Reva & David Logan Foundation.
© 2019 DC Jazz Festival. All rights reserved. | Contact
Website Design & Production by Sage Communications
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2496
|
__label__wiki
| 0.887857
| 0.887857
|
Billboard Music Awards 2018 - Who Took Home The Honors [Winners List]
With 15 nominations each, Kendrick Lamar, Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars took home a fair share of the accolades, but when it came to Dance Music, The Chainsmokers ruled the roost. Here's a full rundown on the night's winners for each category.
Melody Siganporia
Just last night, May 20th 2018, the who's who of the music industry descended upon the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas for the Billboard Music Awards, 2018! Celebrating some of the biggest names in the industry and their mammoth achievements over the past year.
With performances from Janet Jackson, the winner of the ICON Billboard Music Award (BBMA), who made her comeback TV performance after nine long years to John Legend, Christina Aguilera, Ed Sheeran and Ariana Grande among others it was quite a star studded lineup. The night was hosted by Texas native, Kelly Clarkson, who began the night with a heartfelt tribute to the victims of the mass shooting in Santa Fe High School. Korean Pop sensations, BTS - who also happened to snag the award for Top Social Artist, also became the first Korean act to perform at the awards.
Clarifying on what basis the nominees are judged and the duration that is taken into consideration - "Billboard Music Awards nominees are based on key fan interactions with music, including album and digital song sales, streaming, radio airplay, touring and social engagement. These measurements are tracked year-round by Billboard and its data partners, including Nielsen Music and Next Big Sound. The awards are based on the reporting period of April 8, 2017 through March 31, 2018."
While Ed Sheeran took home the big one for Top Artist and a few more, when it came to Dance/Electronic Music, it was almost a clean sweep for The Chainsmokers. The duo also went on to make a heartfelt dedication of their award for Top Electronic/Dance Music act to Avicii!
For a complete list of nominees and winners in each category, check out the complete list of winners right here!
AviciiThe ChainsmokersBillboard Music AwardsBTSJanet Jackson
The Chainsmokers, Zedd Win Big at the Billboard Music Awards
EDM's biggest representatives pulled off wins at the ceremony.
Marshmello Awarded AMA in Favorite Artist - Electronic Dance Music Category
Marshmello competed with The Chainsmokers and Zedd for the honor.
Forbes Reveals it's 2018 List For The Worlds Highest-Paid DJ's
No prizes for guessing who's STILL topping the list for the sixth year consecutively!
Inaugural Electronic Music Awards revealed its 2017 winners
This is something huge for electronic music!
After Their Thank You Note To ‘Pittsburg’, The Chainsmokers Now Head To ‘Clevlande’
Looks like The Chainsmokers may need a full-time spell checker.
2018: The Year in EDM
These 20 stories defined electronic dance music over the past 12 months.
The Chainsmokers' Drew Taggart Receives Songwriter Of The Year Award By ASCAP
Yet another milestone for The Chainsmokers.
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2510
|
__label__wiki
| 0.569009
| 0.569009
|
NATO, the US, EU, IMF and the World Bank aim to establish political, military and economic control over Serbia
NATO, the US, EU, IMF and the World Bank desire to establish political, military and economic control over Serbia. NATO, especially the US, but also the EU, IMF, and World Bank are ready to take complete control over Serbia as soon as the [Serbian] government makes the first false move.
View original publication/media on Sputnik Italia
View archived publication/media from Sputnik Italia
Conspiracy narrative without evidence. Recurring pro-Kremlin narrative on the efforts of NATO, the US, and the EU to dictate policies and control governments across Europe - see examples of cases here, here and here.
The Government of the Republic of Serbia has set its European integration as one of the most important foreign policy objectives.
The Republic of Serbia signed the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU on the 29th of April 2008. It entered into force on the 1st of September 2013, upon completion of the ratification process in the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, the Parliaments of the EU Member States and the European Parliament. It was granted EU candidate status on the 1st of March 2012, whereas the European Council Decision of the 28th of June 2013 on initiating accession negotiations with Serbia, opened the most demanding phase of EU integration – membership negotiations, which imply full alignment with the EU’s systems, values and legislation. See here for more information about the EU-Serbia relations.
Serbia is deepening its political dialogue and cooperation with NATO on issues of common interest, with an important focus on support for democratic, institutional and defence reforms. Unlike other Western Balkan partners, Serbia does not aspire to join the Alliance.
The overarching goal of the World Bank Group’s Country Partnership Framework for 2016–20 is to support Serbia in creating a competitive and inclusive economy and through this, to achieve integration into the EU. The strategy is based on available evidence and expertise and focused on achieving the goals of reducing poverty and increasing prosperity across Serbian society in a sustainable manner.
Country: Serbia, EU, US
Keywords: World Bank, IMF, NATO
Outlet where the disinformation appeared: Sputnik Italia
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2515
|
__label__wiki
| 0.925464
| 0.925464
|
GOP House member files bill to end U.S. embargo on Cuba
By Alan Gomez, USA Today
A bill to eliminate the 55-year-old U.S. embargo on Cuba will be introduced Tuesday by an unlikely member of Congress: a Republican in the House of Representatives.
Rep. Tom Emmer, who narrowly lost the Minnesota governor's race in 2010 before winning a House seat in 2014, is scheduled to file the "Cuba Trade Act of 2015" that removes the long-standing restrictions on American businesses from trading with Cuba and American citizens from travelling there. Emmer said he decided to pursue a full repeal of the embargo after a trip to Cuba in June, when he met with Cuban government officials and everyday citizens.
"I understand there's a lot of pain on both sides of this issue that goes back many decades, something that a kid from Minnesota is not going to necessarily be able to understand," Emmer said. "But I believe this is in the best interests of the Cuban people. This isn't about the Cuban government — it's about people on the street looking for more opportunity and to improve their quality of life."
Ever since President Obama announced in December that he would reestablish diplomatic relations with the one-time Cold War foe, Congress has responded by trying to tweak the embargo, which is established in U.S. law and can only be changed by an act of Congress. Democrats in the Senate, with some Republican support, have been trying to ease trade and travel to the island. Republicans in the House have fought back, proposing a series of additional restrictions to bolster the embargo.
House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, has been clear that his chamber will not address the embargo until he sees significant changes in Cuba. Under current law, the embargo cannot be removed until several changes take place in Cuba, including a transition to a democratic government and improvements in the country's human rights record. Since none of that has happened, Boehner said in May that his chamber would not reexamine the embargo until "the Cuban people enjoy freedom, and not one second sooner."
Emmer saw firsthand what a challenge he's facing as he briefed Republican leadership and Cuban-American members of the House about his bill over the past week. "I didn't expect everybody to be thrilled," he said with a laugh.
But Steven Law, senior adviser to Engage Cuba, a group pushing for normalized relations with Cuba, said most of that reaction was simply political instinct in the face of another example of Obama using his executive powers to fundamentally alter U.S. policy.
"A lot of Republicans started out with the reflexive view that if Obama was behind it, there's something wrong with it," said Law. "But I think that's changing."
Law is no liberal — he is the president and CEO of the American Crossroads super PAC that supports Republican candidates and previously worked in the administration of President George W. Bush. He said the Cuba question can eventually cut across party lines with help from traditionally-conservative groups pushing for more access to Cuba, from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to libertarians.
"A lot of these members are hearing from constituents that it's a new day and we need a new policy to respond to those changes," he said.
Groups plan to use the August congressional recess to push that argument. Marc Hanson, senior associate for Cuba at the Washington Office on Latin America, said they plan to rally support for Emmer's bill through various August events.
"What's going to ultimately happen is this will start the conversation within the Republican caucus," Hanson said.
That conversation will be a short one, according to Mauricio Claver-Carone, executive director of the U.S.-Cuba Democracy PAC, which has opposed Obama's opening with Cuba. Claver-Carone pointed to recent votes conducted on the House floor on amendments to appropriations bills that created tighter sanctions against Cuba. In one case, Republicans won with a 120-vote majority.
"If anyone is trying to imply that somehow, within a couple of months, 61 members of the House of Representatives are going to flip, I think they have an unpleasant surprise coming," he said.
Budget, Taxes, and the Economy, Foreign Affairs
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2517
|
__label__cc
| 0.722018
| 0.277982
|
Located at the heart of the Vouvray AOP, the white wines Blanc Foussy benefit from a particular micro-climate and from a soil mainly made of clay. The sparklings of this AOP are fresh wines, with expressive citrus aromas. Located on the other side of the Loire river, in the Montlouis-sur-Loire, the terroir is more clayey there and produce a more mineral vintage, with fine expression of aromas.
The wine from Touraine, the region of the city of Tours, is more fruity, but also matured in cellar during a longer time, with a particular attention for the Tête de Cuvée brut, several times awarded during national contest.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Loire Valley has a fascinating past. François I, Charles VII of France and Leonardo da Vinci all came to live in the Loire, which became known as the “land of kings”.
The diverse architecture attests to the historical richness of the landscape :
Troglodyte caves,
Renaissance châteaux,
medieval fortresses,
historical cities,
gardens,
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2518
|
__label__cc
| 0.530965
| 0.469035
|
Filed to: FilmFiled to: Film
Scenic RoutesIn Scenic Routes, Mike D’Angelo looks at key scenes, explaining how they work and what they mean.
Primal emotions are the most ferociously subjective. If you find something hilarious, there’s no coherent argument anyone can make to persuade you otherwise; if you don’t, you can only stare in baffled wonder at the folks who are laughing their fool heads off. (“Okay, explain to me why this is funny,” my dad said to me 15 or so minutes into Fantastic Mr. Fox.) And the most primal emotion of all, arguably, is fear, upon which we and all other creatures depend for survival. No two people are frightened by precisely the same things, which is why Orwell’s terrifying Room 101 in 1984 contains something different for each poor soul who steps inside. What’s more, there’s a certain vulnerability involved in just admitting that something scared the living shit out of you, especially if that something prompts mere shrugs from others. It’s not as intimately embarrassing as confessing a sexual fetish, but it’s in the ballpark.
“More frightened than I’ve ever been in a movie theater” —Mike D’Angelo, Time Out New York
You’ll find that breathless blurb on the DVD of Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s J-horror classic Pulse, which I first saw at the 2001 Toronto Film Festival. It’s not an exaggeration. In fact, I seriously considered fleeing the theater after seeing the scene I’m about to show you, primarily because it takes place only half an hour into the movie, and I wasn’t certain I could survive another 90 minutes in that vein. (As it turned out, while the rest of the film is terrific, there’s only one more truly scary moment, and it doesn’t pack remotely the same wallop, at least for me.) I look back on the experience fondly 10 years later, but it wasn’t pleasant at the time; the intense physical response—tachycardia, hyperventilation, rampant gooseflesh—was what I imagine a panic attack must feel like. I seriously thought I might pass out. And yet many friends have more or less yawned through it, and so may you. Still, better leave a light on, just in case.
It’s hard for me to guess how this would play out of context—by which I mean both the context of the film and the context of J-horror, a genre whose tropes hadn’t yet been utterly exhausted. You probably don’t need to know that Pulse involves ghosts haunting the Internet (again, back when that was a fairly fresh idea), or that the dude we see suddenly replace that eerie black stain had committed suicide earlier in the movie in that same spot. And it’s hard to get the full flavor of the Forbidden Room at home, because Kurosawa’s deliberately murky visual scheme doesn’t translate well to DVD. (Either that, or they badly botched the transfer.) In 35mm, you can see the ghost chick clearly as soon as she appears, which is crucial; it’s also easier to see that her feet aren’t visible when the camera suddenly darts down behind the couch. The scene is supposed to be dark, but not this dark. A lot of potentially hair-raising detail gets lost.
Still, even on pristine celluloid, one could credibly argue that nothing really happens here. The first encounter with a ghost, while startling, isn’t particularly scary—in part because the hero, whose name is Yabe, seems more surprised than alarmed, even moving toward his dead friend rather than stepping back or running away. And though Kurosawa immediately introduces the keening female vocal that’ll “ooooooo” its way through the rest of the scene, its overt spookiness, while effective, is also somewhat comforting, in a strange way. Its intentions are clear, in the same way that the intentions of a crazed lunatic wielding a butcher knife are clear. And this is where the subjectivity kicks in, because a crazed lunatic wielding a butcher knife wouldn’t scare me much. I understand that threat. If the film were skillfully made, I might feel some anxiety on behalf of the character being threatened, but the outcome is more or less binary: Either our hero will get carved up, or he won’t. Let’s see if he makes it.
What terrifies me, as a viewer, is the unknown and the inexplicable. Stephen King has written in the past about how the closed door is always more frightening than whatever is ultimately revealed to be behind it, which can’t possibly equal our imagination. And here we have a door that’s not merely closed, but actually sealed with ominous red duct tape—leading, we infer from the sheet of paper seen earlier, to something called the Forbidden Room. But when Yabe turns from the couch after the lights come up, it’s not some hideous-looking monster or leering psycho he sees. It’s just a woman. And she doesn’t run toward him wielding something sharp. She just starts walking in his direction. Slowly. Really slowly. With the kind of exaggerated arm and leg motions you might employ if you were attempting to demonstrate the concept of “walking” to some alien race of Weebles who had never encountered it before.
And then comes that utterly unearthly… stumble, for lack of a better word. That’s the point where I started to lose it, and I can only conclude that what freaked me out was that I no longer had any idea what I was looking at, which meant that I didn’t know what would happen next. This woman’s intentions were not clear. This woman’s freakin’ movements were not clear. She was silent, she was implacable, she was mysteriously clumsy. Looking at the stumble again (and again), it almost seems like a glitch—not as some lame “she’s a computer program” reveal, but in the much more vaguely menacing sense of just plain Does Not Belong. Her wobbly recovery and immediate resumption of that narcotized pace is the stuff of my personal nightmares, and it’s no coincidence, I think, that the scene ends at the point where one would usually wake up. Although even then, she doesn’t reach out to grab Yabe or anything. Just gazes at him with an expression of mild curiosity (which, again, is easier to see projected properly in a theater).
One element I’d never really focused on before is the painting, or whatever it is, behind the couch. There’s no reference to it elsewhere in the film, no explanation of where it came from or what it’s doing there. But it looks like the product of a disturbed mind, and its shapelessness plays on the same fear of the inexplicable as the woman’s somnambulistic gait. Likewise, the scene’s expert sound design features a panoply of high- and low-frequency noises that are just this side of identifiable. Basically, what Kurosawa has done here is assemble numerous variations on the theme of “what you don’t know, or even understand, can hurt you.” And it’s that fear of what’s about to happen, combined with an inability to fathom what it might be, that makes my blood run cold.
Recent from Mike D'Angelo
Marc Maron and Lynn Shelton make a winning pair in the sharp, satirical Sword Of Trust
Daisy Ridley is Ophelia, and Ophelia is not dead, in this bland YA gloss on Hamlet
The Command sucks all of the dramatic oxygen out of a real-life submarine disaster
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2519
|
__label__cc
| 0.54514
| 0.45486
|
Home » Summer Movie Season
Category Archives: Summer Movie Season
Posted on June 24, 2019 by Drew St. Pierre | Leave a comment
Woody (Tom Hanks) catches up with an old friend (Annie Potts) in Toy Story 4. (Source: Washington Post)
In 1995, John Lasseter made history by bringing the first ever feature-length computer-animated film Toy Story. It followed a group of toys coming to life whenever humans aren’t around, and they help each other in the most perilous of situations. It became a monster box-office success, Disney/PIXAR decided to make a sequel. Toy Story 2 featured a much bigger adventures that went into new heights. No one knew the toys would make a comeback ten years later with Toy Story 3, where things got more emotional and intense. When it was announced there is going to be Toy Story 4, everyone (including myself) got nervous. If the previous film ended on a pitch-perfect note, how would the series go on? Director/co-writer Josh Cooley (who worked as one of the screenwriters for Inside Out) steps into use his bag of tricks. The results are nothing short of surprising.
A year after Andy has left for college, the toys have a great owner in Bonnie (Madeleine McGraw). Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head (Don Rickles, via audio archives, and Estelle Harris), Rex (Wallace Shawn), Slinky Dog (Blake Clark), Hamm (John Ratzenberger), and the rest of the toy gang go on a road trip with Bonnie and her parents before heading for kindergarten. At her orientation, Bonnie makes a new toy made out of a spork called Forky (Tony Hale), although he sees himself as trash instead of a toy. Woody embarks on a mission to save her new toy. Along the way, he encounters Bo Peep (Annie Potts) at an antique shop, who helps him make his way back to Bonnie and the toys.
This movie really shows how much the animation has evolved since the first film. It opens up with Woody and the toys trying to save a toy in the rain. Notice the water droplets dripping on the toys. It’s clear the animation is more photo-realistic and a lot more breath-taking this time around. Every single shot is like a painting come to life.
Of course, you see a lot of familiar faces (and voices) as well as some likeable newcomers. Toy Story 4 is centered more on Woody than the previous entries. It continues to contain the wonderful message about always being there for one another (either toys or human owners). Before, Woody’s relationship with Bo Peep was more flirtatious. Here, they have matured over the years. I’m so glad Bo Peep has a much more fascinating empowered character arc.
The side characters are a ton of fun to watch. Forky would have easily been one that would have been straight-up annoying. But–it’s hard not to feel bad for him, despite finding hilarious ways of escaping. Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele are a hoot as Ducky and Bunny, two carnival prize toys who want to be “The Chosen Ones”. The scene-stealer, however, is Keanu Reeves as Duke Caboom, a Canadian daredevil toy with a tragic backstory, who is just as sophisticated as The Stig from Top Gear. I mean, is there anything Reeves cannot do?
For all of the parents out there, Toy Story 4 might be too dark and upsetting for younger children. The appearances of vintage pull-string doll Gabby Gabby (Christina Hendricks) and her ventriloquist dummies are intimidating. For those who have followed the series since the beginning, expect a handful of emotional moments. I sense this will be the end of a beloved saga, but it does, once again, end on a high note.
Posted in 2019 Summer Movie Review, Movie Review, Movies, Reviews, Summer Movie Season | Tagged 2019 Summer Movie Review, Annie Potts, Blake Clark, Christina Hendricks, Disney, Don Rickles, Dr. Saint D.D.S., Estelle Harris, John Lasseter, John Ratzenberger, Jordan Peele, Josh Cooley, Keanu Reeves, Keegan-Michael Key, Madeleine McGraw, Movie Review, PIXAR, Tim Allen, Tom Hanks, Tony Hale, Toy Story, Toy Story 4, Wallace Shawn
Three officers (Bill Murray, Chloe Sevigny, Adam Driver) all have a feeling there’s something not right in a small town in Jim Jarmusch’s horror-comedy The Dead Don’t Die. (Source: IndieWire)
Jim Jarmusch is one of the most unique filmmakers of all-time. He has been writing and directing movies since the 1980s. Since his 1984 debut Stranger than Paradise, his films have showcased a dry sense of humor and subtle storytelling. His anthology film Night on Earth and his most recent masterpiece Paterson are among his best. The Dead Don’t Die, his latest film, is not the first time where Jarmusch uses horror-movie creatures (the two main characters in Only Lovers Left Alive happen to be vampires). With this movie having a massive ensemble featuring collaborators of Jarmusch’s earlier work as well as newcomers, it tends to have a message about climate change. Unfortunately, the movie hardly does anything to it.
Set in the small town of Centerville (population: 738), strange things begin to occur. A radio station has reported a “polar fracking”, causing the Earth to come off its axis. The sun is staying up longer than usual. Cell phones and watches stop working. Pets are mysteriously disappearing and reappearing as vicious. At night, people are being eaten alive. Chief Officer Cliff Robertson (Bill Murray), Officer Ronnie Peterson (Adam Driver), and Officer Mindy Morrison (Chloe Sevigny) begin to investigate. Peterson quickly comes to the conclusion reanimated corpses are coming out of their graves late at night. They all go around town talking to the locals and prepare for battle.
I appreciate a good deadpan comedy and a good zombie movie, and some amusing references to classic horror films, from Psycho to Night of the Living Dead. Jarmusch does show his love for the genre; adding some elegant touches. For instance, when the zombies are killed, they produce dust instead of blood and gore (like everyone is used to seeing). However, they hardly make up for the deadening dullness Jarmusch brings to his nonsensical writing and tedious directing.
Driver and Murray are both the masters of deadpan humor. Their chemistry is the only decent quality in this movie. In an early scene, they are both in the police cruiser. Sturgill Simpson’s country anthem “The Dead Don’t Die” (a song I hope gets nominated for the Best Original Song Oscar) is playing on the radio. Cliff is wondering why it sounds so familiar. “Well, because it’s the theme song,” Peterson says, sensing they are breaking the fourth wall. Then, it’s all downhill after the opening scene.
Containing an ensemble featuring the likes of Steve Buscemi, Tilda Swinton, Danny Glover, Tom Waits, RZA, Selena Gomez, Iggy Pop among others, everyone is about as soulless as the movie itself. There are plenty of unnecessary subplots (particularly one set at a juvenile detention center) that don’t go anywhere. Even on a low-budget, the visuals look cheap. There’s a moment where Gomez’s Zoe, a hipster from Ohio, introduces herself while bidding farewell, and computer-generated sparkles explode behind her (I don’t know what the hell that was all about). Probably the weirdest part of all is Swinton’s performance as Zelda Winston, a Scottish funeral director obsessed with the samurai, with a fate so ridiculous it will infuriate moviegoers. Every single human character is about as soulless as the zombies. The Dead Don’t Die is a wasted opportunity.
Posted in 2019 Summer Movie Review, Movie Review, Movies, Reviews, Summer Movie Season | Tagged 2019 Summer Movie Review, Adam Driver, Bill Murray, Chloe Sevigny, Danny Glover, Dr. Saint D.D.S., Iggy Pop, Jim Jarmusch, Movie Review, RZA, Selena Gomez, Steve Buscemi, Summer Movie Review, The Dead Don't Die, Tilda Swinton, Tom Waits
Posted on May 31, 2019 by Drew St. Pierre | Leave a comment
Elton John (Taron Egerton) collaborates with songwriter Bernie Taupin in Rocketman, Dexter Fletcher’s spectacular biopic of Sir Elton John. (Source: AZ Central)
A biopic of living legend Elton John has been in development for years. The singer’s first choice to play him was Justin Timberlake, but the first actor attached to play him was Tom Hardy. However, budget issues, creative differences, and the fact Hardy couldn’t sing caused the project to be put on hold. Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman) stepped out as director of Rocketman while Dexter Fletcher (who directed the overlooked Eddie the Eagle and finished directing Bohemian Rhapsody after Bryan Singer got fired) stepped in. With Taron Egerton playing the titular artist, it’s about time to get the music biopic Sir Elton John deserves. It certainly paid off brilliantly!
Elton John (Egerton), born Reginald Dwight (rising newcomers Matthew Illesley and Kit Connor play the singer as a youngster), grew up in Middlesex with his horrible parents Stanley (Steven Mackintosh) and Sheila (Bryce Dallas Howard) and caring grandmother Ivy (Gemma Jones). He dreams of songwriting and playing the piano; becomes a prodigious student at the Royal Academy of Music.
As an adult, Reggie changes his name to Elton John and meets his music partner Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell). They meet inside a cafe, discuss about popular music, and become friends almost instantly (they still collaborate to this day). Scottish music manager John Reid (Richard Madden) works under his wing while having a brief relationship. Although struggling with his alcoholism, drug addiction, and homosexuality, Elton’s motivation is to get the love he deserves.
As a big fan of Elton John, there are a lot of things in Rocketman that would have disappointed. Fletcher and screenwriter Lee Hall (Billy Elliott, War Horse) make up for what Bohemian Rhapsody got wrong. There is a lot of graphic content (e.g. drug use, sexual content) suited more for adults, and not dumbed-down to appeal more teenagers. Instead of lip-synching, the stars actually sing the songs. Rocketman is unlike your typical music biopic. It’s a jukebox musical and a fantasy wrapped into one fantastic movie.
Egerton brings a lot of flamboyant energy and charisma as Sir Elton. It makes perfect sense not just because he looks like him, but they hint it in Sing when his character performed “I’m Still Standing”, and the singer made a small appearance in Kingsman: The Golden Circle. His singing is the icing on the cake.
The movie opens up with him in rehab wearing his “stage gear”, as he perfectly describes his ridiculous costumes he wears while performing live, setting up what’s to come during the two-hour ride. He struggles getting the respect from his friends and family, while living in his own little world. During the “Rocket Man” sequence (featuring gorgeous cinematography by George Richmond), he sets off into the night sky from the crowded arena like a rocket, and explodes like a firework, which resembles how Elton’s fame sets off. While in the “Bennie and the Jets” sequence, he fantasizes himself in an orgy, which showcases the descent into sex and drug addiction. I just love how the two contradict each other perfectly.
After coming a long way from winning everyone over with his impressive debut in Billy Elliott, Bell does great work as Bernie Taupin, and definitely a front-runner for Best Supporting Actor during awards season. Madden’s John Reid is one everyone loves to hate; he manipulates Elton for money after their first significant night with each other.
“I think it’s going to be a long, long time” (yeah, I had to go there) for a music biopic to top something as magical and devastating as Rocketman. With its colorful, extravagant sets, terrific performances, a screenplay that never shies away from Elton’s successes and struggles, this movie has its heart in the right place. One of the year’s absolute best!
Posted in 2019 Summer Movie Review, Movie Review, Movies, Reviews, Summer Movie Season | Tagged 2019 Summer Movie Review, Bryce Dallas Howard, Dexter Fletcher, Dr. Saint D.D.S., Elton John, Gemma Jones, George Richmond, Jamie Bell, Kit Connor, Lee Hall, Matthew Illesley, Movie Review, Richard Madden, Rocketman, Steven Mackintosh, Summer Movie Review, Taron Egerton
John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is running out of time in the masterful third film in the beloved cult action franchise. (Source: Entertainment Weekly)
John Wick didn’t become a big box-office hit when it hit theaters in 2014. However, it didn’t stop people from loving it for Keanu Reeves’ terrific performance as the titular hitman getting vengeance on a group of Russian gangsters after they killed his dog. With its straightforward premise, the thrilling action set pieces, and the surprising amount of dark humor, director Chad Stahelski and the crew thought it would be a great idea to have John Wick go on more adventures. The superior sequel contained much more action and visual wonder to carry through. The third film–subtitled Parabellum–showcases what audiences expect from the franchise, and shattering expectations to give another violent and badass ride against time.
In the previous film, John Wick (Reeves) is stripped from his services as an assassin for killing a member of the High Table. Winston (Ian McShane), the manager of the Continental Hotel, declares “excommunicado”. It means a $14 million bounty is put on his head, so anyone can gun him down. John runs through the mean streets of NYC, and meets a ballet instructor, known as “The Director” (Anjelica Huston), who helps him to go to Casablanca to clear his name. Along with colleague Sofia (Halle Berry) and her two German shepherds, John must run against the clock before it’s too late.
Stahelski’s direction has become more confident with each entry in this awesome franchise. Yet again, he and cinematographer Dan Laustsen (who also worked on Chapter Two) do a fantastic job capturing the over-the-top action set pieces (that are just as brutal and bone-crunching as before) and the abstract beauty with its massive scale. Hearing the guns going off is music to my ears. The final showdown at the hotel is one of the best action sequences of all-time.
Reeves, yet again, proves he can play a vulnerable anti-hero who can kick anyone’s ass if they get too close. This movie gives more insight to John’s mysterious past (explaining it will ruin the experience for everybody). Like with the previous two films, he does his own incredible stunts. There’s one scene where he takes down a group of assassins while riding on a horse that is nothing short of amazing! The supporting cast also has their shining moments; Laurence Fishburne provides enough suave energy as the Bowery King and McShane is as awesome as always. Berry, whose career has been going downhill for years, makes a surprisingly resonant role as the colleague who helps John in the middle of the stifling desert.
John Wick: Chapter Three – Parabellum will make audiences leave the theater smiling and wanting more. It has recently been announced a fourth film will come out in two years. Look forward to seeing more high-octane adventures from the badass hitman.
Posted in 2019 Summer Movie Review, Movie Review, Movies, Reviews, Summer Movie Season | Tagged 2019 Summer Movie Review, Anjelica Huston, Chad Stahelski, Dan Laustsen, Halle Berry, Ian McShane, John Wick, John Wick: Chapter Three - Parabellum, Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne
2019 Summer Movie Review: Booksmart
Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein) embark on one wild misadventure after another in Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut Booksmart. (Source: AZ Central)
Ever since film existed, there have been plenty of high-school classics that defined a generation. American Graffiti, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, The Breakfast Club, Dazed and Confused, and Superbad among others have all set the standard. Olivia Wilde sits in the director’s chair for the first time with Booksmart, a raunchy yet surprisingly poignant and downright hilarious portrait about the hardships of female friendship and growing up. Along with four female screenwriters, the movie brings something fresh to the genre.
Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein) have been best friends since childhood. They are about to graduate from high school, kudos to focusing hard on their education, acing the SATs to get into Ivy League schools (Amy is about to go to Columbia, while Molly is going to Yale) and participating in extracurricular activities. The duo realized they missed out on the good times during their high school years. They both thought it would be a good idea to cram four years of fun into one crazy night they will never forget. Soon, they begin to learn about the truth of their friendship.
It’s extremely difficult to make a teen comedy to be crude without being too offensive. Yes, the two talk about sex, get into a series of mishaps and misunderstandings, go into a hilarious acid trip (rendered through stop-motion animation), but it focuses on their friendship and the means of being there for one another. After a series of script rewrites, it pulls off brilliantly.
Wilde has chosen a rock-solid cast to play the high school students. What’s refreshing is none of them are portrayed as stereotypes, but more as actual teenagers. Known for her breakout performances in the TV series Justified and Last Man Standing, Dever excels as Amy, the smart girl who came out of the closet during her sophomore year. She tries to have the courage to ask her crush Ryan (Victoria Ruesga), an awkward skater girl, to go out on a date. It’s not until reality begins to slap her across the face.
Her chemistry with Feldstein (who rose to fame in Greta Gerwig’s directing debut Lady Bird), is enough to make Booksmart worthwhile. Molly, who is just as quirky and supportive to her best friends, wants to grow up to be the youngest Supreme Court justice. There is a great scene early on where she overhears her peers mocking her in the bathroom. Then, Molly walks out of the stall to give her criticism about what she heard. I have never witnessed a scene as brutally honest as anything I’ve seen all year.
The supporting cast has their shining moments as well. It includes Jason Sudeikis as the principal, Will Forte and Lisa Kudrow as Amy’s parents, and the scene-stealing Billie Lourd (the daughter of the late Carrie Fisher) as wild-child Gigi, who always appears at the most random situations. I bet she had a blast being in this movie!
Booksmart is destined to be the next teen comedy classic. Featuring razor-sharp dialogue, a realistic portrayal of high school, and wonderful performances. Well done, Olivia Wilde!
Posted in 2019 Summer Movie Review, Movie Review, Movies, Reviews, Summer Movie Season | Tagged 2019 Summer Movie Review, Beanie Feldstein, Billie Lourd, Booksmart, Dr. Saint D.D.S., Jason Sudeikis, Kaitlyn Dever, Lisa Kudrow, Movie Review, Olivia Wilde, Victoria Ruesga, Will Forte
2019 Summer Movie Review: Tolkien
J.R.R. Tolkien (Nicholas Hoult) poses with his “fellowship” in Dome Karukoski’s first English-language film Tolkien. (Source: Washington Post)
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien is one of the best writers who ever lived. He brought readers to a different world containing fantastical worlds and inventive languages. His imagination of Middle-Earth was brought forth to the big screen. Everybody has seen and loved Peter Jackson’s marvelous Lord of the Rings trilogy that went onto win numerous film awards. The New Zealand director came back to direct The Hobbit trilogy. Although it didn’t earn as much praise as before, it was great to be a part of a wonderful world everyone wished they were a part of.
After the popularity of those films, a biopic of J.R.R. Tolkien and his inspiration of writing his popular novels needed to happen. In his first English-language film, Finnish director Dome Karukoski and screenwriters David Gleeson and Stephen Beresford focus on the writer’s early years. Fans of the source material will be sadly disappointed with Tolkien.
The movie starts off with Tolkien (Nicholas Hoult) as an orphan. At a prep school, his life changes when he forms a friendship with three boys–Geoffrey (Anthony Boyle), Christopher (Tom Glynn-Carney), and Robert (Patrick Gibson). Together, they form a secret society called the Tea Club and Barrovian Society, where they sip on tea and discuss each other’s literary work.
Meanwhile, Tolkien develops a relationship with the lovely Edith (Lily Collins), who is also an orphan. She inspires him to write his popular Middle-Earth saga. However, their relationship gets in the way when he and his friends are enlisted in the trenches of World War I.
Making a biopic of the famous writer isn’t a problem. However, the family and his estate did not endorse Tolkien at all. It’s not a terrible movie, but it feels contrived and occasionally dull. The narrative jumps all over the place from No Man’s Land to the author’s past, which doesn’t help with its poor pacing. Hell, even the war sequences showcase what other war movies have done better. Although the cinematography by Lasse Frank is passable, they feel too generic. It is a treat to catch the numerous references from Tolkien’s work, though.
Hoult is no stranger when it comes to playing famous authors. He played J.D. Salinger in Rebel in the Rye, which also didn’t receive positive reviews. Here, the 29-year-old British actor delivers a strong performance as Tolkien, who captures his charm and wisdom of creating his own world. Two of the interesting aspects of the film is his fascination in linguistics. In one scene, we see Tolkien drunk in the middle of the courtyard shouting in Elvish to the stars. The fact he created languages and drew his own settings for his stories is amazing!
Another interesting aspect is his relationship with Edith. He and Collins are the two who keep the film moving. If the movie only focused on their relationship alone, it would have been more watchable. However–the movie has a lot of potential that hardly adds a lot to its unfocused narrative. Tolkien deserved to be so much more!
Posted in 2019 Summer Movie Review, Movie Review, Movies, Reviews, Summer Movie Season | Tagged 2019 Summer Movie Review, David Gleeson, Dome Karukoski, Dr. Saint D.D.S., J.R.R. Tolkien, Lily Collins, Nicholas Hoult, Stephen Beresford, Summer Movie Review, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2521
|
__label__wiki
| 0.951137
| 0.951137
|
David S. Kaufman
David Spangler Kaufman (December 18, 1813 – January 31, 1851) was an attorney, politician and diplomat, serving as U.S. Representative from Texas.[1] When the Republic of Texas was independent, he served in both houses of its legislature, and as Chargé d'Affaires of Texas to the United States.
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Texas's 1st district
March 30, 1846 – January 31, 1851
Richardson A. Scurry
Republic of Texas Chargé d'affaires to the United States
Republic of Texas Senator
Member of the Republic of Texas House of Representatives from Nacogdoches County
Thomas Jefferson Rusk
David Spangler Kaufman
(1813-12-13)December 13, 1813
Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania, U.S.
January 31, 1851(1851-01-31) (aged 37)
Texas State Cemetery
Jane Baxter Richardson
David Jr.
Sam Houston
Princeton College
Republic of Texas Army
Aide to
Gen. Thomas J. Rusk
Battles/wars
Battle of the Neches
David Spangler Kaufman was born in Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania, the son of Mary (Spangler) and Abraham Landis Kaufman. He was of German ancestry, and his paternal great-grandfather was a Mennonite minister. (Kaufman is sometimes incorrectly described as Jewish).[2] Kaufman pursued classical studies and was graduated from The College of New Jersey in 1833.[3]
Kaufman moved to Natchez, Mississippi, where he studied law with John A. Quitman from New York state.[3] Kaufman was admitted to the bar in Natchez. He commenced practice in Natchitoches, Louisiana in 1835. Attracted to the developing country in the Southwest, Kaufman moved in 1837 to Nacogdoches, Republic of Texas.[3]
Military serviceEdit
Kaufman served in the military against the Cherokee people in the Texas-Indian Wars. He was wounded at the Battle of the Neches in 1839. These Cherokee had migrated to Texas from their territory in the American Southeast, to avoid being removed to Indian Territory. But the Texas president wanted to push them out of the republic.
Political careerEdit
He served as a member of the Texas House of Representatives 1838–1843. He served in the Texas Senate 1843–1845. He was appointed Chargé d'Affaires of Texas to the United States in 1845.[4]
Upon the admission of Texas as a State into the Union, Kaufman was elected as a Democrat to the Twenty-ninth Congress. He was reelected to the Thirtieth and Thirty-first Congresses, serving from March 30, 1846, until 1851. He served as chairman of the Committee on Rules (Thirty-first Congress).
Kaufman died from a heart attack[4] in Washington, D.C., on January 31, 1851. Kaufman was originally interred in the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, DC. In 1932 his remains were moved and he was reinterred in the Texas State Cemetery at Austin.[5]
Fraternal membershipsEdit
Freemasons[6]
The Philosophical Society of Texas[7]
Legacy and honorsEdit
Kaufman is the namesake of Kaufman County, Texas,[8] and its seat, Kaufman.
^ "KAUFMAN, DAVID SPANGLER".
^ Kaufman-Kauffman: the house of Oley; Kaufman, Texas was named for David Spangler Kaufman, the son of Abraham and Mary (Spangler) Kaufman. Abraham was the son of John and Christianna (Landis) Kaufman; John was the son of Frederick Kaufman, a Mennonite minister. Frederick was the immigrant Kaufman ancestor, arriving in Philadelphia on 21 September 1742, at a time of strong German immigration to the colony.
^ a b c Ornish, Natalie: David Spangler Kaufman from the Handbook of Texas Online. Retrieved 8 July 2010. Texas State Historical Association
^ a b Guttery, Ben R (2008). Representing Texas: A Comprehensive History of U.S. and Confederate Senators and Representatives from Texas. BookSurge Publishing. p. 93. ISBN 978-1-4196-7884-4.
^ "David Spangler Kaufman final resting place". Texas State Cemetery. Retrieved 25 June 2010.
^ Kestenbaum, Lawrence. "DSKaufman-The Political Graveyard". The Political Graveyard. Retrieved 8 July 2010.
^ Gambrell, Herbert: The Philosophical Society of Texas from the Handbook of Texas Online. Retrieved 8 July 2010. Texas State Historical Association
^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. p. 172.
List of United States Congress members who died in office (1790–1899)
This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress website http://bioguide.congress.gov.
David Spangler Kaufman at the Handbook of Texas Online
United States Congress. "David S. Kaufman (id: K000021)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
David S. Kaufman at Find a Grave
New district Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Texas's 1st congressional district
March 30, 1846 – January 31, 1851 Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=David_S._Kaufman&oldid=897932315"
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2524
|
__label__wiki
| 0.99054
| 0.99054
|
Dirty Pretty Things (band)
Dirty Pretty Things were an English band fronted by Carl Barât, a member of The Libertines. The formation of the band was announced in September 2005, after a dispute between Barât and Pete Doherty led to the breakup of The Libertines in 2004. Barât had worked with Vertigo Records and had previously revealed that his new project was with the label. Didz Hammond announced he was leaving the Cooper Temple Clause[1] to join the band alongside Libertines drummer Gary Powell and guitarist Anthony Rossomando, who had filled in for Doherty following his departure from The Libertines. They played their first shows in October 2005 in Italy and Paris, France. They announced their split on 1 October 2008 and played their final shows during November.
Carl Barât and Didz Hammond performing live at the Redbourn Festival on 11 August 2007.
Indie rock, garage rock revival
The Libertines, Babyshambles, Yeti, The Cooper Temple Clause, The Chavs
web.archive.org/web/20090925063349/http://dirtyprettythingsband.com/
Carl Barât
Didz Hammond
Anthony Rossomando
After adopting the name to Dirty Pretty Things, problems arose - a four-piece band from Salisbury had been playing as "Dirty Pretty Things" since early January 2005, claiming to have already trademarked the name in the UK'[2] the two groups came to an agreement over the name, and the other band was renamed Mitchell Devastation. An Australian band had been playing under "Dirty Pretty Things" since 2003, although it also opted to change it. The name was shared by Barât's club nights in venues throughout London; they assumed the name "Bright Young Things" to avoid confusion.
Formation and Waterloo to Anywhere: 2005–2006Edit
Dirty Pretty Things began recording their first album in Los Angeles, California with high-profile producer Dave Sardy, and in Glasgow, Scotland with producer Tony Doogan. "You Fucking Love It", a track from the band's debut album, was made available on a free CD with 1 April 2006 issue of NME entitled "NME and MTV2 present Best Newbands Showcase 2006".
The band's debut album, Waterloo to Anywhere, was released on 8 May 2006, reaching number three on the music charts and receiving critical approval. The first single (and first official band release) from the album, "Bang Bang, You're Dead", was released on 24 April 2006 and reached number five in the singles chart in its first week of sales. The second single, "Deadwood", was released on 10 July 2006 and reached number 20 in the singles chart. The album's third single, "Wondering", was released on 25 September 2006 and reached number 34.
The band toured extensively in the UK during the first half of 2006. They played their first American show at the SXSW festival in Texas. During the summer of 2006, the group played at several UK festivals, including the Gonville & Caius College May Ball 2006, Isle of Wight Festival, Wireless Festival, T in the Park, Kendal Calling and the Irish festival Oxegen. The band played with the Red Hot Chili Peppers at their concerts in Ipswich and Coventry in July 2006. The band were supported on their debut tour of the UK by Dublin band Humanzi.
On 13 May 2006 Barât and Hammond appeared on the football show Soccer AM. The pair appeared to be high or drunk following a night out after a gig in Wolverhampton, causing fellow guest Noel Gallagher to compare Barat's slightly incoherent rambling to that of his brother, Liam.[3]
Following a festival appearance in Taipei, Barât broke his collarbone after falling from a motorbike during a drinking session, leading to speculation that Dirty Pretty Things would have to cancel upcoming performing dates in North America.[4]
On 16 October 2006, the band released a DVD, Puffing on a Coffin Nail, which featured more than two-and-a-half hours of concert footage and documentaries. On 25 October 2006, Barât appeared as a special guest at Paul Weller's set during the Electric Proms, duetting on "Peacock Suit" and "In the City".
Romance at Short Notice: 2007–2008Edit
The band supported Muse at their 16 June 2007 Wembley Stadium show and supported the Red Hot Chili Peppers on 24 June at Goffertpark Nijmegen in The Netherlands. They also played at Glastonbury 2007 and performed several new songs. On 22 July the band supported Pet Shop Boys at the Eden Project in Cornwall, playing a slew of new songs including "Come Closer".[5] "Radio Song" (co-written by Barât and Chris McCormack) was released as part of the OST for Run, Fat Boy, Run, on 7 September 2007 for download, and on 10 September 2007 on CD. In October the band appeared on the Love Music Hate Racism CD, which was given away with copies of the NME and also available as a download from the LMHR website . "9 Lives" was Dirty Pretty Things' contribution to the free album and was in a finished studio form (although it was recorded in guitarist Anthony Rossomando's flat in London).
The band planned to record the album in summer of 2007, to have it ready for a tentative September 2007 release, however the band were having problems with production and that the release date had to be pushed back.[6][7] On 2 May 2008 the band had completed 12 tracks for their second album and later revealed the title to be Romance at Short Notice. The name is a reference to the final line in Saki's short story "The Open Window." Previously, the title This Is Where The Truth Begins had been circulated as the title of the album.[8]
On 12 May 2008, the song "Hippy's Son" was made available for free download from the band's official website[9] and on 22 June the band made all of the album available for free streaming on NME.com.[10] Romance at Short Notice was released on 30 June 2008, with the single "Tired of England" released a week earlier on 23 June.[11] Both, album and single, failed to reach high chart positions. The album entered the UK albums chart at number 35 and left it after only two weeks. On 7 July the band placed 4 songs available for download on Napster - "Buzzards and Crows", "Plastic Hearts", "Hippy's Son" and a cover of Bob Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues".[12] On 11 July the band appeared on XFM's Live From Leicester Square programme. They played "Plastic Hearts", "Bang Bang You're Dead" and a cover of Glasvegas' "It's My Own Cheating Heart That Makes Me Cry".[13]
In May 2008, Dirty Pretty Things had their Coventry Kasbah gig filmed and later broadcast on Channelbee.
SeparationEdit
On 1 October 2008 it was announced that the band would split after a month-long UK tour, beginning in Preston on 3 October.[14] In a statement, the band said it was time for them "to try new things" but added that these would not involve The Libertines.[15]
The last Dirty Pretty Things gig, 'The Last Hurrah' was announced for 20 December 2008, at the Astoria 2 in London. Support was from The Paddingtons. The band promised 'a night to remember' and signed memorabilia to thank the loyal fans of the band.
Main article: Dirty Pretty Things discography
Waterloo to Anywhere (2006)
Romance at Short Notice (2008)
^ "Didz Hammond issues farewell statement". Nme. 16 September 2005. Archived from the original on 3 October 2012. Retrieved 24 October 2011.
^ "Exclusive: Carl Barat's New Band Name In Dispute". Gigwise.com. Archived from the original on 16 October 2007. Retrieved 24 October 2011.
^ "35 Lost Musical Geniuses - Chosen By NME Readers". NME. 7 April 2014. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
^ "News From the Road". Dirtyprettythingsband.com. Retrieved 24 October 2011.
^ Dirty Pretty Things and Pet Shop Boys - Eden Sessions Archived 27 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine
^ "Dirty Pretty Things start work on new album". Nme. 2 March 2007. Retrieved 24 October 2011.
^ "Dirty Pretty Things Having 'Problems' With Second Album". Gigwise.com. Retrieved 24 October 2011. [permanent dead link]
^ "Dirty Pretty Things | Official website | News | The title of the second album is…". Dirtyprettythingsband.com. Retrieved 24 October 2011.
^ "Dirty Pretty Things | Official website | News | Romance at Short Notice out now!Didz on 6 Music TomorrowCarl in Q Magazine this monthRomance at Short Notice reviewed in MojoPr". Dirtyprettythingsband.com. Retrieved 24 October 2011.
^ "NME media player". Nme. Archived from the original on 23 June 2008. Retrieved 9 July 2011.
^ "Dirty Pretty Things announce new album and single | News". Nme. 2 May 2008. Retrieved 9 July 2011.
^ "Dirty Pretty Things | Official website | News". Dirtyprettythingsband.com. Retrieved 24 October 2011.
^ "Dirty Pretty Things | Official website | News | DPT Live from Leicester Square This Friday". Dirtyprettythingsband.com. Retrieved 24 October 2011.
^ "BBC - Newsbeat - Music - Dirty Pretty Things to split up". BBC News. 1 October 2008. Retrieved 9 July 2011.
^ "Dirty Pretty Things – Official Announcement". Dirty Pretty Things. dirtyprettythingsband.com. 1 October 2008. Archived from the original on 3 October 2008.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Dirty Pretty Things (band).
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dirty_Pretty_Things_(band)&oldid=861602403"
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2525
|
__label__wiki
| 0.895689
| 0.895689
|
Life Begins at 8:40
Life Begins at 8:40 is a musical revue with music by Harold Arlen, lyrics by Ira Gershwin and E.Y. Harburg, and sketches by Gershwin, Harburg, David Freedman, H.I. Phillips, Alan Baxter, Henry Clapp Smith, and Frank Gabrielson.
Harold Arlen
Ira Gershwin
E.Y. Harburg
When Harburg and Vernon Duke parted ways after clashing over Ziegfeld Follies of 1934, the lyricist invited Arlen, with whom he had written the hit tune "It's Only a Paper Moon," to collaborate on the revue.[1] Arlen had been writing risqué numbers with Ted Koehler for The Cotton Club in Harlem and welcomed the opportunity to compose music for comedy songs in a mainstream production.[2] The revue also proved to be a stepping stone in the career of Bert Lahr. The actor's unique voice inspired Arlen and Harburg to write songs satirizing romantic and operatic stage clichés and helped Lahr evolve from a bumbling buffoon into an adept comic performer. Arlen later maintained "no one could write for him better than E.Y. and myself." [3]
The original Broadway production opened at the Winter Garden Theatre on August 27, 1934 and closed on March 16, 1935 after a run of 237 performances. It was devised and staged by John Murray Anderson, choreographed by Robert Alton, and starred Ray Bolger, Brian Donlevy, Luella Gear, Frances Williams, Dixie Dunbar, and Esther Junger in addition to Lahr. Among those who contributed to the costume design were Raoul Pene Du Bois and Irene Sharaff.
Time called the production "the season's first first-rate entertainment." [4]
A concert revival at the Library of Congress on March 22, 2010 was recorded and released on CD by PS Classics. This performance featured Rebecca Luker, Brad Oscar and Faith Prince, and the orchestra was conducted by Aaron Gandy.[5]
Song listEdit
Life Begins (at Exactly 8:40 or Thereabouts)
You're a Builder-Upper
My Paramount-Publix-Roxy-Rose
Shoein' the Mare
Quartet Erotica
Fun to Be Fooled
What Can You Say in a Love Song (That Hasn't Been Said Before)
Let's Take a Walk Around the Block
(All) The Elks and the Masons
I Couldn't Hold My Man
A Weekend Cruise (Will You Love Me Monday Morning as You Did on Friday Night?)
It Was Long Ago
I'm Not Myself
Life Begins at City Hall (Beautifying the City)
^ Suskin, Steven, Show Tunes: The Songs, Shows, and Careers of Broadway's Major Composers. Oxford University Press 2000. ISBN 0-19-512599-1, pp. 52-53
^ Bloom, Ken, Broadway: Its History, People, and Places. Taylor & Francis 2004. ISBN 0-415-93704-3, p. 565
^ Lahr, John, Notes on a Cowardly Lion: The Biography of Bert Lahr. University of California Press 2000. ISBN 0-520-22304-7, pp. 135-142
^ Time review
^ Liner Notes to Life Begins at 8:40, concert recording (2010), CD issued 2010, PS Classics
Life Begins at 8:40 at the Internet Broadway Database
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Life_Begins_at_8:40&oldid=832379921"
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2526
|
__label__cc
| 0.66965
| 0.33035
|
Majorana fermion
Not to be confused with Majoron.
A Majorana fermion (/maɪəˈrɒnə ˈfɛərmiːɒn/[1]), also referred to as a Majorana particle, is a fermion that is its own antiparticle. They were hypothesized by Ettore Majorana in 1937. The term is sometimes used in opposition to a Dirac fermion, which describes fermions that are not their own antiparticles.
With the exception of the neutrino, all of the Standard Model fermions are known to behave as Dirac fermions at low energy (after electroweak symmetry breaking), and none are Majorana fermions. The nature of the neutrinos is not settled—they may be either Dirac or Majorana fermions.
In condensed matter physics, bound Majorana fermions can appear as quasiparticle excitations—the collective movement of several individual particles, not a single one, and they are governed by non-abelian statistics.
TheoryEdit
The concept goes back to Majorana's suggestion in 1937[2] that neutral spin-1⁄2 particles can be described by a real wave equation (the Majorana equation), and would therefore be identical to their antiparticle (because the wave functions of particle and antiparticle are related by complex conjugation).
The difference between Majorana fermions and Dirac fermions can be expressed mathematically in terms of the creation and annihilation operators of second quantization: The creation operator γ j † {\displaystyle \gamma _{j}^{\dagger }}
creates a fermion in quantum state j {\displaystyle j}
(described by a real wave function), whereas the annihilation operator γ j {\displaystyle \gamma _{j}}
annihilates it (or, equivalently, creates the corresponding antiparticle). For a Dirac fermion the operators γ j † {\displaystyle \gamma _{j}^{\dagger }}
and γ j {\displaystyle \gamma _{j}}
are distinct, whereas for a Majorana fermion they are identical. The ordinary fermionic annihilation and creation operators f {\displaystyle f}
and f † {\displaystyle f^{\dagger }}
can be written in terms of two Majorana operators γ 1 {\displaystyle \gamma _{1}}
and γ 2 {\displaystyle \gamma _{2}}
f = ( γ 1 + i γ 2 ) / 2 , {\displaystyle f=(\gamma _{1}+i\gamma _{2})/{\sqrt {2}},}
f † = ( γ 1 − i γ 2 ) / 2 . {\displaystyle f^{\dagger }=(\gamma _{1}-i\gamma _{2})/{\sqrt {2}}.}
In supersymmetry models, neutralinos—superpartners of gauge bosons and Higgs bosons—are Majorana.
IdentitiesEdit
Another common convention for the normalization of the Majorana fermion operator is
f = ( γ 1 + i γ 2 ) / 2 {\displaystyle f=(\gamma _{1}+i\gamma _{2})/2}
f † = ( γ 1 − i γ 2 ) / 2 {\displaystyle f^{\dagger }=(\gamma _{1}-i\gamma _{2})/2}
This convention has the advantage that the Majorana operator squares to the identity.
Using this convention, a collection of Majorana fermions γ i {\displaystyle \gamma _{i}}
( i = 1 , 2 , . . , n {\displaystyle i=1,2,..,n}
) obey the following commutation identities
{ γ i , γ j } = 2 δ i j {\displaystyle \{\gamma _{i},\gamma _{j}\}=2\delta _{ij}}
∑ i j k l [ γ i A i j γ j , γ k B k l γ l ] = ∑ i j 4 γ i [ A , B ] i j γ j {\displaystyle \sum _{ijkl}[\gamma _{i}A_{ij}\gamma _{j},\gamma _{k}B_{kl}\gamma _{l}]=\sum _{ij}4\gamma _{i}[A,B]_{ij}\gamma _{j}}
where A {\displaystyle A}
and B {\displaystyle B}
are antisymmetric matrices.
Elementary particlesEdit
Because particles and antiparticles have opposite conserved charges, Majorana fermions have zero charge. All of the elementary fermions of the Standard Model have gauge charges, so they cannot have fundamental Majorana masses.
However, the right-handed sterile neutrinos introduced to explain neutrino oscillation could have Majorana masses. If they do, then at low energy (after electroweak symmetry breaking), by the seesaw mechanism, the neutrino fields would naturally behave as six Majorana fields, with three of them expected to have very high masses (comparable to the GUT scale) and the other three expected to have very low masses (below 1 eV). If right-handed neutrinos exist but do not have a Majorana mass, the neutrinos would instead behave as three Dirac fermions and their antiparticles with masses coming directly from the Higgs interaction, like the other Standard Model fermions.
Ettore Majorana hypothesised the existence of Majorana fermions in 1937
The seesaw mechanism is appealing because it would naturally explain why the observed neutrino masses are so small. However, if the neutrinos are Majorana then they violate the conservation of lepton number and even of B − L.
Neutrinoless double beta decay has not (yet) been observed,[3] but if it does exist, it can be viewed as two ordinary beta decay events whose resultant antineutrinos immediately annihilate with each other, and is only possible if neutrinos are their own antiparticles.[4]
The high-energy analog of the neutrinoless double beta decay process is the production of same-sign charged lepton pairs in hadron colliders;[5] it is being searched for by both the ATLAS and CMS experiments at the Large Hadron Collider. In theories based on left–right symmetry, there is a deep connection between these processes.[6] In the currently most-favored explanation of the smallness of neutrino mass, the seesaw mechanism, the neutrino is “naturally” a Majorana fermion.
Majorana fermions cannot possess intrinsic electric or magnetic moments, only toroidal moments.[7][8][9] Such minimal interaction with electromagnetic fields makes them potential candidates for cold dark matter.[10][11]
Majorana bound statesEdit
In superconducting materials, Majorana fermions can emerge as (non-fundamental) quasiparticles (more commonly referred to as Bogoliubov quasiparticles in condensed matter physics). This becomes possible because a quasiparticle in a superconductor is its own antiparticle.
Mathematically, the superconductor imposes electron hole "symmetry" on the quasiparticle excitations, relating the creation operator γ ( E ) {\displaystyle \gamma (E)}
at energy E {\displaystyle E}
to the annihilation operator γ † ( − E ) {\displaystyle {\gamma ^{\dagger }(-E)}}
at energy − E {\displaystyle -E}
. Majorana fermions can be bound to a defect at zero energy, and then the combined objects are called Majorana bound states or Majorana zero modes.[12] This name is more appropriate than Majorana fermion (although the distinction is not always made in the literature), because the statistics of these objects is no longer fermionic. Instead, the Majorana bound states are an example of non-abelian anyons: interchanging them changes the state of the system in a way that depends only on the order in which the exchange was performed. The non-abelian statistics that Majorana bound states possess allows them to be used as a building block for a topological quantum computer.[13]
A quantum vortex in certain superconductors or superfluids can trap midgap states, so this is one source of Majorana bound states.[14][15][16] Shockley states at the end points of superconducting wires or line defects are an alternative, purely electrical, source.[17] An altogether different source uses the fractional quantum Hall effect as a substitute for the superconductor.[18]
Experiments in superconductivityEdit
In 2008, Fu and Kane provided a groundbreaking development by theoretically predicting that Majorana bound states can appear at the interface between topological insulators and superconductors.[19][20] Many proposals of a similar spirit soon followed, where it was shown that Majorana bound states can appear even without any topological insulator. An intense search to provide experimental evidence of Majorana bound states in superconductors[21][22] first produced some positive results in 2012.[23][24] A team from the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands reported an experiment involving indium antimonide nanowires connected to a circuit with a gold contact at one end and a slice of superconductor at the other. When exposed to a moderately strong magnetic field the apparatus showed a peak electrical conductance at zero voltage that is consistent with the formation of a pair of Majorana bound states, one at either end of the region of the nanowire in contact with the superconductor.[25]. Simultaneously, a group from Purdue University and University of Notre Dame reported observation of fractional Josephson effect (decrease of the Josephson frequency by a factor of 2) in indium antimonide nanowires connected to two superconducting contacts and subjected to a moderate magnetic field[26], another signature of Majorana bound states[27]. Bound state with zero energy was soon detected by several other groups in similar hybrid devices,[28][29][30][31], and fractional Josephson effect was observed in topological insulator HgTe with superconducting contacts[32]
The aforementioned experiments marks a possible verification of independent 2010 theoretical proposals from two groups[33][34] predicting the solid state manifestation of Majorana bound states in semiconducting wires. However, it was also pointed out that some other trivial non-topological bounded states[35] could highly mimic the zero voltage conductance peak of Majorana bound state. The subtle relation between those trivial bound states and Majorana bound states was reported by the researchers in Niels Bohr Institute,[36] who can directly "watch" coalescing Andreev bound states evolving into Majorana bound states, thanks to a much cleaner semiconductor-superconductor hybrid system.
In 2014, evidence of Majorana bound states was also observed using a low-temperature scanning tunneling microscope, by scientists at Princeton University.[37][38] It was suggested that Majorana bound states appeared at the edges of a chain of iron atoms formed on the surface of superconducting lead. The detection was not decisive because of possible alternative explanations.[39]
Majorana fermions may also emerge as quasiparticles in quantum spin liquids, and were observed by researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, working in collaboration with Max Planck Institute and University of Cambridge on 4 April 2016.[40][41]
Chiral Majorana fermions were detected in 2017, in a quantum anomalous Hall effect/superconductor hybrid device.[42][43] In this system, Majorana fermions edge mode will give a rise to a 1 2 e 2 h {\displaystyle {\frac {1}{2}}{\frac {e^{2}}{h}}}
conductance edge current.
On 16 August 2018, a strong evidence for the existence of Majorana bound states (or Majorana anyons) in an iron-based superconductor, which many alternative trivial explanations cannot account for, was reported by researchers in Prof. Gao Hong-jun's team and Prof. Ding Hong's team at Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, when they used scanning tunneling spectroscopy on the superconducting Dirac surface state of the iron-based superconductor. It was the first time that Majorana particles were observed in a bulk of pure substance.[44]
Majorana bound states in quantum error correctionEdit
Majorana bound states can also be realized in quantum error correcting codes. This is done by creating so called 'twist defects' in codes such as the Toric code[45] which carry unpaired Majorana modes.[46] The braiding of Majoranas realized in such a way forms a projective representation of the braid group.[47]
Such a realization of Majoranas would allow them to be used to store and process quantum information within a quantum computation.[48] Though the codes typically have no Hamiltonian to provide suppression of errors, fault-tolerance would be provided by the underlying quantum error correcting code.
^ "Quantum Computation possible with Majorana Fermions" on YouTube, uploaded 19 April 2013, retrieved 5 October 2014; and also based on the physicist's name's pronunciation.
^ Majorana, Ettore; Maiani, Luciano (2006). "A symmetric theory of electrons and positrons". In Bassani, Giuseppe Franco (ed.). Ettore Majorana Scientific Papers. pp. 201–33. doi:10.1007/978-3-540-48095-2_10. ISBN 978-3-540-48091-4. Translated from: Majorana, Ettore (1937). "Teoria simmetrica dell'elettrone e del positrone". Il Nuovo Cimento (in Italian). 14 (4): 171–84. Bibcode:1937NCim...14..171M. doi:10.1007/bf02961314.
^ Rodejohann, Werner (2011). "Neutrino-less double beta decay and particle physics". International Journal of Modern Physics. E20 (9): 1833–1930. arXiv:1106.1334. Bibcode:2011IJMPE..20.1833R. doi:10.1142/S0218301311020186.
^ Schechter, J.; Valle, J.W.F. (1982). "Neutrinoless double-β decay in SU(2) x U(1) theories". Physical Review D. 25 (11): 2951–2954. Bibcode:1982PhRvD..25.2951S. doi:10.1103/PhysRevD.25.2951. hdl:10550/47205.
^ Keung, Wai-Yee; Senjanović, Goran (1983). "Majorana neutrinos and the production of the right-handed charged gauge boson". Physical Review Letters. 50 (19): 1427–1430. Bibcode:1983PhRvL..50.1427K. doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.50.1427.
^ Tello, Vladimir; Nemevšek, Miha; Nesti, Fabrizio; Senjanović, Goran; Vissani, Francesco (2011). "Left-right symmetry: From LHC to neutrinoless double beta decay". Physical Review Letters. 106 (15): 151801. arXiv:1011.3522. Bibcode:2011PhRvL.106o1801T. doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.106.151801. PMID 21568545.
^ Kayser, Boris; Goldhaber, Alfred S. (1983). "CPT and CP properties of Majorana particles, and the consequences". Physical Review D. 28 (9): 2341–2344. Bibcode:1983PhRvD..28.2341K. doi:10.1103/PhysRevD.28.2341.
^ Radescu, E. E. (1985). "On the electromagnetic properties of Majorana fermions". Physical Review D. 32 (5): 1266–1268. Bibcode:1985PhRvD..32.1266R. doi:10.1103/PhysRevD.32.1266.
^ Boudjema, F.; Hamzaoui, C.; Rahal, V.; Ren, H. C. (1989). "Electromagnetic Properties of Generalized Majorana Particles". Physical Review Letters. 62 (8): 852–854. Bibcode:1989PhRvL..62..852B. doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.62.852. PMID 10040354.
^ Pospelov, Maxim; ter Veldhuis, Tonnis (2000). "Direct and indirect limits on the electro-magnetic form factors of WIMPs". Physics Letters B. 480 (1–2): 181–186. arXiv:hep-ph/0003010. Bibcode:2000PhLB..480..181P. doi:10.1016/S0370-2693(00)00358-0.
^ Ho, Chiu Man; Scherrer, Robert J. (2013). "Anapole Dark Matter". Physics Letters B. 722 (8): 341–346. arXiv:1211.0503. Bibcode:2013PhLB..722..341H. doi:10.1016/j.physletb.2013.04.039.
^ Wilczek, Frank (2009). "Majorana returns" (PDF). Nature Physics. 5 (9): 614–618. Bibcode:2009NatPh...5..614W. doi:10.1038/nphys1380.
^ Nayak, Chetan; Simon, Steven H.; Stern, Ady; Freedman, Michael; Das Sarma, Sankar (2008). "Non-Abelian anyons and topological quantum computation". Reviews of Modern Physics. 80 (3): 1083–1159. arXiv:0707.1889. Bibcode:2008RvMP...80.1083N. doi:10.1103/RevModPhys.80.1083.
^ N.B. Kopnin; M.M. Salomaa (1991). "Mutual friction in superfluid 3He: Effects of bound states in the vortex core". Physical Review B. 44 (17): 9667–9677. Bibcode:1991PhRvB..44.9667K. doi:10.1103/PhysRevB.44.9667.
^ Volovik, G. E. (1999). "Fermion zero modes on vortices in chiral superconductors". JETP Letters. 70 (9): 609–614. arXiv:cond-mat/9909426. Bibcode:1999JETPL..70..609V. doi:10.1134/1.568223.
^ Read, N.; Green, Dmitry (2000). "Paired states of fermions in two dimensions with breaking of parity and time-reversal symmetries and the fractional quantum Hall effect". Physical Review B. 61 (15): 10267–10297. arXiv:cond-mat/9906453. Bibcode:2000PhRvB..6110267R. doi:10.1103/PhysRevB.61.10267.
^ Kitaev, A. Yu (2001). "Unpaired Majorana fermions in quantum wires". Physics-Uspekhi Supplement. 44 (131): 131–136. arXiv:cond-mat/0010440. Bibcode:2001PhyU...44..131K. doi:10.1070/1063-7869/44/10S/S29.
^ Moore, Gregory; Read, Nicholas (August 1991). "Nonabelions in the fractional quantum Hall effect". Nuclear Physics B. 360 (2–3): 362–396. Bibcode:1991NuPhB.360..362M. doi:10.1016/0550-3213(91)90407-O.
^ Fu, Liang; Kane, Charles L. (2008). "Superconducting Proximity Effect and Majorana Fermions at the Surface of a Topological Insulator". Physical Review Letters. 10 (9): 096407. arXiv:0707.1692. Bibcode:2008PhRvL.100i6407F. doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.100.096407. PMID 18352737.
^ Fu, Liang; Kane, Charles L. (2009). "Josephson current and noise at a superconductor/quantum-spin-Hall-insulator/superconductor junction". Physical Review B. 79 (16): 161408. arXiv:0804.4469. Bibcode:2009PhRvB..79p1408F. doi:10.1103/PhysRevB.79.161408.
^ Alicea, Jason (2012). "New directions in the pursuit of Majorana fermions in solid state systems". Reports on Progress in Physics. 75 (7): 076501. arXiv:1202.1293. Bibcode:2012RPPh...75g6501A. doi:10.1088/0034-4885/75/7/076501. PMID 22790778.
^ Beenakker, C. W. J. (April 2013). "Search for Majorana fermions in superconductors". Annual Review of Condensed Matter Physics. 4 (113): 113–136. arXiv:1112.1950. Bibcode:2013ARCMP...4..113B. doi:10.1146/annurev-conmatphys-030212-184337.
^ Reich, Eugenie Samuel (28 February 2012). "Quest for quirky quantum particles may have struck gold". Nature News. doi:10.1038/nature.2012.10124.
^ Amos, Jonathan (13 April 2012). "Majorana particle glimpsed in lab". BBC News. Retrieved 15 April 2012.
^ Mourik, V.; Zuo, K.; Frolov, S. M.; Plissard, S. R.; Bakkers, E. P. A. M.; Kouwenhoven, L. P. (12 April 2012). "Signatures of Majorana fermions in hybrid superconductor-semiconductor nanowire devices". Science. 336 (6084): 1003–1007. arXiv:1204.2792. Bibcode:2012Sci...336.1003M. doi:10.1126/science.1222360. PMID 22499805.
^ Rokhinson, L. P.; Liu, X.; Furdyna, J. K. (2012). "Observation of the fractional ac Josephson effect: the signature of Majorana particles". Nature Physics. 8 (11): 795–799. arXiv:1204.4212. Bibcode:2012NatPh...8..795R. doi:10.1038/nphys2429.
^ Kwon, H.-J.; Sengupta, K.; Yakovenko, V. M. (2004). "Fractional ac Josephson effect in p- and d-wave superconductors". The European Physical Journal B. 37 (3): 349–361. arXiv:cond-mat/0210148. Bibcode:2004EPJB...37..349K. doi:10.1140/epjb/e2004-00066-4.
^ Deng, M.T.; Yu, C.L.; Huang, G.Y.; Larsson, M.; Caroff, P.; Xu, H.Q. (28 November 2012). "Anomalous zero-bias conductance peak in a Nb-InSb nanowire-Nb hybrid device". Nano Letters. 12 (12): 6414–6419. Bibcode:2012NanoL..12.6414D. doi:10.1021/nl303758w. PMID 23181691.
^ Das, A.; Ronen, Y.; Most, Y.; Oreg, Y.; Heiblum, M.; Shtrikman, H. (11 November 2012). "Zero-bias peaks and splitting in an Al-InAs nanowire topological superconductor as a signature of Majorana fermions". Nature Physics. 8 (12): 887–895. arXiv:1205.7073. Bibcode:2012NatPh...8..887D. doi:10.1038/nphys2479.
^ Churchill, H. O. H.; Fatemi, V.; Grove-Rasmussen, K.; Deng, M.T.; Caroff, P.; Xu, H.Q.; Marcus, C.M. (6 June 2013). "Superconductor-nanowire devices from tunneling to the multichannel regime: Zero-bias oscillations and magnetoconductance crossover". Physical Review B. 87 (24): 241401(R). arXiv:1303.2407. Bibcode:2013PhRvB..87x1401C. doi:10.1103/PhysRevB.87.241401.
^ Deng, M.T.; Yu, C.L.; Huang, G.Y.; Larsson, Marcus; Caroff, P.; Xu, H.Q. (11 November 2014). "Parity independence of the zero-bias conductance peak in a nanowire based topological superconductor-quantum dot hybrid device". Scientific Reports. 4: 7261. arXiv:1406.4435. Bibcode:2014NatSR...4E7261D. doi:10.1038/srep07261. PMC 4248274. PMID 25434375.
^ Wiedenmann, J.; Bocquillon, E.; Deacon, R. S.; Hartinger, S.; Herrmann, O.; Klapwijk, T. M.; Maier, L.; Ames, C.; Brune, C.; Gould, C.; Oiwa, A.; Ishibashi, K.; Tarucha, S.; Buhmann, H.; Molenkamp, L. W. (2016). "4-pi-periodic Josephson supercurrent in HgTe-based topological Josephson junctions". Nature Communications. 7: 10303. arXiv:1503.05591. Bibcode:2016NatCo...710303W. doi:10.1038/ncomms10303. PMC 4735757. PMID 26792013.
^ Lutchyn, Roman M.; Sau, Jay D.; Das Sarma, S. (August 2010). "Majorana Fermions and a Topological Phase Transition in Semiconductor-Superconductor Heterostructures". Physical Review Letters. 105 (7): 077001. arXiv:1002.4033. Bibcode:2010PhRvL.105g7001L. doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.105.077001. PMID 20868069.
^ Oreg, Yuval; Refael, Gil; von Oppen, Felix (October 2010). "Helical Liquids and Majorana Bound States in Quantum Wires". Physical Review Letters. 105 (17): 177002. arXiv:1003.1145. Bibcode:2010PhRvL.105q7002O. doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.105.177002. PMID 21231073.
^ Lee, E. J. H.; Jiang, X.; Houzet, M.; Aguado, R.; Lieber, C.M.; Franceschi, S.D. (15 December 2013). "Spin-resolved Andreev levels and parity crossings in hybrid superconductor–semiconductor nanostructures". Nature Nanotechnology. 9 (1): 79–84. arXiv:1302.2611. Bibcode:2014NatNa...9...79L. doi:10.1038/nnano.2013.267. PMID 24336403.
^ M.T. Deng; S. Vaitiekėnas; E. B. Hansen; J. Danon; M. Leijnse; K. Flensberg; J. Nygård; P. Krogstrup; C.M. Marcus (2016). "Majorana bound state in a coupled quantum-dot hybrid-nanowire system". Science. 354 (6319): 1557–1562. arXiv:1612.07989. Bibcode:2016Sci...354.1557D. doi:10.1126/science.aaf3961. PMID 28008065.
^ Nadj-Perge, Stevan; Drozdov, Ilya K.; Li, Jian; Chen, Hua; Jeon, Sangjun; Seo, Jungpil; MacDonald, Allan H.; Bernevig, B. Andrei; Yazdani, Ali (2 October 2014). "Observation of Majorana fermions in ferromagnetic atomic chains on a superconductor". Science. 346 (6209): 602–607. arXiv:1410.0682. Bibcode:2014Sci...346..602N. doi:10.1126/science.1259327. PMID 25278507.
^ "Majorana fermion: Physicists observe elusive particle that is its own antiparticle". Phys.org. 2 October 2014. Retrieved 3 October 2014.
^ "New Particle Is Both Matter and Antimatter". Scientific American. 2 October 2014. Retrieved 3 October 2014.
^ Woollaston, Victoria (4 April 2016). "Mysterious new state of matter discovered". Daily Mail. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
^ Banerjee, A.; Bridges, C. A.; Yan, J.-Q.; et al. (4 April 2016). "Proximate Kitaev quantum spin liquid behaviour in a honeycomb magnet". Nature Materials. 15 (7): 733–740. arXiv:1504.08037. Bibcode:2016NatMa..15..733B. doi:10.1038/nmat4604. PMID 27043779.
^ He, Qing Lin; Pan, Lei; Stern, Alexander L.; Burks, Edward C.; Che, Xiaoyu; Yin, Gen; Wang, Jing; Lian, Biao; Zhou, Quan (21 July 2017). "Chiral Majorana fermion modes in a quantum anomalous Hall insulator–superconductor structure". Science. 357 (6348): 294–299. arXiv:1606.05712. Bibcode:2017Sci...357..294H. doi:10.1126/science.aag2792. ISSN 0036-8075. PMID 28729508.
^ Emily Conover (20 July 2017). "Majorana fermion detected in a quantum layer cake". Science Magazine.
^ Wang, Dongfei; Kong, Lingyuan; Fan, Peng; Chen, Hui; Zhu, Shiyu; Liu, Wenyao; Cao, Lu; Sun, Yujie; Du, Shixuan (16 August 2018). "Evidence for Majorana bound states in an iron-based superconductor". Science. 362 (6412): 333–335. arXiv:1706.06074. Bibcode:2018Sci...362..333W. doi:10.1126/science.aao1797. ISSN 0036-8075. PMID 30115743.
^ Bombin, H. (14 July 2010). "Topological Order with a Twist: Ising Anyons from an Abelian Model". Physical Review Letters. 105 (3): 030403. arXiv:1004.1838. Bibcode:2010PhRvL.105c0403B. doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.105.030403. PMID 20867748.
^ Zheng, Huaixiu; Dua, Arpit; Jiang, Liang (2015). "Demonstrating non-Abelian statistics of Majorana fermions using twist defects". Physical Review B. 92 (24): 245139. arXiv:1508.04166. Bibcode:2015PhRvB..92x5139Z. doi:10.1103/PhysRevB.92.245139.
^ Barkeshli, Maissam; Jian, Chao-Ming; Qi, Xiao-Liang (2013). "Twist defects and projective non-Abelian braiding statistics". Physical Review B. 87 (4): 045130. arXiv:1208.4834. Bibcode:2013PhRvB..87d5130B. doi:10.1103/PhysRevB.87.045130.
^ Hastings, M. B.; Geller, A. (2015). "Reduced Space-Time and Time Costs Using Dislocation Codes and Arbitrary Ancillas" (PDF). QIC. 15: 0962–0986. arXiv:1408.3379. Bibcode:2014arXiv1408.3379H.
Pal, Palash B. (2011) [12 October 2010]. "Dirac, Majorana and Weyl fermions". American Journal of Physics. 79 (5): 485–498. arXiv:1006.1718. Bibcode:2011AmJPh..79..485P. doi:10.1119/1.3549729.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Majorana_fermion&oldid=902665385"
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2527
|
__label__wiki
| 0.681694
| 0.681694
|
Mat Kearney
Find sources: "Mat Kearney" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (February 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)
Mathew William Kearney[1] (/ˈkɑːrni/; born December 1, 1978) is an American musician born in Eugene, Oregon, now based in Nashville, Tennessee. Kearney has received critical acclaim and widespread recognition for his Columbia Records debut, Nothing Left to Lose. So far, he has a total of 5 top 20 hits on the Adult Top 40 Chart.
(1978-12-01) December 1, 1978 (age 40)
Soft rock, folk, CCM, hip hop
Occupation(s)
Singer, songwriter
Vocals, guitar, piano, harmonica, CP70, mandolin, synthesizer, vibraphone
InPop, Columbia, Aware, Universal Republic
Tyler Burkum, Trent Dabbs
matkearney.com
Just Kids, was released on February 24, 2015. The album's first single, "Heartbeat", was released on November 4, 2014.[2] CRAZYTALK, was released on May 4, 2018.
Kearney was born on December 1, 1978 and raised in Eugene, Oregon with his two brothers.[3] At South Eugene High School, Kearney was a soccer player.[4]
He attended California State University, Chico in Chico, California on an athletic scholarship and majored in literature, playing soccer until his junior year. Kearney first became interested in music after traveling to Nashville with music producer Robert Marvin.[4] Using a roommate's guitar, he tried covering songs by other artists, but realized he was not very good at it, and began writing his own. Though things were going well for Kearney at school, the partying atmosphere at Chico caught up to him. In an interview, Kearney said, "I guess I lived it up and did what everyone said you should do in college. I discovered the depth of depravity, the bleakness of that lifestyle. It just wasn't working. I finally started understanding there must be more to life."[5]
Kearney began focusing on music fusing his simple guitar playing with spoken word or rap. He started to play at coffee shops and soon began to make small amounts of money. At this time, Kearney had met friend and future producer, Robert Marvin. The two began to make music together, but Marvin had plans to move to Nashville, Tennessee. Marvin asked Kearney to help with the move and he accepted. Kearney says, "I helped him pack up his trailer and we put a mattress on the back of his truck. We basically drove cross-country and slept in the back. When we pulled into Nashville we slept in a school parking lot for three days until we finally rented this apartment where the roof was caving in and mice were crawling all over." Kearney decided to stay in Nashville to record a few demos with Marvin and after a few months, Kearney had no plans on returning. "By the end of the summer, we had three or four songs and I realized this is what I wanted to do. It just clicked. So I called home to Oregon and said, 'I'm not coming back' and I never left Nashville."[5]
Recording careerEdit
On April 18, 2006, Kearney's second album and major-label debut, titled Nothing Left to Lose, was released. It contains several reworked songs from Kearney's first album Bullet, as well as some new material, and has sold over 450,000 copies to date.[citation needed] The title track "Nothing Left to Lose" was the first single from the album, peaking at No. 41 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the week of February 10, 2007. The single has sold over 500,000 copies and won numerous BMI awards.[specify] The track "All I Need" was featured on Grey's Anatomy and NCIS. It peaked at No. 94 on the Billboard Pop 100. To promote Nothing Left to Lose, Kearney toured with John Mayer, Sheryl Crow, Train, Mutemath, Meiko, and Cary Brothers throughout 2005, '06, and '07; he also headlined VH1's first ever "You Oughta Know Tour" in early 2007.
Kearney's following album, City of Black & White, was released through Columbia Records on May 19, 2009. He collaborated with Nashville artists such as Trent Dabbs, Matthew Perryman Jones, Kate York, Paul Moak, Daniel James, Will Sayles, and Josiah Bell. Robert Marvin (tobyMac, Britt Nicole), the producer of Kearney's previous albums and EPs, joined him yet again. The lead single was "Closer To Love", and it received much airplay, on both secular and Christian outlets. His second single is "All I Have", the last song he wrote before releasing the album.
In May 2009, Kearney toured with Keane and The Helio Sequence for several weeks to promote City of Black & White.[6] It debuted on the Billboard 200 at No. 13. He toured with Owl City and Unwed Sailor on Owl City's "All Things Bright and Beautiful Tour".
Young Love was released August 2, 2011. The album's first single, "Hey Mama", was released on May 10, 2011. "Hey Mama" charted in the Top 40 of Adult Pop Songs at No. 22. The second single "Down" charted as high as No. 23 on the Christian Songs chart.[7] Just Kids, was released on February 24, 2015.[8] The album's first single, "Heartbeat", was released on November 4, 2014. He toured with both Judah and the Lion and Parachute during his "Just Kids" tour in 2015.[2]
From August 17, 2016 through November 12, 2016, Kearney toured with Needtobreathe for their second annual Tour de Compadres, where he performed songs from his albums Nothing Left to Lose, Young Love, and Just Kids.[9]
On December 13, 2016, Kearney signed with independent music company Big Loud Mountain Management.[10] On February 3, 2017, Kearney released a song with Filous, titled "Goodbye".[11] Kearney released a self-titled EP on December 22, 2017, previewing new tracks from his forthcoming album, Crazy Talk.[12]
Mat Kearney released his sixth album, Crazytalk, May 4, 2018 to average reviews.[13] Kearney did a two-month long Crazytalk tour starting the third week of February 2018. The album's single, "Better Than I Used to be", released on November 10, 2017 and reached No. 27 on the Viral 50 chart.[14]
Featured in the mediaEdit
Kearney's songs have appeared on the following television series: 30 Rock, Awake, Dirty Sexy Money, Kyle XY, The Unit, Without a Trace, Laguna Beach, The Hills, Bones, Jericho, Friday Night Lights, Wildfire, What About Brian, South Beach, 8th & Ocean, One Tree Hill, Scrubs, The Closer, NCIS, Life Unexpected, Grey's Anatomy, Parenthood, So You Think You Can Dance, The Vampire Diaries and A to Z. His song "Runaway" is featured on the Soul Surfer movie soundtrack. Kearney's song "Sooner or Later" provides the background music to the WWDC 2013 and Google's Zeitgeist 2011: Year in Review video, which was uploaded to YouTube on December 14, 2011. He was also on The Today Show performing the song "Billion".[15] In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Ricky Gervais included Kearney on his "Must List", stating "This singer-songwriter does spoken word that sounds like French hip-hop."[16]
Kearney currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee, in Hillsboro Village with his wife Annie, whom he married on June 5, 2010.[citation needed]
Kearney has stated that his legal name is Mathew due to a nurse's error on his birth certificate. He discovered the error while in the 8th grade when he noticed how his mom corrected the error with red ink, never legally correcting it. Since then, he embraced the one "T" in his legal name.[citation needed]
On January 4, 2017, Kearney and his wife had their first child, a girl named Olive Sims Kearney.[17]
Peak chart positions
US Christ.
US Heat
US Rock
Label: Inpop
Formats: CD, digital download
Label: Aware/Columbia
109 4 2 — —
City of Black & White
13 1 — 3 —
Label: Aware/Universal Republic
US: 213,000[23]
Just Kids
Label: Republic
20 2 — — —
Release date: May 4, 2018[24]
Label: Tomorrow Music
60 — — — —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart
EPsEdit
Revive Us – EP (2002)
West in November – EP (2003)
The Chicago EP – EP (2005)
Nothing Left to Lose Acoustic EP – EP (2006)
Rhapsody Originals (Live) – EP Digital-Only (February 20, 2007)
NapsterLive (Live) – EP Digital-Only (March 13, 2007)
iTunes Exclusive Acoustic EP – EP Digital-Only (April 17, 2007)
iTunes Exclusive Live Session EP – EP Digital-Only (2009)
For The Resilient Hearts, Ado - Daytrotter Sessions EP Digital-Only (2009)
Black Swan Shadow (2010)
Nightish Hearts of the Cold Rains - Daytrotter Sessions EP Digital-Only (2011)
Mat Kearney EP (2018)
City of Black & White Revisited (EP) (2019)
Live concertsEdit
Mat Kearney: Live at The Fillmore, San Francisco (2010)
SinglesEdit
(sales threshold)
US Adult
US Christ
US Pop
"Nothing Left to Lose"
41 7 — 36
RIAA: Gold
"Undeniable"
114 16 — 30
"All I Need"
"Breathe In, Breathe Out"
— 18 — —
"Closer to Love"
91 12 7 —
"All I Have"
"Head or Your Heart"
— — — — Non-album singles
"Edge of the World (A Children's Song)"
"Hey Mama"
— 18 — — Young Love
"Down"
— — 21 —
"Ships in the Night"
"Heartbeat"
— 31 — — Just Kids
"Billion"
"One Heart"
— 16 34 —
"Air I Breathe"
— 33 8 —
"Kings & Queens"
— 21 — — CRAZYTALK
"Face to Face"
"Memorized"
GMA Dove AwardsEdit
New Artist of the Year Nominated
Rap/Hip-Hop Recorded Song of the Year ("Trainwreck") Won
Male Vocalist of the Year Nominated
Song of the Year ("Nothing Left to Lose") Nominated
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year (Nothing Left To Lose) Nominated
Media appearancesEdit
Last Call with Carson Daly (April 21, 2006)
WB Morning Show – "Nothing Left to Lose" (August 30, 2006)
Late Night with Conan O'Brien – "Nothing Left to Lose" (November 9, 2006)
Late Show with David Letterman – "Nothing Left to Lose" (January 19, 2007)
VSpot Top 20 Countdown (January 21, 2007)
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno – "Nothing Left to Lose" (February 8, 2007)
The Ellen DeGeneres Show – "Nothing Left to Lose" (March 21, 2007)
CBS Saturday – "Nothing Left to Lose" (March 2007)
VSpot Top 20 Countdown (March 2007)
A&E's Breakfast with the Arts – (November 15, 2006)
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno – "Undeniable" (August 29, 2007)
The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien – "Closer to Love" (July 22, 2009)
Ramona and Beezus - "Edge of the World" (2010)
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno – "Hey Mama" (August 2, 2011)
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno - "Ships in the Night" (2012)
Jimmy Kimmel Live – "Hey Mama" and "Ships in the Night" (2012)
The Today Show - "Billion" (2015)
BandEdit
This section of a biography of a living person does not include any references or sources. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living people that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately.
Find sources: "Mat Kearney" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (May 2019) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)
Mat Kearney – vocals, guitar, piano
Chad Kinner – drums, percussion (2011–present)
Fred Williams – piano, keys
Adam Keafer – bass (2010–2015)
Nathan Spicer – guitar (2010–present)
Tyler Burkum – guitar, vocals (2009–present)
Phil Moore – bass (2015–present)
M.D. Miller – bass (2005–2009)
Jeremy Lutito – drums (2009–2012)
Aaron Farmer – keys (2016)
^ Anonymous. "Sims-Kearney vows planned in Tennessee " Engagements " starherald.net - Kosciusko, MS". starherald.net. Archived from the original on February 25, 2012. Retrieved September 17, 2012.
^ a b Kuchik, Natalie (October 29, 2014). "Mat Kearney to release new single 'Heartbeat' on November 4 - AXS". AXS. Retrieved February 24, 2015.
^ "Mat Kearney| Singer, Songwriter| Christian Music Artist |". One21music.com. Retrieved September 17, 2012.
^ a b Lamberson, Carolyn (October 27, 2005). "Hometown boy takes an unlikely path to Nashville". Eugene Register-Guard. Retrieved August 24, 2012.
^ a b "Mat Kearney". CBNmusic.com. Retrieved August 11, 2011.
^ "Mat Kearney". Mat Kearney. Retrieved July 14, 2011.
^ "Mat Kearney". Twitter. Retrieved November 6, 2014. [non-primary source needed]
^ "Home". TOUR DE COMPADRES 2016. Retrieved February 13, 2017.
^ "ACCLAIMED SINGER/SONGWRITER MAT KEARNEY SIGNS TO BIG LOUD MOUNTAIN MANAGEMENT". Mat Kearney. Retrieved February 13, 2017.
^ "FILOUS - GOODBYE (FT. MAT KEARNEY)". BEAUTIFUL BUZZZ. Retrieved February 13, 2017.
^ "Mat Kearney Announces 2018 Album Title CRAZYTALK with News of the 'CRAZYTALK TOUR' Kicking-Off February 19th in the Pacific Northwest". Retrieved January 11, 2018.
^ "Jesusfreakhideout.com: Mat Kearney, "CRAZYTALK" Review". jesusfreakhideout.com. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
^ "Mat Kearney Announces 2018 Album Title CRAZYTALK with News of the 'CRAZYTALK TOUR' Kicking-Off February 19th in the Pacific Northwest". Mat Kearney. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
^ "Zeitgeist 2011: Year in Review". December 14, 2011. Retrieved September 17, 2012 – via YouTube.
^ "Spotligh On Ricky Gervais". Entertainment Weekly. February 9, 2007. Retrieved February 27, 2018.
^ "Mat & Annie Kearney Welcome Baby Girl into the World". Mat Kearney. Retrieved February 13, 2017.
^ "Mat Kearney Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved May 15, 2018.
^ "Mat Kearney Chart History: Christian Albums". Billboard. Retrieved May 15, 2018.
^ "Mat Kearney Chart History: Heatseekers Albums". Billboard. Retrieved May 15, 2018.
^ "Mat Kearney Chart History: Rock Albums". Billboard. Retrieved May 15, 2018.
^ "Mat Kearney Chart History: Canadian Albums". Billboard. Retrieved May 15, 2018.
^ "Upcoming Releases". Hits Daily Double. HITS Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on February 11, 2015.
^ "CRAZYTALK by Mat Kearney". iTunes Store (US). Retrieved April 30, 2018.
^ "Mat Kearney Chart History – Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
^ "Mat Kearney Chart History – Adult Pop Songs". Billboard. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
^ "Mat Kearney Chart History – Christian Songs". Billboard. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
^ "Mat Kearney Chart History – Pop Songs". Billboard. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
Mat Kearney on IMDb
Breakfast with the Arts on A&E (1992, TV Show)
Featured Music on Grey's Anatomy
Review of City of Black and White
Kearney goes home
Sims-Kearney vows planned in Tennessee
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mat_Kearney&oldid=905667102"
|
cc/2019-30/en_head_0031.json.gz/line2528
|
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.