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Massive Consumption of Gelatinous Plankton by Mediterranean Apex Predators
Luis Cardona, Irene Álvarez De Quevedo, Assumpció Borrell & Alex Aguilar
http://www.mendeley.com/research/massive-consumption-gelatinous-plankton-mediterranean-apex-predators
Mendeley 18327 Apr 16:06 UTC
{"title"=>"Massive consumption of gelatinous plankton by mediterranean apex predators", "type"=>"journal", "authors"=>[{"first_name"=>"Luis", "last_name"=>"Cardona", "scopus_author_id"=>"7004487253"}, {"first_name"=>"Irene Álvarez", "last_name"=>"de Quevedo", "scopus_author_id"=>"55115698900"}, {"first_name"=>"Assumpció", "last_name"=>"Borrell", "scopus_author_id"=>"7004925435"}, {"first_name"=>"Alex", "last_name"=>"Aguilar", "scopus_author_id"=>"7102047003"}], "year"=>2012, "source"=>"PLoS ONE", "identifiers"=>{"doi"=>"10.1371/journal.pone.0031329", "sgr"=>"84858674827", "issn"=>"19326203", "pui"=>"364480399", "isbn"=>"1932-6203", "pmid"=>"22470416", "scopus"=>"2-s2.0-84858674827"}, "id"=>"e3e74c16-1317-3e2c-b68b-a84edd1010b8", "abstract"=>"Stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen were used to test the hypothesis that stomach content analysis has systematically overlooked the consumption of gelatinous zooplankton by pelagic mesopredators and apex predators. The results strongly supported a major role of gelatinous plankton in the diet of bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus), little tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus), spearfish (Tetrapturus belone) and swordfish (Xiphias gladius). Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in the oceanic stage and ocean sunfish (Mola mola) also primarily relied on gelatinous zooplankton. In contrast, stable isotope ratios ruled out any relevant consumption of gelatinous plankton by bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix), blue shark (Prionace glauca), leerfish (Lichia amia), bonito (Sarda sarda), striped dolphin (Stenella caerueloalba) and loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in the neritic stage, all of which primarily relied on fish and squid. Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) were confirmed as crustacean consumers. The ratios of stable isotopes in albacore (Thunnus alalunga), amberjack (Seriola dumerili), blue butterfish (Stromaeus fiatola), bullet tuna (Auxis rochei), dolphinfish (Coryphaena hyppurus), horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus), mackerel (Scomber scombrus) and pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) were consistent with mixed diets revealed by stomach content analysis, including nekton and crustaceans, but the consumption of gelatinous plankton could not be ruled out completely. In conclusion, the jellyvorous guild in the Mediterranean integrates two specialists (ocean sunfish and loggerhead sea turtles in the oceanic stage) and several opportunists (bluefin tuna, little tunny, spearfish, swordfish and, perhaps, blue butterfish), most of them with shrinking populations due to overfishing.", "link"=>"http://www.mendeley.com/research/massive-consumption-gelatinous-plankton-mediterranean-apex-predators", "reader_count"=>179, "reader_count_by_academic_status"=>{"Unspecified"=>5, "Professor > Associate Professor"=>4, "Librarian"=>1, "Researcher"=>53, "Student > Doctoral Student"=>9, "Student > Ph. D. Student"=>46, "Student > Postgraduate"=>5, "Other"=>8, "Student > Master"=>23, "Student > Bachelor"=>18, "Lecturer"=>1, "Lecturer > Senior Lecturer"=>1, "Professor"=>5}, "reader_count_by_user_role"=>{"Unspecified"=>5, "Professor > Associate Professor"=>4, "Librarian"=>1, "Researcher"=>53, "Student > Doctoral Student"=>9, "Student > Ph. D. Student"=>46, "Student > Postgraduate"=>5, "Other"=>8, "Student > Master"=>23, "Student > Bachelor"=>18, "Lecturer"=>1, "Lecturer > Senior Lecturer"=>1, "Professor"=>5}, "reader_count_by_subject_area"=>{"Unspecified"=>10, "Engineering"=>3, "Environmental Science"=>28, "Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology"=>3, "Mathematics"=>1, "Agricultural and Biological Sciences"=>117, "Medicine and Dentistry"=>2, "Arts and Humanities"=>1, "Chemistry"=>1, "Earth and Planetary Sciences"=>13}, "reader_count_by_subdiscipline"=>{"Engineering"=>{"Engineering"=>3}, "Medicine and Dentistry"=>{"Medicine and Dentistry"=>2}, "Chemistry"=>{"Chemistry"=>1}, "Earth and Planetary Sciences"=>{"Earth and Planetary Sciences"=>13}, "Agricultural and Biological Sciences"=>{"Agricultural and Biological Sciences"=>117}, "Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology"=>{"Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology"=>3}, "Mathematics"=>{"Mathematics"=>1}, "Unspecified"=>{"Unspecified"=>10}, "Environmental Science"=>{"Environmental Science"=>28}, "Arts and Humanities"=>{"Arts and Humanities"=>1}}, "reader_count_by_country"=>{"Argentina"=>1, "United States"=>2, "Uruguay"=>2, "Japan"=>2, "Portugal"=>1, "Spain"=>4, "Czech Republic"=>1, "Namibia"=>1, "Brazil"=>4, "Mexico"=>2, "Italy"=>1, "Chile"=>2, "Peru"=>1, "Tunisia"=>2}, "group_count"=>4}
http://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.13926
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http://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2017.12.010
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2018.09.001
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http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jembe.2017.09.021
http://doi.org/10.1093/plankt/fbs049
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2015.06.001
http://doi.org/10.1002/lno.10926
http://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-014-2538-z
http://doi.org/10.1111/fog.12413
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmarsys.2014.04.007
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http://doi.org/10.1111/mec.14245
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr2.2016.06.009
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http://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2019.104787
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Europe PMC Citations 717 May 17:26 UTC
PubMed Central 101 Feb 11:29 UTC
Scopus 10304 Jan 04:14 UTC
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Facebook02 Aug 01:18 UTC
Journal Comments 120 Oct 10:09 UTC
Journal Comments | Further Information
{"type"=>"COMMENT", "annotationUri"=>"info:doi/10.1371/annotation/767f312b-6072-4a7b-9cf7-35320abeedd2", "title"=>"Closer consideration of euphausiids needed", "body"=>"In Figure 5, I would be curious to see how the SIAR outputs change if you add krill as another source guild. Both stomach content and isotope data have supported the importance of krill as a diet source for small bluefin tuna in the nearby Bay of Biscay (see Logan et al. Marine Biology 158 (1): 73-85), and this group would seem like a more likely lower trophic level prey source for bluefin and swordfish than gelatinous prey. Also, all of the fish species identified in Figure 5 as potential gelatinovores have nitrogen isotope values of ~ 10-11‰ while the 2 identified gelatinovore specialists (oceanic loggerheads and sunfish) have values of 6.7 and 7.7 ‰, which would place them a full trophic level lower assuming typical diet-tissue discrimination factors of ~ 3‰. ", "isRemoved"=>false, "created"=>"2012-03-30T17:52:55Z", "lastModified"=>"2012-03-30T17:52:55Z", "creator"=>{"userId"=>"264395"}, "highlightedText"=>"", "competingInterestStatement"=>{"creatorWasPrompted"=>true, "hasCompetingInterests"=>false}, "parentArticle"=>{"doi"=>"info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0031329", "state"=>"published", "journals"=>{"PLoSONE"=>{"journalKey"=>"PLoSONE", "eIssn"=>"1932-6203", "title"=>"PLOS ONE"}}}, "replyTreeSize"=>1, "mostRecentActivity"=>"2012-04-25T13:21:01Z", "replies"=>[{"type"=>"REPLY", "parentID"=>10907, "annotationUri"=>"info:doi/10.1371/reply/9bdcb742-18e9-4890-ab3d-cdfb32f51a76", "title"=>"RE: Closer consideration of euphausiids needed", "body"=>"Dear John Logan,\r\n\r\nThank you for your comments. Although krill is certainly consumed by tuna in other regions, there is no published hard evidence indicating any relevant consumption of krill in the western Mediterranean. Conversely, stomach contents analysis revealed krill as a major prey for other pelagic species in the western Mediterranean, and hence there is no reason to believe that krill has been overlooked in stomach contents analysis of blue fin tuna in the Mediterranean. Thus, there was no reason to include krill in SIAR in our study. Nevertheless, when krill is included in the analysis (not shown on the manuscript), the output of SIAR reveals both krill and jellyplankton as the major potential prey. The point is that even including krill, jellyplankton still stands as a more relevant prey than fish or squid.\r\n\r\nRegarding the ratios of the stable isotopes of nitrogen, carapace scutes were used for loggerheads and muscle for fishes. As they have different fractionation factors, the reader should compare the figures once corrected for fractionation, i.e., the stable isotope ratios in diet. These figures are in turn quite similar for loggerheads (7.3‰) and for fish thought to consume jelly plankton (7.8‰ and 7.5‰ for tuna). The only major difference is about sunfish, with a diet more depleted in 15N (4.3‰) than any other possible jelly plankton consumer. This is probably because of a negligible consumption of nekton, and the possible consumption of the jellyfish Cotylorhiza tuberculata, although this species was not included in the SIAR results shown in the paper.\r\n", "isRemoved"=>false, "created"=>"2012-04-25T13:21:01Z", "lastModified"=>"2012-04-25T13:21:01Z", "creator"=>{"userId"=>"266981"}, "highlightedText"=>"", "competingInterestStatement"=>{"creatorWasPrompted"=>true, "hasCompetingInterests"=>false}, "parentArticle"=>{"doi"=>"info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0031329", "state"=>"published", "journals"=>{"PLoSONE"=>{"journalKey"=>"PLoSONE", "eIssn"=>"1932-6203", "title"=>"PLOS ONE"}}}, "replyTreeSize"=>0, "mostRecentActivity"=>"2012-04-25T13:21:01Z", "replies"=>[]}]}
Nature29 Apr 11:38 UTC
Research Blogging 130 Apr 19:59 UTC
Research Blogging | Further Information
{"id"=>"370181246892003330", "text"=>"...of medusa and ctenophores is increasing in many oceanic basins >>> http://t.co/L0lUoFkWPq", "created_at"=>"2013-08-21T13:51:01Z", "user"=>"LoizidesGeorge", "user_name"=>"Loizides George", "user_profile_image"=>"http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/3327118769/e98123678eecb2b477cdc34477aae35c_normal.jpeg"}
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{"files"=>["https://ndownloader.figshare.com/files/665224"], "description"=>"<p>Nekton: anchovy, lanternfish, horse mackerel and longfin squid. Results are shown as 95, 75 and 25% credibility intervals for each prey.</p>", "links"=>[], "tags"=>["prey", "butterfish", "mackerel"], "article_id"=>335706, "categories"=>["Inorganic Chemistry", "Chemistry", "Ecology"], "users"=>["Luis Cardona", "Irene Álvarez de Quevedo", "Assumpció Borrell", "Alex Aguilar"], "doi"=>"https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0031329.g009", "stats"=>{"downloads"=>0, "page_views"=>16, "likes"=>0}, "figshare_url"=>"https://figshare.com/articles/_Feasible_contribution_of_potential_prey_to_the_diet_of_amberjack_pompano_horse_mackerel_dolphinfish_blue_butterfish_and_mackerel_according_to_SIAR_/335706", "title"=>"Feasible contribution of potential prey to the diet of amberjack, pompano, horse mackerel, dolphinfish, blue butterfish and mackerel according to SIAR.", "pos_in_sequence"=>0, "defined_type"=>1, "published_date"=>"2013-02-20 07:31:30"}
{"files"=>["https://ndownloader.figshare.com/files/664228"], "description"=>"<p>Potential prey considered: pelagic crustaceans (solid squares), gelatinous plankton (empty squares), squid (solid triangles) and small pelagic and mesopelagic fish (empty triangles). Error bars show standard deviation.</p>", "links"=>[], "tags"=>["isotope", "ratios", "prey", "apex", "predators", "northwestern"], "article_id"=>334709, "categories"=>["Inorganic Chemistry", "Chemistry", "Ecology"], "users"=>["Luis Cardona", "Irene Álvarez de Quevedo", "Assumpció Borrell", "Alex Aguilar"], "doi"=>"https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0031329.g001", "stats"=>{"downloads"=>2, "page_views"=>37, "likes"=>0}, "figshare_url"=>"https://figshare.com/articles/_Stable_isotope_ratios_in_the_potential_prey_of_apex_predators_from_the_northwestern_Mediterranean_/334709", "title"=>"Stable isotope ratios in the potential prey of apex predators from the northwestern Mediterranean.", "pos_in_sequence"=>0, "defined_type"=>1, "published_date"=>"2013-02-20 07:26:14"}
{"files"=>["https://ndownloader.figshare.com/files/665360"], "description"=>"*<p>: <i>considered also as prey</i>; A: <i>colective samples</i>.</p>", "links"=>[], "tags"=>["isotope", "ratios", "pelagic", "prey", "predators", "mediterranean"], "article_id"=>335843, "categories"=>["Inorganic Chemistry", "Chemistry", "Ecology"], "users"=>["Luis Cardona", "Irene Álvarez de Quevedo", "Assumpció Borrell", "Alex Aguilar"], "doi"=>"https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0031329.t001", "stats"=>{"downloads"=>1, "page_views"=>9, "likes"=>0}, "figshare_url"=>"https://figshare.com/articles/_Sample_size_and_stable_isotope_ratios_of_pelagic_prey_and_predators_in_the_western_Mediterranean_Sea_/335843", "title"=>"Sample size and stable isotope ratios of pelagic prey and predators in the western Mediterranean Sea.", "pos_in_sequence"=>0, "defined_type"=>3, "published_date"=>"2013-02-20 07:32:09"}
{"files"=>["https://ndownloader.figshare.com/files/664459"], "description"=>"<p>A solid circle represents the average stable isotope ratios of whales after correcting for diet-tissue isotopic discrimination and error bars show standard deviation. Other symbols show the average stable isotope ratios of potential prey: pelagic crustaceans (solid squares), gelatinous plankton (empty squares), squid (solid triangles) and small pelagic and mesopelagic fish (empty triangles).</p>", "links"=>[], "tags"=>["isotope", "ratios", "fin", "whales", "northwestern"], "article_id"=>334946, "categories"=>["Inorganic Chemistry", "Chemistry", "Ecology"], "users"=>["Luis Cardona", "Irene Álvarez de Quevedo", "Assumpció Borrell", "Alex Aguilar"], "doi"=>"https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0031329.g003", "stats"=>{"downloads"=>2, "page_views"=>6, "likes"=>0}, "figshare_url"=>"https://figshare.com/articles/_Stable_isotope_ratios_of_fin_whales_from_the_northwestern_Mediterranean_/334946", "title"=>"Stable isotope ratios of fin whales from the northwestern Mediterranean.", "pos_in_sequence"=>0, "defined_type"=>1, "published_date"=>"2013-02-20 07:27:29"}
{"files"=>["https://ndownloader.figshare.com/files/665114"], "description"=>"<p>Solid circles represent the average stable isotope ratios of each consumer after correcting for diet-tissue isotopic discrimination and error bars show standard deviation. Other symbols show the average stable isotope ratios of their potential prey: pelagic crustaceans (solid squares), gelatinous plankton (empty squares), squid (solid triangles) and small pelagic and mesopelagic fish (empty triangles). Nekton: anchovy, lanternfish, horse mackerel and shortfin squid. Results are shown as 95, 75 and 25% credibility intervals for each prey.</p>", "links"=>[], "tags"=>["isotope", "ratios", "albacore", "tuna", "northwestern", "mediterranean", "feasible", "prey"], "article_id"=>335600, "categories"=>["Inorganic Chemistry", "Chemistry", "Ecology"], "users"=>["Luis Cardona", "Irene Álvarez de Quevedo", "Assumpció Borrell", "Alex Aguilar"], "doi"=>"https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0031329.g008", "stats"=>{"downloads"=>3, "page_views"=>24, "likes"=>0}, "figshare_url"=>"https://figshare.com/articles/_Stable_isotope_ratios_of_albacore_and_bullet_tuna_from_the_northwestern_Mediterranean_and_feasible_contribution_of_potential_prey_to_their_diet_according_to_SIAR_/335600", "title"=>"Stable isotope ratios of albacore and bullet tuna from the northwestern Mediterranean and feasible contribution of potential prey to their diet according to SIAR.", "pos_in_sequence"=>0, "defined_type"=>1, "published_date"=>"2013-02-20 07:30:52"}
{"files"=>["https://ndownloader.figshare.com/files/664819"], "description"=>"<p>Solid circles represent the average stable isotope ratios of each consumer after correcting for diet-tissue isotopic discrimination and error bars show standard deviation. Other symbols show the average stable isotope ratios of potential prey: pelagic crustaceans (solid squares), gelatinous plankton (empty squares), squid (solid triangles) and small pelagic and mesopelagic fish (empty triangles). Nekton: anchovy, lanternfish, horse mackerel and shortfin squid. Results are shown as 95, 75 and 25% credibility intervals for each prey.</p>", "links"=>[], "tags"=>["isotope", "ratios", "oceanic", "loggerhead", "turtle", "sunfish", "northwestern", "mediterranean", "feasible", "prey"], "article_id"=>335292, "categories"=>["Inorganic Chemistry", "Chemistry", "Ecology"], "users"=>["Luis Cardona", "Irene Álvarez de Quevedo", "Assumpció Borrell", "Alex Aguilar"], "doi"=>"https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0031329.g006", "stats"=>{"downloads"=>0, "page_views"=>15, "likes"=>0}, "figshare_url"=>"https://figshare.com/articles/_Stable_isotope_ratios_of_oceanic_loggerhead_sea_turtle_and_ocean_sunfish_from_the_northwestern_Mediterranean_and_feasible_contribution_of_potential_prey_to_their_diet_according_to_SIAR_/335292", "title"=>"Stable isotope ratios of oceanic loggerhead sea turtle and ocean sunfish from the northwestern Mediterranean and feasible contribution of potential prey to their diet according to SIAR.", "pos_in_sequence"=>0, "defined_type"=>1, "published_date"=>"2013-02-20 07:29:23"}
{"files"=>["https://ndownloader.figshare.com/files/664983"], "description"=>"<p>Solid circles represent the average stable isotope ratios of each consumer after correcting for diet-tissue isotopic discrimination and error bars show standard deviation. Other symbols show the average stable isotope ratios of their potential prey: pelagic crustaceans (solid squares), gelatinous plankton (empty squares), squid (solid triangles) and small pelagic and mesopelagic fish (empty triangles).</p>", "links"=>[], "tags"=>["isotope", "ratios", "butterfish", "mackerel", "northwestern"], "article_id"=>335466, "categories"=>["Inorganic Chemistry", "Chemistry", "Ecology"], "users"=>["Luis Cardona", "Irene Álvarez de Quevedo", "Assumpció Borrell", "Alex Aguilar"], "doi"=>"https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0031329.g007", "stats"=>{"downloads"=>1, "page_views"=>11, "likes"=>0}, "figshare_url"=>"https://figshare.com/articles/_Stable_isotope_ratios_of_the_diet_of_amberjack_pompano_horse_mackerel_dolphinfish_blue_butterfish_and_mackerel_from_the_northwestern_Mediterranean_/335466", "title"=>"Stable isotope ratios of the diet of amberjack, pompano, horse mackerel, dolphinfish, blue butterfish and mackerel from the northwestern Mediterranean.", "pos_in_sequence"=>0, "defined_type"=>1, "published_date"=>"2013-02-20 07:30:13"}
{"files"=>["https://ndownloader.figshare.com/files/664672"], "description"=>"<p>Nekton 1: sardine. Nekton 2: anchovy, lanternfish, horse mackerel and longfin squid. Nekton 3: mackerel and shortfin squid. Results are shown as 95, 75 and 25% credibility intervals for each prey.</p>", "links"=>[], "tags"=>["prey", "bluefin", "spearfish", "swordfish"], "article_id"=>335157, "categories"=>["Inorganic Chemistry", "Chemistry", "Ecology"], "users"=>["Luis Cardona", "Irene Álvarez de Quevedo", "Assumpció Borrell", "Alex Aguilar"], "doi"=>"https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0031329.g005", "stats"=>{"downloads"=>1, "page_views"=>23, "likes"=>0}, "figshare_url"=>"https://figshare.com/articles/_Feasible_contribution_of_potential_prey_to_the_diet_of_bluefin_tuna_little_tunny_spearfish_and_swordfish_according_to_SIAR_/335157", "title"=>"Feasible contribution of potential prey to the diet of bluefin tuna, little tunny, spearfish and swordfish according to SIAR.", "pos_in_sequence"=>0, "defined_type"=>1, "published_date"=>"2013-02-20 07:28:37"}
{"files"=>["https://ndownloader.figshare.com/files/665397"], "description"=>"<p>The diet column reports the preys contributing at least 5% in weight or volume to stomach contents (F: Teleostei; D: Decapoda, H: Hyperiidea, E: Euphausiids; C: Cephalopoda, Cn: Cnidaria, Ct: Cetaceans; U: Urochordata). Consumption of cnidarians and urochordata representing less than 5% is reported in brackets.</p>*<p><i>: data from the Atlantic</i>.</p>", "links"=>[], "tags"=>["gelatinous", "plankton", "pelagic", "mesopredators", "apex", "predators", "mediterranean", "revealed"], "article_id"=>335876, "categories"=>["Inorganic Chemistry", "Chemistry", "Ecology"], "users"=>["Luis Cardona", "Irene Álvarez de Quevedo", "Assumpció Borrell", "Alex Aguilar"], "doi"=>"https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0031329.t002", "stats"=>{"downloads"=>2, "page_views"=>11, "likes"=>0}, "figshare_url"=>"https://figshare.com/articles/_Relative_importance_of_gelatinous_plankton_in_the_diet_of_pelagic_mesopredators_and_apex_predators_from_the_Mediterranean_Sea_as_revealed_by_stomach_content_analysis_/335876", "title"=>"Relative importance of gelatinous plankton in the diet of pelagic mesopredators and apex predators from the Mediterranean Sea, as revealed by stomach content analysis.", "pos_in_sequence"=>0, "defined_type"=>3, "published_date"=>"2013-02-20 07:32:21"}
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« New words from 1983 to 2012
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Fake Indians
Thu Aug 23rd 2012 by abagond
Fake Indians are people who claim to be Native American but are not. Unlike Blacks or Asians, many Natives are too mixed to “look” Indian, leaving an opening for fakes.
While many Americans are part Native by blood, very few belong to an Indian tribe that they call home. The American government knows which are the true tribes and each tribe knows who belongs. That simple.
Fake Indians want the advantages – like coolness points, affirmative action, book deals, casinos and parts in films. But without the disadvantages, like having no money, not enough heat or food, poor schooling, poor health, being thrown in prison and substance abuse.
And seeing one’s culture mocked and opportunities taken by fake Indians.
Fake Indians have to play to stereotypes to seem “real”, which strengthens the racism against Indians. The only real American Indian I have ever met did not play to stereotypes – because she did not have to.
Fake Indians also make it hard to know much about true Indians. Which makes being fake even easier!
Some fake Indians:
Almost every Cherokee tribe – only three are real:
Cherokee Nation (Oklahoma)
United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians (Oklahoma)
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (North Carolina)
Carlos Castaneda – made up the research for his PhD thesis and for “The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge” (1968). Lost his degree – but sold millions of books.
Douglass Durham – put in charge of security by AIM (the American Indian Movement) at their 1973 occupation of Wounded Knee. Was working for the FBI.
Ward Churchill – former Chair of Ethnic Studies at the University of Colorado. Fired for plagiarism, fabrication and falsification. Author of several books on Indian issues. Wrote about the FBI undermining AIM but is suspected to be FBI himself! Calls Carlos Castaneda “the greatest hoax since Piltdown Man.” Claims to belong to the Keetowah Cherokees, which they deny.
Jamake Highwater – author of “Anpao: An American Indian Odyssey” (1973), which won a Newberry, “The Sun, He Dies: A Novel About the End of the Aztec World” (1980) and “The Primal Mind: Vision and Reality in Indian America” (1981), which became a PBS documentary. He fooled the New York Times and the National Endowment for the Humanities, but not Susan Sontag!
Hyemeyohsts Storm – author of “Seven Arrows” (1972), which the Cheyenne say misinterprets their sacred practices.
Iron Eyes Cody – appeared in over 200 Hollywood films and the iconic “Keep America Beautiful” ad where he cries.
Margaret B. Jones – pen name of Margaret Seltzer who wrote about her fake childhood as a half-white, half-Indian foster child in a black ghetto in “Love and Consequences” (2008). Both a fake Indian and a wigger!
Nasdijj – author of “Geronimo Bones” (2004) and other fake Navajo books.
Forrest Carter – wrote about his fake Cherokee boyhood in “The Education of Little Tree” (1976), which sold millions. Outed in 1991 as Asa Carter, Klansman and speechwriter for Alabama Governor George Wallace.
Some of these books won awards. Some are still in print!
– Abagond, 2012, 2015.
Update (July 1st 2015): Removed Winona LaDuke from the list. I confirmed that she is a member of a federally recognized tribe. Thanks to Troy Felsman for the correction.
Sources: Dean Chavers: Racism in Indian Country, An Open Letter To The Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post In the Form of a Last Chapter on Jamake Highwater, Slate: David Treuer: Going Native
BIA: List of federally recognized tribes
Notes on how not to write about Native Americans
Margaret Seltzer
BET Fallacy – the fallacy that blacks are somehow in control of their image. This is way less true for Indians.
Tasadays
on Wed Aug 29th 2012 at 12:13:26 Jefe
Indeed, fake Native American tribal affiliation is definitely exploited for personal gain.
But, isn’t it possible to realign yourself with another ethnic identity after birth — I don’t think the ethnic identity of your parents is the sole determinant of your ethnic identity. Isn’t some sort of ethnic conversion or realignment possible?
I do not support people who are obvious fakes, but I don’t fully begrudge people who make an honest decision to engage themselves directly into any particular ethnic group.
on Wed Aug 29th 2012 at 12:15:11 B. R.
Wow, hahha about some of these fakers…..they need to get a life…I guess some got the money…you can get the money and still be pathetic…Ward Churchill stands out in my mind
on Wed Aug 29th 2012 at 12:15:27 leigh204
I remember Iron Eyes Cody in that “Keep American Beautiful” environmental campaign. He was so into his “native” heritage, he even helped pen his autobiography claiming he was part Cherokee and part Cree. The thing is, I was surprised to learn he was actually Italian-American. Imagine that.
on Wed Aug 29th 2012 at 12:32:29 sam
on Wed Aug 29th 2012 at 12:40:40 positiveblackstereotype
Except its appropriation, not to mention if what your appropriating is based on stereotypes and falsehoods than your doing the group you so call “admire” a disservice. And the fact is, no matter how much one would like to be part of another ethnic group, they will never actually be part of that group because they simply weren’t born into that group. Most people who pretend to belong to another group do so because they have very defined ideals of what a member of said group is supposed to be like even if these ideals would offend members of said group. In many instances people who engage in this sort of behaviour are incredibly racist, they just are too confused to realize how racist they really are. If one has to claim a group, chances are they don’t belong in that group, whereas if someone is born outside of an ethnic group but identifies with said group having been emerged in the culture, etc the group more often than not will claim that person as one of them without the person having to do so themselves. More often than not, people who are claimed by other ethnic groups know who they are and are proud of who they are, but realize they aren’t quite like others within their own respective ethnicity.
on Wed Aug 29th 2012 at 13:42:47 truthbetold
This is shows us that whites are not happy being white. Anything to align themselves with a long suffering group will make them feel better about their European heritage.
I used to wonder why whites would lie about having “black blood”. Why attach yourself with a group that is marginalized? Because deep down, they want attention, money and are desperately trying to distance themselves from their past.
on Wed Aug 29th 2012 at 15:43:33 Sondis
@ truthbetold
I don’t think, they want to distance themselves from their past, than to just want sympathy, something white people only get from their own, group.
The only people in America, that can “legitimately” receive sympathy, are black people and other people of color.
So I think they seek out sympathy by trying to claim a minority entity, when they are impoverished.
on Wed Aug 29th 2012 at 16:14:40 SomeGuy
Findians.
on Wed Aug 29th 2012 at 16:23:52 satanforce
No. Not Ward Churchill. Not Ward Churchill.
on Wed Aug 29th 2012 at 16:32:50 Cornlia
One thing that chocked me from when I was a child, was why and who you “disguise” yourself into “another person”, not even a “character”. I have NEVER understood how my friends could disguise themselves as “Chinese person” or “an African” or “an Indian” at Carnival. I could never have done it. If I did when I was very little (I don’t remember, I was disguised by someone else. It wasn’t my choice). I would have felt ashamed because I felt it was totally wrong somewhere.
Now I understand it was because I could not get it why someone would want to “possess” another human being to the point of being him or her. Take away his or her being and make it a joke…
ThruthBeTold, I don’t think it is because they are not happy with being themselves. They are ultimate narcissists, they love their own selves like crazy. I think it’s more like what I said here^^.
They want to possess everything and everyone, decide for everyone who they really are, name everything and everyone, classify everything and everyone, know what everybody think and wishes t be able to stop them from getting it, hide and transform everything and everyone that they imagine could be seen as better than them. (The Mysteries of Africa/Egypt. Cleopatra…)
on Wed Aug 29th 2012 at 16:47:11 chulanowa
Espera DiCorti (Iron Eyes Cody) at least “walked the walk.” He and his wife – she was Native American – adopted several Indian children, donated a great deal of time and money to Indian causes, and very much tried to be respectful members of the greater Indian community.
I don’t know whether it was a mental thing or something… but he really, honestly believed he WAS an Indian. It wasn’t quite like “I’m in it for the cool and hopefully government goodies” like some of the others on the list. Espera was an honestly decent guy, even while being a Wannabee.
on Wed Aug 29th 2012 at 17:15:22 Kushite Prince
This is a very interesting post. I used to work with a white guy that was a real redneck. He was an older man with grey hair and blue eyes. Once in awhile the subject of race would come up and he would always mention his great grandfather that was Native American. It was very strange to me. From time to tome he would make racist remarks about Asians and Mexicans. Yet,he would always bring up his Native American ancestry as if to show he identified with people who are discriminated against. It was all a bunch of horse manure! These white folks just want to distance themselves from the racist past that they’re ashamed of.
Agreed Bulanik. That is indeed how far it goes.
(Can you tell me how you “quoted” me ? I still haven’t figured out how to do that…
lol @ Cornlia I’ve been trying to figure that out, since I first joined this blog.
on Wed Aug 29th 2012 at 17:28:43 Stop Along The Way
Well said. It’s exactly the reason I cringe when another word or phrase from the African-American lexicon is appropriated by white culture at large.
Btw- when I was in high school I was too naive to hear the imitation of the Native American voice in “The Teachings of Don Juan”. I actually thought I was learning something.
@someguy:
Actually findians are not fake indians, they are mixed folks up in Minnesota and there abouts, mix between mainly chippewa and finns who lived next or among them. Reason was that the only white guys who actually wanted to live in remote forests etc. were finns who had lived that way back in their home land. But findians do not try to tell anyone they are pure native tribe etc. at all. As far as I know.
Sorry about that. Please follow the example on the top picture here:
but substitute “blockquote” instead of “i”.
Let’s see if it works… Thanks Bulanik.
Kushite Prince,
These white folks just want to distance themselves from the racist past that they’re ashamed of
unfortunately, I think that a lot of them are not ashamed…
They don’t feel shame. This is what allows them to continue the same BS all over. This is what astonishes non-racists and makes it so difficult to fight them.
Shame is a feeling, they have none. They don’t care about the past. They just don’t want to have to talk about it, it bothers them to have conversations about it.
In France, they shout against “the call for repentance” that they think is what people who want that history to be taught are asking for. They don’t see anything wrong with it, so they don’t see what the point is talking about it. They want other people to feel guilty, not them.
“If it happened to you, it’s for a reason, you were looking for it. It’s the consequence of something you did or who you are”.
“We brought civilization but you don’t know what to do with it”..
Blah blah. Bible stories. From the beginning.
on Wed Aug 29th 2012 at 17:56:44 Delwin
There is another group of people who have been determined to entitlement of Indian staus. That would be anyone, of any race, who has been raised in a traditional Indian culture. This could be by adoption, for example. These individuals encounter the same cultural clash with the dominant culture and can be discriminated against because of their cultural upbringing.
@positiveblackstereotype
they will never actually be part of that group because they simply weren’t born into that group
How about the case of adoptees? Unless the adoptive parents are of the same exact ethnic heritage as the adoptee’s parents, the adoptee will be raised in a different ethnic group than he/she was born into. And the ethnic group of the adoptee’s biological parents will probably never accept them into that ethnic group either. I believe that the adoptee will most likely adopt the ethnic group of the adopted parents. In rare cases the adoptee may try to reinsert himself / herself into the original ethnic group with limited success, or even may try to find a 3rd ethnic group to align with.
How about the case of biracial or multiethnic persons? They may have grown up in early childhood identifying with one of the parents’ groups, and then realign themselves with the other one later in life. Even having a parent who had a prior identity with a particular ethnic group does not mean that the child was necessarily “born” into that ethnic group or accepted as part of that group from birth. And, they might find themselves better accepted into an ethnic group that neither parent claims.
How about the case of interracial / interethnic / interfaith marriage? In some societies or cultures, one of the spouses (typically the wife) must realign herself to the other spouse’s (eg, the husband’s) ethnic group in order for the marriage to be valid and they would have to raise any children in that culture. In that case, the spouse has realigned the ethnic affiliation.
In none of these cases do I believe that the individual is “pretending” to be part of an ethnic group. They might be just honestly trying to “find” an ethnic to participate with.
Not that I am saying that most of these fake (American) Indians are being honest.
on Wed Aug 29th 2012 at 18:22:52 Kwamla
“…They want to possess everything and everyone, decide for everyone who they really are, name everything and everyone, classify everything and everyone, know what everybody think and wishes t be able to stop them from getting it, hide and transform everything and everyone that they imagine could be seen as better than them. …”
I think as Bulanik has commented there is a hidden unacknowledged history and practice of cultural appropriation. Stemming from the days of colonialism and imperialism.
But I agree with Truthbetold:
“…This shows us that whites are not happy being white…”
There is a deep unacknowledged dissatisfaction here. Which only makes itself known in the presence or company of POC. Its when they are made to go through the mental process of comparing and contrasting. themselves a feeling of emptiness can emerge. Of course its easy to hide and disguise this in the alternative world of “superior white society” thats already been set up and created for us ALL to forcibly or freely dissolve ourselves into. But even this is not enough hence the need to fake a different “minority” or other than white identity.
Surely this type of psychosis should have a label?
@Leigh204 When I was a teenager I used to go to a comic book shop with some of my friends. The owners of the shop were a white couple. I remember the wife always bragging to me and my friends that Iron Eyes Cody was her grandfather and she was so proud of being part Native American. Hmmm…..I wonder if she knows he’s Italian. Or maybe she just didn’t want to tell us that little bit of information.lol
on Wed Aug 29th 2012 at 18:55:04 Jared
I noticed the same cultural appropriation thing is happening in the Orisha religion , where a couple whites have been initiated into the priesthood.
now they have websites and are writing books about the Orisha.
When white people do this, it’s possible because the history that enables that cultural appropriation to happen – through violence – has been erased.
@ Cornlia I see what you’re saying to a degree. They probably don’t feel much shame or guilt. If they truly did feel guilt,they would stop mistreating people of color. But why do you think some white people do bring up they’re racial mixture? What’s the point? They always have a motive for everything they do. Don’t you agree?
on Wed Aug 29th 2012 at 19:05:42 Herneith
How about crackeritis?
@ Kushite Prince:
Or, maybe she couldn’t handle the truth that her grandfather, that is, if Iron Eyes Cody was actually her grandfather, was a fraud.
BINGO!!You maybe right.lol
on Wed Aug 29th 2012 at 19:57:02 brothawolf
I remember seeing Iron Eyes Cody. That guy had us all fooled about who he really is.
I wonder if this pathology is why several sports teams have named themselves after Native Americans like the Atlanta Braves, or is there something else at work.
Actually findians are not fake indians, they are mixed folks up in Minnesota
I didn’t even know there was such a thing. I just combined “fake” with “Indians”.
“I feel that the white people who engage in the “fake Indians” thing, etc., may choose to believe they are disconnected from the forms of oppression that their ‘appreciation’ and ‘celebration’ reinforces, but even their sense of entitlement to have their experience of ‘other’ cultures prioritized is symptomatic of white supremacy!”
Very well stated.That just about sums it up. I can’t add anymore to that.
on Wed Aug 29th 2012 at 20:49:29 Fiamma Blu
The Washington “Redskins” also comes to mind. Its not confined to sports teams, either, lest we forget the Jeep “Cherokee” and the Mazda “Navajo” (as well as the Volkswagen “Touareg”, the named of which was approriated from the Tuareg / Touareg “Berber” people of Africa).
Jefe, my personal opinion is, anyone who has any trace of real Indian blood in their veins, has their own personal right to identify on the inside with their origins, and can research and seek out or not seek out….as long as they dont get out of joint if a tribe has official laws of how to be considered one of the members..they have to accept those physical realities
My son has some traces of Indian blood in him, its not nearly as big as the Afro Brazilian or European , but maybe as much as I have German blood…but he isnt looking to find his long lost tribe, but, I see how he can relate and I think its just fine…dont let anyone influence you from seeking out the truth in your life that you want to find out…I could hardly care less what anyone thinks my son can or cant do about discovering and identifying what his roots are
I just think people using fraud to bring it out in public, especialy to make money, are low. Or people who wear it on their sleeve .
I also think that all humans have something inside that makes them fascinated by other cultures ( as well as a side that is repelled by strangers) , with elements of wanting to asimilate things about those cultures…I might go out to an Indian (from India) or a Japanese restaurant , and, indulge in their marvelous cooking and feel like for a small instane Im immersing myself in their culture, and, actualy have a great respect for those cultures even just on the basis of tasting their cooking and imagining what it would be like living there and eating the foods and soaking up that atmosphere…
But, being false or patranising is negative, and brings a lot of negative baggage with it
The truth is, culture doesnt have a cutoms gate you have to pass to get stamped to give somebody the right to seek out and learn and apreciete someone elses culture…and it is human to want to do that and there are huge examples of humans everywhere in the world learning and assimilating other peoples cultures. Imagine thinking Wynton Marsalis shouldnt play European Classical music because he isnt from that culture…that is total bs…the truth is if someone really pays the price of discipline and has the will and affinity, they can assimilate into someone elses culture …we all are sucking on all each others culture far more than we know
Who am I to criticise some white hippies who go down to New Mexico to set up a teepee and try to do their version of Indian culture. I may think its silly and the real Indians may think its silly and not like it, but, I dont care , who am I to criticise them
Its the exploitation of cultures, of wiping them out and then falsly representing them in history books or movies, burying them, making them seem like they are less than Western culture, making money off them by white people who push it as though its theirs or that they invented it . Or pretending they are that like these fake Indians…That is where the real problem begins
Iron Eyes Cody huh? Who would have thought….? haha
on Wed Aug 29th 2012 at 23:05:41 mary burrell
Iron Eyes Cody was Itatalian? What! Man you learn something new everyday.”Wow”. Anyway good post Abagond.
on Wed Aug 29th 2012 at 23:30:50 M
Iron Eyes Cody was Italian? Wow..did nt have any idea that he wasnt Native American.
Fiamma,
True, true.
Can someone verify, if Mexicans are Indians?
on Thu Aug 30th 2012 at 00:19:27 titibop
you should post about young asians acting like black people.
on Thu Aug 30th 2012 at 00:22:02 Sondis
@ titibop
Why should there be a post about Asians, “acting” black? you are obviously white…
on Thu Aug 30th 2012 at 00:59:44 Oyan (@Oy_aN)
1.) I like what ‘Cornlia says @ “on Wed 29 Aug 2012 at 16:37:03
2.) I don’t know if ‘titibop’ is being facetious, but there are a lot of the KPop entertainers who have utilized a lot of ‘urban black’ culture as part of their act;even to the point of getting ‘afro-perms’, ‘black-face’, etc.
3.) I have family in New Orleans, who have claimed ‘Indian’ membership/ancestry for generations. They have huge festivals, wear intricate ‘outfits’ representing the ‘Tribe of the Yellow Pocahontas”, which dates back to the 1800’s. They are not an ‘official’ ‘nation, but have a strong cultural link to the native culture of Louisiana. I’m unsure if this is cultural appropriation…
on Thu Aug 30th 2012 at 01:04:17 SW6
…you can get the money and still be pathetic…
Jefe, my personal opinion is, anyone who has any trace of real Indian blood in their veins, has their own personal right to identify on the inside with their origins, and can research and seek out or not seek out…
The truth is, culture doesnt have a cutoms gate you have to pass to get stamped to give somebody the right to seek out and learn and apreciete someone elses culture…and it is human to want to do that and there are huge examples of humans everywhere in the world learning and assimilating other peoples cultures.
Wynton Marsalis shouldnt play European Classical music because he isnt from that culture…that is total bs…the truth is if someone really pays the price of discipline and has the will and affinity, they can assimilate into someone elses culture …we all are sucking on all each others culture far more than we know
B.R. thank you so much for what you’ve said thus far in this thread. Your comments are beautiful and true. You’re asserting the individual’s freedom to choose and explore, while respecting him/herself and the culture they are exploring or developing affinity for. You’re highlighting the importance of coming to learn about one’s self and doing so in fellowship with others. Self exploration can be a solitary activity but not indefinitely; it must include others and “their world” at some point.
on Thu Aug 30th 2012 at 01:26:24 Linda
“Sondis
Mexico has a large mestizo population–mixed native Indians (Amerindians indigenous to Southwest US) with Spanish (European) and depending on area, mixed with African. There are also unmixed Amerindians living there, I believe Mayans and other groups.
http://www.cabosanlucasvillas.net/mexico/about/
http://www.voanews.com/content/a-13-2007-11-16-voa47-66528207/553747.html
also many native Indians live today throughout Mexico and Central American and South America…In the Caribbean, they did not die out as US/western history likes people to believe, they intermixed, that’s why the Dominican Republic insists that they are also mixed with native Amerindian, and Puerto Ricans were found to be majority Amerindian mixed with Spanish and/or African.
http://www.indigenousportal.com/es/Herencia/15-of-Dominicans-have-Ta%C3%ADno-DNA.html
http://www.centrelink.org/KearnsDNA.html
This is why I think it is wrong to tell Caribbean/South American Latinos (no matter the phenotype) to choose between black and white, because depending on the country they are from, also determines the mixture.
Majority are mixed-raced, no matter how much they like to push their Spanish European ancestry
Sondis, this has come up (very tangentially) before on this blog. I’m interested in the question too; more importantly the answer interests me.
Have a look at this, it’s very interesting:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3e6ChgL1EC4)
on Thu Aug 30th 2012 at 01:37:53 King
I don’t think I understand this question.
Can someone (who knows their shit!) say a little about who/what the Carib Indians are? Is anyone aware of a concise but good history of the Caribbean prior to the Transatlantic Slave Trade?
Are the Carib Indians essentially just Indians of the Americas (but located far South), just as the more well known North American Indians are understood as Indians of the northern region of the Americas?
Oh sorry, Linda already answered it.
SW6, I believe that the pre-Columbian “Indians” found in the Caribbean islands were the product of the same trans-Siberian migration across the Bering Straight that all native people’s of the New World come from. They are basically Asians, far removed from their origins.
on Thu Aug 30th 2012 at 02:22:54 Jefe
my personal opinion is, anyone who has any trace of real Indian blood in their veins, has their own personal right to identify on the inside with their origins, and can research and seek out or not seek out….as long as they dont get out of joint if a tribe has official laws of how to be considered one of the members..
At what point does “Identifying on the inside with their origins” become “wearing it on their sleeve” and interpreted as being fake?
For example, President Obama can confirm that he is actually the descendant of ante-bellum black slaves (on his mother’s side, no less), and he were to go out and become famous by raising money to make redresses to descendants of black slaves based on his own ancestry, would he be fake (since he does indeed have black slave ancestry, but his recent black (ie, “sub-Saharan) ancestry is not at all traced to black slaves)?
This might sound like simply a rhetorical question, but there is some reality to this problem. Personally, I had ample direct contact with both my mother’s and father’s families growing up, knew all of my grandparents very well, and felt like I should be entitled to identify with the cultural background of my grandparents. Yet, time and time again, I have AT BEST been treated as “fake” by both sides, but more often as simply not entitled. I have had contact with other persons who have mistaken me as members of their ethnic group, even after knowing me for years. I have indeed entertained the thought of whether it might be easier to realign myself with a different ethnic group where I am less considered to be a “fake” even though technically, I would be.
Certain tribes have rules about tribal membership probably just to control for “fakes”. It is likely that no such rules existed when such tribes were still intact.
I think it is abhorrent to claim fake ethnic heritage to exploit for personal gain, but given my current situation, I can’t totally condemn others. I have my own problems about being “fake”. :-\
Thank you King. If the rest of you know some more, please share.
on Thu Aug 30th 2012 at 02:48:18 BadWolf
White people like to add group X because they perceive it to their advantage and what does that say about racism In America today? It’s not psychotic it’s $$$
There is a marked difference between appropriation and imitation.
We all may imitate things from other cultures all of the time. That’s not a problem in my book. BUT appropriation is taking things and trying to pass them off as your own, or at the least not acknowledging where it comes from originally.
For example, wearing Native American jewelry is fine IMO. However, saying that I’m one fifth Cherokee just to make myself seem like I’m more exotic while I’m wearing it would be wrong.
on Thu Aug 30th 2012 at 03:04:29 Cornlia
Bulanik, B.R. Kushite Prince, Brothawolf and others…
I will re-read all this and try to answer or at least express a thought on Kushite Prince’s question.
But why do you think some white people do bring up they’re racial mixture? What’s the point? They always have a motive for everything they do. Don’t you agree?
Just a quick thought. I think the constant inversion of facts (and that includes “disguise” being the others that we despise) that we notice in white-minded/white people’s attitudes, behavior, actions, policies, etc… stems from the very fact that, if Narcissistic Personality Disorder (Perversion Narcissistique in French) is actually one of the foundations of the troubled personality they display, one of the key symptoms of that disorder is that they constantly invert/reverse/put things upside down. After a while, and several consecutive reversals, they find themselves at a loss to explain their own selves.
From their point of view it would be : Are they full of pride or empty ? Are they superior or looking for ways to feel so ? Do they need others or do they despise them ? Is/Are their culture/s superior or do they need the input from others ?
After trying so hard to distanciate/dissociate themselves from nature and their own selves, they keep trying to steal from others’ own nature and selves. But constantly remind these others that they don’t need them. that they know better and that they must lead.
I don’t know if this makes sense… Difficult to make sense of nonsensical attitudes and ideologies…
on Thu Aug 30th 2012 at 03:09:30 Randy
… Chicago Blackhawks, and,
the Washington Redskins?
Is it to ‘honour’ a defeated people? To remind us that “they” fought, but failed?
This paradox doesn’t make sense unless the idea of the Native American is stripped bare and seen for what it represents: a malignant presence to be wiped out, or kept under control, or depicted as a form of local “wildlife”.
How about sports teams with the following mascot names:
– Trojans
– Spartans
– Fighting Irish
– Cavaliers
– Vikings
I suppose if you’re determined to find offense you’ll nearly always succeed.
PS: Howdy King!
on Thu Aug 30th 2012 at 03:24:26 B. R.
King, I think you are saying what I think, except, for example,my son, who may be 10 percent Indian, mentions about doing something artistic , using paint to put on in an Indian style , exactly because he feels something in himself that has those origins in his blood (at the same time doing things that ackowledge the other parts of his origins , like the Afro Brazilian side). And, I absolutly see no harm in any way if he wants to do that to explore that side of himself…
SW6, I just dont get some kind of over pshyco analysis of why some people might want to dress up and for what ever reason, fantasize and go out side of themselves…I mean, we might as well over psycho analyse every actor and actress who exists because that is just what they want to do…get outside of themselves..I mean we can go after white people who do at as Indians now, next week its going to be the next person for wanting to dress up…I dont want any part of that mentality….I beleive very powerfully in creativity and flights of fantacy
We the thread is talking about people who purposefully deceive the world around them with false claims of who they are and then, some of them make money and comercialise it…..or as I said and as King points out, and apropriating and not ackowledging where it comes from originaly , the rip offs, the burying of the other culture, the not trying to tell the real story, the deceit and comercial gain from that deceit , the absolute media distortion…that is something to condemn
thanks for your ackowledgement
I was the one who said that and Bulanik went further
I think the “psychopatic racial personality” (see Abagond post) and the related Narcissistic Personality Disorder would start to answer your question.
I have a question: what do you make of those people who are classified as white in the racial vision of humanity but do not classify themselves as such ?
Let me explain: I do not define myself as white. Does that make me an unhappy white, or a person who has no problem with her own self and doesn’t care about the system some of her ancestors’ built to make themselves feel better about their own selves, while in the process forcing everyone they encountered on their path to enter that system ?
In other words, is a light-skinned non-racist / not suffering from Narcissistic Personality Disorder person viewed as “an unhappy white”, since that person refuses to be labeled as “white” ?
Do you see what I mean ? Finally, I think that it all depends if your question occurs in a totally racially-defined world or if you acknowledge that there are people, of all origins, who do not define themselves inside the frame of race (while at the same time recognizing its impact on society(ies) and their obligation to comply with many aspects of it in their actual life, in spite of their not adhering to the idea).
I am trying to develop on this following your remark, because it either means that you envisage “whites” as a racial natural reality of light-skinned people (all of them suffering from inherent and innate “unhappiness” and there really is no hope…), or you omitted the fact of self-determination and therefore possible self-happiness…
Jefe, it seems you are mentioning both aspects I talked about, your inner thoughts about it versus the physical reality…
If you go inside yourself to find the answer or to ask yourself the truth, you dont have to deal with anyone’s regection. You have to live with yourself and the truth….you cant let other people, even family , accept or reject what you need to know about the truth of yourself , inside…but, you will have to deal with the physical reality of their truth and desician not to accept you…
I dont have any hang ups about Obama…I know the klan would regect him..that is all I need to know…the bottom line is what he does. How people want to define it, is up to them
Oyan, very interesting you mentioned your family that dresses up as Indians in Carnival in New Orleans, because , “being Indian” may only be the surface rationalisation, there may be other origins to this practice underneath that are hidden
There is a parrallel custom in Pernambuco Brazil…They call them selves “Cabocolo de Lanca”, and , while part of it is mixed with Indian custom, part of it is unmistakingly African in origin.They only come out in Carnival, just like the “Indians” of New Orleans
The costumes are elaborate , with richly dressed headdresses and scarfs underneath, they drink a mixture of buckshot and cachasa,and carry giant lances. They have costumes that use a lot of feathers , the beats are more African, they call it “Maracatu Rural”…
But, I noticed that the “Indians” of New Orleans Carnival, have costumes that sort of mimick Indian costumes but they have other charactoristics also, and, some of those remind me of the Cabocolos
Ill try to bring in a picture to show you, It just takes me awhile to do google and I wanted to tell you this now
@Cornelia
Yes, I agree more with your view Cornelia. What you said reminded me of a fucking snot of a woman that Jane Elliott encountered in England. The woman I’m talking about is the blonde schoolteacher (shudder).
A couple of salient timestamps in the video:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgxKfjijWGc)
7:15 to 11:07
They want to possess everything and everyone, decide for everyone who they really are, name everything and everyone, classify everything and everyone, know what everybody think and wishes t be able to stop them from getting it, hide and transform everything and everyone that they imagine could be seen as better than them
Here she is again as the poster child of what you say above:
she starts up at 3:54
(she does not get it and she doesn’t need to, that’s pretty much her message. A “schoolteacher” for God’s sake.)
I’ll end with something pleasant. Contrast the obstinate ignorant woman with the woman who directly precedes her just before 3:54. That woman understands life is change. She understands the ideas that B.R. expressed.
check this out Oyan and tell me what you think
Hey there Randy!
@ B. R.
I generally see nothing wrong with children playing make believe and incorporating other cultures into their play whether they actually share any blood with the heroes of their imaginations or not If kids want to be Persian princes, Gypsies, Barbary Pirates, English Butlers, Chinese Kung Fu Monks… whatever, I say let them.
Now the tricky part comes in when it’s no longer a question of just pretend. things can get complicated. For example, a lot of Blacks are just as guilty of Native America appropriation as Whites are. Notice I say APPROPRIATION not PERSECUTION. Too many Blacks that I know have never had any serious research done to verify their family rumors, and yet will swear on a stack of Bibles that they are 1/24th Cherokee! We’ve all seen this.
But then the example with your son begs the question, just how Indian do you have to be before you’re a “real Indian?” Is it the one drop rule? What do the tribes themselves say? Interesting 🙂 I’d like to know what others might think?
Jefe, I think each person , who might face your dilema , has to know at what point they are wearing it on their sleeve as oposed to dealing with it on the inside…are they leading with that in their conversations, bragging about it, using at “look at me”?
Or are they really searching for the truth inside themselves, prepared to not be accepted or not deemed worthy , by family even . But, secure enought to know that the only person who really counts in knowing what is true for them is looking at themselves in the mirror…
King, I think he doesnt want to do it to be accepted by a “tribe”, or think that that is his total identity…by the way , he is 24, so, its not a kids thing but it is an artistic thing he wants to do…he is a performer. He knows that the Indian part of him is only a part, and a smaller part compared to other parts ….but, he will also dress up on stage in a Lampion hat, which were bandits in the Noerhteast of Brazil with an infamous reputation…he definitly isnt that , but, is using that identity in his performance as a tribute to the Northeast and its culture…
Interesting what you said about other black people that you know and their Indian notions….I think that for sure there is a certain amount of Indian blood in some black Americans. In Brazil, which is 50 percent Afro descendant, maybe 60 percent of the people have some kind of Indian blood , for sure some much smaller than others. And, I think the black American community plays out in a somewhat similar way, maybe not the exact percentage, but as an undelying presence
Indian influence on our cultures is much more subtile than we perceive. Its all over our dinner table, and, the musical aspects are very subtile and not as dominate as the African rhythms and the European harmony, but , it is in there. I perceived this with some Brazilian carnival expresions like “Caboclino” which is a referance to the Indian culture in Brazil but has more of an African groove. Indians just dont have the same groove,and, their “one , one one” time feel seems to be similar from American Indians down to Brazilian Amazon Indians, even if the way they do it looks differant, the beat concept is very similar….to my ears
on Thu Aug 30th 2012 at 04:16:46 Fiamma Blu
“Puerto Ricans show an approximate 61% contribution of Taíno mitochondrial DNA”
The whole DNA thing is a little tricky. I had an mtDNA test done about 5 years ago. I am no expert by any means, however, from what I do know, mitochondrial DNA does not reveal “race’, but rather it reveals one’s early, direct female maternal origins. Mitochondrial DNA is passed from women to all their offspring. In other words males receive mtDNA, but they do not pass it on to their own offspring. Men pass on Y-DNA, but to their sons only
So, what the above quote means is that a direct maternal early female ancestor of 61% of Puerto Ricans was Taino. That the ‘race’ of one of our early, though direct, ancestors was Amerindian, it cannot be taken to mean that her present day descendants are also genetically Amerindian being that mtDNA only accounts for a small percentage of one’s total DNA. We all have lots and lots of ancestors who are not accounted for by this fraction of our genetic profile.
I myself have epicanthic eye folds, high cheek bones, longish torso / shortish legs, shovel-shaped incisors (a feature of ‘Sinodonty’, which is also common among East Asians), second toe longer than the big toe — all features which are said to be Amerindian traits. I have been mistaken for (or told that I appear to be): East Asian, South Asian; a Sabra, ” an Italian with a tan”, Sicilian, Egyptian, Hawaiian and Puerto Rican. Yet, my own mtDNA originated with one woman who lived in East Africa 70,000 years ago My more recent ancestry definitely includes sub-Saharan African, but it also definitely includes indigenous North American and European as well.
The test to find out one’s own genetic breakdown as to ‘race’ (ie, the race of one’s more recent ancestors), I believe is referred to as an ‘autosomal DNA’ test.
Its funny, My family moved from Chicago, after I left hme, and they moved to New Mexico , and the house they bought, which is up for sale now since my Mom died, is right next to some immence Indian land. So when I would visit them, i would be right next to Indian life. And, I also always felt an Indian curse on me , saying “get out, this place is not for you…” . Not because Im white, just because of what is…because where I live now, they discovered a very very old Indian site , very close by right on the beach, and , I always felf very welcomed by those spirits…they love me, they gather around me and give me hugs
Ah… forgive me. I should have asked how old your son was. But again, the stage is a magical place or make believe as well. However, when you’re an adult I think the requirements for due diligence are more pressing. He doesn’t need my advice, of course, so I’m just stating my opinion.
– When performing in portrayal of another culture, I think it’s necessary to do thorough research. Know the culture you are enacting and know it from the source–actual people from that culture. Get the history right, cross check with as many academic sources as possible.
– Explain to everyone what you are doing, where you got it from, and why. Be sensitive to response to your portrayals and allow yourself to be teachable, particularly by the members of that culture.
– Take the time to be authentic. If you want to reflect another culture, then respect them enough to learn their ways—don’t try to short-cut it with YOUR VERSION of their ways.
– Be humble, and don’t ever consider yourself to be an “expert” on somebody else’s culture – No matter how much you think you know about it.
I think that by keeping things like this in mind, one can avoid the trap of appropriation and redefinition of other people’s culture.
on Thu Aug 30th 2012 at 05:39:05 sam
I guess we see here some signs of very old way of seeing ones enemies. That is, the romans respected the germans for their military prowess and actually emplyed them as mercenaries (in imperial guard for example) even though they did not like them as a people or culture. They respected the celts of Ireland and High Lands as warriors even though they saw them only as savages etc. Tacitus writes many times positively about the enemies IF they were brave enough.
In 1346 blind duke of Luxemburg was litterally dragged into the killing field in the battle of Crecy between the english and the french under his orders. He wanted to use his sword one more time and the only way was that this blind man was escorted directly to the melee. He was killed but after the battle the english washed his body and escorted it to the enemy in honorable manner with all the shows of a hero. In their mind he had been an enemy to be killed but he had been a brave warrior so all the respect.
In very early stage of the conquest of North America, some whites began to see the natives in romantic light, even though less human or as the Other. This developed into a weird cultlike phenomena where some believed that the natives were like Adam and Eve like figures living free and happy life in the Nature. Thus was born the romantic savages. Fenimore Cooper is perhaps the best known of this, The Last of the Mohicans etc. There are good and bad natives and noble and savage natives, cruel and the brave, honorable and devilish etc. BUT there is the Hawk Eye, the best native of them all, who was adopted into the tribe BUT is a white man living like a native.
Some european settlers who had lived in the most remote areas of Europe before moving to the colonies got along pretty well with the natives because the way of living was recognisable for both, but pretty quickly these comparisons were wiped out from the records and those living too close the native style were branded as renegades or “gone native” by the officials. The idea was not to assimilate but to conquer and replace.
The idea of assimilation in to the native culture did not dissappear though. It lived on and since many native nations could and did adopt white children etc.the romantic idea never dissapeared. It live on and still lives on. Some how, for what ever reason, it is this romantic idea which fuels the whole phenomena of fake indians. It has nothing to do with the reality but everything to do with the romantic idea of the Native Americans some how representing the Real spirit of USA, which of course is the country that stole their lands, killed them and their culture and destroyed whole ways of life.
Airborne troops still yell Geronimo when they jump from the planes, because their idea is that Geronimo did what they do, that is fight directly among the enemy on the hostile ground surrounded by the enemy and still be victorious. That is, of course, a load of poop, since Geronimo fought on HIS land against the invaders, not vice versa. But he was the tuffest enemy the whites knew and while being a murderer and dangerous savage in their eyes, he also gained respect, particulary after he surrendered in desperation.
Somehow there is the whole tradition of romantizising ones enemies, reflecting ones own rebellious or counter culture ideas on them, and this older tradition of respecting the enemy warriors who put up a good fight. Perhaps…
I mean, how many of us when playing as kids wanted to be indians, not those boring soldiers or others? What was our idea of indians that made us to do so? I, for one, always wanted to be the guy who sneaked in the woods without a sound like shadow and run around the clumsy soldiers.
Did I reflect my own wishes in to that and how, and more importantly, where did I get those wishes and ideas which I placed on the indian I was playing so seriously that I slept outside on our self made teepee in a small patch of forest in the edge of the city with my friends?
What was the image of the indian that made me think, few thousand miles away, that they were the good guys? In western they attacked and were the enemy but we cheered them on. We wished that they would win in at least one movie, but of course, they never did. Why we were seeing them like that? Where we did get that idea of romantic warrior?
I guess we see here some signs of very old way of seeing ones enemies. That is, the romans respected the germans for their military prowess and actually emplyed them as mercenaries (in imperial guard for example) even though they did not like them as a people or culture.
Well… eventually yes. But there was a very looooong history from the first Germanic campaigns to the Gothic Wars where the Romans were simply cutting down the Germans like they were grinding sausages. Eventually the Germans learned to be much better warriors as a direct result of their exposure to centuries of lopsided defeat at the efficient hands of the legions. It was either adapt or be completely wiped out, so they were able finally to develop weapons and armor that were capable of competing with Rome. However, it is usually noted that the Germans at their peak would have been no match for the Empire in it’s heyday. Nevertheless, however crude they were, the Germans were always brave in battle.
on Thu Aug 30th 2012 at 08:41:32 kind of like the mona lisa
There’s something mythical about NA culture, and everyone wants a piece. It’s an ancestry whites can claim without diluting their whiteness, and blacks can claim to dilute their blackness. While I think a lot people do have it, it’s harder to fact check someone’s claim that they are NA, than some other races.
on Thu Aug 30th 2012 at 09:15:31 Yawn
“Fake Indians are people who claim to be American Indian but are not.”
Of course they’re not, American Indians don’t exist. Indian Americans and Native Americans do though.
At least forgo “indian” for native american and or aboriginals. Tired of hearing that stupid term.
@Kind of like the mona lisa
‘It’s an ancestry whites can claim without diluting their whiteness, and blacks can claim to dilute their blackness.”
BAM, hit the nail on the head to be honest. Back in the 20s/30s/40s/50s/60s being Native or half was deemed undesirable, something that stained your white heritage. Now a days though it’s been completely reversed, now NOT being of partial Native heritage (or any heritage really, but mainly Native) is seen as dull, bland and not with the “times”.
It’s sad really.
I can’t really comment though towards the “blacks can claim to dilute their blackness.” as I don’t have many black friends, and the ones I do are mainly non mixed.
@Truth
Of course not, how can they be if they’re condemned on a daily basis for being white? In this day and age being seen as strictly “white” is to be looked down upon, hence the stupidity of massive tanning even though it’s killing them.
They’re not happy being seen as white, take a gander why. Hence the other need to embrace foreign cultures to the point of they wish they were them and not white. You see some people around the world who aren’t white, wanting to be white but god forbid some poor bastard feels the opposite and happens to be white.
Which is why no one is ever going to be happy, not even when most of the West is so damn diverse that whites are pushed out. In the end it’s better to NOT be white, and to embrace the darker kin, because in the end whites will go extinct, well figuratively of course. They’ll be around, just a darker shade than before.
on Thu Aug 30th 2012 at 09:46:49 Matari
“Of course not, how can they be if they’re condemned on a daily basis for being white?”
The condemnation is not about being “white.” The condemnation is about being DELUSIONAL and RACIST … embracing WHITENESS (aka the White Racial Frame). Just ask Zeke…
“The condemnation is about being DELUSIONAL and RACIST … embracing WHITENESS”
But I was called out for “embracing” whiteness when I’ve never ever heard such a term used in my life, nor would I even know what that is.
“embracing WHITENESS (aka the White Racial Frame). Just ask Zeke… ”
So in essence, “I don’t dislike white people, I dislike people who think and act white (as abagond so put it) but is that statement no different then the motto of white racists who like blacks who are more like them? (for example, Thomas Sowell) who many call an uncle tom (something I find childish).
Isn’t embracing BLACKNESS just as equally wrong?
And who’s Zeke?
All well and good , King, your opinion, but, how is your opinion going to stack up against this giant celbration in Recife about the Indians?
What do you have to say to all these people , who are celibrating Indian culture, but, they obviously have very little valid information or any true referance to the Brazilian Indian culture? Are you going to condemn them all ? How does your opinion stack up about my son doing the James Brown and copping the splits in his performance ?
Those people in that celibration have about the same ratio mixture of my son as far as Indian blood…the beat they are doing cant be found in real Brazilian Indian celibrations…there is absolutly no attempt at being authentic…or brining any real attention at the plight that Indians have faced in Brazil and Brazil has a real ugly history past and present at dealing with Indians also.
King, again, respecting your opinion, I have to go back to art doesnt really make you stamp a passport to go through cutoms to be able to express it….how are we going to deal with Jim Maplerthorpe’s peeing on the crucifix foto? Does he offend? Absolutly…is it still art and expresion?…Absolutly
Is writing a book pretending you are someone else art or valid? No. Its done with false pretence, lying and making comercial profit with those lies
I have to seperate that and building a teepee in the back yard and sleeping in it
My son, would not be trying to bring attention to Indian problems and authenticity…he is expressing something about himself that is inside of him and he has every right to do that…in my opinion..without having to pass out broshures or have a big explanation about what he is doing at every concert or on a record cover
check out this gigantic celibration in Brazil about Amazon folk culture…its so un authentic as far as really being true to the Braziian Indian culture of the area…but they are expressing themselves…what are we suposed to make of that?
I just dont really like scrutinising art and culture too much to psycho analyse all the motives behind it…which I consider differant than a media barrage that constantly feeds lies and misrepresents the history and reality of a people
Like I said, I think hippies building a teepee and doing Indian culture in Taos, isnt my cup of tea, but, just maybe a couple of them might go a little farther and discover that Indians in New Mexico are extremly poor and have really high incidences of alcoholism and maybe a couple f them might try to make a differance because of their affinity for them. Having affinity is the first step towards discovering the humanity of a people and could lead to the next step of what to do to help them
So who am I to scrutinise them and critisize these white hippies for doing what they do? Its just not what I would do, although, I did play cowboy and Indian as a kid , being the Indian as much as the cowboy…heck, I grew up in a state with an Indian name and live in a city now with an Indian name…Indian names have always been around me in the Americas
on Thu Aug 30th 2012 at 12:13:10 Kwamla
@ Cornlia
I wasn’t directly attributing your quote to Bulanik but commenting on Bulanik’s development of it. Nevertheless, I take your point as it could easily be misconstrued. You do however raise some interesting questions regarding my own comment.. Lets start with this one:
I personally look to how they seek to define themselves first irrespective of how I might be tempted to define them. You can experience this many times when coming across various shades Black people and you learn not to make the basic assumptions based solely on what you physically see.You can have a extremely light skinned person who will immediately identify or associate themselves with the culture of Black – in all manners verbally and behaviorally.
Then you can have a very dark skinned person, who one might assume would identify as Black, who through the same mannerisms – verbally and behaviorally – would eschew association and identification with the culture of Black indirectly associating and identifying with the culture of white.
So the answer to the question is not so much what do I make of people of any description but what do they make of themselves. I prefer to allow people to make their own choice then I work with that.
“..I am trying to develop on this following your remark, because it either means that you envisage “whites” as a racial natural reality of light-skinned people (all of them suffering from inherent and innate “unhappiness” and there really is no hope…), or you omitted the fact of self-determination and therefore possible self-happiness…”
This is a good point. Yes you are right. I omitted this last part of the possibility of self-determination and self-happiness. My reason being, generally speaking, when engaging in these discussions about the many hidden and unacknowledged pathological disorders of white people (the topic of this post being one of them) it almost seems impossible to get to a stage of acknowledgment and acceptance that this is actually an issue worth studying. Just like so many debates on the various multifaceted ways in which the living phenomenon of racism manifests itself but can still be denied the reality of an existence.
The first stage is acknowledgement and acceptance there is an issue that needs to be addressed. Getting to this stage still remains the toughest hurdle.But let me make some comments on what I believe the next stage to be for those white people successfully (and there are many to be found) navigating this first hurdle.
The second stage is about owing up to your true past history with all its negative and positive accomplishments.Acknowledging and realizing that the negative accomplishments have been purposely and intentionally hidden away from you to give you a false feeling of fullness, superiority, privilege and purpose. Rejecting this as the cause of a great feeling of present emptiness and instead of trying to fill this with more negative accomplishments – fake ethnic identities, cultural appropriations etc…simply because you can – No. Seek to fill this with positive accomplishments like giving back to and crediting those peoples you believe have been cruelly robbed of their accomplishments in the past. Seeking to fill that void of emptiness by challenging what you now see as an artificially controlled and imposed imbalance in a society which seeks to elevate the superiority of white people over every other peoples.
So yes there is hope and the possibility of self-determination and therefore possible self-happiness for white people but only if they can make it to the second stage!
One other point which I think is worth mentioning in this discussion about imitating other ethnic groups. We need to move past this false notion of pure races. Its a scientific and intuitively false idea of our being. We all have the memories of multiple peoples encoded in our DNA. The type science refers to as “junk DNA” and we can all draw on this to recall past lives experienced as many different peoples. Obviously accepting this reality will require major readjustments into how we ALL see ourselves.
Perhaps if we accepted and were ready to come to terms with this there would be no need for fake ethnic identities or cultural appropriations.
By the way, King, I think in many essences, I am in total agreement with you, I just bring to your attention my differance on artistic expresion because I think its wrong to start putting arbitrary goal posts on what is ok in artistic expresion and isnt…Dont let other people make you think you have to set some arbitrary goal posts because they are over pshyco analysing why an artist is doing something and whether they have some kind of “right ” to do so or not, or some kind of permision or rules about whether they should or not….
And, if we are going to start scrutinising people who dress up as Indians, then, since this title of the thread doesnt mention any one country, it is absolutly anemic and weak if we dont analyse an immence country like Brazil. Look at all those people who dress up as Indians, maybe have a little Indian blood in them, but, sure dont belong to a tribe, they are about as authentic as an Idaho white high school doing a play and having people dress up as Indians, yet the Brazil celibrations are just enormous in size in comparison. The beats both those huge celibrations have are much more African, there is a huge comercial market around the Amazon area celibration I brought in and they sell songs made over those African style beats…and sell huge amounts of clothes for the celibration, Im pretty sure they dont go to the Indian tribes on the reserve areas in Brazil
I just distance myself from arguments that over scrutinize what rules an artist has to adhere to , to make self expresion
I remember touring Germany with a black Puerto Rican. We were sitting at a bar , and he started getting really deep and saying that he knew he had been here before, when he never had traveled there before…he knew something inside himself that “felt” something very deeply about being there, a deep affinity that I with my little 10 percent or less German blood ( I was just tickled to discover German dark beer) didnt feel at all….did I think it was not cool for him or that he should ask permision to feel that way or express it in his art? Of course not, he can take that affinity as far as Im concerned and express it any way he wants…sure, we have the right to say we dont like it because its too aggresive ,or, not our taste, or express why we might think its wrong, as the Christians certainly will do with Maplethorpe…but, I think we have to look at art and artists and expresion in people even if they arent profesionals, differantly than we are going to scrutinize people who deceive us that they are something they are not and lie about it and comecialise it to make money..or media trends that perpetuate lies and bury cultures and dismiss them or dont give credit to the true innovators.
“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUIADOumshQ”
actualy, a comment is in moderation so here is the absolutly enourmous celibration in Partins in the Amazon area, an enormous celibration that people dress up as Indians who have about the same percentage as my son and dont belong to a tribe , and are about a authentic as my son is in what he would do..if my son has to follow some kind of rules of expresion for sure all these people have to come under the same scrutiny
this should link up better
on Thu Aug 30th 2012 at 14:10:28 truthbetold
@ Aba
This discussion and reading these comments have proven to me what I’ve long suspected:
Whites are always willing to distance themselves from their “whiteness” when it suits them because their white privilege ALLOWS them to do so. When it’s convenient, they use the skin colour advantage for their betterment, for money and fame and for attention.
when desperately trying to dodge a racist comment/ action, they bring out that “Indian Grandpa in the Closet” for deflection. Can you imagine how absurd it would be if blacks did that? What if I, a mixed woman with brown skin, denied my African heritage? Not only would I be branded an outcast but the term Tragic Mulatto comes to mind. Tiger Woods anyone?
The reason why this phenomena occurs, is because of the white skin colour privilege that allows whites to slip in and out of whatever they wish when their discontent of themselves hits too close to home.
I am totally with you on this. I think “stage 1” cannot be completed without “stage 2” in your description.
Adhering to “whiteness” automatically means denying the negative and the cruelty towards others in the European expansion. “Why do we have to constantly go back to the past ?” they say.
I began to consciously know about my “absence” of adherence to whiteness when (I was a teenager) I started asking myself questions about “how come they want me to believe that Egypt is not in Africa ?” and all the rest that goes with it (including Queen Tiye being “a leucoderm”) and “what does it means to be an “explorer” and a “discoverer” when you are “exploring” and “discovering” places that are already occupied by other people ?”
It had to imply that you do not consider your own self on the same level as those “others”…
Questioning the whole culture is, I think, a necessary step.
Thanks for the interesting insight.
Your welcome Cornlia!. Thanks for posing some valuable questions.
@ B.R. The info you’re providing and the feelings you are expressing are very interesting in the sense that they show you belong to a syncretic society. The epitome of it being the sentiments you express as to your links with the souls of the ancient dwellers of the place you now live in. You don’t possess the place, you obviously consciously share it.
You are showing that the use of “costumes” is definitely linked to “customs” (as the etymology shows) and is different from the use of “disguise” which is the negation of “customs”.
Both words mean “in the means of”, “in the ways of”, “-wise”, but “costume” is positive, as in “in accordance with the person/way you imitate”, whereas “dis-guise” is the negation of the “manner” you are copying. In French and English, and I guess there are similarities Brazilian, “dis-guise” means “modify to deceive”.
What you are describing is “costuming” (re-viving customs in a respectful manner), whereas what Abagond’s post is referring to is “disguising” as in “hiding truth”…
My etymological references are from “Le Robert, Dictionnaire Historique de la Langue Française”, my own translation.
I had this “intuition that there was something there that, again, participate in the deception inherent in racism…
Words are never “innocent”.
Oh and by the way,
in French, we use both words at carnival, but somehow, “costume” seems to be the piece of clothing when it is not worn, in its box, and “déguisement” when people have it on…
Also, “un costume” is “a suit” that men (and now some women too) wear as a uniform to go to work, hé hé.
How interesting…
Yes, the Tainos (Arawak, Lokono) and Carib Indians are/were native Amerindians who lived in South America and came up north and populated the islands in the Caribbean and these were the people who Columbus met.
Before Columbus, the Caribs (who called themselves Kalinya, Kalihna or Galibi) were strong military-wise and they would raid the Arawak villages for the women. Because they were strong fighters, they managed to come through somewhat intact against the Spanish and other European invaders.
The Caribs still live in South America, like in Suriname, Brazil, and Guyana, and the Caribbean, the island of Dominica as an intact indigenous ethnic group, living in their own territories (and they intermixed with other groups)
http://www.mona.uwi.edu/dllp/jlu/ciel/pages/kalihna.htm
Both the Tainos and Caribs, helped the Africans in Caribbean and South America to escape and fight against the Europeans (the Maroons)
The Maroon nations still carry the names of the original African ethnic groups that formed them back in 1600’s and they still follow the customs of the original Africans.
In Suriname, there are Maroons and Amerindians still living in their own territory. They’ve been autonomous since the 1700’s, the Europeans got tired of the guerilla wars and signed treaties, seperating European controlled land from the Maroons and Amerindians.
but currently, they are having a hard time because they are being persecuted by outsiders and the government, who want to take their land.
http://www.culturalsurvival.org/ourpublications/csq/article/the-suriname-maroon-crisis
http://www.lab.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1356:land-rights-of-the-kalina-and-lokono-indigenous-peoples-of-suriname&catid=66&Itemid=39
Thanks for the info Linda.
on Thu Aug 30th 2012 at 19:28:32 Mel
Abagond, I think Taylor Lautner (Twilight) should be added to the list. In Australia, it’s crime. There are people who look like Nicole Kidman who claim to be Natives and are rewarded for it with Literary awards, grants, etc.
Maybe that’s the most insulting part. The real Natives get no benefits for being Natives, but the fake ones get fame, money and book deals for it.
Cornlia, I get that the thread is about fake Indians and not about people who dress up as Indians…
And I want to make it clear, I wasnt really arguing Kings points , I was making the point to all about my son, scrutinising art or play, and, also, that if we are going to scrutinise people who dress up as Indians, Im sorry, these people are doing the same thing. They are the mix of my son, not in a tribe , there is comercialism in these events that doenst go to the reservation, and , no , I dont really see the differance…and I dont condemn white people for dressing up as Indians, I condemn fake Indians who lie and deceive the public and try to make money off of it or status.I condemn a media that in general purpetuates the lies, and not giving credit to the real innovators and covers up other real cultures and just doesnt show them…that is a crime to me, not an artist dressing up,
You see, Cornlia, if we start dogging white people for dressing up as Indians, who is going to be next to get dogged for dressing up as someone ? I dont like the logic behind it..
Its all for the sake of discusion , right, just want to point out again, you are kind of getting hung up on semantics.
I wasn’t commenting against what you were saying, B.R., but the thing is you may not have seen the way some people “play” out their disguise… I don’t think it’s as “respectful” as the celebrations you are referring to…
on Fri Aug 31st 2012 at 05:08:39 Lurgy
@King “They are basically Asians, far removed from their origins.”
Haha, no. If anything, Indians were from an ancient Eurasian group, much like modern-day Asians and Europeans descend from ancient Eurasians and are therefore their own people. We’re all Africans far removed from our origins. Better yet, we’re all primates far removed from our pre-human origins.
on Fri Aug 31st 2012 at 05:11:12 King
By the way, King, I think in many essences, I am in total agreement with you…
And I, for my part, am not saying that your son should not perform his art. I’m just giving general guidelines on the subject.
I just bring to your attention my differance on artistic expresion because I think its wrong to start putting arbitrary goal posts on what is ok in artistic expresion and isnt…
Well, I wouldn’t say “arbitrary.” This isn’t just random rules and considerations. There is thought, respect, reverence, and kindness, guiding these suggestions.
Dont let other people make you think you have to set some arbitrary goal posts because they are over pshyco analysing why an artist is doing something and whether they have some kind of “right ” to do so or not, or some kind of permision or rules about whether they should or not…
I can’t see how you can avoid it.
What if some White artists decided to perform a blackface play called “Jigaboo” where the main character was a jolly Negro called “Porch Monkey?” Would you say: “Well, normally this would be offensive, but since we’re calling it “Art,” it would be dangerous for anyone to speak against it?” If that is true then we must all apologize for all of the stereotypes we’ve fought against for so many years as most of them were portrayed in the the name of Art of some kind.
However, I’m also not saying that every time someone dresses up like an Indian, it’s offensive, but what I AM saying it that in every case, it should be The Indians themselves who decide if the portrayal of their culture is offensive or not. And if they have never really been asked, then the number of people who participate in the costume party cannot legitimize it. If the Indians are, by and large, OK with it, then there’s no problem.
@ Lurgy
So then you are suggesting that Asians were descended from Europeans? Or do you just mean that they share the same supercontinent?
on Fri Aug 31st 2012 at 07:05:20 sam
I think the essence of this thread is not weather some one dresses up as some one else, acting or dancing or what ever, but the fact that some claim that they are whom they imitate. In opera for example people dress up as Othellos and Romeos and Julias but nobody gives a toot because we all read that code. We all know: ok, this is opera and that fat lady screaming on top of her lungs is not actually japanese geisha and that fat tenor is not actually egyptian etc. We can read that cultural code.
Just look at how russians have been portrayed in american films, litterature, tv, commercials, comic books etc. all trough the ages! And yet, nobody gives a poop about that. Why? Because they are white? No. I think it is because we all can see that those are not real russians.
BUT if someone dresses up as native american and claims to be one, then he is no longer acting or playing etc. That individual is actually claiming the whole culture as his/hers, the whole identity with everything it contains. And that is whole another ball game indeed.
Of course natives and africans etc. can say that this is not right in a film, that this is not who we are or this is not our culture, and in many cases it is more than correct to do so. Of course, if any art is racist, it should be pointed out. There is racist art and has been, we all know that. But if I wear a bonnet and war paint, not a single person takes me seriously because no matter how serious I am, everyone can see that I am not native american. BUT if I insist, claim, that I am, then I become a fake indian. Faking it. Stealing the cultural heritage and everything else. And that is what this thread is all about: faking.
on Fri Aug 31st 2012 at 09:41:00 Kwamla
@Cornlia & Bulanik
I agree with both of you on the power and usage of words. But I would say this in reference to Bulanik’s comment:
“…I would go further and say, that those who wish to use the medium of words – but generally do not care too much about words, or their impact, much – reveal they know what they say is not “innocent”, but say it anyway, all the time pronouncing ” it does not matter.”
This is not only insulating, stubborn, and also — aggressive….”
More often than not people use words in ignorance rather than aggressive knowledgeable intent. And even when they do use it in this way they do so still from a place of ignorance not fully appreciating or comprehending their real meaning. This is not to say that people who use words in this way should be let off or their usage ignored. It means those of us more finely attuned to the power and usage of words need not be so personally offended or threatened.
Words in themselves are neutral. Their power comes from the meaning we collectively give to them and how we take that meaning to personally apply or not apply to us. .
“Culture never exists in a vacuum, it’s never been“pure”, nor should it be. It’s ever-changing and evolving.”
“Have you noticed that Indian (not Native American) culture seems to be the current “flavour” to imitate and “commodify” at the moment?”
Yes, now as well as back in the 1960s, I believe.
“The Artist is not a special breed of person!
And, “Art” is not the escape-hatch to wriggle into and slide away from normal responsibilities and accountability. It is not a shield to stand behind, either.”
Art should be free to critique society, but society should be equally free to critique art—It’s a two way street. Artist should be protected in the sense that soldiers will not break down the doors of their studios, confiscate their paintings, and burn them in the public square. Singers should not be arrested and dragged offstage for singing lyrics that criticize the government or predominant religious institutions.
However, artists are not, and should not be immune from Art criticism. People should be free to decide for themselves what is Art and what is not. The artist does not get to define what is Art for everyone else. Artists can use their gifts to pressure societies to change. However, society can also exert the pressure of criticism upon the artist to affect change, if her work is deemed to be offensive, unfair, abusive, or inaccurate.
The right to criticize and define what is Art is just as important a freedom as the right to create Art. But many artists don’t understand this and believe that they should exist in an environment free of criticism, rules, or pressure of any kind.
on Fri Aug 31st 2012 at 12:04:11 B. R.
Here is my take on it….lets look at “black face ” and “minstrel”…it was some kind of expresion…what becomes valuable about it is, it does give us a great insight into the mind of the people who did it..in that sence, its invaluable…like looking at what the kind of art that was championed in Nazi Germany…you can see the shallowness of it , yet, we have to recognise the depth of Wagner
When we find out these writers are fake, their expresion becomes shallow, they lose all the depth that their deceipt tried to portray as valid..
Intent is everything….I already said Chritians have the right to hate Maplethorpe and criticise it…that isnt the question
I look at this debate we are having and think of Jefe, and his dilemna, and here is what I say, yes, he wont be accepted by a tribe he thinks he belongs to, yes, his family wont accept him, he has to live with that.
But, if he knows deep inside that he has Indian blood, what is the only thing he has left after he looks in the mirror and can accept who he is on the inside ?
Self expresion, He can write a poem, he can write a song, he can paint a picture, he can make a video, he can wear something that will give him some feeling of identity, not to go in front of his family and say “look at me”, but, to take it into his personal life to feel himsefl inside . He can surround his living space with Indian art…
What I wont do is hold people up to doubel standards, condemn some white hippies in Taos for building a teepee but saying the celibrations in Brazil get a pass…They are both ok in my eyes.
Jefe would have a right in my eyes to dress up as an Indian if he wants to
Im much more concerned about the way the media has a small group of people sitting around in a meeting saying they arnt going to produce some honest work about Indians and theiir culture and contributions because “it wont sell”
But, I distance myself from the finger pointing pshyco analysis about what people can express in their own self expresion, this kind of arbatrary making up the rules about what is ok and what is not for how people should express themselves
(continuation)….is not what I want to be about
This isnt about looking at someones self expresion and saying they dont like it…its about some people here want to point fingers and say its “wrong” and shouldnt be done…without having really forged it in a struggle like Malcom X forged “black” into a new meaning based on that struggle…What? the struggle of whether dressing up as an Indian is right or wrong? Something Ive proved without a doubt that happens in a big way in Brazil, not being authentic, with comercialism being involved by people who most of them arnt in a tribe…all the things used as criticism of the Americans who might have some Indian blood and want to self express themselves and the white people who might want to have some affinity for a moment?
Its arbatrary criticism .these same people want to judge people on what words are to be used, just out of the whim of how they personaly feel about it, not on some international referendum on it…
That just makes it a personal opinion that I happen to disagree with
And then look at Oyan, who, because some people here took this thread about fake Indians and turned it into a criticism of “dress up”, comes in and sais maybe his family involved in the “New Orleans Indian” tradition, might be an example of that….
When in fact, the traditions his family are doing might also be linked to African traditions and have similarities to a traditoin going on in Recife Pernambuco
So he has to feel that something might be wrong or that it is an “apropriation ” of Indian culture when it may be much more than that…this is the danger I feel in just arbitrarily deciding we have to condemn ” dressing up as Indians”….There may be much more involved than some surface criticism can evaluate….intent of each situation is what needs to be examined..not just blanket make up the rules
on Fri Aug 31st 2012 at 12:46:52 Cornlia
Yes, everything is relative. To culture, to opinions, to policies, to attitudes, to history…
Then what do we agree on ? Do we continue doing thing that hurt others (even though we KNOW it does ?) for the sake of art ? Is “art” more important than how people feel when their own being is at stake ? (Take for example Makode Linde’s cake)
I’m just asking the questions, I’m not criticizing. I think it’s a very interesting and profound topic.
Also, even “art” is all relative. “Art” in Africa, at least in the past, now it is being increasingly considered in the same perspective as in Europe (I don’t know about art in other cultures). is/was part of life, part of every day actions, part of making things… It adds a sacred aspect to life. Dancing was (and still is) a way of expressing/accompanying many things in every day life. There is/was no “stage” or “room” for art, art was part of it all. The masks that Europeans/Americans now keep (HIDE) in their museums were not works of art per se, but spirits of/in the cultures, part of it, and such an important part. Taking them away was one of the worst things Europeans did to the cultures they invaded and colonized. You can find the masks in Carnival, but where has the whole meaning gone ? At least in Caribbean and Brazilian carnivals, there might be something there that remains of the original spirit(s)…
The modern (or not so modern ?) European take on art is to separate it from life, to make it something outside of things. Classify it, like everything else. Everything in its box.
As a matter of fact, they do worse than hide masks. They SHOW them. For instance, there is a mask in the Branly museum in Paris that belongs to a Bamileke village in Cameroon. That mask should never have been seen or exposed, it should have remained inside the “Chefferie” and had a role in there. Nobody except the Chief and notables should have access to it. Now they expose it as “Bamileke art”, which it is NOT. It is a SPIRIT.
Also, a few years ago, I saw this doc about a couple of people from an island in the Pacific (French-speaking but I can’t remember which one – so it’s not just Africa that is concerned here-) who had learnt that one of their culture’s masks was inside a box in the back rooms of the Musée de l’Homme in Paris. They asked to come and have a look at it. Which they were “allowed” to do (that’s where I start boiling inside). When they finally see it, the curator insists on staying with them BECAUSE THEY MIGHT BREAK IT ! They wanted to perform a ceremony and they also asked to bring it back where it belongs. It was rejected on the ground that “they will not be able to take proper care of it”.
What the …. ???? What ? Their OWN spirit ??? No. I mean, this is the type of stuff that gets me totally infuriated. I always write to those people, but rarely get a reply, or if I do, it’s “we have taken your remark into account”…
Here we have the conflict between “customs” and “disguise”, but in another light.
on Fri Aug 31st 2012 at 15:41:38 deepdkchocolate
The Cherokee tribe is run by a bunch of white perpetrator’s who expelled real black Cherokees from the tribe.
I think “fake impresions ” of Indian culture in the media and burying the real thing is more damaging than anything…
Americans have no idea of the depth of Indian culture is on their dinner tables….If you just look at corn and understand how much food we buy at a supermarket is made of corn or corn extracts, all of us Americans should dress up as Indians once a month and have a day of honor , corn is really immense in our culture
For me, it was never the fact that the white Americans copied black American culture , the truth is, we all copy each other and assimilate things from differant cultures into our own…its the fact the white man copied it, lied and said it wasnt black culture, comercialised it, made more money off of it, and buried and hid the real geniuses of the culture…and , on top of that, dished up racism, discrimination, Jim Crow, Klan, lynchings and so on…but, it was never about being bad because white people copied black culture
So , for me, its not that white people want to assimilate some things Indian, its the fake impresions from the main media and the major cultural ommisions that do far more damage
I want to say this , I can say it directly to you Cornlia, I dont think the people who are mentioning the “dress up as Indians ” are being negative, I basicly think the intent is good..I just dont agree, and, it relates directly to how I feel my son can do anything he wants to self express himself about what part of him has Indian blood, until it directly offends or is in major conflict with someone else, and then its case by case situation
Ha, I absolutly catagoricly regect the idea that public criticism has some kind of moral high ground over the artist…
Do you people have any idea how many great artists have been ridiculed and rejected by public criticism , banished to obscurity and after they died they were “discovered” and found to have incredible vision and clarity and humanity in their art
Mind boggling and perplexing some of the atitudes Im seeing on here
Even more reason I give my son unconditional support to find his vision and express himself the way he wants to
Artists create and express
critics critique
the public buys or not
only time tells if there is great depth and something of lasting value or shallow drek
Artists should be free to create…
I think what Cornila has said here accurately describes a clear distinction in the way we’ve been taught to perceive art from a Western perspective – Separate, devoid of spirit or consciousness as a thing unto its self. This alone explains why its become OK to “mix and match” and take for granted other peoples sacred cultural expressions. From a Westerner’s perspective they just become things, objects of desire, exotic displays or decorative appendages…fashions like new dance steps…etc..
Yes this can be viewed as a form of Western arrogance. But its also ignorance too. More often than not when people display arrogance. They do so based on assumptions they believe are beyond question. – The great white inventor – to use as just one example. The people who would choose to make this argument may do so out of a conscious intent to boast and remind everyone of the superiority of Western cultural people. And they may well proclaim this arrogantly and aggressively to anyone who would dare even challenge it.
But this wouldn’t matter because it still would be built on questionable assumptions and the foundations for those assumptions would always be built on the ignorance of what they don’t, or couldn’t be bothered to, know about.
Its arrogance but its based on ignorance too
Because if it were really true and they were right it wouldn’t be just arrogance. It would be smugness too!
(actualy, I have no desire to make it sound like Im addressing anyone personaly on these points Im making, they are points made to the arguments not the people, sorry for any apearance of personal reaction to anyone….Im thinking more of how I feel in reguards to my son and these arguments, which makes it close to home )
on Sat Sep 1st 2012 at 01:28:38 Cornlia
Personally, I did get that… (you were commenting from a perspective that takes your sons work into account and your multiple cultures).
I am also expressing things generally, asking questions mostly.
Except on the sacredness of masks. That, I have no patience or acceptance of explanation too. I think it is ignoble. To keep spirits in boxes or in glass walls. I have no words to express how it makes me feel.
There are two things I really hate: museums (the “collections of ancient artifacts” ones, not the “art” ones) and zoos.
I think they reflect exactly what “whites” / the west has done for several centuries:
– steal
– use
– remove from nature
in order to possess,
make other cultures look small.
make themselves believe they are the greatness they keep in their walls.
If we were to return all those things to their homes, that’s when we would see the greatness of those cultures, the “masks cultures” would have their spirits back and would be stronger (they know very well why they took them away).
If they (the others) were to come and take from whites/Europeans what is great and/or sacred in their countries (pieces of buildings, the bodies of saints in churches…) , they would all shout “sacrilege !!!” but that’s what they have done to others. Others would say: “oh, but you should react like this really, all we are doing is protect them from you, because your civilization is not strong enough to keep those secure.” “Plus, we want to show how great you are.”
btw, the MET in NYC has a room for African arts (mixed with others, which gives the impression that Africa is really small) and a room for Egypt.
Egypt is not in Africa. Not yet. Maybe one day. Maybe one day they’ll put “African art” and Egyptian art in the same side of museums, so we can see the similarities.
Museums are a huge disguise.
on Sat Sep 1st 2012 at 01:52:52 Oyan (@Oy_aN)
Greetings ‘B.R. for sharing. Here are the ‘Mardi Gras’ ‘Indians.
on Sat Sep 1st 2012 at 10:03:52 B. R.
“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4Yt6wpXJVI&feature=related”
Oyan, thanks for blowing my mind !! Ive seen Mardi Gra Indians on video before, but, these shots are spectacular and prove how unbeleivably similar these two celibrations are , yet, they are so far apart as far as distance , absolutly mind blowing ….I hear right away the grooves the New Orleans Indians are doing is very similar to a groove in Recife called “coco”. Its very Afro diasporic . I would say the last thing you need to worry about is if the New Orleasns Indians are doing something wrong , or apropriating Indian culture…this is culture , as much Afro diasporic as anything, that is extremly valuable and needs to be demonstrated…and that is a very powerful argument as to why no one should be too eager to vamp on “dressing up as Indians”
my link above of more shots of Maracatu Rural showing the very interesting parallels to the Mari Gra Indians
Cornlia, interesting take on masks and museums. I hadnt thought of that before , but, I think you are right that seeing them in live celibrations in Brazil is the real way they are meant to be worn , and lots get lost in seeing them in a case…
So just to find some ground of agreement here, yes, I think someone prancing around dressed up as an Indian and claiming to be part of a tribe when they arnt, is what is wrong…like these fake Indians that are what the thread is about
Im just concerned about the situation of a person like Jefe, or my son, who have some Indian blood , arnt members of a tribe, but, have a need to express something very real inside of them. And, how Oyan , might even think for a second that possibly the incredible rich Mardi Grau Indians could be classified as apropriating Indian culture when that isnt true at all, its a unuque powerful rich culture that stands on its own even if it uses the title of Indian …
This is why I debate these points, anytime there is a sweeping moral judgement about what is right or wrong about art or expresion, someone gets hurt in the process
I just saw a docu yesterday about really incredible sculptures and masks from Tibet that were all destroyed in the Chinese cultural revolution, because they thought these religious artifacts were so against their moral judgements….heartbreaking
The Talaban destroyed beautiful statues that they deemed moraly wrong
And even close to home, in the black revolution of the USA in the late 60’s, the great black American art of tap dancing was thrown under the bus and deemed to Uncle Tom and too shuffling and smiling for the white man…this unbeleivable AFrican American art has never quite recovered , inspite of Herculean efforts of Gregory Hines and some new young guys like Glover (forgot his first name)..it just has never quite gained respect again for the high art it is….Louis Armstrong was also thrown under the bus for being too Tom in the eyes of the policy makers, thank God, Wynton Marsalis and the Ken Burns docu on jazz helped to shine a bright light on his contributions and genius to restore his honor
It just shows, no matter how noble the aspirations of moral judgements on art and expresion are, they can cross a fine line of posibly doing more damage than good, if they repress and over judge art and the value of its expresion
on Sat Sep 1st 2012 at 13:39:10 King
But it’s a mirror image. The public could just as easily state that they absolutely and catagoricly reject the idea that the artist has some kind of moral high ground over the general public.
“Do you people have any idea how many great artists have been ridiculed and rejected by public criticism, banished to obscurity and after they died they were “discovered” and found to have incredible vision and clarity and humanity in their art”
Then by who’s estimation have these artists become “great?” Many “great” artist are people who the public (or by proxy, the art critics) at some point rejected and then many years (or decades) later accepted and brought to prominence. But their eventual acceptance was just as much dependent on the reaction of the public as was their initial rejection.
Art is relative. The very use of the term “great artist” implies a hierarchy of criticism above creation. After all, every artist who ever created could deem his own talent to be the acme of artistic achievement. However, “greatness” is decided later on by who the public eventually recognizes. There are great artist and not so great artists, That perception itself is the result of artistic criticism and judgement.
Bamileke masks. These ones you can see. Important ones because they are the chief’s honoring his father. There are all kinds of secret and sacred aspects to those, that only knowledgeable people recognize.
A people in South Africa has similar red inverted hats. The dance is not just “dance” as spectacle too.
The way the earth is stomped sometimes makes me thing of Native American dances…
The ones inside the chief’s house (mind the gleaming white pyramids as roofs) you will never see. Unless they are the ones stolen and put in museums.
I am pretty sure there are similarities with Caribbean, Louisianian and Brazilian Carnivals here. In the way they move, dance… I imagine there have been comparative studies of this…
on Sat Sep 1st 2012 at 14:42:17 Kwamla
“…I simply don’t think that “white privilege” was something an artist like Sinead O’Connor was prepared to see IN HERSELF, or relinquish, because of that stubborn and addictive need to put herself above all else….”
I understand what you are saying here, Bulanik, with an artist like Sinead as an example. She is basically speaking from her own position and privilege. Which is what she knows. So why would we expect her to speak from any more of an informed position?
That can only come from other more knowledgeably informed Black Artists whom she could then take the lead from. Unfortunately these are not widely known in her knowledge of the Black public arena. I have no doubt after making that statement she would have probably been introduced to a few!
I do’nt know that much about my ‘Mardi Gras’ ‘Indian’ heritage, just what I learned online, and from speaking with relatives who participate in the ceremonies. I think, after viewing many of these Black American ‘Mardi Gras Indian’ celebrations, and examining white/white American appropriation of Indian culture, I think what Abagond is pointing out is the difference between ‘cultural con artists’, and actual cultural participants of a given cultural dynamic/aesthetic.
White/White American appropriation of Native/Indian culture may, be akin to whites dressing up in ‘black face’ for frat parties, holidays etc. For example, a few years ago at the University of California, San Diego, there was a furor when it was discovered that many students were hosting parties that were specifically designed for them to come as stereotype caricatures of urban/hip-hop members. All of the white students were in ‘black face’, wearing ‘urban gear’, afro wigs/braids or ‘dredlocks’; females dressed as ‘video butt shakers’, many/most carrying 40 ounce bottles of alcohol etc. The images of these folk was horrific; I think that this is partly where Abagond is coming from.
“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDaS_oBsjfM&feature=related”
Great, Cornlia , love that, love the drum beats , in heavy 6/8…here are some of the direct roots of the influence of West African drumming and religion on Brazil, through the slaves brought from Africa…you can see some masks and a similar beat, with a slight differance
Oyan, absolutly, this thread is about fraud..You shouldnt have to feel any problem at all about the Mardi Gras Indians having done anything wrong or like they are apropriating Indian culture….The Mardi Gras Indians are a more Afro Diasporic expresion with amazing parrallels in Recife , Pernambuco , Brazil, that just blow my mind with the similarities..and it is valuable black American culture
For me, the militant stance that some American Indians have taken, that you hear some of that represented here, is only being hypocriticle if they dont include what is going on in Brazil, and, if they are going to condemn ( which I have read the literature of one American Indian blog so I know this is what they say) someone with some Indian blood for wearing Indian clothes or jewelry , they have to condenm those celibrations in Brazil, which are comercialised, done by people who mostly are not members of a tribe, and are not authentic. Ive even seen some of the comercial musics done on TV with the women dressed in American Indian stereotype costumes with a feather sticking up….and I absolutly dont condemn these Brazilian ceremonies in any way…as I dont condemn my son for expressing what is inside of his blood in anyway that he wants to.
Even I would be skeptical of a white person opening up a teepee, and selling a Shamon cerimony bath for 50 dollars, yet, they have white Brazilians who took over the Santa Daime , ayuasca halucingenetic ceremony , for sure they arent giving anything back to the Indian community…and isnt that the same thing, even on a bigger scale? But, I dont feel I have to condemn that…
I dont walk lock step with just any militant stance that comes down the pike, I dont walk in lock step with womens militant feminism, militant religious fundamentalism, American nationalistic militant views or Brazilian ones…I respect the views of any group and dont judge them as wrong, I just dont agree with anything that comes down the pike….
The truth is, time will tell if people dressing up as Indians is something to be frowned on and scrutinised in a negative way,or if it will be one of those things that has too much grey area to deserve to be cristalised as set in stone…I think there are too many differant ways people do it and each differant way will judge whether it is something shallow or something that isnt demeaning
King, I would never say the artist is above the public or critics, I just absolutly say the public and critics dont have the high moral ground …no one does
The truth is , the way it really goes down is , an artist has tremendous success from the public , and, 50 years after his death, its obvious that his work was shallow and not worth . Its usualy not the case that someone recognised later on gets huge public acceptance, its usualy the experts in the feild that judge that that person’s work is valuable and then it starts getting studied…the major public usualy doesne really care…they arent going out and buying Louis Armstrong records in millions after we find out how much he really did influence all of American culture with his playing and singing…
And, it even shows the value of having artists create works that are filled with stereotypes and racism, that is how we look back and see that Birth of a Nation or Jazz Singer have horrible stereotypes, that make you say ” what was wrong with them…” and at least you can see it blatently. Look at the plethora of films that show the Indians in the worst stereotypes, and this is my opinion as the worst offenders, the major comercial media and the desicians they put out on all of us.
The funny thing is , people look back and see minstrel shows and black face are ridiculous, but they cant see what that is today. Mick Jagger goes out and does a minstrel show , and makes the most money, and no one cares…I sure dont say he is wrong and shouldnt do it…by all means, I want freedom of art , I just dont like it, like I hate Sinead O Connor, Im not surprised she put her foot in her mouth saying what black people ought to do…
King, there is one area that I think Im in agreement with you, if a tribe is in the same area as a school and they protest that there is a demeaning Indian name for the teams or something like that. If a tribe files a petition to have it changed, I could accept that…
But, I just cant buy into blanketing every situation of wearing Indian jewelry or clothes items as demeaning or especialy trying to say my son cant express something that is inside of him because the militant wing of a few group of people make some rules that may need to be taken back to the drawing board and tweaked , anyway.
this part is only a thought of my son, its not even a part of his present show and you can beleive, he has lyrics that will offend some people , but, I hardly think he has to stifle his art just because something he is going to say is going to offend someone…
I mean what if he offends the racist people ?Is the offence then OK?
who is going to be the judge of what is offensive or not? I wouldnt trust many people to be the judge of that who have atitudes Ive seen
Artists should create and time will tell if they are shallow or have something of real value
B.R. I think you may be missing my point. I really have no objection to anyone wearing Indian jewelry! I mean 90% on the jewelry is sold to non-Indian tourists these days for just that purpose. I also don’t have any more objection to people wearing Indian Halloween costumes than I do people dressing up as medieval knights or Egyptian princesses.
Like we’ve all been saying (including yourself) the original post wasn’t about dress-up, its about faking being a Native American for the sake of either making money or exoticize oneself.
The way I see it on the “Art side” is as follows:
1) Celebrating a certain day(s) as an accepted local tradition by dressing up as Indians? Just as harmless as dressing up like an Irishman for St. Patricks Day.
2) Doing your own take on Native American costume and face painting? OK, so long as you’re clear in saying. “This is my own design, inspired by the original Native American traditions.” (In that way it’s not appropriation or redefinition.)
3) Replicating actual Native American designs? Check with the tribe, ask to use their traditions, and ask them if there are any restrictions or requirements. Have the courtesy to respect them enough to allow them to control the use of their own traditions.
4) Don’t allow your own “right” to do what you want become more important than their right to protect what they have.
That’s all I’m saying. It’s really not that onerous, it’s just being polite and respectful, and it doesn’t stop people from being able to perform.
And, Ill tell you, artists become artists because they have something deep inside that they have to say , more than anything in the world thay have to express themselves no matter what the reaction around them.
An artist can not censure themselves or you will not have great art…or actualy any real art. An artist has to express, and that is on any leval, no matter how small or large the scale .I will never ever be a judge of what artists are suposed to say or not , even if I want the right to say I dont like it and why….yes, let the public , and, critics have their say and then let time tell if it has any value
Even more reason to look at the real villain in this story, the major media , since Birth of a Nation, has fostered the worst stereotypes on us all. And its not a fair game .
Where are the Indian voices in the media? Where are their stories ? Its the absence of the Indian voice that sais more than anyone wearing Indian clothes , as the real problem . Amazing how that gets lost to the little indivudual finger pointing and psycho analising.
They will always lie and say that “it wont sell” or some other rationalisation…Its not even for the money, because they could make money on the real Indian stories..its pure power back stabbing politics
King, your post came in after this last of mine was finished being typed….
I mean, that is totaly how I could feel , that what you said….
I am mostly pontificating about my son, I dont think Im in disagreement with you
Yes, I’m an artist myself.
I paint, I sculpt, I write, I’ve even done some theater.
I’ve got nothing against artistic expression, believe me. I just don’t hold it to be any ‘holier’ than any other expression. We artists are important, we’re just not more important. If that makes sense?
King, absolutly it makes sence…and, I cant tell you and every one else how much it means to discuss these ideas with you , and, you personaly, King, who have always been a wonderful inspiration…
I apologise for indulging this defence for my son…Im so into seeing him find himself….I really enjoyed you mentioning your artistic endeavers , I didnt mean to dwell on it just from an artistic concept.
What I could say is, he also has three tatoos , one Indian, one African, and , one Euro ( for Gods life of me, I have no idea of the meaning and origins, its what he sais…)…so we dont have to make it about art…that kind of makes it permanent on that end….haha
I really liked the definitions you mentioned of where you are coming from
Absolutly,the USA is very bad in its history of represion , as dirty as it can get
actualy, “militants” was an error on my part , its because the extreme party’s on the right or left, the more vocal extremes, are refferred to as “militantes do PT ” (for, example)…I realise that was my error now…I forgot the term in English
Not at all B.R., I certainly take no offense. I think I agree with most of what you said, and have learned as much as anyone from the discussion.
My very best wishes for your son, who no doubt will do great work, based on stirring his inner passion. Forgive me if I in any way led you to think that I was not in full support of his creative process/journey.
@ Bulanik — yes we ‘creatives’ must be somehow drawn to Abagond’s cerebral honey. 🙂
on Sun Sep 2nd 2012 at 01:39:42 vanishing point.
@B.R.
As a white person, I thought a lot of what you have been saying was off the wall, such as “YOU PEOPLE” , which I find very offensive…Also, this idea that what is offensive is somehow subjective as an artist, but does not take into account the impact of the object of derision..or whatever you decide to call it..
on Sun Sep 2nd 2012 at 01:51:53 B. R.
Vanishing point,some people like you are trying so hard to find some kind of hiddon psychotic racism in what Im saying that it is almost painful to watch….The people talking on this thread are a wide variety of people, saying “you people” pretty much has no conotation of identity….ecept to address the people on this thread
I sure dont want you to be in charge of who is going to be deemed to express what….I sure dont want to be in charge of that
these kind of points of view only feed my desire to encourage my son to find his own way…you keep probing, Vanishng point, maybe some day you will find somthing that will stick
LOL, I don’t need to keep probing with B.R… as you are too easy.. A man who has not investigated his own racism..but asks me to probe mine..glad you are free, B.R… keep on posting to yourself…freedom..
on Sun Sep 2nd 2012 at 04:56:22 King
@ vanishing point
That point your trying to make here might have been more effective if you actually waited for someone to say something that was truly offensive. As it is, it just looks like you’re pressing a ridiculous point that’s obviously lacks any real substance.
Vanishing point, Im much more willing to look at my racism than you might think .I am very much in agreeing with what Abagond has said about being raised in an American envirnment brings a lot of baggage.
But , the truth is, the last time you actualy came into this blog was trying to acuse me of something racist , when my defence , mistaking a word somebody said, was exactly what you did, mixing up names.You put your foot in your mouth , in a big way, so, Im very skeptical of your acuasations. Its funny, I cant make a statement without getting labled the opressor. Its interesting, I live intimitly with two people who have mixed Indian blood, and, Im responding to the extreme political agenda that a few blogging Native Americans ( which I have seen but not brought in here, and doesnt represent a national Native American position) have put out there to tell people who have some Indian blood what they should do or not…I beleive I have a right to answer that, and, I have brought in youtubes that provide some compelling evidence that there is some room for debate on this subject. Yet, I get dogged by you and classified as the “opressor” by another person, with a vague referance to a Sinead O Connor statement that I am starting to think was directed at me. Which, in the light that if you look at any statement on this blog I have ever made , I have never once told black people what they ought to do , seems strange to me….
I apreciete the observation, King, and only hope to aspire to live up to not saying something offensive
on Sun Sep 2nd 2012 at 13:50:45 Cornlia
If anything, Vanishing Point illustrated one thing: that people who have nothing to say or not much on a certain topic tend to criticize people instead of ideas.That apparently allows them -maybe- to feel that they have said something and argued on a specific point. It’s a pattern.
The next stage is insults as a response to the targeted person’s reply, which they think “must be upset” (as they attempted to indeed make that person upset). Even if that person’s reply showed no anger or anything, they will find it somewhere (invent it). People who find themselves in those discussions for the first time usually don’t realize it’s pure provocation from ignorance.
on Sun Sep 2nd 2012 at 14:17:49 Yawn
“I live intimitly with two people who have mixed Indian blood, and, Im responding to the extreme political agenda that a few blogging Native Americans ( which I have seen but not brought in here, and doesnt represent a national Native American position) have put out there to tell people who have some Indian blood what they should do or not…I beleive I have a right to answer that”
Keep at it, I might not fully agree with you some times but I side with you on this fully.
I’ve been in the same situations, and it gets tiresome.
That’s true Bulanik. I’m at the disadvantage of taking comments only at face value for the time being. I’m not aware of personal history or individual squabbles. Thanks.
Thanks for the info Bulanik.
That means that we should all try to stick to debate and using arguments, as I imagine we don’t necessarily have time to read every other thread on this blog to know “who’s who”. Which we will never as this is the internet, plus even in “real life”, you never really know who someone is. I learned it the hard way.
on Sun Sep 2nd 2012 at 18:03:03 winchinchala
@abagond, do you have a source for the Winona LaDuke info? I’ve never heard that about her, although all of the other pretend Indians you mention are non-Native. The movie Reel Injun has an interesting interview with Iron Eyes Cody’s son, who lives on the Navajo reservation and speaks fluent Navajo.
Here is some info on White Earth: http://www.indianaffairs.state.mn.us/tribes_whiteearth.html
Hey , lets be upfront, Bulanik acused my of belittling her as a black woman ( I thought she said black girl and repeated it back, and got some strange acuasations, and the 2 people even mixed up names the same way I mixed up “woman” and ” girl” making their acuasations look ridiculas)
I have always been deeply perplexed at this since I always showed the greatest of respect to Bulanik , I have profusly complimented here in the past..she is a wizard at links, if she wants to point directly where this is ( I am not talking about the “woman” “girl” part , Im talking about where I belittled her as a black woman) , Id be happy apologise or try to reasure her of what I really meant…Ive been waiting and waiting..instead all that gets built up is drama…
why not clear this up once and for all ?
Yawn, I dont understand why the person with mixed blood has to take the worst of this…
Example, my wife is maybe 25 percent Indian blood, and she tried out as a dancer at a very young age, for one of the known Bloco Afros in Salvador Bahia.They told her she was too light (?!) My wife is nut light brown and her hair is an afro if she doesnt straihten it, she is obviously Afro Brazilian with ad mixture…
So, because of her Indian blood, she cant be accepted in an Afro organisation, and, according to the extreme political agenda of some small group of Native Americans, she cant wear Indian clothes or Indian jewelry because she doesnt have enough Indian blood…
working for almost slave labor as a maid, and got humiliated very badly for it….Thank god she went on to be a two time Billboard charting artist and even up to now , she dances on the stage all over in places like Rio, New York, Sao Paulo, Miami….and had her songs played on over 200 radio stations…but what obsticles and discriminations put on her every step
That is why I wont lock step with any extreme political agenda that comes down the pike
It seems for being mixed Indian blood, she just gets punished worse, on top of that, she had brutal racism against her for being black
…its perplexing that Bulanik would acuse me of belittling her as a “black woman”, I honestly dont even know what her real ethnic background is…
All I say, why keep some mystery and drama going when we can easily clear this up right away? Is it to someones advantage to keep the impresion that I am some racist going here ? Without getting to the basic fundimental facts and reality to really find out?
I am more than prepared to be set up as an example of someone racist if there really is some truth to it…but dont condemn me on flimsy witch hunt mentality…all we have to do is go to the link where I have belittled Bulanik as a black woman….and I can aplogise , or explain what I really meant, or both….
on Sun Sep 2nd 2012 at 20:08:19 Hannu Lipponen
Hello, King, long time no post…that is, I haven’t been very active myself for the longest time…
An artist, you say? How convenient, so am I. Anyways, for you to make proper conclusions of words said and assumptions made, I suggest you jump in the blogospheric time-machine and read posts of old…
Oh common now Hannu, why dont you just admit you were one of the people who laid into me about mixing up “girl” with “woman” something I thought I was repeating back of what somewhat one else said( that petty nothingness is all on the Open Thread), and then you actualy mixed up some peoples names…you never did say that maybe you were a little hasty in your judgement…vanishing, you too….you did the same thing..then the only next post you make on here is now coming in dogging me…that is trollish
What really gets strange is , you all are so upset over what really is an innocent mix up on my part that I said was sloppy on my part…why arnt you interested in the part where Bulanik is so sure I belittled her as a black woman ? That is the real question here…that is what I want to find out….like I said, I need to see it so I can either apologise or reasure Bulanik what I meant
Why the drama for nothing, when this all can be cleared up ? Ive had nothing but the greatest respect for Bulanik on here, even when we bash heads…other wise this is just little cyber games witch hunting going on
You know , its great when the force upstairs smiles on me, and, when two people are dogging me for what I claim to be me mixing up what someone said, mixing the words up , and, then these two people absolutly trying to be rude and gross and call me a racist…do the exact same thing and mix up some names…..I mean, fate doesnt cut me breaks like that often…too bad its on an internet blog and not about getting me some big record deal
Of course I laid it into you.
You are either accidentally or deliberately oblivious to your choice of words. If you cannot understand why people, including me, reacted the way they did, I cannot help you. And why exactly do you yourself participate keeping the ‘drama’ alive? And why exactly does Bulanik’s ethnicity bother you so much? You are the only person probably ever on this blog to be so bizarrely fixated on something like that.
Bulanik’s or anybody else’s lineage has absolutely nothing to do with her or their arguments. If she wishes not to reveal her personal life here, you should be a gentleman and RESPECT that wish. Just leave her alone, you are getting mighty tiresome.
By Jupiter’s balls.
Hey Hannu! What’s up?
Oh, ups and downs, you know…trying to put a comics project together and have it published. Done it before, need to do it again and in a bigger scope.
Really sorry to hear about your loss. My deepest condolences. I unfortunately have a case of terminal illness in my family, just waiting for the chips to fall.
Nice to hear from you again. Don’t be stranger, stranger. 😀
ps. I’ll leave my e-mail address on Abagond’s doorstep, it’s there for you to pick up if you ever feel like doing so.
Alligators, crocodiles and somesuch creatures…
Sounds like and interesting project. Comic or Graphic novel? Hand drawn or computer assisted? Who’s doing the writing?
Wow Hannu, really sorry to hear about your family illness, but where there is life, there’s hope. Don’t give in to death until you’re sure you have to.
I’ll pick up your email from Abagond. I think I might have had it before… but everything’s a bit of a haze.
There you go, Hannu ( sorry for your family situation, by the way) trying to imply i care about Bulanik’s ethnicity, when I stated I dont know why she would think I belittled her as a blackwoman….because I dont even know her ethnicity….that doesnt mean her ethnicity is important to me
That is really stiff on your part
Oh, don’t pretend like you don’t know or remember what you said in the past. Your fixation with Bulanik and her background was bordering on perversion.
But alas, I must go. This hasn’t been nearly as amusing or insightful as I had hoped.
Just stick to your drumsticks. And save the last dance for meeeeeee….
Cheers, Hannu
on Sun Sep 2nd 2012 at 21:24:01 abagond
I just forwarded you Hannu’s email address.
…Sure ,Hannu, I did say I was curious about who she was, as well as Im curious about a lot of people on here, its not like I have some fetish about Bulanik and her ethnicity…puleeese
Ive been acused of racism, which Id be happy to examine to find out if its true or not..maybe we can all learn something if it is…but, until we see the conversation where I suposidly belittled Bulanik as a black woman, this is all manipulative cyber petty games for nothing….it sure isnt about me being curious about what people are like in real life here….gees, this is really hilarious….we could clear this up so fast if we wanted to….I guess its more fun for you if we dont
Yeah, get me back to my drumsticks
Don’t you think it’s interesting that two white people have told you that your choice of words is offensive, and yet you feign innocence? Lots of white people like to say, “just an innocent mix-up”. Maybe that is one of the top excuses for being oblivious to the IMPACT of your words, such as just recently, you said,”you people” on this blog.
Also, it’s strange that you constantly cloak yourself in your wife and child’s ethnicity, like some sort of costume. Have you thought about that?
And in this thread, your logic was something like, well, white people in Brazil dress up like Indians, therefore it must be ok. That just doesn’t even make any sense to me..
I read this blog daily, why? Because I learn so much every single time I come here. And yeah, I don’t have a lot to contribute because there are so many more here who do have the knowledge that I lack and I appreciate it, even if it sometimes makes me feel uncomfortable or some other emotion. I appreciate that and am sorry if I worded things wrong.
http://www.neiu.edu/~lsfuller/Poems/bridge.htm
This poem influenced why I think it’s important that white people point out white racism to other white people. Hope this clarifies how I think.
on Mon Sep 3rd 2012 at 00:41:23 B. R.
Well , Vanishing point, at least you are trying to discuss this….No , I dont cloak myself in my wife and son, their story was very relevant to this thread…I dont talk about them every thread…but, I find some of the subjects here relevant to their story….if there is another thread relevant to their story, I wont hesitate to bring in it up…but, I dont bring it up on every thread…
I have a big objective to not get banned on this blog…Im not trying to win any award for congeniality, to be honest, and I dont think I look to attack people, but, I will defend , at times ferociously.Im not trying to be accepted and I have great respect for individuals on here who I have learned from, which is why Im here , but, just take a look at the BWE thread and understand I dont think anyone is looking for quarter here, you take your lumps and try to play by the rules, this isnt suposed to be pretty
About Brazil, if you want to be a provincial country bumpkin sitting on a log naive to the ways of the world , dont talk about Brazil, because in terms of all the things that are mentioned on this blog, its all happeining in a very big way in this marvelous country of close to two hundred million people , and you could learn so much about exactly these issues by spending some real time down here. And, exactly because of this, I have contributed in a great way to bring the attention of some of the problems that are extremly relevant to these discusions , that would really be off most peoples radar..not that everyone would agree with me, I have had epic battles with a guy living in Brazil as long as I have and we went to war o n here.
Two white people telling me ? Mean anything ? Why should it? Its your opinion , I just think you are wrong…”you people”…there was people I knew were white in there….what is your point? “you people that think that critics and the public hold the moral high ground over the artist….” was the context, do you have an objection to that?
About the mix up, then should we grill you and Hannu for your mix up, I mean what was your psycho logical problem to mix up Bulanic with Truthbetold? Is there some deep trauma in your past that would make you do that ? Could that be that you have some kind of psycho in denial they all look alike thing?
Im just teasing, but do you see what Im saying
on Mon Sep 3rd 2012 at 01:04:56 Cornlia
What does “our” blood say about us, what does it make us say ?
Does the blood we have inside (as if poured into us by some superior entity’s counting hand -1/4 of this, 1/5 of that, 1/3 of this…) makes us do ?
Is it the blood ?
Is it the culture ?
Or is it me, again, with “semantics”. Words that ‘mean nothing out their context” or can they *never* mean something ?
Is a person Indian by “blood” ? By culture ? By choice ? By obligation ?
How does an African-American who has always thought he/she had “Indian blood” think and feel when, he/she learns that his/her family has never had the slightest drop of it (as shown in Pr Gates documentary, he himself being the direct descendent of an Irish king) ?
How does it feel when you have always thought you were someone, and really really felt it deep inside, but it so happens that you were not ?
Is it genetics or culture that tells you who you are ? Is it politics ? Policies ? Masks ? Disguise or costumes ?
Is it yourself who tells you who you are, or is it others ?
Do you build yourself against others or by ignoring them ? By obeying them or by rejecting them ?
I have no idea who my ancestors really are, apart from Alsatian, Swiss and from Normandy (so maybe Northmen/women). But as has often been the case, there maybe be “others” from very far too, whom I’ve never been told about, because this is a secret.
I happen to prefer some aspects of other cultures to mine. Does it mean I *may* have those cultures’ blood in my veins ? Of course not. Because blood is not culture, culture is not blood, but we were told it might be.
Interesting how age-old concepts still traverse our societies, minds and cultures…
Well, I think its absolutly complex
I do beleive that the Indian tribes have a right to make their rules about who is admitted and accepted in the tribe….
For me, breaking the media open ( we can dream a little) is the key to getting enough Indian voices and stories and real culture and contribution across . Then, those can become real influences , not the phony stereotype
And, being on the look out for phonies like mentioned here…who write books like they are real and make a prophet
Interesting Bulanik.
When I read “Aryan” and think “Nazi” and “Hitler” it always strikes me how that man CONTROLLED the minds of his audience and people. What did he have his OWN looks that corresponded to the “Aryan” ideal ?? Nothing…
I just finished reading this book on racial colonial rules and their influence on the constitution of the populations of some islands in the Caribbean… It is crazy how many categories they invented to correspond to the “percentages” or “fractions” of “blood” people were supposed to “contain”.
Same as for Hitler, when you how many people were actually the descendents of “unknown fathers”… it would be laughable if it wasn’t so tragic.
on Mon Sep 3rd 2012 at 18:10:01 SW6
thank you. My Grandmother was a Carib. But this word is not a good descriptor, it is like saying i am black, which nominally i am but as we ought to understand, these words are like place holders for information. What do I mean? I spoke about it with Bulanik a little while back:
https://abagond.wordpress.com/open-thread/#comment-134679
“not a good descriptor,” what else do I mean? I need to investigate my family tree one day.
It’s in French: “La Couleur comme Maléfice, Une Illustration créole de la Généalogie des Blancs et des Noirs” by Jean-Luc Bonniol, Albin Michel, 1992. He is an anthropologist and the goal of the book was to try and understand how “color” in phenotype seems to “stick” so well in the choice of partners in generations in colonial and neo-colonial settings, and more largely, in today’s larger world with the resilience of “color” as a marker of self.
I am actually beginning to read extensively and intensively on this after years of thinking by myself, observing and reading novels… I had all those books in my library that I am now opening one after the other and often together… I’m also taking sociology classes targeting “race” and “cultures” to broaden my access to references. I hope I can then really work on that and do narrowed research… To hopefully find some tools to fight the beast…
I have been listening to a series of radio programs on “Western” and “Eastern” (Occidentaux, Orientaux) Jews on France Culture radio. The Jews’ story is so complex. First, before the 19th century, they were absolutely not “one” people. They spoke all kinds of languages, were accepted or persecuted, rejected or integrated, allowed to do this or that, … the French revolution and then Napoleon in France forced them to unify so that the “Republic” could control them as a religious group… and at the same time they helped them emancipate, etc… But that’s only in France. All over Europe there was a wide range of treatments.
Where is “blood” in all this ? Just like “race” it is a simplifying factor.
on Tue Sep 4th 2012 at 00:32:18 vanishing point.
@B.R. what is the difference between you, me, Randy, and a Fake Indian.. take your time…I want an answer but if you are not up to the task, I will understand…
Where are you from , Vanishing point? Why dont you just tell me the answer since I cant read minds and Im sure you have one ready to tell me
Down in Brazil, there are so many words for the differant mixtures:
morena clara, morena escura, mestico , negra, pretinha, caboclo , branco , mameluco , pardo,mulata ( like or lump it , its a word used in Brazil frequently…), sarara criolo,indio, criolo,japa ( yes they call any japonese “japa”)
People arnt uptight about admiring the differant mixtures…its as much a national past time as watching the women virtualy naked on the beach.It would be absurd to be uptight wondering what a person’s background is. They will take DNA tests and talk about the differant blood mixtures , nothing uptight about that
They just past quotas for the universities classifying people based on race. They had to, or the white Brazilians wouldnt have ever given up the power
I lived in Chicago, New York, a little in L A, never ran into the one drop rule ever , I never read about it as a marker for a court case in those cities or a marker for anything..I think its really strange to just define the USA as though its crawling with the one drop rule…
Im wondering if any of my black American colleagues who lived in those cities I mentioned , ever ran up against the one drop rule?
No matter how you slice it, most of the major problems mentioned here are happening in Brazil also…
on Tue Sep 4th 2012 at 02:28:36 Linda
KSW6
thank you. My Grandmother was a Carib. But this word is not a good descriptor, it is like saying i am black, which nominally i am but as we ought to understand, these words are like place holders for information. What do I mean? I spoke about it with Bulanik a little while back”
SW6, you’re welcome.
As a descriptor, it’s not too bad because “Carib” describes your grandmother’s ethnic group, if you are familiar with the different ethnic groups of Native Indians in the Caribbean, then you could easily figure out which island she came from.
http://news.discovery.com/human/native-tribe-survival-carib.html
The Garifunas in Central American (Belize, Honduras) still speak the Carib-language but they longer have the stereotypical “Indian” look like the Kalinagos.”
I meant to say, “the Garifunas no longer had the stereotypical “Indian” look like the Kalinagos.”
Linda, great information, and, with that information and if you look at the information I brought in about Brazil, it looks like we in the AMERICAS have lots of names to describe ourselves.
I would challenge anyone here to go into the names I brought in about Brazil and seperate which names were from the “white slave owner” and which were self identified names. Just as I brought in a link about the implication that some black Americans who were there in times of slavery actualy chose to be called “black” or “African”, it seems there are words all over the Americas that came into being to describe the mix of people there.
This is why it would be wise to look at the whole picture of the Americas before just atributing things to only the USA.
Black Americans demonstrated by their sheer will and self determination, that they could change how the whole country refers to them, practicly eliminating terms like “colored” and “negro”from normal everyday interaction
I dont think it all boils down to racists white Americans labeling and making up all these words that describe people and the implication that it is all “wrong”
People have to look at the whole picture in the Americas to understand the dynamic that is going down
(of course, in the Brazilian words like “mulata”, its obvious it came from the slave master, but,there are a bunch of other words there that definitly cant be described as that)
on Tue Sep 4th 2012 at 14:16:03 abagond
All your comments about mikveh were getting caught in my spam filter because I once had a troll named Mik. I unblocked that.
on Wed Sep 5th 2012 at 14:12:18 B. R.
The truth is, “extreme political agendas” ought to be scrutinised as much if not more than artistic expresions. It works the same way, it takes years to find out if an extreme political agenda can really bring value to the table or not…unfortunatly, when it goes wrong , extreme political agendas can do huge damage, it can actualy lead to death and destruction.
Look no furthar than Jim Crow Laws, an extreme political agenda that murdered and lynched people, put unrealistic mandates and objectives out that demanded people had to follow, and has huge lasting consequences also, up to church bombings in the 60’s and filters into the political agendas of the right in the USA now
Look at Iraq as an extreme political agenda that caused horrible concequences
Look at communism as an extreme political agenda that has caused as much suffering and misery and death in the world as anything. People who can recite American aggresions around the world in great detail rarely bring up or mention at all that millions and millions and millions of people have been just eliminated and killed under communist regimes that have failed miserably when practicing pure communism, the Chinese are authoritarian capatalism now.
The concequences of lock stepping with just any “extreme political agenda”, whether right , left or center, if it isnt well thought out, can really leave long term damage. Where as something thought out that stands the test of time against the struggle are the ideas that mean something, not arbatrary mandates ready to say who is wrong if they dont lock step on them.
What I find going on a lot is some people are indulging in “instant extreme pollitical agendising”…people are engaging in instant extreme political agendising ” about the use of the word black”, something Malcolm X forged in the heart of the real struggle , in blood and guts (which is an example of an extreme political agenda that worked), or about “Africans dont call themselves black”, or” all the terms Americans use” “or America is the only country with race quotas”, when it is obviously a dynamic going on in places like Brazil. Its great if people know the history of Europe, the migrations of Asia and the Islamic rules of slavery, but, if they cant also see the whole dynamic of slavery and race in the Americas and weigh it against a country like Brazil, they are only seeing one part of a complete picture…”blood” gets instantly politicly agendised, and muddies the problem with why certain extreme Native American political postions about people that are only part blooded Indian shouldnt be expressing themselves in certain mannors of dress..
Tie in words like “opressor” or “racist” with these other “instant extreme political agenda” positions and its all you need to not really face what are the problems that are the most detrimental to Indian issues and shut down valid arguments that need to be addressed. Which most certainly pertains to media impresions that we all have been subjected to throughout our lives about Indians
on Wed Sep 5th 2012 at 22:31:15 Linda
Black Americans demonstrated by their sheer will and self determination, that they could change how the whole country refers to them, practicely eliminating terms like “colored” and “negro” from normal everyday interaction”
BR, I see where you are trying to go with this but Here comes the “but”
No, I don’t think that black Americans or Brazilians continuing to label themselves by colour is similar to the Carib Indians wanting to be called by their real ethnic name “Kalinago” – this is a group of people who know their True ethnic identity.
The only thing the Caribs have in common with the afro-descents in the Americas, is that it was the Europeans who chose to label both groups of people as they (Europeans) saw fit and both groups fought to gain respect and rights in their own countries.
The Kalinagos are not choosing a “label” out of thin air or upholding a racial classification system based on phenotype that they did not create.
The Kalinagos never forgot their Ethnicity or lost their true Ethnic name, they did not lose their culture or heritage–they are just trying to set the record straight finally after bending over for so many years and letting history be written by the victor.
Unfortunately, many African descended people in the Diaspora don’t know their full ancestral history – the African ethnicity was lost due to slavery and it’s agenda of de-humanizing the Africans.
As a black or brown person of the Caribbean, North or South America, it doesn’t matter what non-white people call themselves–at the end of the day, our respective histories in the Americas is what now defines us–black Americans are Americans, black Brazilians are Brazilians. etc
So black/negro, brown, coloured, morena, mulatta, pretinha, caboclo, trigueno, biracial—all these labels do, is signify that the person is African descended and mixed with European and/or other races – it is a vague label that describes only a part of that persons ancestral heritage.
Ancestral ethnicity needs to have more of a definitive meaning for African descended people.
Most black/brown people can tell you what continent their ancestors came from—Africa (and/or Europe/Asia) because that’s the obvious answer based on features – but what exact country, ethnic group, or region of the continent—who knows? That information was lost for so many people.
Many mixed-race people in the Caribbean and South America can probably tell you what part of Europe their white ancestors came from because their ancestors made sure to pass that information down the line–and that in itself, is the real crime
Instead of saying “I am American and I am black”, wouldn’t it be nice if a black American could say: “I am American with Yoruba, Igbo, English, and German ancestry.”— since most white Americans have this privilege of reciting their ancestral ethnic backgrounds; black Americans (any afro-descendant really) should have this privilege as well.
Thanks to people like Henry Louis Gates, it is now possible to find out what region your ancestors came from in Africa, Asia, or Europe…by finding out this information, blacks/browns in the Diaspora can then make an effort to reclaim their true ethnic identity just like the Kalinago.
on Thu Sep 6th 2012 at 00:26:32 B. R.
OK Linda , thanks for clarifying …i dont want to make any assumptions about where you come from and by the way, Im not saying all Brazil is in agreement . The range of differant opinions there is as big as the country, Im just telling you about things I know are true , that they did just nationaly start quotas in universities and there are Brazilians who call them self “black”..On our recent business trip to Salvador, Pelourinho , my song heard someone say to a woman …”oi Morena …” and she said happily “Nao , eu sou Negra..” ( hi morena…no im black ) , and that has always been my point that, its not just the USA that has these paramaters of description and laws in place that define people by race…Dont you think its important to clarify that ? In a discusion where a mandate coming from an activist blog from some Native American Indians ( by the way, their total right and more power to them, I just dont have to agree with everything they say , and I do agree with plenty of other stuff they say) saying that even people with some Native Indian ancestry, shouldnt dress up in Indian clothes or wear Indian jewelry , when there are enormous celibrations in Brazil where most of the people are part black and white and Indian, dressing in Indian costumes , making a comercial enterprise and not authentic, dont you think its important to bring that to the attention of people who are willing to put it out as a mandate ?
Brazil is so big that so many dynamics go down inside its borders. Some one mentioned the lightening theory, that is what was done in Brazil. They imported lots of immigrants from Germany and Italy and encouraged them to mate with all kinds of the Brazilians there…for exactly this theory mentioned..that is why there is tremendous mixture in Brazil, it is a laboratory of mixture, many definitions of people are needed because there is so much mixture down here..is it as simple as you put it , Linda ?
I think, in my opinion, what can be learned from comparing countries like the USA and Brazil, two enormous countries , shaped in very individual ways , by similar historical backgrounds , are the things that ring similarities in actual solving the problems , and, what things actualy would not be right for one , or the other, or ,would be hypocritical to have for one and say ,no, the other one cant do that.
Like finding that , even though quotas are bad in one way and can be arugued against, eventualy, the political climate in Brazil, starting to realise it had to make a change, made racial quotas for universities legal in Brazil. They would never do that to copy the USA, they would hate to do that, they did it, because they came to the same conclusion, that to bring any kind of chance of oportunity for black Brazilians, they had to make laws , because the white Brazilians just would never give up the power…like in the USA….
These places have to learn for themselves how to deal with their problems. I would never say Brazil should copy the USA, but, they sure are going to have to face the same problems that the legacy of discrimination and slavery have left in their wake..
Its some mandates that wont transfer, and, those mandates are what are worth looking at , also, to see if they are valid..like how people dress, who they can date or go out with, how a person can express themselves…those things dont transfer well..and its good to compare other countries and models as a referance
on Thu Sep 6th 2012 at 01:03:32 Linda
Im just telling you about things I know are true , that they did just nationaly start quotas in universities and there are Brazilians who call them self “black”.”
Good for them. I come from a country that used to have Colourism as bad as Brazils–it’s gotten better but it’s still there on the fringes.
Coming from a society where the white/light brown members want to treat people based on their skin tone, It’s important for African descendents to love themselves and their features
so if standing up and saying that “they are black” and not mulatta, triguena, etc, gives them a “sense of self”, then that’s great.
My point was that it doesnt’ really matter, as black/brown people, what colour we call ourselves — our real African ethnic identities are lost– so if self-determining by colour gives people a sense of power, then I support that–whatever it takes to have a sense of self –but it is not our “true” Ethnic identity.
Calling ourselves “black vs morena” doesn’t help us as African descendants to regain that actual link back to the continent of our ancestors, the same way that the Amerindians in Brazil are linked to their ancestral lands in South American continent. They’ve retained their actual ancestral heritage and want to reclaim their heritage and what they stand for as a people. I support that as well.
Question: how much are those University quotas are based on Brazil’s classism versus it’s colourism?
From what I’ve heard, having money in Brazil means alot, it can even by a black person into the “white” category on paper.
Having to force the lighter class to be more inclusive with the darker class is not something new for countries that have a white/brown minority ruling class.
Recently in Jamaica, companies were called out for trying to go back to old times–hiring brown (mixed race, mestizo, moreno) people and not hiring anyone black.
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20111002/lead/lead5.html
So, Brazil is not alone–Colourism is still a problem in Caribbean, as well as Central/South America.
Some one mentioned the lightening theory, that is what was done in Brazil. They imported lots of immigrants from Germany and Italy and encouraged them to mate with all kinds of the Brazilians there…for exactly this theory mentioned”
I mentioned it to you in the “psychopathic racial personalities” post
https://abagond.wordpress.com/2012/08/13/psychopathic-racial-personality/#comment-142083
My opinion, the “black” Brazilians just need to keep doing what their doing and demand their rights.
It needs to be hammered home to the white/brown class that they also have African heritage but unfortunately for countries like Brazil, colourism is tied firmly with classism. Typically, Light = upper class/ middle class and dark = poor
As long as money and privilege is linked to skin tone, it’s going to be difficult to change the mindset.
Linda, from what I understand, there are definitly questions about racial background, about how the person describes themselves.Of course the detractors mention how so many people can cite black blood in their background and that it will not be fair, but, in my opinion , at least a certain amount of phenotype black people will get through to give them a chance…
Because, if you get down to the nitty gritty, its how many phenotype people do you see at the universities, in the media , in politics , at the gates waiting for flights, at hotels traveling…there are so many phenotype black people in Brazil , the low numbers in so many places is painful…and, prison numbers are high and conditions frightening, and people getting shot by the police, the black and brown numbers are high
And, Brazilian Indians are not well represented in the media also…of course there is as much mixture of Indian in the population as Afro , but, if you look at a novela, you wouldnt know it…and the mixture of Indian and Afro isnt well represented…except, look at the National Soccar selection…that is the real Brazil, and, yes, if you have money and are famous, you can get what you want…remember, Brazil had the mixture policy, but, it doesnt play out in society as much as you would think for the men especialy , I beleive, mostly because of class at that point , but, subconcious things at play in the white Brazilians that wont let brown and black in the elite sociey easily.
Interesting about your article, this is what Im saying at least, you have to try to get to know all the Americas to at least make judgements about how any one country is going about their dynamic of genocide to Indians, African slavery and colonising Europeans
There also may be questions on the forms about income and financial background , I dont know
Im also , in no way an expert on Indians in Brazil, but, Ive seen enough documentaries and news reports to know how they look and what some of their culture and music sounds like .
I know there are some tribes that havent met white people yet…and, there are clashes with gold miners and loggers with land and dam building projects that threaten Indian land
I saw a documentary about the history of Indians in my state and there were brutal massacars, so obviously, the Brazilian story is a brutal one also
There were communitees of run away slaves all over Brazil called Quilombos, and Indians would come in with them. There are certain areas in the Amozon where there is more of an Indian mixture, but, it is with everyone. That is where one of those celibrations I brought in takes place, but, its definitly mixed people dressing up as Indians
Yes , thanks Linda, you and ex poster Thad, who broke it down from the author “Freyre”
on Thu Sep 6th 2012 at 02:15:05 Cornlia
@ Linda, to your comment on the 5th at 22:31:15 (I don’t want to quote it all here !)
I think it would be interesting if so-called “white” also acknowledged their African ancestry in the US, and the Caribbean, where they still live by themselves with ridiculously archaic mindset.
“Mixity” doesn’t go one way, though of course, in a colonial white supremacist setting it was meant to go one way.
So maybe “whites” should also know about their “true ethnic background”. It would probably make things a little easier…
on Thu Sep 6th 2012 at 02:29:04 fiamma blu
In a discusion where a mandate coming from an activist blog from some Native American Indians ( by the way, their total right and more power to them, I just dont have to agree with everything they say , and I do agree with plenty of other stuff they say) saying that even people with some Native Indian ancestry, shouldnt dress up in Indian clothes or wear Indian jewelry….
Well, I’ve worn quite a bite of Native jewelery in my time, including silver & turquoise earrings and beaded bracelets. Have even considered ordering a pair of beaded moccasin boots to wear with my jeans. Never donned the head band though, as the appearance of it on others always struck me a laughable for some reason.
Never had anyone approach me in real-life to demand that I cease and desist wearing Native-related items. Still, I await the day with bated breath.
Linda, one thing Id like to ask you in relation to names. Maybe the Indian tribe you were talking about is one thing, but, are you telling me Jamaicans dont have names that identify and self identify that distinguish color and ethnic differances ? And, here is my point about the names, which is pertinant to pointing out that it is not only the USA that has these breakdown in names, including “black” to self identify, and they are not all names from the white slave master.
I dont know about Jamaica, but in Brazil,the black Brazilians affected the language immensly, like in the USA. Lets face it, there are so many words in USA popular culture that have influence from black culture it would be foolish to think it didnt go on in slavery times also, just like the banjo got adopted by country and western picking.And where Indian words are not used in popular culture as much, many places in the Brazil and the USA still have Indian names. I honestly beleive some of those names from Brazil I named, came out of self identification or just the slang of the language as it developed.
The truth is, so much doesnt get talked about as far as the total relationship in the Americas that the Indian genocide, African slavery and European colonisation have in common. The African slave , was actualy resisting all the time to being a slave. They would hide their real culture behind Catholic Saints, and this stretches from Brazil with Candomble, to Haiti with voodoo to Cuba with Santera all the way up to the black Ameirican church and how some of the frequenters would “get the feeling” and go into a trance…Im wondering if Jamaica has this , the celibration of West African religionous practices woven into a local culture ? I have thought they do but I dont know what it would be called. Only to show that there are things all over the Americas that relate to its developement and clash of 3 differant cultures, forced into existance through brutal conquest and slavery . Things that affect all the places where this dynamic was played out in the Americas
Do we really know the origins of all those names ? Couldnt some of them been self identifying slang that seeped into the popular language ? I raise all these points in the face of arguments that just break these things down as only some white American phenomenon, this would be misleading
Linda, I was typing my question when the other question came in, dont mean to over inundate you with questions
Flammablu, I mean, sure, why do people put out mandates that just are going to fail in the first place ? Maybe that is what they want…It certainly isnt a national Native American agenda…
Well, Vanishing point, where did you go? You asked me a leading question, and never got back..since you had “fake Indian” in the question , at least it relates to the thread so, Ill try to give you an answer, but always when someone does this on a forum on the internet, its a leading question meant to trip someone up….but, Ill try to answer
The differance between you , me, Randy and a fake Indian…
I certainly think differant than Randy, I am not a fake Indian,and, I dont know anything about you so I cant compare…now, you can tell me the answer you already have in mind
on Fri Sep 7th 2012 at 04:25:00 Linda
@ Linda, a small question
Do you have an opinion why “Indian” as a descriptor is still preferred and used as the name for the native Americans/first nations of the Americas?
Of course people realize that Columbus made a mistake – but I’m curious why “Indian” has stuck and the alternatives rejected, to this day.”
Bulanik, Since I am getting back to you so late, I believe Abagond answered your question in his newest post.
My opinion, I think the term “Indian” stuck because the Indigenous American people of the past never stood up and said “hey, we want to be called xyz”
From what I’ve seen lately, many groups are trying to rectify this now and are active in their civil rights.
They would hide their real culture behind Catholic Saints, and this stretches from Brazil with Candomble, to Haiti with voodoo to Cuba with Santera all the way up to the black Ameirican church and how some of the frequenters would “get the feeling” and go into a trance…Im wondering if Jamaica has this , the celibration of West African religionous practices woven into a local culture?”
Of course, in Jamaica, our version of old world religion married to folk magic is called “Obeah”…as you mentioned, this type of mysticism is what most of the islands have in commom that the Africans brought over similar to Voodoo and Santería.
In the Jamaica (and I’m sure the other islands in Caribbean as well), many aspect of the African culture/language had survived and helped to create our culture. Jamaican patois contains many Igbo and Akan words that have retained their original meaning (like the word “duppy” which means “ghost” in English). Many of our foods also retain their original African or Spanish derived names.
In Jamaica, everyone (black/brown/white) is very aware that our culture is derived from Taino, African, European, and Asian and this mixture is celebrated openly, hence our National motto ‘Out of Many One People’.
This knowledge of intertwined/shared old world cultures doesn’t stop the colourism and the class divisions that exists; and I am sure this is also the case in Brazil.
The unfortunatel part, is that because of slavery, with many of the African traditions and customs that we have retained in our culture, the true meaning behind the practices has become lost, example
We celebrate during Christmas time a festival called “Jonkonnu” — no one really knows how it got started, all that’s known is that possibly:
a Chief named “Prince Jean Konnu or he was called “dzon’ku nu” (which meant a “sorcerer” and “nu” meant “man”) demanded to hold a celebration with his people after being brought to Jamaica during slavery — no one knows the true meaning anymore.
Lets face it, there are so many words in USA popular culture that have influence from black culture it would be foolish to think it didnt go on in slavery times also, just like the banjo got adopted by country and western picking.And where Indian words are not used in popular culture as much, many places in the Brazil and the USA still have Indian names”.
The problem the US has is that it does not acknowledge the contributions that the African descendents made to it’s society. This is where the main problem lies.
You have kids today (both black and white) who don’t realize that things like “rock music” originated from black musicians and don’t want to listen to it because they think it’s “white peoples” music. Nothing will change until subjects like this becomes common knowledge and not relegated to 1 month out of the year.
Ignorance is bliss in US society.
Many cities/rivers in Florida retain the actual names given by the Native Indians such as Ocala and Lake Okeechobee, which comes from the Hitchiti words “oki” (water) and “chubi” (big) — this is information that has not been lost, so their true meaning and it’s relevance in connection to it’s origins, should be taught and not brushed over.
Linda, my comment to you is in moderation.”
OK, but I’ll probably have to get back to you tomorrow, I’ve got 1 eye open 🙂
on Fri Sep 7th 2012 at 09:57:34 B. R.
Linda, thanks for that education on Jamaica, it just adds to the bigger picture of the truth about what was going on.
In my opinion, there is so much lost in the slave period about what was really going on with the black people brought over as slaves. WE just dont know enough about it. Brazil is about as rich a country as anywhere as seeing living photographs of what the culture might have looked like back then, there are so many referances (buried treasure , though, the average person knows nothing of this) of folkloric cultures that can give somewhat of an idea. The USA of course banned black culture from developing in slavery…but you know it did develope anyway
“Food”, oh my gosh, absolutly down here in Brazil that is seriously in effect, and, I live with a person with incredible knowedge in the kitchen…my favorite dish of all time is the AFro Brazilian dish , “muceca”
When I was a kid, I had a big thing for Jamaica and Calypso. Im not such a big reggae fan, but, I loved Calypso, and always dreamed of going to Jamaica. For sure the Harry Belafonte records I listened to werent authentic, but, it fed my fantacy of Jamaica in a big way, that and some films like Dr No
on Fri Sep 7th 2012 at 14:51:51 vanishing point.
@B.R., sorry in getting back to you so late! Here is a link to a great essay, I hope you read it is a few times over, I think it will help in trying to get my point across.:)
http://zuky.tumblr.com/post/903970904
Vanishing point…Great, I dont see myself in that, I dont like labeling myself a liberal or anti racist, I dont like to be backed in a corner
While you and the other white person you mentioned think you have me pegged as a racist, Ive already scoped both of you are naive and new to really confronting the dynamic of racism and how it affects black people and white people in everyday life.
That little tight feeling in your chest and anxiety you feel trying to look at the realities in our racist society, how “lets just all be freinds” just doesnt work in the face of the anger and frustration that black people have to feel at the hands of violence , discrimination and obsticles thrown in their path at every step, Ive been facing in myself for decades…maybe you arnt even new to it, but you sure havent been dealing with it as long as I have…and , I dont mean ” I was in the Civil Rights movement and you werent”..I mean in everyday real life in much the same way you may be…When I see you came charging in so sure that I am a racist, when you havent quite analysed the situation or really read things I have said throughout the blog, it becomes really obvious you got your nervous exitment up thinking you had found some liberal closet racist to out for everyone to see…
The truth is, what I havent seen from one white person on here , including the well meaning ones, is some testamony that black people in their life have actualy inspired them to be better people, I dont mean a spouse, or iconic figure, Im talking about everyday growing up life. Some indication that there were black people who they admired as individuals who helped them to grow and understand life.
That is what is missing, and Ill tell you something else, not one white person on here can really define what is the genius and contributions and culture of the Afro Diaspora. Not even Bulanik can do that.
They dont know how to put in a concise tangeble statement what the value of the culture of ancient sub Sahara Africans is and how it affects most of us in the world today..Many white people here can talk about migrations, arceological findings, history, but, they are really mute on what is the gift of how to go about life that the Afro Diasporic culture is so rich at. Other black people on here have talked about it, Kwamla, Satanforce, Wilson, and other black people on here like Matari and Brothawolf and Truthbetold , instead of attacking semantical dead ends, have gone into “wrapping oneself with their whitenes” as the real problem, which actualy makes real sence in getting to what the problem is instead of semantical crusades as though that is the solution
Those are some pretty important things to understand if you ask me. You will never really know what the battle is about and what is at stake if you cant really look at things like that….the black people in your life that inspired you by setting an example in just everyday life, to help you grow as a person, some people you admired and inspired you . And if you cant really see the genius of the people who are discriminated against , and cant articulate it, you will never know why it is so disgusting and horrible that a people that has offered so much to humanity and civilisation has to be subjected to such disgusting treatment..its a whole lot more than “they are just people too”
And, Vanishing point, where plenty of people in here are brining in intimite details of their lives, on a regular basis, I think its strange that you single out the fact that I mentioned my wife and son . Its like you are trying to sniff something in me that other people are doing but you think you have my number because of some words in a peice you read…Even the blog owner has mentioned his situation with his wife and kids….but, you have to single me out…
Ive chosen to be transparent on here, me my wife and son are entertainers and have done many tours, we are out on the streets, we almost got attacked by a gang (that happened to be white) in South Beach walking home from a presentation. Our names are out there and we are in public to be scrutinised and face the good with the bad…mentioning them on a blog like this is not anything that is going to bring in anything worse than being exposed on the streets and the stage and I sure dont need them to hide behind to talk about race
on Sat Sep 8th 2012 at 01:20:16 vanishing point.
@B..R.
Lots of thoughts but I don’t want to derail this thread, but I will say this… I am trying to help you because other’s have helped me..and if you look back, I never once called you a racist….Of course, I am not in a position to help you, as I am on a learning curve myself..
No Vanishing point you did imply am I aware of my racist tendencies , and, judged things about me that you didnt judge other people doing the same thing
I want to help you too, and Im on my learning curve also
I totaly question your analysis of me
the truth is, Vanishing point, you saw something in my personality you dont like and then are trying railroad it into impling its not being aware of my racist tendancies..I dont trust your judgement..and the way you are barreling ahead about it and not really trying to find out the truth sais a lot about you
Plenty of white people have come in here saying black people didnt contribute anything to the world..
Where are the white voices to counter that bogus claim? Where are the white voices that can speak to that claim and be able to answer back on the tip of their toungue what the contributions of black people to humanity and civilisation and the world are?
Plenty of white people come in here saying “this black person did something bad to me..black people are like that”
Where are the white voices to come in and say “no , I have had black people inspire me,teach me (outside of a politicly active racial dynamic mode since you better listen to a black person about that, anyway) and I admire those individuals because of how they helped me out in regular life and just learning how to grow” ?
I have seen political agendas ,rhetoric and dogma and pseudo psycho analysis come down the pike for decades now, and this relates to the issues we are discussing here about the blogging American Indians putting out their political agenda about what everyone else should or shouldnt do..
Ive seen the wrong turns and the political activist agendas that worked and the ones that didnt, that dashed on the rocks and has fallout into today, Ive studied it in differant countries, and seen the atutudes and agendas that failed miserably and ruined lives …if you are in this for the long haul, you better beleive there is a lot to learn
on Tue Sep 11th 2012 at 17:34:32 Cornlia
You know B.R. some are here, even though, like me, they do not accept the “white” labeling, simply they are not white-minded. And I don’t care, really, what people think of this political statement, because it is a political statement, and as such, is subjective. And I *think* it preferable to call myself who I am than to validate the frame of reference of race. Why should I, really ?
That said, an African man (probably Senegalese, but I was too little to remember) taught me to swim. Sounds trivial, right. But, Africans were not (and still are) not supposed to be “natural swimmers”. The people who say that have seen met Douala people. They may have met Bamiléké people who have that cultural fear of water due to the spirits they believe live in rivers.
Sounds trivial, still so. But what is not so trivial in my case is that that man was hired by my grandpa who was the public swimming-pool director at the time.
So in one movement, I DIDn’t learn what society would have taught me: that Africans have a certain range of capacities (one), which don’t include swimming, that my grand father was not supposed to be hiring a “black” man because he was supposed to be doing things like others -not hire a black person- (two) and that an African can’t teach anything to a French person (three). All in one, I couldn’t thereafter be taught that it wasn’t possible because I had experienced the opposite personally.
My grandma (that grand-father’s wife), when I was probably about the same age, didn’t allow for prejudice to enter my head. She told me the story of how she saw her first car ever, when she was little herself. It was in her village of Gouville on the Normandy coast, in the summer. A doctor (first event in the village of fishermen) came to stay at the village’s auberge with is family, driving a brand new car (second event) and the doctor was a French west-indian, so-called “black” man (third event).
My grand-parents basically didn’t allow for racism to settle in me.
All the stereotypes were broken, and that never goes reversed.
And then I learned much more, from and with dark-skinned Africans and Afro-descendents. And it seems just “normal”. Has always.
I meant “have NEVER met Douala people” ^
on Sun Sep 23rd 2012 at 11:59:52 B. R.
Cornlia, absolutly…
There is nothing trivial at all about telling that you were taught to swim by a black person…it is exactly what we need to see more of, white people saying that they learned from black people ,….because we are hearing so much crud going in the other direction, “black people havent contributed to civilisation”, “black people arent as smart as blah blah”…we dont hear enough from white people saying that they learned from black people, that they admired and were inspired by black people in their lives to make them better people…because the hypocracy is unbeleivable how big it is
Yes, Im lucky, in the face of white flight, my parents moved our family when I was very young into an integrated neighborhood , and Im eternaly thankful to them for that
on Sun Oct 7th 2012 at 17:58:36 restlesstextuality
I think this is an interesting post, Abagond. There is something here which can be seen between many cultures, not just between ‘whites’, ‘blacks’, and ‘Indians’. As a first generation immigrant, I never knew my birth-country, I grew up with a Russian family in a starkly different Canadian environment. While I spent almost my life here, there was always a heavy disconnect with my Russian cultural identity because of the distance and alienation, but I could not identify with a Canadian identity. Many immigrants face the issue of claiming a distinct identity, especially when growing up. I am sure there are often some confusing feelings, like guilt, associated with trying to claim a solid basis in one or another.
What is frustrating and certainly even more confusing, is why someone who has deep roots in one country, lives in this country, and whose entire being is tied to this country, why they would claim an identity of another country? In a way, I think this is a viral flaw in Canada and the U.S. (at the very least). Without a sense of true pride and connection to a culture and its prevalent characteristics, be they even stereotypes, this person might resent their own culture and seek something “more interesting”, or “more appealing”.
The only solution to this is for them to be educated about their own cultures and reclaim their own place. I have often met many Canadians who learn about others being of a different culture, and then either express how much more ‘cool’ that seems than being Canadian, or read off a list of their German, Native, Spanish, Australian and three-quarters Irish-immigrants to Macedonia heritage…. This is confusing, ignorant, and misplaced. I think we need to re-examine how we learn about culture, what heritage is, and how we can establish an identity in societies that do more to destroy, alienate, and appropriate identity.
With regard to individuals who claim to be of a different culture for image or money, there will always be nutcases.
on Mon Oct 8th 2012 at 08:03:13 Legion (formerly SW6)
on Tue Oct 16th 2012 at 15:53:47 Cornlia
Saw this on Facebook. I thought it was an interesting illustration to the conversation here.
on Tue Oct 16th 2012 at 17:21:56 Legion
I very much like what he said also.
on Tue May 14th 2013 at 04:07:43 Jim
You should see all the fake Indians running Foxwoods casino many are just there for the money but have no respect for the employees that helped build their now sinking empire.
on Sat Aug 3rd 2013 at 07:16:54 Aaron
Wynona Laduke is not a member of a fake tribe,her dad, Vincent Laduke , also known as Sun Bear was an actual Chippewa Tribal member who started a fake tribe: “…Sun Bear (Gheezis Mokwa) , 1929-1992, Chippewa,
Sun Bear, who was born Vincent LaDuke, was a writer and actor who is probably best known for founding the Bear Tribe in the 1970’s in Washington.”
on Sun Sep 15th 2013 at 01:36:45 hucipher
Do you have any links to the history of the “$5 dollar” Indians? Supposedly when the government was granting Indians and people with actual Indian heritage land and other government assistance(sometime in the late 1800’s early 20th century I believe) many Whites who wanted this government assistance would bribe the government official who was in charge of stamping ones papers as Indian or non Indian with $5.00(a lot of money back then but well worth it)
on Thu Sep 19th 2013 at 05:17:31 Stephanie Williams
Add Jay Tavare to that list of pretendians. He claims to be navajo and apache which he clearly isn’t. He is of Persian/Iranian heritage.
on Fri Oct 25th 2013 at 07:07:02 Asplund
I don’t really get the point of hostility here.
If a white man is 1/16 Cherokee, he’s 1/16 Cherokee. Don’t really get all the speculation regarding the motives of whites with Indian ancestry. I could just as easily speculate that the folks here don’t like whites having Indian ancestry because it legitimizes their presence in N.America, something attacked in other threads.
As far as I go, I don’t identify as Indian but my father does. Technically I’m a Choctaw citizen. However, I’m a mix of Choctaw and Finnish. Finnish is extreme N European genes. My dad’s close to a light skin black in coloration but my mother is the fairest person I know, and I take after her 90 percent.
I don’t really get how rednecks being prejudiced against blacks invalidates Indian blood. I’ve known full Choctaw who have hated all sorts. If you remember a few years ago there was controversy because descendants of freedmen previously owned by Cherokee wanted the courts to force their citizenship into the nation, even though they had no claim in the Dawes Rolls and thus no blood. I remember some full Cherokee being pretty hostile during that time.
Also keep in mind, these benefits everyone thinks exist often have extreme stipulations attached, and mosr of the federal money goes to Western nations who are struggling. Those nations are least likely to have many white or black citizens.
on Fri Oct 25th 2013 at 12:59:24 Brothawolf
Asplund,
Analyzing, critiquing and deconstructing racism is not hostile.
on Wed Jan 8th 2014 at 22:33:56 Lone Warrior
Other fakes include Jay Tavare whose real name is Jai janini and he is persian and/or Iranian, who had many native parts. He claimed to be Apache of the Deer Clan, well, guess what, there is no apache deer clan. Rudy Youngblood who claimed at least 3 different tribes from North America (he starred in Apocalypto via Mel Gibson.lol.) and he is actually from South America via Texas. His mother and sister and girlfriend told a native american producer the truth that he is NOT of the 3 tribes he claimed. He actually claimed he had relatives who died at the Battle of the Little Big Horn and at Wounded Knee! which really ticked many Sioux off. Rick Mora, another actor has no Tribe either. Kelly Two Wolves, a psychic and artist among other money-making schemes, claims Oglala. When asked how she is Oglala she merely exclaims that she just is. Johnny Depp has actually black roots not native american roots. After his movie the Lone Ranger failed miserably he tried to bring more attention to himself saying he would by Wounded Knee from the owner of the land and give it to the Sioux. He even made an appearance down there!LOL. He never spent a dime down there when he was there. Many will say they don’t want to honor the government by having an ID but the fact is it’s the Tribe, people who give the ID. Reverse racism doesn’t work on the rez. I’m from the Rez and can spot a fake a mile away.LOL.
One more comment about Iron Eyes Cody. It is irrelevant that he walked the walk which he didn’t because no matter if you marry native or do all kinds of native causes the fact remains he still was not and never will be Native. He was conveniently asked to remove himself from a room during a National Congress of American Indians conference just before the opening ceremony because to them he WAS SIMPLY NOT NATIVE. The nerve of some people. No disrespect intended here.
on Thu Jan 9th 2014 at 21:35:13 Herneith
We have the same type of fake Indians here in Canada except they are more mundane as they are not famous in some sort of way. It especially comes in handy when you call them a racist. They will allude to some remote First Nations ancestry as to why they can’t be!
on Thu Jan 23rd 2014 at 16:53:30 Naomi S
Hmmm i know this chick. She looks white and is some kind of ”alternative model”. In some her shoots she’s barely dressed, wearing fake regalia fit for carnival. She claims to be 70% indian and that she’s showing her pride with those photographs. And of course most of her fans buy this bullshit HAHAH!
Now, why would a woman who has some self-respect show pride for her heritage by running around like a clown? That only lets me draw the conclusion that she’s lying. What a shame.
on Thu Mar 20th 2014 at 06:36:19 Legion
I think cultural appropriation is on topic for this thread. The following is not about Fake Indians but fake Arabs, if you will. If you deem it off topic Abagond, please say so early.
http://www.salon.com/2014/03/04/why_i_cant_stand_white_belly_dancers/
I laughed out loud at the title of the piece but I read the piece too and the subject is serious. (I still get a kick out of the title though.)
A comment from the Salon comment section:
That is racist and stupid. I have the right to dance however I want. If I wanna swing naked from the ceiling in a thong, you better believe Im gonna do it, and I dont have enough GAFs to go around, so yeah. Bellydance is very spiritual and healing for me as a woman and as a PTSD survivor and I should be denied that based on my skin color? Ah Hell no. End the race bainting, were all one human race. PFFT!
This commenter has a point. However, I smell oversimplification at work too.
There is a sequel!
http://www.salon.com/2014/03/18/i_still_cant_stand_white_belly_dancers/
I have not read the author’s embedded links but the article itself is very good. She says this:
…one person can’t stop anyone from doing anything: White women will continue to belly-dance. What I’m asking is, when you are part of the dominant culture and live in a country that subsidizes the theft of land and resources from Arab people; in a country that supports and financially aids Arab governments that silence and even imprison democratic protesters; in a country where kids don’t feel safe telling schoolmates that they’re Arab-American – maybe think twice before you put on some genie pants and kohl and call yourself Samirah Layali?
it serves as one kind of answer to the quote of the commenter above.
I was particularly disgusted by two comments, to the sequel, that I came across:
blue 9 hours ago
I’m sorry I clicked this and read still more of this writer’s utter contempt for anyone outside her own ethnic background and leanings. Bigotry being presented as something moral and righteous is nothing new, of course. That’s what FOX news is all about. This writer is in the same ilk as Anne Coulter in my opinion. Shrill, dogmatic and proud to be mean spirited and divisive. The writers and thinkers I respect are those who recognize the humanity in everyone and address particular issues without blanket blame for anyone who happens to be in the neighborhood.
Serai1 9 hours ago
I just realized how fitting it is that both the pictures that accompany these articles are of one body part only, and it’s not the women’s faces, as Jarrar also refuses to consider the humanity of the women involved, and sees them only as icky offensive bodies moving to music to which she presumes to claim ownership.
The sophistry of the second comment is so ingrained it would be easier to extract a melted ice cube from a drink than to ever get through to this calculating, icy, holier than thou and pseudo humanitarian commenter.
on Sun Jul 27th 2014 at 20:31:31 Mark Swift
Lumbee tribe of north Carolina is the Biggest fake tribe made by politicians during jim crow for votes ,they started out as mulattos of scuffleton,NC an Immemorial homogenous free negro settlement,A home where the yellow(mulattos)gathered by 1900 they changed their name to the Lost colony croatans ,then Cherokee of robeson county when that failed they got through lobbying more politicians for a casino and free HUD money to pose them as a Lost tribe that forgot its language,customs,history and anything Indian(Lame excuse to cover up no indian culture)They copy plains Indians or anything off tv and try too hard to convince you they are real Indians yet having no indian genealogies ,treatys,culture or language,they all appear white,black white mixed and lack any significant native American Dna results.
Intensive modern genealogical research has been done by Prominent Drs Heinegg and Demarce and have come to the conclusion the lumbee are an invented tribe who ancestors migrated to Robeson county from tidewater Virginia same as all other colonist and their ancestor are all listed as Black,white or mulatto never as Indians or tribal people.
http://www.academia.edu/2008598/The_Limits_of_Advocacy_The_Case_of_the_Lumbee_Indians
on Wed Nov 19th 2014 at 08:37:22 Moanika
Hipster Racists, Pretenders and Race Benders love playing the five dollars Indian game for rape romantic, exotic appearance points and gov freebies. It’s scary to see people stealing another people’s blood and land. It kinda hurt my soul to see this full level of chaos towards the First Nation. Same way like the Aboriginals and other people caught into the bloodshed homicidestorm. The worst event in my life is seeing a person celebrating Thanksgiving, Christopher Columbus and other manmade holidays while claiming their victim’s bloodline. Same time by disliking them behind their backs.
on Wed Jan 7th 2015 at 03:18:24 b hand
I know a woman that pretends to be native American just so more people will buy her Native American reproduction art, her name is Supaya Gray Wolfe, she calls her business Many Tears, she uses this fake name so people will buy and spend more on her art, whereas she would most likely do fine if she were honest about her heritage, she seems to do better with her fake personallity.
on Wed Jan 7th 2015 at 13:47:00 Naomi S
that is just disgusting woah! there are a lotta people like that out there. Would be cool to expose all of them in public…hmmm
on Tue May 12th 2015 at 19:58:31 bahesmamam
Yeah, I think Winona La Duke is actually enrolled Chippewa as was her father who did start his own Rainbow-type tribe. I argued with him once on the radio when I was a kid. But she does a lot of good work with the tribes and IEN. Her dad was more about his guru-thing and I seem to recall she grew up separately from him.
on Tue Jun 30th 2015 at 14:31:43 Troy Felsman
Winona LaDuke is enrolled White Earth Ojibwa. That status cannot be denied. I would recommend if you are going to call somebody a phony Indian you should be more careful in your research. A tribe that has been around longer then her father was alive. Her mother was Jewish. Do the right thing and take her down from this website as she is Native American, look up her father Vincent LaDuke who is without a doubt native.
on Wed Jul 1st 2015 at 21:13:47 abagond
@ Troy Felsman
I confirmed that she is not fake and removed her from the list. Unlike the others on my list, she is not mentioned in any of my sources, so I do not know where I got that idea.
on Wed Jul 1st 2015 at 21:27:05 Lone Warrior
Her father tried to create his own tribe, the Sun Bear clan which was based on new age or fake spiritualism as compared to established native spiritualism. There were many alleged violations against women by him and his associates in these so-called ceremonies which mixed any and everything from Plains ceremonies to eastern philosophy.
@ Lone Warrior
Thanks. That is probably how I got the idea she was fake.
on Thu Jul 2nd 2015 at 18:36:06 OnTheReservation
It says something that 3 years after the date of this original blog that people are still responding. First, it’s clear that some people will manufacture a false identity purely for purposes of financial profit as with various authors and speakers who are selling a book or a “solution”. However most of the “Pretendians” and “Fauxchontases” I encounter seem to be doing it for personal reasons though I’m not sure why anyone would feel so inadequate and insecure about themselves that they would have to engage in fiction to compensate but they do. I think some people might start out with an innocent “white lie” (no pun intended) of “Yea I’m 1/8th Cherokee” perhaps simply because someone in their family said so. And over time the lie builds and evolves into a self-accepted “truth”. (By the way, why is it ALWAYS Cherokee when there are over 560 Federally recognized tribes ? At least mix it up now and then).
With the advent of cheap DNA testing a person could *easily* determine if and to what extent they have “Indian blood”. For example the company 23andMe will charge you around $100 and in return provide a detailed lineage report. The price will only get cheaper as time goes by so I expect the fakers to be fewer since people will either have to “put up or shut up”. In the end I don’t care what lies a person tells themselves or what deceptions they perpetuate to friends and acquaintances but if you go public with it and try to tell me you are Indian (when it’s really clear that you aren’t) then I’m going to ask you to prove it. Get mad if you want “bro” – get defensive if you want but if you are trying to horn in on a culture that is NOT yours then I’m going to push back on that.
Lastly, one of the lamest variations on the whole Pretendian thing I’ve heard lately was a white woman who claimed that “past life regression” revealed that she was an “Indian Princess” in her past 2 lives. (not a worker or an average person but a PRINCESS). So she claimed that this should qualify her for tribe membership.
on Thu Jul 2nd 2015 at 19:48:26 Lone Warrior
Yes. There are many reasons for claiming. There is the mystique or romanticism of being someone they try so hard to believe or identify with. There are also fake medicine men who will tell them, mainly white females, that they were native in a former life.lol. Purely for ‘hookup’ purposes or to make themselves feel important. Still many think nothing of truth, only of where there’s a will to lie, there’s a way that others will listen.LOL.
on Wed Dec 30th 2015 at 16:19:42 txcherind
While most of what you said was true, you put in one stereotype that plagues Indian Country. NOT ALL REAL TRIBES ARE FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED. Are you saying that the Pamunkey, recognized in 2015 were fake before that? Were the Jena Choctaw, recognized in 1995, fake before that? No, you are just reinforcing bigotry. Most groups calling themselves tribes are fake and everything you said is true about such fraudulent groups. However, there are groups that are not Federally Recognized that have never had that relationship with the US government, or they are now in the legitimate pursuit of it, that are REAL historical tribes, real Natives.
A few examples: The Kansas Wyandot Nation, has an 1896 Federal roll, they are legit but not recognized. They have an issue with continuity of government after the death of their traditional Chief, George Zane, but they are still REAL INDIANS;
The Mount Tabor Indian Community in east Texas formed in 1844 in part by an Executive Order of US President Polk, mentioned in numerous books (Cherokee Cavaliers and Genealogy of Old and New Cherokee Families to mention two, not to mention the Indian Papers of Texas, and a number of college papers), although known by different names, has existed as a political entity from historical times to present. It is the only group that is Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw and Creek (The name comes from one of the founders John Adair Bell, a Cherokee, in a letter to Stand Watie in which he calls his place “Mt. Tabor”. Further, if you know anything about the Cherokee during the Civil War, most families that left Indian Territory (CSA supporters) did so for Rusk County, Texas (aka Mount Tabor). Today the group is made up of six families that never left after the Civil War. All well documented American Indians, through the Guion Miller roll and Old Settler roll, 1832 Creek Census for Horse Path Town, 1818 Chickasaw Annuity Roll and Dawes Commission cases such as the William C. Thompson et al vs Choctaw Nation case.
Then finally you have the Miami Indians in Indiana. Although turned down for recognition on a technicality, they are legitimate American Indians according to the BIA and may still gain recognition through the courts.
These are but a few of the tribes still being held back and now discriminated against by people like you. Maybe you, the writer should do a little more research as well to get the real picture of Indian Country. The fakes truly hurt the non-recognized legit tribes/bands more than any others making people like you lump them all together. For the record, there is NO LEGITIMATE Cherokee tribe beyond the three federally recognized. Mount Tabor, although beginning as a Cherokee group, was made up of refugee Creeks, Yowani Choctaws and a few Chickasaws by the 1850 US Census. Most were mixed bloods, but they are not Cherokee only, making the three federally recognized Cherokee tribes, the only legit groups in the USA. No others can trace their history/government from historical times to present as a single entity. There are some individual families that are really American Indians and not part of recognized tribes, but 1 family does not make a tribe. Do a little more research.
on Thu Dec 31st 2015 at 06:30:08 jefe
@txcherind
I will concur that I also have an issue with this statement by Abagond:
The American government knows which are the true tribes and each tribe knows who belongs. That simple.
It certainly is not that simple. There are many Native American groups that are not recognized by Federal or State governments. Some that pushed for even state recognition often spent many decades doing it. Some tribes had been recognized for centuries, then had it taken away from them.
I alluded that it is a thorny issue determining which American Indians are genuine and which are fake, and in general, that has not helped their cause. It is an ongoing issue, and the impetus from Congress and corporate interests is to BLOCK their recognition.
(https://abagond.wordpress.com/2015/08/08/american-indians-legal-recognition/)
Are you saying that the Pamunkey, recognized in 2015 were fake before that?
You must certainly be aware that their recognition was rescinded in October 2015 by an appeal from Stand Up California, which advocates that they are not authentic Pamunkey. So, at least some members of society still claim that they are fake.
I mentioned it here:
(https://abagond.wordpress.com/2015/11/06/the-native-peoples-of-the-chesapeake-bay-region/)
This is despite the Pamunkey
– holding reservation land since early colonial times (some 350 years)
– paying their annual tribute (consisting of deer, turkey, animal skins) to the Commonwealth of Virginia every single year without fail ever since the treaty with the Virginia colony set aside reservation land for them.
– being forced to be reassigned as “colored” under Walter Plecker’s enforcement of the Virginia’s Racial Integrity Act.
– being forced to attend Indian schools designed to strip them of their culture and identity
The Pamunkey have kept up their end of the bargain since colonial times. The US and Virginia governments have not. Still the Bureau of Indian Affairs considers (frivolous in my opinion) appeals from lobbyists representing white corporate interests to rescind their recognition. If it were solely in the hands of Congress, all of these appeals for federal recognition would be thrown in the waste bin.
on Thu Dec 31st 2015 at 15:14:27 Lone Warrior
Like they say when citing truth. If it wasn’t written down it never happened. So for the gov’t’s purposes, if a tribe isn’t federally recognized it doesn’t exist to the gov’t. lol. js.
on Thu Mar 17th 2016 at 08:01:23 Douglas
Add the Bruchac family to the list! Lewis (Haplo: R-M269) Henry Bowman’s Y-DNA Markers:
12-23-15-10-11-17-12-12-13-14-13-30-15-9-10-11-11-24-15-18-28-14-17-17-17-10-11-19-23-15-15
Louis (Haplo: Q1a3a1) Napoleon O’Bomsawin’s Y-DNA Markers:
13-23-13-10-15-17-12-12-12-14-14-31-14-9- 9-11-10-27-14-21-30-13-18-19-20-12-11-19-23-15-16
NOTICE that the Y-Marker’s highlighted DO NOT MATCH between Bowman and O’Bomsawin.
This PROVES that the two men ARE NOT RELATED. Lewis Henry Bowman Sr. CANNOT BE …
… As Joseph Edward Bruchac III’s has written his ancestor’s narrative.
The repeatedly published and spoken Bruchac about “his Bowman grandfather and great-grandfather was an Abenaki” narrative is now genetically proven wrong.
on Thu Jul 14th 2016 at 21:12:41 Quanah Parker Brightman
Response to Pennie Opal Plant’s “Open Letter” Regarding Quanah Brightman. — at Gathering Tribes.
on Wed Sep 21st 2016 at 23:19:27 Afrofem
Professor Andrea Smith should be added to the list of fake Indians.
She was outed over a year ago in various media outlets, among them Indian Country Today.
http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2015/07/01/four-words-andrea-smith-im-not-indian
Some of her work is featured in this Abagond blog post:
https://abagond.wordpress.com/2013/11/02/the-three-pillars-of-american-white-supremacy/
on Mon Sep 26th 2016 at 16:45:13 Naomi S
all of this fakery makes me feel sick. makes me want to vomit
on Mon Sep 26th 2016 at 20:08:44 Lone Warrior
Yes…they should all be proud of whatever it is they have in their bloodlines. We are NOT a club.LOL.js.
on Tue Sep 27th 2016 at 02:09:56 Douglas Lloyd Buchholz
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8yrW0_JXZQ) FAKE FRAUDULENT VERMONT State Recognized “Abenakis…. (DO NOT LAUGH TOO MUCH AT THIS) It’s really pathetic… (Are those real Eagle Feathers on a non-federally recognized Nulhegan “Cowasuck” “Chief” ???
on Thu Sep 29th 2016 at 00:20:13 naomi s
lool the funny thing is. everytime i meet such a person, their hair is dyed black (with blonde or brown roots CLEARLY visible) and a fake tan (to a lesser extend)
on another note. I can´t believe how long it has been. this article was posted 4 years ago and we´re STILL dragging these wierdos through the mud hahahahaha
on Sun Dec 18th 2016 at 21:25:46 nomad
“Iron Eyes Cody lived and worked as an Indian for all his adult life; he labored for decades to promote Native American causes, and was honored by Hollywood’s Native American community in 1995 as a “non-Native” for his contribution to film.”
Lived life as a Native American. Somehow I don’t consider that fake. I consider it honorable and honorary.
on Sun Dec 18th 2016 at 22:32:14 Solitaire
@ Nomad
Yes, if you look around, you’ll find there’s more mixed opinion in Indian country about Iron Eyes Cody than these other people — because he walked the walk. He married a Native woman, adopted and raised Native children, supported Native causes both financially and with his time. But he still lied about his racial background for decades while taking paying jobs that otherwise would have gone to Native actors. He built his entire acting career on a lie and received more industry recognition and public acclaim than actors who truly were Native.
on Mon Dec 19th 2016 at 15:00:43 Arlen Lee
There is no argument here. I’m full blood and no one can live “as a native.” It’s in our dna. No one has our unique experiences as Original Inhabitants of Turtle Island. No one has our Red Road in the Black Hills of South Dakota and so many other distinct issues and oral histories common only to us. Many people will say they were native spiritually…no. You have to be native in the blood. That is where no one can go unless they are native to Turtle Island.
on Mon Dec 19th 2016 at 16:36:20 jefe
^ I understand that it is kinship, more than blood per se which determines the native connection (although blood quantum is of course among the rules of membership in many tribes). Relationship by blood is the more common kinship arrangement, but others are possible (e.g., adoption). I know of some cases.
on Tue Sep 17th 2019 at 00:29:09 John Holmes
I was told by my mom when l was 14 l had Cherokee blood.l when on a journey l mean a journey.l when from Rez to Rez from the buetful people to the original people.l have seen the young die the old drunk the hopeless faces,the far away look no l am only part a small part but the best part of me is CHEROKEE!!.
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Wildfire continues to burn in Polk, Trinity Counties
HUNTSVILLE, TX The fire started around noon Friday and is consuming parts of the Davy Crockett Forest just northeast of Huntsville in Apple Springs.
It's not yet clear what caused this wildfire, but investigators suspect a wheel bearing on an 18-wheeler produced a spark that caused the blaze.
The fire is now being called the "Bearing Fire" and is one of the largest wildfires in East Texas history, according to the Texas Forest Service.
Fire crews from at least nine agencied are battling the blaze.
At last check, officials said it was 40 percent contained.
A mandatory evacuation order was issued Sunday for Trinity County residents who live on part of F.M. 2262 near Griffin Ranch Rd.
Helmic Rd. to the north has also been evacuated, affecting about 22 homes.
A shelter was set up at Groveton High School.
Two homes and six buildings have been destroyed by the fire. The homes were on F.M. 2262. So far, there are no reports of any injuries.
"It's important for East Texans to recognize the critical fire conditions we are experiencing," Karen Stafford, regional wildland urban interface coordinator for TFS, said in a release Sunday. "There is high probability of ignition if a spark occurs. Firefighters need the support of Texans to prevent new fire starts during this extremely hot and dry summer."
Since November 15, more than 12,189 fires have burned more than 3 million acres in Texas, TFS officials said. Combined efforts of citizens taking proactive actions and a coordinated state response have saved more than 23,000 structures.
Most of the state is under a red flag warning, which means there is an ongoing extreme risk of fire. Six of the 10 largest recorded fires in Texas history have occurred this year, according to TFS records.
Another fire started Saturday near Jasper. It had burned six camp houses and about 2,500 acres by Sunday afternoon. Officials said that fire was about 25 percent contained Sunday.
The Houston Fire Department also battled brush fires.
HFD called for a couple of booster trucks to put out a small grass fire in southeast Houston just after 1pm Sunday. It was in an old sand pit near a golf driving range on Old Galveston Rd. near Beltway 8. Crews needed to booster trucks to get off the road and douse the fire. It was quickly contained.
A few hours later, HFD was working a brush fire off Peachtree at Tidwell in northeast Houston. Officials said homes were nearby, but none sustained any damage. Firefighters were still working Sunday evening to keep the flames away from the homes. It had burned about a dozen acres.
We'll keep following area wildfire activity and bring you the latest updates on Eyewitness News and abc13.com.
If you can see a fire and can snap cell phone videos or photos without putting yourself in harm's way, please email them to us at news@abc13.com or upload them on our iWitness Reports page.
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Chipotle unveils creamier queso and starts testing nachos
NEW YORK -- Chipotle didn't quite conquer the queso market -- but it's not giving up.
A spokesperson for the restaurant chain told CNNMoney Friday that it's tweaked its widely panned queso recipe.
The new version "is creamier than the initial recipe, and still has a really delicious flavor," spokesman Chris Arnold said in an emailed statement.
And the updated dip could soon appear on a new menu item: Nachos. Arnold said the dish -- which stacks chips, queso, beans and salsa -- is currently being served at the company's test kitchen in New York City.
The news was reported earlier by Business Insider.
After a series of food safety scandals over the past few years, Chipotle has struggled to draw customers back to its stores.
So when the burrito chain announced plans to add queso to its menu in July, it was pegged as the cheesy vehicle that could vault Chipotle out of its sales slump.
But the roll out has not been smooth. Critics couldn't get past the queso's gritty texture and lack of spice. One customer declared the dish "tastes like crayons."
Chipotle defended the product, insisting the unusual texture could be chalked up to the use of all-natural ingredients.
Arnold, the Chipotle spokesperson, said the new recipe achieves a smoother consistency but still leaves out preservatives and artificial ingredients.
Reporters at CNNMoney who tried both versions of the dip confirmed the new recipe brings marked improvement in texture, but some tasters agreed Chipotle could crank up the spiciness.
Even as Chipotle fine tunes its queso recipe, the company says it's driving sales.
During an earnings call with investors in October, Chipotle chief marketing officer Mark Crumpacker noted "the addition of anything new (to the menu) generates significant interest, positive and negative."
The company's sales rose 17% last quarter and its profits more than doubled. That ended a long streak of declines for Chipotle. The same quarter in 2016, for example, saw sales down 22% compared to the same period in 2015.
"This new menu item not only increased sales with existing customers, it also attracted new and lapsed customers into our restaurants. About 19% of these new and returning customers are trying queso, while many of the others were simply driven in by the advertising," Crumpacker said.
For the uninitiated, queso is Spanish for "cheese," but it commonly refers to a melted cheese dish popularized in Tex-Mex cuisine. The warm cheese is typically blended with chile, peppers or other seasonings.
Queso's flavor and consistency can vary and its taste is distinct from its distant cousin, nacho cheese, a standard side dish at ballparks, arenas and movie theaters.
food & drinkchipotlefast food restaurantrestaurantscheese
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prizepool
ESL Rainbow Six® Premiership returns with nearly double the prize pool
International / Press / UK
ESL Rainbow Six® Premiership kicks off on October 16th with nearly double the prize pool and an encore in Manchester after a successful first show. The UK and Ireland tournament…
Astralis Wins the First $1 Million Intel® Grand Slam Following Victory on home ground at the CS:GO Pro League Finals in Denmark
International / Press
At the CS:GO Pro League Finals, which took place on December 7-9 in Odense, the Danish team Astralis became the first to capture the Intel® Grand Slam with a 3-1 win over…
StarCraft® II returns to Intel® Extreme Masters Katowice 2019
Events / International / Press
Seventy-six of the world’s best StarCraft® II players will once again travel to Poland to compete for a share of more than $250,000 USD ESL, the world’s largest esports company,…
Intel® Extreme Masters Sydney, Australia’s Award Winning Esports Event, Returns for the Third Consecutive Year in 2019
Australia / Events / International / Press
The Top Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Teams From Around The World Face Off Against Australia’s Best For A Share Of $US 250,000 (Sydney, Australia) - November 13, 2018 - Intel® Extreme…
ESL One Cologne celebrates 5th year anniversary at LANXESS arena
The world’s largest Counter-Strike event returns to Cologne, Germany ESL announced today that ESL One Cologne powered by Intel will once again fill the Cathedral of Counter-Strike with fans from…
ESL One Birmingham to return in 2019 thanks to incredible support from UK esports community
Events / International / Press / UK
ESL welcomes back the best crowd in Dota 2 to create more history and break more records Twelve of the world’s best Dota 2 teams will return to the UK…
ESL One powered by Intel returns to Katowice, Poland in February 2019
Katowice to host two weekends full of gripping esports featuring Dota 2 and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive with a combined prize pool of over $1.3M The flagship event series ESL One…
Intel® Extreme Masters Returns to Katowice, Poland, in 2019 for Valve Major with $1M Prize Pool
Twenty-four Teams will Compete Over Three Weekends of Elite Counter-Strike: Global Offensive CompetitionIntel and ESL, the world’s largest esports company, will once again bring the Intel® Extreme Masters (IEM) World…
ESL One Cologne sold out for the third time in a row
The “Cathedral of Counter-Strike” is ready for the world’s largest independent Counter Strike: Global Offensive tournament to take place in Cologne, Germany. 2018 marks the fourth year in a row…
CS:GO Pro League returns to Odense with its Season Eight Finals and $1 million prize pool
ESL and WESA are pleased to announce that the Season Eight Finals of the world’s longest running professional league for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) will return to Odense, Denmark. The…
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A Breach of Trust
Deceit & Trickery: Medical Coverage Denied
Contact “A Breach of Trust”
…with liberty and justice for all?
A Breach of Trust Victims - WWII Veteran & Wife
Proud to have served my Country! ~A WWII Vet
Tag Archives: Former Marine
Former Marine now battling Medicare for life-saving surgery
February 24, 2014 by A Breach of Trust - Blog Writer
TUCSON- A Tucson man and former Marine says his life is in limbo, caught between the need for life-saving surgery and a Medicare Advantage plan that will not cover the procedure. Robert Zurheide went on disability after he was injured in 2002 while working as a corrections officer in Florence. He has been battling chronic pancreatitis for nearly three years and says doctors at UAMC recommended a pancreas transplant as soon as possible. That was more than eight months ago.
“I love my country to the core, it’s in the core of me,” said Zurheide.
Military service is more than a passion for the Zurheide family, it is a way of life. Robert’s son Graham is a 1st Lieutenant in the Marines and his younger son has plans to join. However it is a tradition that claimed the life of Zurheide’s oldest son, 20-year-old Robert Zurheide Jr., who was killed while serving in Iraq in 2004.
“He came over, he gave me that big hug and he went back around to the car, got in and they drove off, and I never saw him again,” Zurheide said.
Nearly ten years after his son’s death, Zurheide says he is now fighting for his own life. He spends hours, even days in the hospital as his pancreas continues to fail.
“Worst pain I’ve ever felt in my life, and it could kill me,” he said.
Full Article, Video & Source:
Posted in Blog, Commentary, Educational Material. Tagged denial of coverage, Former Marine, Humana, Marine, Medicare, Robert Zurheide, transplant, USMC
In Honor of a Special WWII Vet Who Proudly, Courageously & Honorably Served His Country! Now he is forced into a fight to simply survive the system!
With honor & dignity we proudly fly our flag!
WW II – To Serve & Protect
Three Soldiers
Medicare Advantage billing errors cost taxpayers billions
Feds investigating allegations that Humana Inc. overcharged Medicare Advantage program
Congresswoman Asks GAO To Investigate Medicare Advantage After Complaints
Medicare Advantage plans to pay Central Ohio Primary Care to keep patients out of hospital
Missouri regulators lead multistate, market conduct investigation of Humana
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Samsung expects tough 2019 as memory segment stalls
Shareholders voice concern about competition from Chinese chipmakers
KENICHI YAMADA, Nikkei staff writer March 21, 2019 01:01 JST
Samsung Electronics co-CEO Kim Ki-nam warned of a difficult 2019, but said the company may rebound after inventory adjustments later this year. © AP
SEOUL -- Samsung Electronics told a packed crowd of shareholders to brace for a rough 2019, as these investors grilled executives on March 20 about the company's slumping memory business and measures to improve competitiveness.
"We are expecting many difficulties this year, such as slowing growth in major economies and risks over global trade conflicts," Vice Chairman and co-CEO Kim Ki-nam, who took over the semiconductor segment this year, said at the annual shareholders meeting.
The South Korean technology giant's consolidated operating profit plunged 29% on the year in the October-December period, the first quarterly decline in two years, due to weak demand for memory chips. The memory segment generates over 70% of the company's consolidated operating profit.
Kim, who chaired the meeting, said demand would rebound after inventory adjustments are completed.
One shareholder asked whether the company could compete with growing Chinese chipmakers. Kim replied that given the industry's high technological barriers to entry, Samsung can remain highly competitive by advancing research and development along with making bold investments.
The group's de facto leader, Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, did not attend the annual meeting as usual. No shareholders asked or gave their opinions about his role in the bribery scandal involving ousted South Korean President Park Geun-hye.
Attendance soared by about 150% from last year to over 1,000 people, due to a 50-to-1 stock split in May that made it easier for retail investors to own Samsung stock. Many shareholders were unable to enter the meeting even after it began at 9 a.m. The company issued an apology on its homepage on the afternoon of March 20.
Lotte founder built empire in 2 lands, but wished to conquer steel
Lotte Group founder Shin Kyuk-ho dies
Underground farms sprout in Seoul's subway stations
Samsung smartphone chief: 5G jolt will revive market
Huawei's US woes give Samsung and Chinese rivals chance to strike
Samsung and Huawei go different ways on foldable and 5G phones
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California Institute of Technology (Caltech) - Micro-Optical Tandem Luminescent Solar Concentrator
George Washington University (GWU) - Micro-Scale Ultra-High Efficiency CPV/Diffuse Hybrid Arrays Using Transfer Printing
Glint Photonics - Stationary Wide-Angle Concentrator PV System
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - Integrated Micro-Optical Concentrator Photovoltaics
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - Wafer-Level Integrated Concentrating Photovoltaics
Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) - Micro-Chiplet Printer for MOSAIC
Panasonic Boston Laboratory - Low Profile CPV Panel with Sun Tracking for Rooftop Installation
Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) - Wide-Angle Planar Microtracking Microcell Concentrating Photovoltaics
Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) - Waveguiding Solar Concentrator
University of Arizona - A High Efficiency Flat Plate PV with Integrated Micro-CPV Atop a 1-Sun Panel
University of Rochester - Planar Light Guide Concentrated Photovoltaics
Micro-Scale Ultra-High Efficiency CPV/Diffuse Hybrid Arrays Using Transfer Printing
George Washington University (GWU)
www.gwu.edu
The use of flat-panel solar photovoltaics (FPV) is growing dramatically as costs decrease. By contrast, more efficient concentrated PV systems (CPV), which focus direct sunlight onto a single point, have not been widely adopted because of their high cost, large size, and expensive tracking systems. A new approach, micro-scale concentrated photovoltaic systems (micro-CPV), may deliver the cost and size benefits of conventional FPV systems, but with an estimated 50% performance improvement. Micro-CPV modules would use cost-effective trackers and generate more electrical power in a given area. This allows installation on space-constrained residential rooftops and decreased costs for commercial and utility applications. Finally, the MOSAIC systems would have the ability to capture both direct and diffuse sunlight, which could make CPV economical in more geographical regions. These innovations could spur the expanded use of PV to generate clean, renewable energy.
George Washington University (GWU) and their partners will develop a hybrid CPV concept that combines highly efficient multi-junction solar cells and low-cost single-junction solar cells. When direct sunlight hits the lens array, it is concentrated 1000-fold and is focused onto the multi-junction solar cells. Diffuse light not captured in this process is instead captured by the low-cost single-junction solar cells. The module design is lightweight, fewer than 10 mm thick, and has a profile similar to conventional FPV. Moreover, the combination of the two types of cells increases efficiency. GWU will use its expertise in micro-transfer printing to fabricate and assemble the multi-junction cells. This process will reduce manufacturing costs and further increase efficiency.
If successful, innovations from GWU in this project may lower the cost of solar systems by allowing economical, high-volume manufacturing of micro-CPV arrays. Improved systems could encourage greater adoption of solar power in all three primary markets - residential, commercial, and utility
Expanded use of clean, renewable solar power could reduce dependence on foreign sources of energy.
Solar power offers clean power generation with zero emissions. Technologies developed under MOSAIC may also enable solar installations with smaller physical footprints, reducing the environmental impacts of large solar arrays.
Technologies developed under MOSAIC could offer a cost-effective option for clean, locally produced power across all market sectors.
Dr. Michael Haney
Matthew Lumb
matthew.lumb.ctr.uk@nrl.navy.mil
US Naval Research Laboratory
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Marc von Em
Marc Von Em is a soulful singer/songwriter who started his solo career in 1999. With three independent releases, Marc has worked his way up through coffee houses and bars to prestigious bills shared with such artists as Lucy Kaplansky, Martin Sexton, Richie Havens, Glenn Tillbrook and others. In 2005, Marc joined Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20) as a vocalist/guitarist, and for a year and a half, toured the globe. Since ending the tour in 2006, Marc continues his solo career playing venues from New York to Seattle.
Read full BiographyHide
“In a world where mediocrity —musically and otherwise— reigns supreme, it sure is nice to find someone who stands out in the crowd.” —Kelly McCartney – Chronogram Magazine.
Marc von Em is a soulfully energized singer/songwriter who’s sound is rooted in blues, folk, rock and reggae. Driven by his fluid acoustic guitar playing and rich powerful voice, Marc’s talents excite audiences of all sizes.
“I’ve played to 20 people at a house concert, I’ve played to 10,000 people opening for Rob Thomas. It’s crazy when I say it out loud like that” —Marc Von Em.
His lyrics weave tales of intimate, real-life events and do so with a rhythm and rhyme unique to Marc’s style. Memorable stories twist into syncopated melodies and chords creating a depth beyond most singer/songwriters.
In 1999, Marc produced and released his first solo recording entitled Von Em. The album was well received by critics & fans alike, and created quite a buzz on the New York music scene. One of his CD’s ended up in the hands of New York City jingle house McHale Barone, and Marc was soon singing and co-producing “This Bud’s for you” on Budweiser’s 2000-2002 TV and radio ad campaign.
Living in New York’s Hudson Valley, Marc was in perfect proximity to many great venues. He began to deliver his brand of music from Massachusetts to Philadelphia, appearing at well known venues such as The Living Room, Rockwood Music Hall, The Iron Horse Music Hall, Club Passim, Cafe Lena, The Tin Angel and others. He shared the stage with well known national acts such as Martin Sexton, Lucy Kaplansky, Charlie Musselwhite, Debbie Davies, Glenn Tilbrook … the list goes on.
Marc Von Em released his second studio recording entitled Free in 2002. Mixed by Crit Harmon (Martin Sexton, Catie Curtis, Mary Gauthier), this album captures Marc’s strong, sincere voice which complements his lyrically rich song writing. His unique finger picking & guitar style round out this album beautifully. “Marc is one of a new breed of urban folk musicians who, with detailed, thoughtful songwriting and gritty delivery, are redefining the singer-songwrter genre of the 21st century” —Crit Harmon.
In early 2005, Marc’s career took an unexpected turn when he was asked to be part of the Rob Thomas band (Matchbox Twenty). Circling the globe with Rob as a backing vocalist and guitarist, Marc appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with David Letterman, The View, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, & The Today Show. Marc also performed at the “Fashion Rocks” at Radio City Music Hall, and was honored to perform for over a million people at Live 8 in Philadelphia. His live energy and song writing won him opening slots for several Rob Thomas shows, playing to packed houses.
“I asked Marc to open up for me at a 10,000 seat gig. Just him and his guitar. He killed it!” remarked Rob.
When the Rob Thomas tour ended in 2006, Marc came off the road to eagerly awaiting fans. With a collection of new songs, and some time tested classics, Marc Von Em immediately resumed playing theaters and clubs from New York to Seattle. The Rockwood Music Hall in NYC became a regular stop for Marc’s solo show, and is where he recorded his first live CD “Live from Rockwood Music Hall”. Released in 2007, this recording, without question, captures the essence of Marcs live show. Soulful, funky, sometimes bluesy sometimes haunting, always sincere. As one reviewer writes “… I can genuinely say if you haven’t heard or seen him live, you’re only cheating yourself.”
In 2009, Marc was asked to join Rob Thomas for a second tour. In addition to contributing even more of his vocal and guitar talents to the show, Marc was happy to oblige when asked to open for Rob once again. While touring with Rob, Marc began work on his next solo CD, expected to be released Fall 2010.
“I can’t wait for the world to discover Marc Von Em.” —Jenny Douglas, vocalist (Toto, Rolling Stones, Rob Thomas, Pink)
“Marc is one of a new breed of urban folk musicians who, with detailed, thoughtful songwriting and gritty delivery, are redefining the singer-songwrter genre of the 21st century” – Crit Harmon, producer (Mary Gauthier, Martin Sexton, Susan Werner)
Read MoreHide
“I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Marc Von Em as a singer, but when I heard his original stuff, I asked him to open up a 10,000 seat gig. Just him, his guitar, and his songs. He killed it!” – Rob Thomas
“He was extremely well received by the audience, and his CD’s were sold out before he left the stage” – Dave Licursi, tour manager (Rob Thomas, Kid Rock, Hall and Oats)
“I don’t have time to write many reviews, but just gotta say that this music leaps out at me on Whole Wheat Radio, amongst thousands of indie artists that we play. It’s fun. It makes me bounce in my seat. Just a great groove. Listen to samples and you’ll see what I mean. I recommend it, sincerely!” – Esther Golton (www.wholewheatradio.org)
“Marcs’ music is a soulful bluesy sound with a pop sensibility. The song “Witness” says it all!!” – Frank Romano, guitarist/production (Mary J. Blige,Justin Timberlake,P Diddy)
“Marc Von Em is one of my most favorite artists, period. He’s got such a sweet blend of soul, melody, voice and playing ability. His music is uniquely original and accessible at the same time.” – Matt Beck, keyboards/Guitar (Lisa Loeb, Rob Thomas, Matchbox 20)
“I love his songs and he’s a great guitar player” – Steve Rosenthal, producer/owner of Magic Shop Studios in NYC
“Marc Von Em is a great talent of the Hudson Valley. His songs and live performance are of the highest quality. He is a regular performer at my club” – Phil Ciganer, Club Owner, Towne Crier Cafe – Pawling NY
“Sincere songs and a powerful voice.” – Richie Havens
“I have had the great pleasure of working with Marc Von Em in the Rob Thomas band. Marc has a vision like no other, and his music is destined to touch the lives of many who listen and are moved by the love that exudes from each note he plays and sings. Just as music is a gift to us, Marc is truly a gift to music.” – Abe Fogle, drums/vocals (Phoebe Snow, Kool N the Gang, D’Angelo)
“Marc Von Em has the voice that delivers every note he sings with sincere honesty. He writes from his heart, and touches you deep within. It is an honor and a privilege to know and work with him. I can’t wait for the world to discover Marc Von Em.” – Jenny Douglas, vocalist (Toto, Rolling Stones, Rob Thomas)
“I enjoyed his music very much.” – James Earl Jones (spoken in an incredibly low voice)
Marc von Em (vocals, guitar)
John Decrescente (bass)
Allan Bowers (drums)
marcvonem.com/press
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BAZ Presents is a platform where musicians are free to meet, express themselves, exchange their inspirations and transmit their passions.
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Created by Jean-Marc Lefranc, owner of the mythic showcase-restaurant Bête à z’ailes aka BAZ Bar in Saint Barth’, BAZ Presents is engaged to diffuse their creations, promote their authentic style and reveal their unique talents.
BAZ Presents a catalog of singers, songwriters including artists such as Jimmy Buffet who needs no introduction and the best American Soul, Pop, Folk and Blues musicians. The platform also presents a selection of musicians who are constantly in search of creation and of sharing music experiences with their public.
With a full-service offer from music programming to events production, BAZ Presents invites you to discover and live moments of exception in the most spontaneous and authentic way that music can do.
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CosmoCaixa - Science Museum
An unforgettable journey through science
DETAILS AND MAP
CosmoCaixa is the science museum in Barcelona run by "la Caixa" Community Projects, and is designed to stimulate people?s knowledge and opinion of science through exhibitions and a wide variety of activities.
CosmoCaixa offers its visitors a whole host of activities and permanent and temporary exhibitions to give anyone who is interested a greater insight into the world of science.
The museum’s most distinctive attractions include the new permanent exhibition “The Universe Gallery” where visitors can learn about the cosmos and its evolution from the big bang to the present day. An interactive experience beginning with the creation of the cosmos and going on to explore the evolution of the species and the innermost workings of the human brain.
The "Flooded Forest” recreates the ecosystem of the Amazon inside a glass house covering an area of 1,000 m2, which is home to piranhas, crocodiles and other animal and plant species typical of the area, and the “Geological Wall” consists of seven vast sections of genuine rock that allow us to interpret the world’s geology.
Finally, the Planetarium invites you to take a journey through space and time, past the stars and planets of the firmament.
The CosmoCaixa also offers other areas, exhibitions and activities related with Science for children, adults and families: the Clik, the Touch, touch!, the Bubble Planetarium, the Creativity, and other workshops for families.
The museum building is just as fascinating as its contents. Cosmocaixa is a beautiful example of modernista architecture, designed and built between 1904 and 1909 by Josep Domènech i Estapà. The modern extension carried out in 2004 highlighted the value of the century-old building while placing it in a new context.
Temporary Exhibitions:
Mirrors.
For further information see details and map
PURCHASE CosmoCaixa - Science Museum
Address: Isaac Newton, 26.
Town: 08022 Barcelona.
Web site: https://cosmocaixa.es/ca/cosmocaixa-barcelona
How to get there: Bus: H2, H4 , V17, V15, V19, V13, 73, 75, 22 and 196.| Trains FGC: stop Av. Tibidabo + Tramvia Blau or bus 196.
Daily, from 10am to 8pm. | January 5th, December 24th and 31st, from 10am to 6pm. | Closed: January 1st and 6th and December 25th.
Services: Guided tours, car park, cafe, restaurant, bookshop and shop.
Free admission: under 16s and "la Caixa" customers.
Customer services provider: COSMOCAIXA BARCELONA
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« Nastasiya Samburskaya
Natalia Gulkina »
Irina Lobacheva, ice dancer
Irina Lobacheva is a Russian ice dancer, Honored Master of Sports of Russia. Together with her partner Ilia Averbukh, she is the 2002 Olympic silver medalist, the 2002 World Champion and the 2003 European Champion.
Pretty girl was born on February 18, 1973 in Moscow. Ira became engaged in skating in 1979. At the age of 12 Irina took part in her first international competitions in Prague. When Irina came to pair dancing, Oleg Onischenko became her partner. Their duet lasted about one and a half year and then the young man quit the sport and went into business. The next partner was Alexei Pospelov, but he immigrated to Switzerland, and then completed his sports career.
Averbukh and Lobacheva teamed up in 1992 after falling in love while skating in the same group but with different partners. Marina Anisina was Averbukh’s partner. In 1994, together with the coaches Natalia Linichuk and Gennady Karponosov Lobacheva moved to Delaware, USA.
By the way, Irina’s favourite Compulsory Dance is Golden Waltz.
Moreover, Lobacheva participated in the TV project Stars on Ice paired with Valery Syutkin, Ice Age where her partner was actor Dmitry Maryanov and Ice Age 2 together with actor Vladimir Shevelkov.
In 2010, she took part in the project Ice and Fire paired with actor Denis Matrosov.
Currently Lobacheva tries herself as a coach. She worked, in particular, with the dance pair Ksenia Shmyrina and Yegor Maistrov.
For her great contribution to the development of physical culture and sports, high sport achievements at the Games of the XIX Olympiad 2002 in Salt Lake City Lobacheva was awarded the Order of Friendship in 2003.
On March 10, 1995 Lobacheva married her partner Ilya Averbukh. Their son, Martin, was born on March 3, 2004. In November 2007, Irina and Ilya announced their divorce.
Actor Dmitry Marianov and Irina lived in an unofficial marriage from 2009 to 2011.
Then she met a young businessman who was seven years younger than her. Their relationship lasted a year and a half, but one day the man suddenly died of heart failure.
Alexander Shumakov became her boyfriend in 2015. On December 18, Shumakov decided to commit suicide. He threw himself out off the bedroom window and died in intensive care. Shocked figure skater was supported not only by friends and relatives, but also by ex-husband Ilya Averbukh.
Ilya Averbukh and Irina Lobacheva
Famous Ilya Averbukh and Irina Lobacheva
Happy family. Irina, Ilya Averbukh and their son Martin
Pretty Irina Lobacheva and Ilya Averbukh
Bright star of Russian sports
Astonishing ice dancer Irina Lobacheva
Dmitry Maryanov and Irina
Awesome ice dancer and her son
Alexei Pospelov and Irina
Attractive figure skater Lobacheva Irina and Ilya Averbukh
Bright figure skater. Caravan magazine
Fabulous figure skater
Fantastic figure skater Lobacheva Irina. Caravan magazine
Little Ira Lobacheva
Young Irina Lobacheva and Ilia Averbukh
Ivan Bunin and his women
Blind Prince Vasily
Boris Pasternak – outstanding writer
Valeri Kharlamov – legendary hockey player
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Category: Bollywood Shaadi
A look at Umaid Bhawan – Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas’es Wedding Venue
categories: Bollywood Shaadi, Indian Wedding
Everyone’s talking about just one wedding right now, Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra’s. The couple look absolutely amazing together and their wedding was no exception – beautiful clothes, celeb guests and a palace as the venue. While everyone will be writing about the wedding and focusing on all the details related to the couple, i thought i would write about the venue.
A few of my favourite pics from the wedding first though. The couple have been very tight lipped about the wedding and there have been very few official pictures released. But the ones that have been released look absolutely gorgeous, with the couple looking so in love!
Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra dressed up for their traditional Indian wedding
Priyanka Chopra looking stunning in a beautifully coloured lehenga
Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas for their Christian wedding
Now, lets turn our attention to the gorgeous venue. The venue is probably out of reach for most average folks thinking about a wedding, but it does no harm to dream and get some inspiration from the venue anyway. As per the Wikipedia description,
Umaid Bhawan Palace, located in Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India, is one of the world’s largest private residences. A part of the palace is managed by Taj Hotels. Named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, grandfather of the present owner Gaj Singh. The palace has 347 rooms and is the principal residence of the former Jodhpur royal family. A part of the palace is a museum.
Ground for the foundations of the building was broken on 18 November 1929 by Maharaja Umaid Singh and the construction work was completed in 1943. The Palace was built to provide employment to thousands of people during the time of famine.
History of Umaid Bhawan
Again, turning to our trusted Wikipedia,
History of building the Umaid Bhawan Palace is linked to a curse by a saint who had said that a period of drought will follow the good rule of the Rathore Dynasty. Thus, after the end of about 50-year reign of Pratap Singh, Jodhpur faced a severe drought and famine conditions in the 1920s for a period of three consecutive years. The farmers of the area faced with famine conditions sought the help of the then king Umaid Singh, who was the 37th Rathore ruler of Marwar at Jodhpur, to provide them with some employment so that they could survive the famine conditions. The king, in order to help the farmers, decided to build a lavish palace.
The foundation stone was laid in 1929. About 2,000 to 3,000 people were employed in its construction. Occupation of the palace by the Maharaja came after its completion in 1943, and close to the period of Indian Independence. The estimated cost of building the palace was Rs 11 million. When it opened in 1943 it was considered as one of the largest royal residences in the world.
The palace was built with “dun-coloured” (golden – yellow) sandstone with two wings. Makrana marble has also been used, and Burmese teak wood has been used for the interior wood work. When completed the palace had 347 rooms, several courtyards, and a large banquet hall which could accommodate 300 people.
The Palace is divided into three functional parts – the residence of the royal family, a luxury Taj Palace Hotel, and a Museum focusing on the 20th-century history of the Jodhpur Royal Family.
Imagine having your wedding in the same place as where the royal family lives. Windsor castle is not available for wedding receptions now is it? So if you’re looking for lavish and royal, head to India and do it in proper royal style!
Weddings at Umaid Bhawan Palace
To give you a sense of the scale of weddings at Umaid Bhawan palace, I collected some pictures of previous weddings at the palace. The decor ranges from average to blow your socks off, so I am putting this down to individual tastes and preferences of the couples getting married. I personally dont like the colourful lighting used and that usually is an instantly put off for me.
So my lovelies, if any of you decide to get married at this palace or any other for that matter, please do share photos. I’d love to see what it looked like and I will pretend that I was part of it as a guest!
Sources: Instagram, Wikipedia, Taj Group Website
Deepika Padukone & Ranveer Singh (DeepVeer) Wedding Deets
I am going through a bit of a celeb phase. I am totally lapping in the details from my favourite wedding of the year so far, Deepika and Ranveer.
The traditional wedding ceremony was held in Italy with only a limited number of guests. The ceremony was limited to close family and friends, with even prominent bollywood stars not invited to the celebration. Since the couple are from different communities, they had 2 traditional style wedding ceremonies – Konkani and Sindhi. Each community has it’s own ways of celebrating weddings, and the lucky couple had the chance to partake in both.
As has become customary in recent weddings, the couple also had an elaborate mehendi ceremony. At this ceremony, the bride had mehendi applied to her hands. From the looks of the pictures – there was also dancing and generally a good vibe.
Mehendi Ceremony Pictures
The Konkani wedding ceremony looked very traditional and both the bride and groom seem to be having a great time. Some media reports claimed that the red saree that Deepika wore was a Sabyasachi, but it was later clarified that it was not from the designer’s collection. The spree was in fact a Kanjivaram saree in which Deepika looked stunning.
Konkani Wedding Pictures
The Sindhi wedding style is something I have seen a lot more of, with the bride making an entrance and the like. The couple wore matching colours and looked absolutely adorable. I did have concerns that Ranveer would outshine the bride with his choice of colourful outfits, but thankfully that did not happen 🙂
Sindhi Wedding Pictures
As the couple got back to Mumbai, on the airport they were seen in relatively muted colours. The style was elegant and a refreshing change from the bold colours at the wedding. I find it absolutely refreshing that Deepika did not opt for heavy neck jewellery and kept her look very simple with the traditional Jhumka earrings.
Ranveer not to be outdone on the florals, also opted for a simple look (by his standards anyway). The timeless pairing of a waistcoat with the white kurta set was perfect and complemented his new wife’s look. I did expect Ranveer to be a little more bold with his choice for the airport, but this look works just fine on him.
Airport Looks
The couple arrived in Mumbai recently and were looking absolutely perfect. They wore matching colours and I have to say, Deepika looked absolutely radiant. I think deepika’s traditional style game is right on point, and I love the use of traditional fabrics and textiles in the couple’s wedding. From quirky motifs like Ranveer’s elephant motif jacket to the nature inspired motifs on Deepika’s dupatta – the small details were a nod to the traditional.
Reception in Bengaluru
Having multiple wedding ceremonies might have been enough for mere mortals, but for the gods of style and bollywood, multiple events are a must have. Since the number of people attending the couple’s wedding in Italy were limited, they are hosted a reception in Bengaluru. The couple as before look absolutely stunning
Pictures from strandofsilk.com
Style Tips from Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli’s 2017 Wedding
categories: Bollywood Shaadi, Bridal Inspirations, Indian Wedding
Lets face it, true style never goes out of fashion. And if you’re looking for Indian wedding style tips, then look no further than THE wedding from last year – Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli’s wedding in Italy. Some may say that this is dated, but I think that the tips from the wedding are timeless and will serve us well in 2018 and 2019.
Style Tip 1: Pastels are here to stay
We have seen a lot of pastels both on real life brides as well as on celebrities over the last few seasons, but Virushka emphatically stated that pastels are here to stay. And may I say, the matching pastels are just to die to. I love the co-ordinated colour tones of the bride and groom.
Style Tip 2: Bold colours and traditional weaves rule the reception
To own your reception look, you cannot go wrong with a vibrant coloured saree made from traditional Indian weaves. Anushka wore a beautiful banarsi silk saree for her Delhi reception. She looks stunning of course not just because she is, but also because she absolutely owned the banarsi saree.
Style Tip 3: Traditional jewellery is perfect for weddings
Almost goes without saying, but traditional rules the roost when it comes to weddings. We have recently seen brides opting for contemporary styles that are delicate and demure. These are great, but for a complete WOW factor like the one Anushka manages, you need to stick to the basics and go for traditional styles. Take it a notch higher with a maang tikka and a haath phool like the one Anushka is seen sporting.
Anushka wears a chunky choker necklace made from un-cut diamonds, and i like this style because it works with so many different looks and clothing types. The wedding styles do get chunky and quite full on, so perhaps get your necklace made into a smaller size after the wedding, so that you can wear even with your contemporary clothes.
Style Tip 4: Contrasting colours for the perfect Insta friendly pics
See what they did here? Beautiful colours and perfect contrast to each other’s outfits makes for the perfect Insta pic. I like this picture especially because Anushka keeps her make-up very natural, keeps her outfit colours bold and has perfectly contrasted it to Virat’s jacket. Love the colours as well – they complement the skin tones perfectly.
Picking the right colours can be tricky, especially for couples. Take the time to think about the colours that complement your skin tone the best and then think about how best to match the colours that both of you will wear – instant insta fame awaits, not to mention loads of compliments from friends and family!
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Tag Archive for the great helmet debate
Morning Links: Motion to unprotect Yucca Street, more on the Great Helmet Debate, and Elizabeth Warren gets it
November 18, 2019 / bikinginla / Comments Off on Morning Links: Motion to unprotect Yucca Street, more on the Great Helmet Debate, and Elizabeth Warren gets it
It’s hard to fight for safer streets when we have to keep fighting to protect what little we already have.
A motion before the Hollywood Hills West Neighborhood Council would remove a key traffic diverter from LA’s first — and shamefully, only — bicycle boulevard, on Yucca Street in Hollywood.
Also known as bicycle friendly street in LA bike plan parlance.
The motion would remove the diverter on Yucca Street at Las Palmas Ave that allows bicycle traffic to pass through while diverting motor vehicle traffic off the street, to create a low-stress environment for people on bicycles.
Something that’s desperately needed in high-stress Hollywood, which is virtually devoid of bicycling infrastructure.
Unless you consider sharrows more than just something to help drivers improve their aim.
The Yucca Street motion will be heard at the council’s 6 pm board meeting this Wednesday at the Will and Ariel Durant Branch Library on Sunset Blvd just west of La Brea.
More on the seemingly endless Great Bike Helmet Debate.
A writer for Bicycling argues that mandatory helmet laws actually make riders less safe.
And Treehugger’s Lloyd Alter says he got it wrong, and Peter Flax got it right regarding the NTSB’s call for mandatory bike helmet laws, instead fixing the problems that are really killing bike riders.
One presidential candidate gets it, anyway.
Elizabeth Warren marks World Remembrance Day for traffic victims with a call to end traffic violence. Thanks to Ms. Fast for the link.
Traffic violence kills thousands and injures even more Americans every year. On World Day of Remembrance for Traffic Crash Victims, I'm sending my love to the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones. It's time to #EndTrafficViolence.
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) November 17, 2019
Meanwhile, the transportation minister for Trinidad and Tobago marked World Remembrance Day by saying bike riders will be given more space on the roads in one of the island nation’s most developed areas; that follows the deaths of two bicyclists killed on a club ride last year. Thanks to Stormin’ Norman for the tip.
That compares to Los Angeles, where city officials said nothing to mark the day.
Let alone actually do something about it.
The war on cars may be a myth, but the war on bikes just keeps on going.
Police in the UK are looking for the victim of a drive-by BB gun attack after witnesses saw him knocked off his bike and into a ditch by the shooting; the jackass behind the wheel also spooked the horses being ridden by a group of kids.
Now that’s a close pass. A group of British bike riders were lucky to avoid getting run down by a driver in a massive truck speeding down on a narrow country road, who missed them by mere inches as he blew by in the opposite direction.
LAist says yes, you can take your bike on Metro buses and trains. Even if the space reserved for bikes on trains is usually full of people without them.
Long Beach gets a $275,000 grant to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety through workshops on the importance of reflective armbands, bike lights, reflectors and helmets. If they really want to improve safety, skip the workshops and stand on any corner to pass out lights, and arm and ankle bands.
Calbike has a new policy director, promoting former Senior Policy Advocate Linda Khamoushian from inside the organization.
The Orange County Register takes a brief look at yesterday’s Meet on the Beach carfree festival through seven Orange County communities.
San Diego bike riders beware. The city’s police department will be cracking down on traffic violations that put bike riders and pedestrians at risk today, regardless of who commits them. So stop for stop signs, signal your turns and lane changes, and otherwise ride to the letter of the law until you pass the city limit lines.
More bad news from San Diego, where yet another bike rider has suffered life-threatening injuries when he was struck by a pickup driver while ghost riding another bicycle; neither bike had lights.
To complete today’s San Diego trifecta, a lawsuit filed against the city by a bike rider paralyzed in a meth-fueled crash with a wrong way driver on Fiesta Island is finally going to court after five years.
I want to be like them when I grow up. A group of Santa Barbara friends ranging in age from 83 to 91 are still riding together after nearly 60 years.
San Jose residents are complaining about a bicycle chop shop in a homeless camp along the Guadalupe River Trail. You can find countless others just like it down here in Southern California.
A San Jose site takes a deep dive into why the city’s quest for safer streets has failed, resulting in worsening rates for bicycling and pedestrian injuries. Thanks to Robert Leone for the heads-up.
The long-awaited protected bike and pedestrian lane on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge across the San Francisco Bay finally opened, drawing “hordes” of bike riders that opponents said wouldn’t show up.
A new study confirms what many of us have suspected — that subtle shifts in how news stories about crashes are reported can affect how readers assess the blame, and what should be done about it.
Who says you need a car to pick up a little extra cash?
Bike Snob’s Eben Weiss says if you actually look at the numbers, e-scooters aren’t very scary at all.
An Anchorage AK police officer faces charges for allegedly punching a bike rider and kicking him in the nuts in what began as a traffic stop for not having lights on his bike, after the man had sworn at and flipped off a line of police cars; the cop snatched the phone the victim was recording him with, but it continued to record audio of the assault.
A Seattle-area driver fled the scene of a crash at speeds of up to 60 mph after running down a man on a bicycle, dragging his bike under the car for nearly a mile, then covering the car with blankets to hide the damage; when investigators examined the car, they found it peppered with rice from the groceries the victim was carrying.
This is why I like Phil Gaimon. The LA-based former pro is using his new-found celebrity to support No Kid Hungry, stopping in Houston to talk cycling, charity and cookies as part of a nationwide fundraising tour for the group.
An Oklahoma man faces charges for using his car as a weapon to run down a bike rider following a drug deal gone bad.
Chicago bike riders respond to recent deaths by saying the city is falling behind in protecting bicyclists by failing to build more protected lanes and requiring side guards on trucks, along with keeping people and businesses from parking in bike lanes.
A New York State man has been sentenced to 28 months to seven years behind bars for killing a bike rider while driving drunk, then driving home, changing cars and coming back to the scene; he drove to the sheriff’s office to turn himself in after seeing the victim’s body lying in the street.
North Carolina’s Department of Transportation is complaining that local officials and residents don’t want their quiet country roads turned into virtual superhighways. Go figure.
Ben Affleck is one of us, riding his muddy bike through the streets of New Orleans.
I want to be like him when I grow up, too. A Florida pastor celebrates his birthday by riding his age with an 82-mile journey.
A Florida bike rider rolls through a stop sign on a bike path, and into the path of a driver who doesn’t bother to stop — neither before, or for very long after hitting him. And throws his hands up in frustration when he realizes going to get hit. The video captures the full crash, so be sure you really want to see that before clicking the link.
A Vancouver man is the latest bicyclist to ride every street in his own city.
She gets it. A Toronto op-ed writer says if we want people to give up their cars, we have to fix our streets first. Meanwhile, a writer for City Lab says it will take more than an app to get people out of their cars.
And we thought LA had bad streets. Over 250 people on bicycles have been injured or killed by potholes in the UK.
A English man broke a 133-year old record by riding a Penny Farthing 874 miles from one end of Britain to the other, breaking the old record by 13 hours. Of course, one reason the record stood so long is because it was set on a Penny Farthing.
A British police conduct board has concluded that officers aren’t responsible for the death of a 75-year old man pushing his bicycle up a hill, who was killed by a driver trying to escape the cops at speeds up to 80 mph.
An Irish senator accepted a challenge to get out on a bike himself after tweeting a complaint about bike riders last week, and concludes that maybe he should have seen the conditions bicyclists actually face on the streets before complaining.
They get it, too. Germany is planning to expand bicycling infrastructure and dedicate more road space to bike riders to protect them and fight climate change.
Bicycles are making a comeback in Calcutta, aka Kolkata, after being banned from 174 major streets until just 17 years ago.
A drunken hit-and-run driver talks about the emotional weight she carries after killing a 15-year old New Zealand boy riding his bike last year, and how hard she was slapped on the wrist by being confined to her home for a whole 11 months. Although it probably doesn’t compare to the emotional burden the kid’s parents will carry for the rest of their lives.
A trio of Kiwi brothers are making names for themselves throughout New Zealand for their mountain biking skills — even if the oldest is just 12-years old.
Competitive Cycling
Evidently, the pros feel the same way we do. Four months after Italian cyclist Alessandro de Marchi was seriously injured when he crashed out of the Tour de France, he was livid after a dangerously close pass on a training ride nearly put him back in the emergency room; naturally, the driver told him to go to hell when he complained.
America’s only remaining Tour de France winner looks over the crop of rising young American cyclists, and concludes there may be hope for us yet.
Every superhero has an origin story. British cyclist Katie Archibald relates how hanging out with the fixie crowd led to track racing in Edinburgh — and eventually an Olympic gold medal. A reminder that you never know where riding a bike could take you. Or the kids just starting out.
Nothing like a romantic bike ride after getting dissed by Taylor Swift fans. Before stealing London’s longest bike, you might want to consider whether you can actually sell it.
And if you want to advertise bikes by showing a kid riding one on a beachfront pathway, maybe make sure bikes are even allowed there first.
Category: Morning Links / Tags: bicycle boulevards, bicycle safety, bicycling, bike helmets, Hollywood, Los Angeles, the great helmet debate, World Day of Remembrance, Yucca Street
Morning Links: More bike helmet studies, bicyclist badly injured in Burbank crash, and booby trapped trails in West SFV
September 20, 2019 / bikinginla / One comment
A quick note — My brother should arrive in Los Angeles Monday evening on his bike tour of the Western US, I plan to publish on Monday, after all.
More fuel for the never-ending bike helmet debate.
Another new study suggests that wearing a bike helmet can significantly reduce the risk of severe injury or death.
The British study examined over 6,600 people brought to hospital emergency rooms for bicycling related injuries, and found 61.5% of the injured bicyclists for whom data on helmet use was available were wearing a bike helmet at the time of the crash.
That compares to just 22% in the recent American study, which was limited to bike riders with head and neck injuries.
The British study showed that use of a bike helmet was associated with a “reduction in severe traumatic brain injury, death within 30 days of the injury, the need for intensive care, and ‘neurosurgical intervention,'” as well as a reduction in traumatic brain injuries and facial injuries.
Although as I’ve been reminded many times, correlation does not equal causation.
Meanwhile, neurosurgeons at a Toronto hospital are calling for mandatory bike helmets for children and adults, but the city rejected a proposal to require them for kids.
And Road Bike Action Magazine reviews Bontrager’s new WaveCel helmets, and finds the improvement in safety is offset by it feeling hot on slow rides and heavy on long ones.
Bike helmet photo by Projekt_Kaffeebart from Pixabay.
Bad news from Burbank, where a bike rider suffered major injuries in a collision; unfortunately, there’s no further information at this time.
Burbank Police Officers currently working a major injuries traffic accident involving a bicyclist Lake St and Alameda AVOID THE AREA as there are lanes closed in all directions. pic.twitter.com/uStZ9KgMIh
— myBurbank News (@myBurbankNEWS) September 20, 2019
Thanks to Bean for the heads-up.
Michael Kim sends word that someone has been booby trapping mountain bike trails in the West San Fernando Valley.
As we’ve said before, when they catch the jerk — or jerks — responsible, they should face attempted murder charges at the very least, if terrorism charges, because this is a blatant attempt to frighten bicyclists off the trails.
Thanks to Michael Kim for the news.
I’m told that Alana Ealy, the road-raging driver who intentionally slammed her car into bike rider Quatrell Stallings as he blocked the intersection where Frederick “Woon” Frazier was killed in a hit-and-run the day before, has been sentenced to a well-deserved five years behind bars.
Ealy had quarreled with several other protesters, left the scene and returned prior to the exceptionally violent assault captured in the video below.
She was finally taken into custody after a two month manhunt by police; no word on who, if anyone, will get the standing $25,000 reward for her capture and conviction.
The US House of Representatives has voted to award the Congressional Gold Medal to America’s last remaining Tour de France winner.
The resolution to honor Greg LeMond now must be approved by the Senate and signed by President Trump.
However, Trump’s approval should be a given, since LeMond competed in the president’s eponymous bike race as he was making his comeback after getting shot by his brother-in-law.
A pair of bighearted LAPD officers dug into their own pockets to buy a new bicycle for a hit-and-run victim whose bike was destroyed in a head-on collision.
Complete with panniers, no less.
We would love to thank Officer Redican & Senior Lead Officer Pelayo in donating a bicycle to one of our hit & run victims, Gabriel Lopez! His bicycle was destroyed from the head on collision and it was his means to get to and from work. Thank You Officers Redican & Pelayo. pic.twitter.com/q6b69ZDeYv
— LAPDCTD (@LAPDCTD24) September 20, 2019
CiclaValley visits the Valley Glen intersection where LADOT crossing guard Delia Huerta Arrearan was killed in a collision that also injured a student on Monday.
Looking at the #ValleyGlen intersection where two people were hit Monday morning. @StreetsblogLA @StreetsR4Every1 https://t.co/0rybuHvlvl
— CiclaValley – Zachary (@Ciclavalley) September 17, 2019
The crowdfunding page for her family is now up to $3,555 of the $15,000 goal.
The annual Eastside Mural Ride takes place tomorrow. I’m told it’s a great ride. And one I’ll look forward to doing myself one of these days.
Come through for a chill bike ride and appreciate some of the most beautiful murals in #BoyleHeights & #EastLA pic.twitter.com/zYqJO8AVVs
— (╯°□°）╯︵∀⊥ᴚƎ∩H ⋊ƆIᴚƎ (@ElRandomHero) September 19, 2019
Here’s your chance to grab a free poster honoring SoCal’s two new junior world champs.
Anyone in #bikela, this is going to be a collector’s item for sure. These young ladies are going far. Get over to Carson now and get your poster! @bikinginla https://t.co/ueSeRoO2UO
— David Huntsman (@DavidMHuntsman) September 20, 2019
Thanks to David Huntsman for the tip.
No surprise here, as a British police department sent an undercover cop out on a bicycle, and discovered exactly what bike riders face on the roads.
We've sent an unmarked police bike out on the streets of the West Midlands to look out for drivers putting lives at risk. This is what we caught on camera. Get the full story ➡ https://t.co/cvdNj35rNV pic.twitter.com/EtTV4xLqKW
— West Midlands Police (@WMPolice) September 19, 2019
Clearly, things are no different on that side of the Atlantic than they are here.
Although just 84 drivers behaving badly in a metropolitan area of nearly three million seems just a tad low.
Now that’s a smart idea.
Wow. In South Korea, built this bike lane covered by #solar panels. Cyclists are isolated from traffic, protected from the sun, and produces #cleanenergy at the same time!
We have the solutions, implement them. #ActOnClimate#Climate #energy #solutions #cdnpoli #GreenNewDeal pic.twitter.com/2SdPOH1A96
— Mike Hudema (@MikeHudema) September 19, 2019
Congratulations to LA-based Cero, whose e-cargo bike won gold at the recent Euro Bike show.
https://twitter.com/CERObikes/status/1174762497028452352
Everyone who thinks Cero should sponsor my site with a new cargo bike raise your hands.
Seriously, I could use one to replace my car, and give our next dog a ride in that big basket when we find one.
The war on cars may be a myth, but the war on bikes is all too real.
A New York bike rider was attacked by a pedestrian who kicked him off his bike and threatened to kill him. But says gaslighting by the cops was worse than his injuries.
But sometimes it’s the people on bikes behaving badly.
Or in this case, a grocery chain, as the Whole Foods in New York’s Bowery neighborhood is hogging the sidewalk with industrial-strength bikes and trailers for their Amazon Prime Now delivery service.
Nice to see Josef Bray-Ali is continuing his old Flying Pigeon tradition of the Get Sum Dim Sum ride, following the implosion of his failed city council campaign in CD1.
Curbed looks forward to next year’s Arroyo Fest, which will shut down a seven-mile stretch of the historic Arroyo Seco Parkway, aka the 110 Freeway, to cars and open it up to people for the first time in 16 years.
Streetsblog says California’s proposed Complete Streets bill needs your support as it sits on Governor Newsom’s desk awaiting his signature.
Encinitas is considering installing protected bike lanes on the coast highway, replacing the current painted lanes.
Sad news from San Diego, where a 47-year old man suffered major head injuries after allegedly riding his bike through a red light on a T-shaped intersection in Kearny Mesa; he was allegedly riding salmon, as well.
If you’re headed to the annual Adams Avenue Street Fair in San Diego this weekend, ride your bike and take advantage of the bike valet.
Drivers were so confused by new bicycle traffic lights on a Monterey bike lane that the city covered them up until they can come up with a fix.
The San Francisco Chronicle hops in the way back machine to go 25 years into the past for a look at the original Critical Mass rides.
Tsk tsk. Indoor cycling firm Peloton is facing $300 million in damages, up from $150 million, after music publishing companies discover even more tunes they allegedly used without permission.
Your bike already looks like a work of art, so hang it like one.
Lyft is adding bike lane maps to their apps to encourage safer bikeshare and e-scooter rides.
Life is cheap in Oregon, where a red light-running driver who killed a blind man walking in a marked crosswalk won’t spend one lousy day behind bars.
You only have ten more days to buy a new cargo ebike from a Texas startup designed especially for riding with your dog.
Go hogs! The University of Arkansas is offering a free bike valet to cut vehicular traffic to their stadium for Saturday’s football game. Maybe UCLA and USC should consider doing the same. Except maybe not maybe.
Wisconsin prosecutors rule that a police officer was justified in fatally shooting an armed 18-year old bike rider who fled after getting pulled over for not having a light on his bike. Even though he had dropped his gun and doesn’t appear to have made a move for it before he was shot.
Chicago police are looking into whether a masked bike rider who shot a woman walking along on a sidewalk is linked to a similar attack in June.
They get it. Kalamazoo MI approves plans for a road diet, bike lanes and pedestrian improvements. Yet no word on residents rising up to demand their car lanes back, unlike a certain SoCal city we could all name.
Horrible news from Kentucky, where a little girl was killed when she fell off her bike, and her neck was impaled by the hand brakes on her handlebars; even worse, it happened on her ninth birthday. Unfortunately, tragedies like that happen several times a year, yet bike makers continue to sell kids bikes with dangerous brake levers. And the government continues to look the other way.
That’s a new one. An arsonist in Ithaca NY has been setting Lime Bike handgrips on fire.
Yet another Long Beach NY community wants to criminalize teenage bike riders for scaring and inconveniencing people in cars with ride-outs, instead of trying to find a way to accommodate an otherwise healthy activity intended to keep kids out of gangs.
Despite the seemingly endless rants of bike lane opponents, the New York Fire Department says cars and construction, not bike lanes, are the reason their response times are up nearly 30 seconds in the past four years.
Bike Snob’s Eben Weiss explains why he loves riding in New York City, despite the risk. But adds that “cycling in this or any city should not be the exclusive domain of the death-defying.” Amen on both counts.
A writer for Streetsblog says NY mayor and still presidential candidate for reasons no one can comprehend Bill de Basio’s Vision Zero is just a blood-soaked joke.
A Newark NJ mom writes a friendly letter to the thief who stole her bike, complete with the toddler seat in front.
No windshield bias here. A Kentucky congressman says DC shouldn’t become a state because it would make it too hard to park. And yes, he appears to be serious.
A Florida man faces charges for a sword fight with an unarmed pregnant woman in a dispute over a bicycle.
A bike co-op in Florida is allowing community members to ride out with a new bicycle as long as they’re willing to work a little for it.
Who needs paint when you can just wrap your frame in vinyl?
London, Ontario police and officials are coming under fire for a traffic safety crackdown that also targets pedestrians and people on bicycles. Just like all the ones frequently held in California. Although that’s required under California law, which prohibits targeting any specific group. Like drivers, for instance.
Dutch companies will be able to provide their employees with company bicycles starting next year, just like they do company cars. But employees will lose the 19¢ per mile they get for riding their own bikes.
Apparently, all it takes to qualify for the 2020 Olympic Cycling Team is winning a world championship, like world mountain bike champ Kate Courtney.
Outside profiles former world mountain bike champ Kirt Voreis and his many injuries.
Odd story from the UK’s The Courier, which says pro road cycling is on the right tracks (sic), then goes on to discuss the problems with team sponsorships and racing’s failed financial model.
Unless you want to fork out the cash for NBC’s cycling pass, you’re screwed if you want to watch next week’s road world championships.
Signs maybe you’ve been riding your bike too much. If you ride naked with a group of people, it’s a statement; if you ride naked alone, you’re just a two-wheeled flasher.
And maybe they meant along instead of across. Otherwise, it’s going to be a very short trip.
Category: Morning Links / Tags: Alana Ealy, anti-bike sabotage, bicycle collision, bicycling, bicycling injuries, bighearted cops, bike helmets, bike safety, LAPD, Los Angeles, Quatrell Stallings, San Fernando Valley, the great helmet debate
Dangerous driver alert, cyclist critically injured in West LA, and your fresh summer solstice links
June 21, 2012 / bikinginla / 5 comments
I received the following email last night, urging cyclists to be on the lookout for a dangerous driver who continues to drive despite a restricted — and possibly suspended — license.
And despite seriously injuring a cyclist in a collision late last month.
URGENT -Dangerous Driver Alert If you ride the Rockstore Loop you should be very concerned. (Agoura Road, Cornell Road, Mulholland Between Cornell & Lake Vista Dr.)
The Vehicle: 2012 Red Hyundai Elantra License 6TLN???* Damage to right front & right side. Missing right side mirror.
On 5/30/2012 @ 6:30 AM Local Cyclist Richard Harris sustained serious injuries and was Life Flighted to UCLA when he was run down from behind by a 45 MPH car while riding in the bike lane on Cornell Road � mile N of Mulholland. The 88 year old Driver of the car lives in Malibu Lake and is continuing to drive even though she has a restricted and possibly suspended license. She regularly drives back and forth between Malibu Lake & Agoura. This driver has been involved in multiple serious accidents in the last six months. The DMV has already been notified by the CHP that she needs a priority reexamination of her license. However she continues to drive in violation if the restrictions placed on her. If you see her driving call 911 so the CHP can impound her car.
*I’ve removed the last three digits of the license number to protect the online privacy of the driver; if you see a car matching that description with the first four digits of the license, contact the police and let them determine if it’s the right car.
And whatever you do, don’t try to deal with the situation yourself.
Thanks to Michael Byerts, Henry Hsieh and Steve Herbert for the heads-up.
A UC Berkeley and Santa Monica College student is critically injured in a collision with an SUV while riding her bike home last week. Tragically, her mother and sister discovered her lying in the street no more than a minute after the collision; she’s reportedly doing well, despite suffering life-threatening injuries.
Once again, the great helmet debate rears its ugly head. This time in our neighbor to the north.
No, further north.
The Ontario, Canada chief coroner gets it right by saying all of the 129 cycling deaths in the province since 2006 could have been prevented. And responds by calling for a 14-point plan to prevent bicycling deaths — including a mandatory helmet law.
And that’s where the argument starts.
A writer for the National Post says prove helmets are effective before making them mandatory, while Quebec pediatricians call for a law mandating helmet use for children.
The Toronto Star says the coroner is right, while a Toronto writer likes most of the suggestions, except for that damn helmet law. Windsor cyclists say it’s a matter of choice; the local paper calls for better education — and maybe mandatory helmets. The Ottawa Citizen says it should be an adult’s choice, which is exactly my take on the subject, even though I never ride without one.
Meanwhile, cyclists call for easing British Columbia’s helmet law, while a letter writer says they must be brain dead. The Daily News says repealing the law would send the wrong message, noting the outcry that would occur if the requirement to wear a seat belt was withdrawn.
Then again, unlike bike helmets, seat belts are designed to offer protection in crashes above 12.5 mph.
And an Anchorage AK writer suggests bike lanes would do more to make riders safe than requiring — or even wearing — helmets.
The San Francisco cyclist charged with killing a pedestrian while allegedly trying to beat his time on Strava enters a not guilty plea. Meanwhile, the family of a fallen cyclist files suit against Strava for encouraging dangerous riding. And Strava changes their terms and conditions to absolve themselves of any responsibility for anything anyone does using their service; good luck with that.
And Dave Moulton wisely advises riders not to play pretend racer on city streets — and somehow does it without using the words jerk, idiot or anything derived from four-letter words; I’m not sure I could show that kind of restraint.
Bike share takes to the streets in Salt Lake City and New York, where the Post calls it a money-wasting crazed campaign backed by cycling-advocate groups and their stooges.
The bikelash rises in an attempt to stop a planned road diet on Honolulu Ave in Glendale, so City Council members delay a decision until July 10th. A writer for Patch explains the arguments for and against.
As noted here last week, Heal the Bay and Mountains Restoration Trust are calling for mountain bikers to help clean up sections of Malibu Creek State Park to remote to reach on foot this Saturday. The LA Sheriff Cycling Team hosts 350 riders for the second annual Ride 2 Recovery Honor Ride; thanks to George Wolfberg for the heads-up. The long awaited Main Street bike lanes are on their way, while the Source questions whether it’s legal to park in them; short answer, not in Los Angeles, where parking in bike lanes in banned by local ordinance — even if the police don’t seem to know that. Over 200 riders took part in this year’s L.A. World Naked Bike Ride. L.A. riders recreate the famous flying bike scene from E.T. — without the flying, of course. Letter writers to the Times call for protecting pedestrians from cyclists, although one notes that you can’t blame all riders for the actions of a few. Richard Risemberg discovers the Graffiti Bridge. Four Santa Monica schools will take part in the Safe Routes to Schools program.
A harrowing report on a left-cross collision from Orange County’s cdmCyclist; oddly, the badly injured rider found a link to his own collision right here. San Clemente is seeking funding to develop smart bicycling signs riders can scan with a cell phone to get local information. A San Diego writer says biking in that city means literally risking his life, while another is stunned to discover cyclists have a right to use the whole lane. Two San Mateo men are charged with deliberately running two boys off the road, as well as threatening them with a knife. Three years in San Quentin and a lifetime driving ban for a Saratoga hit-and-run driver with one prior DUI. Sadly, the retiring Sonoma State University professor severely injured by a hit-and-run driver — who said he didn’t stop because he had to get to work — has died of his injuries. A not guilty plea from an accused Bay Area hit-and-run driver with three prior DUIs; why is someone with a record like that even allowed on the road? BART police arrest a Major bike thief.
AASHTO, the national association of state departments of transportation, updates its guidelines but leaves out cycle tracks. A Portland cyclist credits the movie 127 Hours with inspiring him to climb back up a ravine with a broken neck, eight broken ribs and both lungs punctured after he rode off the road at 41 mph. Grim stars join in on Portland’s partly naked bike ride. Issaquah firefighters buy a new bike for a 4th grade boy after his is broken by a careless driver. In a bizarre twist, a Washington town may not be able to afford its mandatory helmet law; thanks again to George Wolfberg for the link. Colorado’s Attorney General seizes $300,000 worth of bogus bike parts and jerseys; this is why you have to be careful about buying from unknown sources. Cyclists are divided on installing a protected bikeway in Lincoln NE. Springfield Cyclist looks back on a successful Ride the Rockies. It’s time to take back the bike lane in Chicago. Dottie of Let’s Go Ride a Bike declares jerk driver season officially open; it takes a real jerk to steal a bike from a Michigan boy with cerebral palsy. The police chief of Grand Rapids MI crashes into two boys on a bike. A New York paper points out pedestrians have little to fear from us pedalists, but everyone has to worry about cars. Why do police always assume a cyclist simply fell over when they find a badly injured rider on the road; sideswiping a rider could also result in serious injuries without damaging the bike.
Canada’s transport minister rejects a requirement for trucks to have side guards to protect cyclists and pedestrians; evidently, saving lives isn’t worth offending the trucking lobby. An Alberta cyclist asks local residents to control their dogs. The Economist says more UK residents are riding bikes, but it’s still a niche activity. London’s Boris Bikes bike share program is swindled out of £42,000. It takes a real schmuck to steal a man’s bike after he suffers a heart attack while riding. A 13-year old UK bike rider is killed by a driver racing his girlfriend at 80 mph, after his car flips and hits two girls riding on a bike path. With more people riding bikes, the Irish Times questions just how safe their streets really are. Even in Israel, deeply observant riders can’t compete in the national championships because their held on the Sabbath.
Finally, your next bicycle could fly; no, really. And a Massachusetts cyclist has his bike and jewelry stolen by a sausage-wielding attacker.
Category: Bicycle Safety, Car vs Bike, General, Injuries and Fatalities / Tags: bicycle injuries, bicycling, BOLO alert, cyclist critically injured, dangerous drivers, just the links, Los Angeles, Malibu, the great helmet debate
Your chance to write for Biking in LA; more on the great helmet debate
December 2, 2010 / bikinginla / 3 comments
We're trading this...
If you’ve ever had something you’ve wanted to say about bicycling in Los Angeles — or anywhere else, for that matter — this is your chance.
My wife and I will be moving in about a week. Actually, we’re only going a couple of blocks, trading our million dollar view for the opportunity to finally have that dog she’s always wanted. Which means I’ll be spending most of the next few weeks packing and unpacking, rather than writing about biking. Or anything else, for that matter.
So this is where you come in.
...for something like this.
If you’d like to write something for this blog, feel free. Just keep it on topic — that is, about bicycling in general, or more specifically as it applies to the greater Los Angeles area.
Maybe you have a complaint you want to get off your chest, or suggestions for how riding can be made safer. You could write about your own experiences, or tell a story you heard from a friend. Or share with L.A. riders what it’s like in your far flung corner of the world.
Maybe you have your own blog, and want to reach a wider — or just different — audience. I’ll even open it up to those PR people who email me from time to time to pitch their products or events if they have something interesting to share.
Just email me at bikinginla at hotmail dot com, and share your thoughts with the world. Or at least, that two-wheeled segment of it that stops by here every day.
And in the meantime, I’ll do my best to keep up with the latest happenings, and keep you informed until things get back to normal.
Whatever that is.
The great helmet debate just doesn’t seem to be going away.
Ross Del Duca, whose Just Another Cyclist blog is another stop on my daily reading list, thinks it’s time we had some real, verifiable data as part of the discussion. But while he’s ambivalent on using one, he comes down decidedly against making helmet use mandatory.
Statistics show that up to 98% of cyclists killed in traffic collisions weren’t wearing helmets. And it’s true that a plurality of cycling deaths result from head injuries, though estimates range from 40% to over 62%.
But the question remains whether those head injuries would have been survivable even if they had been wearing helmets.
What too many people fail to consider is that bike helmets are only designed to provide full protection up to 12.5 mph, and partial protection up to 20 mph. In impacts well above that — which aren’t unusual in car collisions — the rider may as well be wearing a tissue on his or her head.
Or using a magic talisman to ward off injury, as Bob Mionske noted.
And even the most effective helmet won’t do a damn thing to protect against injuries to any other part of your body.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m a firm believer in wearing a helmet every time I ride. But only once in 30 years of riding, and four riding accidents serious enough to require medical care, was one necessary. In that case, it probably saved my life.
But that’s just once in somewhere north of 5,000 rides and 200,000 miles, give or take.
The simple fact is, a helmet is far from the magic safety device some people seem to think. Even if a mandatory helmet law resulted in 100% compliance — which is far from likely — it’s a hell of a lot better to avoid collisions than trust in a helmet to save your life.
We’d save more lives by teaching riders safe cycling skills, enforcing existing traffic laws and demanding that motorists drive safely and pay attention to the road, than we could possibly save by requiring everyone to wear a helmet.
Unbelievably, a judge upholds the blatantly illegal Blackhawk CO bike ban. Or perhaps, all too believable, considering it was a local municipal judge; real justice will only be found on the state level, assuming the case is appealed.
LACBC calls on cyclists to support the Wilshire Bus Rapid Transit lane at the December 9th Metro Board meeting. As they note, bikes would be allowed to share the lane with buses, and the road would be repaved — finally fixing the deadly pothole-riddled section local riders call The Gauntlet and making Wilshire a viable biking route during rush hour.
The next CicLAvia will take place on Sunday, April 10th. Writing for KPCC, Todd Munson offers a biking gift guide that doesn’t suck. Redondo cyclists will soon get wider bike lanes to put cyclists outside the door zone. Courtesy of my friends at Altadenablog comes word the annual Tour of Altadena bike ride will take place on Saturday the 4th, beginning at 9 am.
A change in the newly elected city council puts a planned Santa Rosa bike bridge in peril. Fresno commits to becoming bike-friendlier; evidently, they’re doing a damn good job of it. A Sacramento driver is arrested for hit-and-run after slightly injuring a cyclist, and found with narcotics hidden in her clothing — and her infant son in the car; link courtesy of Witch on a Bicycle. After a cyclist is killed, a Los Altos resident suggests a new state law banning parking or stopping in a bike lane within 250 feet of a school during rush hours; I have a better idea — how about just banning parking or stopping in a bike lane, period?
A Utah professor finally comes home two years after being paralyzed in a biking accident. City Fix examines the backlash against New York bike lanes. A commentator on Versus says it’s time to stop killing cyclists. Data shows cyclists ride faster on Wednesdays; can’t say I did that, though. Nova Scotia passes a 1 metre — 3.28 feet — passing law.
London’s bike share program faces its toughest test as it opens to tourists and casual users. Bike Revolution discusses the importance of registering your bike so you can prove it’s your if it is stolen; they offer a free, global registration service. The UK’s Merseyside region meets their goal of a 10% increase in cycling a year ahead of schedule. Ten months for killing a postie on his way to work. Yet another former world champion receives a two year ban for doping, this time after Igor Astarloa had already retired. Aussie authorities look for the idiot who strung electrical wire at waist level across a popular bikeway.
Finally, advice to cyclists — don’t get drunk before riding your bike to the police station. Seriously. And in a textbook example of a complete and total jerk, before fleeing the scene, a West Memphis motorist stops just long enough to tell the seven-year old child he hit not to call the police because he — the driver — doesn’t have insurance.
Category: General / Tags: bicycling, Los Angeles, the great helmet debate
Evidently, juries blame the bike-riding victims too
November 17, 2010 / bikinginla / 15 comments
Maryland injury lawyer Ronald V. Miller, Jr. forwarded a couple of interesting links.
They show that while the average jury award in a bike case is $279,970, the median is only $50,000, thanks to a handful of high verdicts that skew the average. And they reveal that cyclists only prevail in 41% of cases — something that hasn’t significantly changed in the past 20 years.
In case you wonder why, you only have to look as far the comment section of virtually any online story about bicycling. There are people who just don’t like cyclists and don’t think we belong on the roads — and believe anything that happens to us as a result is our fault, regardless of what the law says.
And those are some of the same people you’ll find in jury pools.
To put it in perspective, motorcyclists injured by cars — hardly a popular group in our society — prevail in court roughly two-thirds of the time.
Which means we’re even less sympathetic to jurors than your neighborhood biker.
As Miller’s legal partner, Laura G. Zois, put it,
The motorcycle thing (that) drives our lawyers crazy is when we know our client is a motorcyclist who did the right thing and the defense lawyer is just using the bias against motorcyclists in a way that completely ignores the real facts. But I’m amazed this same bias also exists to bike riders.
Miller himself adds,
I think the relatively low success rate of bicycle accident cases at trial is a general bias against bikes that may be even stronger than the bias against motorcycles. Many jurors, who typically drive cars, simply think bicycles shouldn’t be on the road.
However, one place I disagree with him is that, like our mayor, he calls for a mandatory helmet law.
While I never ride without one — and credit mine for saving my life in the Infamous Beachfront Bee Encounter a few years back — I think making helmet use mandatory would be counterproductive.
As others have pointed out, despite the low rate of helmet use in many parts of Europe, the injury rate is also significantly lower, which many people ascribe to the greater number of cyclists on the road and greater emphasis on accident prevention. And there is evidence to suggest that the reduction in injury rates in areas with helmet laws is due to a decline in ridership after the law takes effect, rather than an actual reduction in the rate of injuries per mile travelled.
I think a program to encourage helmet use — such as a tax break for buying a helmet or a discount on insurance rates for using one — would do far more to increase the number of riders who wear one, as opposed to a more punitive approach that might only increase the percentage of helmet use, while reducing the actual number cyclists on the road.
On the other hand, one study I haven’t seen yet is the effect helmet use has on jury verdicts.
I have a feeling most jurors would look far more favorably on an injured rider with a skid lid than one without one.
And be far more likely to blame the helmetless rider for his own injuries.
I love this comment from Meghan Kavanagh on her Facebook page; made, she said, in frustration after nearly getting run over from both directions while in a crosswalk:
We should not have to educate seniors, pedestrians, and cyclists on how to deal with reckless drivers. We should stop the reckless driving.
Pretty much sums it up, doesn’t it?
Cyclist and attorney Ross Hirsch updates his webpage, and looks like the bike attorney he is. Mayor Villaraigosa’s bicycle proposals go before the Metro board on Thursday. Car-less Valley Girl finds her bike helmet a useful prop for social interaction. Stripes hit the L.A. River Bike Path through Elysian Valley. The Claremont Cyclist discovers the joys of the unexpected. Turns out the “don’t touch my junk” guy is one of us. Bicycle cops are the best bet for improving campus security. The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition gives out free lights to Ninja cyclists by the Bay. Cyclelicious demonstrates how to avoid the door zone; SF Streetsblog asks if you should say anything to riders who ride there.
An appropriately named Boulder, CO cyclist is arrested for biking under the influence with a BAC of .215. The ups and downs of bike commuting, and a look at Chicago’s Cocktail Party Ride. European car manufacturers are getting on the bike bandwagon; will Detroit follow suit? Can death and serious injury ever be eliminated from our roadways? An off-duty Connecticut police officer was drinking before he ran down a teenage cyclist, but fellow officers neglected to give him a blood test; link courtesy of Urban Velo. Advocacy group People for Bikes gathers their 150,000th pledge; you’ll find mine somewhere around 20,000 or so.
The lead investigator in the Lance Armstrong Inquisition meets with the French anti-doping agency. A London cyclist finds her stolen bike, only to have it slip through her fingers. Regular exercise, such as bicycling, is one of the best things you can do for your health.
Finally, after the year with no summer, this is what November looks like on the beach. And it turns out the reason we need a Subway to the Sea is that above ground rail has been permanently barred from Wilshire Blvd, as in forever.
A couple quick personal notes — a speedy recovery to Rach, who survived a silent collision with a Prius last night, and says she managed to capture a photo of the suspect. Welcome to Cheryl T, who recently bought a bike and joined the L.A. cycling community; remember, new girl buys the donuts. And happy anniversary to LAPD Chief Beck, who in one year has done more to improve relations with the cycling community than all the chiefs who came before.
Category: General / Tags: anti-bike bias, bicycling, legal action, Ronald V. Miller Jr., the great helmet debate
Riding with a Greasy Wiener, Manhattan non-cyclists ticketed, the Vuelta rolls in España
Only in L.A. could a quick spin along the coast lead result in a Greasy Weiner, getting chased by a Balrog and discovering a badly malfunctioning calendar.
Let’s take that in reverse order.
Seriously, August skies should not look like this in Southern California.
On an otherwise hot and sunny August day, I rolled into Venice and stopped near the pier to scarf down a quick snack. And found myself suddenly transported into mid-January, as the fog rolled in and the temperature dropped a dozen or so degrees in a matter of minutes.
Maybe it’s just me, but I want a do-over on this summer. While the rest of the country has sweltered in record-breaking heat, L.A. cyclists have been donning cold weather gear when we head to the beach.
In August, no less.
Fortunately, the skies cleared a few hundred yards north as I continued on my way, even if it didn’t warm up all that much. Then as I approached Santa Monica, a work crew was setting up the stage for that evening’s concert on the pier.
Evidently, they were doing a sound check, using a bass drum to tap out a steady rhythm so they could check out the levels.
Maybe I’ve read the Lord of the Rings too many times over the years. But as soon as I entered the tunnel under the pier, the boom of the drum reverberating through the timbers, I was instantly transported to the Mines of Moria, with an angry Balrog hot on my trail.
Doom. Doom. Doom…
Fortunately, I managed to escape out the other side, without the assistance of Gandalf the Grey. And found myself surrounded with something far more frightening — a path clogged with tourists as far as the eye could see.
I’ll take Balrogs and Orcs over tourists any day. Nothing personal.
Somehow, though, after numerous stops and starts, swerves and shouted warnings, I managed to make it past the pier area and continued north to where the path ends, dumping riders who want to continue just a little further into the parking lot above Temescal Canyon.
A Greasy Wiener on the beach. Damn, that just cracks me up.
And as I rounded the curve into the final lot, I spotted one of the leading celebrities in L.A.’s food truck boom.
It could just be me. But there was something funny as hell in the idea of stumbling upon a Greasy Weiner on the beach.
Maybe I just need a little more sleep.
In the most shocking news since the Mayor’s conversion to bike activist, a rollerblader is actually ticketed for skating on the Marvin Bruade bike path in Manhattan Beach — despite years of nearly universally ignored “bike only” markings. According to the Beach Reporter,
But the juxtaposition of bicycles, joggers, skateboarders and rollerbladers can lead to disaster on the bike path, according to city police, and bike path violations lead to an infraction and court date.
“It’s dangerous,” said Manhattan Beach Traffic Lt. Andy Harrod. “Bicycles and skaters and joggers just don’t mix.”
Note to Santa Monica: Evidently, it’s actually possible to enforce that restriction, after all. Who knew, huh? Thanks to Jim Lyle for the heads-up.
The media jumps in on the helmet debate, as an ER physician says wearing a helmet is “the single most important thing you can do to determine whether you live or die” in a bike accident, while the BBC notes it may not offer as much protection as you think. A Chicago writer and bike commuter says she didn’t know the subject was up for debate, but Obama has decided to wear one after all; I wonder if the GOP will call that a flip-flop. And bike injuries and deaths cost the country over $5 billion a year.
Meanwhile, a bill requiring mandatory helmet use for underage snowboarders awaits the governors signature, a mandatory bike helmet law for adults could be next; thanks to Brent for the tip.
(For anyone who’s not clear on the subject, I’m for helmet use but against making them mandatory, with all due apologies to our new mayoral BFF.)
The last of the year’s Grand Tours kicks off this weekend, as the legendary Vuelta a España — aka, Tour of Spain — starts with a team time trial; Contador is out, which means the field is wide open. My money is on Andy Schleck, but I’d like to see what a healthy Christian Vande Velde can do.
In upcoming events:
Chinatown Summer Nights hosts its final weekend in Downtown’s Chinatown District from 5 pm to midnight, with DJs, food trucks, and cultural and cooking demonstrations, among other activities; free bike valet courtesy of LACBC.
Sunday, August 29th, LACBC hosts a breakfast and brainstorming session for River Ride volunteers; RSVP by email for more information and location.
Sunday must be volunteer day; CicLAvia is looking for volunteers for outreach canvassing along the CicLAvia route, starting at 3:30 pm on the 29th at Shatto Park; other volunteer opportunities will take place over the coming weeks. Email CicLAviaVolunteer [at] gmail.com if you’d like to pitch in.
LACBC hosts their second monthly mixer from 6 to 8 pm on Wednesday, September 1st at LACBC’s Downtown headquarters, 634 S. Spring Street. It’s a great chance to meet the staff, learn what the organization is doing and maybe even join up yourself or bring in a prospective member.
The curtain parts on the L.A. Bicycle Film Festival this Wednesday, September 1st and runs through the 5th; check the website for schedule and locations.
Flying Pigeon hosts a book signing with photographer and former D.A. Gil Garcetti (you may also know his son Eric) for his book Paris: Women and Bicycles on Thursday, September 9 at 7:30 pm. I had a chance to look it over at this year’s River Ride; if you love beautiful photographs of beautiful women on beautiful bikes in one of the world’s most beautiful cities — and who doesn’t? — this is a beautiful opportunity to meet the man behind the lens.
Make your plans for Parking Day LA on Sept. 17th.
Celebrate the third anniversary of C.R.A.N.K. MOB at C.R.A.N.K.MAS III, 9 pm on Saturday, September 18th and 7 am Sunday, September 19th; costumes mandatory.
Explore the effects of bicycles on art and culture at the Grand Opening of Re:Cycle — Bike Culture in Southern California, October 7th – 9th, at U.C. Riverside’s newly relocated Sweeney Art Gallery at the Barbara and Art Culver Center of the Arts, 3834 Main Street in downtown Riverside. A reception will be held from 6 – 10 pm Thursday, October 7th; the exhibition continues through December 31st.
New Belgium Brewery’s Tour de Fat makes its first L.A. stop on Saturday, October 23rd. The following day, Sony sponsors their bikeless Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon.
Streetsblog reports on Wednesday’s fundraiser. Gary looks back at last Sunday’s successful Tour da Arts. A San Diego cyclist rides 15 miles to celebrate surviving a near fatal head-on collision one year earlier. Courtesy of Cyclelicious, a common sense guide for fat cyclists; one thing I’ve noticed about overweight riders, if you keep at it, you probably won’t be overweight very long. Your next bike jersey could be made from coffee beans; that should perk you up on those early morning rides. An Iowa cycling champion is seriously injured in a collision with a car. An NYC cyclist is critically injured in a hit-and-run. An OKC writer says the roads are crowded with bad and inexperienced drivers, so bikes don’t belong on there; it’s been a long time since I studied Logic in college, but something just doesn’t seem right with that argument. Yet another misguided bike ban, as a Texas town bans bikes from any roads under construction; seriously, they swear it’s for our own safety. Baltimore bikers are getting beaten up by teenagers; maybe they should ban bikes there so we’ll be protected from B-town beat downs. The Onion says Lance has something to tell us, but you have to promise not to get mad (remember, it’s satire, folks). Should London’s bike share program provide helmets for riders who want them? A tip for lazy riders: pick a route with lots of hills. One more reason to ride — you won’t have to drive a car that runs on fecal matter.
Finally, now Copenhagen cyclists get bike butlers to pamper their illegally parked bikes; I need to live a good life so I can go there when I die.
Category: General / Tags: bicycling, calendar, Greasy Wiener food truck, Los Angeles, only in L.A., the great helmet debate, Vuelta a Espana
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Home Best in Australia Best Art Galleries in Hobart
Best Art Galleries in Hobart
Painting exhibit inside a gallery. Source Pexels
Below is a list of the top and leading Art Galleries in Hobart. To help you find the best Art Galleries located near you in Hobart, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.
Hobart’s Best Art Galleries:
The top rated Art Galleries in Hobart are:
Salamanca Arts Centre
Art Mob – Aboriginal Fine Art
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is Tasmania’s leading natural, cultural and heritage organisation. It is a combined museum, art gallery and herbarium which safeguards the physical evidence of Tasmania’s natural and cultural heritage, and the cultural identity of Tasmanians.
TMAG is Australia’s second-oldest museum and has its origins in the collections of Australia’s oldest scientific society, the Royal Society of Tasmania, established in 1843. The first permanent home of the museum opened on the corner of Argyle and Macquarie streets in 1863 and the museum has gradually expanded from this corner to occupy the entire city block.
Exhibitions, Courtyard Cafe, Events, House Museums, Decorative Arts, Photographic Collection, Tasmanian Herbarium
Address: Dunn Pl, Hobart TAS 7000
Website: www.tmag.tas.gov.au
“This museum is free and very informative. Here you will find a range of exhibits from birds and bugs to stones and native peoples. While I did not stop in the gift shop, I can say that the museum itself is a wonderful asset and if your ever in Hobart you should definitely stop in.” – K V
Salamanca Arts Centre is the cultural hub of Hobart and the heart of the arts in Tasmania. The buildings themselves house visual and performing arts practitioners, craft and design professionals, film companies, galleries, craft and design shops and retail outlets, arts organisations and public spaces. Rich in history and alive with contemporary arts experiences, exhibitions, music and theatre performances, readings, festivals, forums and workshops – The Salamanca Arts Centre represents the community spirit and passion for the arts that is so much a part of life in Tasmania.
Gallery, Art Experiences, Exhibitions, Music and Theatre Performances, Readings, Festivals, Forums and Workshops
Address: 77 Salamanca Pl, Battery Point TAS 7004
Website: www.salarts.org.au
“Superb facility, with theatre, gallery spaces and studios in a charming and historic building. Also contains some terrific shops selling artisan wares and gourmet food. Located on the Hobart waterfront, with some of the most lovely views just out the door.” – Leonard Low
Art Mob – Aboriginal Fine Art love helping people discover a whole new and exciting world of Fine Art. They have works from all over Australia. And they are also constantly growing in their appreciation of Aboriginal Fine Art. For over a decade their exhibitions and collections have introduced established and emerging artists to new and appreciative audiences resulting in many works finding homes in institutional collections as well as world class private collections.
Artists, Stock Works, Themes, Gallery
Address: 29 Hunter St, Hobart TAS 700jonathan wallis0
Website: www.artmob.com.au
“Fantastic knowledgeable staff and superb gallery.. literally all you want to know about Aboriginal art Australia wide. So good and also unusual to find such ethical and friendly people! Heartily recommend this gem of a gallery!” – jonathan wallis
Executive Editor at Best in Australia. Mike has spent over a decade covering news related to business leaders and entrepreneurs around Australia and across the world. You can contact Mike here.
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BestofAMA
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I am David Schwartz, composer of Arrested Development. AMA
is a composer, known for his scoring of the music for several television series. Notably, he composed most of the songs for Arrested Development, and he returned as the series composer for the fourth season, which debuted on Netflix.
Join me at the banana stand, I'll be playing some uke and answering any questions you'd like answered. http://i.imgur.com/G2DSeBM.jpg ||| Hey guys, it's way past my yogurt shake break, I'm very impressed by all of the thoughtful and knowledgable questions I've received. Some of you know more about the show than those of us who work on it. Trivia fact: If you check very carefully, in the first minute and a half of the first episode of season 4, you might see someone playing the guitarron in a sombrero who looks something like d.Fly. I'll check back over the next few days and see if there's any other questions that need answering. Now it's coconut shake break time. Really glad I had some time to get back here and answer some of these newer questions. I'm floored by the collective knowledge of this group. I've got a little writing project, but I'll try to check in again next week.
Comments: 751 • Responses: 95 • Date: 2013-06-07 22:22:24 UTC source
fobotrag1349 karma 2013-06-07 23:26:24 UTC
hey dad. love, ian.
View HistoryShare Link
davidschwartzmusic963 karma 2013-06-07 23:34:22 UTC
Love you too!
MadeInDeutschland658 karma 2013-06-07 23:29:30 UTC
Who had the idea to add the Simon & Garfunkel music in Season 4?
Goddamn brilliant
I believe it was Mitch Hurwitz' idea. After all, he is a genius. I did get to arrange the Mariachi version of Sounds Of Silence. It was a fairly challenging assignment. Listen to the Simon & Garfunkel record. Especially the tempo changes in the first four bars. Classic!
fanodast369 karma 2013-06-07 22:44:43 UTC
David Schwartz, why don't you.... share the song Getaway, full version Getaway, catchy tune Getaway? We're hopefully hopeful!
PS: Thank you for making this great show even better, I love your music!
I too am hopefully hopeful. The song should be up on the Netflix blog anytime now. Gabriel Mann and I will be creating a full length version that will be available on the after mentioned.
aquanaut251 karma 2013-06-07 23:47:11 UTC
Bass player here, just wanted to give you huge props for the bassline on the AD theme. Tasteful, elegant, clever, perfect compliment to the tune.
Thanks, I love bass player compliments! I'm still a bass player at heart.
frankthepieking218 karma 2013-06-07 22:39:51 UTC
Did you write all of the fictional songs too, eg Getaway, or just the link up/background parts?
Yes, I've written the great majority of songs for the show. It's something we started with the very first episode. It's pretty unique in television and I have a great time doing it. Gabriel Mann has been a co-writer and singer on many of the songs. As has been Lucy Schwartz and Larry John McNally. All great singers. Interestingly, we usually start and finish the songs in one night, often starting around 10pm, that way I can write score all day and get a boost of energy when we start the song. There's definitely some songs we wish we could've made longer versions for, but there's rarely the time. I usually have a week or less to do score and songs for each episode of Arrested D.
taurenlegend201 karma 2013-06-07 22:32:16 UTC
How many ukeleles do you own?
You can't have too many ukeleles, but I've been getting close lately. I have a variety of different ukes I love my Mya Moe 6 string and resonator uke. My first uke was a KoAloha and is still a favorite. The arrested signature uke is actually a tahitian ukelele from Bora Bora and has four double course (strings), all the same gauge fishing wire.
TheDarkDoctor184 karma 2013-06-07 23:15:37 UTC
Was it your idea to give each character's episode in the new series it's own unique flair? I absolutely loved it and have always loved the music on the series. Thanks for doing this AMA!
When we started this season, Mitch felt it should be some how different. Especially since each episode is usually more about a single character. I think he came up with the idea of adding something for each character. The woodblock solo performed by jazz great/drummer Peter Erskine, is a personal favorite of mine.
Upstream15138 karma 2013-06-07 23:52:31 UTC
How do you feel about the Timocil song?
I feel great about it! Especially when I'm on my meds.
zatan130134 karma 2013-06-07 22:47:36 UTC
Annyong Mr. Schwartz! Welcome to reddit, the unofficial Arrested Development fan club. Thanks for taking time to answer our questions.
1) Your music encompasses just about every style, so who would you say are your influences?
2) Do you ever hang out with other TV/film composers, like Post or Zimmer?
3) Aside from bass, did you play any other instruments for AD? Was that you whistling in the opening theme? Because that is some damn fine whistling.
And speaking of the opening theme, (can't believe I'm about to link this) how badly did I butcher your piece?
I love your re-orchestration of the theme! Awesome! My influences are varied. Like any composer it's a total sum of my life's musical experiences. Early on, as a bassist, I played in almost every style imaginable: Orchestra, jazz combos, rock bands, Glen Miller orchestra (as a sub for two weeks, way after the departure of Glen), country bands, soul bands. It gave me a lot to draw on as a composer. Although I've met Mike Post and Hans, unfortunately we don't hang out...yet, i'm still hoping. Besides bass, I play other instruments as needed. I try to get other players as much as possible. Special mention goes to George Doering, guitarist, ukeleleist, and one of the best all around musicians I've had the pleasure to know. Also a great guy! The superb whistling is my good friend and musician James McVay. He calls his style, Merry Milkman.
http://i.imgur.com/G2DSeBM.jpg
Did you arrange the "gothic" version of the Final Countdown as used here ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4RKeZJpw1c ) or did it already exist?
If a certain musical cue is used in a situation (as in this example), is it up to you or does the script call for it or how does the process between you and Mitch Hurwitz work?
Yes the arrangement was mine. Mitch, writer producer Jim Valley, myself and the music editor, Jason Tregoe Newman watch a rough cut of the show and discuss all the spots where we would like to have music. There's often a lot of back and forth and a great deal of laughter. Mitch is funnier in the room than anyone I know. We also decide what we'd like the music to do. A lot of this can change when I actually start the composing process.
stumper9398 karma 2013-06-07 23:42:05 UTC
Just want to say this scene has one of the best bits of music. I don't know why, but the music fits so well with the looks on Gob's, George's, and Franklin's face. Also, are you the one or did someone else come up with "It Ain't Easy Being White?"-Franklin
I miss Franklin. I'm hoping for a Fox spin-off next season. That song was particularly fun to write. I crack up whenever I hear Will sing it. His relationship with Franklin always touches me.
smk320092 karma 2013-06-08 03:07:34 UTC
Andale Hermano is awesome!! Do you have a version of it longer than 20 seconds??
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1QOA2w4sXA
davidschwartzmusic80 karma 2013-06-08 04:29:59 UTC
I wish! It actually might be a little bit longer. We wrote that at 1:00am and then talked Antonio Soul into coming over to sing it with Gabe. Everyone's voice was totally blown out from singing and laughing. Bravo Hermanos!
Paradox90 karma 2013-06-07 23:01:48 UTC
What inspired the ukulele theme? I liked the derivative that netflix used for their bumper. Was that your composition as well?
Right before we started the original series. I had just returned from a trip to Bora Bora, where I had found a Tahitian Ukulele. A wonderful Polynesian gentleman who played uke in the hotel bar helped me find one from a luthier friend of his. Mitch Hurwitz the incredible creator of Arrested D heard the uke on a short cue I did and asked if we could use it for the theme. It was definitely a break through moment and helped define the music for the series. Almost every episode has a old style swing tune composed for that episode. Using the use of ukuleles gives it a unique flavor.
shacoby71 karma 2013-06-08 05:37:36 UTC
As I was sitting on my porch reading this AmA, someone from the house across the street from me came outside and started loudly singing The Final Countdown.
It was my favorite moment of the day.
gold_please62 karma 2013-06-07 23:07:40 UTC
Do you ever use your last name in reference to Spaceballs to raise the sexual tension in a room full of ladies?
Because I hope you do.
I wish I had thought of that! May the Schwartz be with you!
sCumbag3455 karma 2013-06-08 02:02:28 UTC
Estimate how many more seasons will we get?
frozenpandaman51 karma 2013-06-08 02:30:43 UTC
Balls in the Air is my absolute FAVORITE. Just sayin'. That is all.
Actually, EDIT: oh my god. Is it just me, or does the version of 'Getaway' on your site include the lyrics "Your tricks, they got no magic..." ?! :D
Get Away – Arrested Development By David Schwartz & Gabriel Mann Oh, there’s nothing to ya Yeah, I see right through ya You’re losing it, you’re losing it You’re laughin’ but you’re tragic Your tricks they got no magic You’re losing it, you always miss Why don’t you go away Get away Far away Stay away You’re hopelessly hopeless Get away Why don’t you go away Get away Far away Stay away You’re hopelessly hopeless Get away
speedyjohn50 karma 2013-06-08 02:41:05 UTC
What are our odds of getting a full-length mariachi "Sound of Silence"?
I'm in - if Paul Simon is.
jday1724450 karma 2013-06-08 02:03:02 UTC
Hello darkness my old friend
Ive come to talk with you again,
senorchang3443 karma 2013-06-08 03:10:45 UTC
Did you make the Motherboy theme and who is the singer? Also, did you create the Hung jury?
Yes to Motherboy. A personal favorite. Gabriel Mann is once again the singer and co-writer. Of course, I was thrilled to be working with Mr. Hung.
bdubyageo42 karma 2013-06-07 23:59:31 UTC
Will we ever hear a ukelele version of "Christmas Time is Here"?
That's a good idea! Although the original Vince Guaraldi version is a classic.
invisibo39 karma 2013-06-07 23:02:13 UTC
Who were the session musicians for the intro and credits?? The band sounded really tight.
Also, how much do you end up composing and using live musicians? A film composer friend of mine (sci-fi network movies mostly) uses almost all samples
I'm lucky enough to have access to some fantastically talented musicians. You can listen to theme on my website http://www.davidschwartzmusic.com All the musicians for the theme should be listed there as well.
thearmlessoctopus39 karma 2013-06-07 23:22:41 UTC
First off let me say I love the show and your music. I have a few questions if you are not already overcome with too many.
How long does it take to get the end product for the show, from start to finish and how long does the studio give you to complete it?
Also I am very interested to know what the studio tells you when they request a piece, do they give you any guidelines as what it should sound like or mood it should evoke in the listener?
Turnaround is often less than a week. It can vary greatly depending on what's going on in post production and air dates. Arrested is very unique in that we don't have a formal review process of music. I'm honored and it also inspires me to write from my first instincts. Of course we now have a huge library so we have some options for the final dub / show mix. Also, I like to be on the stage for the final mix if the schedule allows. This is generally NOT the norm in television.
Thank you very much for answering my question, however in doing so you have rustled up my curiosity. You said how Arrested Development is "very unique" in the sense of music and how it doesn't have a formal review process of music, in what other ways is Arrested Development unique? and do you mingle with the cast well or to they tend to kept to themselves and you yours?
I think everything in Arrested is unique as it all comes from the unique mind of Mitchell Hurwitz. Composers are usually kept locked away in a dark studio. It's unusual to meet the cast. Although I'm not hanging out with our fantastic cast, or mingling on a daily basis, I have had some opportunities to interact with them.
DaOverw8Lover37 karma 2013-06-07 22:59:15 UTC
How many calls total did it take for the cast to be like "Yes, we want in to continue the show"? The new format seems to work around the busy schedules of the ensemble cast
rarghybalthazar36 karma 2013-06-07 23:25:24 UTC
Thanks for doing this ama, big fan of you and lucy.
Did you compose the fantastic 4 musical and if so, can we please have a full version of invisible, this would make my day.
I too am a big fan of Lucy. We co-produced her new album 'Timekeeper". The album will be released August 6th. Yes, I composed the fantastic 4 musical. So I guess that would make me the real Mark Cherry. It was done in 2 days the week it was to be shot. It's always different when you're writing music that will be filmed to as a opposed to composing to existing film. I wrote the musical with Gabriel Mann. It was Mitch's idea that all the Mark Cherry songs should be almost the same song, only different. We are discussing bringing the show to broadway this fall.....NOT!
yviner34 karma 2013-06-08 00:39:33 UTC
I only have one question.
Need an intern?
Not at the moment, I have a fantastic studio manager/assistant, Justin DiCenzo. Keep in touch, we occasionally do need an intern when it gets busy.
CalumArcadia32 karma 2013-06-08 01:14:25 UTC
I'm probably too late for you to answer this, but there was a song on Arrested Development, I think Season 3, called Shot By Love which I've had stuck in my head for the best part of a decade. I can't find the song anywhere, and I just need to know if there is anywhere I can download it, or if you have it and can put it up on YouTube or something? Please dear God have it...
"Shot By Love" I co-wrote with my longtime friend, Larry John McNally. LJM sang it and it's one of my faves too. Sorry it has lodged itself in your head for such a long time. I will pitch it for the soundtrack CD.
two_insomnias26 karma 2013-06-08 04:55:17 UTC
David, love your music so much! I'm particularly fond of "Man, I'm Blue," which I assume is an original composition of yours ("when I'm down, so down..."). Is that a full composition, or just a snippet/A section you wrote for a scene or two? I'm a jazz vocalist and sing with a couple trad/gypsy bands, and have been itching to sing that tune on a gig! Please let me know if I can find it anywhere... it would make my day. And I'll send you a recording, if so!
yes, that's my composition with Gabe. There's actually a 2:19 minute version featuring me singing the bass part. How do I get you an mp3? I will need your gypsy band version as payment. Thanks so much.
Needmo24 karma 2013-06-07 22:35:04 UTC
Do you get to meet the cast a lot? Any interesting stories?
I actually have met the cast a few times. They are as funny and as bright as you might imagine. Interesting fact: Jessica Walters' dad was a great bassist and bass teacher in NYC. As a bassist myself, it's something we can bond with. I also worked with Will on "Running Wilde". I was in NYC visiting the set, Will was there in a smoking jacket and gave me a personal tour of the mansion that they were shooting in. All in all quite surreal.
popecat22 karma 2013-06-08 05:57:09 UTC
David! I really enjoy the outro music and I think that the trumpet solo is really tasteful. I have a question- is there an edit in there or did the band flip the beat purposely? I noticed it sometime while I was watching the 3rd season.
That's trumpeter extraordinaire, Tom Marino. Tom and Rick Baptist have been my trumpet guys since the beginning. Two of the best. You have good ears. It is an edit.
VioletSky2219 karma 2013-06-08 03:29:33 UTC
Looks like I'm 5 hours late to the party - there's so much I've always meant to ask! I LOVE your work! On to my dying pressing question(s):
Several years ago, I acquired the "unofficial" Arrested Development Soundtrack (I don't remember where I found it). It was great and there were lots of songs on it. However, it seemed to be missing a few tunes. One I was particularly fond of was what I called, "Rita's theme" - it was this airy, lovely tune that was played frequently throughout season 3.
I guess the point of my rambling is: Do you think we'll get to hear some of the "unreleased" tunes from seasons 1-3 that aren't yet out?
PS. I used one of your songs in a video I made to honour my dog when he passed away since I thought it was so beautiful.
Sorry about your dog. The tune was called "Stick it to Love" and there are many different arrangements of it; bossa, violin, solo piano etc. That's a great suggestion for the upcoming soundtrack release. Thanks!
kpjm4171019 karma 2013-06-07 22:53:58 UTC
Whose idea to put "Cry Love" (John Hiatt) in? I'm not sure I've heard any other popular music in the show, right? Good song.
Edit: Save "The Final Countdown". But, I'd that's all part of the trick....no, illusion.
"Cry Love" has always been a favorite song of Mitchell Hurwitz.
Iwannatalk2samson18 karma 2013-06-07 23:11:55 UTC
I may have said this before, but I always try to write music that is fun, as opposed to funny. It's very much about pace and timing. I like to reference feel good music. There's a lot of television music from other shows that the music is there to tell you that it's funny. Wah-wah-wah waaaaaaah....pizz pizz pizz.... With Arrested, that's not necessary. Sometimes playing the scene very seriously or over the top mock-drama can be extremely funny.
Cool_Guy_McFly18 karma 2013-06-08 04:34:05 UTC
Hey Mr. Schwartz, huge fan of the show! Who's idea was it to do the head down sad monologue so often? Did they have any idea it would be such a hit?
That's Snoopy's theme (Christmas Time is Here) and was a brilliant Mitch Hurwitz idea.
chopfull16 karma 2013-06-07 23:47:27 UTC
Fantastic tunes! Your music IS an Arrested Development character! Anyway, I noticed you had an overhaul to your website (davidschwartzmusic.com). The last version of the site had a Contact button where fans could send you messages directly. I don't see that option on the new site. How might a fan electronically send you a message, comment and/or question (other than via a Reddit AMA--haha, and thanks for doing this!)?
There was a guestbook, but it became a SPAM repository. The new site has a comment section. Hope that helps. http://www.davidschwartzmusic.com/arrested-development/
TheUnbelievableMind16 karma 2013-06-08 00:41:28 UTC
In the first episode of the new season, someone passes Michael and he says "That guy thinks he's a musician." Am I completely wrong or is that you passing him?
Not me. Jason Bateman's delivery of that line is pitch perfect. I did write the score under that scene called "She's Cute". Interestingly we made that song work in future episodes when the actors spontaneously sing a line of dialog. Michael sings "I've just a met a girl today" and Tobias sings "it's just a phallusy" twice. Amazingly, without too much adjustment, I somehow found a way too use she's cute as an accompaniment to these ad-lib melodies.
stenkiw15 karma 2013-06-08 02:34:20 UTC
Are Raine Maida's vocals used in the "what you trying to say to me" track? It sounds so much like him, and I heard the two of you know each other.
If memory serves, that was Alia/Maeby singing. I know Raine a bit and he's a fantastic singer and artist - but he's not a 15 year old girl.
torrunh15 karma 2013-06-08 03:02:24 UTC
Did you write Getaway?
BigBassBone12 karma 2013-06-07 23:46:32 UTC
Hello David Schwartz! I'm a recent graduate from the USC Thornton School of Music with a Masters in trombone performance. How does one break into playing on scores such as yours?
Interesting. My assistant Justin DiCenzo who started working with me this year happens to play trombone. He's quite good and he's playing on a number of cues. That's one way in!
Max059712 karma 2013-06-08 00:01:14 UTC
Could you provide any insight on if a fifth season on Arrested Development would be possible/Likely?
There's nothing I would like more! But I don't really have any privileged info. I'm hoping there will be a movie next.
ALLEGEDLY_ERECT12 karma 2013-06-07 23:11:14 UTC
What is your drink of choice?
If you happen to be at my studio at 4pm, it's yogurt shake time! I find if I don't have planned interruptions and breaks, I don't get out of the chair for ten hours. The 4pm shake break is very popular among my session musicians and assistants.
My scheduled 4pm yogurt-shake break. A favorite among my studio musicians and assistant! It allows me to step back for a minute, take a breath, and see the music in a new light. It's also very tasty! If you're ever in Santa Monica, visit SPARKY'S YOGURT. Sparky is my hero/lifestyle coach!
reallyhadto11 karma 2013-06-08 00:04:24 UTC
Hello David. Would you consider making a longer version of Oh My?.
Sure! That's singer Antonio Sol.
Holy crap, this needs to be done asap. How do we push for this, some sort of petition maybe?
Gabe is that you?
dr_peeper11 karma 2013-06-08 02:31:35 UTC
Where can I find a clip of the middle eastern style music?
wexfun10 karma 2013-06-07 23:49:41 UTC
Was it hard to go back to the show and come up with the same style of music after you've been away from it for so long?
It was a challenge going back after 6 years. I think all of us on the show felt that we had to top ourselves in every way. Once I saw the rough cuts, I felt very comfortable. I do feel the show has advanced musically.
Jayrmz10 karma 2013-06-08 03:34:20 UTC
So it's YOUR fault I have the end credits music in my head all day EVERY day then? Haven't loved a show this much since I was hooked on Ren & Stimpy about 20 years ago. Hoping somehow they carry on foe a 5th season. Remember....there's always bananas in the money stand!
davidschwartzmusic4 karma 2013-06-08 04:18:19 UTC
Hollowbody579 karma 2013-06-07 22:34:53 UTC
As a producer that's mostly written dance orientated electronic music, I'm very interested in branching out into film scoring and composing. Any advice for someone like me?
There is NO one way. I got my break by writing a friends movie score that he self financed. The movie never came out, but one of about 20 people who saw the film was Cheryl Bloch. Two years later she gave me a chance to try to write something for Northern Exposure. It became the theme and I got my first scoring job! It was incredibly fortunate as the show was both very popular and very good. Josh Brand, creator of the show and the other producers were all extremely knowledgable about music and we would use different styles of music for every episode. This was an incredible learning experience and entrance to a composing career. One of the best ways to break in, is to work for an established composer, be a great assistant, and try to pick up everything you can while doing the job of helping the composer with what's needed. Also, take any scoring job that you can. Student films also can be a great starting point. And that student director may turn out to be the next Ron Howard. Incidentally, Ron is as nice as you would imagine.
runrvs9 karma 2013-06-08 05:52:01 UTC
MARRY ME.
Sorry... I already said Maeby to someone earlier today
UserInYourFace8 karma 2013-06-08 05:51:45 UTC
Looks like I might be a bit late for your AMA... Well, just wanted to say "Get Along Little Sheep" is such a fun song. You made the move to the Grand Slo' Opry genre sound so easy! Thank you for returning. The AD crew likely wouldn't have felt the same without 'uke' on the team once more.
Thanks! Sheep features the fantastic vocal of Clare Muldaur of Clare and the Reasons. That's also the young Lucy singing "get along little sheep". Interesting side note..the wonderful Charlie Bisharat plays violin on that track and Olivier Manchon (also of Clare and the Reasons) contributed some superb swing violin on a couple of cues for season 4.
draw4kicks6 karma 2013-06-07 23:21:48 UTC
What were your biggest musical influences growing up and how did you get started writing for tv? How did you get the gig writing for A.D. in the first place? Thanks for the AMA, i'm a big fan!
You can find the answers to this below. Thanks!
kaykordeath5 karma 2013-06-07 23:53:24 UTC
In the new season, there's a scene with George Michael and P Hound in a music room after the band walks out on them. There are a few bars of music on the chalkboard that APPEAR more than just random background. Can you shed any light on this?
I was there when that scene was being shot at Occidental college. The music was already up on the black board (green board?) when I arrived.
Mattmo8315 karma 2013-06-07 22:58:43 UTC
What is your Favorite episode? And what was the hardest task you were faced with when composing Arrested Devolopement
I love all Arrested D episodes. The hardest task is getting enough sleep while composing 14 hours a day 7 days a week. That said it remains inspiring to me.
Onkston4 karma 2013-06-07 22:22:55 UTC
Just wanted to say, love the series. The music is great as well.
hlasdf4 karma 2013-06-07 23:52:24 UTC
My brother loves you and your show.
I love your brother.
edify3 karma 2013-06-07 22:47:34 UTC
Hey David! Thanks for reaching out to reddit. What is one of the stranger sound recordings you have used while composing your original music?
My guitarist George Doering has a fondness for the STYLOPHONE. Although he is a virtuoso on the instrument, I find I have to hide the instrument after a couple of tracks are completed.
thetunepeddler3 karma 2013-06-07 22:28:48 UTC
I really enjoy your scores for AD as well as Deadwood and Northern Exposure. I'm not to proud to say I've "borrowed" some ideas from you in my scores from time to time... So thank you.
Anyways, I was curious what your 3 desert island pieces of software would be for composing. Also, what's you current favorite virtual instrument.
Imitation is the highest form of flattery, just don't borrow too much! I've always been a DP guy. I'm also a big Native Instruments fan and anything by Spectrasonics is superb!
roygbivwtfbbq3 karma 2013-06-08 03:36:08 UTC
Will there be another season?
I'd like that.
limbuster3 karma 2013-06-08 05:49:01 UTC
For some weird reason I read the whole intro in Tobias's voice.
Are you Tobias?
Bob07JD3 karma 2013-06-08 06:05:39 UTC
There was a big change with the way the show was shot between seasons 1-3 and season 4. Do you think that is kind of a slow transition into how the movie would be filmed if it were to be made? If that was the case, would the music change much or do you think you'll be able to create longer musical montages throughout?
I think the change comes from a few different things. This season was shot almost entirely on location -- former seasons were mostly shot on set. The episodes are also quite a bit longer than the 22 minutes we broadcast on Fox. I do agree it's more filmic and I'm hoping it leads to a feature film in the near future. I'm sure when that happens, the music will change. When it does, I'll be asking for a 200 piece orchestra and a children's choir. Also, an 80 piece ukelele orchestra. Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself here.
9demo3 karma 2013-06-08 05:12:45 UTC
I don't think so, but there's a whole lot of woodblock. I gotta have some more woodblock.
mister_mammoth3 karma 2013-06-08 03:39:19 UTC
As someone who has started unintentionally collecting ukes, do you have any advice on where to find unique ones?
Mya-Moe makes wonderful and innovative american ukes. Their resonator ukelele is the bomb. I'm also a huge fan of Ko'Aloha Hawaiian ukuleles.
busterbluthOT3 karma 2013-06-07 22:25:54 UTC
Hi. Love the music choices in the series. There's a song that appeared a few times throughout the original--most prominently the series finale Season 3. The lyrics sound something like "What could be better". What is the name of this composition and is it possible to purchase?
Good question, the name of that song is "What Could Be Better", it's a personal favorite of mine. Hopefully there will be a soundtrack soon and I would hope this song is on it.
Hey David, I'm a huge fan of the show! One of my favorite recurring moments from the show is the Buster/ Oscar daddy moments. I just love that piano. Is that part of a full song or was it just put together as a 3-5 second clip?
Thanks! It's just a recurring motif. Mitch had this idea of setting up some huge unknown secret. I'm not sure what the longest version of it is.
heavyweather772 karma 2013-06-08 05:40:36 UTC
Hi, David! In the opening and ending credits, I hear a lot of similarity in the bass part to the style of Jaco Pastorius. Particularly this tune. Is that a coincidence, or are you a late-'70s jazz-fusion nerd like I am?
I did have a short fusion phase. Jaco will always be the greatest. Have you read Peter Erskine's new book, "No Beethoven"? Excellent Weather Report and Jaco stories. A really fun read.
robinhood99612 karma 2013-06-08 03:01:17 UTC
It seems like many of the songs used in arrested development aren't technically "complete" are there any that you really want to fully flesh out and create a "full" version of? also could we please get a full soundtrack release of all the songs? Thanks for doing this I ADORE the soundtrack to the show and you are beyond amazing.
Yes - it's always been a tough decision between finishing the songs and getting some sleep. And there's never been time to go back and finish them. There are a few that I've persisted with and gone back to create a full length version. Fade to Nothing is a good example. I hope to be able to have some longer songs for the soundtrack Cd.
bgzlvsdmb2 karma 2013-06-08 04:08:17 UTC
Probably way late on this, but...
The end credits theme always sounds like a brigher, uptempo version of Billy Joel's "The Stranger". Am I crazy? Is that a coincidence? Or are you a thief?
phatboy52892 karma 2013-06-08 04:18:56 UTC
I love the music you've made for the show! Are there any specific differences in how you composed Season 4 as opposed to the previous three seasons?
Thanks! I think I answered that below.
itisnti2 karma 2013-06-08 00:47:07 UTC
Hello Mr. Schwartz!
I have 2 questions
What do you like to draw on for inspiration?
How does composing for comedy differ from drama in your experience?
See earlier answers for the answer to part 1. Comedy and drama can be very different. It's really about supporting the picture and the story. So in that way, every show or movie is unique. Very often, I try to have the music provide an emotional element that's not on the screen.
thiss1 karma 2013-06-07 22:51:46 UTC
I've never seen the show, should I watch it?
Skipdr1 karma 2013-06-07 22:32:49 UTC
How did you come to compose such brilliant music for the series?
Thanks I still haven't really figured that out. It's what I love most about my job. The great mystery that happens when you combine music and picture. Having a show as inspiring as Arrested D makes it a little easier.
zabart1 karma 2013-06-07 22:46:20 UTC
Is your nickname really D. Fly or is that just imdb misinformation?
Yes, but here is the correct spelling: d.Fly
People ask where the nickname comes from, but I will never tell.
chopfull1 karma 2013-06-08 00:19:37 UTC
With all the music you have written for Arrested Development, it must be tempting to use mostly existing music from your AD library. I was relieved to hear new music from you for season 4! Keep up the new music! Thank you! And now a question: So much of season 4 seemed to be worked on at the same time (with Mitch directing and editing episodes simultaneously). Were you scoring in much the same way for this colossal release? If so, was it confusing or more difficult to your process?
It's always my goal to write as much new music as possible. Mitch definitely has some favorites from the original three seasons. I think he's also very afraid of me dying. I also have that fear at times. So, with that said, I still try to write as much new stuff as possible. I'm having so much fun and I hope that will help with longevity. The interconnectivity of these 15 episodes definitely created some tactical challenges. Sometimes I was working on 3 or more episodes simultaneously and it could get confusing. The last 4 episodes answered a lot of questions for me.
buttpleasures1 karma 2013-06-08 00:13:18 UTC
Did you write the song that plays over the final credits in season 4?
Also, I saw you wrote the theme for Deadwood. Can you talk about your inspirations for it.
Actually, the end credits music existed in the first 3 seasons too. It just wasn't played on the broadcast version, as they were busy hyping the next show. Sometimes in Season 4, we played a full version of a song used in that episode. One episode we used a song by Gabe and me called "You'll never hear from me again" it's a classic R&B song in the Philly soul style sung by Louis Price from the Temptations. The lyrics are pretty funny. The last episode features Lucy Schwartz' "Boomerang".
I got the call to try and write a theme for Deadwood from producer Steve Turner. They needed the theme in 24 hours. I said I was under the Eifel tower and there was no way I could do it. He said they couldn't wait then I said it was the Eifel tower in Vegas and that I'd catch the next plane back to write. I ended up having 2 days incorporating the producers and directors notes. David Miltch said the music should show the possibilities of a new and wild frontier land. I also had the picture to work with. All that provided, great inspiration. Most TV themes are written before there is picture. It can be nice when you have the picture first.
Upstream151 karma 2013-06-07 23:50:55 UTC
Who's idea was Fakeblock?
It came from the writing room. Probably Mitch Hurwitz.
lightwo1 karma 2013-06-08 03:19:11 UTC
How do you feel about having the best show in existence?
I feel good. Very fortunate.
verticalrunning1 karma 2013-06-07 23:34:16 UTC
What is arrested development?
It's something we've all experienced. Myself, quite a bit.
Bearicide1 karma 2013-06-07 23:42:45 UTC
Hi David! Do you have any advice for an aspiring composer in college right now?
See earlier answer.
s40822111 karma 2013-06-07 23:20:05 UTC
Whose idea was it to have an instrument symbolising the character that each episode focused on in the new season?
See answer to The Dark Doctor's question
Transposer1 karma 2013-06-07 23:10:39 UTC
Hi David! I would love to cover some of your music for an Arrested Development tribute project. Can you provide any industry tips on the likelihood of the publisher (Fox Film Music Corporation) granting sync rights of music covers for a nonprofit fan project? I wouldn't want to get in trouble by not having permission for making said tribute available online! Thanks for doing great work!
Good luck! I'm trying to get permission to use my own music for a soundtrack CD, I'll let you know how it goes! Sometimes it's just a matter of working your way through a dense bureaucracy.
Thank you for the response! Let us know what we can do to help your cause! We would definitely help show our support by voting with our wallets! Hey, would you go so far as to start a Kickstarter project so fans can pledge their money before the CD is actually put together? Would that help? Thanks again and I look forward to the CD!
Alvins_Hot_Juice_Box1 karma 2013-06-07 23:44:27 UTC
Verification?
Dok11 karma 2013-06-07 23:30:30 UTC
You have exactly the same name as one of my friends.....maybe it's you?
All_Your_Base1 karma 2013-06-07 22:27:13 UTC
Normally, the proof is in the pudding, but you'd better send it to the mods.
Done! Very new to this!
StewartDC81 karma 2013-06-08 00:00:24 UTC
I LOVE your music! Any chance of making a CD of the AD songs, especially those that weren't included on the DVD extras? Also, was that your own arrangement of "Jingle Bells" from the "In God We Trust" episode? Because that was fantastic!
Soundtrack is in the works. I'd like to include as many songs as possible. There's so much to choose from. I actually don't remember the Jingle Bells arrangement. It could be me...asking music editor extraordinaire Jason Tregoe Newman.
Jason said I did write the Jingle Bells arrangement. There's so much music in a show like this that it's hard to remember everything that I've done. Interestingly, Mitch Hurwitz can remember everything that I've done. His ability to remember details for every part of the show is uncanny. Did I mention he's hysterically funny?
friedjumboshrimp1 karma 2013-06-07 23:00:24 UTC
Are you related to Irving Schwartz?
No, but I'd like to be.
MyAlarmClock1 karma 2013-06-07 23:57:53 UTC
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere where ukuleles play.
pie_is_my_name1 karma 2013-06-08 00:40:39 UTC
How many stars do you think are in the universe?
masterdisaster771 karma 2013-06-08 01:31:07 UTC
Maeby.
jleonardbc1 karma 2013-06-08 00:07:36 UTC
What's your favorite episode of Arrested Development? Favorite moment/joke?
I blued myself is definitely up there.
RexCandle0 karma 2013-06-07 22:25:57 UTC
Proove it
Menuchain
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Last updated:November 2018
Important updates
First-in-class treatment approved in the US for relapsed or refractory hairy cell leukemia
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved moxetumomab pasudotox for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory hairy cell leukemia (HCL) who have received at least two prior systemic therapies, including treatment with a purine nucleoside analog.
Moxetumomab pasudotox is a CD22-directed cytotoxin, and is a first-in-class treatment for HCL. Approval was based on a single-arm phase III clinical trial involving 80 patients with relapsed or refractory HCL who had received at least two prior systemic therapies (including at least one purine nucleoside analog). The trial showed a durable complete response rate of 30% (the proportion of patients maintaining hematologic remission for more than 180 days after achieving a complete response), and an overall response rate of 75% (the proportion of patients with a partial or complete response).[34]Kreitman RJ, Dearden C, Zinzani PL, et al. Moxetumomab pasudotox in relapsed/refractory hairy cell leukemia. Leukemia. 2018 Aug;32(8):1768-77. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6087717/ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30030507?tool=bestpractice.com
Approval comes with a black box warning for capillary leak syndrome and hemolytic uremic syndrome, which are potentially life-threatening adverse effects of treatment.
HCL is a rare indolent leukemia that affects B cells, and it can be life-threatening. Around 30% to 40% of patients with HCL relapse after initial treatment.[35]Chadha P, Rademaker AW, Mendiratta P, et al. Treatment of hairy cell leukemia with 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (2-CdA): long-term follow-up of the Northwestern University experience. Blood. 2005 Jul 1;106(1):241-6. http://bloodjournal.hematologylibrary.org/cgi/content/full/106/1/241 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15761021?tool=bestpractice.com [36]Else M, Dearden CE, Matutes E, et al. Long-term follow-up of 233 patients with hairy cell leukaemia, treated initially with pentostatin or cladribine, at a median of 16 years from diagnosis. Br J Haematol. 2009 Jun;145(6):733-40. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19344416?tool=bestpractice.com Few treatments are available for relapsed or refractory HCL, and there is currently no agreed standard of care.
See Management: approach
See Management: treatment algorithm
Original source of updateexternal link opens in a new window
A B-cell malignancy that is characterized commonly by symptoms of fatigue, a markedly enlarged spleen, and a distinctive histologic appearance on peripheral blood smear and bone marrow biopsy.
The disease is not curable. However, it is highly responsive to therapy and may be managed successfully for a decade or more.
Patients who are without symptoms do not require immediate treatment; early treatment does not extend life expectancy.
In symptomatic patients, purine analogs have largely replaced traditional therapies, such as splenectomy, except in rare cases of splenic rupture or massive splenomegaly.
Supportive care with antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, administration of irradiated blood products, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factors may have a role in therapy for hairy cell leukemia.
Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is an uncommon, indolent, mature B-cell neoplasm. It was described as a distinct clinical entity in 1958.[1]Foucar K, Falini B, Catovsky D, et al. Hairy cell leukemia. In: WHO classification of tumours of haematopoietic and lymphoid tissues, vol 2, 4th ed. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization Press; 2008:188-90. Seen under the microscope, the cells have delicate cytoplasmic projections, resembling hair, and that is why the disease was named HCL. The disease has a characteristic presentation of pancytopenia, splenomegaly, and circulating hairy cells in blood, marrow, and other hematopoietic organs.[2]Ruiz-Arguelles GJ, Cantu-Rodriquez OG, Gomez-Almaguer D, et al. Hairy cell leukemia is infrequent in Mexico and has a geographic distribution. Am J Hematol. 1996 Aug;52(4):316-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8701952?tool=bestpractice.com [Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: Cytospin prepared from bone marrow aspirate illustrates the typical cell cytology, with oval- to bean-shaped nuclei and moderate amounts of cytoplasm with irregular cytoplasmic borders (Wright Giemsa 100×oil)From the collection of Lynn Moscinski, MD [Citation ends]. [Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: Sections of core biopsy demonstrate lymphocytes with obvious cytoplasm within the marrow interstitium, associated with dilation of marrow sinuses and red blood cell collections (H&E 50×oil)From the collection of Lynn Moscinski, MD [Citation ends].
abdominal fullness or discomfort
weakness and fatigue
pallor and petechiae
superficial and deep lymphadenopathy
neurologic findings
associated systemic immunologic disorders
male sex
white ancestry
western hemisphere location
infectious mononucleosis
symptomatic: without splenic rupture or massive splenomegaly or marked thrombocytopenia precluding chemotherapy
symptomatic: with splenic rupture or massive splenomegaly or marked thrombocytopenia precluding chemotherapy
asymptomatic disease or minimal residual disease after treatment
Ambuj Kumar, MD, MPH
USF Center for Comparative Effectiveness Research and Evidence Based Medicine
Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine
Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Department of Health Outcomes & Behavior
AK declares that he has no competing interests.
Mohamed A. Kharfan-Dabaja, MD, MBA, FACP
Division of Hematology-Oncology
Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program
MKD declares that he has no competing interests.
Dr Ambuj Kumar and Dr Mohamed Kharfan-Dabaja would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr Benjamin Djulbegovic, a previous contributor to this topic. BD declares that he has no competing interests.
Daniel Catovsky, MD, FRCP, FRCPath, DSc, FMedSc
Consultant Haemato-Oncologist
Section of Haemato-Oncology
Brookes Lawley Institute of Cancer
DC declares that he has no competing interests.
Roger Lyons, MD
University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio
RL declares that he has no competing interests.
Rebecca Connor, MD
Chief Fellow
Section of Hematology and Oncology
Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
RC declares that she has no competing interests.
Claire Dearden, BSc, MD, FRCP, FRCPath
Consultant Hematologist
The Royal Marsden Hospital
CD declares that she has no competing interests.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
Prolymphocytic leukemia
NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: hairy cell leukemia external link opens in a new window
Hairy cell leukaemia external link opens in a new window
Hairy cell leukemia (PDF, 1 MB)external link opens in a new window
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By Jessica Galang Canadian Startup News October 17, 2017
Lightspeed raises $207 million Series D as company preps for IPO
Montreal-based Lightspeed has raised $207 million Series D round.
The round was led by Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (la Caisse) with an investment of $170 million. Investissement Québec (IQ), iNovia Capital, and Silicon Valley Bank also participated in providing funding.
Speaking with BetaKit, CEO Dax Dasilva said he’s excited about the large Canadian presence in the round — and being part of a larger story of Canadian tech’s momentum. “There are many exits and outcomes and options for companies at our stage, and we wanted to stay independent and we wanted to double down on Canadian ownership, as well as achieve greatness as a company,” said Dasilva. “We wanted to stay independent, and this round allows us to reach potential and control our destiny.”
“I always tell young entrepreneurs to bootstrap and to build a real identity with their companies.”
CEO Dax Dasilva said that the company took a credit facility from SVB — which has been doubling down on Canada recently — in case Lightspeed wanted to make acquisitions without drawing down its own equity right away. The company raised its last round of funding in 2015, when it raised $76 million.
Lightspeed plans to use the funding for international expansion; it currently has eight offices around the world, including in Europe, the US, Canada, and Australia. Dasilva said that since its Europe offices opened, 50 percent of its revenue have come from North America while 40 percent have come from Europe.
He anticipates the latter number growing as European regulatory bodies — looking to increase tax revenue — are requiring fiscal reporting in POS systems. The company is eyeing France next year as the country has deadlines for merchants to meet these standards.
Lightspeed’s Restaurant offering
“Merchants are taking that opportunity to upgrade their business to a cloud-based platform, to real-time data; if they’re retail, [they want] to go online and have a single system that managers in-store and online sales,” said Dasilva. “In the case of restaurants, online is also driving foot traffic to physical locations.”
Lightspeed, which originally launched to provide POS solutions for independent businesses, likes to make acquisitions based on features they start to see increasing demand for; in the past, the company has made acquisitions like Belgium-based Posios to break into the restaurant business, and Amsterdam-based SEOShop to power a new ecommerce platform.
The company operates in over 100 countries and processes over $15 billion USD in transactions annually. With that number, Dasilva anticipates that the company can enter the financial services space for customers.
Down the road, Dasilva says they’re looking at an IPO. “We’re looking at 2019 as sort of a goal for having our metrics in place for IPO preparedness.”
After its 2008 launch, the company didn’t seek outside funding until seven years into their lifespan. Dasilva says this was time spent building out their mission.
“I always tell young entrepreneurs to bootstrap and to build a real identity with their companies and not just exit too early,” said Dasilva. “It’s part of the reason why we’ve been able to grow so fast in the five years since we took our first investment, because we had really clear identity and strong DNA, and we could bring in other cultures from acquired companies into our family. I would never trade those years of really understanding what we stand for and what we’re building.”
fundingMontrealretail
Today in company updates: StackAdapt launches Unbiasify, Kik co-founder launches news subscription startup
CanCon Podcast Ep. 89: Is Canada ready for the Singularity?
R|T: The Retail Times – Adobe buys Magento
The Retail Times is a weekly newsletter covering retail tech news from Canada and around the globe. Subscribe to R|T using the form at…
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By Jessica Galang Canadian Startup News April 25, 2017
PwC MoneyTree report: Q1 deal activity hits 2015 low, while foreign investment heats up
Canadian VCs invested $623 million ($460 million USD) in Canadian companies in Q1 2017, according to a new MoneyTree Report from PwC Canada and CB Insights. The second joint report containing Canadian data, this latest edition examines Canadian VC deal activity for Q1 2017 (all dollar amounts in the MoneyTree Canada report are in USD, and have been converted to CAD throughout this article).
Deal activity dropped 25 percent through the quarter from Q4 2016, with deals in Q1 2017 hitting the lowest figure since Q3 2015, down 19 percent year over year. However, deals and dollars into Canadian companies had hit eight-quarter highs in Q4 2016, with investment figures fuelled by BlueRock Therapeutics’ $295 million ($225 million USD) biotechnology mega-round. Overall, total deal investment was up 10 percent over Q1 2016’s total of $567 million ($419 million USD).
“Encouraging year-over-year increases in total funding dollars and average deal size in Q1 indicate growing confidence and capacity within the venture capital community as well as the continuing solid fundamentals of the Canadian technology industry,” said Chris Dulny, National Technology Industry Leader at PwC Canada.
Seed deal share remained low in Q1 2017, accounting for just under a third (31 percent) of all deals and reaching an eight-quarter low, while early-stage funding ticked up to 28 percent, representing an eight-quarter high.
In a deep-dive on Canadian VC activity in 2016 following the 2016 MoneyTree report, PwC’s Shivalika Handa told BetaKit that seed stage funding took a majority of dollars (56 percent) in 2016. In Q1 2016, 54 percent of Canadian VC funding was dedicated to early stage startups; by Q4 2016, that number dropped to 37 percent.
“The growth of post-seed investments in recent quarters supports anticipation of greater exit activity in 2017 as Canadian tech companies mature and become attractive to public markets and strategic buyers,” said Dave Planques, National Deals Leader at PwC Canada.
The Q1 2017 MoneyTree report also analyzed the top sectors that received the most VC attention. Internet companies were the most active at 23 deals and a total of $264 million ($195 million USD) invested. Healthcare companies came second at $88 million ($65 million USD) invested, with healthcare deals reaching an eight-quarter high; deal count in this sector also rose for the second consecutive quarter, reaching a two-year quarterly high of 14. Mobile and telecom came third with $55 million ($41 million USD) invested.
Internet deal share recovered slightly following several downward quarters, jumping up to 36 percent in Q1 2017. This figure is still significantly lower than the peak of 52 percent seen in the same quarter last year. Looking at eight-quarter financing trends for internet companies, funding rose 23 percent on a quarterly basis to $264 million ($195 million USD) in Q1 2017, although deal count slowed to 21 percent, the lowest figure since Q3 2015.
Toronto and Montreal maintained their position as Canada’s top two markets for deals in Q1 2017.
Ontario took a vast majority of deals and dollars (34 deals totalling $387 million, or $286 million USD) in Q1 2017, while Quebec came second (15 deals totalling $121 million, or $90 million USD) and BC followed ($108 million, or $80 million USD in 11 deals). This is consistent with an overall 2016 trend seen in last year’s MoneyTree report, where Ontario, Quebec, and BC took the vast majority of deals and dollars, respectively.
Toronto and Montreal maintained their position as Canada’s top two markets for deals in Q1 2017, though in Toronto, deals and dollars generally trended downwards. Investment rose on a YoY basis, with deals up four percent and dollars up 239 percent from Q1 2016, sitting at $307 million ($227 million USD). Deal count and total dollars invested have both tumbled after rising to highs in Q4 2016, although last quarter’s funding was boosted by BlueRock Therapeutics’ $295 million CAD round.
In comparison, Montreal deal activity rose by 56 percent, though dollar activity was down 29 percent to $104 million ($77 million USD). Ottawa and Waterloo both cooled down in terms of deal activity; Ottawa’s deal activity ticked slightly upwards with four deals, in comparison to three in Q4 2016. Waterloo deal activity slowed to an eight-quarter low, with $18 million ($14 million USD) across two deals. In 2016, Thalmic Labs’ $158 million round boosted the city’s total funding for the year to $333 million ($253 million USD), though Waterloo-based companies only saw 16 deals that year.
PwC Canada described Vancouver as “modest,” relative to its eight-quarter range, with $108 million ($80 million USD) invested in Vancouver-based companies across nine deals in Q1 2017.
“The presence of international firms continues to complement Canada’s home-grown investor ecosystem.”
– Anand Sanwal,
CEO and co-founder,
The largest deals in Q1 2017 so far include Mississauga-based PointClickCare, which raised $115 million ($85 million USD); Vancouver-based Visier, which raised $60 million ($45 million), and Mississauga-based CSDC Systems at $40 million ($30 million USD).
Canadian investor participation in early and expansion stage startups hovered around 50 percent in Q1 2017, while US participation never surpassed 35 percent. PwC noted that European investors are becoming active in Canadian later-stage rounds, as UK and European firms represented 14 percent of active investors in expansion-stage financings, versus just three percent for seed-stage rounds.
In PwC Canada’s 2016 deep-dive, a significantly larger percentage of Canadian VC deals were in the seed stage, compared to the US. Q1 2017 also speaks to this trend; Canadian investors represented nearly two-thirds of all active investors at the seed stage (65 percent), but PwC Canada was optimistic about Canadian investors becoming more active beyond the seed stage.
“Despite a few larger late-stage deals funded by international players, Canadian investors are staying active in deal activity beyond seed stage—an interesting trend to monitor as Canada’s technology industry continues to scale,” said Christine Pouliot, Deals Partner at PwC Canada.
There were only four later-stage investments in Q1 2017, but US investors accounted for nearly three-quarters of the active firms at this investment stage (73 percent). Canadian investors made up 27 percent of later stage deals.
Twenty-three percent of all deals to Canadian companies featured at least one corporation or corporate venture capital arm participating; the participation rate matched Q2 2015 for an eight-quarter high.
“Although quarterly funding saw a pullback to start the year, there were a number of positive indicators for the Canadian financing environment,” said Anand Sanwal, co-founder and CEO of CB Insights. “Namely, the presence of international firms continues to complement Canada’s home-grown investor ecosystem, and the influx of corporate backers this quarter also represents a growing source of capital.”
The full PwC MoneyTree Canada report in English can be downloaded here.
Pour lire en français, cliquez ici.
BetaKit is a PwC MoneyTree Canada media partner.
The data in this article is powered by PwC MoneyTree™ Canada, the go-to source for venture capital and high growth startups.
Download the latest MoneyTree Canada report here.
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Seattle’s Lessons for Bernie Sanders Activists After the Elections
A new book offers some pointers on taking the Vermont senator's revolution to the local level.
By Steve Early | June 13, 2016
Seattle’s Lessons for Sanders Activists After the Election
Former Seattle City Councilor Nick Licata, with progressive journalist John Nichols in 2015. (Photo by Joe Mabel / CC 3.0)
This post originally appeared at In These Times.
As the 2016 primary season draws to an end and Bernie Sanders backers look beyond July’s Democratic convention in Philadelphia, many who have “felt the Bern” have their eye on local politics.
Hundreds, if not thousands, will be heeding the call of Minnesota congressman Keith Ellison, a Sanders endorser and convention delegate. “We need people running for school boards,” Ellison told The New York Times in May. “We need people running for city council. We need people running for state legislatures. We need people running for zoning boards, for park boards, to really take this sort of message that Bernie carried and carry it in their own local communities.”
Fortunately for those seeking relevant political advice, former Seattle City Councilor Nick Licata has just published a handbook called Becoming A Citizen Activist: Stories, Strategies, & Advice For Changing Our World (Sasquatch Books, 2016). It draws on 17 years of experience as a progressive elected official and varied campus and community organizing work before that.
In the previous 128 city-council elections, only two candidates had won when both daily newspapers endorsed their opponent, so the odds didn’t look good.
— Nick Licata
Like Sanders, Licata was a ’60s radical. He belonged to Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) at Bowling Green State University and first learned retail politics at the dormitory level when he ran successfully for student government president.
Like some Sanders supporters who may become candidates in the near future, Licata had an unconventional resume when he first sought public office. He had lived in a well-known Seattle commune for 20 years and founded two alternative publishing ventures, the People’s Yellow Pages and the Seattle Sun. A Democrat with Green Party sympathies, he defeated a candidate who was backed by the mainstream media and outspent him 2 to 1.
“In the previous 128 city council elections, only two candidates had won when both daily newspapers endorsed their opponent,” Licata reports, so “the odds didn’t look good.” Fortunately, his message that the city should invest more resources “in all neighborhoods and not concentrate them in just a few” resonated with an electoral coalition of “young renters” and “older homeowners.” Licata’s own track record of neighborhood activism gave him the necessary name recognition and grass-roots street cred to win.
Becoming A Citizen Activist is full of useful tips about how activists and allied politicians can collaborate on issue-oriented campaigns. His book makes clear that “going local” is different from backing a presidential campaign focused on national and international questions. According to Licata, progressives must develop the ability to “see the small things that generate the big things,” linking voter concerns about global threats like climate change to concrete and achievable steps that city government can take to address local manifestations of the larger problem.
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He describes how Seattle’s four years of skirmishing over plastic bag regulation originated in one neighborhood’s opposition to a new waste-transfer station. What might have been just another exercise in NIMBYism evolved into a citywide push for waste reduction at its source, plus much greater recycling. A plastic-bag fee, imposed by the city council, was overturned after a plastic bag industry-funded referendum campaign, but the city’s ban on Styrofoam containers survived. In 2011, the city council passed a broad ban on single-use plastic bags, which the industry opted not to challenge either in court or at the polls.
Licata’s other examples of progressive policy initiatives include raising local labor standards, strengthening civilian oversight of the police, providing greater protection for undocumented immigrants, decriminalizing marijuana possession and using cultural programs to foster a sense of community.
Several of his most interesting case studies reveal the tendency of legislators — even liberal-minded ones — to be overly timid and skeptical about policy initiatives that push the envelope. In 2011, for example, Licata tried to lower the expectations of constituents who met with him about a paid sick leave mandate opposed by local employers.
“I cautioned that it was not likely that we’d see it anytime soon,” he admits in the book. Yet, less than nine months later, he was “shown to be wrong.” Not only was there sufficient public support, but “well-organized advocacy groups” marshaled “a wealth of data to prove that the sky wouldn’t fall if paid sick leave passed.”
Several years later, when some Seattle fast-food workers staged union-backed job actions to highlight their minimum-wage demand, it was the same story:
Politicians like me were sympathetic but also felt that $15 was way too big a lift. In my own case, I thought there were more readily achievable goals — like fighting wage theft. I found myself initially offering cautious verbal support and not much more.
What made Seattle’s “Fight for 15″ winnable was grass-roots organizing by local labor organizations and left-wing activists, who were able to inject the issue into the 2013 mayoral race between incumbent Mike McGinn and his challenger, state Sen. Ed Murray. Shortly before the election, Murray endorsed a minimum-wage hike to $15 an hour while McGinn insisted that Washington state should take action instead of the city.
Key socialist presence
That year, it also made a big difference to have an energetic and charismatic socialist candidate running for city council under the “Fight for 15″ banner. Kshama Sawant took on Richard Conlin, “a well-liked liberal politician” who cast the city council’s lone vote against paid sick leave and opposed raising the minimum wage without further study. According to Licata, Conlin, like McGinn, was defeated due to the votes of “many disaffected Democrats who wanted more aggressive council members willing to speak out on issues.”
Once elected, Sawant was quick to utilize what Licata calls “the unique means that public officials have to help mobilize the public”: holding public hearings, forming issue-oriented or constituency-based task forces and commissions and backing ballot measures like the threatened popular referendum on “15 Now” that kept Mayor Murray and his allies from weakening minimum wage legislation more than they did in 2014.
Yet when Sawant — a generation younger than Licata — first ran against Conlin, the council’s most left-leaning member didn’t support her. In Becoming a Citizen Activist, Licata now acknowledges Sawant’s unusual strengths as a radical politician, including her social-media savvy, “dedicated following” and ability to project “a message that resonated with the public.” Her tweets, blogging and website use “helped her obtain 80-percent citywide name recognition after a year on the council, far surpassing all the other council members,” Licata reports.
According to the author, local pollsters surveying the relative popularity of city councilors prior to Seattle’s 2015 election found that Sawant’s “numbers were higher than all the others but mine, and I beat her by only one point.” These results might explain why Mayor Murray and the Seattle business community failed to unseat their Socialist Alternative critic when she ran for re-election last year, with Licata’s backing this time. (Licata himself chose to retire from the city council.)
New Forms of Organization
Readers interested in further detail about their overlapping council careers will have to wait for American Socialist, a political memoir by Sawant (to be published by Verso next year) or Jonathan Rosenblum’s forthcoming book for Beacon Press about labor and politics in Seattle. Rosenblum worked on Sawant’s reelection campaign which, in his view, demonstrated “the indispensability of organization” and an “independent political base.”
Unlike Licata’s own more typical electoral efforts in the past, Sawant’s “campaign strategies and tactics were not directed by a single candidate or campaign manager.” Instead, Rosenblum points out, they were “developed through collective, thoughtful discussions” among Socialist Alternative members who live in Seattle and “are connected to a broader base of union and community activists.”
One limitation of Licata’s book is the absence of any discussion about fielding slates of progressive candidates who are committed to a common platform that includes rejection of corporate contributions. To his credit, Licata did play a major role in creating the multi-city network of progressive elected officials known as Local Progress. In the Bay Area, this group includes Richmond, California, city councilor (and former mayor) Gayle McLaughlin, whose Richmond Progressive Alliance only runs candidates who spurn business donations.
Nationally, about 400 mayors, city councilors, county supervisors and school board members use Local Progress as a think tank and clearing house for alternative public policies. Assisted by the Center for Popular Democracy in New York, the group distributes a 60-page handbook for improving labor and environmental standards, housing and education programs, public safety and municipal election practices. At annual conferences — like its national meeting in Pittsburgh on July 8-9 — local victories of the sort Licata describes in his book are dissected and their lessons disseminated.
Local Progress leaders believe that neither street politics nor electoral victories alone will make a sufficient dent in the status quo. As Licata told his fellow “electeds” when they met in New York two years ago, municipal government changes for the better only when progressives have “an outside and inside game…people on the inside and people protesting on the outside to provide insiders with backbone.” Licata’s new book provides many useful examples of that necessary synergy.
TOPICS: Activism
TAGS: 2016 election, activists, bernie sanders, democratic socialist, fight for 15, grass-roots activism, local elections, progressive, seattle
Steve Early
Steve Early worked for 27 years as an organizer and international representative for the Communications Workers of America. He is the author of a new book from Monthly Review Press, titled Save Our Unions: Dispatches from a Movement in Distress. He is working on a book about political change and public-policy innovation in Richmond, California.
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Heidi Van Pelt
Posted by Biography Fact on August 14, 2019 / Last Modified October 31, 2019
1 What is the Net Worth & Salary of Heidi Van Pelt?
2 Heidi Van Pelt’s Personal Life, Husband, Children
3 Heidi Van Pelt’s Height & Weight
4 Heidi Van Pelt’s Career
Heidi Van Pelt is an American actress who is famous for being the ex-wife of HomeImprovement star, Taran Noah Smith. Taran is well known for his role as Marcus “Mark” Jason Taylor, the youngest son on one of the longest-running.
Heidi Van Pelt was born on 11th July 1968 somewhere in the United States of America to American parents. As of 2019, her age is 51 years old with her birth sign Cancer. There is no information about her family background and early life.
She holds an American nationality and belongs to a white ethnic background. Since there is no information about her siblings, she might be the single child of her parents. Regarding her academic performance, Heidi has not revealed anything about her education.
What is the Net Worth & Salary of Heidi Van Pelt?
Heidi Van Pelt is the former wife of Taran Noah Smit, who is an actor by profession. The exact net worth of Heidi is hard to tell but she has a decent sum of wealth which is around $150 thousand. However, she has not disclosed her salary to the media.
Caption: Heidi Van Pelt and Taran Noah Smith (Source: allstarbio)
On the other hand, her husband Taran Noah Smith gained control of a $1.5 Million trust fund, which was allocated to him by his parents. Later Taran filed a case against his parents and told that they misused his fund for buying a mansion, and he won the case. Also, he used that money to start a food business but it crumbled as a bad result. Besides this, Smith has an estimated net worth of $300 Thousand from his profession as of 2019. Moreover, he earns a lucrative amount of money from his career as an actor.
Heidi Van Pelt’s Personal Life, Husband, Children
Heidi Van Pelt is a divorced woman and seems to be single now. Previously, she was married to Taran Noah Smith in 2001 with whom she set an example love has no boundaries. They first met at their college. Taran’s marriage prompted to leave home and they opened a restaurant, Play Food in California. Likewise, they have an adorable child, Nolan Eric Smith.
Caption: Heidi Van Pelt with her ex-husband (Source: thecelebscloset)
However, their relationship didn’t last for long and they divorced due to some misunderstandings between them. According to some tabloids, the reason behind their divorce was a huge age difference of around 16 years. Also, the former duo struggled a lot for diving their properties.
Besides this, there are no rumors and controversies regarding Heidi’s personal life and career. Hence, Heidi is currently single and busy with her work while focusing on her career. As she is enjoying her singlehood, Heidi might be in search of a perfect boy who would be fit to be her future husband. We hope she will mind another father for her child very soon.
Heidi Van Pelt’s Height & Weight
Heidi stands on the average height of 5 feet 8 inches with a matching body weight of 55 kg. She has an attractive pair of blue eyes with blonde hair color. Besides this, there is no further information about her bust size, waist size, hip size, shoe size, dress size.
Heidi Van Pelt’s Career
Heidi Van Pelt is an American actress by her profession. She is famous for being the ex-wife of HomeImprovement star, Taran Noah Smith with whom she tied her wedding knot on April 27, 2001, before divorcing on 6 February 2007.
Taran Noah Smith started his early career at the age of 10 and got his first role in the popular sitcom, Home Improvement. Later, he played many roles in ABC TGIF (1990), and Ebbie (1995), Little Bigfoot 2: The Journey Home, in ‘7th Heaven and Batman Beyond. After that, he didn’t want to be an actor and he stayed away from the screen by the time he was an adult.
Caption: Heidi Van Pelt’s Ex-husband Source: allstarbio
Taran Smith was awarded Young Artist Award in the category Exceptional Performance by a Young Actor Under Ten for Home Improvement in the year 1992 and Young Artist Award in the category Outstanding Youth Ensemble in a Television Series for Home Improvement in the year 1994.
Facts of Heidi Van Pelt
Full Name Heidi Van Pelt
Date Of Birth 11th July 1968
Place Of Birth USA
Height 5 feet 8 inches
Nationality Americian
Spouse Taran Noah Smith (2001-?)
Children Nolan Eric Smith
Star Sign Cancer
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A Salute To The Best Inside Joke In AVENGERS: ENDGAME
Spoilers inside. You've been warned.
By Scott Wampler Apr. 26, 2019
FINAL WARNING: This post contains Avengers: Endgame spoilers.
The Russo Brothers' Avengers: Endgame is positively overflowing with cool easter eggs, inside jokes and fan-service nods that are sure to keep the internet busy for many, many months (at some point in the near future, some poor sod's gonna volunteer to write the definitive post documenting all those inside jokes and easter eggs, and I wish that lunatic well), but today we're gonna focus on just one of them.
The gag arrives maybe midway through the film: Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) have traveled back into the not-too-distant past to obtain the Space and Mind Gems, two of the six Infinity Stones that need to be collected before the Avengers can build their own Infinty Gauntlet and un-do the damage Thanos caused at the end of Avengers: Infinity War. When Rogers finally tracks down the Mind Gem, it's still safely housed within a briefcase being escorted out of the old Avengers HQ...by a number of operatives we now know, with the benefit of hindsight, to be low-down, dirty agents of Hydra.
The way the scene's set up, Endgame primes its audience for a repeat of Captain America: Winter Soldier's legendary elevator fight scene, but this turns out to be a bit of misdirection: just when you think Cap's gonna lay into the goons around him in order to obtain that case, he instead leans into the ear of the guy holding it and whispers: "Hail, Hydra." In the very next shot, we see Cap casually strolling out of the elevator, case in hand. It's a great beat, one which subverts expectations while cleverly trading on the film's time travel element. It's also something of an inside joke, one many audience members might not have the context for.
Y'all probably do, though.
That's the infamous final page from 2016's Captain America: Steve Rogers #1, written by Nick Spencer. That issue - and, more specifically, that page, which has Captain America revealing himself to be in league with the rest of the Nazi-esque Hydra organization - went off like a bomb when it was published, infuriating longtime fans of the character and kicking off a seemingly endless parade of think pieces (it also resulted in Spencer receiving death threats, the online world's preferred method for voicing a difference in opinion with a content creator). Despite all that sturm und drang, the moment wasn't undone by the folks at Marvel. Indeed, it was just the beginning of a series of events that eventually led to Marvel's Secret Empire crossover, which found Cap ushering in a complete Hydra takeover of the United States. It was kind of a big deal!
And now the line's been given a second life via Avengers: Endgame, one where the meaning's been flipped on its head. It's a clever bit of reclamation work from the Russos, quite possibly my favorite bit of fan service in the entire movie (which is saying something, given the number of options there are to choose from), and the one moment I really wanted to throw a spotlight on immediately upon seeing the film.
Anyway, now that you've seen Avengers: Endgame, what were some of your favorite easter eggs/callbacks/fan nods? Sound off in the comments below, and stay tuned for more on Avengers: Endgame as the film continues to dominate the discussion for, I dunno, at least the next few weeks.
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Scott Wampler is an online film blogger, Podcast host, and man of constant sorrow living in Austin, TX. His likes include CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON, the filmography of David Lynch, and the conspicuous consumption of alcohol. Dislikes include people and unfrosted Pop-Tarts.
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Motorhome And Caravan Show Returns to NEC
Posted on October 13, 2015 by Alan Young
Yesterday saw the opening of another Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC, and, as usual, I was there on the opening day, to take a look at what was on offer.
The show is the UK’s largest motorhome and caravanning event. It is also the one opportunity in the year for the public to see all of the new 2016 caravan, motorhome, holiday home, folding camper and trailer tent models from the leading UK and European manufacturers.
The show was first launched as a National Caravan Council (NCC) event, in 2011, and is supported by industry members, as well as the Caravan Club and The Camping & Caravanning Club.
Along with its sister show; The Camping, Caravan and Motorhome Show, it accounts for some 20% of total UK sales of caravans and motorhomes each year. With over 350 exhibitors, across 11 halls, it offers the widest possible choice, all under the one roof.
The show was opened, at 10am, by super bike champion, and King of the Jungle, Carl ‘Foggy’ Fogarty. There are a number of other celebrities attending the show, through its duration. Full details of these are available on the Show’s Web Site, and in the Celebrities link below.
The caravan and motorhome industry is responsible for generating £6bn each year, for the national economy. In Britain, there are currently:
550,000 touring caravans
350,000 ‘static’ caravan holiday homes
205,000 motorhomes
Each year there are:
20,000 new touring caravans registered
7,400 new motorhomes registered
15,000 caravan holiday homes registered
Based on average values, that equates to:
£325 million, per annum – new tourer market in the UK
£464 million per annum – new motorhome market in the UK
£600 million per annum – new caravan holiday home market in the UK
The caravan industry employs more than 100,000 people in the UK, including seasonal staff. 95% of caravans and 75% of motorhomes seen on UK roads are actually manufactured in the UK.
Whilst on holiday, caravanners, generally, spend £2 billion in the UK alone, thereby helping to support local businesses and attractions.
As usual, the show has an excellent. and detailed web site, with information on all of the key events, activities and features. To help you get the most out of it, though, these are some of the key areas of the site;
Floor Plan (good luck with trying to read it, though)
Free Towing Experience
Motorhome Manoeuvering
On Site Camp Site
The Show covers 11 halls, and, as mentioned above, is the largest UK motorhome and caravanning event. When I arrived, at 8am, I gained entry to the show via the Press Office, in Hall 18. My initial destination was the Pennine stand, in Hall 12, and it took me a good 15 minutes, at a brisk pace, and with no one around, to walk straight to it, via the various halls, so this is no small show, and every hall is jam packed with caravans, motorhomes, camping clubs and venues and, of course accessories. It would be very easy to lose yourself for a good couple of days, if you wanted to take a look at everything on display, and that is something that is much easier to do, if you choose to make the most of the on site camping facilities.
Tickets this year were £8.50 in advance, and £12 on the door (OAPs £11 on the door, and children under 16 free). This represents an increase in ‘on the door’ price of £2 on last year, but is still excellent value, bearing in mind it includes entry to the show, full show brochure and parking (Car parks were marked as £12 parking charge, so the total price seems pretty reasonable over all). This price also includes access to a number of free events, and, of course, the free towing experience. As usual, refreshments are not so cheap, but there is a huge choice of food and drink on offer, should you feel the need.
Last year’s show was covered in quite a bit of detail, in our article; Motorhome And Caravan Show 2014 Opens At The NEC and all aspects of this show remain pretty much the same.
The Folding Camper / Trailer Tent Bit
Just like last year, the trailer tent and folding camper stands were all located, together, in Hall 12. Again, there weren’t that many of them, relative to the size of the show, but their close proximity to each other made it easy to check them all out together. Although this show is larger than sister show the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show, the trailer tent and folding camper section is smaller, with notable omissions from some manufacturers, such as Holt Kamper and Cabanon, but the majority of models are still represented there, and with a couple of interesting product launches as well.
The main exhibitors at the show were Pennine and Opus on the folding camper side, and Black Country Caravans, Burcroft Camping and Camperlands on the trailer tent side.
Below is a very quick summary of some of the items worth taking a look at.
Trailer Tents
Trigano Odyssee Basic
The Odyssee is now split into two models; the older 2012 model has now been re branded as the Odyssee Basic.
The Odyssee Basic Is Based On The 2012 Odyssee.
On the other hand, the re vamped 2014 model has now been re branded as the Odyssee Plus, and has a number of additional features and equipment.
Basic Interior, With Under Bed Storage.
The Basic is a standard four berth, with under bed storage under the one bed. It does not come with a kitchen as standard, and does not include the ‘sun roof’ of the Plus.
Trigano Odyssee Plus
The ‘Plus’ on the other hand, is a re branded 2014 model, and comes complete with kitchen and ‘sun roof’.
There is a slightly different colour scheme for 2015, and minor changes to the front panels, but, otherwise, it is pretty much as last year.
Odyssee Plus Exterior
The kitchen on the Odyssee Plus is a good sized unit, offering a two burner hob / grill, sink, and ample storage.
Like the ‘Basic’, it offers comfortable four berth accommodation, with under bed storage below one of the beds.
Plus Interior, With Bed Areas And Free Standing Kitchen
More details of the Trigano Odyssee can be found here; Trigano Odyssee Model Details.
Trigano Galleon
The Galleon is another four berth model, with a distinctive curved canopy roof.
Trigano Galleon, With Optional Annex
The Galleon offers two under bed pods, unlike the Odyssee models described above. It also comes with a large kitchen unit, like the Odyssee Plus.
Interior of The Galleon, Showing Main Living Area, Beds And Free Standing Kitchen
The kitchen in the Trigano Galleon is different from the Odyssee, however, with a sink and a three burner hob, as opposed to a two burner hob and grill.
Galleon Kitchen, With Three Burner Hob & Sink
For more information on the Galleon; Trigano Galleon Model Details
Trigano Alpha
The Trigano Alpha is a Two berth model, in the Combi Camp Style, with fold over trailer cover that forms the floor of the sleeping area.
The Alpha Kitchen Is A Very Impressive And Well Equiped Unit
The Alpha, although two berth, comes with a pretty impressive specification, with full kitchen, and large awning / living area. The kitchen includes a sink, two burner hob with modern grill and plenty of storage. There is also a central area for a table top fridge.
The Spacious Bedroom Area can Now Be Increased With The Optional Annex, Which Attaches To The Rear Of The Bedroom
The bedroom is spacious and comfortable, for two, and, new for 2015, is an annex that attaches directly to the bedroom area, to double the number of berths, in the same way as the Cabanon Malawi and the Combi Camp models.
If you want to know more about the Alpha, check out the details here; Trigano Alpha Model Details
Trigano Olympe
The Olympe really lives up to its name, and is absolutely huge. With optional awning annexe and under bed pods, this model will actually sleep twelve people.
With Optional Extensions, The Olympe Can Accommodate Up To Twelve People
The three main double beds are contained within three pods at the rear of the awning. The centre pod, in its standard format, is, simply, a storage area, but there is an optional bed arrangement that goes in here, as shown in the picture below.
Olympe Interior, With Optional Central Bed In Situe
The kitchen unit in the Olympe is the same as that in the Odyssee Plus, with two burner hob, grill, sink and storage compartments.
The Olympe Kitchen Is Quite Well Appointed, As You Would Expect In Such A Large Model
Full details on the Olympe can be found here; Trigano Olympe Model Details.
Camplet Basic / Basic +
Camplet offer three main models, all of which were represented at the show, on the Camperlands stand. The first of these is the Basic / Basic +.
This is an entry level model, but with a fairly impressive specification, and, of course, the trademark rapid set up of the brand.
Interior Of The Basic +, With Kitchen Unit, And One Bed Made UP Into A Settee
The main difference between the two models is that the Basic has no kitchen, whereas the Basic + features the same kitchen unit as the Classic.
Kitchen Unit With Bowl Attached. Not The Most Functional Of Washing Facilities, But It Does Leave Plenty Of Work Surface Free
The kitchen unit is not badly equiped, but does lack a proper sink. a bowl is simply attached to the side of the kitchen, which works well, generally, but, of course, does lack any waste water facility. Full specifications of the model can be found here; Camp-Let Basic Model Details
Camplet Classic
The Classic is almost identical to the Basic / Basic +, and, even, the dimensions are the same.
Dual Front Aspect Of The Camplet Classic
The main difference between the two, visually, seems to be that the Basic has a wide front panel, with a narrow door to the side, whereas the Classic has equal sized panels to the front aspect. Camp-Let Classic Model Details
Camplet Premium
The Premium is the top of the range offering, from Camp-Let. Although the same width as the other models, it’s 43cm deeper, and, unlike the flat front of the Basic and Classic models, the Premium has a peaked roof, although it does share the dual aspect of the Classic.
The Premium Is Easy To Distinguish From The Other Camp-Let Models, Due To Its Peaked Roof
The only other noticeable difference is the the kitchen is a little plusher in the Premium than the other models. Although it still lacks a proper sink, it has more draws / storage compartments than the more basic unit.
The ‘Deluxe’ Kitchen, As Featured In The Premium
To check out the specifications on this higher end model; Camp-Let Premium Model Details
Raclet Solena
The Solena is Raclet’s smallest and quickest erecting trailer tent, and was on display on the Burcroft Camping stand, along with Raclet stable mate; the Quickstop SE.
The Distinctive Circular Windows Of The Solena Make It Very East To Distinguish
Although a lot smaller, and with more traditional awning, the Solena is a similar style to the Trigano Alpha, referred to above. It also incorporates an annex (this time attached to the awning) thereby allowing the sleeping capacity to be double to four berths. Raclet Solena Model Details.
Raclet Quickstop SE
The Quickstop has always been a bit of a hybrid; part trailer tent, and part folding camper, although it’s probably fair to say that the latest Quickstop SE is pretty firmly in the latter camp, as the level of equipment contained within the main trailer is increasing all the time. However, we are looking at it here, with the trailer tents, alongside smaller sibling the Solena, purely for the sake of convenience.
The Raclet Quickstop SE. Now, More Folding Camper Than Trailer Tent
The Quickstop SE is, to all intents and purposes a folding camper. The main trailer area contains not only two beds and two comfortable settees, but, also a proper kitchen, with sink, hob and stylish grill. There is no three way fridge in the Quickstop SE, but there is space for the table top fridge, adjacent to the main kitchen unit.
The Uprated And Stylish Interior Of The Raclet Quickstop SE
One aspect that still pays homage to the Quickstop’s ‘hybrid’ heritage is the removable kitchen, which can be lifted out, and used, free standing, in the main awning area.
Campmaster Air
The Campmaster Air is something that little bit different. Developed for Camperlands, it is a small, compact trailer tent that can be towed by the smallest of cars, or, even, a motor cycle. The concept is pretty unique, and very ingenious. Contained within the trailer is a modified version of the Vango Eden 400 Air Tent, which inflates in a matter of minutes. You then push the trailer inside, open it out, and you have the base for your double bed.
The Campaster Air. Quick To Erect And Light Enough To Be Towed My A Motor Cycle
The Air even includes a separate toilet / changing room compartment, next to the bed, and adequate living space in the main tent area. All this in a trailer with a fully laden weight of just 200kg. Campmaster Air Model Details.
Trigano Camplair
Tucked away in the corner of Hall 12, next to the Campmaster Air, we find the Trigano Camplair, another 4 berth trailer tent, with a curved roof, along the lines of the Trigano Galleon above.
The Camplair is a budget trailer tent, coming in at comfortably below £3,000, and, as such, has no kitchen unit, but it is designed to be extremely easy to erect, and can comfortably be set up by one person, using its single hoop awning system.
In addition to the Raclet Quickstop SE, mentioned above, there are only two other folding camper manufacturers in the UK / Europe, both of whom are represented, here, at the show.
Many of us will recognise the Opus from its appearance on BBC’s The Apprentice, back in Series 9, and it was back, again, with all the familiar styling characteristics we have come to expect from the brand, not to mention a couple of extras, such as drop down protector screen.
Something You don’t Often See At The Shows; An Opus Set Up With Awning.
At this show, however, Opus are demonstrating a new product, the Opus Moto. This is a product targeting a particular niche of the market, those who enjoy moto cross, or other motor cycle related sports.
The company has, for a while now, produced an offshoot product, the Opus Drifter. This is a more rugged, off road version of the camper, which is sold to the Australian market. The Moto is an extension of this concept, using a much more rugged chassis and suspension to allow the camper to carry not only two motor cycles on top, but, also, what can best be described as a mini crane, capable of lifting up to half a ton.
Main Opus Stand, With Opus Moto To The Right
Above is the main Opus stand, to the right, is the Moto, with its large yellow and black ‘crane’. Believe it or not, the whole lot folds down and slides into the open compartment at the side. A minor downfall of this arrangement is the loss of locker space under the main seating. A somewhat larger issue is that of increased weight. The Moto has a maximum gross weight of 1,050kg, however, due to the additional weight of the crane and bikes, framework and suspension have been strengthened and uprated to provide a maximum gross weight of 1,550kg, which will take it well outside the towing capacity of all but the most competent towing vehicles. It may, also, be an additional issue for those who passed their driving test post January 1997. None the less, it is an interesting concept, and still very much a work in progress. The company are, currently, considering the relocation of the winch to the rear of the unit, and this week’s show will also be used as a benchmark to find out just how many times a bike can be raised / lowered on a single leisure battery charge. Opus Model Details
Pennine continues to be the fore runner in the UK folding camper market, and they had all four Conway / Pennine models on display at the show. Three of those are permanently set up for viewings, whilst the fourth, the Conway Crusader, is used for regular demonstrations on the setting up, taking down procedures.
The Pennine Stand, With All Four Models Available To View
Also on the Pennine stand was the new Air Porch 6 awning we referred to last week. (I will be doing a full review of that shortly, now that I have had chance to check it out ‘in the flesh’).
All of the models come with the new 2016 livery, which includes some excellent new soft furnishings, blackout curtains, and work tops and table, in a black granite effect, with silver fleck.
Conway Countryman
The Countryman is, effectively, the entry level model, and is the only one in the range without its own onboard toilet compartment. That said, many people actually prefer a camper without a toilet so close to the main living area, and the Countryman caters very well for that section of the marketplace.
Interior Of The 2016 Countryman, Showing Fresh New Fabrics, Black Worktops And Blackout Curtains
The Countryman offers comfortable four berth accommodation, with two fixed double beds, and two fixed dinette style settees. Due to the lack of toilet compartment, the kitchen in the Countryman is well equiped and spacious for a four berth model. Conway Countryman Model Details.
Pennine Fiesta
The Fiesta is built on the same trailer base as the Countryman, but approaches the accommodation in quite a different way. As you enter the camper, the first, and most obvious difference is the introduction of a toilet compartment in the front left hand corner, adjacent to the kitchen. Whilst this toilet compartment is a welcome addition to many, it is at the expense of the kitchen area, which, inevitably loses a storage cupboard and a degree of workspace.
Pennine Fiesta With Toilet Compartment And Smaller Kitchen To Compensate
The other difference is the clever way the Fiesta creates extra space in the main living area. The Countryman has two fixed opposing settees, with two fixed beds behind. This makes dining for four very easy, but eats into floor space. The Fiesta gets around this by using one of the beds to make up the second settee. On the plus side, this creates a lot of extra floor space, but the trade off is that the second bed has to be made up, at night, and the settees are a little farther apart when it comes to dining comfortably. Pennine Fiesta Model Details.
Large, Comfortable Settee, Made Up From The Second Double Bed.
Pennine Pathfinder
The Pathfinder is the flagship model in the Pennine range, with full wash room, including toilet and wash basin, full oven and a large lounge, with U shaped seating.
Pennine Pathfinder 2016 Interior
Above, we can see the comfortable and spacious accommodation in the Pathfinder, with all 2016 refinements, plus wardrobe, king size bed, toilet / wash room, comprehensive kitchen and seating.
U Shaped Seating Arrangement Is Unique To the Pathfinder
The U shaped seating is unique to the Pathfinder model, and offers a comfortable and spacious area to dine and relax. Pennine Pathfinder Model Details.
Conway Crusader
The Crusader is a show special, and doesn’t appear on the company web site. It is based upon the Pennine Pathfinder, and is built on the same trailer. It does, however, incorporate some small but subtle differences. The most significant of these is the seating arrangement. There is no U shaped settee, but, instead, the more traditional opposing settee style dinette seating. In between these is a fold up occasional table. Also, because the seating is slightly shorter, this accommodates a larger cupboard between the door and the settees. Conway Crusader Model Details.
That’s about it for the trailer tent and folding camper aspect of the show. Of course, these are not intended, in any way, to represent detailed reviews, simply to give an idea of what’s available to view at the show. Trailer tents and folding campers may be limited, but there is loads to see and do at the show, loads of accessories, both camping related, and not, and, if you are there to look at the caravans and motor homes, be prepared to be lost for a very long time.
For those of you who can’t attend, I have, where conditions allowed, taken a number of short walk through videos, just to allow you to get a feel for some of the models there. Feel free to take a look;
Pennine / Conway Videos
Pennine Air Porch 6 Awning
Trigano Videos
Opus Videos
Moto winch in action – raising
Moto winch in action – lowering
This entry was posted in News And Information and tagged Camplet, Campmaster, Folding Campers, Motorhome & Caravan Show, NEC, Opus, Pennine, Trailer Tents, Trigano. Bookmark the permalink.
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Collision Course (Eagles vs. Falcons)
Started by FalconinPA, December 21, 2010
JRock2012 8
You can never bury the Vick era. He's 2nd to only MLK Jr. in this city. Don't know why, but he just is. And this article has been ran into the ground. Chances are this game will never even happen. Worry about beating the Saints Monday night. Looking forward to the NFC Championship (when Philly hasn't even clinched yet) is premature and dumb...
Well you know media is going to hype it up. But obviously both teams have a LONG way to go before then.
We may have to face the Saints of all teams in the divisional round.
If Philly doesn't get a bye week their road to the NFCCG is even more daunting because more than likely they would have to face the Giants again in the wildcard round, and if they somehow survived that, they would have to go to Soldier Field against the Bears against Vick's two biggest nemesis who now play on the same team in Urlacher and Peppers.
So there is much work to be done by both teams. Especially Philly who has not even clinched a playoff spot and by the looks of that schedule, they better do more than that, they better get a bye, or kiss their NFCCG berth chances bye.
rounz 2,486
The LA Falcons
think they would cheer for Vick in an NFC Championship Game in Southern Cali ??????
you guys better think about that shyt real good..........
Because A Blank is listening
Blank isn't near as emotionally fragile as some of you guys.
fansince78 1,034
I know there are a lot of fans here in Atlanta that don't want the Falcons to face the Eagles in the playoffs. I am one of the few that want that game more than anything. If the Eagles come here for the NFC Championship Game, they are going home losers and the Vick chapter of this team team will finally be history. BRING EM ON!!!!
domeOFpain 789
MV7 will never be gone in Falcons lore. NEVER. Y'all need to get over it. PULEASE.
The man brought us the most excitement you will ever see on a football field. EVER!!! We are now watching in Philly (watching in Philly is what I hate, really hate watching him in Philly) doing what he did for us in the ATL. If you disagree, you never, ever, consistently, watched MV7 in the ATL. Period.
The Football player...awesome. MV7.
Finally 2,903
Sardonic Jerk
Vick did way more than Quitrino did here. PM me if you got any questions about that bro.
As I stated before if you are a true Falcon fan Vick is part of your DNA. Face it. It's true.
Dude, in all of his laziness and off field transgressions he is still one of the best Falcons ever. Trust me on this one bro.
Do what Arthur does. Take the high road. If everyone could do this we will be better off. I promise you. Can you do that?
Are you trying out to be the new Gazoo? Telling others how they have to feel towards players? Trust me bro, you don't want to go there, I promise.
FalconinPA likes this
Speaking of that
Where is gazoo?
He surely should be here now to enjoy this success.
I assumed he has been banned considering that he would be squealing like a stuck pig over JA98's play this year if he had the chance. He would be making Anderson's rise to average as being HoF worthy.
Anderson and McClure--I think it was.
I miss him and Cappy getting into it.
Maybe he has been banned, but I don't think so.
I can't remember if he's been on this year at all.
Anyway, you just made me realize he's been missing--sorry to get off-topic.
#2 FTW 68
I'll have to pick a new religion. And I'm really starting to run out of them. I might have to turn Mormon
GEORGIAfan 15,599
Gheto_Po_Folk!
i disagree, and i consistently watched mv7. he rarely did what he did in philly in atlanta.
btrain5489 13
Everyone likes to look past Vick's new supporting cast and act like the "new" Vick is all of Vick's doing.
Vick is better coached. He has a better OC. He has better receivers. He has a TE with good knees. He has RBs that are useful inside the 20s (I'm looking at you Dunn). He is surrounded by guys that make plays for him vs guys that stood around waiting on him to make a play. The Eagles are basically in every offensive context way better than Vick's Falcons were.
Vick still isn't a pinpoint passer. Vick still has crazy velocity on 5 yard passes into the flats. Vick still runs with the ball away from his body. Eagles Vick is largely the same as Falcons Vick.
The resurgence of Mike Vick is more about where he landed and the faults in the environment he came from than him changing his habits. Vick's changes to his preparation may have helped but the story is about the playmakers he has around him and didn't have in Atlanta.
As soon as Falcons fans understand that Vick's team (players, coaches, and front office) was *blown up* because it was garbage the sooner people understand that even if Vick had Manning's work ethic the Falcons still would have only gone as far as he would have taken us largely by himself. Consider this, the Eagles, who everyone knows don't run the ball, are the 3rd best rushing team in the league this season. That pretty much tells me that Vick guarantees you a top 5 rushing offense. What does that say about the dominance of our so called great rushing offense that he "couldn't take advantage of"? Vick's Falcons were the Lions with Sanders...one really good player and no one around him to get the most out of the talent. At least Detroit fans realized it though.
I've never been annoyed by his performance this season because I knew it wasn't possible in Atlanta without getting him some help. Vick in Atlanta wasn't going to work out even without the dogfighting and work ethic issues. I was saying it 4-5 years ago and this season (and the fact that that team was dismantled) proves it.
Go To Topic Listing Around the NFL
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daveindc
Everything posted by daveindc
San Diego Padres 2020 Rebrand Discussion
daveindc replied to Gothamite's topic in Sports Logo News
MLB Changes 2020
daveindc replied to kimball's topic in Sports Logo News
MLB 2019 Changes
daveindc replied to SportsLogos.Net News's topic in Sports Logo News
First year for the ST jersey is what I was saying.
NFL changes 2019
daveindc replied to FightingGoldenDevil's topic in Sports Logo News
If you're going with one color + white, why not have the helmet in your one color? Should've been done long ago.
I can see the white script ST jersey starting off as an alternate. Maybe replacing the white stars and stripes Curly W alt. Funny that this is the first year for those and they share their ST facility with the Astros. Wasn't the Astros' navy sunrise jersey originally just a ST jersey too?
Nice, rich brown. Perfect.
"Midnight Poop" for the anti-brown people on the board. Atlanta is a poop sports town.
Yep. And as long as it's not any darker than the throwbacks they wore in 2014, it'll be perfect.
Portland and other MLB expansion name possibilities
daveindc replied to Oso's topic in Sports Logo General Discussion
The distance calculator has it at 1H 47M: https://www.distance-cities.com/distance-saint-petersburg-fl-to-orlando-fl
Milwaukee Brewers 2020 Logo/Uniforms
daveindc posted a topic in Sports Logo News
Manfred himself brought Vancouver up as a possibility, so I'm sure it's getting respect as a candidate from the people who counts. I don't know if it'll get a team before Portland though, unless it falls through for some reason. It has about the same metro area pop as Portland, and is about the same distance from Seattle.
Here's my predictions for division realignment after expansion and relocation is done: NL East- DC, Philly, Mets, Montreal NL North- Pitt, Cubs, StL, Mil NL South- Cinc, Atl, Mia, Charlotte (or Nashville) NL West- SF, Dodgers, SD, Ariz AL East- Bos, Yanks, Tor, Bal AL North- Det, Chisox, Minn, Cle AL South- Col, KC, Tex, Hou AL West- Sea, Portland, Oak (or Vegas), Angels
It's very noticeable, especially to us. There's people on social media who are seriously suggesting the Nats wear Expos throwbacks during the WS. Huh? It's especially irritating considering the Nats are obviously sticking with the navy jerseys the rest of the way. It just shows that they're not as much fans of the franchise as the Washington Nationals, but just want their Montreal Expos back. Of course I feel their pain, but at the same time a lot of their rhetoric is just disrespectful to DC and baseball fans here. Relocation is never pretty. As far as Angelos, he would've sued as well. When there was brief discussion of adding a third expansion team for DC in that last round, he made his opposition known. He was the only owner who voted against the Expos move, and he and the Nats have been in court for years just over TV network revenue (MASN). It JUST got settled a couple month ago after years of appeals, and ruled in the Nats favor. "The owners already had settled on Phoenix and Tampa, but Collins says some were intrigued with the idea of locating a team in Washington. When one of the owners introduced a motion to add a third team and open up Washington as the potential site, another owner "went nuts," according to Collins. It was Peter Angelos, the new owner of the Baltimore Orioles." https://www.washingtonian.com/2005/04/01/how-dc-got-baseball-back/
As a Nats fan I would've much rather received an expansion team than hearing Expos fans whine every day. Not complaining though. Ironically, MLB picked Tampa Bay in the last round of expansion over our nation's capital just to appease to Peter Angelos and his team in Baltimore. Now the Rays are looking to move to Montreal, and rumors of the O's moving to Nashville are circulating. Go figure.
They've practiced in those caps before. They're not going to wear them in the game.
Again, nobody is denying the marketing of on-field gear. That's not the point here. The point here is that people who wouldn't buy certain authentic gear because it's "too flashy" just aren't the same type of folks who wouldn't buy fashion caps because it's not authentic. There's plenty of money to be made from both authentic AND fashion gear. There's no need for teams to tailor their look around what people wear outside in this day and age. Quite the opposite.
[citation needed] (from the last 20 years)
Nobody is denying the value of authentic gear. That's not the point in this discussion. The point here is that no "White guys in their 40s" who need something less flashy are going to worry about it being authentic or not. Fashion caps have been popular for years already. There's no need for teams to tailor their whole look based on people's casual wear in 2019. Maybe that was true 20+ years ago, but not today.
The point is when rappers rap about "fitteds", they don't necessarily mean authentic fitteds. They don't care about it being on-field or not. They're all 5950's. People who want authentic gear don't care about it not matching their outfits. That goes for fans or rappers. Rappers who rock authentic gear specifically will match their clothes with that authentic gear. They don't care about it being too "flashy". I'm still trying to figure out who this segment of consumers are who cares about the gear they wear being authentic, but won't buy it if it's "too flashy". There can't be that many.
Fitteds are one thing, authentic gear is another. New Era fashion fitteds having many different color options is how they became popular in the first place: If someone is looking for a cool authentic to wear, they aren't worried about how flashy it is. They'll buy clothes (shoes, shirts, etc) to MATCH that authentic:
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hack.lu Part #10
October 24, 2008 People / Places, Security, Uncategorized Leave a comment
Here we go! Last half-day which started with “Browser Rootkits” presented by Julien Lenoir and Christophe Devaux (both from Sogeti). As already said yesterday, browsers are now fully part of the users desktop and installed by default. They presented their rootkits developed for Internet Explorer and Firefox! First idea: “browser are getting so complex that they can be considered as operating system” (there was already such kind of comparison made yesterday). Firefox rootkit (an extension) was first analyzed. The rootkit was based on a XUL file. First goal is to let the user install the fake extension (social engineering, P2P, email, …). Christophe showed how to install the extension in Firefox and hide it from the user. As other rootkits, communications with the control center(a webserver) was based on HTTP(S) (mainly allowed by firewalls). Using, XPCOM it was possible to let the browser access to restricted information and perform malicious actions. A demo was performed with two VM: a victim browser and another as control center. Impressive how easy it was to get user data via HTTP traffic between the victim and the control center, even a cmd.exe! Christophe’s conclusions were: There is no security at all for Firefox extensions and malicious extensions are very easy to write!
Back to Internet Explorer with Julien. He first reviewed the five well-known security zones available in IE. They are based on flags: ACTION_FLAGs and SECURITY_FLAGs. Security policies are based on those flags. The IE rootkit was not based on BHO. Why? There are signed, leave traces in the Registry and require high-privilege level. An injector was required to bypass those problems. To gain privileges, Julien used Security Manager cache poisoning. A hook in the Security Manager was needed to keep it corrupted. The malicious website was not configured in an existing zone but a new one was created (of course, invisible to the end-user). The pages loaded from the malicious site were executed in an invisible tab. The rootkit used JavaScript and AJAX and was able to create / read / write / delete files, registry or create processes. Julien ended with a demo. The injector was a binary on the desktop but it can be send to the victim like any other malicious code (P2P, e-mail, IM, …). As for Firefox, once the rootkit was installed in IE, the attacker has a full control of the victim environment. It looked so easy!
Next, Halvar Flake and Sebastian Porst (from Zynamics) presented various ways of automatically classifying malware. Why? In the past there was motivations not only for economical reasons (ex: notoriety). Today, malwares were written not for fun but for profit! What about AV? They use signatures (as seen yesterday) but, AV can be bypassed by malware authors. They just change one single-byte in the signature (off-line polymorphism). Malware classification was developed to fight those problems. Behavioral classification is based on a “sequence of events” (file creations, network accesses, …). A second approach is based on n-Grams or n-Perms (vector based classification). The third approach explained was Basic Block Distance. Finally the Structural classification was reviewed. The goal was not to see a program like a suite of bytes but instead to analyze it and check the way actions are performed. Zynamics has a product called BinDiff which performs programs analysis based on the classification reviewed during the presentation. The method presented here is breakable! But the main goal was to force the malware authors to take time (read “money”) and “brains” to find ways to obfuscate the solution and not simply recompile their code.
Finally, F.W.J Geelkerken (aka “Frank”) discussed about TOR servers and DRD. First, Frank spoke about the “Data Retention Directive” (DRD) project. He pointed out some problems in the definiton of DRD: what’s data? What’s “publicy available” (important for lawyers). But DRD is good in some cases (to detect on-line criminal activity, easier investigation and easier prosecution) but, on the other side, easier monitoring of users activity or privacy violation. Some TOR background was presented: mix-network with reordering, padding, delaying. Frank explained how TOR works in practice (multiple encryption, chain of servers (nodes), alternate chains). TOR is a good tool for daily privacy (home users), companies or governments to protect their data or escape from countries where Internet is censored (China or Byellorussia) but… it’s also used by bad guys (computer crime or suspicious activity). TOR cannot be controlled! Then, Frank tried to explain how to regulate TOR via modalities: social norms, market, architecture or law. Good presentation with a mix of technical and legal information.
That’s all folks! It’s now time for a drink and a closure speech by Jeannot Krecké, minister of the economy and foreign trade.
« hack.lu Part #9
“Fun At Work” Increases Costs and Reduce Security »
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How to Overcome Unconscious Bias
We all have prejudices we're not even aware of—but they don't have to govern our behavior
By Jordan Axt on January 19, 2017
Credit: NY Photographic The Blue Diamond Gallery (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Imagine playing a game where you’re seated in front of four decks of cards. On the back of two decks are pictures of puppies; on the other two are pictures of spiders. Each deck has some cards that win points and others that lose points. In general, the puppy decks are “good” in that they win you more points than they lose while the spider decks are “bad” in that they lose you more points they win. You repeatedly select cards in hopes of winning as many points as possible. This game seems pretty easy— and it is. Most players favor the puppy decks from the start and quickly learn to continue favoring them because they produce more points.
However, if the pictures on the decks are reversed, the game becomes a little harder. People may have a tougher time initially favoring spider decks because it’s difficult to learn that something people fear like spiders brings positive outcomes and something people enjoy like puppies brings negative outcomes.
Performance on this learning task is best when one’s attitudes and motivations are aligned. For instance, when puppies earn you more points than spiders, people’s preference for puppies can lead people to select more puppies initially, and a motivation to earn as many points as possible leads people to select more and more puppies over time. But when spiders earn you more points than spiders, people have to overcome their initial aversion to spiders in order to perform well.
This potential conflict between attitudes and motivations on behavior is not reserved for puppies and spiders. There are social domains where attitudes and motivations point in competing directions. Race is a clear example. On average, white people associate black people with negativity. These anti-black attitudes can exist in both consciously controlled explicit attitudes or in less consciously controlled implicit attitudes. At the same time, many white people also value appearing and being racially unprejudiced. For instance, data from a 2015 volunteer sample found that while 80 percent of white people had an easier time pairing black than white faces with negative words, 73 percent also agreed with statements such as “I am personally motivated by my beliefs to be non-prejudiced.”
What happens to race-related behavior when our attitudes and motivations conflict with one another? My co-author Sophie Trawalter and I examined this question in a series of studies recently published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology. We found that white participants strongly resisted displaying anti-black behavior, even if this meant sacrificing a chance for a financial reward.
Our studies adapted a tool called the Iowa Gambling Task, the learning measure described in the opening paragraph. Our version of the Iowa Gambling Task asked people to repeatedly select one face from an array of black or white faces. Participants were told that it was their job to win as many points as possible over 120 selections, and that people in the top 10 percent of points earned would win a gift card.
Across conditions, we manipulated whether black or white faces represented the good or bad decks. In one condition, selecting black faces generally led to gaining points and selecting white faces generally led to losing points. In the reverse condition, selecting black faces generally led to losing points and white faces generally led to gaining points.
Our results highlighted the impact of both attitudes and motivations on behavior. At the beginning of the task, we saw the influence of racial attitudes. Participants performed better in the condition that aligned with anti-black attitudes, earning more points when black faces were tied to losses. Participants had a much harder time initially earning points when black faces were tied to gains, and this was particularly true among those reporting higher levels of consciously preferring white to black people.
However, as the task progressed, we saw the influence of racial motivations. While people were initially better at earning points when black faces were tied to losses, performance in this condition did not improve over time. That is, participants appeared to avoid reinforcing that black faces were associated with negative outcomes like losing points. Conversely, while people had a harder time initially learning that black faces were associated with gains, they showed a great deal of improvement in this condition throughout the task.
In fact, by the end of the study, participants tasked with learning that black faces led to point gains were outperforming those tasked with learning that black faces led to point losses. Moreover, this ability to learn that black faces led to point gains was weakly but reliably related to a greater desire to avoid racial prejudice. In other words, participants highest in reporting a motivation to appear unprejudiced were best able to acquire the association between selecting black faces and positive outcomes.
One remaining issue is whether participants simply could not or chose not to reinforce anti-black associations. While our data cannot definitively answer that question, we have some reason to believe participants were “playing dumb,” and choosing to not perform well when the task paired black faces with losses. For instance, remember that when the task paired puppies with gains and spiders with losses, performance was good both initially and significantly improved over time. That is, performance suffered only when the task supported potentially unwanted racial associations.
Do these studies prove that people who are motivated to be unprejudiced need not worry about racial bias in their behavior? No. After all, even people motivated to appear unprejudiced still had a much easier time earning points initially when black faces were paired with losses. But, this work does highlight how people can work against undesired attitudes given the right motivation. Our white participants valued acting unprejudiced so much that they were willing to forego possible reward to avoid strengthening any anti-black associations. As we say in the paper, attitudes may have the first word but not the final say in behavior.
Jordan Axt
Jordan Axt is a doctoral candidate at the University of Virginia. His research focuses on the origins and consequences of implicit bias in social domains such as race, religion, age and sexual orientation.
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By Allison L. Skinner and Kristina R. Olson on January 19, 2017
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President Grant's Wintry Inaugural Disaster
3/6/2013 in DC by Claudia Swain
The great inauguration ball for Ulysses S. Grant, March 4, 1873, in the temporary building in Judiciary Square, from a sketch by Jas. E. Taylor. (Photo: Library of Congress)
March 4th, 1873 — Ulysses S. Grant’s second inauguration — still stands as the coldest March day on record for Washington, and it was a wintry disaster. Just how cold was it? Look at it this way: the recorded temperature at noon was 16°F. Wind gusts of 40mph created a wind chill of "-15° to -30°F." The inaugural parade sent many frost-bitten cadets to the hospital. And forget about having any music to see them off — the musicians' breath froze in their instruments and they were quite unable to play.
The inaugural ball was even worse. It took place in a temporary structure not designed to withstand the cold. Guests arrived and kept their overcoats firmly wrapped around them. They must have looked quite silly as they stiffly danced to whatever music the musicians could coax out of their frozen instruments.
While they were dancing, dead birds fell on their heads. (Yes, you heard that right!) Hundreds of canaries in cages had been hung from the ceiling above to add a cheery atmosphere with their song, but any of the little birds that hadn’t frozen to death were obviously too cold to sing. The dead ones slipped from their perches and fell on the unfortunate dancers below. Even the refreshments offered the guests no relief. The champagne was reportedly frozen solid and one guest "claimed the coffee turned to frappe."
Jacob, Kathryn A. (1995). Capital Elites: High Society in Washington, D.C., after the Civil War. Washington and London: Smithsonian Institution.
Kranz, M. (n.d.). Ulysses S. Grant, Second Inauguration . Retrieved from http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/pihtml/pivid09.html
Swearing-In Ceremony for President Ulysses S. Grant. (n.d.) Retrieved March, 2013, from http://www.inaugural.senate.gov/swearing-in/event/ulysses-s-grant-1873
Inauguration weather Ulysses S. Grant 1870s
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Star Wars merchandise the real force behind Canadian toy sales spike
Annual sales of toys in Canada topped $2-billion, up 6 per cent from 2015 toy sales of $1.9 billion, according to market research firm NPD Group
A child looks at Lego figurines from the Star Wars 'Kylo Ren's Command Shuttle', manufactured by Lego A/S, as it sits on display at the Toy Retailers Association DreamToys.
Hollie Shaw
TORONTO — Star Wars merchandise continued to dominate Canada’s toy industry in 2016, as the country’s overall toy sales rose six per cent in 2016.
Annual sales of toys in Canada topped $2-billion, up 6 per cent from 2015 toy sales of $1.9 billion, according to a recent report by market research firm NPD Group.
The Canadian market outpaced growth of 5 per cent in the U.S., where sales of toys reached US$20.4 billion for the year.
“Most toys are imported in U.S. dollars, so companies have been forced to increase their prices, though not as much as I have seen in other industries,” said toy industry analyst Michelle Liem of NPD Canada, noting some video game prices were up 30 or 40 per cent year-over-year.
Retail toy prices rose an average of 7 per cent in Canada in 2016, Liem said. In units, sales were just over flat in both countries.
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The news comes after U.S. toymakers Mattel and Hasbro surprised the market with their fourth quarter results, with the former reporting poorer than expected performance in the critical holiday quarter and the latter racking up higher than anticipated sales and earnings.
Mattel, a year after losing the Disney princess doll franchise to Hasbro, reported revenue fell 8.3 per cent year over year in the fourth quarter. At Hasbro, sales in the toymaker’s ‘girls’ category surged 52 per cent in the fourth quarter, capping off a year of strong sales. Hasbro secured the lucrative Disney princess doll segment in early 2016 after Mattel reportedly displeased Disney executives by focusing too heavily on its own doll properties.
In the meantime, toys related to the Star Wars movie franchise have become the largest toy property in history after several years of strong growth, Liem said. “The beneficiaries of that trend are Lego and Hasbro: Lego on the building set side, and Hasbro on the action figure side,” she said.
A full third of toy sales nowadays are now tied to entertainment properties such as movies, Liem added, as toymakers reap the rewards for lucrative partnerships with studios, or produce their own shows, social media content, or movies.
“Kids want to replay the experience of their favourite movie or characters or TV show, and when they see the toy in the store that excites them, because they can really role play through it and extend the experience of the content.”
In Canada, Toronto-based SpinMaster is the fastest-growing toy company, and despite the success of its Hatchimals toy over the holidays, its top-selling toys over the holidays were those tied to its successful TV show, Paw Patrol, Liem said.
hshaw@nationalpost.com
Twitter.com/HollieKShaw
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Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration Publishes Series of Clinical Guides
Hemp Gazette reports
Also involved in development of the guides were patient and consumer groups, outpatient and primary health networks and other organisations.
Commissioned by the Federal Department of Health, along with New South Wales, Victorian and Queensland state governments, the various guides target different groups – patients, health care professionals, and prescribers and dispensers.
The new guides are available for the following subject areas
Palliative care patients
Epilepsy in paediatric and young adult patients
Prevention or management of nausea and vomiting
Chronic non-cancer pain in Australia
The TGA says the guides will be updated as new information becomes available. No doubt the publications will stir up some controversy. For example, some advice states there was little evidence of benefit to advanced cancer patients with chronic pain.
However, the publications do acknowledge medical cannabis may be of benefit in treating or managing MS, paediatric epilepsy and other conditions. The usual sorts of disclaimers are used about “not enough research”, “insufficient information” and so forth. Still, it’s a big change from the tunes being played by government and its agencies in the not-so-distant past and it will be interesting to see how the documents evolve.
Full report at https://www.hempgazette.com/news/cannabis-guidance-australia-mb0486/
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How Safe Are the Rails?
On October 5, 2008 By AdamIn Capital Metro news, MetroRail, safety
On today’s front page, the Austin American-Statesman took a closer look at Capital MetroRail safety:
By Ben Wear
Even for Texans caught up in the approach and violent arrival of Hurricane Ike, the Sept. 12 images of twisted train cars in Southern California and news of the collision’s toll — 25 dead, dozens more seriously injured after a freight train and a commuter train hit head-on — were sobering.
With Central Texas on the cusp of having its own passenger rail service, how likely is it that a calamity like that could occur here after Capital Metro begins service next year?
Unlikely to the point of near impossibility, says Capital Metro’s rail manager, given that passenger trains will run during the day and freight trains only at night, and that the agency is taking several measures to ensure that freight trains — all of which are operated by Capital Metro — will be quarantined outside the 32-mile Red Line corridor when it’s time to carry people.
But Capital Metro has other safety challenges. The MetroRail passenger trains will run in both directions between Leander and downtown Austin during the morning and evening rush hours on what is primarily a single thread of track. So, the agency will have to depend on a few stretches of siding tracks, signals, electronic monitoring and good communication to ensure that two passenger trains don’t collide.
Then there are automobiles — public streets cross the track at 61 places along the route, along with 14 privately owned crossings — and pedestrians to avoid. “The toughest thing to predict is the vehicular traffic,” said Bill Le Jeune, Capital Metro’s director of commuter rail and railroad management. “You just don’t know when you’re going to meet the next idiot. But one thing I say with confidence is we aren’t going to meet a freight. Because we’re going to lock them out.”
Keeping passenger trains from hitting one another will be the most urgent issue. Capital Metro plans to initiate service on March 30; the trains are expected to have about 2,000 boardings a day. At least initially, Capital Metro plans to run passenger trains every 30 minutes, with the first trains leaving from Leander in the morning and from downtown Austin in the afternoon. There are no plans for midday or weekend service in the beginning.
However, there will be some trains going the opposite direction during both rush hours. To accommodate this, Capital Metro will have siding tracks 3,000 feet to more than a mile long at the Leander station and at three intermediate points: at the MLK Jr. Boulevard station in East Austin, at the Kramer Lane station in North Austin and just south of the Lakeline Boulevard station in Northwest Austin. The locations were chosen based on those 30-minute intervals to minimize or eliminate train delays, Le Jeune said.
This is how it’s supposed to work: Trains would arrive at the MLK and Kramer stations and, after letting passengers disembark and board, would face a red light. A train operator would have to make a conscious decision to ignore the light and get the train moving. This is in contrast to the situation in the California wreck and on shared tracks across the country where the engineer of a moving train has to actually spot a warning or stop light and then act to stop the train.
The station stop lights (or a light along the track south of the Lakeline station) would not switch to “go” mode until the train heading the opposite way had safely passed. That might sometimes require a wait of several minutes, Le Jeune said. But he said the train forced to wait would always be the one running against the rush-hour flow — the train heading to Leander in the morning or to Austin in the afternoon.
In all, Capital Metro is building 3.6 miles of siding track. The agency says it will spend $6 million on sidings but only $3.3 million of that is for passenger rail. The rest, spokesman Adam Shaivitz said, is a freight rail cost.
If Capital Metro were to buy more trains so that it could increase capacity by running in 15-minute intervals, more sidings would have to be built to accommodate more such passing maneuvers, Le Jeune said. Capital Metro officials said this week that their long-term intention is to build a second track from downtown to the Howard Lane station in North Austin, but it is not clear when that would happen.
What if an error occurs and engineers on a passenger train see a train ahead? The Federal Railroad Administration earlier this year, concerned about the strength of Capital Metro rail cars’ superstructures, mandated that the cars run at no more than 60 mph on the Red Line. The agency had been hoping to run them at up to 75 mph on more rural stretches north of Howard Lane.
The Swiss-manufactured cars, according to data provided by Capital Metro, can stop much more quickly than a freight train or a typical two-decker commuter train powered by a locomotive.
Even at 60 mph, Capital Metro’s rail cars can stop within 600 feet, the agency says. A typical commuter train in that situation would need 1,200 feet to stop, the agency says, and a long and loaded freight train would lumber on for more than 3,700 feet. The agency says the MetroRail passenger trains are likely to travel at 45 mph or less in the urban sections.
Capital Metro, in response to federal regulators’ concerns that the fuel tank attached to the bottom of each passenger train might rupture in a wreck and cause a fire, agreed to install a protective steel cage around each tank. However, the agency has federal permission to wait to do so on its first six cars until it orders more cars.
The cars also have a feature requiring the train operator to respond every 30 seconds to a signal within the cab. If there is no response, because the operator is asleep or otherwise incapacitated, the train will automatically shut down its power and brake to a stop.
Agency controls all freight trains
Capital Metro has no plans to install “positive train controls,” devices that automatically shut down trains (or allow dispatchers to do so from afar) when a train bypasses a stop signal or otherwise ventures where it shouldn’t go. In the wake of the Sept. 12 Metrolink disaster in California, some safety advocates have been calling for widespread installation of the devices, which the railroad industry has long resisted because of the cost.
Told about Capital Metro’s plans, Barry Sweedler, a San Francisco-based transportation safety consultant, said the agency “has a pretty good handle on the freight situation.”
A key distinction: Capital Metro’s track will have only freight trains run by the agency’s subcontractor and thus directly under the control of agency dispatchers. Metrolink shares the Southern California track with freight trains from many companies.
Sweedler said that 90 percent of the roughly 3,000 rail accidents reported each year are caused by human error: drug use, fatigue, inattentiveness, miscommunication. The train engineer thought to have caused the Metrolink accident had more than 20 years of experience, according to Le Jeune, who used to work on the Metrolink system. The engineer might have been distracted; he sent a text message on his cell phone 22 seconds before the crash, investigators said last week.
Without a system that can shut down a train when it enters a danger zone, “anything can happen,” said Sweedler, a former National Transportation Safety Board accident investigator.
Such systems, Sweedler said, can cost as much as $35,000 per train. He said it’s harder to estimate the additional cost of associated dispatch and track equipment because of different central control systems.
“What we’re going to have is ‘positive separation,’ ” Le Jeune said.
Capital Metro’s track is 162 miles long, extending far west and east of the 32 miles that will have passenger service. The agency, using subcontractors, has run a freight operation for years, primarily hauling rock from the Hill Country.
Capital Metro is installing “derails” at either end of the passenger corridor, switches that dispatchers would activate early each morning when the switch from freight to passenger service is about to occur. A freight train approaching the corridor during passenger service hours would encounter this derail switch and be routed off the track. “It just derails the train off into the ditch,” Le Jeune said. The system will have two derail switches within the passenger rail corridor should the need arise to cordon off another section of the track. The cost of the four derail switches: $900,000.
But what if afreight train happens to be within the 32 miles when it’s time for MetroRail to run? Le Jeune said dispatchers will have two ways electronically to spot them.
Each of the agency’s 14 freight locomotives (as well as the self-propelled passenger cars, which can carry 108 seated passengers and 90 or so standees) will have global positioning devices, allowing dispatchers to see where they are. In addition, Le Jeune said, the agency has electric “track circuits” on its freight trains that show if a train is within certain segments of the line. Finally, dispatchers will conduct a roll call of all freight trains before passenger service begins at 5 a.m. weekdays.
The likeliest candidates for a collision with a train? Cars and trucks at the 75 places Capital Metro’s rail line crosses roads or private drives. Up to now, motorists have had to worry about only a handful of rumbling freight trains each day, moving half as fast as (or slower than) the passenger trains to come. Even so, Le Jeune said that in his eight years at Capital Metro, cars on three occasions have slammed into the side of a freight train on the Llano-to-Giddings track.
The problem, quite often, is that impatient motorists will drive around the signal arm blocking their side of the road when a train is approaching. To prevent that, Capital Metro in the past four years has installed “quad” gates at 38 intersections at a cost of $150,000 to $250,000 per intersection. With four arms in place, two per side of the track, cars can’t get by. The other 23 public crossings will have more typical dual gates. The private crossings will have signal lights, old-fashioned railroad crossing signs or, at seldom-used crossings, chains blocking the way.
As for pedestrians, Capital Metro is installing almost 24,000 feet of chain-link fencing along the line (covering about 7 percent of the run), all between U.S. 183 and downtown Austin. The fencing will have breaks at cross streets, so people determined to walk along the tracks will be able to do so. The agency has put signs in the rail right of way warning of the faster, quieter trains to come.
And Capital Metro officials for months have been making presentations at the 71 schools within two miles of the line, telling children that “tracks are for trains, not for playing games.” Working with Girl Scout officials, they even managed to create a train safety patch.
Kelly West/AMERICAN-STATESMAN – Capital Metro had hoped to run its trains up to 75 mph, but the Federal Railroad Administration said the Swiss-made cars may not exceed 60 mph on the Red Line.
Jay Janner/AMERICAN-STATESMAN – Capital Metro’s single thread of railroad track is 162 miles long, used now by freight trains. MetroRail will use 32 miles for its rush-hour passenger service between Austin and Leander.
[Blog editor’s note: This represents MetroRail stopping distance under normal stopping conditions. In an emergency, an engineer would be able to stop the train in about half the distance of what’s indicated on the red line in this chart.]
Dual gates
Traditional two-armed gates will be installed at 23 intersections of public streets, primarily lesser traveled roadways.
Quad gates
Quad gates — with four arms that prevent cars from driving around the lowered barriers when a train is approaching — have been installed at 38 busy intersections.
Signals and signs
The 14 private roads and driveways that intersect the rail line will have signs or blinking lights to warn cars of approaching trains or, in some cases where a road is used only occasionally, it will be blocked with chains.
We have a date!
13 thoughts on “How Safe Are the Rails?”
lastnamehand
It sounds like CapMetro has thought about this, but there is always a chance for human error. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.
But your post raises another issue for me:
With the freight trains running at night, what impact will that have on the local neighborhoods, specifically East Austin.
Will freight trains use audible horn signal warnings at crossings?
What level of noise can these neighborhoods expect at night?
What hours will the freight run?
Will homeowners be able to sleep at night? A lot of new development has been going on in East Austin and this seems like an issue that should be addressed for any resident or prospective resident of East Austin. Without the din of the city in daytime, the freight train will significantly amplify the noise pollution in the area.
Have any impact studies been done on this?
Wow it’s not every day that the statesman writes something fair about metro.
Capital Metro is installing quad gates at 38 crossings within the 32-mile line. This includes all crossings between Highway 183 and Downtown Austin. This allows the designation of quiet zones so trains, both freight and passenger, will not have to sound horns. Horns would still sound at any crossings that are not designated quiet zones and in emergency situations such as a car or pedestrian on the tracks. Freight trains will run after 8:30 p.m. once all MetroRail trains are off the tracks. On the East side our freight operator typically runs one train out and one train in per day.
Don Dickson
Maybe I wasn’t paying attention. I didn’t realize until now that these trains will need to run in both directions on a single track…and won’t run after 8:30 p.m.
So much for serving the hockey games at the new arena, huh?
Don-I dont think they’ll worry too much about getting people to a venue outside the cap metro boundaries. But you can chalk that up to the list of reasons why it was a stupid move for Cedar Park to vote out of cap metro. Anyway I’m pretty sure they’ve said all along that the trains would only run during rush hour.
Yeah, they’ve always said the trains would run a commuter schedule like the express buses do.
And here is the study I did on the noise that trains make. I was raised between the New York Central and Pennsylvania lines. If we kicked a ball too hard in the backyard, it went on the tracks. Trains ran all night and all day. We saw there were tracks next to the back yard before we moved in. We paid less money for our trouble but we slept at night just fine and nobody, not even our cousin Eric who was kinda on the slow side, got killed on the tracks. The only people who were ever killed on the tracks were drunks.
We had common sense, I guess. Hopefully the folks in east Austin (and the tracks go through just a little bit of east Austin…I reckon you aren’t as concerned for the welfare of folks in north Austin and Williamson County)have a little common sense too. Sure, folks run across I-35 every once in awhile but not even government can completely eliminate the heavy hand of natural selection.
BC in Cedar Park Town Center
I live in Cedar Park Town Center and hear the trains coming LONG before they arrive and long after they continue out of our community because of the incessant whistle blowing. I sometimes will hear the whistle blowing 10 or more minutes before and after the trains actually rumbling through our community (and, yes,..pictures do rattle on the walls!!) Why are the trains blowing their horns/whistles if the quad gates are in place. Does there need to be a city council vote to designate Quiet Zones of does there need to be a community initiative??
Brian in Cedar Park
Brian, establishing quiet zones is a lengthy process beyond the installation of quad gates. We are working to set up quiet zones at the following intersections in Cedar Park: Blockhouse, New Hope, 1431, Discovery, Park and Brushy Creek. The application for these quiet zones was submitted to the FRA on October 10. Following the application there is a 60 day comment period. After the comment period a letter of establishment will be issued. Following that letter there will be a 20 day notification period. After the notification period we can actually activate the quiet zones. Once quiet zones take effect, trains will not be required to sound horns at those crossings. However, horns will still be used in the event of an emergency such as a vehicle or pedestrian on the tracks.
Adam, thanks for the update on that. I had read somewhere that the quiet zones were to go into effect last July.
So, nothing NORTH of NEW HOPE?
The Blockhouse crossing is north of New Hope. Both will be quiet zones. Blockhouse is outside of Cedar Park and in Williamson County’s jurisdiction. So technically New Hope will be the northernmost quiet zone crossing within Cedar Park.
Oops, my mistake,…I was looking for Block House in your list of Quadgates, somehow missed it.
NOISE LEVELS WITH FREIGHT TRAINS NOW ALL RUNNING BETWEEN 8:30 PM AND 12:30PM.
I was quite disappointed to hear that ALL the current freight train traffic will be rescheduled to run between 8:30 PM and 12:30 AM.
This means that on a typical evening of the usual 4 Freight trains….we could have a 15 minute freight train event roughly once every hour rumbling by the house between 8:30 and 12:30. Each train generally starts blowing its horn about 5-10 minutes before it actually proceeds through our community; or,..at least, that is when we start to be able to “Hear” the horn(Cedar Park Town Center), it the takes 3-4 minutes for the entire train to go by and then as it continues away….we can generally hear it for another 5 minutes or so (horn is now pointing away from the community),…so, each train can be a 15-20 minute “Noise Event”, and yes, pictures do rattle on the wall, and it is impossible to carry on a conversation if we happen to be outside enjoying the backyard.
Since the commuter light rail will run in the early mornings and evening “rush hours” Why can’t we schedule the Huge (16 feet high) rumbling, horn honking (generally 5 diesel electric engines and 100-150 cars loaded with rock)to run in the middle of the day when most of us are at work. Then those of us who live near the rail line can at least have a relaxing evening in our back yards without having it repeatedly disrupted by these earth shaking, noisy monstrosities.
>>The agency had been hoping to run them at up to 75 mph on more rural stretches north of Howard Lane
With the refurbishing now being done to the existing cars
https://www.capmetro.org/railcars/
is this now going to happen?
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Carmanah Announces First Quarter Revenues Up 65%
Victoria, BC – October 30, 2003 – Carmanah Technologies Corporation (TSX VE: CMH) is pleased to announce its first quarter results for the three months ended March 31, 2002 and 2001.
For the three month period ended March 31, 2002, the Company recorded a record quarter with revenues of $1,381,044. This was an increase of 65% over the same period in 2001. Revenue growth was achieved through (1) the continued growth of marine sales in existing product lines, (2) expansion into the railway and mining markets with existing products, and (3) expansion into the transportation and transit markets with entirely new products. Unit sales increased from 3,241 units sold and delivered for first quarter 2001 to 4,860 for first quarter 2002.
Direct cost of goods totaled $598,330 in the three month period ended March 31, 2002 as compared to $394,214 for the three months ended March 31, 2001. Gross profit as a percentage of sales at March 31, 2002 was 57% as compared to 53% during same period in 2001. This is a result of the Company’s movement towards more direct selling through dedicated sales staff and an aggressive e-commerce program.
Total operational expenses for the three month period ended March 31, 2002 were $831,242 overall, a 65% increase over the $503,747 in the same period in 2001. This is the result of increased staff and administrative expenses to support the Company’s expansion into new products and new markets. Increasing investment is being made into markets that will be primary sources of revenues in the months and years to come.
Net loss for the three month period ended March 31, 2002 was $48,528 as compared to a net loss of $60,107 for the same period in 2001. The overall loss position is a result of additional resources and administrative expenses required to provide and support the extensive sales and marketing activities. The Company also made a further investment of $155,894 into research and development expenses during the three month period ended March 31, 2002 as compared to $98,312 in the same period in 2001.
The Company’s cash balance increased from $192,623 as at March 31, 2001 to $1,174,918 as at March 31, 2002, an increase of $982,295. The increase was primarily attributable to the cash received pursuant to the financing carried out in conjunction with the reverse takeover of Carmanah Technologies Inc. (“CTI”) in 2001.
About Carmanah Technologies Inc.
Carmanah designs, manufactures and supplies patented, proprietary solar-powered LED lighting solutions to the marine, railway and roadway markets. The Company has distributors in over 80 countries and now has more than 44,000 units installed worldwide.
The shares of Carmanah Technologies Corporation (parent company) are publicly traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “CMH”. For further information, please visit www.carmanah.com.
Carmanah Technologies Corporation
” Praveen Varshney “
Praveen Varshney, Director
March 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001
(Prepared by Management)
March 31, December 31,
(unaudited) (audited)
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,174,918 $ 1,060,817
Accounts receivable 738,482 358,958
Taxes recoverable 5,409 23,888
Prepaid expenses and deposits 41,642 26,777
Current portion of advances receivable 43,586 49,472
Advances receivable 111,500 111,500
Capital assets 286,484 279,873
Deferred development costs 158,289 216,895
Patents and other intangibles 26,542 29,487
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 624,785 340,876
Bank loan 50,000 30,000
Current portion of long-term debt 22,204 27,790
Current portion of obligations under capital lease 19,067 25,800
Current portion of future income taxes 18,000 18,000
Long-term debt 17,143 17,143
Obligations under capital lease 30,304 30,304
Share capital 3,267,346 3,029,746
Contributed surplus 26,188 26,188
Deficit (825,321) (800,741)
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Deficit
For the three months ended March 31, 2002 and 2001
(Unaudited – Prepared by Management)
Revenues $ 1,381,044 $ 837,854
Cost of goods sold 598,330 394,214
Wages and benefits 323,834 212,482
Research and development 155,894 98,312
Sales and marketing 133,179 37,344
Office and administration 121,488 97,904
Bank charges and interest 12,981 2,380
Amortization of:
Capital assets 22,315 18,729
Deferred development costs 58,606 35,060
Patents and other intangible assets 2,945 1,536
Operating loss for the period (48,528) (60,107)
Other income:
Interest and other income 23,948 –
Loss for the period (24,580) (60,107)
Deficit, beginning of period (800,741) (124,242)
Deficit, end of period $ (825,321) $ (184,349)
Loss per share $ (0.001) $ (0.007)
Weighted average number of shares outstanding 20,305,599 8,433,222
Consolidated Interim Statements of Cash Flows
Cash provided by (used in):
Loss for the period $ (24,580) $ (60,107)
Amortization, an item not involving cash 83,866 55,324
Changes in non-cash operating working capital:
Accounts receivable (379,524) (219,946)
Taxes recoverable 18,479 –
Inventories (75,425) 83,773
Prepaid expenses and deposits (14,865) (7,500)
Advances receivable 5,886 –
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 283,910 (55,460)
(102,253) (203,916)
Investing:
Purchase of capital assets (28,927) (32,485)
Shares issued by way of private placement 237,600 –
Bank loan 20,000 (70,000)
Proceeds from issuance of long term debt (repaid) (5,586) 19,579
Principal payments of obligations under capital leases (6,733) (6,189)
Advances received – 300,000
Increase in cash and cash equivalents 114,101 6,989
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 1,060,817 185,634
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 1,174,918 $ 192,623
Corporate Contacts:
Mr. Praveen Varshney, Director
Media Contact:Mr. David Davies
Harbourwerks Communications
ddavies@harbourwerks.com
Vanguard Shareholder Solutions
ir@vanguardsolutions.ca
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Differentiation in the Paris Agreement
In: Climate Law
Authors: Christina Voigt 1 and Felipe Ferreira 2
1 University of Oslo
2 2Head of the Division of Climate and Ozone, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Brazil, felipergferreira@gmail.com
Volume 6: Issue 1-2
https://doi.org/10.1163/18786561-00601004
Paris Agreement; differentiation; equity; effort-sharing; common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities; highest possible ambition; level of effort; progression
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The need for equitable effort-sharing lies at the heart of the global response to climate change. Yet, until the very moment of the adoption of the Paris Agreement, the question of differentiation between the state parties remained controversial. This article seeks to examine the contemporary understanding of the concept of differentiation, as finally reflected in the Paris Agreement, and to track the concept’s negotiation history leading up to the Agreement. The authors argue that differentiation between parties in the Paris Agreement is nuanced, balancing different considerations for each of the Agreement’s elements. Rather than taking a non-differentiated or purely self-differentiated approach, as expected by some, the Agreement sets out the opposite: it allows for differentiation along a much broader set of parameters, in a manner that allows for more diversity and dynamism, while building on the normative legacy of the Convention. The article analyses differentiation as reflected in the Agreement in three different, but interconnected ways: First, on a principled basis, reflecting common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances; second, on the basis of the legal content of various provisions of the Agreement, in particular on mitigation, finance, and transparency; and third, on the basis of the parameters of progression and highest possible ambition, which represent new and dynamic aspects of differentiation. By doing so, the Agreement enhances differentiation to an unparalleled extent.1
E-ISSN:
Brill | Nijhoff
Environmental & Energy Law, International Law
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2 Differentiation in the unfccc and the Kyoto Protocol
3 The Paris Agreement
3.1 Differentiation in the Negotiation History of the Paris Agreement: adp and the Comité de Paris
3.2 The Paris Agreement: Reflecting the Principle of cbdr-rc, in the Light of Different National Circumstances
3.3 Differentiation as Reflected in the Provisions of the Paris Agreement
3.3.1 Mitigation
3.3.2 Adaptation
3.3.3 Finance
3.3.4 Transparency
3.3.5 Other Provisions
3.4 The Principles of Highest Possible Ambition and Progression as Means to Differentiate Over Time
See Dan Bodansky, ‘Reflections on the Paris Conference’, Opinio Juris, 15 December 2015, .
See Dan Bodansky, ‘Reflections on the Paris Conference’, Opinio Juris, 15 December 2015, <http://opiniojuris.org/2015/12/15/reflections-on-the-paris-conference/>.)| false
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Letter from President Mary T. Boatwright
Submitted by Helen Cullyer on Thursday, January 10, 2019 - 2:18pm
As some of you witnessed personally and all can now read (see, e.g., The Chronicle), the 150th Annual Meeting of the Society for Classical Studies last weekend in San Diego was disgraced by two shocking incidents. One occurred when an independent scholar attending a panel told Princeton Assistant Professor Dan-el Padilla Peralta that he got his job because he is black. The SCS, after consulting internally and in accordance with our annual meeting harassment policy, notified the scholar that she should no longer attend SCS sessions and events in San Diego. In the other incident, the founders of the Sportula, two students of color, were questioned by a hotel staff member about their presence at the conference. We are in contact with the Marriott. We have reached out to the students to express our support. We also understand that the Marriott has contacted them to better understand their experience and apologize.
But these and other immediate responses, such as the Board statement the SCS passed on the meeting’s last day, by themselves can do little to redress the real and deep-seated problems the incidents disclose about not only US society but also about our field. The events reveal fears, resentments, and anger among our members. Dan-el Padilla Peralta makes the case on Medium that our field “lacks the courage to acknowledge its historical and ongoing inability to value scholars from underrepresented groups.” Other colleagues also express despair at the incidents, which resonate with micro-aggressions, and worse, that they themselves have experienced.
We must confront, meet, and remedy the problems so appallingly revealed in San Diego. It is more than ironic that the accusation of preferential job treatment on the basis of race was made at a special Sesquicentennial panel on “The Future of Classics,” and that the two students representing Sportula had received awards from WCC and LCC for advancing equality and diversity. The future of our discipline depends on expansion and inclusion. Just as importantly, the integrity and value of the Society and of all classicists are inseparable from equity and respect for everyone.
The SCS has been working consciously towards expansion and inclusion since the 1970s, if not before, through changes such as anonymous submissions for the program, the creation of committees to safeguard the rights and promote the interests of specific groups of our members, and the establishment of policies against harassment. There is obviously very much more to be done. I am working with the SCS Past President (2018) and President Elect (2020) Joseph Farrell and Sheila Murnaghan, with the SCS Executive Director Dr. Helen Cullyer, and with the Board of Directors. But everyone must work together and we must listen to one another honestly and openly, for the SCS and our discipline to move forward. In the meantime, we deeply regret the insulting events that occurred at the 2019 SCS annual meeting, and we recommit to effecting change in the field.
Mary T. Boatwright, President of the SCS, 2019
Presidential Letter of January 2019
Presidential Letter - Annual Meeting Location (Pt. 2)
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In the News: Robbers Raid Olympia Museum, Steal Artifacts
From CNN.com:
Athens (CNN) -- Robbers broke into a museum in Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympics, tied and gagged a museum guard, and fled with stolen artifacts, Greek authorities said Friday.
The two men raided the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games, a smaller building close to the main Archaeological Museum of Olympia, just after 7:30 a.m. local time, said Athanassios Kokkalakis, a police spokesman.
The robbers "approached the museum's guard, tied her hands and bound her mouth and then went into the museum, where they took 65 to 68 small clay and brass small statues, and a gold ring, and put them in a bag and left."
Culture Minister Pavlos Geroulanos submitted his resignation after the robbery took place, the prime minister's office said.
View full article. | Posted in Classics in the News on Fri, 02/17/2012 - 9:36pm by Information Architect.
In the News: Barbara Gold
Inside Higher Ed's academic minute today features APA member Barbara Gold speaking on the subject of love in ancient Rome. Listen to the audio clip at http://www.insidehighered.com/audio/2012/02/14/love-ancient-rome.
View full article. | Posted in Classics in the News on Tue, 02/14/2012 - 3:01pm by Information Architect.
In the News: Ancient Roman Text Offers Tips On Winning Elections
Robert Siegel talks with Classics professor Philip Freeman about his translation of the book, "How to Win an Election: An Ancient Guide for Modern Politicians." The book was written by the brother of Marcus Cicero, for when Marcus ran for office in Rome in 64 B.C. But the ancient Roman guide for campaigning still holds lessons for today's elections.
Listen to the story at npr.org.
View full article. | Posted in Classics in the News on Wed, 02/08/2012 - 2:06am by Information Architect.
Summer-Fall 2011 Newsletter Posted
http://apaclassics.org/index.php/publications/single_newsletter/summer-fall_2011_newsletter/
View full article. | Posted in SCS Announcements on Tue, 02/07/2012 - 3:57pm by Adam Blistein.
News from Royal Holloway
The Classics faculty at Royal Holloway have just been informed that in 2014 they will lose one position or, if applications decrease this year, two positions. Applications are holding up, so it seems that only one position will be lost. This is much better than the dire scenario that was threatened last summer, when many of our members signed an international petition in defense of Classics at RHUL.
View full article. | Posted in Classics in the News on Thu, 02/02/2012 - 2:34pm by Information Architect.
Styled Versions of APA Fonts Now Available
The APA Unicode fonts AtticaU, BosporosU, KadmosU, which are a part of GreekKeys 2008, now have styled versions (italic, bold, and bold italic) to accompany the regular typeface previously available.
Formerly, almost any computer application that was capable of displaying text could also display styled versions of a font by modifying a regular version installed on the system. In recent years, some advanced programs have been designed so that they no longer create such styles on the fly, but instead will apply a style to a font only if there is a separate styled version of the font installed on the system. MS Word still behaves in the old way and is content with only a regular version. Programs like Pages, Mellel, and InDesign adopt the new approach and require styled versions.
The characters of the APA fonts have now been reprocessed in FontLab Studio to create AtticaU Italic, AtticaU Bold, AtticaU Bold Italic, BosporosU Italic, BosporosU Bold, BosporosU Bold Italic, KadmosU Italic, KadmosU Bold, KadmosU Bold Italic alongside AtticU Regular, BosporosU Regular, and KadmosU Regular.
Anyone who is interested and holds a license to GreekKeys 2008 is invited to email djmastronarde at berkeley dot edu to receive instructions for downloading the new styled versions of these fonts. Feedback is welcome.
View full article. | Posted in SCS Announcements on Tue, 01/31/2012 - 1:24am by .
In Memoriam Valerie French
Valerie French, Associate Professor Emerita of History in American University, Washington, D.C., died suddenly in her home in Washington, Dec. 8, 2011, in her 71st year. She was born in Toledo, Ohio, Jan. 16, 1941. She received her B.A. degree in chemistry from Cornell University, where her interest in ancient history was awakened in classes under Donald Kagan. She pursued ancient history at UCLA, where she gained her M.A. and Ph. D. (1971) degrees, learning her needed languages in graduate school. She taught at American University from 1969 until her retirement in 2005. She received multiple awards for teaching and for her work in administration. Ebullient and supportive towards all, she served several years as a dean. She published widely on the history and activities of women and children in antiquity and sustained by herself the program in ancient history at American University. Other colleagues will discuss her work in these areas. This notice will focus on her strictly scientific work. It has remained little known but is of the highest importance for Greek, especially Athenian, history.
View full article. | Posted in In Memoriam on Sun, 01/29/2012 - 10:01pm by Adam Blistein.
James H. Tatum Wins Book Award
James H. Tatum, Dartmouth College, has won the American Book Award for 2011 for his book African American Writers and Classical Tradition, Chicago, 2010, co-authored with William Cook. The American Book Awards, established in 1978 by the Before Columbus Foundation, recognize outstanding literary achievement from the entire spectrum of America's diverse literary community.
View full article. | Posted in Member News on Sun, 01/29/2012 - 9:09pm by Adam Blistein.
National Latin Teacher Recruitment Week
Each year the National Committee for Latin and Greek (NCLG) sponsors National Latin Teacher Recruitment Week (NLTRW), which takes place during the week of March 5th this year. The APA has joined the American Classical League and numerous regional and state organizations in this effort to encourage all Classicists at all levels of instruction to take steps that will ensure that Latin, Greek, and Classics pre-college classrooms have the teachers they need. Thanks to the considerable public interest in Latin and the classical world, demand for Latin teachers at the primary and secondary levels has outrun supply, and there is now a serious shortage in many regions of the USA and Canada. Each year, for lack of teachers, existing programs are cancelled, thriving programs are told they cannot expand, and schools that want to add Latin are unable to do so.
View full article. | Posted in SCS Announcements on Wed, 01/25/2012 - 9:17pm by Adam Blistein.
In the News: Siege of the 'Iliad'
From The Chronicle Review:
Erasmus quoted the Iliad in a time of widening war:
Men get their fill of sleep and love, of beautiful singing and carefree dance, but they never get enough of war.
And they never get enough of the Iliad. In his anthology, Homer in English, George Steiner asked in 1996, Why are there so many Iliads in English? His answer: notions of noble manliness. "There shines throughout the Iliad an idealized yet also unflinching vision of masculinity, of an order of values and mutual recognitions radically virile."
Small wonder the epic has appealed to warrior nations like England and the United States. William Blake warned, "It is the Classics & not Goths nor Monks, that Desolate Europe with Wars.
View full article. | Posted in Classics in the News on Wed, 01/25/2012 - 2:26pm by Information Architect.
Classics in the News
NEH Grants for Classically Themed Projects (January, 2020)
In Memoriam: Keely Lake
(The website for Keely Lake's In Memoriam can be found
CFP: "Transitions of Power"
CFP: "Transitions of Power" for SAGE Business Cases
CFP: Theory and Practice of Cosmic Ascent
The Theory and Practice of Cosmic Ascent: Comparative and Interdiscip
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Home » TV Shows
Soleil Moon Frye Is Bringing Back Punky Brewster In Latest Television Revival
The saying everything old is new again is definitely true when it comes to television. There has been a slew of revivals and reboots of hit 80’s and 90’s shows in the past few years.
Punky Brewster is the latest 80’s hit to announce a revival is in the works. Show star Soleil Moon Frye is on board to reprise the role that made her a household name.
NBCUniversal’s Universal Content Productions shared the news they are working on developing the new project that will center around Punky as a single mother of three.
I have a big giant secret to finally share with you! She is back and I am back too! #PUNKYPOWER ❤️💛💚💗💜🧡💛💙
A post shared by Soleil Moonfrye (@moonfrye) on Jun 4, 2019 at 10:25am PDT
Even though she is a struggling single mother trying to get her life back on track, when Punky meets a young girl who reminders her of herself, life is never the same. As of now, those are the only details the production company is revealing regarding the storyline.
Along with starring on the new sitcom, Frye will also serve as an executive producer. Entertainment Weekly has revealed Grounded For Life writers, Steve and Jim Armogida have been tapped to write the pilot.
Since the revival is only in the development stages, it has not found a home yet. However, considering how networks and streaming services are all about reviving shows, think Fuller House, BH90210 and even Cobra Kai, as long as the storyline is good, the show should have no problem finding a home.
Punky Brewster was an instant comedy hit back in the 1980s. It ran for four seasons. The first two were on NBC, and the latter two were in syndication.
The comedy followed the life of an eccentric but lovable 7-year-old Punky, who marched to the beat of her own drum. Her spunk caught the eye of grumpy and gruff Henry Warnimont, who became her foster father.
Although it sounds a little weird that an older man with grown children would foster a young girl, Punky and her foster father had quite the bond. Frye and her costar, the late George Gaynes, built two fabulous characters who brought a uniqueness to the small screen back in the day.
Gaynes passed away in 2016, so his character will not be in the revival. However since Warnimont was such an intragluteal part of Punky’s life, the character should still manage to play a pivotal role in the new show.
Punky Brewster is the latest TV show to possibly make a small screen comeback. Are you excited about the news or are you over all of the revival and reboots?
Read more about nbc Punky Brewster Soleil Moon Frye
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Soleil Moon Frye Promises ‘Magical’ Punky Brewster Reboot – ‘There’s Something So Special About Her’
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Jan 6, 2020 11:00 AM PST
James Kennedy And Lala Kent Reunite Briefly But Now Their Friendship Is Done ‘Forever’ - Here's What Happened!
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« * Amerithrax experts insist FBI has failed to prove beyond many reasonable doubts that Dr. Bruce Ivins was even involved in the anthrax mailings, let alone the sole perpetrator … is there more evidence against Ivins that the FBI has not released? has the FBI actually failed to solve the case? or does the FBI know who really did it (not Ivins) but does not want to reveal the true perpetrators?
* the NAS anthrax project duration has been extended … the NAS now says the report is expected to be issued in February 2011 … I’ll believe it when I see it … and when there finally is a report, how likely is it that NAS will say only what the FBI approves or directs »
* FBI now admits the silicon concentration in the attack anthrax is too high … higher than can be explained by natural occurrence.
Posted by DXer on December 7, 2010
Microbial Forensics, Second Edition
Bruce Budowle (Editor), Steven E. Schutzer (Editor), Roger G. Breeze (Editor), Paul S. Keim (Editor), Stephen A. Morse (Editor)
http://www.amazon.com/Microbial-Forensics-Second-Bruce-Budowle/dp/0123820065
The second edition of the treatise has just been released
and contains some startling admissions.
The silicon concentration of the Amerithrax spores, long downplayed by the FBI as a “natural occurrence” has finally been discussed in detail.
The FBI scientists finally admit that the concentration of the element silicon found in the attack spores is too high – higher than can be explained by natural occurrence.
Interestingly, the high silicon concentration was discussed in a Wall Street Journal aricle by Ed Epstein:
https://caseclosedbylewweinstein.wordpress.com/2010/01/25/epstein-wsj-1-24-10-the-fbi-says-ivins-was-the-sole-perpetrator-but-it-has-presented-no-evidence-to-support-that-conclusion-and-the-largest-case-in-fbi-history-is-still-open/
Ed Epstein’s article was disputed days later by FBI lab director Chris Hassell (although he gave no real explanation ahy he was disputing it):
https://caseclosedbylewweinstein.wordpress.com/2010/02/04/fbi-disputes-epsteins-wsj-opinion-piece/
Now things seem to have taken a complete 180 and the new book Microbial Forensics, basically agrees with Ed Epstein’s original article – which stated that the silicon concentration was too high and was not a “natural occurence”.
The book even goes as far as to state that
the high silicon content would have provided a serious problem
had any case against Dr Ivins have gone to court –
it would have affected the “prosecution narrative”.
Quote (from page 513):
“Thus if the estimates silicon concentrations in the Amerithrax spores are correct, they are not consistent with our current understanding of silica deposition or those materials must have indeed been produced under an unusual set of conditions. If the latter were true, the silica evidence might provide a significant bound on the credible growth and production scenarios that would be consistent with the prosecution narrative in this case.”
Although this is a good step forward by the FBI, they appear to be still downplaying the NYP silicon concentration.
The AFIP lab report is still not mentioned nor is the >30% silicon content that is found in that sample.
LMW COMMENT …
The FBI’s case against Dr. Ivins is clearly bogus: no evidence, no witnesses, an impossible timeline, science that proves innocence instead of guilt. So what really happened? And why doesn’t the FBI offer America a credible story?
I can imagine only 3 possible “actual” scenarios …
The FBI has more evidence against Dr. Ivins but is, for some undisclosed reason, withholding that evidence … POSSIBLE BUT NOT SO LIKELY
The FBI, despite the most expensive and extensive investigation in its history, has not solved the case and has no idea who prepared and mailed the anthrax letters that killed 5 Americans in 2001 … EVEN LESS LIKELY
The FBI knows who did it (not Dr. Ivins) but is covering up the actual perpetrators, for undisclosed reasons … THE MOST LIKELY SCENARIO
The “fictional” scenario in my novel CASE CLOSED has been judged by many readers, including a highly respected official in the U.S. Intelligence Community, as perhaps more plausible than the FBI’s unproven assertions regarding Dr. Ivins.
This entry was posted on December 7, 2010 at 1:48 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. Tagged: ** CASE CLOSED by Lew Weinstein, ** NAS anthrax study, *** 2001 anthrax attacks, *** Dr. Bruce Ivins, *** FBI anthrax investigation, Microbial Forensics, Second Edition. 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.
39 Responses to “* FBI now admits the silicon concentration in the attack anthrax is too high … higher than can be explained by natural occurrence.”
Flask 1030 had a Silicon Signature. In 1997, a sample from Flask 1030 was shipped to Dugway. It was to serve as a standard in aerosol studies.
“On February 2, 2005, BRUCE IVINS left a voice mail message for Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) _______… as a follow-up to a matter discussed in an interview of IVINS on January 13, 2005. IVINS provided the following information:
After reviewing the shipping form for the Bacillus anthracis Ames strains samples he sent to Dugway Proving Ground in 1997, IVINS believes the tubes he sent were samples of RMR 1030, a mixed batch of spores prepared by IVINS and ______________________. The reason he believes this to be true is that the shipping form indicates the samples were spores in liquid form, unfrozen. The only Ames spores IVINS had unfrozen in liquid form in his laboratory at that time were the spores known as RMR 1030. Also, he compared the concentration of spores in the shipment to the concentration of samples he had in his laboratory at the time of the shipment. The documented concentration for RMR 1030 closely matched that on the shipping form for the spores sent as seed stock to Dugway for the mass production of spores to be used in aerosol challenge studies.”
So Flask 1030, with the Silicon Signature, was sent to Dugway as seed stock to Dugway for the mass production of spores to be used in aerosol challenge studies, before the former Zawahiri associate went there for aerosol studies.
BRUCE IVINS was interviewed at his place of employment. …
IVINS advised the printout of the electronic USAMRIID foreign visiting scientist which listed ___________ as a Point of Contact (POC) was errant. IVINS further advised he was the USAMRIID POC for an Egyptian male, [Tarek Hamouda] from the University of Michigan circa ________________. IVINS advised the electronic USAMRIID foreign visiting scientist record had mispelled ________ as ________________________.
IVINS advised prior to May 1998 he was contacted by ______________________ [James Baker] from the University of Michigan Medical Center who was ______________________ of a ______________________________________________. IVINS advised _________ wished to collaborate with IVINS in order to test the effectiveness of a new anti-sporicidal material against anthrax spores. IVINS further advised ____________ [Baker] had numerous visits to USAMRIID, however “never accessed the B3 suite.”
IVINS advised [Baker] SENT [Tarek Hamouda and Michael Hayes] , both from the University Michigan, to conduct experiments. IVINS advised [HAMOUDA and HAYES] underwent safety traning and provided documentation of their shot records. IVINS advised when HAMOUDA showed up at USAMRIID, USAMRIID personnel realized HAMOUDA was not a U.S. citizen. IVINS advised, during the May 1999 time period, a email request for approval was all that was required for “green card holders” to visit USAMRIID. IVINS further interjected and advised “the request for _______ to visit USAMRIID did not come from command it came from [IVINS].” __________ further advised “this is different from which I had previously told [the interviewing Postal Inspector and SA].”
IVINS advised _________ had contacted IVINS and ______________ were come to USAMRIID and conduct the research on the collaboration project.
IVINS advised [HAMOUDA and HAYES] ______________ worked with the Ames strain of BL-3 laboratory” for three or four days in May 1998. IVINS further advised HAMOUDS and HAYES were never left alone in the BL-3 laboratory and either IVINS or __________________ were with [them].
IVINS advised he does not recall whether or not ___________ and _________ had their own access into the B3 suite or whether or not someone had to let them in. IVINS further advised the interviewing Postal Inspector and SA to check USAMRIID key card entries.
[NOTE: Key card entries only go back to mid-1998 and do not extend to May 1998, the date of this visit].
iVINS further advised ______________________ were “at eat others throats.” IVINS advised _________ was “a jerk” and had problems with everyone to include ____________.”
Comment: I called Michael Hayes to ask the details of this visit but he said “You don’t want to know.” I emailed Tarek long before posting on these issues but he did not respond.
IVINS stated in the voice message that the concentration on the 1997 shipping form made him believe that RMR 1030 was the Ames material he sent to Dugway for use in the mass production of spores for the making of RMR 1029. He advised that the information to support his belief could be found in his USAMRIID laboratory notebook #3655, page 86.
5/07/04 IVINS Interview Statement –
IVINS has never had to add antifoam or any other chemical to his production method for producing Ames spores. The shaking of the shaker flasks in the broth production is not enough to create a need for antifoam or any similar product. He is not aware of any protocol used at USAMRIID which calls for the use of antifoam with Ames. The protocol for the aerosol challenges does not call for antifoam.
It is now 45 days since the NAS anthrax science report was supposed to be completed and published.
When will this $1M report be released?
http://www8.nationalacademies.org/cp/projectview.aspx?key=49105
The start date for the project is 4/24/2009.
A report will be issued at the end of the project.
Project Duration: 18 months
An update from NAS !
Project report “expected” to be issued in February.
Update 12/7/10: The project duration has been extended. The report is expected to be issued in February 2011.
BugMaster said
Also note that the GAO scientific review is not supposed to start until the NAS study has concluded!
“We are all agreed that your theory is crazy. The question that divides us is whether it is crazy enough to have a chance of being correct.”
“under an unusual set of conditions”
Like al Qaeda guys making it up as they go along under constrained circumstances.
A group responding to constraints is what you get something really weird out of.
Another paper on permeability and also discussion of flotation of spores.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC279244/pdf/jbacter00474-0143.pdf
“PERMEABILITY OF BACTERIAL SPORES
1. CHARACTERIZATION OF GLUCOSE UPTAKE
S. H. BLACK AND PHILIPP GERHARDT
Department of Bacteriology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Received for publication May 15, 1961”
Yes, that is the paper that shows even large molecules will readily penetrate the exopsorium.
http://aem.asm.org/cgi/reprint/6/5/327.pdf
Separation and Concentration of Bacterial Spores and Vegetative
Cells by Foam Flotation
W. A. BOYLES1 AND R. E. LINCOLN
U. S. Army Chemical Corps, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland
Received for publication February 12, 1958
“Selective methods for removing and/or concentrating
bacterial spores and vegetative cells from the growth
medium are essential in studies on spore physiology
and antigenicity, phagocytosis, and similar problems
in which cell preparations free of cellular debris are desired.
Development of a method to obtain “clean”
preparations followed the observation that masses of
material collected above the liquid level in the head of
foam when Bacillus anthracis was grown in aerated deep
cultures. When this material was smeared and stained,
microscopic observation indicated that the material was
composed of essentially clean spores. Frequently, on
those occasions when masses of the material collected
or when foam was incompletely controlled and lost
through the air vent, the spore count of the culture was
low. These observations led to the conclusion that a
collection process could be developed that would
separate B. anthracis spores from vegetative cells and
cellular debris contained in the culture medium. Such a
method of purification by flotation was developed and
is reported in this paper. While this manuscript was
being edited, it was learned that similar independent
observations had been made and the same conclusions
I Deceased.
drawn by Black et al. (1958) who observed the loss of
Bacillus cereus spores from deep culture fermentations
after uncontrolled foaming.
In the present study, simple glass cylinders equipped
with spargers or diffusers were used as foaming chambers.
Serratia marcescens cells were first successfully
separated and collected and, with the development of
equipment and a working procedure, cells of Brucella
suis and Pasteurella (Bacterium) tularensis and spores of
B. anthracis and Bacillus subtilis var. niger (B. globigii)
were processed. Although major emphasis has been
placed on the results obtained with B. anthracis, data
on several other species are given to supply additional
information on the flotation of cells or spores
“Indices for evaluation. In flotation, as in any physical
separation process, evaluation of the effectiveness of
the operation requires the quantitative measurement
(or assay) of either the preferred or unwanted constituent
in a product, or, better still, of both. These
assays are translated into ratios or indices which make
clear the degree of success in separation. Two indices
of effectiveness commonly used in flotation are “grade”
(or purity) and “recovery.” The grade expresses the
number of parts of a constituent per hundred parts of
dry product, for example, a concentrate containing 2 g
of spores and 3 g of other solids would have a grade of
40 per cent. The recovery is the percentage of the total
amount of a constituent from a feed which is found in
a product or
A flotation test cannot be evaluated unless both
recovery and grade are measured. A feed containing
10 g of spores and 1 g of vegetative cells might yield a
concentrate containing 9 g of the spores, and the test
would be judged a success from the standpoint of recovery.
But if the concentrate also contained 0.9 g of
the vegetative cells, the grade has not been altered.
Since the object of flotation is the separation of solids
from each other, the analysis of a flotation test should
be made on the basis of both grade and recovery.
“Media and preparation of cultures. The organism
used throughout this study was Bacillus subtilis var.
niger. Spore concentrates were obtained from the U. S.
Army Chemical Corps, Fort Detrick, Frederick,
Maryland, or were produced at Massachusetts Institute
of Technology (M.I.T.). Spores from Fort Detrick
were grown in a casein hydrolyzate medium (Boyles and
Lincoln, 1958) in metal fermentors and, after autolysis,
were harvested by centrifugation at 50,000 X g. The
spore concentrate, or paste, was shipped both frozen
and unfrozen, with and without an additional washing
operation in the centrifuge. Freezing was accomplished
by extruding the paste into an acetone-Dry Ice bath.
Frozen preparations were stored at -20 C, whereas
unfrozen preparations were kept at 4 C. Frozen preparations
contained about 50 X 1010 viable spores per g
of dry wt.”
From part I.
The Gaudin paper has a part I also available.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1057576/pdf/applmicro00328-0028.pdf
The separation of bacterial cells from the growth
menstruum is a routine operation which continues to
demand more than its fair share of effort from workers
in such fields as physiology, immunology and cytology.
Preparation of “clean” cell suspensions by centrifugation
is arduous and yields are often low.
The observation that masses of cells collected in the
foam above the liquid level in fermentors led Boyles
and Lincoln (1958) to use vigorous aeration of the
culture medium after growth as a means for removing
and concentrating spores of Bacillus anthracis. Quantitative
estimates of the degree of separation and/or
concentration were based on viable counts. Success in
separating spores of Bacillus cereus T (formerly called
Bacillus cereus var. terminalis) from autolyzed culture
by frothing was reported by Black et al., (1958).
The concept of the separation of particles in liquid
by foaming has long been known in the field of mineral
engineering, and is the basis for “flotation” processes.
“Definitions. 1’lotation may be defined as a process
for separatinig finely divided solids from each other
(Gaudin, 1957). The solids are suspended in water
through which gas bubbles are caused to flow. Separation
takes place when particles of one type adhere
to gas bubbles and are carried to the top of the liquid
as a froth, whereas particles of other types adhere to
the liquid and remain in suspension.”
This part of the paper has some basic explanations that even I can understand.
Ezzell and the mail anthrax preparer both were working with daughters of RMR-1029. Ezzell did not end up with the same silicon content.
Ezzell got white spores v tan for the Daschle Leahy. The NY Post letter had very high silicon and more debris and vegetative cells.
Thus the numerical data of the letters and Ezzell’s lab is different. The numerical outcome is different on these dimensions.
Thus the mathematical operations that take you from starting with a sample from RMR-1029 to the numerical outcomes are different. Thus the experimental steps were different.
Its finding the experimental steps for the letters that is our task. The data we have is the numerical outcomes. We can then infer different mathematical operations for the processing steps of Ezzell v the letters. We can then try to fit an experimental procedure to the letter anthrax processing steps.
We are thus looking for different processing steps and likely ones with less efficiency than Ezzell had and also an attempt to use all of the original spores and not discard those clinging to debris or vegetative cells. The flotation separation of vegetative cells, debris and spores was likely less for the letter preparer than for Ezzell.
The letter mailer came up with worse numerical outcomes than Ezzell. So the letter mailer was likely someone with less skill and know-how than Ezzell. That may have been a person from a semiconductor background who thought to use silicon possibly in an alkaline solution and who those got hung up on the hard road to get flotation separation of debris, vegetative cells and spores.
So they got the different numerical outcomes in the letter anthrax from Ezzell’s numerical outcomes in his anthrax even though they both started from RMR-1029.
This implies someone with a radically different background from Ezzell. That is not Ivins but some other scientist/engineer type completely.
Very well put, Old Atlantic.
Thanks. I am just putting out ideas. Please shoot them down. It helps move us forward.
We can think about solving the problem with this scheme.
1. We start with the NY Post high debris and veg cells relatively and high silicon and Daschle better purity on spores but still high silicon relative to normal.
2. We try to fit math to what we observe. We think of the math operations that would produce the observed numerical data.
3. We then try to find the experimental procedure that has the math operations as its result or that are consistent with the math operations.
The suggestions below may or may not be right, but this reverse step approach is one to try to understand what happened.
Math operations that give us silicon accumulation are a possible solution. We then look for experimental steps that would result in such an accumulation mechanism. We also want to get out the result of more silicon in the less pure spore sample. We still want to have high silicon even in the Senate letters.
Some of the silicon could have been added in the form of a silicon-based antifoam (far in excess of what one would add to liquid fermentation media).
Perhaps the perp felt this additional material would impart some “desirable” characteristics.
Since this material is polymerized, it would be in addition to the trace amounts of material found in the spore coat. And it may not have contributed much to the Senate material’s “desired” characteristics, but rather, could have aided in the purification in some way.
They tried using silicon antifoams and still couldn’t reproduce the silicon levels in the attack spores. This is mentioned by Weber in his presentation to NAS.
The obvious inference is that the spores were treated post growth with a siloxane. It would penetrate the exosporium and polymerize in situ on the spore coat – giving exactly the observed silicon signature.
Details on treating cellular material like this can be found here:
Detection and distribution analysis of organosilicon compounds in
wood by means of SEM-EDX and micro-CT (just Google it).
Such spores treated like this become hydrophobic (repel water) – exactly what the attack spores were observed to do.
Sounds plausable. But could silicon from a concentrated sucrose solution (present in forms of silicic acid) have given the same signature? (also could explain the tin, if it was cane sugar).
The search silicon alkaline solutions is interesting. The Gaudin paper indicates that alkaline variations don’t work.
“The grade of spores in the float is not appreciably
affected by increasing alkalinity, except perhaps at the
highest level.”
If they were using silicon in an alkaline solution they may have had a hard time in separation.
silicon alkaline solutions semiconductors
brings up hits.
If for some reason their technology base was oriented to semiconductor thinking or experience and they used a silicon alkaline solution then they might have had a hard time to get the separation of debris, vegetative cells and spores based on the result of the Gaudlin paper. To repeat that
See page 5 of 7 of pdf page 95 of the paper.
Tuning problem. RMR-1029 was a mixture. If the separation method and additives used work for some parts of the mixture but not for others to separate the floating debris, vegetative cells, and spores, then you can’t tune both at the same time. Thus if you tune your additives and conditions to get good separation of floating spores for one part of the RMR-1029 you are not in tune for the others and so you end up with a mixture of debris, vegetative cells and spores at different heights.
Thus RMR-1029 may have presented special separation problems for the additives being used. Or they may not have found the right tuning for it because it was so unusual given the method they were using.
Thus they had to do multiple centrifugings. They may also have tried different additive mixtures each round to get better separation of spores from vegetative cells and debris.
Another issue is whether Daschle and Leahy are the better separations from the same processing as the first letters that were held back for some reason or represent further processing or a new start. The missing letter mailed to Florida that had anthrax also is said by some to be better than the NY Post, so it might be better separation results from an earlier processing stage.
“The missing letter mailed to Florida that had anthrax also is said by some to be better than the NY Post, so it might be better separation results from an earlier processing stage.”
Or the mailer just had more time to prepare it. And soon after he mailed the letter to Boca Raton, he had to hustle to “jump on the 9-11 bandwagon”.
Thus the crude that was sent out on 9-18. In fact, he could have started with old inocula left over from the previous prep (a possible mechanism by which the contaminating b. subtilis establised itself in the culture).
That’s a very clever sequence, one overlooked up to now.
The Gaudin et al paper has the following implication:
If the methodology used for separation of spores, debris and vegetative cells is off somewhat, you might get a hard time in separation. You might get vegetative cells and debris floating or spores clinging to the vegetative cells or debris if they don’t float.
Thus depending on the method used to achieve separation of spores from debris and vegetative cells, the degree of separation of debris, veg cells and spores in the float may have been lower or higher.
If the degree of separation was lower, then more rounds of centrifuging would be needed.
If we assume the New York Post letter had high silicon and a lot of debris and vegetative cells compared to Daschle or to Ezzell’s work, then the method used to prepare New York Post may have hung up on a bad combination of additives and other conditions including possibly the strain or strains in this mixture.
More from this paper at MIT
“Tables 3 and 4 show that:
1. The grade of spores in the float tends to increase
with increasing acidity and then levels off.
2. The grade of spores in the float is not appreciably
3. The recovery in the float of both spores and debris
increases markedly with increasing acidity, and is but
slightly affected by increased alkalinity.
4. A significant improvement in selectivity index is
not obtained by changes in pH with the particular acid
and alkali used.
Figure 6 shows the variation in the grade of spores in
the float as a function of pH. The big change in grade
near the neutral point is not due to pH variations but
to the use of different lots of organisms for the two
series of tests.
The recovery of spores and of debris as a function of
pH is shown in figure 7. It is seen that essentially complete
recovery of spores and debris as a float product
is obtainable by suitable pH adjustment, although the
separation efficiency of spores from debris is poor. Just
why pH has this effect is not known.”
It is clear that there are differences in floatability
between spores, vegetative cells, and debris. Relatively
speaking, these differences are small but experiments
show they can be increased. Thus, the addition of
secondary amines seems to favor flotation of spores
over debris, whereas the addition of carboxylic acids increases the floatability of vegetative cells and debris
over that of spores. There can be little doubt that this
is related to the polar groups available at the surfaces
of spores and vegetative cells. The behavior of the two
forms of the organism suggest that both cationic and
anionic sites are available at the surface of both forms
but that the relative abundance of the sites is different,
the spores having an excess of carboxyl groups and the
vegetative cells an excess of amino groups.
Preliminary experiments with another strain of B.
subtilis indicates that its behavior is not the same as
that of the niger variety, hence that the outer coats of
an organism differs from strain to strain.
Pilot experiments with other organisms further indicate
differences between one species and another, as
might be expected. The prospect of relating flotation
behavior to chemical composition, structure, and molecular
orientation at the surface of spores and vegetative
cells is an area to which attention should be
directed.”
Among the factors which influence the flotation behavior
of Bacillus subtilis var. niger spore preparations
are the age of the spore material at harvest, the solublesalt
content of the flotation feed, prior heating of the
pulp, pH of the pulp, and the addition of amine or fattyacid
collectors.
It is shown that judicious use of flotation “tools”
can effect suitable separations, but much work remains
to be done in correlating flotation behavior with surface
properties.”
“In this paper, it is shown experimentally that separations
can be made, and that the flotation behavior
of spores and debris of B. subtilis var. niger is dependent
upon the age of the bacterial components at harvest,
the content of soluble liquid components in the flotation
feed, the pH of the pulp, the prior heat treatment
of the flotation feed (if any), and the addition of flotation
reagents.”
http://aem.asm.org/cgi/reprint/8/2/91.pdf
Separation of Microorganisms by Flotation
IL. Flotation of Spores of Bacillus subtilis var. niger1
A. M. GAUDIN,2 A. L. MULAR,3 AND R. F. O’CONNOR3
Department of Metallurgy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Received for publication August 10, 1959
“Bacillus subtilis. var. niger spore preparations were
either shipped direct from the U. S. Chemical Corps,
Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland, or were grown at
the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.)
laboratories using Fort Detrick inoculum.”
Early experiments with Fort Detrick spore preparations
proved that considerable variation in flotation
behavior existed according to whether the preparation
consisted of spent liquor as well as organisms, whether
it had been washed, and whether the sediment was
then frozen. To avoid working with spore material of a
variable nature, spores were grown at M.I.T. This
provided a flotation feed of reproducible behavior.
Among the factors which appeared to influence the
behavior of Fort Detrick spore preparations were, the
amount of soluble components present, the length of
time in storage, the heat-shocking of sediment, and the
freezing of sediment in an acetone-Dry Ice bath. These
observations were sufficient indication that age and
soluble liquid components are variables which, along
with the usual mineral-flotation variables such as
temperature, pH, and reagents, merit more detailed
http://invam.caf.wvu.edu/fungi/taxonomy/Paraglomaceae/occultum/occultum.htm
“Spores often float on the surface of sucrose following density gradient centrifugation and also float in water with swirling. They also tend to cling to organic debris (including spores of other arbuscular fungi).”
These are not anthrax spores that I could tell.
Never tryed anthrax spores (don’t have any and don’t want any), but I did try the technique on some plate-grown b. subtilis material (assumed it was subtilis, the goddamn thing had contaminated one of my cultures).
Note that is was a very small scale “proof of concept” exercise.
Worked real well, actually. In fact, it was kind of creepy!
I was just emphasizing these were funghi spores in the article I linked to. So your subtilis results are much more directly relevant than these funghi results.
More Crazy Silicon Accumulation Mechanisms. The following are offered as a way to stimulate thought on how silicon might have accumulated. Maybe these have problems too. Bug Master or others please point those out.
You start with 2 test tubes. One is empty, one is full of your prep. You centrifuge the prep with sugar cane added and some of your spores float to the top. You pour those off into the tube 2, The Good Accumulator.
Now you centrifuge tube 1 again, adding more sugar cane.(You might pour out the water through a screen if such a screen exists. Then you pour in fresh water and add more sugar cane.)
Again, what floats to top is poured into the Good Accumulator Tube. You keep repeating this process.
If you have a third tube, then you can also centrifuge the Good Tube, pour the top off into the 3rd tube and then you have a couple choices. Call this stage, Pt A.
You could centrifuge the remainder in tube 2 adding more sucrose, and pour its top into tube 3. You then pour its bottom into tube 1, so that you can centrifuge tube 3 and pour its top into tube 2.
At point A, you could instead pour tube 2 into tube 1 and centrifuge tube 1, pour the top into tube 3 and then centrifuge tube 3 and pour its top into tube 2, etc.
With more tubes you have more options.
This is contrast to some other procedures. Only keep what you pour off the top off and get rid of all else. This procedure has lower yield of stuff, although it is pure.
Unlimited tubes. You always separate into 2 or more tubes, and then divide those into 2 or more tubes. Eventually, you combine the ones that are of the same grade.
If you have 10 tubes, you run against the ten barrier, but you can practice this type of grade judgment method so that you have accumulator tubes of various grades. These may vary in time so that your best tubes are higher in grade and your worst are worse. But you try to avoid discarding anything that contains spores, including those clinging to debris or vegetative cells.
If you have 3 or more tubes and centrifuge the good stuff, and the bad stuff, adding sugar cane or something with silicon at each stage, then you get a silicon accumulator into both good stuff and the bad stuff.
One problem with this is whether the spores will take up silicon in the good stuff and whether the debris and vegetative cells in the residue tubes will take up the silicon if the spores in those tubes won’t.
Maybe there is some sort of X that will help spores take up silicon after they have already formed spores. Perhaps the tin or other elements? Something that was used up or didn’t persist in the final prep?
The advantage of this method is that if your anthrax supply is fixed at the point you do this or costly to produce, then you save more of the spores including those that stubbornly cling to debris or vegetative cells.
In some of these schemes, the purer spores will either not become pure white or will do so more slowly. If you have 3 tubes, and you are alternating centrifuging the purer one and the least pure and using the extra tube as an intermediate, then you are limited in purifying the purer spores to white. You are giving up the speed of getting purer spores for the sake of not discarding spores from the 3 tube system even those clinging to vegetative cells or debris.
Suppose have one tube with prep and 2 empty tubes. You centrifuge first tube with prep and pour top into tube 3. Then centrifuge tube 3 and pour top into tube 2. Pour bottom into tube 1. Continue this pouring the bottom in tube 1. This purifies towards white.
If the sequence involves centrifuging tube 1 again or the bottom in tube 2 or 3 after pouring the top into another tube, then the whiteness of the spores has to be less than in the first sequence above.
Depending on the density of the sucrose, the spores float to the top without centrifugation (let them set overnight, this could have also given them the time to absorb silicic acid and tin).
And it seems a lot of the gunk and junk gets left behind in the viscous liquid.
This could have been used as a preliminary prep, with more conventional centrifugation / wash steps like Ezzel described applied later.
This seems to really vindicate Epstein’s article:
Epstein wrote on 1/24/10:
“The FBI’s answer was that the anthrax contained only traces of silicon, and those, it theorized, could have been accidently absorbed by the spores from the water and nutrient in which they were grown.
No such nutrients were ever found in Ivins’s lab, nor, for that matter, did anyone ever see Ivins attempt to produce any unauthorized anthrax (a process which would have involved him using scores of flasks.)
Natural contamination was an elegant theory that ran into problems after Congressman Jerry Nadler pressed FBI Director Robert Mueller in September 2008 to provide the House Judiciary Committee with a missing piece of data: the precise percentage of silicon contained in the anthrax used in the attacks.
The answer came seven months later on April 17, 2009.
According to the FBI lab, 1.4% of the powder in the Leahy letter was silicon.”
Then Hassell responded on 2/3/10:
“Monday’s opinion piece, “The Anthrax Attacks Remain Unsolved,” was filled with inaccuracies and omitted several relevant facts that are necessary for a balanced discussion of the science applied in the anthrax investigation.
The FBI is confident in the scientific findings that were reached in this investigation. We utilized established biological and chemical analysis techniques and applied them in an innovative manner to reach these findings.”
The FBI have now thus significantly changed their position. Everything they write in the new Microbial Forensics is consistent with what Ed Epatein wrote. They now admit that even by deliberately adding silicon to the broth in the form of silica the HIGHEST CONCENTRATION THAT COULD EVER BE ACHIEVED IS 0.3% !!!!
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Chapman University at a Glance
Undergraduate Degree Requirements
Lawrence and Kristina Dodge College of Film and Media Arts: Sodaro-Pankey Undergraduate School of Media Arts
Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler School of Engineering
Undergraduate Degrees by School
Graduate Degree Programs by School
LEAD 333 - Theory and Practice of Career and Professional Development: Leading Your Life, Managing Your Career
Explores the career planning process, equipping students with vital career development skills to effectively assess, articulate, and secure professional career opportunities and managing one's career over a lifetime, including transitions and dual-career lifestyles. Topics include: work-life balance, developing an awareness of interests and strengths, initial career strategies (targeted resumes, cover letters, networking, interviewing skills, LinkedIn profile), building a career consonant with enduring Chapman values and norms (e.g., leading a life of service, preparation for an inquiring, ethical and productive life as a global citizen), dual career management, dealing with setbacks. Offered in collaboration with the Office of Career and Professional Development. P/NP. (Offered every semester.) 3 credits
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Pick of the week: Embroidery panels point to six figures
A sale of art and antiques from a Worcestershire manor house included the rare appearance at auction of two examples of Opus Anglicanum.
Pick of the week: Faraday iron filings create a magnetic pull on bidders
Michael Faraday’s laboratory notebook from 1851 includes a series of diagrams illustrating what he called ‘magnetic lines of force’ – the magnetic field lines that are central to the study of electromagnetism and electrochemistry.
Pick of the week: Gimson is top dog of Arts & Crafts
Cotswolds steel masterworks bring £50,000.
Pick of the week: Putting the Hours in brings reward
Personal devotional prayer books, known as a Book of Hours, were popular among the wealthy and powerful in late medieval Europe. Illuminated with miniature paintings depicting the life of Christ, the Virgin Mary and saints, they were sometimes personalised for the patrons who commissioned them.
Pick of the week: Star role for George Woodall cameo appearance at Bonhams
A vase by the great cameo glass artist George Woodall (1850-1925) was offered at auction for the first time at Bonhams’ sale of Fine Glass and British Ceramics last week.
Pick of the week: Porthia Prints take pride of place
An archive of material relating to Porthia Prints, a short-lived company that harnessed the talents of a host of St Ives artists, proved a sell-out success at Lyon & Turnbull’s Modern Made auction in Fitzrovia, London. The 24-lot section of original designs and textiles came for sale ‘from an important St Ives artist’s estate’.
Pick of the Week: Rediscovered Nelson portrait surfaces at sale
A hitherto unknown portrait of Nelson sold for three times the top estimate at the Charles Miller (24% buyer’s premium) auction on November 5.
Pick of the week: Buyer gets claws into rare St James’s
This sculptural white porcelain group of Ganymede and the Eagle is a rare survivor from the St James’s factory run by Charles Gouyn in London c.1749-60.
Pick of the week: No.1 microscope proves it’s still the best
The opening lot of Flints Auctions’ photographica and scientific instruments sale in Reading on October 18 was an exceptional Victorian microscope.
Pick of the week: An artwork of great propaganda value
“Germany calling, Germany calling” were the chilling opening words spoken by the upper-class British accent of William Joyce – Lord Haw Haw – and other presenters in propaganda radio broadcasts from Nazi Germany during the Second World War.
Pick of the week: Dürer medal to honour emperor
Albrecht Dürer’s medal dedicated to Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, is among the most important medals of the Northern Renaissance. As only four are known to commerce, the appearance of one for sale is significant.
Pick of the week: Polynesian war club is a big hit in Salisbury
A tribal war club from the Marquesas Islands with textbook provenance has sold for £71,000 at Woolley & Wallis. The u’u (head club) came for sale at the Salisbury saleroom from the descendants of an early-19th century missionary.
Pick of the week: Rare example of a surviving maestrophone sells at 20-times estimate in Nantwich auction
Until electricity became commonplace in homes, the power source of choice for the gramophone was a spring motor that required frequent winding. One unusual solution to silent interludes at the dinner dance was to power the device by hot air.
Pick of the week: Living up to the teapot with a punchline
George du Maurier (1834-96) joined the staff at Punch magazine in 1865, drawing two ink cartoons a week until his eyesight deteriorated in 1891. His most common targets were the affected manners of Victorian society and Britain’s growing middle class in particular.
Pick of the week: Museum wraps up sale of coveted coverlet
The National Museums of Scotland has been revealed as the buyer of the Storrar Coverlet – a rare woollen textile withdrawn at the 11th hour from a sale at Lyon & Turnbull in Edinburgh in August.
Pick of the week: American saleroom signals the way to English creamware
Some of the rarest and most desirable of all English creamware jugs were those made for the American market. One of them, titled Signals at Portland Observatory, sold for $4400/£3600 (plus premium) at the Bourgeault-Horan auction in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Pick of the week: 18th century dockyard plans detailing the Royal Navy war machine attract wave of bids
A complete set of plans showing what was once the world’s largest industrial complex and the British state’s single biggest investment has sold in Cornwall. Thomas Milton’s plans of the Royal Dockyards sold to an online buyer for £10,000 (plus 18% buyer’s premium) at David Lay's latest sale in Penzance.
Pick of the week: Sale supplies simple bear accessory of life as Doulton Lambeth discovery found among the weeds
When auctioneer Tony Pratt spotted a mysterious shape in the undergrowth of a back garden in Hythe he wasn’t expecting to uncover a very large pottery bear.
Pick of the week: Pocketwatch with Oliver Cromwell connection sells in Cumbria
Did a watch offered for sale in Carlisle at the end of July once belong to Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658)? Two centuries of provenance suggest it did.
Pick of the week: ‘Blonde bombshell’ poster makes big impact at auction
A controversial Second World War poster by renowned designer Abram Games (1914-96) has sold for what is believed to be an auction record.
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Acura News
There are no Limits for Acura Team
One more time Acura shows not only dedication to creating luxurious rides, but also that limits exist only in our heads. The 2016 RDX SUV comes with more power, better fuel efficiency and overall luxurious feel. You may be still astonished by the supreme 2015 model, but yes, the heir is better in every aspect. And one of the best news is that the starting price of the 2016 model is almost the same as the 2015 model. The 2016 5-seater SUV machine brings even more power and higher-rate perform
Acura to Display ILX Endurance Racer in New York
North American International Auto show was the first to display the gorgeous 2016 Acura NSX Supercar, powered by a twin-turbocharged 75-degree DOHC V6 engine and a three-electric motor Sport Hybrid system. Now, there is another event in which the ultra-performance vehicle will take part and it is (of course) this one in New York. Next to it, at the Acura stand will shine the TLX GT that has just won this year’s Pirelli World Challenge, as well as the new ILX endurance race car. Well, the last model is actu
More Goodies for 2016 Acura MDX
Acura upgraded significantly the 2016 MDX SUV. The updated luxury vehicle launches in March and it will feature various new features and technologies as well as new powertrain options and an expanded model range. All trim levels will be equipped as a standard with the nine-speed automatic transmission which will assist the 3.5-liter, 24-valve i-VTEC direct-injected V-6 engine. The transmission features Sequential SportShift and is 66 lbs lighter than the previous six-speed automatic. The shi
See How Honda Have Updated the 2015 CR-V
A good start in 2015 for Honda CR-V! The car got some comprehensive updates that make it even more attractive. There is a new diesel engine and nine-speed automatic gearbox that aim to deliver great fuel economy. In addition, Honda has added a new technology, which is a world-first that comes to enhance occupant safety. There is an innovative app-driven connectivity system, which is now standard. And in terms of driving fun, the CR-V got reengineered. Of course, the designers did made some minor styling changes to
Salute the Next-Gen Acura NSX! [VIDEO]
Acura has finally taken the wraps off its icon, the 2016 NSX supercar, at the North American International Auto Show. Twenty-five years after the debut of the original model, the new NSX comes to make a huge shift in our understanding of sports cars! The production model comes in shiny red finish and is driven by a twin-turbocharged 75-degree DOHC V6 engine mated to nine-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) and three-electric motor Sport Hybrid system. All of this is imbibed in rigid and lightwe
Acura Shares First Glimpses at 2016 NSX Production Model [VIDEO]
As a huge fan of Honda the next news are extremely exciting for me! And it is not “a big deal” unless you have been waiting to see the production version of the highly anticipated 2016 Acura NSX supercar. Yes, that’s right! The successor of the legendary original NSX is scheduled to make its global debut on 12th of January at the next edition of the North American International Auto Show. The model will not only include the styling cues of
The Rebirth of Acura ILX Sports Sedan
Acura finally uncovered its restyled, re-engineered and reborn 2016 ILX sports sedan at the 2014 Los Angeles International Auto Show. The enhancements and tweaks run more than skin deep for the new Acura ILX is now stronger, with better dynamics, unusual automatic transmission and improved interior. Initially, the currently running ILX model comes with a choice of either a 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine. The new 2016 Acura, though, is discarding the smaller engine and makes the 2.4
Galpin Auto Sports has Prepared Monstrous Custom Acura TLX for SEMA
Two exclusive sketches of the Galpin Auto Sports Acura TLX were just released, showing one of the SEMA entries of the Japanese company. The TLX model will be displayed in three distinctive variants. The aim is to express the customization potential of the car and its performance character. The tuning company chosen for this task is Galpin Auto Sports (GAS) that makes a debut at the TLX. GAS TLX will be joined by the twin-turbo TLX GT Race Car, jo
2016 Acura ILX Gets Teased Ahead of Los Angeles Reveal
2016 Acura ILX is getting readied for an official reveal at the Los Angeles Auto Show next month. With this entry Acura is aiming to bring higher standard in the entry-premium sedan segment. The expansion in the general appeal of the car includes a comprehensive update that features a strong new powertrain, more force
Acura releases 2015 TLX performance luxury sedan
Acura has started the release campaign of its 2015 TLX performance luxury sedan with the biggest marketing chain of events in the brand’s history. The new car, which sports dynamic proportions and premium luxury, is the main object of a 360-degree campaign under the slogan “It’s that kind of thrill.” The official start of the campaign is scheduled for August 17 with a TV anthem spot that is called “My Way”, which captures the passion with which the Acura team developed the new 2015 Acura TLX. The
Acura TLX GT Race Car
Acura Motorsports has unveiled the new 2015 Acura TLX GT Race Car in Pirelli World Challenge competition. It held at American Honda's "home" circuit, the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, in the hands of RealTime Racing owner/driver Peter Cunningham. Cunningham has driven the Acura in a pair of Pirelli World Challenge events during a doubleheader race weekend. The Pirelli World Challenge series supports with the Honda Indy 200 Verizon IndyCar Series weekend at Mid-Ohio. "We're excited to deb
Acura Starts Production Of 2015 TLX In Ohio
The mass-production of the 2015 Acura TLX has just begun at the Marysville Auto Plant. The new performance luxury sedan is scheduled to hit the dealerships across the United States in August. The car was designed, developed and engineered by R&D teams in Ohio and Los Angeles. However, it has been exclusively built in Ohio. TLX looks just great. It combines the sports-sedan athleticism typical for Acura (Honda) with the luxury-sedan refinement. This Acura vehicle will be driven by either of two powerful and e
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Occupational Health & Safety Buyers Guide
Candee Productions, Inc.
8330 E. Redfield Rd.
About Candee Productions, Inc.
We tell stories...
Everyone has a story to tell. We can help you tell yours! Share your vision, ideas, cause or product! We bring stories into the light... If you have a story to tell, please call!
Employee Development, Motivation, Interactive, On-Line Learning and More.
rwcandee@gmail.com
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The Couple’s Game Vday Edition – Make ‘Em Or Break ‘Em!
Join everyone’s favourite host, Bob Burnhart, for another fabulous round of THE COUPLES’ GAME! Watch in glee as REAL couples discover just how much – or how little – they really know about each other! The couple with the most correct matches at the end of the night walks away with an awesome prize!
“Now we’re married!” – former winners
“We don’t talk much anymore!” – former losers
**PLUS**
In honour of Valentine’s Day, a special round of THE DATING GAME! Revisit the days before Tinder and see one lucky bachelor or bachelorette choose a beau from a panel of 3 mysterious suitors. Prizes for the lucky pair at the end of the night!
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Join us for a night of retro game show fun, food and drink specials and stellar raffle prizes. Bring a special someone, or come alone and mix with the other singles. It’s a night you won’t want to miss!
The Monarch Tavern
Tickets: $10 in advance, $15 at the door
Limited seating, so get yours early!
Posted in Bygone Loves..., Bygone Shows, Vintage
Tagged 1960s, 1970s, Bob Burnhart, competition, Couples Game, Dating Game, drinking, John Fleming, Monarch Tavern, Prizes, Retro, retro game show, romance, Things To Do In Toronto, Toronto, Toronto Valentines 2019, Valentines Day, Vintage
A Very Vintage Christmas – Retro Mid Century Xmas Ornaments
As much as we may be in denial about winter being here, it’s hard to deny Christmas is around the corner when you’re bombarded by Christmas music in all the malls and decorations starting to pop up in stores and street corners. Instead of grumbling about how it all starts “too early”, we’ve decided to embrace it and take this time to help you prep for your own holiday celebrations, vintage style. Here’s our list of where to source the best decorations for those of you who like a “classic” feel.
Cheerful Reproduction Ornaments
Nothing says retro Christmas like the classic Shiny Brite ornaments. The most popular ornaments of the 1940s & 50s, they faded out of fashion in the later half of the 20th century, but in 2001 Christopher Radko began reproducing them, complete with vintage style box! You can find them a lot of places online, including Amazon.
Kurt Adler is another company that has really nailed the vintage aesthetic. You can find his stuff on Amazon as well, and he’s got everything from sparkly glass ornaments to small novelty characters, bubble lights, and classic clip-on birds, as seen below.
Garlands, Tinsel & Icicles – Oh My!
No vintage tree is complete without some classic garlands and tinsel. Retro Festive has a super fun popcorn garland (if you want the look without the salty temptation) The Holiday Barn has a candy garland if you prefer something sweeter, and of course there’s the classic Shiny Brite garland, again from Amazon.
For tinsel, you can try a garland like this kitchy pink one from The Holiday Barn, get some beautiful handmade tin icicles from Pietersma Tinworks, or go with a real classic like Brite Star tinsel strands. While all of these are available from Amazon, I have lucked out before and come across some Brite Star type stuff at Dollarama. They get their share of decent stuff and it’s dirt cheap!
Retro Keepsake Ornaments
Maybe you’re not looking to replicate a classic tree, and just want something to show off your retro-loving personality. If that’s the case, there are a tone of cute and kitschy “keepsake” ornaments out there, like these fun little guys from Old World Christmas or Winterworm (bonus – they’re in our colours!).
You can get both of those on Amazon. Or you can check out specialty stores like The Holiday Barn and find ones like these retro cars and trailers, which are always fun.
Of course you can also take your chances scouring vintage shops, Etsy or Ebay for some authentic vintage pieces, though the prices can be steep, and if you’re worried about little hands or paws knocking things over, you might want to steer clear of the real thing.
What’s your favourite spot to score a vintage style ornament? Let us know in the comments below.
Posted in Bygone Loves..., diy, Vintage
Tagged 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, Brite Star, bygone theatre, christmas, decorating, diy, garland, Kurt Adler, mid century, Old World Christmas, ornaments, Pietersma Tinworks, Retro, Shiny Brite, The Holiday Barn, Toronto Theatre, Vintage, Winterworm, xmas
Cast Spotlight: Kevin Forster
Kevin Forster plays Hal in our upcoming production of Loot; this is Kevin’s first production with Bygone Theatre.
Bio: Kevin is a graduate of the Ryerson Theatre School and is thrilled to be working with such an amazing team on this wacky and wonderful show!
Selected Theatre: Leaf Coneybear in The 25th Annual Putnam county Spelling Bee and Marshall/Al in Seven Stories (Hart House Theatre), Peter in The Diary of Anne Frank (FSWC), Joe in Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Bjorn in Always Abba, and Flotsam in The Little Mermaid (The Lower Ossington Theatre), Jay in New Order (NovelSidwalk), Goneril in Cinderella, and Dopey in Balm In Gilead (Ryerson Theatre School), Clown in Bust-ed (Toronto Festival of Clowns).
Television/Film: Well Spent, Fear Thy Neighbor, God Hates A Coward, A Midsummer Nights Dream
What made you want to be a part of Loot?
Loot is a really funny script with so much potential when it is put on stage. I am a big fan of physical comedy, and this script is filled with opportunity to explore that.
How do you feel about your character? Do you relate to them at all? Share any of the same traits?
I really enjoy playing Hal. It is an interesting balance finding the humor in the scenario while keeping the truth and integrity of who he is. Also, we both love to frequent brothels, so that helps.
What’s been your favourite part of the rehearsal process so far?
My favourite part of rehearsal is playing with the other actors. Every time we run through a scene, new things are discovered. Everyone is willing to allow things to evolve and explore. It may not be right, but we won’t know until we go there.
What’s your favourite thing to have come out of the 1960s?
Are you working on any other projects at the moment/ What might we have seen you in recently?
Recently was in a production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” I am also in a folk rock band called “People Walking By” We play all the time so check us out! @people.walking.by
Why should people come out and see the show?
It’s a show with British accents, money, and death. What could be better? Certainly beats sitting at home swiping through dating profiles. Unless those profiles include British accents, money, and death. Then you’ve got a hard decision to make.
Anything else you want us to know?
The dot on top of the letter ‘i’ and ‘j’ is known as a tittle.
You can see Kevin onstage March 8-17, 2018 at the Alumnae Theatre.
Get your tickets today!
Tagged 1960s, Alumnae Theatre, British, bygone theatre, comedy, farce, Joe Orton, Kevin Forster, Loot, People Walking By, Retro, Ryerson, Vintage
Cast Spotlight: Scott McCulloch
Scott McCulloch plays Truscott – a council employee from the Metropolitan Water Board, and certainly not a police Inspector – in our upcoming production of Joe Orton’s Loot.
Bio: Loot marks the first time in a career spanning more than 30 years, well over 100 plays and close to 50 film and television productions. that he has appeared A) with Bygone Theatre B) at the Alumnae, and C) (fulfilling a long-time ambition) in one of Mr. Orton’s plays. He is delighted on all counts. Scott has been exceptionally busy doing indie theatre over the last two years, with his work including productions of Three Sisters (Wolf Manor Theatre Collective), Titus Andronicus and Edward Albee’s The Play About The Baby (Seven Siblings), Den of Thieves (which he directed for Triple Bypass Productions) Hogtown (the largest collective in Toronto theatre history) at Campbell House, and The Trial of Judith K for Thought For Food at the TPM Backspace for which he received a Broadway World: Toronto nomination for best performance by a male in a featured role. Dad in The Dreamer Examines His Pillow (JR Theatre), Richard in Time Stands Still (Leroy Street Theatre) and Dr. Black in the dora award winning The Belle of Winnipeg (Keystone Theatre) are just a few of his other favourite stage roles. Favourite experiences in front of the camera include the films “Blood Empires”, “Phone Company Man”, “The Lady of Names”, and episodes of “My Babysitter’s a Vampire”, “Mayday”, “Aaron Stone”, and “Relic Hunter.” Watch for Scott on the festival circuit in the short films, “Fowl Play” and “Split.” He holds a BFA from the University of Windsor, and an MFA from Northern Illinois University.
I’ve always wanted to do one of Orton’s plays, so I was all over it as soon as I saw the audition notice.
Truscott’s probably not the most admirable of human beings, but I love playing him. The longer I work on the role, the more I find I do have in common with him, to a greater or lesser degree, but the first thing that jumped out at me was the need to be the smartest person in the room. I’ve been trying to work on that in my personal life, but as Truscott, I can give it free reign. And of course there’s the whole wearing of women’s underclothes thing. There’s no actual mention of that in the script, but I’m pretty sure he does.
My favourite part of the rehearsal process so far has been just getting to play in the Orton sandbox with such a talented group of playmates.
My favourite thing to come out of the 60’s? Well, I’m dating myself here, I suppose, but . . . me. And the Rolling Stones.
A web series project (which co-stars Luba Goy) that I’m involved with is being pitched to potential investors in March in NYC, so I’d love it if people could give our FB page a like: www.facebook.com/savecaptjakes/ Several episodes are already available for viewing there too. I also have several short films in the can which should be popping up at various festivals before too long: 45, Fowl Play, Split, and Roadmarks. And a feature I did a few years back, Blood Empires, is still widely available online.
Orton was ahead of his time, but sadly he didn’t live long enough to write more than a handful of plays and they don’t get done nearly enough. Here’s a rare opportunity to see one of his best, performed by a crackerjack cast. Did I mention it’s hilarious?
Diet Coke is even worse for you than regular Coke.
[DIRECTOR’S NOTE: I feel this may be directed specifically at me, but I choose to ignore it!]
See Scott onstage March 8-17, 2018 at the Alumnae Theatre in Toronto. Get your tickets now!
Posted in Bygone Loves..., Bygone Rehearsals, Bygone Shows, Cast/Crew Spotlight, Friends of Bygone
Tagged 1960s, British, bygone theatre, comedy, farce, Hogtown, Joe Orton, Luba Goy, police, Save Captain Jakes, Scott McCulloch, The Belle of Winnipeg
Cast Spotlight: Jonah McGrath
Jonah McGrath plays police inspector Meadows in Bygone Theatre’s upcoming production of the Joe Orton farce, Loot; this is Jonah’s first production with Bygone Theatre.
Bio: Jonah McGrath is a 23 year old performer from Toronto. He graduated from the Dramatic Arts program at Brock University in 2017 with a concentration in performance. Jonah has acted in a multitude of theatrical productions over the past seven years including: Play by Samuel Beckett, The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny by Bertolt Brecht, The Man in the Case by Anton Chekov and many more. Jonah is ecstatic to be a part of Bygone Theatre’s Loot ensemble and for the personal artistic growth and sheer hilarity that are bound to result from such a fabulous opportunity.
I was instantly drawn the hilarity of the plot of Loot. For nearly as long as I’ve been an actor I have loved good comedies and more specifically good english farces. It’s also worth noting that have just recently moved to Toronto and I was keen for the opportunity to connect with/work with fellow theatre artists from the city.
Meadows is an unquestioningly obedient sidekick to Truscott. As a result of his steadfast loyalty to the British police force he remains quite aloof throughout the entirety of the play. I can certainly identify with this to some degree. There have most definitely been times in my life when my unquestioning faith in social constructs have lead me into a state of aloofness.
Well, I think that the cast that’s been assembled for this production is both infinitely talented and funny. Just being given the opportunity to observe their exploration of the script and their respective characters has been immensely funny and informative as a growing artist.
At the moment, I’m also working with a group of past peers and professors from Brock University on a devised theatre piece entitled We Who Know Nothing About Hiawatha. This production will explore the extreme societal disconnect between the indigenous population and the rest of Canadian society. This show will be staged at the In The Soil Arts Festival in downtown St Catharines over the course of late April.
Because it’s hilarious! I also believe that this piece is remarkably relevant to a modern Canadian audience. Joe Orton provides a wealth of commentary on those in positions of authority and social attitudes towards death which I think will most definitely resonate with Toronto show goers. If you’re a fan of either absurdist humour or scathing British commentary then this is the show for you!
Come and check out We Who Know Nothing About Hiawatha as well as a variety of other theatrical productions and artistic exhibits at the In The Soil Arts Festival in St Catharines. The festival will run from April 27th to the 29th.
See Jonah onstage March 8-17, 2018 at the Alumnae Theatre. Tickets on sale now.
Tagged 1960s, Alumnae Theatre, Bertolt Brecht, Brock University, comedy, farce, In The Soil Arts Festival, Joe Orton, Jonah McGrath, Loot, samuel beckett, We Who Know Nothing About Hiawatha
Cast Spotlight: Patrick Young
Patrick Young plays the recently widowed Mr. McLeavy in our upcoming production of Loot; this is Patrick’s first production with Bygone Theatre.
Bio: Patrick retired last year from Sheridan College, where he founded the joint actor-training program with University of Toronto Mississauga and headed it for 25 years. He directed two shows for Theatre Sheridan and twenty-something for Theatre Erindale, from The Importance of Being Earnest and The Maid’s Tragedy to Picnic and Unity (1918). He has also been Artistic Director of Dalhousie Theatre Productions, Associate Director of the Lighthouse Theatre Festival, and Director/Dramaturg of the Muskoka Festival Musical Theatre Writer’s Colony, and is the author of four award-winning biographical plays (three of them with music by Bob Ashley) as well as several adaptations of classics. In his earlier incarnation as an actor, his Toronto credits included the record-breaking hits Flicks, The Relapse, and the original production of Automatic Pilot, as well as Chinchilla and the last national tour of Spring Thaw. Elsewhere the range included Misalliance and Threepenny Opera in Boston, Uncle Vanya and Tobacco Road in Indiana, Windsor in Charlottetown, Dames at Sea in Winnipeg, Hay Fever across BC and Scapin across Ontario, plus guest starring on such TV series as The Great Detective and Night Heat.
As soon as I had a chance to re-read it, I knew I wanted to play Mr. McLeavy. So I looked up Bygone Theatre and was pretty impressed. Then I asked to audition and the rest is history.
McLeavy is a breath of ostensible normality in a world gone mad. With his naïve trust in institutions and authority (at a time when we’re doubting them more than ever!), he throws the point of the play into perspective. And don’t we all wish that we had reason to get that trust back?
We’re just starting it – it’s getting the play on its feet to explore the possibilities and test the choices. And I love working with my talented cast-mates!
I was at university then so that’s easy: The Beatles! Though I should also mention the beginnings of the sexual revolution. We all benefit from both of them!
Not yet, but my production of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST for Theatre Erindale was chosen one of the Ten Best shows west of Toronto in 2017 – including Stratford and Shaw (!) — by the Ontario Arts Review. I’m definitely game for more acting or directing, but as I just retired from a full-time College Professorship, I’m not in a rush. And I have travel plans!
Because it’s going to be so much fun! It’s so cynical that it’s the perfect antidote to today’s cynicism!
Yes – the link to the go-fund-me campaign!
See Patrick onstage March 8-17th, 2018 at the Alumnae Theatre.
Tagged 1960s, Automatic Pilot, Bob Ashley, comedy, Dalhousie Theatre Productions, farce, Importance of Being Earnest, Joe Orton, Lighthouse Theatre Festival, Loot, Loot Collective, Muskoka Festival, Night Heat, Patrick Young, Theatre Erindale, University of Toronto, University of Toronto Mississauga
Cast Spotlight: Kenton Blythe
Kenton Blythe is playing trouble-maker Dennis in our upcoming production of Loot. You may remember Kenton from one of our Retro Radio Hours, or from his role as Max Halliday in Dial M For Murder, back in 2013.
Kenton Blythe and Rebekah Manella in Dial M For Murder, 2013
Bio: Kenton is excited to be farcing around with you and this awesome cast. Selected Theatre Credits include: Grey (Toronto Fringe)[Best Ensemble Nominee My Entertainment World], Heart of Steel (Next Stage Fest.) Cabaret. Juno and the Paycock (Shaw Festival), Evil Dead: The Musical (Starvox Ent. w/ Jeffery Latimer Ent.), Dial M for Murder (Bygone Theatre) Selected Film: Sandman: 24 Hour Diner (Youtube / Vimeo), Reign (The CW), Blood and Fury: America’s Civil War (AHC), Looking For Today (Canadian Film Fest.) Twitter: @KentonBlythe IG: @KentonBlythe Youtube: Kenton Blythe
I loved the script when I read it and I always get cast as murders and racists, so a farce is a lovely change of pace.
Dennis is fun loving, scatter brained, and perpetually horny. Yes.
Figuring out how to make everything I say sexual in some way. Don’t know if they’ll all make opening night…
The Beatles, and my Aunties (All of them.)
Check out my youtube channel and facebook page for highlights from the show I wrote and performed at the 120 Diner in November 2017. Conor Fitzgerald (One of the producers of this show) and I made a movie that premiered at the Canadian Film Festival in 2016 called Looking For Today which is also on Youtube. Finally you should check out the Sandman fan film I was in called Sandman: 24 Hour Diner.
We have all the comedy of a corpse without the smell.
Here are all my social media outlets, you should totally follow them:
Twitter: @KentonBlythe
Instagram: @KentonBlythe
Facebook: Kenton Blythe (the page)
YouTube: Kenton Blythe
You can see Kenton Blythe onstage at the Alumnae Theatre March 8-17, 2018.
Get your tickets online now.
Tagged 1960s, British, cabaret, comedy, dial m for murder, evil dead, farce, Grey, Joe Orton, Juno and the Paycock, Kenton Blythe, Looking For Today, Loot, Sandman, Shaw Festival
Cast Spotlight: Sarah Thorpe
Sarah Thorpe plays decent Catholic Fay McMahon in the upcoming production of Loot; this is Sarah’s first production with Bygone Theatre.
Bio: Theatre artist and creative core member of Soup Can Theatre. BAH Theatre from York University. Created and performed in the award-winning one-woman show Heretic, a modern retelling of the story of Joan of Arc, in 2015. Acting credits: Gut Girls (Alumnae), Titus Andronicus (Seven Siblings), Behold, the Barfly! (Spoon Vs. Hammer/TO Fringe 2016/TO SketchFest 2017), The Comedy of Errors (Confidential Shakespeare Project), The Loyalists (Single Thread), Canadian premiere of Bare (Waters Edge), The Nightwood (Luminato), inaugural production of Tomson Highway’s Pimooteewin/The Journey (Soundstreams). Soup Can credits: directing Love is a Poverty You Can Sell 1 & 2 (TO Fringe 2010 & 2013, Best of Fringe 2010, Next Stage 2012), No Exit, Marat/Sade; producing Circle Jerk, A Hand of Bridge/No Exit double bill, Antigone (TO Fringe 2012). Producing elsewhere: Let’s Go! (DMT), Gut Girls, Behold, the Barfly!. Recent recipient of two OAC grants: mentorship in directing with Alan Dilworth through Theatre Ontario’s Professional Theatre Training Program, and a recommender grant through Volcano Theatre to create a play about Maud Wagner, the first known female tattoo artist in the US in the early 1900s. Facebook.com/SarahThorpeArtist • SoupCanTheatre.com
I love the satire in Loot. Nothing is sacred. It’s like a Monty Python episode in that way – everything is on the table to poke fun at.
Without giving too much away, Faye is a master manipulator but she finds herself in a situation where those skills may not be enough to help her get what she wants. We’ve all been in situations where we find ourselves in over our heads and scramble to try to get the situation back in our control.
It’s just a really fun room to be in. It’s a farce, so I think it’s important that the atmosphere we work in is light and absurd, in a constructive way of course.
Lots of music: David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, The Velvet Underground, Marianne Faithfull, I could go on….
I recently received a recommender grant from the Ontario Arts Council (recommended via Volcano Theatre) to create a piece about Maud Wagner: a circus artist who became the first known female tattoo artist in the US in the early 1900s. I’ll be creating this piece with two friends and colleagues, one a circus artist and one a tattoo artist. Once Loot‘s run is over, I’ll be jumping in to that!
Need a break from reality and a couple of hours to just laugh and enjoy some ridiculous hi-jinks? Get your butts to bygonetheatre.com to get your tickets!
I’m not a natural blonde 😉
See Sarah onstage March 8-17th at Alumnae Theatre. Tickets on sale now.
Tagged 1960s, 60s, actor, Alumnae Theatre, Behold the Barfly, cast spotlight, Catholic, Circle Jerk, comedy, farce, Gut Girls, Heretic, Joe Orton, Loot, Maud Wagner, Pimooteewin/The Journey, Sarah Thorpe, Vintage
Bygone Theatre Rentals – Office Furniture
We recently did a production of His Girl Friday, which meant acquiring a LARGE volume of vintage office furniture and supplies; here’s some of the furniture pieces we now have available to rent.
Vintage 1940s oak desk chair – spins, without wheels.
Vintage 1940s oak desk chair – spins, with wheels.
Vintage 1950s wooden desk chair – spins, without wheels, slatted back.
Vintage 1960s wooden chair with rattan back – spins, on wheels.
New, vintage looking faux-leather burgundy desk chair – spins, on wheels. 26″ wide, 26″ deep, floor-back 47″ tall.
Small (somewhat fragile) telephone table with sliding drawer. 26″ wide, 18″ deep, 30″ tall.
Sturdy arts & crafts/ craftsman style (c. 1920) wood desk 40.5″ wide, 28.5″ deep, 29.5″ tall.
Painted metal cabinet, could be used as a file cabinet or safe. 19″ wide, 12″ deep, 40″ tall.
Mid-century style (1950s/60s) desk with drawers. 42″ wide, 20″ deep, 28″ tall.
Vintage Wood Office Chairs: see individual pictures for details
Rental Price: $20.00 each/wk
Burgundy Faux Leather Executive Chair: see individual picture for details
Rental Price: $30.00/wk
Small Telephone Desk: see individual picture for details
Wood Arts & Crafts and Mid Century Modern Desks: see individual pictures for details
Metal Cabinet: see individual picture for details
The styles we have available would be suitable for someone looking for something from the 1920s-60s, or something modern day with a vintage twist. Discounts available when renting multiple pieces at once, prices listed are for a single item, before HST.
Stay tuned to see some of the smaller set dressing items we have as well.
Posted in Bygone Loves..., Bygone Shows, Local Theatre, Rentals, Theatre Production
Tagged 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, antique, arts and crafts, craftsman, film, His Girl Friday, mad men, mcm, mid century, office, photoshoot, prop rentals, props, Retro, set design, set dressing, set pieces, Toronto, Toronto Theatre, tv, Vintage, vintage rentals
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Cables & Lipstick
All music, all the time – whatever I like
Zentriert Ins Antlitz – …No
CD, Tympanik Audio, 2008
www.zentriertinsantlitz.de
Electronic music fans are a difficult collection of people to impress on a whole. They tend to be more technologically savvy and often likely to grab an album off iTunes (or equivalent service), unless that album comes in a pretty amazing package that requires a purchase of the physical – and this is where Zentriert Ins Antlitz have initially excelled themselves. “…No” really is the full multimedia package.
Firstly, though, it is the music that counts, and “…No” really is unlike most electronic CD’s of the past year. Zentriert Ins Antlitz’s music bears more of a resemblance to something you would find in a film score – think Hans Zimmer, or John Williams going head to head with someone like Architect, or Totakeke and you’re somewhere in the right direction. The music lends itself to actual structure and a more organic sound. The title track is a prime example of this – beautifully orchestrated, minimal use of samples (although some are used, and to brilliant effect) and enough beats to remind you that this is an electronic project. “24th Dimension” has a beautiful string section, and is mostly guitar oriented for the first half, until an interesting rhythm becomes interlaced.
Other tracks worth noting are “Can’t Get Me” which sounds very trance like to me, and is as close to a dancefloor track as “…No” has – it has got some really great, slightly metal sounding guitars in there too. “Shamisen Jungle” is very laid back, with some world music style flourishes while “Silence Diary” feels strangely unsettling – it is particularly calm, with odd samples, which gives it a slightly sinister feel. “Today” should appeal to hard EBM fans as it has the big synth sound, but without being too in your face about it. I like the fact that Zentriert Ins Antlitz aren’t afraid to play with just about every sound they feel like using – be it highly orchestrated film score sound, or trance, or world music; it all fits.
This isn’t all that “…No” has to offer though. Using a piece of software, downloadable from the band’s website, you can (literally) extract 2 CD’s worth of amazing remixes (from the likes of Stendeck, Autoclav 1.1, Subheim and the aforementioned Totakeke amongst many others), in addition to a series of desktop backgrounds, CD covers, etc which are encoded as data elements in the CD’s audio tracks. A strange but rather smart gimmick which means quite a lot of extra bang for your buck.
Zentriert Ins Antlitz are a great addition to the already sublime roster at Tympanik, and I look forward to seeing how “…No” works in a live setting. It’s a truly great album and anyone with a wide interest in music would be wise to pick this one up.
– Kate Turgoose
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Home » Products » Honey Run Diamond - White
Honey Run Diamond - White
SKU: C8385 - WHITE
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Certificate Authority Authorization Checking: What is it, and why should you care?
by Lee-Lin Thye 0
The Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) ecosystem relies on root certificates issued by various certification authorities (CAs) like Symantec. This is what browsers use to decide which websites can be trusted, and which ones are not trusted.
Up to now, any CA can issue a TLS certificate for any domain. That’s how the system works, and it’s good in the sense that it gives website owners and operators options to change CAs at their discretion. The downside to this is that certificate issuance can happen without the knowledge of website operators, either by mistake or intentionally by malicious actors.
A number of technologies have been created in an attempt to highlight instances of “unknown” issuance, such as Certificate Transparency. These have been effective in making the internet a safer, more trustworthy place but they are reactionary measures – only .allowing website operators to address the issue after it’s happened.
But is it possible to prevent certificates from being mistakenly or inappropriately issued? Yes. Enter: Certification Authority Authorization (CAA).
CAA prevents unknown certificate issuance by:
1.Allowing domain owners to specify which CAs are authorized to issue certificates for their domains; and
2.Giving CAs the ability to check this authorization before issuing a certificate.
In this article, we’ll explain how CAA works, and why making CAA checking mandatory is a good move for both customers and CAs.
What is Certification Authority Authorization?
A Certification Authority Authorization (CAA) record is a DNS Resource Record which allows a domain owner to specify which CAs are authorized to issue certificates for their domain(s) and, by implication, which aren’t.
The idea is that a CA will check the CAA record(s) for a domain before issuing a certificate. If it finds that a domain has no CAA record, then it’s free to issue a certificate for it if all other authentication checks succeed. However, if it does encounter one or more CAA records, then the CA can only issue a certificate if it’s named in one of the records, indicating that it is authorized to issue a certificate for that domain. The whole process is designed to prevent CAs from unauthorized certificate issuance requests by unauthorized parties or bad actors.
Sounds great. Why isn’t everyone doing this?
Symantec has been checking CAA records for years, but it’s not a common practice. There are two reasons why CAA checking isn’t widely practiced:
1.Many domains don’t have a CAA Resource Record; and
2.Checking CAA records is not mandatory.
Because it may take some work to create a CAA record, it’s a matter of customers or website operators consciously opting-in, not opting-out. Many domain owners use a DNS hosting provider and CAA is not yet supported in some DNS implementations.
This is why CAA records are expected to be used by most high-value domains. These enterprises keep CAA records for their domains because they limit inappropriate (or malicious) certificate requests, and makes it easier to enforce company policies i.e. only using a particular set of CAs.
The limitations of CAA checking
Of course, CAA checking has its limitations.
First, a newly-issued CAA record does not invalidate any previously-issued certificates that may have been issued by a different CA than the one named by the domain owner. Second, it doesn’t flag whether a certificate presented by a web server is a legitimate certificate for that domain.
Furthermore, in order for CAA checking to be effective, all CAs need to be doing it; it doesn’t work if only one or two CAs are checking CAA records as matter of process. CAA checking must be widely adopted if it is to serve its purpose, but the good news is that more than ninety percent of CAs (who are members of the CA/Browser Forum) are in favor of it.
The times are changing: CAA checking will become mandatory
In February 2017, the CA/Browser Forum passed a ballot (on which Symantec voted in favor) requiring all CAs (even those who aren’t a member of the Forum) to check for a CAA record as part of the certificate issuance process for each domain. In accordance with RFC 6844, CAs can no longer issue a certificate for a domain unless:
1.The CA does not find any CAA records for the domain
2.The certificate request is consistent with the applicable CAA Resource Record(s)
The rule is effective as of 8 September 2017. You can read the ballot in full here.
A good outcome for all companies
Mandatory CAA record checking requires CAs to abide by the rules set out in specific CAA records, giving domain owners more control over certificate issuance. This makes it easier for companies (especially larger ones) to enforce a certificate issuance policy across business units. With CAA records applicable to every domain, a company can specify a set number of CAs, knowing no other CA can issue a certificate to its domains. This will help reduce the risks of certificate issuance by unauthorized CAs and help create a more secure and transparent online ecosystem.
For more information on CAA with Symantec Certificates go to Symantec Knowledge Center
Threat Isolation: Why You Can Now Browse Without Fear
by Mark Urban 1
The battle between malicious hackers and enterprise security practitioners has become an ever escalating arms race.
Organizations would invest in ant-virus, anti-spam, and host intrusion prevention services to bolster their security. And it would work - for a time. Attackers reacted by upping their game and started to make progress again. Then, advanced malware sandboxes came along to catch more sophisticated attacks.
Before long, however, bad actors found new ways to slip their malware past even the most sophisticated network defenses, confounding beleaguered defenders with advanced persistent attacks, spear phishing and other exploits.
And now cybercriminals have started to use encrypted channels, multi-vector and multi-phased attacks.
When enterprise security practitioners use forensic tools to conduct breach investigations, they often trace breach sources back to employees who clicked on very clever phishing emails or have been led to a risky website that quickly downloads some zero-day malicious content to their devices. The bad guys have become experts at using techniques like social engineering to trick employees into making security mistakes. It can be subtle – a new, clever web site with a bit of bad JavaScript here, a malicious style sheets there, or maybe a document with just the last fragment malicious payload that activates after a day or two.
The arms race script will repeat and change in ways we can’t know today. But we’re looking to drive innovation in a different way – for the good guys.
Turning Point in the Malware Battle
The advent of web and email isolation technology provides enterprises with a powerful tool to seal off their networks from infection, approaching security in a dramatically different way.
The technology works by positioning itself between the users and the internet so that potentially malicious content gets executed in a secure, containerized environment, “isolating” the user from all code and content, good or bad. It works in the background, so there’s no impact on user experience. They can interact with the website or the email content as if the isolation process was not even occurring.
Early adopters in the healthcare, finance, government and telecommunications sectors are already deploying the technology to combat malware-laden threats arriving over the internet. But it is still early in what’s shaping up to be a major transition in the way security organizations fight malware. Indeed, Gartner, which included web isolation as one of the 10 most important technologies in the information security field, expects about 50% of enterprises will adopt isolation technology by 2021.
Since most attacks begin with malware delivered either through email, URL links or malicious websites carried over the internet, the very act of moving the browsing process directly from the end-user’s device and isolating it in a network container eliminates the threat of a potential infection.
“This is a fundamentally different approach where malware can't get to the users any longer,” said Mark Urban, Symantec’s VP of Product Strategy and Operations. “I think this can be a game-changing technology.”
It’s also why Symantec last week announced an agreement to acquire Israel-based Fireglass, whose leading edge technology creates virtualized websites that let users browse content without having to fear that viruses might infect their devices and corporate networks.
Fireglass's isolation technology deploys virtual containers which process web browsing sessions remotely. It delivers the end user a “visual stream” that is completely safe from malware. By placing traffic in a cloud or on-prem isolation container, no ransomware or other malicious content and malware can wind up infecting endpoints or systems.
“There’s no ability for code or content to reach users,” Urban noted. “It’s just a visual stream. Users can see it, click it, and interact with it just like normal. But nothing actually gets downloaded into their computer or executed into a browser except the visual image, which is harmless. All the HTML, Java, CSS – all the code – gets executed in a safe virtual container. In some ways, it’s the ultimate protection because bad stuff can’t reach the end user.”
The computing architecture in web and email isolation serves as a proxy that essentially isolates the users and devices inside the enterprise and carefully manages their connections to the outside world. It applies different technologies that analyze information and content to ensure that malware can’t get into the network.
“There is no silver bullet. But having a multi-layer approach to detection – with anti-virus scanning , advanced malware sandboxes, and behavioral analytics – is critically important,” Urban said. “ And isolation technology adds the latest high-impact capabilities to the mix, allowing employees to interact with higher-risk sites and emails which in a safe and secure manner.”
Isolation offers organizations a way to strike a balance between IT’s desire to keep their computing environment safe and employees, who need to access information over the public internet. Millions of hosts - domains, subdomains, or IP addresses - pop up every day and many have life spans of less than 24 hours. Many organizations choose to set their Secure Web Gateways to block users from going to types of uncategorized sites because of the risk they represent, even though many are legitimate destinations for business purposes.
“The age-old challenge for security organizations is to find the right balance between keeping users happy and keeping their computing environment safe,” according to Urban.
“In a perfect world, these organizations would block everything that’s even a little bit risky, and users would be OK.” he continued, “but in the real world, users do complain and security has to strike a balance between risk and access.” With web and email isolation, Urban added, users can get to the information they need and the business is protected from any threats lurking in the shadows. “The isolation path gives them a lot more flexibility,” he said.
What Does Fireglass Do?
The core technology can be delivered on-premises or as a cloud-service. It intercepts and executes web requests in a remote secured environment and will offer users safe access to uncategorized websites, without risk of malware infection, since each website interaction is isolated from the network. The same isolation benefits hold true for files delivered from the web - users access files through isolation instead of downloading them to their machines.
Businesses can then let their users interact with these sites and documents to accomplish their tasks, knowing that any malware introduced via these sessions will remain isolated from their network and not infect their environment.
The upshot: A more open environment, happier users and better threat prevention. Now that’s a winning combination.
Integrations, Integrations, Integrations…
Published on Jul 20 2017, 7:12 PM Last Updated on Jul 20 2017, 7:12 PM
by peter_doggart 3
In June 2017, we officially announced the new Symantec Technology Integration Partner Program (#TIPP), bringing together the Blue Coat and Symantec worlds and creating the largest and broadest technology partner eco-system in cyber security.
In this blog, I wanted to share what this means for our customers as well as our technology partners and showcase a new tool we call the Integration Cyber Defense Map - Download the Map
Defending ourselves from cyber threats is hard. If you look at a typical enterprise, they will have acquired around 30-60 security vendors over the years, but unfortunately maybe only half of those would have been deployed. Why? Cyber-security requires discipline, a long-term viewpoint and for all these systems to work together to make operational sense. And that simply hasn’t happened. It’s a shame that many of these systems are just left on the shelf and not fully utilized.
One can argue whether deploying 10 vendors is better than 60, but in any case, it is critical that cyber security systems be able to share data and context about what they know, what has been blocked and why, what they have detected as suspicious and so on. The Symantec Integration Cyber Defense Platform together with TIPP sets up this framework
To help our customers understand how the Integrated Cyber Defense platform can help, we have created an interactive map of all internal and external partner technology integrations.
This showcases many hundreds of integrations across our entire product portfolio and how they map to our own 24 product areas as well as our 23 partner solution categories and our 100+ TIPP partners.
If you are a Symantec End Point or ProxySG customer, simply mouse-over that product to see all the current active partner solutions and then drill down to learn more. Alternatively, if you have deployed deception technologies, another EDR solution, simply mouse-over and find quickly which Symantec products work together. Access the Map Here.
We have a very strong pipeline of additional integrations for 2017 so this map will be updated frequently.
For our technology partners, we have also worked hard to make this the best program in the industry, with access to a rich set of APIs’, product support, demo licensing for engineering and certification, documentation as well as access to our community portal; Symantec Connect, with direct access to over 700,000 users.
Any customers and partners wanting to learn more about TIPP, click here. https://www.symantec.com/partners/programs/technology-integration-partners
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The modern eCommerce landscape: How compliance impacts success
Published on Apr 20 2017, 10:15 PM Last Updated on Apr 20 2017, 10:15 PM
by Rufus Connell 0
The more we rely on the web for personal and business use, the more important it is to keep it (and ourselves) safe from cyberthreats. The bulk of this responsibility falls on those in charge of websites, but once you understand the evolving cybersecurity landscape, you’ll realize you can actually shape it to your business advantage.
Ushering in a new era of cybersecurity
Key internet stakeholders, including web browsers, cybersecurity companies and organizations in the payment card ecosystem are joining forces and redefining best practices to create a safer, more sustainable internet:
• Chrome and Firefox are displaying “Not Secure” warnings on certain web pages that are not encrypted.
• Symantec and other security providers are supporting widespread data encryption.
• Payment card companies continue to innovate and drive stronger fraud prevention.
The Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI) recently updated an important Best Practices for eCommerce Report. The update was created in collaboration with a special interest group including representatives from Symantec as well as merchants, financial institutions, service providers and other payment security professionals. The report offers:
• Additional guidance to the PCI Data Security Standards Guide (PCI DSS) about best practices for securing eCommerce implementations.
• Useful information for selecting SSL/ TLS certificates (and the certificate authorities which provide them), especially those which are most appropriate for unique eCommerce environments.
• Questions merchants should ask their certificate authorities, eCommerce solution partners and other service providers.
Staying ahead of these evolving best practices can help you not only protect your customers and your website —but improve your business and profitability.
The stakes are high
Cyberthreats are more pervasive than ever before. Customers are increasingly concerned about fraud, and failure to adhere to the latest compliance benchmarks can significantly impact your businesses. If a data breach occurs:
• Consumers lose confidence in your brand, making it difficult (if not impossible) to restore your image.
• The brunt of financial responsibility typically rests on merchants.
• Other liabilities exist in the form of fines and penalties, legal costs, lost jobs and more.
In short, it all comes down to good governance. Without it, your site and your brand are at risk. With it, the eCommerce world is your oyster, and credibility and profit are the pearls within.
The road to success is paved with best practices
Rather than burdening your business, compliance to evolving standards can actually open up new avenues of opportunity. But to capitalize upon them as an online merchant, your responsibilities include:
• Ensuring secure development of software and confirming Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS) validation of third-party apps
• Maintaining written agreements with third parties to ensure cardholder data is protected
• Strengthening SSL/TLS certificate authentication, minimizing risk and more
The better you understand security guidelines, the easier it will be to stay competitive and build a sustainable online business.
Register now to attend Online Trust: Where Compliance Meets Profitability, a live webinar that will be held on April 26 at 10 a.m. PST. Representatives from Symantec and VISA, key members of the PCI special interest group, will explore the intersection of compliance and profitability – and how the latest internet security best practices can benefit you, your customers and your business.
An Update for our Symantec CA Customers
by Roxane Divol 0
In connection with the statement posted to Symantec’s Blog on March 24, 2017, Symantec has been reaching out to its customers. The text of our most recent customer communication is below:
It's important that we keep the lines of communication open with you as we continue to deliberate possible changes to how we support your website security needs in response to Google's proposal. There is no doubt that these proposed changes would create a ripple effect across the entire industry. Following up on my previous Message To Our CA Customers, I wanted to provide you with an update on the progress we have made in response to Google's proposals.
In the weeks since Google shared its initial proposal, we have met with Google several times and have also embarked on an industry-wide listening tour to understand the impact that any changes may cause to our customers, partners, and the PKI ecosystem. Our goal is to find a combined path forward that will ensure business continuity for our customers and peace of mind for all browsers and other industry stakeholders.
These conversations have been both encouraging and instructive. And the input we've received from our industry stakeholders, partners, and most importantly, our customers, gives us confidence that we can come to the table with an alternative proposal that will serve the shared interests of the entire industry.
We have also heard consistently from customers like you that the transition to fully adopt Google's proposal within its suggested timeframe would cause significant business disruption and additional expense - especially within complex IT infrastructures. Mitigating these concerns is a top priority for us as we develop our counter proposal and provide responses to the salient questions the community has posted online. While we believe Google understands the burden their proposal creates, if they decide to move ahead with their original plan, I want to reassure you that Symantec will keep your websites, web servers or web applications operational across all browsers. Specifically, this may require Symantec to reissue your certificates, which we would do as needed, at no charge to you, to meet the fully expected validity period.
While we've made solid progress, we have plenty of work left ahead of us and I hope you will continue to consider us a trusted security partner as we address the challenges before us. I firmly believe that the only way to improve is by listening. If you have thoughts on shorter validity certificates, automation, or the value of extended validation (EV), please don't hesitate to reach out to me or voice your concerns anonymously by participating in a brief online survey.
Your input is invaluable and I thank you for your continued support.
Roxane Divol
Executive Vice President & GM, Symantec Website Security
A Message To Our CA Customers
On March 23, Google posted a blog on a public forum outlining a set of proposals targeted at Symantec SSL/TLS certificates. This was unexpected, and I wanted to reach out to explain what this proposal means for Symantec customers and how we will respond to Google’s proposal, if implemented, in order to ensure business continuity for you. I also want to address Google’s claims about Symantec’s certificate issuance processes and reaffirm our continued commitment to transparency of our practices as a public certificate authority.
First and foremost, I want to reassure you that you can continue to trust Symantec SSL/TLS certificates. Google has outlined proposals, not actions. We object to its proposals and intend to engage with Google to work through its concerns.
To be specific, the key terms of Google’s proposal are as follows:
Over time, Symantec would need to revalidate and reissue previously issued certificates
Maximum validity of newly issued Symantec Certificates would be reduced to 9 months
Extended Validation (EV) treatment of Symantec certificates would be removed for at least one year
In the event Google implements its proposal, Symantec will ensure your websites, webservers or web applications continue to work across browsers. Specifically, this may require Symantec to reissue your certificates, which we would do as needed, at no charge to you, to meet the fully expected validity period. In addition, Google’s proposal requires shorter validity certificates, which we would support. We anticipate Google may attempt to impose this shorter validity period on the entire industry, as they have previously tried to do so through an initiative at the CA/Browser forum that was voted down. Shorter certificate validity periods increase customer expense, which we are working to reduce by making considerable investments in automation. We would work with our customers to provide tools to manage any validity period changes that Google might unilaterally impose.
Finally, while Google and Chrome have long been working to remove special treatment for EV certificates in general, other browsers continue to recognize it. We will continue to work with Google and other members of the CA/Browser forum on security best practices for the industry. Our customers get value from the extensive validation on our EV certificates, and derive meaningful results from them. Our brand is powerful: our certificates secure more than 80% of ecommerce revenue and our Norton Shopping Guarantee on average increases ecommerce revenue by more than 5%.
We are proud to be one of the world’s leading certificate authorities. We operate our CA in accordance with industry standards. We maintain extensive controls over our SSL/TLS certificate issuance processes and we work to continually strengthen our CA practices. We have substantially invested in, and remain committed to, the security of the Internet. Symantec has publicly and strongly committed to Certificate Transparency (CT) logging for Symantec certificates and is one of the few CAs that hosts its own CT servers. Symantec has also been a champion of Certification Authority Authorization (CAA), and asked the CA/Browser Forum for a rule change to require that all certificate authorities explicitly support CAA. Our most recent contribution to the CA ecosystem includes the creation of Encryption Everywhere, our freemium program, to create widespread adoption of encrypted websites.
Google’s blog statements about our issuance practices and the scope of our past mis-issuances are exaggerated and misleading. For example, Google’s claim that we have mis-issued 30,000 SSL/TLS certificates is not true. In the event referred to by Google, 127 certificates – not 30,000 – were identified as mis-issued, and they resulted in no consumer harm. We have taken extensive remediation measures to correct this situation, immediately terminated the involved partner’s appointment as a registration authority (RA), and in a move to strengthen the trust of Symantec-issued SSL/TLS certificates, announced the discontinuation of our RA program. This control enhancement is an important move that other public certificate authorities (CAs) have not yet followed.
We do not believe Google’s proposal is in the best interest of the Internet community. We are working to resolve the situation with Google in the shared interests of our joint customers and partners.
In closing, we take certificate issuance very seriously. The events that prompted Google to propose these changes have been addressed with the utmost transparency. We are working hard to ensure that this proposal does not create disruption for you. Please let me know if you would like to schedule a call.
Symantec Backs Its CA
by connect 8
At Symantec, we are proud to be one of the world’s leading certificate authorities. We strongly object to the action Google has taken to target Symantec SSL/TLS certificates in the Chrome browser. This action was unexpected, and we believe the blog post was irresponsible. We hope it was not calculated to create uncertainty and doubt within the Internet community about our SSL/TLS certificates.
Google’s statements about our issuance practices and the scope of our past mis-issuances are exaggerated and misleading. For example, Google’s claim that we have mis-issued 30,000 SSL/TLS certificates is not true. In the event Google is referring to, 127 certificates – not 30,000 – were identified as mis-issued, and they resulted in no consumer harm. We have taken extensive remediation measures to correct this situation, immediately terminated the involved partner’s appointment as a registration authority (RA), and in a move to strengthen the trust of Symantec-issued SSL/TLS certificates, announced the discontinuation of our RA program. This control enhancement is an important move that other public certificate authorities (CAs) have not yet followed.
While all major CAs have experienced SSL/TLS certificate mis-issuance events, Google has singled out the Symantec Certificate Authority in its proposal even though the mis-issuance event identified in Google’s blog post involved several CAs.
We operate our CA in accordance with industry standards. We maintain extensive controls over our SSL/TLS certificate issuance processes and we work to continually strengthen our CA practices. We have substantially invested in, and remain committed to, the security of the Internet. Symantec has publicly and strongly committed to Certificate Transparency (CT) logging for Symantec certificates and is one of the few CAs that hosts its own CT servers. Symantec has also been a champion of Certification Authority Authorization (CAA), and has asked the CA/Browser Forum for a rule change to require that all certificate authorities explicitly support CAA. Our most recent contribution to the CA ecosystem includes the creation of Encryption Everywhere, our freemium program, to create widespread adoption of encrypted websites.
We want to reassure our customers and all consumers that they can continue to trust Symantec SSL/TLS certificates. Symantec will vigorously defend the safe and productive use of the Internet, including minimizing any potential disruption caused by the proposal in Google’s blog post.
We are open to discussing the matter with Google in an effort to resolve the situation in the shared interests of our joint customers and partners.
Website Identity- The Key to Safety in E-Commerce
by Dean Coclin 0
Website identity is important for user safety. While encryption is important, knowing who you are encrypting to is paramount when conducting online transactions. While many users can identify the green bar/lettering associated with an Extended Validation (EV) certificate, recent user interface (UI) changes by browsers make it more difficult to differentiate these certificates from low value, domain validated certificates. This makes it a challenge to figure out the true owner of the website.
For example, Chrome recently changed the certificate UI for Domain Validated (DV) certificates to show a green padlock. With an increase of DV certificates used by fraudsters for phishing (see: http://toolbar.netcraft.com/stats/certificate_authorities), it is becoming more and more difficult for users to determine if a site is legitimate. DV certificates don’t identify the entity behind the website. You just know you are connected to www.example.com. There is no ownership information vetted about example.com. Organizationally Validated (OV) and EV certificates provide ownership information allowing a user to know who the site belongs to. But unfortunately, browsers do not distinguish sites with these types of certificates.
This chart from the CA Security Council (CASC) shows the confusing UIs that are in current browsers: https://casecurity.org/browser-ui-security-indicators/. It’s no wonder that users have trouble understanding the differences in the various certificates. And they are constantly changing.
A proposal from the CASC for a common, easy to understand, user display for website identity is shown below:
The members of the CASC which include the 7 largest SSL issuers in the world, are endorsing a paper on Website Identity Principles, which was presented at the RSA Conference on February 15, 2017. There are three main principles that summarize the intent of this paper:
1. Website identity is important for user safety.
2. Different TLS certificate types that are used to secure websites – Extended Validation (EV), Organization Validated (OV), and Domain Validated (DV) certificates – should each receive a separate, clearly-defined browser UI security indicator to tell users when a website’s identity has been independently confirmed.
3. Browsers should adopt a common set of browser UI security indicators for different certificate types, and should educate users on the differences among these indicators for user safety.
More information on these principles is available on the CASC website (https://casecurity.org/identity/).
Combat Advanced Malware With Security and Threat Protection Designed for the Cloud Generation
Published on Oct 21 2017, 12:02 AM Last Updated on Oct 21 2017, 12:02 AM
by Gerry Grealish 1
Hackers continue to show endless ingenuity in penetrating corporate networks. In fact, some recent malware attacks made headlines by crippling corporations, robbing shareholders, and damaging the credit of thousands of consumers. These attacks make it clear that cybercriminals continue to evolve, creating threats that can bypass the security defenses of many organizations. Some advanced malware can even sense threat defenses and mutate like a biological virus.
Determined hackers, coupled with the expanding adoption of cloud applications and the explosion of mobile workforce devices means that enterprises must find new ways to protect themselves from increasingly sophisticated, malicious attacks. It’s a daunting challenge; where can organizations find a solution to combat threats defined by devices, applications, and users everywhere? The answer can’t be found by looking to the stars. However, if you cast your line of sight toward the clouds, you’ll have a clue as to where you should look for a more innovative enterprise security solution.
The Issue: Evolving Nature of Threats
As network security advances, so does malware. It is more aware and adaptive than ever, looking for new delivery channels and mutating to evade behavior detection. A few examples include:
Virtual machine awareness—An increasing number of attackers are creating malware that can detect when it’s operating in a virtual sandbox environment and can execute techniques to disguise itself.
Polymorphic files and URLs—Malware files can morph and mutate like an infectious virus to escape signature-based detection. Using automated systems, hackers continually change the look of their files and flood these files toward your defenses, hoping one of them will penetrate and begin to operate. Attackers can do similar things with URLs by using domain-generating algorithms (DGAs) to mathematically compute new domains, making it difficult for techniques such as blacklisting to keep pace.
Multistage, multivector attacks—Sophisticated cybercriminals stage multiphase attacks to get through corporate defenses. Hackers select web-based, email, and file-based intrusions, coordinating them to achieve desired results.
Encrypted communication—Because most network security systems are unable to scan encrypted data to detect malware, hackers find it effective to use SSL to build communication tunnels between embedded malware and remote command and control (C&C) servers.
Misleading file types—Malware may masquerade as harmless files. For example, some malware files may pretend to be JPEGs but actually have executable files inside of them. Another malware file can later change itself into an executable (.exe) to unleash the malware inside your network.
User interaction triggers—Malware may pretend to be legitimate, displaying a friendly or familiar looking dialog box that asks users to install some software. When the user allows the installation, the malware goes into operation.
Unique and targeted malware—Some malware can be incorporated into a targeted “spearfishing” attack. If it’s aimed at you, it will trick you into opening a file by using information specific to you. Once opened, the hackers go after the specific assets they’re looking for.
Enter: the Cloud (or Cloud-Delivered Security)
Threat defense needs to be reimagined to address not only the sophisticated nature of the threats just described, but also to ensure it aligns with the realities of how organizations are accessing the web and corporate applications. If your workforce is increasingly distributed, with laptops and mobile devices going directly to the internet to access to SaaS applications, cloud-delivered security and threat protection needs to be on your radar. Cloud-delivered security can be easily provisioned to tackle the security and threat protection needs of all of your web traffic. And the benefit of a subscription-based service is that it can easily scaled up or down to meet changing needs. In addition to ease of deployment, you need to make sure it can deliver the top-notch threat prevention you require. A deeper look at Symantec cloud-delivered security service will help you understand why customers consider our solution to be truly enterprise-class.
The Solution: Symantec Cloud-Delivered Security, Malware Analysis Services
Symantec Research and Development organization has been busy working to ensure we have strong capabilities to address evolving new attack techniques. We developed a multitiered system that includes advanced analysis techniques to identify and neutralize malware designed to evade detection technology. These techniques block known threats, analyze anything new and unknown, and combat evolved attacks. The entire system is designed to make sure that you get enterprise-class protection while ensuring that false-positives remain extremely low (so precious security and incident response personnel are not wasting time chasing false alarms).
Web Security Service Leverages the Symantec Global Intelligence Network
Symantec cloud-delivered Web Security Service (WSS) is fed by our global intelligence network (GIN), the world’s premier civilian cyber defense threat intelligence service. The GIN gives your enterprise the ability to filter URLs into granular categories with defined risk scores. The network uses threat information and telemetry data from 15,000 enterprises and 175 million consumer and enterprise endpoints to categorize and analyze threats posed by more than a billion previously unseen and uncategorized websites each day and more than two billion daily emails sent/received by our customers. Symantec’s unique expertise and analytics uses this information to define the “known bad” files and locations your organization should avoid. Web and file access control policies set in the Symantec WSS ensure that the “known bads” stop at your doorstep and don’t harm your company. The Symantec WSS also leverages content analysis capabilities that perform further analysis on risky files using dual malware engines, as well as comparisons against blacklist/whitelist files.
Symantec Malware Analysis Service
Because it’s extremely difficult for malware authors to evade both virtual and emulative environments, the Symantec Malware Analysis Service works with Symantec WSS to add behavior analysis and sandboxing capabilities for advanced threat detection and prevention. The service uses a powerful combination of emulation and virtualization to identify malicious code. Virtualization takes place in a virtual machine that is a fully licensed version of Windows in which the user can install any application (Office, Adobe, Quicken, or custom applications). We call it Intelligent VM (iVM). The emulative sandbox environment is not Windows software; it’s a fully recreated computing environment based on a Windows-like API. In this completely controlled artificial space, users can make the malware think it’s interacting with a real computer.
The Cloud Makes it Easy—Give it a Try
The Symantec WSS, along with the integrated Symantec Malware Analysis Service, is designed to give you the protection you need to deal with the rapidly evolving advanced threats that are attacking your network each and every day. Contact us to learn how to use our subscription service can help your enterprise protect your corporate assets. Use Symantec to help you enable your enterprise by reliably passing the “known good” and protect your enterprise by reliably blocking the “known bad” and accurately analyzing the “unknown.”
Learn more at go.symantec.com/cloudsecurity
Website Not Secure? How to Fix Now!
by jeff_barto 0
You’ve heard recent news about security breaches at Yahoo and hacking allegations during the 2016 presidential election. These are just two examples of the recurring nightmare of real dangers on the Internet – which hurt organizations of all sizes and potentially anyone on the web. Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and other web browsers are all too familiar with these kinds of cybersecurity risks and are making helpful changes to protect all of us. But you need to understand that they might not help your website unless you take immediate action.
In November 2016, I wrote about a simple idea published inside USA Today which has huge implications – the more a person trusts a business, the better it is for that business. Further, our Symantec Website Security Team created a timely, useful content hub that’s all about helping you to prepare for browser changes and be trusted in 2017; follow the conversation on Twitter with #BeTrusted2017.
Why is this topic important right now?
It’s 2017 and already, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox are actively judging web pages containing password and payment input fields, but without using encryption, to be Not Secure – and displaying those scary terms right in the URL bar. Changes like these are a forcing function for all businesses – from sole proprietorships to busiest websites – to move from non-secure HTTP to more secure HTTPS, now. It’s also creating an opportunity to become more compliant and competitive from a trustworthiness perspective.
This transition period is a meaningful opportunity for you to create more trust on the web which could support your digital business, e-commerce, customer experience, and search engine optimization objectives going forward.
Website Security Webinar: January 31, 2017
Given browser changes and known website security threats, join Dave Corbett and me on January 31st for a useful webinar that will provide a step-by-step approach to assessing your website security situation and switching from HTTP to HTTPS. We’ll also cover our ‘Be Trusted Framework’ and ‘Website Security Math’ ideas to provide context and relevant insights. As a preview for the webinar, watch and share this brief video.
Ten Steps to Switch from HTTP to HTTPS
If you’re concerned about possible financial losses, site traffic slowdowns or brand damage due to lack of customer trust, here’s a quick overview of how to encrypt your website with an ‘Always-On SSL’ approach. We’ll cover these ten steps in more detail during our January 31st webinar:
Evaluate your website for security vulnerabilities
Do a full back-up of your site before making any changes
Make the right SSL choice – extended validation certificates are recommended
Install and test SSL certificate(s) to ensure they’re working as required
Removed mixed content by replacing HTTP references with HTTPS pointers
Fix server protocol and cipher suite settings
Redirect HTTP traffic to HTTPS
Implement an automated scanning system that will help you be more proactive
Set the secure flag for all session cookies
Implement HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS)
Clearly, just implementing a few of these will get your site compliant with the browser changes – but there’s way more to demonstrating security and trustworthiness than merely encrypting data. Users want to know that they’re really on your site (not a fake site), that you operate a legitimate organization, and that they are safe to proceed.
Website Security Content to Help You Now
If you’re a website developer, e-commerce or marketing leader, or IT security practitioner for an organization that serves businesses and/or consumers on the web, I recommend you carve out just 60 minutes to tune into our helpful January 31st webinar. If you’re unable to participate, we’ll provide an on-demand version shortly after it’s aired live; either way, there is useful content to download at any point.
Our content hub is also a fantastic resource for you and your team to get complimentary best practices and how-to info, participate in live discussions and webinars, read and share blog posts from our website security experts, and choose SSL/TLS certificates that are right for your organization.
Is your website not secure? We can help you fix this digital business problem right now!
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Studio Wildcard Reveals ARK: Genesis while Streaming #ForTheKids
Jack Gardner posted an article in Fundraising
Studio Wildcard made a name for themselves by creating the popular survival game called ARK: Survival Evolved and the still-under-construction pirate MMO ATLAS. Since 2015, Studio Wildcard has been one of Extra Life's fastest growing supporters. Their first year fundraising, they brought in over $20,000 USD. The team managed to pull in over $110,000 USD this year. In total, the folks at the studio and their fans have managed to raise over $300,000 USD. That's freaking incredible and we are absolutely blown away by what they are doing for the kids across the country and especially at UF Health Shands Children's Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. Over the past three years, Extra Life's head Mike Kinney has hopped onto Studio Wildcard's stream to do a Game Day interview. As a guest, Mike has been able to spread the message of Extra Life and explain what it is and the good the organization does for kids across the US and Canada. This year, Studio Wildcard's stream kicked off with Mike's now traditional appearance. We were honored to be able to participate and contribute in a small way to the team's Game Day activities! Studio Wildcard's Game Day plans were extravagant. The team streamed on their Twitch channel for 24 hours beginning at 9am PST on November 2nd. The stream featured a series of interviews starting with the aforementioned Mike Kinney interview. Later on in their schedule, the team interviewed sponsors like Alienware, Discord, and also brought on developers working on ARK and ATLAS. Between those high-profile chats, Studio Wildcard played games in real life on-stream. One of the biggest draws of the stream, however, was Studio Wildcard's reveal of the upcoming Genesis DLC for ARK. These information drops occurred every two hours, providing fans of the game ample incentive to stay tuned and donate. Exciting new items, locations, creatures, and features took center stage during those reveals, like the introduction of the Lunar Biome Environment which brings the survival game to the surface of the moon. On top of all of that, Studio Wildcard managed to attract several partners for the stream including AMD, Alienware, MSI, Elgato, Discord, Nitrado, and more. In total, these partners and the studio itself accrued over $10,000 USD in prizes to use as giveaways. These included shirts, plushies, goodie bags filled with cool stuff, collector's editions of amazing games, season passes for their Genesis DLC, and more! Additionally, during the stream, the team boosted the rates for how fast players could progress through the skills and levels of both ARK and ATLAS. Every $5,000 USD donated to their team gave all players a 0.5x multiplier for the experience they earned, stacking up to 8x. Each donor to the stream received a forum badge for ARK or ATLAS and those who donated over $500 USD would receive a golden badge. As a super special perk, those who donated over $2,500 USD got added to the credits of both ARK and ATLAS as an Extra Life Superfan. This all goes so far above and beyond what we ever could have expected. The amount of good this does for hospitals across North America can't be overstated. The work Studio Wildcard has done over the years has helped kids get treatment, either by providing them the facilities they need or paying for their care. We are blown away. Thank you so much to each and every person who helped pull together these events every year since 2015 and the community for turning out to support Studio Wildcard's efforts with each new year. Your efforts matter. Thank you. #ForTheKids It's never too late to sign up for Extra Life to help sick and injured kids in hospitals around the US and Canada by playing games! Donations for 2019 are accepted year-round!
ark: genesis
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Fundraising: Studio Wildcard Reveals ARK: Genesis while Streaming #ForTheKids
Jack Gardner posted a topic in Announcements
Studio Wildcard made a name for themselves by creating the popular survival game called ARK: Survival Evolved and the still-under-construction pirate MMO ATLAS. Since 2015, Studio Wildcard has been one of Extra Life's fastest growing supporters. Their first year fundraising, they brought in over $20,000 USD. The team managed to pull in over $110,000 USD this year. In total, the folks at the studio and their fans have managed to raise over $300,000 USD. That's freaking incredible and we are absolutely blown away by what they are doing for the kids across the country and especially at UF Health Shands Children's Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. Over the past three years, Extra Life's head Mike Kinney has hopped onto Studio Wildcard's stream to do a Game Day interview. As a guest, Mike has been able to spread the message of Extra Life and explain what it is and the good the organization does for kids across the US and Canada. This year, Studio Wildcard's stream kicked off with Mike's now traditional appearance. We were honored to be able to participate and contribute in a small way to the team's Game Day activities! Studio Wildcard's Game Day plans were extravagant. The team streamed on their Twitch channel for 24 hours beginning at 9am PST on November 2nd. The stream featured a series of interviews starting with the aforementioned Mike Kinney interview. Later on in their schedule, the team interviewed sponsors like Alienware, Discord, and also brought on developers working on ARK and ATLAS. Between those high-profile chats, Studio Wildcard played games in real life on-stream. One of the biggest draws of the stream, however, was Studio Wildcard's reveal of the upcoming Genesis DLC for ARK. These information drops occurred every two hours, providing fans of the game ample incentive to stay tuned and donate. Exciting new items, locations, creatures, and features took center stage during those reveals, like the introduction of the Lunar Biome Environment which brings the survival game to the surface of the moon. On top of all of that, Studio Wildcard managed to attract several partners for the stream including AMD, Alienware, MSI, Elgato, Discord, Nitrado, and more. In total, these partners and the studio itself accrued over $10,000 USD in prizes to use as giveaways. These included shirts, plushies, goodie bags filled with cool stuff, collector's editions of amazing games, season passes for their Genesis DLC, and more! Additionally, during the stream, the team boosted the rates for how fast players could progress through the skills and levels of both ARK and ATLAS. Every $5,000 USD donated to their team gave all players a 0.5x multiplier for the experience they earned, stacking up to 8x. Each donor to the stream received a forum badge for ARK or ATLAS and those who donated over $500 USD would receive a golden badge. As a super special perk, those who donated over $2,500 USD got added to the credits of both ARK and ATLAS as an Extra Life Superfan. This all goes so far above and beyond what we ever could have expected. The amount of good this does for hospitals across North America can't be overstated. The work Studio Wildcard has done over the years has helped kids get treatment, either by providing them the facilities they need or paying for their care. We are blown away. Thank you so much to each and every person who helped pull together these events every year since 2015 and the community for turning out to support Studio Wildcard's efforts with each new year. Your efforts matter. Thank you. #ForTheKids It's never too late to sign up for Extra Life to help sick and injured kids in hospitals around the US and Canada by playing games! Donations for 2019 are accepted year-round! View full article
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← Ghostbusters – the worst movie trailer ever?
Captain America: Civil War. Now that’s how you make a movie. →
Posted on May 7, 2016 by Hannah G | 22 Comments
Aesthetics carry messages about values. Star Trek, while frequently written about in historical, literary, and technological terms, was also a visual experience with a distinctive aesthetic, and there’s a lot there to talk about! I just wrote a term paper on the topic, and it’s my pleasure to bring you some highlights related to Star Trek’s costumes — specifically, the infamous miniskirts.
StarTrek.com
William “Bill” Ware Theiss, a gay costume designer at the beginning of his career, developed the costumes for the full run of the show. The iconic uniforms were the third version developed over the course of several pilots, and their final form was a combination of practicality and aesthetics. The two earlier styles made use of velour tunics, chosen for their futuristic sheen under stage lights. Velour shrinks with every wash, though, and since television costumes are laundered every day, the tunics had to be continually refitted for the actors.
The uniform colors, along with brightly-colored sets and lighting, were chosen in part simply because color televisions were becoming common in the United States in the mid-1960s when Star Trek first aired. The parent network, RCA, even advertised their color TVs by telling customers how good Star Trek looked on them — The bright red color in particular was added to blue and gold versions because it was “RCA color TV-friendly.” The final effect is sleek and colorblocked, a “futuristic” impression largely stemming from minimalistic styling. The bright colors and figure-hugging cuts also project a confidently eyecatching demeanor.
The adjectives “confident” and “eyecatching” take on another layer of meaning when we address the miniskirts, of course. Theiss probably took his overall inspiration from then-current stewardess uniforms, in a time when airline stewardesses symbolized the height of female professional sexuality in the “jet age.” Airline advertisements presented the stewardess as a consummately stylish and well-travelled young single woman, and bragged about how quickly the average stewardess got married. In the early 1960s the average stewardess uniform was a tailored suit with a nod toward military styling, but by mid-decade the uniforms were becoming increasingly fashionable, with “wild” colors and shorter skirts. Some details such as the front skirt flap and the outline of Yeoman Janice Rand’s checkerboard hairstyle appeared in Life magazine just before Theiss began designing his costumes.
The miniskirt portion of the costume was a brand new trend at the time. Some stories about the first miniskirts place them mere months before Theiss’s design. The idea for their use on Star Trek is usually attributed to Grace Lee Whitney, the actress who portrayed Yeoman Rand, who suggested short skirts after being told to present an “undercurrent of suppressed sexuality” between herself and Captain Kirk, but sex appeal certainly played a role either way since the studio had asked for sexier costumes after those velour tunics (and black pants for men and women) in the pilot episodes. Theiss obliged, especially when designing for guest actresses, originating the “Theiss Titillation Theory” that sex appeal lies not in the amount of skin shown, but rather in the relative likelihood of a costume falling off. Many of his costumes appear precarious indeed, but it must be said that women’s Starfleet uniforms look quite secure in comparison.
For feminist critics, miniskirts are a consistent focal point and often assumed to be a sexist symbol, particularly since women were “forced” to wear them as part of their uniforms. However, when the costumes were designed and originally worn, perceptions were very different. Nichelle Nichols, who played Lt. Uhura (the most visible woman on the show and a groundbreaking character for racial integration), discussed the issue in her autobiography:
In later years, especially as the women’s movement took hold in the seventies, people began to ask me about my costume. Some thought it “demeaning” for a woman in the command crew to be dressed so sexily. It always surprised me because I never saw it that way. After all, the show was created in the age of the miniskirt, and the crew women’s uniforms were very comfortable. Contrary to what many may think today, no one really saw it as demeaning back then. In fact, the miniskirt was a symbol of sexual liberation. More to the point, though, in the twenty-third century, you are respected for your abilities regardless of what you do or do not wear.
Grace Lee Whitney made similar pro-miniskirt statements in her own autobiography. Both actresses agree that the miniskirts were considered sexual, but found that to be personally preferable.
At the same time, in the 1960s, longtime editor of Cosmopolitan magazine Helen Gurley Brown was promoting the idea of the “single girl” in her magazine and several bestselling books. Brown’s single girl was professional and successful, but also playful and sexual. She was single and desirable, but had little or no interest in marriage or children, which in the 1950s were the assumed end goals for a woman’s sexuality. Female Starfleet crewmembers embody this idea perfectly. They engage in romances and flirtations with other characters, clad in symbols of sexual liberation, but marriage is always presented as incompatible with a Starfleet officer’s life. The contrast is even more apparent when Star Trek is compared to other science fiction programs of the same era such as Lost in Space, which simply transposed traditional female housekeeping roles onto another planet.
Colorful miniskirts played one final role, again embedded in trends and concerns of the time: They reassured an anxious public that femininity wouldn’t disappear in the space age. The first woman had already flown to space in 1963, Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova. Her “mannish” and militarized appearance seemed to indicate dangerously unstable gender roles. While Star Trek challenged those roles with its scripts — even challenging heteronormativity in important ways — miniskirts helped camouflage those statements and make them palatable for the audience.
This has been a brief (haha super long) look at the gender implications of TOS uniforms. There’s more to say, lots more, but I hope you’ll weigh in yourselves: What impact does an individual designer have on his costumes, when they’re for TV? What did sex appeal do or mean on the show, or was it simply prurient? What about the the male characters’ sexualization that I had absolutely no room to discuss, or the guest actresses and costumes? Let me know in the comments!
This entry was posted in Feminism, Science Fiction, TV Shows and tagged Bill Theiss, fashion, gender, Grace Lee Whitney, history, Lt. Nyota Uhura, miniskirts, Nichelle Nichols, Sixties, Star Trek, Star Trek: The Original Series, Yeoman Janice Rand. Bookmark the permalink.
22 responses to “Star Trek Miniskirts: Feminist or Nah?”
fairfeminist | May 7, 2016 at 9:29 am | Reply
I found your article very interesting and although you described it as ‘superlong’ I coud have easily continued reading. The comment from Nichelle Nichols, ‘in the twenty-third century, you are respected for your abilities regardless of what you do or do not wear’ really hit home with me. That comment alone, expressing that the show had that ethos, makes the issue of the miniskirts on the show irrelevant to me, as I’m guessing they were supposed to be within the show itself.
I’m going to do 2 things now, follow you and look up heteronormativity.
Hannah G | May 7, 2016 at 10:55 am | Reply
Thank you! Totally agree about Ms. Nichols’ explanation. That’s one of the things I’ve always loved about Trek as a whole, that sexuality can be present and yet irrelevant at the same time.
And thanks for the follow! I do monthly Star Trek posts here — you may be interested in last month’s column, “Uhura Wears Red.” (The fact that I caused someone to look up heteronormativity makes my day, too. 😉 )
fairfeminist | May 7, 2016 at 11:03 am | Reply
You’re welcome 🙂 and yeah now I know what it means I’m sure I’ll end up writing about it at some point, the idea of gender roles is something I think about often. I’ll check out the Uhura post.
hoppernomad | May 7, 2016 at 9:34 am | Reply
Interesting read. I liked that it discussed how the Star Trek uniforms came to be. Also enjoyed seeing the thoughts of the actresses. Grew up watching Star Trek re-runs, and I remember Uhura definitely being portrayed as a strong, competent officer.
Thanks, and she absolutely was!
Reblogged this on The New Emma Jones Society and commented:
This month’s Star Trek column is all about the miniskirt!
Jonathan Caswell | May 7, 2016 at 8:07 pm | Reply
MINISKIRTS….GLORIOUS MINISKIRTS! ACCEPTABLE ALL OVER THE UNIVERSE!
worldsofwright | May 8, 2016 at 12:31 pm | Reply
Most definitely the series pushed feminist topics. Despite the fact that women wore these they behave in a professional fashion. If you watch early TNG episodes both men and women wear them, though no senior officers save counselor Troi. It’s as if they are saying the flightiness of youth is accepted in younger personnel and gays in the military among the males though not in the higher ranks. No male main characters wear them, yet formal attire consists of an extremely long tunic. Likely accommodations Roddenberry made with the network.
Hannah G | May 8, 2016 at 3:58 pm | Reply
Interesting! I remember a few of the early TNG episodes had men in the skirts as well. One of the early TOS episodes showed a woman in the pants version, but as far as I know it only happened once. The original conception had everyone in basically identical velour shirts with black pants, though, no visible legs at all, so it’s hard to tell what Roddenberry originally envisioned.
worldsofwright | May 15, 2016 at 10:12 am | Reply
Thanks, I never knew about that in the original series. This is another example of Roddenberry folding to societal pressure. Another hint is his being one of the first TV producers to use a woman writer, D.C. Fontana.
worldsofwright | May 18, 2016 at 8:01 am | Reply
Now that I think on it, the skirts were worn primarily by medical and science staff (albeit junior officers), essentially support staff. Thus it seems, that science and medicine (at least the nurses) are suitable specialties for females or the female analog, while bridge operations, security and engineering were more suitable for the male analog as well as any command rank. At any rate, the part about command being reserved for the masculine holds true.
CompGeekHolly | May 9, 2016 at 7:21 pm | Reply
Great post!! It is so important to understand the time that something came from. It is interesting to hear the actresses perspective about what wearing a miniskirt as a uniform meant for them.
Hannah G | May 10, 2016 at 3:45 pm | Reply
Thanks! I was super excited when I found those quotes, because it contextualizes the costumes in a way nothing else could. 🙂
Yes the mini skirts made these statements more palatable it also helped shift the LGBTQ community to the right. As if to say that the male analog in any relationship is to be obeyed/catered to. We’re just like you.
If you reference an old Too Close for Comfort episode where Ted Knight’s navy buddy is gay and brings his partner to dinner. His wife clears the table saying I’ll let you men rest and his buddy’s partner says I’ll help you. This reinforces patriarchy by redefining the definition of those allowed in.
Although to be fair, this episode deserves recognition for being one of the first TV shows to discuss AIDS (even if it did so in a roundabout fashion) , Henry’s buddy’s partner is mentioned at the end of the show, that he took him back home to die. Another example of making a potentially controversial message more readily digestible by audiences of the day.
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Riccardo | March 28, 2017 at 3:28 pm | Reply
I’ve also read quotes from the “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” era that the actresses were disappointed that the costumes had switched to pants.
Hannah G | March 29, 2017 at 5:07 am | Reply
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Joel Jerome : Cosmic Bear Jamboree
Posted on July 30, 2017 by J. Hubner
Listening to Joel Jerome’s new album you can’t help but get swept up in the guy’s joy for music making. There’s a feeling of a guy getting completely lost in his own little musical world. Jerome is an L.A.-based producer who’s studio has welcomed some of indie rock’s most up-and-coming artists. He’s worked hand-in-hand with labels like Burger, Lollipop, and Manimal Records. This time, though, Jerome is working on himself. The result is Cosmic Bear Jamboree, a full-length that has enough lo-fi grit, AM-radio nostalgia, and Stones-y twang to satisfy the most ardent indie rock fan.
Upon first spinning Cosmic Bear Jamboree I’m reminded of another monster of the indie/lo-fi music scene. Jerome seems to have tapped into Kelly Stoltz territory here, writing tunes that evoke a 70s childhood, had or imagined. A time when Gilbert O’ Sullivan played along side the radio dial with The Raspberries and David Bowie. He’s also vibing artists like Ty Segall(“Complicated Man”), Dr. Dog(“Cosmic Dancer”), Jim Noir(“I Was On Acid”), and even touches of Neil Young(“I Don’t Want To Die”).
But that’s not to say Jerome is just aping other artists. He’s not. He wears his influences proudly on his sleeve but puts them through a very unique southern California filter that’s equal parts sun-soaked and THC-enhanced. “You Are So Bad”, with its Bad Stone Phaser-flavored guitar opens the track with a space-y vibe which leads into an ethereal chorus that goes straight into the stratosphere. “Tell Me Things” shows off Jerome’s impressive guitar chops and a knack for twang-y, psychedelic pop that sounds baked in the southern L.A. sun for a bit. “Yr Love Is Weird” is an ode to burnout love that both sweet and disturbing. “Alcohol” gets pretty gritty with some nice garage rock guitar in the chorus, but at times it takes some serious “Light My Fire” flights of fancy which is a pleasant surprise.
In lesser hands this album may have come across trying too hard to hit all the right nostalgic notes. Fortunately, Joel Jerome has the chops and the perfectly aged vocal range that when you’re sitting there letting Cosmic Bear Jamboree wash over you it feels like you’ve discovered a lost classic. This could be the late summer/early fall record you’ve been looking for.
7. 5 out of 10
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Tags: cosmic bear jamboree, elite records, indie, joel jeromeCategories: Music Reviews, new music
3 thoughts on “Joel Jerome : Cosmic Bear Jamboree”
Oh aye! I like the sound of this a whole lot. It’s the kinda vibe that gets me ready for Autumn. The late hazey Sun going down… that red glow. I’ll need to check this out.
jhubner73 says:
I thought this one might be up your alley!
Your thinking was spot on, sir.
What do you think? Let me know Cancel reply
Published by J. Hubner
Complex Distractions is a little corner of the universe where music and conversation reign supreme. Intellectual discussions and essays written about heady records, both big and small, that despite what you might think can truly change your life. Spinning the records for the good of mankind. View all posts by J. Hubner
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Who is Sam Hyde? Identifying Disinformation and Conspiracy During a Crisis Situation
Published by Jessica Klein at June 20. 2018
Does this man look familiar? If you follow the news, there is a good chance you’ve seen him before.
Maybe it was his photo that popped up on your feed
as you watched the Santa Fe High School shooting unfold:
Or you may remember him as an early suspect in the February 14 shooting
at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida:
Perhaps you recognize him from a tweet that began circulating after the deadly shooting at YouTube began:
Or maybe a friend retweeted his photo during the Route 91 massacre in Las Vegas, Nevada:
So who is he?
Sam Hyde is a sketch comedian and the star of Million Dollar Extreme Presents: World Peace, a former hit show on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim comedy line-up. Although Hyde swears 4chan users are responsible for implicating him in every major shooting since 2015, he is closely aligned with the alt-right and has played along with the hoax in recent years by retweeting and reposting doctored photos of himself holding a gun outside mass casualty events. Regardless of where the hoax originated, however, Sam Hyde’s name and image have become an avatar for alt-right supporters seeking to disrupt media and law enforcement efforts during active shooter situations.
Although it is difficult to pinpoint exactly when and where the first conspiratorial tweet was posted, the San Bernardino terrorist attack is generally considered the first instance of the hoax. As the deadly situation unfolded, social media and forum users began posting comments implicating Hyde in the attack. Since then, similar claims have popped up in response to nearly every publicized mass casualty attack in the United States and Western Europe. Once people realized that the tweets were part of a hoax perpetrated by far-right internet trolls, some 4chan users got creative and began sending out doctored or stolen images of alleged attackers claiming to be Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton, or Antifa supporters, while others posted tweets tying fake attackers to far-right and white supremacist movements in an attempt to unnerve the “liberal media,” who would inevitably have to retract the stories in which the tweets were featured.
How has Sam Hyde affected security responses?
Law enforcement and first responders are understandably immersed in the tactical, life-saving operations of stopping the perpetrator and rescuing hostages as soon as an attack begins. Although social media monitoring is useful in discovering an attacker’s location, police are trained to identify and intercept suspects in real-time and are less likely to misidentify an attacker based on an online disinformation campaign. The media, government representatives, and corporate intelligence teams, however, rely more heavily on social media to track a crisis situation and can be drawn into a feedback loop of false reporting if the disinformation has gone viral.
For example, Representative Vicente Gonzalez identified Sam Hyde as the Southerland Springs church attacker during a live interview with CNN after receiving false information from a producer moments before going on air. Although Gonzalez attempted to correct the mistake soon after the interview, alt-right supporters and 4chan members seized on the story and immediately began circulating the clip online in order to increase its visibility and further complicate emergency response efforts. Hyde’s image and name went viral once again, and Gonzalez and his team were embarrassed for having spread false information while law enforcement agencies were scrambling to find the attacker.
How can one prevent disinformation from driving security responses?
Due to the widespread use of social media, mass casualty events are often reported by victims within seconds of the first shot being fired, but the panicked and chaotic nature of these crises makes it difficult for corporate security teams to distinguish an attacker’s identity or motives until the event has concluded and an investigation has begun. In order to avoid providing false information, security teams should therefore refrain from disseminating information about the attacker’s identity until confirming its authenticity with law enforcement officers involved in the investigation. That’s not to say that information should not be collected, however.
Indeed, the collection of factual information during an emergency is vital for corporate security teams responsible for the safety and security of their workforce, which is why emergency action plans are so important. In order to ensure the accuracy of information provided to employees during a crisis, security teams should follow established guidelines for verifying intelligence, such as establishing the credibility of sources and staying abreast of hoaxes and conspiracies that are frequently floated by nefarious actors during crisis situations. This can be done by regularly monitoring reddit and 4chan threads dedicated to alt-right conspiracies and researching memes and trends that have appeared during crises in the past.
For example, many alt-right social media users’ names, photos, and timelines will feature some version of the movement’s branding or symbolism. Images of Pepe the Frog and discussion of “Kekistan” are strong indicators that the information you’re looking at is unreliable and should not be used to inform crisis response decisions. (The SPLC is a particularly useful resource for tracking the alt-right and has published a helpful guide to identifying the movement’s icons and symbols online.) Including this information in your team’s emergency action plan and conducting regular roundtable exercises will help prepare your team to act quickly and effectively in the event of a crisis. And if all else fails, make sure to at least post Hyde’s picture in your security team’s breakroom, because if the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that simply knowing who Sam Hyde is is half the battle.
Jessica Klein
Jessica is a Senior Intelligence Analyst working in our Strategy and Intelligence group.
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Master Brewers Certificate Program
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“If you want to learn about brewing, this is one of the most in-depth ways to do it. It takes you from the field to the bottle to the store...every single aspect of brewing. You don’t miss a thing!”
Benjamin Mills, owner and head brewer, Fossil Cove Brewery, Fayetteville, Ark.
“It’s a great program for really putting everything together and for the general math and science that goes into brewing.”
Kevin Wright, founder and brewmaster, Third Space Brewing, Milwaukee, Wis.
“I owe where I am to the Master Brewers Program. It really helped get me on a career path, not just a job, a lifelong brewing career.”
Jason Eich, production brewer, The Dudes' Brewing Company, Torrance, Calif.
"I could not be happier and more proud of what I get to do for 40+ hours a week: brew beer. I have the Master Brewers Program to thank for that. I cannot put into words how much the program has benefited me."
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"I have landed a position with the North Coast Brewing Company…I just wanted to take some time to thank the people that have helped me get to this point…Thank you once again for your patient tutelage and preparing me well for this new chapter in my life."
Mark Peffers, head brewer, Bull & Barrel Brew Pub, Brewster, NY, 2011 Master Brewers Program graduate
"The Master Brewers Program shines like diamonds in a sea of coal in the brewing industry!!"
Student Spotlight: Sam Hartwell
The Master Brewers Program was an incredible academic experience because of the world-class professors who are at the peak of their profession.
How to Turn Your Passion for Brewing into a Career
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San Francisco Ballet – Infinite Romance: 2015 Season Opening Night Gala – San Francisco
By Aimee Tsao on January 25, 2015 in Reviews · 0 Comments
San Francisco Ballet in Tomasson’s Défilé.
© Erik Tomasson. (Click image for larger version)
Infinite Romance: 2015 Season Opening Night Gala
Défilé, excerpt from Alles Walzer, act II pas de deux from A Cinderella Story, pas de deux from On a Theme of Paganini, pas de deux from There Where She Loved, Concerto Grosso, Souvenir d’un lieu cher, pas de deux from Bells, The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude, Borealis, act III pas de deux from Onegin, pas de deux from Le Corsaire
San Francisco, War Memorial Opera House
www.sfballet.org
After a very long year of being unable to write due to a concussion, I am thrilled to be back. Even the thought of yet another gala (not my favorite way to see dance) doesn’t dampen my mood as I find the spectacle of the audience at such events high in entertainment value. At this San Francisco Ballet gala, opening its 82nd season, my favorite moment is watching a couple being photographed in the lobby – she in a full-length gown and he in a suit. Both outfits were made from fabric that was printed with multiple photos of themselves. Takes the selfie to a whole new level.
Now on to the show we really came for. The evening commences Défilé, choreographed by Helgi Tomasson to introduce the company members, students and trainees from the SF Ballet School. Costumed in dramatic black and white, with sparkling diamonds on the ballerinas, it is impressive for its sheer visual elegance and number of dancers, who individually get to do very few steps as more than a hundred make their entrances during the seven-minute piece. Next up, veterans Joan Boada and Pascal Molat breeze mirthfully through Renato Zanella’s Alles Walzer to a score by Johann Straus II. Molat has lost none of the attack and joy in movement that he has always shown since he joined the company thirteen seasons ago.
Lorena Feijoo and Vitor Luiz in Caniparoli’s A Cinderella Story.
Continuing in this lighter vein is the second act pas de deux from A Cinderella Story by Val Caniparoli, a former dancer with, and longtime choreographer for, SF Ballet. The music arranged by Ron Paley, based on themes by Richard Rodgers, provides the backdrop for Lorena Feijoo and Vitor Luiz to perfectly portray a romantic couple in this mid-twentieth-century-style take on the fairy tale. Feijoo, now in her early forties, is still at the top of her artistry and doesn’t appear in danger of losing her crisp technique or emotional nuance any time soon. Luiz is excellent and matches her on every level.
Moving into more serious territory, Tomasson’s On a Theme of Paganini offers a serviceable vehicle for Yuan Yuan Tan and Tiit Helimets. They are both beautiful dancers technically, but their partnership lacks spark; in contrast to the romantic music of Rachmaninoff, they are dispassionate, where passions should reign. Tan’s loose hair, while lovely, is often a distraction when it accidentally covers her face. They could possibly learn something from the dancers who follow. Sofiane Sylve and Luke Ingham perform Christopher Wheeldon’s pas de deux from There Where She Loved with the appropriate dramatic intensity. Kurt Weill’s song, “Je ne t’aime pas” (“I don’t love you”) performed by mezzo-soprano Erin Neff and pianist Natal’ya Feygina, is a multi-layered study of a relationship, and both dancers lucidly expose the complex and conflicting emotions.
San Francisco Ballet in Tomasson’s Concerto Grosso.
Closing the first half of the program is another Tomasson ballet, Concerto Grosso, to a score by Francesco Geminiani after Corelli. This work, from 2003, is a showcase for five men, Esteban Hernandez, Diego Cruz, Max Cauthorn, Francisco Mungamba and Wei Wang. I saw this piece at its premiere, with an all-star cast – including Molat – and this younger generation is every bit as brilliant. Precise ensemble work and tour de force solos, all effortlessly and artistically danced, make for a very impressive display.
San Francisco Ballet in Ratmansky’s Souvenir d’un Lieu Cher.
After the intermission, Alexei Ratmansky’s Souvenir d’un lieu cher makes its U.S. debut. Two couples – Sarah Van Patten with Luke Ingham and Mathilde Froustey with Carlo di Lanno – get caught meandering in some pointless choreography that cannot bridge the gap between the “Meditation” and “Scherzo” sections from Tchaikovsky’s work of the same title. One or the other part would have been fine on its own, but the abrupt change in tone between the two, for no apparent reason, is baffling. Van Patten and Ingham hold their own dramatically in the first section, while Froustey needs more depth. Her buoyant, sunny presence is much more at home in the “Scherzo”, where the other dancers are excellent as well.
Maria Kochetkova and Davit Karapetyan in Possokhov’s Bells.
The SF Ballet premiere of choreographer-in-residence Yuri Possokhov’s pas de deux from Bells is my all-round favorite of the evening. Sublime dancing from Maria Kochetkova and Davit Karapetyan, paired with unusual movement and striking composition, holds my attention unabated. Possokhov never fails to provide at least several steps I have never seen before, quite a feat in these days of generic modern ballet where everyone seems to be appropriating material from everyone else. A case in point is the next ballet on the program – William Forsythe’s The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude. When it first premiered here in 1998, it was exhilarating: the importance of its impact is shown by the sheer number of imitators of Forsythe’s style in the ensuing years. But, despite the high level of performance here by Gennadi Nedvigin, Mungamba, Dores André, Jennifer Stahl and Sasha De Sola, the work’s legacy of innovation has vanished and now it even appears dated. How cruel the passage of time can be to artistic endeavours.
Joseph Walsh and Frances Chung in Wheeldon’s Borealis.
Christopher Wheeldon offers up the world premiere of his Borealis, a pas de deux to composer Gavin Bryars’s “The South Downs”. Frances Chung and Joseph Walsh dance with precision, but vague choreographic intentions of a modern persuasion don’t give them much to work with. In sharp contrast, the act III pas de deux from John Cranko’s Onegin is completely clear about where it’s going. The casting is a mismatch, however. Yuan Yuan Tan’s overly-emotional interpretation of Tatiana, now a mature woman, doesn’t provide the foil for Vitor Luiz’s Onegin, who is living in the past. More restraint would go a long way in making sense of her final rejection of him.
To end the evening on a very formal note, we get the old standby, the Le Corsaire pas de deux. Vanessa Zahorian brings pure lines and elegant, yet warm, classicism to her role, while Taras Domitro pulls out the pyrotechnics for his jumps and turns. The illusion is only marred by the choice of costumes. Zahorian’s plain white tutu hardly evokes any character or period, and Domitro’s pants, instead of beautifully draped silk, are too tight and made of thick fabric. With all the costumes in the wardrobe department, surely something more suitable could have been conjured up.
Taras Domitro in Petipa’s Le Corsaire.
The gala also marks Helgi Tomasson’s 30th year as its artistic director. Tomasson can rightfully claim credit for raising the technical level of the dancers and placing the troupe on par with other internationally prestigious companies even if recently the repertory seems to have drifted toward the doldrums. The choice of pieces for both last year’s and this year’s galas was definitely more inspired than usual by foregoing the mainly classical pas de deux format, that has become an unfortunate norm, and spicing things up with modern choreography, but the season itself offers only two premieres on separate mixed bills. The balance includes three full-length ballets (Giselle, Don Quixote, Romeo and Juliet) presumably to help fill the coffers, three ballets that were new last season, and an assortment of old repertory pieces. The dancers, however, need fresh food to feed on. They need to explore new directions with new choreographers in order to grow as artists. Given the financial stability of the company, especially in light of a current capital campaign with a goal of $65 million, it is ironic that the most artistically creative period of the company was back in the 1950s and ’60s when they were operating on a shoestring. I’m not advocating for the starving artist syndrome, but hopefully some of those millions will provide a fertile environment for developing new ballets of high quality.
Tags: A Cinderella Story, Alexei Ratmansky, Alles Walzer, Bells, Borealis, Carlo di Lanno, Christopher Wheeldon, Concerto Grosso, Corelli, Davit Karapetyan, Defile, Diego Cruz, Don Quixote, Dores Andre, Erin Neff, Esteban Hernandez, Frances Chung, Francesco Geminiani, Francisco Mungamba, Gavin Bryars, Gennadi Nedvigin, Giselle, Helgi Tomasson, Infinite Romance, Jennifer Stahl, Joan Boada, Johann Straus, John Cranko, Joseph Walsh, Kurt Weill, Le Corsaire, Lorena Feijoo, Luke Ingham, Maria Kochetkova, Mathilde Froustey, Max Cauthorn, Mungamba, Natal'ya Feygina, On a Theme of Paganini, Onegin, Opening Night Gala, Pascal Molat, Rachmaninoff, Renato Zanella, Romeo and Juliet, Ron Paley, San Francisco, San Francisco Ballet, San Francisco Ballet School, Sarah Van Patten, Sasha De Sola, Sofiane Sylve, Souvenir d'un lieu cher, Taras Domitro, The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude, There Where She Loved, Tiit Helimets, Val Caniparoli, Vanessa Zahorian, Vitor Luiz, War Memorial Opera House, Wei Wang, William Forsythe, Yuan Yuan Tan, Yuri Possokhov
Previous Post Gallery – Aakash Odedra in Murmur Next Post Gallery – Royal Ballet in Onegin (Golding / Osipova)
San Francisco Ballet – 2014 Opening Night Gala – San Francisco
San Francisco Ballet – 80th Season Gala Opening – San Francisco
San Francisco Ballet – From Foreign Lands, Scotch Symphony, Golden Hour – San Francisco
Aimee Tsao
Aimée Ts'ao, a San Francisco dance writer, has appeared in Dance Magazine, was dance critic for the Bay Area Reporter and was the senior ballet editor for the Dance Insider Online. She lets her previous incarnation as a professional dancer (ballet and modern) imbue her perspective and hopes you like the resulting flavour.
San Francisco Ballet – Trio, RAkU, Voices of Spring, Number Nine – Washington
San Francisco Ballet – Criss-Cross, Francesca da Rimini, Symphony in Three Movements – San Francisco
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Speculative fiction movie nominees at the 2016 Teen Choice Awards, Part 2
The conclusion of Speculative fiction movie nominees at the 2016 Teen Choice Awards, Part 1 read.
That's it for the nominees in the main movie categories. I'll return by next Sunday with the rest, which are a little sillier. Stay tuned!
It's next Sunday, so it's time to follow through with the rest of the movie nominees from Wikipedia.
I'll start off with the last of the categories with nominees from "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."
Choice Movie: Villain
Daniel Brühl – Captain America: Civil War
Adam Driver – Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Jesse Eisenberg – Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
Aidan Gillen – Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials
Ed Skrein – Deadpool
Charlize Theron – The Huntsman: Winter's War
Every single nominee is from a speculative fiction film, so any one of them would be OK with me. As for which one will win, I still think it will be a "Star Wars" sweep or close to it, so I'm expecting it will be Adam Driver. He can put the surfboard next to the shelf where he keeps his 2016 Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Speaking of Adam Driver as Kylo Ren...
Choice Movie: Hissy Fit
Zac Efron – Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising
Kevin Hart – Ride Along 2
Hugh Jackman – X-Men: Apocalypse
Ryan Reynolds – Deadpool
Jason Sudeikis – The Angry Birds Movie
Yes, Ryan Reynolds had a good hissy fit, but nothing like Kylo Ren's.
I expect Driver will win this award, too. Two surfboards for Darth Tantrum!
Follow over the jump for two categories that recognize the heroes, including one in which I don't think a "Star Wars" sweep is deserved, along with the rest of the nominees.
Labels: entertainment, fantasy, horror, humor, meet, meta, movies, return, science fiction, star trek, star wars, video
Dating across political divides
While I was enjoying a good chuckle at Melania Trump's expense and Stephen Colbert was doing his best 'Hunger Games' bit, Vox decided to do something a little more serious at the Republican National Convention. Vox reporter Liz Plank asked What happens when you match a Trump and Hillary supporter together? We found out. To see the experiment, watch Political polarization is making dating worse.
Liz Plank went to the Republican National Convention in Cleveland to see how hard it is for Trump supporters to get a date.
Here's the good news.
We set up Bridget, a 31-year-old Democrat attending the convention, with Ryan, a 27-year-old Republican from Cleveland, to see if they could find common ground.
The date went surprisingly well. Although Bridget had more reservations about dating a Trump supporter than Ryan did about dating a Hillary supporter, both didn’t expect the date to go as well as it did. They talked gun control, immigration, the tax code, and #BlackLivesMatter — you know, romantic stuff. Sure, munching on pizza and wine while they did it certainly helped, but overall, they agreed on more than not.
"It’s interesting that we are politically and ideologically polar opposites but there are things we agree on," Bridget said.
It’s not just Ryan and Bridget who are bad at predicting incompatibility across political ideologies. Studies have shown Americans think they are more ideologically opposed than they actually are.
That's hopeful news. However, Vox couldn't leave well enough alone. Follow over the jump for that experiment.
Labels: connect, Democrats, elections, Feel the Bern, Hillary Clinton, humor, meet, politics, Republicans, return, serve, sex, video, Vox
Trump and Putin, a bad bromance
Hat/tip to Kevin Robbins at Hometown USA.
In the wake of the release of Democratic National Committee emails by Wikileaks and the strongly suspected Russian involvement in the hacking that exposed them, Trump held a press conference in which he addressed his relationship with Putin and Russia. Near the end, he asked Russia to find Clinton's missing emails. Watch it for yourself, along with the reaction.
Key figures in the Republican Party addressed Donald Trump's comments urging Russia to find Hillary Clinton's missing emails. CNN's Jim Acosta reports.
For the third time in the history of this blog, it's time to run the Nate Silver scandal checklist (original here).
"1. Can the scandal be reduced to a one-sentence soundbyte (but not easily refuted/denied with a one-sentence soundbyte)?"
Yes. Trump is asking a hostile foreign power to intervene in American elections to his benefit. As for "easily refuted," Trump tried that (he was being sarcastic) but it didn't work.
"2. Does the scandal cut against a core element of the candidate’s brand?"
Yes. Trump's slogan is "America First," but this request is not a patriotic one; in fact, some have called it treasonous.
"3. Does the scandal reify/reinforce/”prove” a core negative perception about the candidate, particularly one that had henceforth been difficult to articulate (but not one that has become so entrenched that little further damage can be done)?"
Yes. It reinforces the perception that Trump is an authoritarian who admires other authoritarians, especially Putin.
"4. Can the scandal readily be employed by the opposition, without their looking hypocritical/petty/politically incorrect, risking retribution, or giving life to a damaging narrative?"
So far, yes. Democrats in general and Hillary Clinton’s people in particular are already doing so. About the worst thing it could do is remind people about the Wikileaks release of the DNC's emails.
"5. Is the media bored, and/or does the story have enough tabloid/shock value to crowd out all other stories?"
I thought the answer would be no, as there are lots of other news, but apparently it's yes. Surprise!
That's five yes answers. Trump is now ahead of Janice Daniels, former Mayor of Troy, who was recalled, and right up there with Chris Christie, whose presidential campaign flopped after New Hampshire. That's yet another reason why Trump and Christie make a good pair.
Follow over the jump for more from CNN and the New York Daily News.
Labels: 1000 words, cnn, Democrats, elections, foreign policy, humor, Infidel 753, Kevin Robbins, meet, meta, New York Daily News, news, Russia, scandal, security, serve, The Penguin, video, Vladimir Putin
Driving update for July 2016: one year of Pearl
Sunday was the first anniversary of buying Pearl the Prius. Yesterday, Pearl turned over 28,000 miles. Time for a double celebration!
Pearl's odometer last turned over on June 3, 2016, 54 days ago. That translates to 18.52 miles per day or 564.8 miles per standard month. While that less than the 19.61 miles/day and 598.0 miles/month I drove Pearl between April and June, I'm not sure it qualifies as a "return to my usual decreased driving for the rest of the summer." I blame two trips to the other side of the county, one for the Clawson 4th of July Parade and another even longer one about my teeth, which is a follow-up to the problem I mentioned in Teeth and jaws of our inner fish.
Now for the annual report. Pearl had 21,577 miles when I bought her on July 24, 2015. Subtracting that from 28,000 miles gives 6423 miles over 369 days. That translates to 17.41 miles per day, 530.9 miles per standard month, and 6370.8 miles per leap year (6353.4 miles per standard year). I suspect my driving a hybrid is giving me permission to drive a little more, as I'm consuming less per mile. That, and the cheap gas prices.
While my driving actually decreased last month, my overall higher mileage this past year puts me in good company, as the U.S. Department of Transportation as quoted by Doug Short reported.
"Travel on all roads and streets changed by 2.0% (5.5 billion vehicle miles) for May 2016 as compared with May 2015." The less volatile 12-month moving average was up 0.17% month-over-month and 3.1% year-over-year. If we factor in population growth, the 12-month MA of the civilian population-adjusted data (age 16-and-over) is up 0.10% month-over-month and up 2.3% year-over-year.
Here's the graph, which I showed to my students this week.
As for my future driving habits, I'll be off work for much of August. In fact, I'm giving my first final exam today. May I relax as I work and drive less!
Labels: 1000 words, connect, Doug Short, meet, real life, relative, return, self, transportation, travel
'Hunger Games' at the conventions
I got a chuckle last night watching Hunger Games' Actress Trolls Donald Trump.
On Tuesday evening, 'Hunger Games' actress Elizabeth Banks made her way onto the stage at the Democratic National Convention through light and fog while a classic Queen song played, just as Donald Trump did on night one of his own convention. While at the podium, Banks went on to say, "Some of you know me from The Hunger Games, in which I play Effie Trinket. a cruel, out-of-touch reality TV star who wears insane wigs while delivering long-winded speeches to a violent dystopia. So when I tuned into Cleveland last week I was like, ‘Uh, hey, that’s my act!’”
"Pitch Perfect" line.*
Of course, no mention of the "Hunger Games" in conjunction with the election on this blog would be complete without the Hungry for Power Games. Follow over the jump for Stephen Colbert as Julius Flickerman visiting both conventions.
Labels: Democrats, elections, entertainment, humor, Hunger Games, meet, Republicans, serve, Stephen Colbert, The Penguin, video, Wotchit
Solar Impulse 2 completes trip around the planet
Earlier this month, I wrote that Solar Impulse 2 crossed the Atlantic while I was focused on Brexit. Today, the solar-powered plane has completed its journey by landing in Abu Dhabi. Gulf News has the story in Solar Impulse 2 returns to the UAE.
Swiss pioneers Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg have completed the first ever flight around the world in an airplane fueled only by solar power. The aircraft touched down at 4:05 AM on Tuesday bringing to a close the monumental feat after over a year of circumnavigating the globe.
Congratulations on the achievement!
Follow over the jump for the significance of the plane and its journey.
Labels: connect, energy, meet, National Geographic, news, return, sustainability, sustainable actions, technology, transportation, travel, video
John Oliver on feelings over facts and Colbert on Trumpiness
I opened Marble Machine for a Saturday by writing "I'm just not feeling up to dealing with either Trump's acceptance speech or Tim Kaine as Hillary Clinton's pick for Vice President today." Today, John Oliver made the first part easier by dealing with it himself.
John Oliver discusses last week's unsurprisingly surprising Republican convention.
Thank you, Mr. Oliver, for doing that so I wouldn't have to. Of course, that's why you're paid the big bucks.
Follow over the jump for how Vox and the Chicago Tribune responded to this segment and tied it to Colbert's "Trumpiness" segment.
Labels: Chicago Tribune, connect, corn pone fascists, elections, entertainment, humor, John Oliver, meet, Newt Gingrich, Republicans, return, serve, Stephen Colbert, The Penguin, video, Vox
At the end of Marble Machine for a Saturday, I told my readers "Stay tuned for Sunday's entertainment feature, which should be a follow up to Speculative Fiction on television at the Teen Choice Awards 2016, this time about the nominated speculative fiction movies." It's Sunday, so I'm delivering on my promise.
I open with Wochit Entertainment's Teen Choice loves superheroes!
The first round of nomination announcements for the Teen Choice awards are out! Four of the best-represented films are superhero movies from the past year. Despite some backlash from the critics, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice did very well for Teen Choice nominations, including Choice Movie in the Sci-Fi/Fantasy category. It also picked up some acting nominations for stars Henry Cavil, Ben Affleck, and Amy Adams. Captain America: Civil War had Choice movie and acting nominations as well. And even though most teens weren't old enough to see the movie, Deadpool managed to bring in Choice Action Adventure movie, and acting nominations. Fantastic Four picked up a Choice movie nomination in Sci-fi and Fantasy.
"Fantastic Four," which got five nominations at the 2016 Razzie Awards and won three of them, including a tie for Worst Picture is one of the nominees? That's not going to win against any kind of decent competition. It didn't even get a 2016 Saturn Award nomination for best comic-to-film adaptation.
Speaking of which, follow over the jump for part one of this year's movie nominees and my comments on them.
Labels: entertainment, fantasy, horror, kids, meet, movies, return, science fiction, video, Wotchit
Marble Machine for a Saturday
I'm just not feeling up to dealing with either Trump's acceptance speech or Tim Kaine as Hillary Clinton's pick for Vice President today. Instead, I'm going to succumb to my "I can't be all DOOM all the time" mood and share some ingenious technology in the service of music: Wintergatan - Marble Machine (music instrument using 2000 marbles).
Wired explains.
The internet is no stranger to ridiculously complex attempts to make music with technology. But this might be one of the most purely spectacular attempts yet to take something which is now incredibly easy, and make it virtually impossible to comprehend.
The Wintergartan Marble Machine, built by Swedish musician Martin Molin and filmed by Hannes Knutsson, is a hand-made music box that powers a kick drum, bass, vibraphone and other instruments using a hand crank and 2,000 marbles.
The machine has to be seen to be appreciated: with dozens of beautifully carved wooden parts, tracks, pulleys and funnels for collecting and rerouting spent marbles, it's a true work of art. And though marble machines as an art form of their own have a long and complex history, this might be one of the best.
Slate and NPR also have stories on this Rube Goldberg music machine.
Stay tuned for Sunday's entertainment feature, which should be a follow up to Speculative Fiction on television at the Teen Choice Awards 2016, this time about the nominated speculative fiction movies.
Labels: entertainment, meet, meta, music, technology, video, Wired
Comments and likes for the fifth year of Crazy Eddie's Motie News
"Coming up, the most liked and commented on entries from last year" closed out yesterday's Space and sustainability news for the fifth year of Crazy Eddie's Motie News. Since today is Flashback Friday on social media, it's another good day for a retrospective.
I already mentioned the most commented on entries from last year in Drink to candidates for the fifth year of Crazy Eddie's Motie News.
I begin with Drinks and drinking games for Donald Trump and the GOP debates published August 2, 2015. It ended the year as the tenth most read entry of the fifth year of this blog with 973 page views and 12 comments, which made it the most commented on entry posted during the fifth year of this blog. It was not, however, the entry that got the most comments during the blogging year just past. That honor goes to Science fiction speaks to our current anxieties, which had 46 of its 54 comments posted during last year because of a battle with a gaggle of spammers. That is a story for another entry...
Actually, I have already told that story in two installments, beginning with Record comments and 500,000 page views for September 2015 and other meta.
Thanks to a battle with several persistent spammers, Science fiction speaks to our current anxieties, posted August 3, 2014, is now the most commented on entry in the history of the blog with 52 comments, half of them deleted. It started off with eight comments. Thirty more were posted during September 2015, making this the most commented on entry this month. Fourteen more came in October, so it will likely be the most commented on entry this month as well.
It continued in Record page views, comments, and 100th follower: Monthly meta for October 2015.
[L]ast month exceeded last month's 74 comments with 89, another new record...I'm celebrating of the record month by sharing the entries with the most comments, most likes, and most page views, beginning with the post that got the most comments last month, "Science fiction speaks to our current anxieties." Thanks to a battle with several persistent spammers, this post is now the most commented on entry in the history of the blog with 52 comments, half of them deleted. Fourteen more came in October, beating out the next entry by eight.
This entry was also among the three that tied for most commented last year, again because of spammers. As much as I detest spammers, sometimes they can be useful, although I had to resort to quoting Monty Python in response.
Follow over the jump for the entries that got the most pluses on Google+ and saves and likes on Pinterest.
Labels: comment, entertainment, Google, horror, I get comments, meet, meta, Pinterest, retrospective, return, science fiction, star wars
Space and sustainability news for the fifth year of Crazy Eddie's Motie News
I closed Holidays for the fifth year of Crazy Eddie's Motie News by telling my readers to "Stay tuned for three more entries in this series, space and environment news, comments and likes, and the fate of the top ten posts at the start of the blogging year." Since it's Throwback Thursday, it's time for the "space and environment news" post, beginning with a hopeful story, President Obama's plan to save the bees from May 20, 2015.
This was the thirteenth most read entry of the past year, earning 603 page views by March 20, 2016. I be a good environmentalist and recycle the relevant paragraph from Monthly meta for May 2015 to explain how it got most of its readers.
"President Obama's plan to save the bees" was the most read entry of the past month with 476 page views according to the default counter and 489 according to the raw counter. It earned its page views from being shared in a comment to The Era of Impact at Greer's blog, then at the Coffee Party's main Facebook page, where it reached 37K people, had 966 post clicks, and earned 680 likes. The post clicks resulted in more than 300 page views from FB alone. The final push came from Infidel 753 including it as part of his Link round-up for 24 May 2015.
The day after I posted the entry, DNews uploaded the following video.
President Obama has issued a plan to save the bees. What exactly does he want to do, and why does he want to do this?
As I wrote in the original post, "I approve of this Crazy Eddie plan and wish it all the success possible. Our food supply is depending on it."
That was the top non-climate environment news last year. Follow over the jump for the top space story.
Labels: Barack Obama, bees, biodiversity, Discovery News, linkspam, meet, retrospective, return, risk, science, space, sustainability, sustainable actions, video
Twilight Sparkle disapproves of plagiarism
I'm not done with Melania Trump: Rickrolling and Plagiarism, for when Booman asked "what is the stupidest thing you've seen today?" I responded with how the effort to spin Melania's speech backfired.
Sean Spicer used Akon, John Legend, and My Little Pony to defend Melania's speech.
“Melania Trump said, ‘You work hard for what you want in life.’ Akon said, ‘Work hard for what you get in life.’ John Legend said, ‘Work hard.’”
“You’re quoting Akon and John Legend?” asked MSNBC’s Craig Melvin.
“Hold on, it’s getting better,” said Spicer. “Melania Trump said, ‘The strength of your dreams and your willingness to work for them.’ Twilight Sparkle from ‘My Little Pony’ said, ‘This is your dream, anything you can do in your dreams.”
John Legend tweeted "I would very much like to be excluded from this narrative." Tara Strong, who voices Twilight Sparkle, tweeted "This is not Pony Princess approved. I'm Twilight Sparkle & do not approve this message." She then tweeted "Plagiarism is NOT magic"! It's only the second day and Twilight Sparkle is reading the Riot Act to the Trump campaign.
I don't know if that's stupid, but it sure is silly.
Even so, it's a better joke than The Rabid Puppies nominating "My Little Pony" for a Hugo.
Labels: Booman Tribune, comment, elections, entertainment, Huffington Post, humor, I recycle comments, meet, Republicans, return, serve, The Penguin, Twitter, video, Young Za Za
Melania Trump: Rickrolling and Plagiarism
"Excuse me, I'm going to watch 'Young Za Za Gabor' AKA Melania Trump speak." So read the Facebook status I left last night when I went from one screen to another to watch what I expected to be the highlight of last night's session of the Republican National Convention. I was not disappointed and got more entertainment value than I was expecting. To begin with, Mrs. Trump rickrolled the audience.
I caught that instance of copying at the time, but I didn't catch the next one until after the speech: Comparing Melania Trump and Michelle Obama's speeches.
At least one passage in Melania Trump's speech Monday night at the Republican National Convention plagiarized Michelle Obama's speech to the Democratic National Convention in 2008.
I should have been appalled at this. Instead, it amused me even more. Thanks to Melania, I've had my daily dose of irony.
Labels: cnn, elections, humor, meet, meme, Michelle Obama, music, Republicans, rickroll, serve, The Penguin, video, Young Za Za
Emmy nominations for acting showcase diversity
I wrote the following program note to conclude Twenty-three Emmy nominations for 'Game of Thrones' may suck the oxygen away from other speculative fiction nominees.
I'll have more on the Emmy Awards tomorrow. In at least one way, they're better than the Oscars.
Wochit Entertainment has the story in 2016 Emmy Nominations Show Diversity Of All Sorts.
The nominations for the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards were announced this morning. It showed progress. For the first time ever, all the lead acting categories include at least one actor of color. 21 actors of color received nominations overall, in lead and supporting categories combined. Cuba Gooding Jr.'s portrayal of O.J. Simpson was nominated as well as Viola Davis For Her Role in How to Get Away With Murder, Rami Malek as a genius hacker whose delusions have become our delusions in Mr. Robot and Kerry Washington and Aziz Ansari.
In this way, the Emmys are like the SAG Awards, where diversity was also celebrated.
By the way, one of the performers among the 21 was the first person ever nominated for an acting Emmy for work in "The Walking Dead" franchise. From the Los Angeles Times' Complete list of 2016 Emmy nominees:
Outstanding actress in a short form comedy or drama series
Patrika Darbo, “Acting Dead”
Erinn Hayes, “Childrens Hospital”
Janet Varney, “Everyone's Crazy But Us”
Michelle Ang, “Fear the Walking Dead: Flight 462”
Tracie Thoms, “Send Me: an original web series”
Congratulations, Michelle Ang! You managed to do something Andrew Lincoln and the rest of the cast has not been able to achieve in six seasons. I'm hoping you return in “Fear the Walking Dead” proper as an antagonist.
In addition, “Fear the Walking Dead: Flight 462” was nominated for Outstanding Short Form Comedy Or Drama Series. That's something "The Walking Dead" has never done in six seasons, either. It has to content itself with two nominations, one for Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup For A Series, Limited Series, Movie Or Special and another for Outstanding Special Visual Effects In A Supporting Role. Those are nice, but they aren't Best Drama or Best Actress. That's what the Saturn Awards are for.
Labels: diversity, entertainment, horror, meet, news, return, television, video, Wotchit, zombies
Twenty-three Emmy nominations for 'Game of Thrones' may suck the oxygen away from other speculative fiction nominees
"Next week, the Emmys!" That's how I ended Speculative Fiction on television at the Teen Choice Awards 2016. Since it's "next week," it's time to fulfill my promise.
Once again, The Wall Street Journal has the top story in 'Game of Thrones' Grabs 23 Emmy 2016 Nominations.
HBO series 'Game of Thrones' led the way Thursday at the announcement of the nominations for 2016 Emmys, which will take place in September. The WSJs Lee Hawkins discusses some of the other nominees.
Looks like "Game of Thrones" could have two big nights at the Emmy Awards again. I just hope it doesn't suck all the oxygen out of the air from the rest of the speculative fiction shows nominated, like it did last year.
Follow over the jump for the categories in which the show has been nominated.
Labels: entertainment, fantasy, Game of Thrones, horror, Los Angeles Times, meet, meta, news, return, science fiction, television, video, Wall Street Journal, zombies
Trump-Pence: TP for Cornholio's bunghole
When I last mentioned The Penguin The Donald, I wrote that he was worse than George Wallace. That written, I was hoping his pick for Vice President would provide more entertainment than Wallace's running mate Curtis LeMay. In particular, I commented and repeated "please, let it be either Gingrich or Palin--the laughs will keep coming all the way to Election Day!" Newt Gingrich was in the running as was Chris Christie, but as the following clip from Stephen Colbert shows, Mike Pence got the nod instead.
Time to check your Vice-Presidential fantasy league. If you picked Mike Pence, you might be a winner.
Colbert had so much fun with Pence as Trump's VP pick that he opened his monologue the next day with America's Got Mike Pence Fever!
Excitement about Trump's running-mate announcement has spread like a contagion. The main symptom of Pence Fever: Knowing who Mike Pence is.
I knew who he was, but I have never blogged about him before.* Time for a Mike Pence label.
The hilarity continued when Trump's campaign released its new logo incorporating Pence as its pick. Legal Insurrection, Huffington Post, and Wonkette all had field days documenting the hilarious reactions to the unfortunate graphic design. My favorite was one that captured the first thought I had when I saw the logo.
For those of you who don't get the joke, here's a video demonstrating it.
*Snork* Now I know what to call Mike Pence--Cornholio!
Now I've found the hilarity in Mike Pence as Trump's running mate. It almost makes up for Gingrich not being on the ticket--almost. Let's see if Cornholio can provide more comedic inspiration between now and November.
ETA: Raw Story just reported "After a day of ridicule for a poorly designed Trump/Pence campaign logo that launched a thousand memes, the Trump campaign disappeared the design from their official website overnight." Well, that was quick.
*Nor have I blogged about his most notorious act as Indiana Governor, signing Indiana Senate Bill 101, titled the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. That was actually perfect for me, because it was about social justice, drum corps, and gaming. Yes, really. Maybe I should write about it. Better late than never.
Labels: 1000 words, corn pone fascists, Cornholio, elections, Fat Bastard, Huffington Post, humor, meet, Newt Gingrich, Republicans, serve, Stephen Colbert, The Penguin, video, Wonkette
Holidays for the fifth year of Crazy Eddie's Motie News
I concluded Republicans in the news for the fifth year of Crazy Eddie's Motie News by writing "the next installment in this series will be about a topic I enjoy much more than either Schuette or Trump--holidays!" Since I just finished celebrating the last of three patriotic holidays and it's also a Flashback Friday, I can think of no more appropriate time for this entry.
I begin with the fourteenth most read entry of the past blogging year, Liberty vs. Security on Bastille Day. As of March 20, 2016, it had a total of 528 page views according to the raw counter. Like all the rest of the top entries, I'm being a good environmentalist and recycling how it got most of them.
The third most viewed entry of the month and the single most viewed one actually posted during July 2015 was Liberty vs. Security on Bastille Day posted July 14, 2015. I shared this visual commentary on the Coffee Party Facebook page. Infidel 753 then linked to it. Between the two, it earned 445 page views, 446 according to the raw counter. That was enough to earn it the new entry trophy for the month.
I shared it at the Coffee Party Facebook page again late last night and it has earned more page views in the past 12 hours than it has in the previous 12 months. Considering what happened last night in Nice, France, I'm not surprised.
A truck drove into the streets of the French resort city of Nice during the French equivalent of Independence Day, also known as Bastille Day. The event took place at 10:30 during Bastille Day Fireworks. The French media has reported that at least 84 people were killed during the attack. The driver drove for over a mile on the city's main street.
I detest Daesh AKA The Sith Jihad, but I hope the French don't sacrifice their liberty while fighting them.
Follow over the jump for two more holiday entries that made the top 20 last year.
Labels: bastille day, drum corps, holidays, meet, meta, news, retrospective, return, Sith Jihad, sweet, video, Wotchit
'City of Light' for Bastille Day
Happy Bastille Day! This year, I'm going to celebrate the third patriotic holiday of July the same way that I did July 4th the past three years and Canada Day this year--making it a drum corps holiday. It so happens that I have just the corps: 2015 Phantom Regiment - City of Light.
Rockford, IL – 7TH PLACE 90.325
There were images of Parisian icons scattered throughout "City of Light," including architectural landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Notre Dame Cathedral flying buttresses, and the Moulin Rouge windmill. A shopping spree featured a Coco Chanel logo on flags and in a drill formation, and flowers from the city’s gardens filled the field with color. It was like being in Paris, without experiencing jet lag to get there.
“An American In Paris” by George Gershwin © 1929 WB Music Corp.; “Clair de Lune” from Suite Bergamasque by Claude Debussy, Arr. Donald Hill © Phantom Regiment, Inc.; “Horoscope” (Orchestral Suite from the ballet) by Constant Lambert © Oxford University Press 1939; “I Love Paris” by Cole Porter © Chappell & Co.; “Symphony No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 78 (Organ Symphony)” by Camille Saint-Saëns, Arr. Donald Hill © Phantom Regiment, Inc.
And now, a full run-through the opening of the show from a few weeks earlier.
Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps performing at Benton High School in Bossier, Louisiana. City of Light
Vive Le France!
Labels: bastille day, drum corps, entertainment, France, holidays, kids, meet, music, return, video
Bye, Bye, Bernie!
In the opening paragraph of Drum corps for the New Jersey Primary, I saw the end of Bernie Sanders' campaign coming.
Even without the Associated Press announcing yesterday that Clinton has enough delegates to win the nomination, I expected that today would be Bernie Sanders' last stand. Just the same, he has a chance to go out on a high note with at least one victory tonight, as Montana and South Dakota, two likely Sanders states, and New Mexico, a likely Clinton state, also vote today. He could go on a very high note if he upsets Clinton in California. Whatever the outcome, this Sanders supporter is now ready for Hillary.
I followed up in Drum corps for the California primary, where I wrote "I'm now ready for Hillary and I'll be taking my Bernie magnet off Pearl tomorrow." That's exactly what I did.
However, Sanders didn't concede, resulting in this opening to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert the next night.
A rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of our Hungry For Power Games host captures the moment when he learns that Tribute Sanders is still in the race.
Then yesterday, this happened.
Sen. Bernie Sanders officially endorsed presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, saying he is teaming up with his primary rival to defeat Donald Trump. CNN's Jeff Zeleny reports.
Looks like Bernie is now ready for Hillary and thinks he's stronger together by being with her, even if a few of his followers aren't. Now Stephen can play Caesar Flickerman in the Hungry For Power Games: Bernie Sanders.
Now that Senator Sanders has officially endorsed Hillary Clinton for President, it's time to bid farewell to one of the last remaining tributes.
Bye, Bye, Bernie! Time to toast you with a Bernie Paloma or an Old Vermont Cocktail New link.*
Now, on to the conventions and the general election!
*Tipsy Bartender, Mr. ShoBiz isn't. I'll need a drink just to deal with watching that video. ETA: After I left a comment to that effect on the video, Mr. ShoBiz made it private. Now there are no videos of Old Vermont Cocktails on YouTube. That written, the image above is an improvement!
Labels: cnn, Democrats, elections, Feel the Bern, Hillary Clinton, humor, make, meet, return, serve, Stephen Colbert, video
Drum corps goes viral
I have been calling drum corps an endangered cultural institution on this blog since 2012. Back then, I "expect[ed] Peak Oil, economic decline, and social upheaval to end the national touring model, which has been around since 1971, by 2020." I said that "drum corps' hopes...rest on the one thing that makes Americans act, messing with their entertainment. Americans want their entertainment, and will do just about anything to keep it going." This week, as a relief from shootings by and of police, drum corps gave Americans their entertainment as the following video went viral.
Stories about this video popped up on AOL, Mashable, Jezebel, Huffington Post, and several television stations, including Fox 25 in Boston (of course). This is exactly the kind of attention that the activity needs for its continued survival and I welcome it.
It's not just this video. Odyssey Online has extensive coverage of drum corps in their news and features site for Millennials. Also, Dwayne Johnson is recording a reality show about drum corps this summer that will air on Fuse later this year. I have never seen so much mainstream coverage of drum corps in my life as this summer. I also remember when I marched, fans and members wished for more exposure for "the best youth activity no one has ever heard of." Well, they're all getting their wish. Happy now? I am, and I haven't been this optimistic about the future of The Activity in a decade.
Labels: drum corps, entertainment, humor, kids, meet, music, news, return, television, video
2016 may not be 1968, but Trump is worse than Wallace
I opened June's stats and top posts with a statement of revulsion and despair.
I'm having a reaction to this week's news much like I did when I posted Grumpy Cat rates this past weekend. The result was a retreat into life imitating art and three retrospectives before coming up for air. The most I can say today is that it's still 1968 and the year is only half over. I might have more to say by Monday.
The idea that we are at 1968 levels of political conflict has become so widespread that it got a lot of attention from the media over the weekend. Jonathon Chait noted the analogy on Friday at New York Magazine.
It has been especially strained during a presidential campaign in which Republicans nominated a race-baiting demagogue for president. And last night, when a gunman murdered police officers during a Black Lives Matter protest in Dallas, it appeared to reach a kind of breaking point. In the feverish late-night heat, race-baiters at the New York Post, Breitbart, and Matt Drudge stoked a race war they clearly craved. It was 1968 again, more than a few observers said. Everything seemed to be coming apart.
So did Libby Nelson at Vox.
On Wednesday night, a sniper shot 14 people, killing 5, near the end of a protest against police brutality in Dallas. The shooting followed two killings of African-American men by police earlier in the week, and the deadliest mass shooting in American history in Orlando, Florida, less than a month ago.
The sense of instability — plus the chaotic Republican campaign of Donald Trump — brought one comparison to mind for many in the media: 1968.
The superficial parallels are obvious: Shocking gun violence. A nation convulsing over racism and inequality. A chaotic presidential campaign featuring populist candidates who gleefully paint nonwhite people as the enemy.
The reference to 1968 — even, and maybe especially, by people who don’t remember the year themselves — may also be to a national mood. It’s a feeling captured by William Butler Yeats in his apocalyptic poem, The Second Coming: “Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold / Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world.” 1968 is a shorthand for a fear of institutions breaking down, or a fear of new wounds that will leave scars that persist for generations.
There are similar comparisons at Reuters, The Atlantic, The Huffington Post, and Talking Points Memo. The Reuters piece noticed another similarity besides the mood and level of political conflict.
According to the Chinese Zodiac, 1968 and 2016 are both the Year of the Monkey. But maybe we should call this the Year of the Ghost Monkey of 1968. From the presidential primaries to the convention platform battles to bloody mayhem in the streets, 1968 is the go-to, default metaphor for what we seem to be reliving.
This year, like 1968, is certainly one of bitter conflict and wrenching change.
Yes, nearly all of these articles refer back to 1968. However, they also make a strong point that things aren't as bad as they were then. Follow over the jump for the pushback to the meme, including one example of how today actually is worse.
Labels: comment, crime, decade, detroit, elections, history, I recycle comments, law, meet, New York Magazine, racism, return, Reuters, risk, serve, social justice, Talking Points Memo, The Penguin, Vox
Speculative Fiction on television at the Teen Choice Awards 2016
I concluded 'Star Wars' and 'The Walking Dead' were big winners at the 2016 Saturn Awards with a look ahead.
I'm not done with the television season just ended. the Emmy Awards will be announced July 14. Stay tuned.
That won't happen until Thursday and I promise I'll blog about the nominees next Sunday. Today, I'm going to satisfy my awards show craving by looking at the science fiction, fantasy, and horror entries among the television nominees for the Teen Choice Awards, the final wave of which were announced Thursday July 7th and which have been compiled at Wikipedia. I'll start with the series awards, then the actors, then scenes.
Choice TV Show: Drama
My favorite superhero show "Gotham" is up here with the big boys and girls. It should be happy just to be nominated, as I'm sure it won't win. It's up against last year's Breakout winner "Empire" as well as perennial champion "Pretty Little Liars," which beat "Empire" in this category last year. The only one of this group of nominees that I watch is "Grey's Anatomy," but I'd be tempted to vote for "Empire" sight unseen; "Grey's Anatomy" won back in 2007, which is about right for when the show's best days were. Still, "Pretty Little Liars" should be the favorite.
Choice TV Show: Fantasy/Sci-Fi
My favorite of the bunch is "Once Upon a Time" and my second favorite is "Supernatural." Meanwhile, "The Flash" won the Saturn for Best Superhero Show and "The Vampire Diaries" won last year's Teen Choice in this category. In fact, it's won every year. It's the favorite, regardless of my 50+ opinion.
Choice TV: Breakout Show
Every one of these shows is a speculative fiction show except "Quantico," which is an action show and therefore still genre entertainment. My favorite among them is "Lucifer," which I'm planning on nominating for Best Fantasy Television Show at next year's Saturn Awards. My wife and I couldn't wait to watch it on Monday nights. My second favorite is "Quantico," which my wife and I got a week or two behind at the end of the season. Number three is "Stichers," which we gave up on, even though we enjoyed it. Our other favorite shows came back on in the fall and we only had so much TV watching time. We might go back to it. The same things are true about "Supergirl," which I expect will probably win.
Choice TV Show: Animated
Descendants: Wicked World
There are some good speculative fiction shows here, but I doubt any of them will win. Either "Family Guy" or "The Simpsons" has taken home the surfboard this decade and I expect one or the other will do so again.
Choice Summer TV Show
There is only one speculative fiction show in the bunch, "Teen Wolf." However, it won last year.
Follow over the jump for the acting and scene nominees.
Labels: entertainment, fantasy, horror, meet, meta, return, science fiction, television, Wikipedia, zombies
Republicans in the news for the fifth year of Crazy Eddie's Motie News
I concluded June's stats and top posts by telling my readers to "Stay tuned for the next installment in the top entries of the fifth year of the blog, picking up where I left off at Drink to candidates for the fifth year of Crazy Eddie's Motie News." It's tomorrow (barely), so it's time to fulfill that promise.
The eleventh most read entry of the previous blogging year was Michigan Attorney General launches investigation into Flint water crisis from January 26, 2016. It earned 834 page views according to the raw counter by 11:59 PM on March 20, 2016. I'll be a good environmentalist and recycle the explanation for how it got most of those page views from Monthly meta for February 2016.
The number one entry during February and the winner of the Revenge of the Back Catalog trophy goes to "Michigan Attorney General launches investigation into Flint water crisis" posted January 26, 2016. Sharing it at the Coffee Party USA Facebook page earned it 759 page views during February and 819 overall according to the raw counter. Behold the power of the Coffee Party!
That's a common theme among the top entries of last year. Kunstler and Greer are becoming less of a factor in determining this blog's top entries, although they still play a part.
Follow over the jump for another top post about a Republican politician I dislike, even if he is good for page views.
Labels: Coffee Party, corn pone fascists, elections, Flint, Infidel 753, meet, meta, Michigan, Republicans, retrospective, return, Schuette on duty, serve, The Archdruid, The Penguin
June's stats and top posts
I'm having a reaction to this week's news much like I did when I posted Grumpy Cat rates this past weekend. The result was a retreat into life imitating art and three retrospectives before coming up for air. The most I can say today is that it's still 1968 and the year is only half over. I might have more to say by Monday. For now, I plan retrospectives for today and tomorrow and an entertainment entry on Sunday while I get over my revulsion and despair.*
Today's retrospective is the monthly meta for June 2016, which was the best June ever with 16,212 page views and 30 comments for 33 posts over 30 days. That translates to 540.4 page views per day, 491.3 page views per post, one comment per day, and 0.91 comments per day. The blog may have fallen slightly short of my goal of 16,500 page views per month, but the blog has averaged 18,421 page views per month for the past three months, so I'm doing just fine.
Before the actual top tens, I'm sharing the top posts by other metrics, beginning with "Star Wars Drinks for Star Wars Day" from May 4, 2015, which was the most pinned on Pinterest with 3 pins and one like during June.
Next, "Drink to candidates for the fifth year of Crazy Eddie's Motie News" from June 17, 2016 was the most commented on entry with six comments, thanks to Paul W. of You Might Notice a Trend and Ahab of The Republic of Gilead dropping by. Despite all the comments, the post earned only 68 page views according to the raw counter.
Honorarable mention goes to "Sometimes, it isn't such a quiet neighborhood" from September 17, 2011. This back catalog entry popped up on the last day of the month with 102 page views, which would have placed it 11th overall. As I wrote about May, this was still an appropriate entry, as my current neighborhood continues to be busy and noisy with construction of new homes across the street.
Follow over the jump for the countdowns of the top ten most read, both posted during the month and overall for June.
Labels: know, meet, meta, retrospective, return, self
Clawson 4th of July Parade
I concluded A drum corps 4th of July from the Troopers by mentioning what I'd be doing for the holiday.
Happy Fourth of July! Enjoy your Independence Day celebration while I march in a parade.
I'll be sure to report on it later this month. Stay tuned!
I'll start with something that happened that I didn't see, but WXYZ did: Firefighter proposes to girlfriend during Clawson 4th of July parade
One local couple was creating their own fireworks at the Clawson 4th of July parade Monday morning.
That's a cool story and I'm glad to have caught it online. I was about an hour behind with Cyndi Peltonen and her family and volunteers, the same people I marched with two years ago. The experience was just as fun, but a lot less dramatic than two years ago, when I joined them at the last minute, after the following photo was taken.
This year, I decorated her car and a trailer with signs, then marched carrying an American flag. In my 41 years of marching, I'd never done that in a parade before. That was the good news. The bad news was that I didn't pass out any candy this year. That's one of my favorite parts of the parade. On the other hand, a Navy veteran saluted the flag as it passed. I saw him, realized I should have military bearing, then marched at attention, eyes front, as he saluted. That was an uncanny experience.
I also met Crystal Proxmire, whose videos and news reports I'd been including here since 2013. She was there covering the parade. We had a great conversation as we walked down the parade route for several blocks. Great meeting you, Crystal! Looking forward to talking to you again!
We got to the end of the parade, where the fair was already set up. WXYZ showed the attractions in WXYZ: Firework show in Clawson brings out big crowds.
The Fourth of July holiday came with a big display in Clawson. The firework show brought huge crowds to the city.
On the bus ride back to the start of the parade, I ran into advocates for the Regional rapid transit plan for Metro Detroit. The taxes to support the plan will likely be on the November ballot. Look for me to cover that issue at least once this fall.
All in all, it was another fun parade. I'm looking forward to doing it again in 2018.
Labels: Clawson, connect, Crystal Proxmire, Democrats, elections, holidays, meet, self, serve, transportation, video, wxyz
Solar Impulse 2 crossed the Atlantic while I was focused on Brexit
While I was paying attention to Brexit and its aftermath, I was ignoring one of my usual stories, Solar Impulse 2. At the same time that the U.K. was voting on whether to leave the E.U., it was completing its flight from New York City to Seville, Spain. Euronews has video of Solar Impulse ll welcomed to Seville Airport by Spanish Air Force.
Solar Impulse II has landed in the Spain's Seville Airport after an often turbulent flight across the Atlantic Ocean.
The experimental solar-powered plane was welcomed by the Spanish Air Force's aerobatic team with an impressive display.
Here's the fighter squadron giving Solar Impulse 2 a colorful welcome.
Of course, one of my entries would not be complete without a reaction from the pilot explaining why this flight is taking place. Take it away, CNN!
Piccard had been preparing for the flight for "years and years," saying he'd been long inspired by the pioneers who wanted to cross the Atlantic to prove their way of transportation was mature.
"I met [American aviator] Charles Lindbergh when I was a child. I saw the balloons, the airships, the hot air balloons, steamboats -- you know, every means of transportation wanted to cross the Atlantic, and now for the first time it's a solar-powered airplane," he said.
"What I'd like to show with my team is that clean technology today is showing incredible goals. You can fly now longer without fuel than with fuel, and you fly with the force of nature, you fly with the sun. It's the new era now for energy and this is really what we'd like to inspire people to do," he said.
CNN also explains where the plane will fly next.
After crossing the Atlantic, Borschberg is now scheduled to fly to Egypt, and Piccard will likely pilot the plane on the final, historic leg from there back to Abu Dhabi.
They plan to fly the final leg of the journey by late summer, completing a 27,000-mile (35,000-kilometer) trip around the world.
Labels: cnn, connect, energy, Euronews, meet, military, news, return, technology, transportation, travel, video
Juno arrives at Jupiter
July 4th wasn't all fireworks, barbecue, drinks and drum corps. A serious space science event happened late yesterday. CNN has the story in NASA's Juno spacecraft finally reaches Jupiter.
After traveling 1.8 billion miles over five years, NASA's Juno spacecraft has reached Jupiter. Juno is the first spacecraft in more than a decade to orbit the planet.
Associated Press shows the scene from mission control in Welcome to Jupiter! NASA Spacecraft in Orbit.
A NASA solar-powered spacecraft has entered orbit around Jupiter on Monday to explore the giant planet. Ground controllers at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory erupted in applause when the solar-powered Juno spacecraft beamed home news.
For more, read Juno probe enters into orbit around Jupiter from the BBC. In particular, note that the spacecraft is not yet in its final orbit. That will happen in mid-October, when the spacecraft adjusts its orbit from its current very elongated one that takes 53 days to a less eccentric one that takes only 14. As the BBC says, that's when the real science will begin. Stay tuned.
Labels: 1000 words, Associated Press, BBC, cnn, holidays, meet, NASA, news, return, science, space, video
A drum corps 4th of July from the Troopers
Last night, I told my readers "I'm not done with the holiday. Stay tuned for another drum corps 4th of July!" Since I'm an environmentalist, I'm going to recycle videos from two years ago as well as this April mixed in with new material.
I begin with the 1986 Troopers performing their trademark sunburst to Aaron Copland's "The Red Pony."
That's not all from 1986. Here's the chorale version of "Battle Hymn of the Republic" as a pseudo color presentation.
The corps opened its 1986 production with "American Salute," based on the Civil War era song, "When Johnny Comes Marching Home." "Silverado" caught the dynamic flavor of settling the Old West, complete with a hoedown. The reverence of "Prayer of Thanksgiving" was followed by the Americana exuberance of Copland's "The Red Pony" and the corps' trademark "Sunburst" drill maneuver.
What pushed this show over the edge into patriotic splendor was the slow tempo "Battle Hymn of the Republic," with eight red, white and blue banners unfurled as if the rays of the sun rising over a new day of honor. With the entire corps surrounded by red, white and blue flags, this show couldn't have been more patriotic had the corps spelled out "AMERICA" across the field.
What could be more patriotic and more Troopers than this show from 30 years ago? Follow over the jump to find out!
Labels: decade, drum corps, entertainment, holidays, kids, meet, music, return, self, serve, video, Wyoming
Drinks for 4th of July from Tipsy Bartender
I concluded Drink and drinking game for last day of Shark Week 2016 with this program note.
I'll have more from Tipsy Bartender tomorrow, when I present this year's edition of Drink recipes for July 4th from Tipsy Bartender. Stay tuned and stay tipsy!
I begin with the most recent video, Awesome 4th of July Drinks.
We give you two super fun drinks for the 4th of July holiday!
4TH OF JULY IN A BOTTLE
Red Layer:
1 oz. (30ml) Strawberry Vodka
1 oz. (30ml) Strawberry Daiquiri Mix
1 oz. (30ml) Grenadine
Diced Strawberries
White Layer:
1 oz. (30ml) Coconut Vodka
1 oz. (30ml) Cream of Coconut
2 oz. (60ml) Pina Colada Drink
Blue Layer:
1 oz. (30ml) Blue Raspberry Vodka
2 oz. (60ml) Blue Curacao
THE DIVERSITY BOMB SHOT
Blue Raspberry Vodka
Pina Colada Drink
Coconut Rum
I think Inna was trying to say either oppressed or repressed when she said that "women are pressed in Russia."
That was the most recent video Skyy has posted for this holiday. Follow over the jump for the oldest on his Fourth of July playlist.
Labels: holidays, make, meet, meta, return, serve, Tipsy Bartender, video
Drink and drinking game for last day of Shark Week 2016
For today's entertainment entry, I'm going return to what I did last year, share a drink and drinking game for Shark Week. Since today is the last day of this year's event, it's none too soon!
Like last year's entry, the drink comes from Tipsy Bartender: How to make a Shark Attack Shot.
One of the coolest looking shots ever...THE SHARK ATTACK SHOT!
SHARK ATTACK SHOT
1oz. (30ml) Tequila
Splash Blue Curacao
3 oz. (90ml) Lemon Lime Soda
1/2 oz. (15ml) UV Cherry
Inna is right about this shot--it looks bloody.
Follow over the jump for the drinking game.
Labels: animals, biodiversity, Discovery Channel, entertainment, humor, make, meet, return, risk, serve, Tipsy Bartender, video
Latest poll has Clinton leading Trump by fifteen percent in Michigan
Wednesday, a poll conducted by pollster Evolving Strategies for Ballotpedia reported that presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton leading presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump in Michigan by seventeen points. The next day, June 30, pollster Greenberg Quinlan Rosner released a poll commissioned by Democracy Corps showing Clinton with a lead of fifteen percent in the Great Lakes State.
The survey of 300 likely Michigan voters found forty-eight percent supporting Clinton, thirty-three percent favoring Trump, and twelve percent answering they would vote for Libertarian Party nominee Gary Johnson. This was Clinton's largest lead in any of the nine battleground states surveyed, which included the Rust Belt states of New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin in addition to Michigan along with the Sun Belt states of Arizona, Florida, Nevada, and North Carolina, which the polling firm classified as "diverse states."
Clinton led Trump by an average of eight percent in all nine states, whether Rust Belt or Sun Belt. However, she had a lower level of support in the Rust Belt states, forty-four percent in the Rust Belt as opposed to forty-seven percent in those labeled diverse. Trump's average also dropped, falling from thirty-nine percent in the diverse states to thirty-six percent in the Rust Belt.
After Michigan, Clinton had the largest lead in Wisconsin, where she was ahead of Trump by twelve percent. Florida came next with twelve percent, followed by North Carolina with ten percent and Pennsylvania at nine percent.
The poll found Clinton and Trump tied in Nevada, New Hampshire, and Ohio. Trump led only in Arizona with a margin of six percent.
Johnson was the one candidate who fared better in the Rust Belt. An average of thirteen percent of those responding in the Rust Belt states supported him, while only nine percent of those in the diverse states did. He earned the most support in Wisconsin with sixteen percent and the least in North Carolina with eight percent.
Nate Silver of FiveThirtyEight.com included the poll in his presidential election forecast, but it had little effect on the projected outcome. Clinton's odds of winning Michigan remained at ninety-one percent, Trump at just over nine percent, and Johnson at two-tenths of a percent chance of winning the state. Clinton is still projected to receive just less than fifty percent of the vote in the state and Trump a little more than thirty-eight percent, while Johnson's projected vote share fell from nearly eleven percent to just over ten percent between Thursday and Friday.
Labels: elections, Examiner.com, Gary Johnson, Hillary Clinton, meet, Michigan, Nate Silver, return, serve, The Penguin
Canadian drum corps for Canada Day
Happy Canada Day! To celebrate the first of three patriotic holidays I observe during July at this blog, I'm going to do what I've done for the 4th of July and Flag Day--make it a drum corps holiday with corps from north of the border.
I begin with the 1976 Oakland Crusaders playing "El Gato Triste."
1976 may have been the USA's bicentennial, but it was the only year two Canadian corps made DCI Finals. Here is the other, the Seneca Optimists.
The Seneca Optimists earned a spot as a finalist corps in its first year of a merger between the Seneca Princemen (founded in 1972) and Toronto Optimists (founded in 1952). The new corps was particularly noted for its bright yellow uniform jackets.
The corps’ 10th-place 1976 production kicked off with “5th Movement, Rondo: Finale” from Gustav Mahler’s “Symphony No. 7,” a movement Mahler referred to as “bright day” after the “night pieces” of the second and fourth movements and the “shadow-like” waltz of the third. Premiered in 1908, the symphony remains the least recorded of his 10 symphonies. The Optimists stated the main theme with brass players goose-stepping toward the center of the field while playing to the front.
Follow over the jump for more Canadian corps from the 1980s to the 2000s.
Labels: anime, art, Canada, Canada Day, drum corps, holidays, kids, meet, music, return, self, video
Examiner.com article on Clinton leading Trump by 17% in Michigan
Hillary Clinton, seen here campaigning in New Jersey, has a seventeen percent lead over Donald Trump in Michigan according to the latest poll.
Photo by Getty Images/Spencer Platt
Poll shows Clinton leading Trump by seventeen points in Michigan
A poll of Michigan and six other battleground states released Wednesday, June 29, shows presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton leading presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump in Michigan and six other states. The poll, commissioned by Ballotpedia and conducted by Evolving Strategies, showed Clinton leading Trump in a two-way race by seventeen points in the Great Lakes State, the largest margin in the seven states surveyed.
Evolving Strategies also asked about voters' preferences in a three-way contest including Libertarian nominee Gary Johnson. Clinton maintained her seventeen-point lead over Trump in Michigan and also had a thirty-seven point lead over Johnson.
In a two-way contest, the poll reported fifty percent of those surveyed in Michigan supported Clinton, while thirty-three percent favored Trump with sixteen percent preferring neither of them and one percent refusing to answer. In a three-way race, Clinton's support dropped to forty-seven percent and Trump's to thirty percent, while Johnson earned fourteen percent. Eight percent favored none of the three while two percent refused to answer.
Silver included the poll in his presidential election forecast. As a result, he found that Clinton has an eighty percent chance of winning the election and a nearly ninety-one percent chance of winning Michigan. Trump had just over nine percent, while Johnson had a two-tenths of a percent chance of winning the state. Silver projected that Clinton would get about fifty percent of the vote in the state, Trump thirty-eight percent, and Johnson nearly eleven percent.
Click on the link at the headline for more, including a video from Wochit. Unfortunately, it's not this one: Kasich Says He Is Beating Trump In Polls.
John Kasich dropped from the presidential race nearly two months ago, but his campaign is still arguing that he would be the best Republican candidate to take on Hillary Clinton -- not Donald Trump. The Ohio governor's top political adviser claimed Wednesday that polls show Kasich beating Clinton in swing states and Trump getting crushed. Kasich has not endorsed Trump and refuses to speak at the presumptive nominee's convention, even though it will take place in his home state.
Good luck trying to get the convention delegates to Dump Trump and nominate you, Governor.
Stay tuned for a Canada Day entry.
Labels: elections, Examiner.com, Gary Johnson, Hillary Clinton, John Kasich, meet, news, serve, The Penguin, video, Wotchit
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Creativ Climat | Why I Love/Hate Last Chance University
About FCG
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Why I Love/Hate Last Chance University
The Netflix series Last Chance University is arrestingly interesting. It’s also maddeningly disappointing, gut-wrenchingly frustrating, and unfortunately truthful.
If I were able to watch Last Chance University for pure entertainment, like I’m sure so many people can, it wouldn’t be so difficult to accept. And although this is rather off-topic for our blog, I feel the need to share. So I will. And I’ll do my best to put a nice bow on it somewhere down the line.
So where to start?
Last Chance U. is rife with antagonists. Sure, the directors set up intriguing narratives through several players. John Franklin, III is the big-time primadonna on hiatus from the grand stage. DJ Law is the natural athlete with star potential. And Ronald Ollie’s story is nothing short of a tearjerker.
But let’s for a moment consider the University in Last Chance U. as the protagonist. The character historically cast in the role of preparing young men and women for future is beset by villains in this docu-series, and the unfortunate reality is we know the protagonist has absolutely no chance of prevailing in this tale. It’ll just never happen.
The narrative that unfolds in Last Chance U. is quite common on athletic campuses that dabble in academics. Public and private institutions of education devote inordinate amounts of time preparing students to fail – and fail miserably. From the top down – coaches to academic advisors – the goal in Last Chance U. – to get the players eligible to play at a Division-I program – shows little to no regard to preparing for the academic rigor of D-I academia or ensuring those students will be able to benefit from the education their hard work on the field has earned them.
The lack of direction many of the young men in Last Chance U. exhibit sheds a glaring light on our corporate failure to invest in communities – predominantly communities of color – and our willingness to ignore the needs of black boys because they entertain us so well. Whether they end up on the field or on the news, it’s entertainment. It’s about ratings. Ratings are about villains – there has to be a bad guy. And the players’ attitudes towards class, women, and, well, everything, is bad.
So who wins?
Well, the harsh reality is all of us who aren’t Ronald or DJ or John are cast as winners. Those of us who had boots and bootstraps. Those of us who know better.
It’s just feels that way when you watch documentaries like Last Chance U.
But it doesn’t feel that way to me. And it never will. I know the struggle of growing up in a small town and the work required to carve out a semblance of success. I also know firsthand how poorly prepared so many young men and women of color are when they come into our offices as interns. Somebody has failed to invest in them, so I cannot. Fahrenheit Creative Group is not a last chance or a second chance. And it’s definitely not a university. But it is a learning and proving ground for young people who have a desire to explore excellence.
And that’s what I don’t see in Last Chance U. or in many of the institutions in my city, in my state and across our country. Excellence is never really expected of young men and women of color in arenas other than athletics. Maybe it’s because we choose to invest in brilliant lights for football fields instead of brilliant minds for academic fields. Maybe it’s because we prefer entertainment to egalitarianism. Or maybe it’s because we just don’t care.
I love the fact that Last Chance U. presents the issue in all of its ugliness. And I’ll love it even more if it makes you commit to investing in young minds and creating opportunity for every young person who sets foot in your classroom or your office or your street.
It could be your last chance to make a difference in that young person’s life.
Jason Thompson is co-founder and principal of Jackson, Mississippi-based marketing and communications firm Fahrenheit Creative Group, LLC. A graduate of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College at the University of Mississippi, Jason has spent more than ten years honing his design and development skills to be able to lead a team that crafts creative that works for nonprofits, government agencies and mid-sized businesses.
We’re awesome and all, but…
you didn't just come here to read about us. That's why we've included some updates from our clients who are doing some magnificent work.
Creativ Climat Client Corner
Operation Shoestring Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Woodward Hines Education Foundation Partners with Mississippi Business Journal for NEXT! Magazine
Capital Area Human Services District Awarded a Grant to Prevent Opioid Misuse in Women and Girls
NCTOH: Turning it up another notch
Woodward Hines Education Foundation: More than Just a New Name
Generation FREE Hosts Middle School Tobacco Prevention Conference
Smokefree East Baton Rouge Launches Campaign
The Official Blog of Fahrenheit Creative Group, LLC Developing Creative that Works for the Most Awesome Clients in the World Learn more at www.fcgworks.com.
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Crews Hill Golf Club 1913-1950
A golfer standing eagerly on the first tee is unlikely to be considering the history of the course that confronts them. As you come off the 18th green after battling with bumps, hollows, furrows, trees and streams you may well have varied thoughts about the course you have just played. Standing on the balcony of the now well appointed Clubhouse and looking west into the setting sun you may just wonder how the "jewel" of a course you played came about
Consider then the thoughts of the seven founder members of the club who in 1913 stood on the muddy footpath that still divides the course. They had previously endeavoured to construct a course in nearby Cuffley but had failed. Could these intrepid men hold their dreams and afford to start again?. Would it be worth it and could they attract a membership?. We know little of the golfing skills of these men nor about their status in the community nor their finances. We do know that with decisiveness they persevered.
Harry Colt
They first asked Harry Vardon, a very senior professional then at South Herts Golf Club for his opinion on the land they had founded and he replied in glowing terms. They then took a lease on the land from Trinity College, Cambridge at £200 p.a. for 5 years and somehow they managed to obtain the services of Harry Shapland Colt, then the Secretary of Sunningdale Golf Club who was already a world renowned golf architect, to provide them with a design and to supervise the works
The result was a course that utilised all the natural attributes of the land with the minimum of earth moving construction given that there would be no mechanical equipment available.
How much Mr Colt was paid or the overall cost of the works we do not know but their perseverance at a time when the Great War was raging says much for their courage.
The founders carried much of their expenditure into the 1920's by which time they had attracted enough members to form a Club and they were then able to recoup their costs and sit back and allow an elected Committee to drive the project onwards.
The layout of the course has little changed since completion in 1922 but the predominate gorse has given way to tree lined fairways and the finer grasses- the product of grazing, have been overtaken by a courser grass. Modern cultivators have however allowed the Head Greenkeeper to produce magnificent greens.
Charles Whitcombe and the Ryder Cup
The clubs first Professional was Mr E.A Hooker about whom we know little. Then in 1925 the Club was able to appoint Mr Charles Whitcombe one of three well known Professional golfing brothers to the course. Charles still holds the course record 59 to this date. His card is shown in the gallery below.
Charles would go on to represent England in three Ryder Cups and to be Captain of the PGA in 1936. His close relationship with Abe Mitchell at nearby Verulam Golf Club enabled the Club to appoint Abe's son Len Mitchell on Charles retirement in 1950 maintaining Crews Hill Golf Club on the golfing map.
Crews Hill Golf Club would like to thank our Club President of 2018/19 Jason Lowen for his work in presenting our Club history.
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Clothing by ME is located at:
Clothing by ME 764 Farmer Rd, Eagleville 37060 – TN, US
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Microsoft Industry Blogs - United Kingdom
Microsoft Blogger Series
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Putting customers at the centre of your marketing strategy
Victoria Oakes
Storytelling & Digital Destinations Lead, Microsoft UK
Cross-industry, Financial Services, Government, Health, Manufacturing, Retail
Victoria Oakes is the Storytelling & Digital Destinations Lead at Microsoft UK. Her aim is to put people at the heart of all she does, whilst keeping a commercial focus to drive effective decision making and leadership. Victoria is really passionate about empowering people no matter their background and spends her time working for various charities. Outside of work, she is a board trustee at Launchpad and a mentor at The Prince’s Trust.
Stories are part of human nature – a way to connect with others and make sense of the world around us.
We’ve all grown up with stories. When you’re little you get sent off to sleep with a bedtime story, and as we get older we tell stories to share experiences with friends and family. Yet, as marketers, we often try to engage our audience with product specifications, data and stats, going against everything we’ve been taught.
The average person consumes 11.4 pieces of content before making a purchase, so we must find a way to cut through the noise and grab their attention.[1] Good stories build connections between you and your prospects.
At Microsoft, we take a customer centric approach with our content, aligning what our customers need, with what we want to say to drive our commercial goals. We don’t create content to sell products, but rather to add value. Your content should be useful and answer a question that your customer has.
“We can build the best tech in the world, but unless our customers are using it and changing how they’re delivering their service than it’s just a bit of cool tech,” says Michael Wignall, UK Chief Technology Officer.
The proof is in the pudding.
By using customer insight to shape our content strategy and focussing on telling stories rather than selling products, our conversion rates have quadrupled, and the average time customers spend across articles has increased by 200 percent.
On the back of the success we’ve seen, we wanted to share our experience and the journey we’ve been on to change the way we talk to our customers. The Little Book of Storytelling is designed to give you some hints and tips on how you can tell great stories to better connect with your customers and drive stronger results from your content.
Remember that storytelling is not just the role of one, it takes an army of many.
Share these insights with your team and think about how you can build a storytelling community in your organisation. At Microsoft, we’ve created advocates in the business to contribute content in their areas of expertise, through our ‘Art of Storytelling’ podcast series and our Microsoft Blogger Series.
Find out how you can become a storytelling superstar in The Little Book of Storytelling
Take a look at some of our storytelling highlights:
Uncover the art of storytelling with leaders across Microsoft
Changing lives with AI in healthcare
Bringing technology for good stories to life
5 ways to bring your data story to life
How to use data to empower your workforce
Overcoming 3 common productivity barriers
[1] https://insights.newscred.com/content-marketing-statistics/
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West Laurel Hill Cemetery
Be nicer to Mike Jerrick, and other thoughts on what’s making news
Posted on March 20, 2018 June 10, 2019 by Lenny Cohen
People who know me can never, ever say I’m not loyal to people I like and respect. You’ll see that in a moment, along with an example of the opposite. (Is your mouth watering yet?) Yesterday, one of Philadelphia’s daily newspapers published an article called “Is the morning news format that fuels Mike Jerrick's 'weird … Continue reading Be nicer to Mike Jerrick, and other thoughts on what’s making news
Posted in #MeToo, 21st Century Fox, 60 Minutes, advertising, Alex Holley, Amazon, AP Associated Press, Axios, Bill Anderson, Bob Kelly, buses, business & corporations, character traits, children, CNBC, CNN, co-workers, Comcast, competition, Congress, conscience, Council Speaker Christine Quinn (NYC), crime, Cynthia Nixon (NY), Dana Loesch, daytime TV, Democrats, Disney, diversity, driving, elections and voting, endings, errors, Facebook, family, fathers, FCC Federal Communications Commission, Florida, food & drink, Fox, Fox News Channel, Google LLC, Gov. Andrew Cuomo (NY), Great Plains, gun control, HBO, holidays, interviews, Iowa, Jake Tapper, Jeff Zucker, Jerry Springer, Jews, jobs, John Oliver, journalism, JTA Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Kansas, KYW-TV (CBS3 Philadelphia), Leave it to Beaver, lesbian, local TV, management, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, marketing, Maury Povich, media, Mike Jerrick, minorities, money, mothers, networks, New York, New York Post, News Corp, newspaper, NFL National Football League, NRA National Rifle Association, O.J. Simpson, opinion/bias, Orlando, Parkland FL, Pennsylvania, People magazine, personalities, Philadelphia, Philly.com, politics, President Donald Trump, President Richard Nixon, profanities, ratings/analytics, reality TV, religion, Rupert Murdoch, school shooting, schools, Sen. Marco Rubio (FL), Sex and the City, Snapchat, soap operas, social media, St. Patrick's Day, Steve Keeley, streets/roads, students, Sue Serio, synagogue, talk shows, taxes, teaching, Temple University, The Tonight Show, Today show, trains, traveling, truth, TV news, TV/television, Twitter, U.S. Supreme Court, University of Maryland, WABC-TV (ABC7 New York), wardrobe, weapons sales, weather, weekend, work, WPVI (6ABC Philadelphia), writing, WTXF (Fox 29 Philadelphia)Tagged age, Cameron Kasky, Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, cryptocurrency, Dave Garroway, Dom DeLuise, education, eMarketer, Good Day Philadelphia, International Women’s Day, Joan Rivers, Johnny Carson, Kellyanne Conway, Linda Steiner, morning news, network news, Peter Jaroff, Pulse nightclub Orlando, Recode, Ryan Lochte, Second Amendment, Sky News, soda tax, Todd Starnes, Tom Snyder, town hall, TVNewser, West Laurel Hill Cemetery5 Comments
Mostly Cloudy and 27 F at Philadelphia, Philadelphia International Airport, PA
Winds are from the Northwest at 15.0 gusting to 20.7 MPH (13 gusting to 18 KT). The pressure is 1019.5 mb and the humidity is 49%. The wind chill is 15. Last Updated on Jan 20 2020, 1:54 am EST.
The Philly Pops present 'Hamlisch: With Love' - broadstreetreview.com
Nadler Slams White House Defense on Impeachment Trial as “Errant Nonsense” - Slate
Global wealth inequality is 'founded on sexism,' says Oxfam International - CNBC
Battle over impeachment witnesses escalates - POLITICO
Democrats' ‘unfixable’ extremism uses Trump as an excuse: Goodwin - New York Post
Trump touts Soleimani’s death as he seeks to burnish commander-in-chief credentials for reelection campaign - The Washington Post
Aaron Rodgers upbeat after season ends 1 win short of Super Bowl - ESPN
Derrick Henry on contract: I’m sure it will get worked out - NBCSports.com
Andy Reid returns to the Super Bowl after 15-year hiatus, the second-longest gap ever for a head coach - CBS Sports
Packers vs. 49ers NFC Championship Highlights | NFL 2019 Playoffs - NFL
Kyle Shanahan's wife is the reason he always wears the same thing on 49ers game days - 49ers Webzone
Roger Federer on-court interview | Australian Open 2020 (1R) - Australian Open TV
Conor McGregor doesn't buy Kamaru Usman Hack "Weasel" - MMAWeekly.com
‘Parasite’ Becomes First Foreign-Language Film To Win Marquee SAG Award; Bong Joon-Ho Addresses Oscar Chances - Deadline
Look How Grown Up The 'Stranger Things' Kids Look On The SAG Awards Red Carpet - HuffPost
Netflix Snaps Up Rights to Studio Ghibli Films Outside North America, Japan - Hollywood Reporter
Cervical cancer is on its way to being eliminated - The Times
Samsung Electronics appoints new mobile chief to take on Chinese rivals - Android Central
BBB: How to avoid 'Expiring License' scam for Microsoft users - WPVI-TV
2020 Chevrolet C8 Corvette Stingray Coupe sells for $3 million at Arizona auction - USA TODAY
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Finance Expert Ric Edelman: ‘Eventually We Will See a Bitcoin ETF’
Ric Edelman, founder of financial advisory firm Edelman Financial Engines, said that a Bitcoin ETF is “virtually certain,” while “the only question is when.”
Financial expert Ric Edelman said that a Bitcoin ETF is “virtually certain,” while the SEC has “several legitimate thoughtful concerns that the industry has to overcome”
А Bitcoin (BTC) exchange-traded fund (ETF) will eventually come to market according to Ric Edelman, founder of advisory firm Edelman Financial Engines in an interview with CNBC on Feb. 11.
Edelman stated that a Bitcoin ETF is “virtually certain,” while “the only question is when,” adding:
"The SEC [Securities and Exchange Commission] has several legitimate thoughtful concerns that the industry has to overcome but I'm confident they will. Eventually, we will see a Bitcoin ETF, and it's at that stage that I will be much more comfortable recommending that ordinary investors participate."
In general, ETFs are securities that track a basket of assets proportionately represented in the fund’s shares. A Bitcoin ETF is seen by some a holy grail for the cryptocurrency and its adoption.
Edelman said, “Fidelity has made a major announcement in the custody issue. We've got Kingdom Trust and a number of other very serious players on the custody side. I'm confident that, in very short order, VanEck or Bitwise will satisfy the custody concern to the SEC."
The SEC has previously expressed concern about the lack of a secure chain of custody as well as governance in overseas trading platforms. Edelman further stated that he puts Bitcoin in the same category as oil and gold, which he said are “globally-traded assets beyond the reach of the SEC.”
Established in 2018, Edelman Financial Engines was formed by the merger of advisory firms Edelman Financial Services LLC and Financial Engines Advisors LLC. Edelman Financial Engines operates as a financial advisory firm, reportedly having $205 billion in assets under management.
In the same interview, Tom Lydon, editor in chief of ETFTrends.com, stated that he has already noticed profound interest in at Bitcoin ETF, further saying that "we interview advisors all the time. Seventy-four percent say they've talked to clients about their interests in Bitcoin so they need to step up when this happens because that money is going to go elsewhere." Edelman concluded:
“Technologically, regulation-wise it could happen tomorrow. There is no particular motivation because the ‘powers that be’ in the fund industry have no incentive to give up their market share.”
In January, the Chicago Board Options Exchange’s, along with investment firm VanEck and financial services company SolidX, re-applied with the SEC for a rule change to list a Bitcoin ETF, which it had previously withdrawn. A CBOE spokesperson told Cointelegraph that the decision to withdraw its request was the result of the United States government shutdown.
#ETF
#Tradings
Binance KYC Breach — Did It Happen, and If So, Who’s to Blame?
SEC Will Rule on Wilson Phoenix Bitcoin ETF Proposal By Feb. 2020
US Bitcoin Derivatives Market, Highlights of 2019
Bitcoin Selling for $24,000 in Iran Based on ‘Official’ Exchange Rate
‘Cryptocultists’ May Stop Bitcoin Bull Market — Trader Who Called $20K
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NIGEL BIRD - MR SUIT (2012)
Synopsis/blurb....
Liza is at the end of her tether. The only way she can see out of her situation is to turn to her husband's ex-boss, the gangster Mr Suit, for help.
In doing so, she sets in motion a chain of events that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat from beginning to end.
The latest in the series of tremendous work from the author of DIRTY OLD TOWN (AND OTHER STORIES); IN LOCO PARENTIS; and SMOKE who is also the co-editor of volumes 1 and 2 of PULP INK.
'The prose is tight rope taut and the plotting first class. The central character of Liza is well drawn and the drip feed of her commentary about Archie’s feelings is brilliantly done. Mr Suit is suitably odious without straying in to cliché...‘Mr Suit’ is a tense and thrilling novella which deserves a place on your bookshelf.' Crimesquad.com
A read in one sitting novella, which without being the best book ever was entertaining enough and kept me amused Saturday afternoon while keeping one eye on the football scores.
Archie used to work for Mr Suit, before his involvement in a botched kidnapping saw him receive a bullet in the head, albeit accidentally from his boss - but not before he had managed to stash the quarter of a million ransom.
Archie wants out of his life, which in his locked-in state is understandable. Liza, his wife is thinking the same thing, but doesn't want to do the deed herself, so turns towards Mr Suit. Everyone's in agreement, until the angel of mercy arrives to do the deed, while Archie is in the middle of painstakingly communicating to Liza - by blinking out letters - the whereabouts of the ransom money. Events now take a very different course.
Humour, violence, sex, ambition, plans, London setting, a canal trip, a family - not all of whom are reading from the same script and an outcome which maintains the status quo for one of our characters.
Engaging, entertaining, funny, never less than interesting. If I was being picky, I could maybe say the timing of one event was remarkably convenient in terms of the plot, but hey it didn't mar my enjoyment.
I do need to read more from Nigel Bird.
Previously enjoyed - BEAT ON THE BRAT (AND OTHER STORIES) and SMOKE
Read - March, 2019
Page count - 82
Source - owned copy
Format - kindle
Posted by col2910 at 22:40 9 comments:
E.A. AYMAR - THE UNREPENTANT (2019)
They never expected her to fight back…
Eighteen-year old Charlotte Reyes ran away from an abusive home only to end up tricked, kidnapped, and taken across the country by criminals. Charlotte manages to escape with the help of a reluctant former soldier named Mace Peterson, but she can’t seem to shake the gang or the crooked cop paid to bring her back—alive or otherwise. With nowhere to run and nowhere to hide, Charlotte realizes she only has one option. She has to fight.
Set in the Virginia, Maryland, D.C. triangle, The Unrepentant combines page-gripping action and black comedy, and provides a no-holds-barred, necessary examination of the dark corners of the human mind.
Praise for THE UNREPENTANT:
“A gut-wrenching crime thriller. Readers who appreciate depth of character alongside gritty nonstop action will be rewarded.” —Publishers Weekly
A tough read depicting the trafficking and sexual abuse of a young women at the hands of a gang of criminals, headed up by one of the most brutal characters, Barnes that I've encountered in my reading over the past couple of years.
When Charlotte Reyes refuses to have her spirit broken, even though her body has been traumatised the answer is obvious for the gang. A violent death in the woods followed by burial in an unmarked grave. This is when her luck changes in the form of a fortuitous encounter with Mace Peterson, disturbing the intended execution.
On the run and hunted, and with severe trust issues, Charlotte has to decide on fight or flight. We end up with a combination of both, as Mace and his ex-wife Eve work on securing her safe passage across the country and a new identity with help from a small network of anti-traffickers. While that is being set up, Charlotte instead of playing safe sneaks off to try and get payback on her abusers on a one to one basis.
There are some interesting characters and dynamics in the book. Mace and his ex-wife still care for and worry about each other. He has a troubled family history, marred by depression and suicide in previous generations, which he fears will account for him in the end. Instead of sharing his fears and concerns with Eve, he's pushed her away and there's a schism between them. Charlotte's sudden appearance in their lives, almost acts as a kind of relationship therapy as it takes attention away from themselves and gives them a common purpose - help the girl.
Charlotte herself is a wonder. As she opens up to Mace and Eve, we get her back story and the details of her abuse and confinement. For someone so young her resilience is astonishing. I was conflicted between wanting her to play safe and sneak away quietly into a safer life or seeing her go full-throttle payback on her captives.
Plan B makes for an exciting read.
The author, through his characters also opens up a wider debate regarding prostitution and whether it is all abuse and control and subjugation, or if it is a legitimate career choice for people to pursue, not one necessarily forced upon them by economic necessity, or as in the case here by falling prey to criminals.
A harsh, brutal, and concerning story but balanced with hope, friendship, healing and a healthy dose of payback.
This was my first taste of E.A. Aymar's work. More from him sit on the pile - I'll Sleep When You're Dead (2013) and You're As Good As Dead (2015).
Source - Net Galley, courtesy of publisher Down and Out Books
Format - ePub file read on laptop.
Posted by col2910 at 23:11 11 comments:
MARCH 2019 - ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY - 6 OF THE BEST!
An addition after a bit of charity shop browsing, the odd Amazon Kindle purchase, a Smashwords purchase - even though I can't load more content on my device and will have to use the e-reader on the laptop and the odd review copy or two received. Oh and a competition win.
Elly Griffiths - A Room Full of Bones (2011) - charity shop
Not an author I've read before, though I keep hearing she is very good. I've spent a few days in King's Lynn over the years while visiting the region, so worth a punt at under a pound and I'm always saying I don't read enough female authors.
It is Halloween night, and the local museum in King's Lynn is preparing for an unusual event - the opening of a coffin containing the bones of a medieval bishop. But when Ruth Galloway arrives to supervise, she finds the museum's curator lying dead beside the coffin. It is only a matter of time before she and DI Nelson cross paths once more, as he is called in to investigate. Soon the museum's wealthy owner lies dead in his stables too. These two deaths could be from natural causes but Nelson isn't convinced. When threatening letters come to light, events take an even more sinister turn. But as Ruth's friends become involved, where will her loyalties lie? As her convictions are tested, she and Nelson must discover how Aboriginal skulls, drug smuggling and the mystery of The Dreaming may hold the answer to these deaths, and their own survival.
Ralph Dennis - Murder is not an Odd Job (1974) - Amazon purchase
A sixth book in Ralph Dennis's Hardman series, originally published in 1974 and long-lost until Lee Goldberg at Brash Books fulfilled his mission to bring back the series into print and introduce Hardman to a modern crime reading audience. I've just finished the first in the series - Atlanta Deathwatch and I really enjoyed it. Probably just as well because the next seven are waiting on me, with Brash still to publish the last four later in 2019.
For years, original copies of Ralph Dennis' Hardman novels, one of the best crime fiction series ever written, were the Holy Grail for collectors because they were nearly impossible to find and very pricey. But those days are over. Hardman is back!
“The Hardman books are by far the best of the men’s action-adventure series.” Mother Jones Magazine
It's Atlanta, 1974. Ex-cop Jim Hardman and his drinking buddy Hump Evans, an ex-NFL player, will do just about anything short of a felony to make a buck...but even that rule is flexible.
“Among the best series books around.” Philadelphia Daily News
In their sixth adventure, Hardman steps into the middle of a bar fight and stumbles into a deadly but lucrative job -- protecting a guy who is next-in-line for a massive inheritance from being murdered by professional assassins. But as the body count rises, and killers just keep on coming, it becomes clear to Hardman that the motive is more than money... and that he may be fighting an adversary who will never stop, even after death.
Mason Cross - The Killing Season (2014) - copy won after Twitter competition by author
An author and book I have previously heard of but never added to the TBR pile, until now anyway.
The first thing you should know about me is that my name is not Carter Blake. That name no more belongs to me than the hotel room I was occupying when the call came in.
When Caleb Wardell, the infamous 'Chicago Sniper', escapes from death row two weeks before his execution, the FBI calls on the services of Carter Blake, a man with certain specialised talents whose skills lie in finding those who don't want to be found. A man to whom Wardell is no stranger.
Along with Elaine Banner, an ambitious special agent juggling life as a single mother with her increasingly high-flying career, Blake must track Wardell down as he cuts a swathe across America, apparently killing at random.
But Blake and Banner soon find themselves sidelined from the case. And as they try desperately to second guess a man who kills purely for the thrill of it, they uncover a hornets' nest of lies and corruption. Now Blake must break the rules and go head to head with the FBI if he is to stop Wardell and expose a deadly conspiracy that will rock the country.
Slick, fast-paced and assured, THE KILLING SEASON is the first novel in the gripping new Carter Blake series.
Richie Narvaez - Hipster Death Rattle (2019) - Smashwords purchase
A punt in the dark on an unknown novelist, though backed up by my knowledge that the publisher, Down and Out Books have impeccable taste when considering their output. I've yet to read a book from them that I didn't like. I do like the quirkiness that this one seems to offer.
Murder is trending. Hipsters are getting slashed to pieces in the hippest neighborhood in New York: Williamsburg, Brooklyn. While Detectives Petrosino and Hadid hound local gangbangers, slacker reporter Tony Moran and his ex Magaly Fernandez get caught up in a missing person’s case—one that might just get them hacked to death.
Filled with a cast of colorful characters and told with sardonic wit, this fast-moving, intricately plotted novel plays out against a backdrop of rapid gentrification, skyrocketing rents, and class tension. New Yorkers and anyone fascinated with the city will love the story’s details, written like only a true native could. Entertaining to the last, this rollicking debut is sure to make Richie Narvaez a rising star on the mystery scene.
Praise for HIPSTER DEATH RATTLE:
“Richie Narvaez has created something that’s been missing from recent fiction: a vivid, loving look at city living from the street view.” —Sara Paretsky, award-winning author of Shell Game
Owen Laukkanen - Deception Cove (2019) - Net Galley ARC
Another author I have yet to try, though I have about four of his books sat on the device. I can't say that the comparison to either Box or Baldacci swayed me in regards to reading this one. I have yet to read anything from those two.
From the acclaimed author of the Gale Force comes a compelling new thriller for fans of CJ Box and David Baldacci.
Jess Winslow is a former US Marine struggling to adjust to civilian life after the horrors of Afghanistan. All she has in the world is her black and white pitbull mix, Lucy.
Mason Burke trained Lucy for the service animal program while serving fifteen years in prison. Lucy helped keep him sane; now he'll stop at nothing to keep her safe.
So when a corrupt deputy sheriff takes Lucy hostage over a package Jess's late husband allegedly stole, newly-released Mason promises to help.
But saving Lucy and finding the package is only the start. Soon Mason and Jess are caught up in someone else's private war. Will they be able to trust each other and face their demons in time to save themselves?
Deception Cove is a gripping story of survival and redemption set against the beautiful and dangerous coastline of the Pacific Northwest.
Michael J. Clark - Mahoney's Camaro (2019) - Net Galley ARC
Second book from Michael J. Clark, after his debut, Clean Sweep. Hopefully I can get both of his books read this year.
Racing to find a killer before he strikes again, an unlikely investigator is haunted by an even more unlikely source in this gripping crime novel
“Clark writes well and has created some amusingly zany characters.” — Publishers Weekly on Clean Sweep
It’s the summer of 1985 and mechanic Steve Mahoney is dreaming big about owning his own shop. He’s getting there as slowly as possible, working one night shift at a time for a local towing company. One night, called to retrieve a car from the murky Red River, Mahoney finds the replacement body to his prized but damaged ’67 Camaro. There’s also a body inside the car, handcuffed to the steering wheel. Mahoney’s able to snap the Camaro up cheap at a salvage auction, but once he’s restored the car to its former glory, he discovers that its last driver is standard spectral equipment on his new ride, and she’s not leaving until she finds out who sent her to a watery grave.
Mahoney’s Camaro is a gritty, fast-paced crime novel that will appeal to fans of Ron Corbett and Stuart MacBride. Combining expertise in the automotive world and a passion for storytelling, Michael J. Clark delivers an action-packed joyride that will grip you until the last page.
2 BY SOPHIE HÉNAFF
Two from Sophie Hénaff a French author that I know nothing about, other than she's written a couple of books that I quite like the look of.
Google books offers a bit of info on her.......
Sophie Hénaff is a journalist, author, and former Lyonnaise bar owner. She began her journalism career as a critic at Lyon Poche, before moving to Paris to write for Cosmopolitan, where she established her own humorous column, "La Cosmolite." The Awkward Squad was first published as Poulets grillés in 2015, and is her first novel.
Both books have mostly positive reviews over on Amazon and I'm forever berating myself about not reading enough female authors. Can't recall the last French crime fiction I read either, so two birds dead with the one stone.
The Awkward Squad (2017)
Officer Anne Capestan's team of misfits will have to work together to investigate a decades-old unsolved murder . . . and in the process uncover a trail of corruption that leads to the top of the Paris police force.
"Marvelous . . . An absorbing, sometimes laugh-out-loud mystery." --New York Journal of Book
"A delightful creation." --The Times
"Quirky and interesting . . . Much to savor." --Library Journal
Was the old lady murdered seven years ago really just the victim of a botched robbery? Who was behind the dead sailor discovered in the Seine with three gunshot wounds? And why does there seem to be a curious link with a ferry that was shipwrecked off the Florida coast many years previously?
Suspended from her job as a promising police officer for firing "one bullet too many," Anne Capestan is expecting the worst when she is summoned to HQ to learn her fate. Instead, she is told that she will head up a new police squad, working on solving long-abandoned cold cases.
Though relieved to still have a job, Capestan is not overjoyed by the prospect of her new role--and even less so when she meets her new team: a crowd of misfits, troublemakers, and problem cases, none of whom are fit for purpose and yet none of whom can be fired.
Stick Together (2018)
Officer Anne Capestan and her squad of misfits must turn their attention to a more personal case--the murder of Capestan's ex-husband's father, a lifelong member of the Paris police force who had no shortage of enemies.
After their successful solving of three cold cases and exposing corruption at the very highest levels of the Paris police force, Officer Anne Capestan's team of oddballs and no-hopers should be in a celebratory mood. However, now despised by their colleagues at 36, quai des Orfevres and worried for their future, morale has never been lower among the members of the Awkward Squad.
Capestan is doing her best to motivate the team, but even she cannot maintain a cheerful facade when she has been assigned to investigate the murder of Officer Serge Rufus, the father of her ex-husband. Worse, it soon appears that his murder is linked to two other victims, both of whom were warned by the killer before they struck.
Can Capestan marshal the forces to solve another hopeless mystery, or will her team's previous success be proven just a fluke?
*Sam Gordon is the translator for both novels.
BILL JAMES - HITMEN I HAVE KNOWN (2019)
Assistant Chief Constable Iles finds himself suspected of murder in the fast-paced 35th installment of the popular Harpur and Iles police procedural series.
Tensions in the community are mounting following the gruesome deaths of two men, both of whom were accused yet acquitted of the murder of an undercover police officer. It looks like vigilante justice, but who is responsible? Alarmingly, suspicion falls on Assistant Chief Constable Iles.
Matters escalate when a TV show investigating the murders is aired, further implicating Iles. Iles seems at ease with the accusations, as are his superiors in the police force. But others are not feeling so secure.
Local crime bosses Ralph Ember and Mansel Shale fear reprisals against Iles will result in their own businesses suffering. And so they begin to plan how to remove potential troublemakers from their path . . .
I'm pretty sure I have read the first in this series a fair few years ago and at one time I harboured delusions of reading the whole series, probably when he was on about number 20, maybe 15 years ago. Since then at a pace of about one a year, this 90 year old author (or thereabouts) has sped further away from me.
Here we have our long-running double act, Harpur and Iles pondering an upcoming TV documentary-cum-dramatisation where a thinly veiled accusation of murder will be aimed at Iles.
Our book concerns the fall-out from that and the effect it has on Harpur; his daughter's - one of whom, Hazel seems to have an infatuation with ACC Iles, which may have been inappropriately reciprocated at one time; Iles's pregnant wife, Sarah - who Harpur had an affair with previously and also a couple of local villains who's day to day activities are tolerated by Iles in a tacit policy of laissez-faire, Iles's overview being - better the devil you know in respect of criminality in the community.
I took a while to warm to the book, mainly because of the author's narrative style which is fairly distinctive and instantly recognisable - it is if you've read him before of course. I wouldn't say he talks in riddles, but he demands that you pay careful attention to his words.
There's a fair bit of humour in the book and I get the impression the author had some fun writing it. At one point, Harpur meets a confidential informant at a secluded location and almost gets more than information. The back door of their car opens and a hopeful, randy stranger hops in full of anticipation for the three way tryst that is sure to follow. The fellow departs, nursing hurt feelings and wounded pride before getting reinvigorated by the stranger who drops into his own car.
There's some fun with the villains too. One of whom, Mansel Shale is rather rashly contemplating shooting the TV crew as a means of removing the threat to Iles. The other, Ralph Ember a nightclub owner and more, fancies himself as a Charlton Heston lookalike, back from the days when Charlton was a good looking chap (and not overly obsessed with polishing his gun collection). Self-obsessed and vain, Ralph lives in a cocoon, imagining that everyone he meets has the same regard and high opinion of him, that he holds for himself. He is slightly more rational than Shale, but it's a close run thing.
Family conferences, nightclub visits, Bastille Day, a TV programme, bad publicity, Home Office concern and involvement, a dead undercover officer, two dead acquitted suspects,a shooting, a garroting, an agitating brother, a nightclub riot, a concerned wife, some anxious villains, Charlton Heston, a concocted plan, a temporarily missing daughter, a trip to London, a decorating contract, a surveillance operation, an unexpected occurrence and a return to normality.
Once I got into this, I really enjoyed it. There's an ambiguity about the conclusion that worked well for me, a sort of did he, didn't he that's unresolved. It's not something I usually enjoy but here it makes sense.
I liked the participants, the premise, the humour and the pace. I really need to cut down on the new books and concentrate on reading more from the existing stockpile, including Bill James. Maybe I'll get a couple of these read before number 36 drops.
Noose, a standalone from Bill James was enjoyed back in September, 2013. I hadn't realised it was quite so long since I read him.
Source - Net Galley, courtesy of Severn House publisher
Format - ePub read on laptop
DAVID SWINSON - THE SECOND GIRL (2016)
He's a good detective...with a bad habit.
One of the best crime novels of 2016! - The New York Times Book Review, Booklist
Frank Marr knows crime in Washington, DC. A decorated former police detective, he retired early and now ekes a living as a private eye for a defense attorney. Frank Marr may be the best investigator the city has ever known, but the city doesn't know his dirty secret.
A long-functioning drug addict, Frank has devoted his considerable skills to hiding his usage from others. But after accidentally discovering a kidnapped teenage girl in the home of an Adams Morgan drug gang, Frank becomes a hero and is thrust into the spotlight. He reluctantly agrees to investigate the disappearance of another girl--possibly connected to the first--and the heightened scrutiny may bring his own secrets to light, too.
Frank is as slippery and charming an antihero as you've ever met, but he's also achingly vulnerable. The result is a mystery of startling intensity, a tightly coiled thriller where every scene may turn disastrous. THE SECOND GIRL is the crime novel of the season, and the start of a refreshing new series from an author who knows the criminal underworld inside and out.
The Second Girl is the first in a three book series from David Swinson with ex-cop Frank Marr. I've already cracked the spine on the second in the series, Crime Song, not too long after finishing this one.
Harsh, brutal, gripping, compelling and harrowing would be appropriate descriptions for the contents of these pages, but that would be underselling what is a fantastic book.
Our main character, Frank Marr was drummed off the force after his drug habit was discovered by his bosses. However he was allowed to retire rather than leave in a wave of bad publicity. A public and shameful departure might open up a raft of appeal opportunities for the criminals Frank spend his career putting away. His old boss hates him and has a hard-on for him. A couple of ex-colleagues are still regarded as friends and sources of information and are oblivious to Frank's cocaine and pill addiction. There's no family in the picture and he makes his living working investigations for another ex-cop turned defence attorney, Leslie. Leslie is a friend - sometimes with benefits.
The story opens with Marr taking down a drug gang stash house in order to boost his own pharmaceutical supplies. After some surveillance, he's pretty sure all the boys are out dealing. What he isn't expecting is to find a young woman chained up in the bathroom, obviously a prisoner, extremely frightened and very reluctant to leave with him. Complications arise when one of the boys returns for a re-up. We soon discover that Frank isn't someone to be messed with.
One good deed, turns to a pain in the ass. Frank gets involved albeit reluctantly in looking for another girl who was a peripheral contact of the first girl he rescued - same school. The family are desperate, the police have no answers and against his better instincts Frank has a look.
Lots to like about this one. Marr is a pretty good investigator and where the police have their rules and regulations in respect of searches and interrogation methods, Frank has a helluva lot more leeway. He's very capable and I do like his style. When questioning the missing girl's friends he can be tactful in front of the parents, but not averse to applying some subtle pressure to get them to break ranks. When questioning some players involved in the operation of the drug dealing and turning nice girls into addicts and prostitutes, well there's a remote river not too far from the city where he can always dump the body if he doesn't get the information he wants.
Interesting seeing a functioning addict in action. He believes he has his addiction under control and for the most part you believe him. He is cautious when using, washes his hands, checks his face for tell-tale signs, but does sometimes need a bump at the most inopportune moments. He maintains his secrets here, but I'm keen to see how the facade plays out in future books.
Great investigation, lots going on with our main character on and off the case, interesting interactions between Frank and the police and Frank and the low-lives, hard topics explored - teenage prostitution, trafficking, drug dealing, some police corruption and a tense race to find answers and save the second girl.
I think I'm going to enjoy the rest of this series.
David Swinson's second and third Frank Marr books are Crime Song and Trigger. He has an earlier novel - A Detailed Man - also published.
Format - paperback
PAUL D. BRAZILL - LAST YEAR'S MAN (2018)
Synopsis/blurb......
A troubled, ageing hit man leaves London and returns to his hometown in the north east of England hoping for peace. But the ghosts of his past return to haunt him.
Last Year’s Man is a violent and blackly comic slice of Brit Grit noir.
Praise for LAST YEAR’S MAN:
“Brazill offers a series of amusing episodes filled with breezy banter in this offbeat slice of British noir.” —Publishers Weekly
“It’s all here, everything you’ve come to expect from a Paul D. Brazill caper—the fast pace, the witty banter, the grim humour and the classic tunes—except this time he’s REALLY outdone himself. Unlike the lament in the song the title takes its name from, Paul’s best years are surely still ahead of him.” —Paul Heatley, author of Fatboy
Another one from Paul D. Brazill that does exactly what it says on the tin, delivering humour, one-liners, cultural references, violence, characters and story.
Tommy is a hitman based in London, but he's starting to feel his age - a weakening bladder, eczema and the usual aches and pains familiar to anyone approaching sixty.
A job goes down, soon followed by another, but Tommy might be getting a bit sloppy in his old age. He's recorded, planting a device which killed a policeman among others. A couple of dodgy cops with the evidence, now want Tommy to come and work for them. A short, brutal negotiation later and our man, decides it might be time to depart the smoke and seek out a quieter life.
Home to Seatown, up North and before too long, any thoughts of retirement are soon banished as our man finds his not so secret talents are still in demand with the some old acquaintances from his past.
Brian Ferry, PIL, music journalists, executions, explosions, Sapporo beer, Gloria bloody Gaynor, a train journey, a death in a pub toilet, family re-unions, kebabs and instant coffee, a missing Catholic priest, fry-ups, pervert teachers, bent cops, a bingo loving mother, a town in decline, a fat man in a blue bunny rabbit costume, a discussion about the merits or otherwise of Julian Cope and more..... lots to ponder and enjoy while savouring a not so nostalgic homecoming for our anti-hero.
"......getting old may have its faults but it beats the alternative."
Paul D. Brazill's has been enjoyed many times before. The good news is there is still more on the TBR pile from him.
Source - review copy from publisher - All Due Respect (cheers Chris)
FEBRUARY 2019 - READING LIST AND PICK OF THE MONTH
A decent month's reading in February - 14 books, mostly enjoyed - two less so - with one okay, the other a bit like swimming through treacle - but hey they can't all be winners.
No stand-out 5 STAR READ as such, but 5 pushing the boundaries at 4.5 STARS - Alan Parks and February's Son, Matt Bird's short story collection - Histories of the Dead and other stories, Sydney Noir - an impressive entry, in the continuing Akashic Noir series edited by John Dale, Lawrence Block's Matt Scudder novella - A Time to Scatter Stones and Trevor Mark Thomas's impressive debut The Bothy
Pick of the month!
BOOK OF THE MONTH - THE BOTHY by TREVOR MARK THOMAS - on the basis that it's what I would select first for a re-read.
4 STAR READS - six in total - Deon Meyer - The Woman in the Blue Cloak, David Putnam - The Reckless, James Ross - They Don't Dance Much, Sam Wiebe - Hollywood North and two from David Beckler - Forgred in Flames and The Money Trap
3.5 STAR READ - 1 of - Ersatz World by Richard Godwin
3 STAR READ - 1 of - Joel Mowdy - Floyd Harbour Stories
2 STAR READ - 1 of - John Mulligan and Shopping Cart soldiers
I spent time in the company of.......
a couple of Cape Town cops investigating a murder because of a newly discovered Dutch masterpiece
the inhabitants of a fictitious Long Island community
a homeless PTSD Vietnam vet in San Francisco with flashbacks to his combat past
a Glaswegian detective in the 70s investigating the killing of a Celtic player and more
an LA cop and the FBI chasing some juvie bank robbers
a paranoid publisher with an unwell wife and a busty assistant
the luckless and the criminal in a small Welsh town
a Manchester fireman and a woman in jeopardy
a down on his luck cashier and an accessory to murder
a variety of Sydney inhabitants involved in ..... criminality, drugs, sex - gay, vanilla and underage, pornography, pregnancy, childbirth, blackmail, murder, ambition, prison, family loyalty, family betrayal, plenty of revenge and payback
an ex-army man turned security specialist battling financial ruin
a Vancouver PI investigating a death
an older Matt Scudder helping a friend
and a grief-stricken boyfriend, on the run seeking sanctuary in the wrong place
Settings...... Cape Town - South Africa; Long Island - New York; Scotland, Vietnam and San Francisco; Glasgow - Scotland; LA - California; London; Wales; Manchester; North Carolina; Sydney - Australia, London again; Vancouver - Canada; New York and the wilds of the Yorkshire moors.
The full list of 14 are as follows.....
Deon Meyer - The Woman in the Blue Cloak (2018) (4)
Joel Mowdy - Floyd Harbor Stories (2019) (3)
John Sullivan - Shopping Cart Soldiers (1998) (2)
Alan Parks - February's Son (2019) (4.5)
David Putnam - The Reckless (2019) (4)
Richard Godwin - Ersatz World (2016) (3.5)
Math Bird - Histories of the Dead and other stories (2016) (4.5)
David Beckler - Forged in Flames (2018) (4)
James Ross - They Don't Dance Much (1940) (4)
John Dale (ed.) - Sydney Noir (Akashic Noir Series) (2019) (4.5)
David Beckler - The Money Trap (2019) (4)
Sam Wiebe - Hollywood North (2018) (4)
Lawrence Block - A Time to Scatter Stones (2019) (4.5)
Trevor Mark Thomas - The Bothy (2019) (4.5)
If you're not asleep yet - anal analysis for my own amusement - read on if you're an insomniac ......
New to me authors in the month - 6, maybe 7 in total - Joel Mowdy, John Mulligan, Richard Godwin, Math Bird, David Beckler, Trevor Mark Thomas and perhaps James Ross. I think I might have read They Don't Dance Much before, but blowed if I could remember anything about it on a second outing, so maybe false memory.
I have more on the pile to read from Beckler, Bird and Godwin
Authors enjoyed before - 5 - Deon Meyer, Sam Wiebe, Alan Parks, David Putnam, Lawrence Block,
There's more on the TBR pile from Deon Meyer, Lawrence Block and David Putnam
13 reads from 12 different authors. David Beckler was read twice.
One book was an anthology of short stories from a selection of Australian writers, some new to me, some familiar
7 were sort of series books - David Beckler's two novellas featured Mason and Sterling - a double act that feature in his novel Brotherhood; Lawrence Block's Matt Scudder is one of the author's most popular creations featuring in about 17 or 18 novels and more, Sam Wiebe's Dave Wakeland PI character has appeared in a couple of novels, Benny Griessel from Deon Meyer is a recurring character in his books, Alan Parks has written two so far in his Detective Harry McCoy series and David Putnam's Bruno Johnson has featured in six books to date
Gender analysis - 0 female authors, 12 male plus 1 mixed gender anthology.
Another poor attempt at diversity in my reading.
Of the 12 authors read, 4 hailed from the US, 2 from England, 2 from Scotland, 1 from Canada, 1 from South Africa, 1 from Wales, 1 originally from Ethiopia brought up in England. The Sydney crime anthology featured mostly if not all Australian authors.
All 18 of the reads were fiction,
12 of the books were published this century and all this decade.
7 from 2019, 3 from 2018, 2 from 2016
1 book was from 1940, 1 book from 1998
Only 1 came from the man-cave blue tub stash in my garage.
Publishers - First Grove, Atlantic - Catapult - Scribner - Canongate - Oceanview - Number 13 Press (now F13) - All Due Respect Books - Long Stop Books (x2) - Salt Publishing - Harrar - Akashic - Quercus and LB Productions. (I think a couple of the presses above disguise the fact they they are the authors own output, not that it makes a difference to me.)
3 of the 14 reads were pre-owned,
5 came from the author directly - cheers to David Putnam, David Beckler (twice) Sam Wiebe and Lawrence Block
3 were accessed at Edelweiss - Above the Treeline early reviewer site,
3 were received from the publisher - thanks to Canongate, Salt Publishing and Number 13 Press
Favourite cover? Alan Park - February's Son
Second favourite cover - James Ross - They Don't Dance Much
My reads were this long 160 - 252 - 256 - 368 - 324 - 127 - 138 - 91 - 304 - 250 - 138 - 38 - 93 - 256
Total page count = 2795 (3949 in January) ....... an decrease of 1154 pages
1 was a Kindle reads, 7 were ePub files read on the laptop, 6 were paperbacks,
1 < 50,
2 between 51 < 100,
4 between 101 < 200,
0 > 400 pages
Alan Parks with February's Son was the longest read at 368 pages
Sam Wiebe and Hollywood North was the shortest at 38 pages long.
2 BY MARK PRYOR
A couple from English author Mark Pryor, both with a Paris setting.
Both books are from Pryor's Hugo Marston series, a series that I've read and enjoyed the first four from. Marston is part of the security detail at the American Embassy in Paris.
Thoughts on the first few I've read below.
1. The Bookseller (2012)
2. The Crypt Thief (2013)
3. The Blood Promise (2014)
4. The Button Man (2014)
The Reluctant Matador (2015) is the fifth in the series, with these two the sixth and seventh. There's another one out which was published earlier this year - The Book Artist (2019).
He has also penned a couple of novels - The Hollow Man (2015) and Dominic (2018) - about a psychopathic prosecutor which are set in Texas where Pryor resides and works as an ADA. Hopefully the books aren't autobiographical!
The Paris Librarian (2016)
Hugo Marston's friend Paul Rogers dies unexpectedly in a locked room at the American Library in Paris. The police conclude that Rogers died of natural causes, but Hugo is certain mischief is afoot. As he pokes around the library, Hugo discovers that rumors are swirling around some recently donated letters from American actress Isabelle Severin. The reason: they may indicate that the actress had aided the Resistance in frequent trips to France toward the end of World War II. Even more dramatic is the legend that the Severin collection also contains a dagger, one she used to kill an SS officer in 1944. Hugo delves deeper into the stacks at the American library and finally realizes that the history of this case isn't what anyone suspected. But to prove he's right, Hugo must return to the scene of a decades-old crime.
The Sorbonne Affair (2017)
Someone is spying on American author Helen Hancock. While in Paris to conduct research and teach a small class of writers, she discovers a spy camera hidden in her room at the Sorbonne Hotel. She notifies the US Embassy, and former FBI profiler Hugo Marston is dispatched to investigate. Almost immediately, the stakes are raised from surveillance to murder when the hotel employee who appears to be responsible for bugging Hancock's suite is found dead. The next day, a salacious video clip explodes across the Internet, showing the author in the embrace of one of her writing students - both are naked, and nothing is left to the imagination. As more bodies pile up, the list of suspects narrows; but everyone at the Sorbonne Hotel has something to hide, and no one is being fully honest with Hugo. He teams up with Lieutenant Camille Lerens to solve the case, but a close call on the streets of Paris proves that he could be the killer's next target.
MARK BRANDI - INTO THE RIVER (2019)
WINNER OF THE CRIME WRITERS' ASSOCIATION DEBUT DAGGER
WINNER OF THE 2018 INDIE DEBUT FICTION AWARD
SHORTLISTED FOR LITERARY FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR, ABIA AWARDS 2018
SHORTLISTED FOR THE MATT RICHELL AWARD FOR NEW WRITER OF THE YEAR, ABIA AWARDS 2018
SHORTLISTED FOR THE NED KELLY AWARD FOR BEST FIRST FICTION 2018
Growing up in a small country town, Ben and Fab spend their days playing cricket, wanting a pair of Nike Air Maxes and not talking about how Fab's dad hits him, or how the sudden death of Ben's next-door neighbour unsettled him. Almost teenagers, they already know some things are better left unsaid.
Then a newcomer arrived. Fab reckoned he was a secret agent and he and Ben staked him out. He looked strong. Maybe even stronger than Fab's dad. Neither realised the shadow this man would cast over both their lives.
Twenty years later, Fab is going nowhere but hoping for somewhere better. Then a body is found in the river, and Fab can't ignore the past any more.
An extremely enjoyable read concerning two boys growing up together, their childhood friendship, their loyalty to each other and the consequences that has for both later in life.
Fab and Ben are best friends. They are on the threshold of puberty, interested in girls and breasts while fretting about the changes in their own bodies and the size of their parts. But there's an innocence about them, they play cricket together, they fish and they have the same enemies at school. Invariably Ben fights the bullies at school, the ones picking on Fab because of his look, his heritage, his unfashionable clothes and out of date trainers. He gets his lumps at school and more from his father at home.
A death of a teenage girl - a casual friend - a few doors down the road from Ben, troubles them both and brings a stranger to the neighbourhood, Ronnie. Ronnie rents the property after the girl's family moved out. Ronnie befriends Ben's family and soon has him doing odd jobs for pocket money - mowing the grass, tidying the shed.
Time spent in Ronnie's company, reveals to us what an odd-bird he is...... the porn mag he gave to Ben, the invitation to take his top off if he was hot, the hand on the cheek and the shoulder rub, the conversation about the magazine and Ben's reaction to it, the temper of display on a fishing trip .... troubling for this reader with alarm bells ringing loudly, concerning and unsettling for Ben, without him understanding why.
Fast forward a bit....... Ben wearing two hundred dollar trainers, and a bit of distance between the two boys - both physically and emotionally.
The story unfolds in a non-linear way which I really liked. We open in present day, where a couple of youngsters have discovered something dumped in the river. We then have the tale of Ben and Fab's friendship and life in their small town. We catch up with the pair at a party long after their school days are done and they've gone their separate ways. And we spend time with Fab, in present day, drifting through life, unsettled making plans for a move to the city and hoping that the spark he shares with the local barmaid is strong enough for her to leave her loveless marriage and join him. Our river giving up its secrets may just put his plans on hold.
There's some difficult subject matter in the book, which is uncomfortable though thankfully never explored explicitly. There are some powerful themes throughout - friendship, love, loyalty, family, race, curiosity about the adult world, adolescence, innocence and the loss of it, drift, a lack of ambition and direction, the shadows that the past cast over the present and ultimately an inability to escape that history.
Powerful, sad and affecting.
Into the River is Mark Brandi's debut novel which was initially published as Wimmera in Australia a year or two ago. I look forward to hopefully reading his second book - The Rip - when it drops in the UK.
Published - 2019 (previously as Wimmera in 2017)
Source - Net Galley courtesy of UK published Legend Press
HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY - CELEBRATE WITH SOME IRISH CRIME FICTION
In celebration of St Patrick's day, you could do worse than pick up an Irish crime novel.
Here's a few intriguing ones still sitting on the TBR pile......
Pat Fitzpatrick, Kevin Power, Gene Kerrigan, Maggie Gibson, David Pearson and Paul Fitzsimons
Pat Fitzpatrick - Keep Away From Those Ferraris (2014)
Reporter Noel Byrne is about to die. Two snipers hold him in their crosshairs as he delivers his live report from the HQ of HiberBank in central Dublin. His first problem is they will kill him if he doesn't say exactly what they want him to say. His second problem? They both want him to say different things. Keep Away from Those Ferraris is the hilarious story of a country in collapse. A vicious gang of bankers and minor celebrities is desperately trying to salvage one last pay day from the wreckage of the Irish economy. Only Byrne can help them. Only Byrne can stop them. Follow him in and out of madcap scrapes across the boardrooms, bedrooms and bars of Celtic Tiger Dublin. And remember the golden rule when billions are at stake - you trust, you lose.
Paul Fitzsimons - Burning Matches (2018)
Detective Kieran Temple is woken by a 4am phone call. Not unusual, except that this call is from his ex-partner, Mia Burrows. And she’s just killed her boyfriend.
As Temple is compelled to investigate the death, he must do so behind the backs of his superiors and his wife. All evidence supports Mia’s claims, that she was defending herself against a maniac. But as he delves deeper, Temple learns of a complex and dysfunctional relationship, one that’s been manipulated from the start.
While carrying out this unsanctioned and disturbing investigation, Temple’s renewed contact with Mia also forces old feelings to resurface, feelings that once nearly cost him his marriage and his career. And with his gut telling him that Mia’s boyfriend was not the brute he’s being made out to be, Temple is determined to get answers while everyone – including Mia herself – just want it left alone.
David Pearson - Murder on the Old Bog Road (2018)
A woman is found dead in a ditch. As the list of suspects grows, a town’s dirty secrets are revealed.
It’s a cold winter evening and rain is sweeping in from the Atlantic when a young woman, having braved the weather to visit her sick mother in a remote part of Ireland, comes across an obstacle in the road. She clears the highway of stones from a damaged bridge only to see the body of a woman in a ditch. With no phone reception, she travels to the nearest police station to report what she has found.
The local Garda waste no time in attending the scene of the crime. The woman is clearly dead, but it needs proper forensics to establish if foul play was the cause. In the meantime, is it not possible that the woman driver was in fact the culprit? She is clearly not telling the whole truth.
A game of cat and mouse ensues when the inquiry is upgraded to a murder investigation. The trouble is, when the victim is recognised as a sex worker, there is no shortage of possible suspects. And few of them, if any, are willing to tell the truth to the police. It will take all of Galway detectives Hays and Lyons’ experience to cut through the web of lies and identify the killer in their midst.
MURDER ON THE OLD BOG ROAD is the first in a series of atmospheric crime fiction titles featuring Detective Inspector Mick Hays and Detective Sergeant Maureen Lyons.
Gene Kerrigan - The Midnight Choir (2006)
A sophisticated crime story of contemporary Ireland, The Midnight Choir teems with moral dilemmas as Dublin emerges as a city of ambiguity: a newly scrubbed face hiding a criminal culture of terrible variety. Small-time criminals have become millionaire businessmen, the poor are still struggling to survive, and the police face a world where the old rules no longer apply.
Maggie Gibson - Blah, Blah Black Sheep (2001)
Journalist Drew Looney is in a rut, waiting for her job to get better - or at least for a decent story. Then, while covering a mundane deportation, she accidentally stumbles upon something far more sinister . . .
Georgina Fitz-Simons has just overcome a flourishing cocaine habit, but not soon enough to stop her falling foul of gangster Broylan Grillo.
As Drew and George are thrown together by circumstance they become increasingly mired in a dark world of drugs, slave labour, money and murder. Not to mention an inconvenient corpse, a Serbian hit man, and a retired Glam rocker. Somehow they must find a way out - but when the going gets tough . .
Kevin Power - Bad Day in Blackrock (2008)
On a late August night a young man is kicked to death outside a Dublin nightclub and celebration turns to devastation. The reverberations of that event, its genesis and aftermath, is the subject of this extraordinary story, stripping away the veneer of a generation of Celtic cubs, whose social and sexual mores are chronicled and dissected in this tract for our times. The victim, Conor Harris, his killers - three of them are charged with manslaughter - and the trial judge share common childhoods and schooling in the privileged echelons of south Dublin suburbia. The intertwining of these lives leaves their afflicted families in moral free fall as public exposure merges with private anguish and imploded futures.
LAWRENCE BLOCK - A TIME TO SCATTER STONES (2019)
MATT SCUDDER RETURNS. More than 40 years after his debut and nearly a decade since his last appearance, one of the most renowned characters in all of crime fiction is back on the case in this major new novella by Mystery Writers of America Grand Master Lawrence Block.
Well past retirement age and feeling his years - but still staying sober one day at a time - Matthew Scudder learns that alcoholics aren't the only ones who count the days since their last slip. Matt's longtime partner, Elaine, tells him of a group of former sex workers who do something similar, helping each other stay out of the life. But when one young woman describes an abusive client who's refusing to let her quit, Elaine encourages her to get help of a different sort. The sort only Scudder can deliver.
A Time to Scatter Stones offers not just a gripping crime story but also a richly drawn portrait of Block's most famous character as he grapples with his own mortality while proving to the younger generation that he's still got what it takes.
For Scudder's millions of fans around the world (including the many who met the character through Liam Neeson's portrayal in the film version of A Walk Among the Tombstones), A Time to Scatter Stones is an unexpected gift - a valedictory appearance that will remind readers why Scudder is simply the best there is.
From Booklist (Starred Review)
"Block's unlicensed New York City investigator Matt Scudder debuted 40 years ago but has been absent for the last decade... Block has never been predictable, as this novella demonstrates... A superb book and a reminder to his longtime fans that this crime-fiction master hasn't lost his touch."
"If brevity keeps all the usual supporting characters from returning, some nice nostalgic mentions will reassure fans that they haven't been forgotten. It's good to see Matt back in action."
This ebook edition of A Time to Scatter Stones also includes as a bonus Lawrence Block's introduction to his new Subterranean Press anthology, At Home in the Dark.
A new Scudder tale about 10 years after the last and a cause for celebration around these parts.
Humour, sex, companionship, the ageing process, on-point everyday observations, a Prostitutes Anonymous self help group - think AA for sex workers, sobriety, a threat to a friend and one more case for Matt.
Not too long, but long enough to savour and enjoy some more time spent in the company of an older, slower, slightly less sharp Scudder. It is interesting seeing Matt acknowledge his decline as he endeavours to track down the mystery client who has been threatening Elaine's friend, after she informed him of her decision to stop offering her services for sale.
I liked the investigation, the characters introduced and encountered along the way - the sketch artist, the janitor. I enjoyed the pace of the story and the outcome for our villain and the icing on the cake - the post-case outcome for Matt, Elaine and the friend (name escapes me).
Let's hope he makes another comeback in say another five years time.
Lawrence Block has written a zillion novels in his time, including 17 full length Scudder novels and at least half a dozen short stories featuring Matt. It's a series I intend to return to. My reading thus far has stalled at about the sixth entry.
Read - February, 2019
Source - review copy from author
MARCH 2019 - ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY - 6 OF THE B...
FEBRUARY 2019 - READING LIST AND PICK OF THE MONTH...
HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY - CELEBRATE WITH SOME IRISH...
TREVOR MARK THOMAS - THE BOTHY (2019)
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH PETER RITCHIE
2 BY JAMES W. ZISKIN
JOHN DALE (ed.) - SYDNEY NOIR (AKASHIC NOIR SERIES...
FEBRUARY 2019 - FILMS + TV (+ THEATRE)
FEBRUARY 2019 - ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY - 6 OF TH...
DAVID BECKLER - THE MONEY TRAP (2019)
SAM WIEBE - HOLLYWOOD NORTH (2018)
JAMES ROSS - THEY DON'T DANCE MUCH (1940)
2 BY PAUL HEATLEY
PETER RITCHIE - WHERE NO SHADOWS FALL (2019)
MATH BIRD - HISTORIES OF THE DEAD AND OTHER STORIE...
DAVID BECKLER - FORGED IN FLAMES (2018)
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The Last ContinentColin Smythe2019-07-06T16:06:09+00:00
The twenty-second novel in the Discworld Series
UK hbk: Doubleday, 93,500 copies on 1 May 1998 (0-385-40989-3)
There were two issues of the first printing: an initial quantity for Australia (to ensure exclusivity in that market) – about 10,000 copies – with deep blue end-papers and plain spine blocking, and those for the home market in which the spine blocking used the same lettering as on the dustjacket, and had red end-papers. The first reprint combined the deep blue end-papers and the second style of spine blocking.
Streamer (home ref): 066321 (called ISBN but not)
Discworld: The Unseen University Collection (hbk, cover engraving by Joe McLaren): Doubleday, 20 October 2016 (978-0-857-52414-0)
Pbk: Corgi, early edition 77,500 copies, main edition 272,000 copies 30 April 1999 (0-552-14614-5), reprinted 1999 and numerous times thereafter
B-format, with black/gold photographic design cover, February 2006 (0-552-15418-0)
B-format, with modified Kirby design, Corgi, 10 October 2013 (978-0-552-16760-4)
Large print hbk: Charnwood [Thorpe/Ulverscroft], 2005 (1-84395-642-X)
USA hbk: HarperPrism (jacket illus. Douglas Paul Designs ), March 1999 (0-06-105048-2)
Book proof: number uncertain
Pbk: HarperPrism (cover design as for hbk), February 2000 (0-06-105907-2)
Issued under HarperTorch imprint, 10/00 (same ISBN as above)
Reissued with new cover, HarperTorch, 26 October 2004 (same ISBN as above)
Premium pbk: Harper, 29 April 2014 (978-0-06-228019-0)
US book club: Science Fiction Book Club Selection, March 1999 (cover as for hbk) 5 February 1999 (ref. 05512)
Bulgarian: Последният Континент, trs. Vladimir Zarkov, Vuzev/Arhont-V, ?March 2000 (954-422-056-9)
Czech: Poslední Kontinent, trs. Jan Kantůrek Talpress, 10,000 copies September 1999 (80-7197-151-0)
Dutch: Het Jongste Werelddeel, trs.Venugopalan Ittekot (pseud. of Ruurd Groot), Het Spectrum, August 2001 (90-274-7366-8)
Estonian: Viimane Manner, trs. Allan Eichenbaum, jacket illus. Hillar Mets, Varrak, March 2006 (9985-3-1205-8)
Finnish: Viimeinen manner, trs. Mika Kivimäki, Karisto, April 2008 (978-951-23-4966-1)
French: Le Dernier Continent, trs. Patrick Couton, L’Atalante, September 2003 (2-84172-250-3)
Reissue, with new introduction by Terry Pratchett (dated September 2014), 23 March 2017 (978-2-84172-802-2)
Mass-market pbk: Pocket, November 2007 (978-2-266-17415-2)
Pbk with Marc Simonetti cover: Pocket, August 2011 (978-2-266-21202-1)
German trade pbk: Heiße Hüpfer, trs. Andreas Brandhorst, Goldmann, October 1999 (3-442-21646-9)
Mass-market pbk: Goldmann, May 2004 (3-442-44232-X)
Hungarian: Kallódó kontinens, trs. Csaba Járdán, Delta Vision, 8 December 2011 (978-963-9679-96-2)
Polish: Ostatni kontynent, trs. Piotr W.Cholewa, Prószyński i S-ka, c.4,000 copies, 2006 (83-7469-178-6)
Russian: Последний континент, trs. S. Uvbarkh & A. Zhikarentsev, Eksmo, c. 8,000 copies in 2005 (5-699-12841-7)
new edition: Eksmo, 2014 (978-5-699-19242-7)
Serbian: Poslednji kontinent, trs. Nevena Andrić, Laguna, c.December 2010 (978-86-521-0562-5)
Spanish: El País del Fin del Mundo, trs. Albert Solé, Plaza y Janés, January 2000 (84-01-32792-X)
Pbk: Debols!llo/Plaza y Janés, January 2001 (84-8450-429-8, vol.342/9)
Reissue in new format (8th printing): 4/03 (84-9759-681-1)
2nd edition [printing] in this format, April 2004 (same ISBN as above)
Massmarket: Bestseller/Bols!llo, February 2010 (978-84-9908-594-4)
Revised cover: Debols!llo, March 2016 (same ISBN as above)
Swedish: Den Sista Kontinenten, trs. Mats Blomqvist, Wahlströms, 2008 (978-91-7351-376-0)
WIZARD IN OZ
SO, YOU’VE never actually read a Terry Pratchett novel? You’ve heard they’re hysterically funny and that puts you off, since you know yourself to have a sense of humour superior to all other mortals; or you consider the literary novel and the political biography to be the only noble pursuits of the serious intellectual; or perhaps you have just returned from a parallel universe in which Terry Pratchett has not yet been invented?
Either way, you’ve missed something rather wonderful. If you have ever wondered about Things – like which came first, the chicken or the egg – and found that wondering led you into impossible interior monologues, then Pratchett is your man. In the Discworld series he has created an integrated reality in which to juggle with the concepts of logic, time, myth, philosophy and morality, and in so doing proved himself a master of pointed satire.
Twenty-one novels on in his travails, he has finally arrived at The Last Continent – not a book about Australia, just “vaguely Australian” – in which Rincewind, an inept wizard, has gone walkabout in the very very dry land of EcksEcksEcksEcks. He encounters sheep, a croc called Drongo, a maniac called Mad who bears no little resemblance to Mel Gibson and, hopping along behind offering encouragement, Scrappy the mystic bush kangaroo.
Elsewhere in Oz, a calamity of wizards from the Unseen University find themselves up to their hats in theology, stranded on a desert island at the beginning of time. Like any self-respecting bunch of academics they think about building a boat, but are hampered by the lack of a decent library. The Librarian himself is ill, with the result that a sneeze can turn him from an orang-utan into a mahogany table or a fluffy red deck-chair.
As a humorist, Pratchett floats like a butterfly, stings like a bee. His love of language is particularly ardent in the area of similes, such as: “Ridcully was to management what King Herod was to the Bethlehem Playgroup Association”.
Underlying the hilarity is astute philosophical and historical observation: “the entirety of human history can be regarded as a sort of blooper reel. All those wars, all those famines caused by malign stupidity, all that determined, mindless repetition of the same old errors, are in the great cosmic scheme of things only equivalent to Mr Spock’s ears falling off.”
Pratchett follows the George Bemard Shaw dictum “if you’re going to tell them the truth, make them laugh, or they’ll kill you.” Like Shaw and Swift, Pratchett uses comedy as a medium for expressing great ideas, a skill which is often under-rated until the author has expired, frequently from depression and penury. Not so in the case of Pratchett, whose books are instant bestsellers, shoplifted more frequently than any other author’s, and read by the inquisitive from teens to OAPs. Susie Maguire in Scotland on Sunday
Terry Ptratchett is probably the world’s most popular author… With their humour, terrors and strange and unnerving philosophical reflections on space and time, Pratchett’s novels are that paradoxical phenomenon – cult writings that are relished by millions. They deserve their success. Given sufficient talent – or genius – anyone could write John Grisham’s or even Tolstoy’s novels. Only Pratchett could write Pratchett’s. Gerald Kaufman in The Express
WIZARDS IN OZ
Charles Spencer is won over by Terry Pratchett’s latest Discworld saga
Everyone knows that science fiction is for nerds in anoraks, though oddly enough, Kingsley Amis was a great fan of the genre, a man one cannot even imagine in an anorak.
Nevertheless, I’ve always fought shy of sci-fi, apart from a brief and unhealthy flirtation, in adolescence, with J.G.Ballard’s deeply sinister novels. After belatedly discovering Terry Pratchett, however, I fear a humiliating trip to the Millet’s anorak department is now inevitable…. Pratchett proves immensely welcoming to the first-time visitor, and astonishingly addictive.
Pratchett comes over like a cross between Tolkien and a gentler, more benign Tom Sharpe. This is sword ‘n’ sorcery fantasy with jokes, and at his considerable best Pratchett puts one in mind of one of the greatest comic writers of them all, P. G. Wodehouse. There is the same love of language (bizarre similes a speciality) and the same reassuring sense of an essential kindliness of temperament….
Pratchett’s portrayal of testy, squabbling academics is delightful, and so too is his gleeful, at times downright mischievous exploitation of almost every Aussie stereotype you can think of.
The one thing the book lacks (and this also applies to the Discworld I started as soon as finishing this one) is that his narrative lacks drive. When the pleasures on the page as so quirkily seductive, however, a gentle stroll can seem preferable to a vigorous canter. And what’s wrong with anoraks anyway? Charles Spencer in The Sunday Telegraph
As any regular Discworld visitor will have realised, Terry Pratchett’s world has grown no less bizarre or multi-layered since he started writing the novels in 1983 or since the last time you dared to pay a visit.
If you liked the experience before, you’ll love this. If you’ve never heard of the Discworld – what was it like spending the past 15 years sealed in a cave 200 miles south of Ulan Batur? Michael Cooban in Yorkshire Post
A Rincewind novel is basically a grand chase scene. By now, as Pratchett says, Rincewind would be completely qualified to write an inspirational manual entitled The From of Running. Francis Spufford in Evening Standard
As usual, the jokes reflect the breadth of Pratchett’s appeal, ranging from truly dreadful puns to elegant allusions to synaesthesia (magic, we’re informed, tastes like tin) and Schrödinger’s wave equation (Unseen University’s smug Lecturer in Creative Uncertainty maintains that he is in a state of both in-ness and out-ness until such time as anyone knocks on his door and collapses the field). Anyone anticipating a decline in quality in the most successful comic fantasy series of all time should heed this volume’s oft-repeated cheery greeting ‘No worries’. Robin Askew in Venue
THE ECKS FILES
The librarian at the Unseen University is at death’s door. The books are in revolt and have barricaded themselves in the library. The Archchancellor decides that the only person who can help is the former assistant librarian and most useless wizard in the world, Rincewind. Unfortunately he is stranded in the desert of EcksEcksEcksEcks, the last continent. While visiting the rooms of the Egregious Professor of Cruel and Unusual Geography, the senior wizards find themselves stranded on a desert island thousands of years in the past. Pratchett’s new novel gets off to a cracking start, but then the plot, well, goes walkabout. Don’t get me wrong, there is plenty of incident, just not much development. For the remainder of the book the wizards bicker among themselves, while Rincewind struggles to escape the outback. Even the Luggage, which in previous novels has torn through the fires of Hades to be with its owner, takes an inordinately long time to catch up with Rincewind.
This is a pity, but certainly not a disaster. The plot eventually returns from its holiday with renewed energy and a nice tan, and everything else is present and correct. The humour sparkles as brightly as ever. there are some wonderful set pieces, such as the wizards trying to pass on their hazy misapprehensions of sex to a bemused got of evolution. There are those sneaky moral aperçus that we have come to treasure: ‘A man sits in a museum somewhere and writes a harmless book about political economy and suddenly thousands of people who haven’t even read it are dying because the ones who did haven’t got the joke.’ Meanwhile every cliché, prejudice and boast about Australia, sorry EcksEcksEcksEcks, is chewed up by Pratchett’s mental mangle.
So it is strange that the jacket carries the unconvincing caveat, ‘Terry Pratchett would like it to be known that The Last Continent is not a book about australia. It’s just vaguely australian.’ Australians with a sense of humour will be delighted by the book. Then again, Australians without a sense of humour tend to be large men with red faces and heavy boots. Peter Ingham in Metro, 2-8 May 1998, p. 20.
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davidlatta
It's Not Where You Start, It's Where You Finish
The Art Of Becoming Part Of The Art: Los Angeles’ 14th Factory and Art In the Age Of The Kardashians.
There’s a reasonably well-known Monty Python sketch in which Pope Alexander IV critiques Michelangelo’s The Last Supper (OK, OK, yes, we know, but that’s how British comedy occasionally rolls). While a complete outline is unnecessary, sufficient to say the Pope is somewhat peeved that the finished work has three Christs (two thin and one fat), 28 disciples and a kangaroo. It ends with an exasperated Pope exclaiming, “Look, I’m the bloody Pope! I may not know much about art but I know what I like.”
I may not know much about art. But I know what I like.
I get that. Because, like most people, I know fuck all about art but I know what I like.
Regrettably (because not only does it date me horribly but places me at the very outer limits of contemporary art’s target market), part of what I appreciate is that it requires a certain level of skill. I like to look at something I know I couldn’t do myself. Something that requires talent and hard work and dedication.
Or, at least, it did.
It’s an old-fashioned conceit, to be sure, in this Age of Inclusiveness. Where anybody can be an artist. Where all you have to do is declare yourself an artist and, voila, an artist you become. And, in very many cases, be very well rewarded for it.
In my travels, I’ve been lucky enough to spend a lot of time in art galleries, checking out my favourite artists. I’ve seen monumental works by Dali across the world, from Madrid to Yokohama, Klimt and Schiele in Vienna, Francis Bacon and Lucien Freud at the Tate Britain, Jackson Pollock as far afield as Canberra and Venice, Botticelli’s Birth Of Venus at the Uffizi, and, without fail, whenever I was in Chicago, there had to be a stop at the Art Institute for Edward Hopper and Nighthawks. There were even times I grew to appreciate an artist by seeing their works in the flesh (so to speak), the best example being Van Gogh from viewing his works in the Hermitage.
Not surprisingly, I’m a great believer in the traditions of a formal art education, the apprenticeship system that started out with the Guilds of the Middle Ages into the Renaissance, that evolved into the Academies and continue in some shape or form to the present day at the conservative end of the art spectrum.
Hundreds of years ago, young artists would learn their craft from the ground up, literally from sweeping the stone floors of their masters’ studios, along with a range of ancillary skills such as grinding pigments and priming panels. If they showed promise, there were years rigorously developing their draughtsmanship skills by copying the works of established artists; Michelangelo, for example, spent much of his youth in Florentine churches, slavishly imitating Giotto.
The last two hundred years has been marked by a rolling tide of rebellions against such tradition. Pre-Raphaelite, Art Nouveau, Dada, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art. Just a sampling of the movements that railed against what had come before.
In some garret somewhere in the world, there seemed always to be some paint-splattered personage, with a catchy didactic ready to be flung, knife-like, at their betters and a band of followers eager to man the barricades.
The result is that art is no longer a spectator sport. The rebellions have come so continually and spun so fast that we are all now our own Che Guevaras with the merchandise to match. With our smartphones at the ready, we’re Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons and each and every one of the Kardashians in one underwhelming multi-media package.
Power to the people. And even if we have no traditional tangible talent, point and shoot, upload to Facebook or Instagram and, as the likes and comments swamp us with the toasty satisfaction that comes from the approval of complete strangers, we become not only the artist but the art itself.
And so we arrive at the 14th Factory, which has recently completed its run in Los Angeles. The organisers call it a “monumental, multiple-media, socially-engaged art installation” as well as the “largest experiential art project” the city has ever seen.
And, in a city that can lay claim to inspiring more social media than most, the crowds came, saw, recorded and uploaded in record numbers.
Its home was an empty warehouse complex in Lincoln Heights, on the edge of downtown. Hong Kong-based artist, Simon Birch and 20 collaborators put on a show that perfectly exemplified art in the age of instant gratification. Utilising video, installation, sculpture, painting and performance, it was satisfyingly snappy and tactile in ways that traditional art galleries can never be.
The audience became complicit in the exhibits, smartphones poised, making sure every trout-pout, upwardly tilted face and angled body is immediately shared with their followers. Can’t do that with the Mona Lisa.
There is, of course, a word for all this. The “artselfie” was coined by art critic Brian Droitcour in 2012. It is, he has said, part of the “…aestheticisation of everyday life in social media that has leeched the authority of image-making from mass media and from art”.
But is an art gallery that celebrates the artselfie really art? Who knows. And, really, who cares, when it looks as good as it does and provides so many self-interacting opportunities.
A room with 300 pitchforks hanging from the ceiling has a line of onlookers waiting patiently to take their own artselfies underneath. A reflecting pool in an outdoor courtyard contains dozens of salvaged airplane tail sections. The queue starts over there. A video installation showing, across multiple screens, a red Ferrari in a slow-motion car crash, with the adjoining room presenting smalls pieces of wreckage on a long table. Best you come back later.
And, at least to my undiscerning eye, the best of the lot. A full-size recreation of the eerily-lit Empire-inspired bedroom from 2001: A Space Odyssey (at a point in the film when the astronaut Bowman appears as old man before transforming into the Star Child). Masterminded by Birch and architect Paul Kember, it’s a major hit with the crowd and full points to the organisers who limit only a few visitors into the room at any one time. Instagrammers and Snapchatters swooned with delight.
Of course, the inevitable had to happen. In mid-July, a woman taking selfies accidently demolished one of the exhibits, causing an estimated $US200,000. Simon Birch, contacted in Hong Kong, was philosophical (though most likely delighted with the world-wide publicity which, invariably, led to claims the incident was staged). Any publicity, in the age of Insta-art, is good publicity.
So while there may be some who decry today’s “technically impoverished” artists, you can’t help but feel Simon Birch and 14th Factory have given the public exactly what they want. And what these precocious times need the most. In an ironic post-modern kinda way.
Words and photos © David Latta 2017
Author davidlattaPosted on August 1, 2017 August 2, 2017 Format VideoCategories Art, Movies, Travel, United StatesTags 14th Factory, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Andy Warhol, Art, Art Galleries, Botticelli, Brian Droitcour, Dali, Edward Hopper, Facebook, Francis Bacon, Giotto, Instagram, Jackson Pollock, Jeff Koons, Kardashians, Klimt, Lincoln Heights, Los Angeles, Lucien Freud, Michelangelo, Monty Python, Schiele, Snapchat, Van Gogh3 Comments on The Art Of Becoming Part Of The Art: Los Angeles’ 14th Factory and Art In the Age Of The Kardashians.
Always On My Mind: Elvis Presley, Memphis And The Music That Changed The World
Soundtrack To The Seventies: Disco, AOR And Associated Musical Musings On A 1978 Lincoln Continental Town Car
Rat Rods, Rocket Sleds and Land Yachts: Atomic Age Detroit Metal Shines At Newcastle Museum
LA’s Downtown Wunderkammer: Christian Charity, Commercial Oblation and the Enduring Wonder of Clifton’s Cafeteria.
The Sun Comes Up Without You, It Doesn’t Know You’re Gone: Gram Parsons Is Forever In Residence At The Joshua Tree Inn.
Starry Nights At The Dream Factory: Bedding Down A Piece Of Hollywood History At The Travelodge Hotel At LAX
Adventures In Vinyl: #8 In A Continuing Series – The Andrew Oldham Orchestra and The Rolling Stones Songbook
Barbarians Storm The Citadel: Australian Fashion Week 2015 Allows The General Public A Peek Behind The Scenes
The Muralist Vision Of Paul Thomas Anderson: Inherent Vice And The Cinematic Traditions of Los Angeles
The Gentle Art Of Indulgence: Living Well At The InterContinental Bali Resort
Mind Games at Michi: A Place Of Tropical Noir Dreams In Ubud, Bali
Nice Guys Finish First: The Love Boat’s Gavin MacLeod And The Redemptive Power Of Nostalgia
To Die For: Nicole Kidman, Too Many Cocktails and The Greatest Exit Line In The World.
Thar She Blows: Baked Ham and Veiled Violence in Paul W.S. Anderson’s Pompeii
Travelgal on the move
The Museum of the American Cocktail
Reflections of Anna
gemstone78
TALK ABOUT BEAUTY
Expat@Large
My Girls On Tour
SMALL-TOWN GIRLS, MIDNIGHT TRAINS
Talking Classics
Adrift in the Distance
Under the Hollywood Sign
Pamilla The SoloTravelMuse
Flashin' on the 70s
Close-ups and Long-shots
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Even in the suburbs, magic is possible. #roadtrip #roadtrippin #traveladdict #traveller #instatravel #instagram #instapassport #escapesnaps #travelphotos #picoftheday #wanderlust #travelphotography #australia #visitnsw #sydney #christmas #lights #christmaslights #excess #twinklylights
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Golden Hollywood Gems
A food and travel blog from the perspective of a budding traveler.
Writings of a Cinephile
History and Filmmaking in the Heart of Hollywood
An Inspiring Journey of Solo Travel
By Michael G. Ankerich
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Hotels in United States
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Luxury hotels in St. Charles
Pheasant Run Resort & Convention Center
4051 East Main Street, 60174 St. Charles, United States
St. Charles, 4.6 km from the city centre. 4051 East Main Street See on map
With a stay at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles (Western Suburbs), you'll be minutes from Dupage Expo Center and close to Charlestowne...
Visit St. Charles
Our extensive database includes dozens of luxury hotels in St. Charles so that you can select those which are the best value for money. To help you, our search engine has a filter that selects all the luxury hotels in St. Charles that are included in our database.
Luxury hotels offer many more services than standard category hotels and also a level of sophistication and quality that set them apart from most other hotel establishments. Although the luxury hotels in St. Charles have higher than average prices, the Destinia search technology has been developed to allow you to find the best price from among these luxury products. In all cases, targeted at a more demanding public, a luxury hotel in St. Charles is now accessible to anyone, since we select the best prices.
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Deadline’s SAG Awards Live Blog
Kim Delaney Remembers Steven Bochco: “He Changed My Life”
There is no actor more closely associated with top TV producer Steven Bochco, who died Sunday, than Kim Delaney. She was a fresh-faced twentysomething when he gave her her first major primetime TV role, an arc on Season 2 of his NBC legal drama L.A. Law in 1987 as attorney Leslie Kleinberg. The same year, Bochco booked Delaney for a guest stint on another series he had on ABC, police comedy-drama Hooperman.
Eight years later, Bochco brought Delaney onto ABC cop drama NYPD Blue, which he had created with David Milch, as Detective Diane Russell, a role that earned her three Emmy nominations and a win in 1997. Bochco went on to co-create a starring vehicle for Philadelphia native Delaney, the 2001 ABC drama Philly, which lasted one season but was well received by critics. Their collaboration continued through Bochco’s final series, TNT’s Murder In the First, on which Delaney did an arc two years ago.
David E. Kelley On Steven Bochco's Death: 'A Devastating Loss For Television'
Like many who had been close to Bochco, Delanay was hit hard by the news of his passing after a long battle with leukemia. Here is what she wrote for Deadline about the three decades she had spent with him as her producer, friend and confidant and the best advice he gave her.
Steven was so much to me. We were friends; it went way beyond the work.
He believed in me from the start…
1987 LA Law, Hooperman, then NYPD Blue, created Philly for me, Murder in the First.
What made Steven special to me was not just him being a brilliant, Hollywood Legend; It’s him as a trusted friend, family man, confidante – always there for the good, the bad, and the ugly. All of it.
I was at a major crossroads in my life. Steven sat with me and very gently said, “People say life is short…life is long. You can change at any time and make it what you want. Go live it.”
Steven changed my life. He made me think, laugh, cry, do better, be better. My heart aches.
Latest TV News
'Black Lightning' Actor Damon Gupton Announces Exit From CW Series
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'Batwoman' Comes Out: Ruby Rose's CW Superhero Tells Gotham She's A Lesbian
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CodiLime co-founder and CEO wins Poland’s top business award for Vision and Innovation
May 17, 2016 /in Press release /by Barbara Rutkowska
Tomasz Kulakowski, co-founder and CEO of CodiLime, the sole investor in the Big Data science company deepsense.io, is the winner of Polish Business Roundtable’s 2016 Vision and Innovation Award. PRB’s Jan Wejchert Awards are the most prestigious prizes in the Polish business community.
Tomasz Kulakowski, co-founder and CEO of CodiLime is the winner of Polish Business Roundtable’s 2016 Vision and Innovation Award. Kulakowski’s win underscores his leadership behind deepsense.io’s strong position in the global market and explosive growth in Big Data analytics. Palo Alto and Warsaw-based CodiLime, a professional IT consulting and software engineering services company employs more than 150 data scientists and programmers.
“I am extremely honored to have received the Polish Business Roundtable’s 2016 Jan Wejchert Business Vision and Innovation Award. This win is the result of many years of hard work by the entire CodiLime team, starting with our co-founders and including all of our employees,” said Tomasz Kulakowski. “I am particularly proud that our hard work and good fortune have allowed us to create a strong and rapidly growing team which provides critical, cutting-edge services for some of the world’s leading companies.”
deepsense.io recently received extensive international media coverage in Fortune.com, Newsweek, The Atlantic, Reuters, Bloomberg and TechTimes for its victory in the NOAA Fisheries Right Whale Recognition challenge. deepsense.io’s machine learning team of prize-winning Kaggle.com competitiors created an algorithm for identifying individual North Atlantic right whales that topped entries from 364 teams from around the world. The team’s efforts now help scientists protect this highly endangered species from extinction. Visit our blog to find out more about the win in the Right Whale Recognition challange.
Palo Alto, CA and Warsaw-based deepsense.io works with clients including NTT, Intel, Nielsen and IBM to leverage Big Data analytics for business purposes across a number of industries. The company recently released the newest version of its flagship product Seahorse, a scalable data analytics workbench powered by Apache Spark. Seahorse allows data scientists to visually design, edit and execute Spark applications using a Web-based code-free interface. deepsense.io scientists are currently working on integrating Seahorse with Intel’s Trusted Analytics Platform (TAP).
codilime.com descripion
https://deepsense.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/codilime-co-founder-ceo-wins-polands-top-business-award-vision-innovation.jpg 337 1140 Barbara Rutkowska https://deepsense.ai/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/DS_logo_color.svg Barbara Rutkowska2016-05-17 14:09:462019-07-26 09:13:35CodiLime co-founder and CEO wins Poland’s top business award for Vision and Innovation
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Hobbit: Desolation - Ext w/WETA statue, Mad Men: S7 - Part 1, Sands of Iwo Jima & MUCH more news & artwork
We’ll start today’s post with a couple new things here at The Bits.
Our very own Dr. Adam Jahnke has turned in this week’s Burnt Offerings: MOD DVD column, running down the latest in small batch DVD and Blu-ray titles from Warner Archive, Sony Pictures Classics, and 20th Century Fox Cinema Archives. Among them, you’ll find Fox’s recently cancelled Almost Human: The Complete TV Series on DVD – 13 episodes on 3 discs with some extras too. It’s a shame that show got nixed just as it was finally starting to get good.
Also here at The Bits today, you’ll find new Blu-ray reviews from Tim of Criterion’s Being John Malkovich and Twilight Time’s The Mechanic. Both are worth a look. [Read on here…]
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Extended Edition
WETA statue
Mad Men: The Final Season Part 1
Cauldron of Blood
14 Blades
Thunder and the House of Magic
Dead Within
Planet of the Vampires
Mulholland Falls
Jundo
Dragonfly Squadron
Twilight Time’s May, June, July & August, plus new Fox Amazon exclusives & lunar eclipse tonight
All right, we’ve got a bunch release news for you today...
First though, we’ve got a new Blu-ray review from Dr. Jahnke for you this afternoon. It’s a newly-released Warner Archive title from 1970 directed by Donald Cammell and Nicolas Roeg, and starring Mick Jagger and James Fox – Performance. Do check it out.
My Star Trek: Enterprise – Season Four Blu-ray review will be up very soon. Sorry for the delay getting it posted, but there’s good reason. We have a special guest staying with us here this week: Sue Maxwell, the wife of our longtime (and dearly departed) Bits staff writer Barrie Maxwell. She’s been in town for the TCM Film Festival and now she’s visiting with us this week before returning home to Canada. So anyway, I appreciate your patience. And Sue sends her best to all of you! [Read on here...]
Adam Jahnke
Thunderbirds are Go
Two Rode Together
Prisoners of War: Season One
The Man from Laramie
The Train
Heaven Knows Mr Allison
Brannigan
The Buddy Holly Story
The Abbot and Costello Show
Louie: Season Three
Contact Bill Hunt
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About Bill Hunt
Bill Hunt is the Editor in Chief of The Digital Bits, and the co-author (with Todd Doogan) of the Amazon Top 50 selling book The Digital Bits: Insiders Guide to DVD. Hunt founded The Bits in 1997, in the early days of the DVD format,…
Recent My Two Cents
30 Rock BD coming from Mill Creek, plus Warner Archive teases Tex Avery on Blu-ray, Disney drops the “Fox” name
Criterion’s April slate has Wes Anderson, Jean-Pierre Melville & more (plus word on their planned 2020 box sets)
BREAKING: Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures announce the merger of their home entertainment disc operations
My Bloody Valentine update, Parasite, Quiet Place 4K Steelbook, new BD reviews, and more on CES & physical media
Joker reviewed in 4K, plus the Academy Award nominations are in, and a word on 8K at CES 2020
Ford v Ferrari officially announced, plus Queen & Slim, Ip Man 4, and Force 10 from Navarone
Jan 8, 2020 - 5:35 pm
My Two Cents Archives
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How to Calculate Total Lifetime Costs of Enterprise Software Solutions
Design for Scale, Build for Sustainability, Be Collaborative, Use Open Standards, Open Data, Open Source, and Open Innovation
To ensure the success and sustainability of your initiative or program, weigh all potential considerations in selecting software, calculating and planning for technology costs beyond the initial deployment.
Digital development practitioners strive to select and implement sustainable, robust and cost-effective software solutions. One of the challenges faced in accomplishing this goal is that the total lifetime costs of implementation are often not accounted for accurately in a program budget. Technical experts who know how to identify and quantify ongoing costs related to usage, hosting and support may not be consulted during proposal writing. Inaccurate estimates can put a burden on program budgets or lead to choosing software that has prohibitive costs to scale or sustain. Further, digital development programs often aim to introduce tools and systems that can be transferred to a government partner for ongoing implementation and maintenance, so not accurately estimating costs transfers the long-term burden to the country, potentially leaving it with a solution that is ultimately abandoned because it is not affordable.
To evaluate the lifetime costs of a software accurately, the total cost of ownership (TCO) needs to be calculated. This calculation takes into account the costs of the software itself, as well as the necessary hardware, hosting and support. Understanding all the costs that will be incurred over the lifetime of a system can be tricky, as it is easy to overlook key considerations and costs that come later in the project lifecycle. It is useful to calculate TCO during the analysis and planning phase, as the resulting figure is one factor used to compare and select software options. (For a discussion of other software-selection factors, see How to Choose a Mobile Data Collection Platform. TCO also gives an accurate estimate of your program’s budget needs to share with funders. If you are already implementing a software solution, calculating TCO can help you with ongoing budget planning and with communicating costs to partners who take over maintenance of the system.
TCO is only one of many considerations when selecting software. Other considerations include important contextual factors such as functionality, ease of use, local infrastructure, existing systems and the presence of a community of developers or consultants who can maintain the software and support users. For example, if there is no knowledge of the software locally, extra resources will be required to develop local expertise to maintain the system.
This guide outlines steps to help you calculate the TCO for a software solution. These recommendations are summarized from existing references, which can be found in the Resources section.
Understand the ecosystem. Before estimating costs and selecting a software, it is important to understand the context in which you will implement. Even if you prefer software that you have previously selected, you should still reconsider the costs, as they may have changed over time or may be different in a different community. For example, in a country with a less competitive mobile market, you may find that costs for mobile data or SMS messaging are more expensive than in a country with a very competitive market. The costs of developers or other technologists to support maintenance of the system may also vary considerably. You may experience costs savings if a tool has already been implemented in the country, because experienced local developers and consultants have already been trained and are ready to provide support.
Understand cost drivers. Pinpoint the types of costs you will incur to develop, initially deploy, scale and sustain the software you are implementing or considering. TCO is typically calculated for three to five years, the average project lifecycle, but this timespan could vary based on your tool or context. Work with your team and potential software vendors to identify the relevant costs. Consult with other digital practitioners to get advice on other costs to consider.
The illustrative list of cost drivers in Figure 1 is adapted from existing TCO guides.[1],[2] Not all costs will be relevant for every project or tool. For example, open source and proprietary software will have different licensing costs.
Figure 1: Software costs throughout the project lifecycle
Cost driver
Management and staffing Salary and travel expenses What is the level of effort for program management staff associated with training, vendor relationship management and other meetings?
Does staff capacity already exist on your team, or will you need to hire and train new resources to handle the program?
Is there an opportunity to build capacity with existing staff at a lower cost than hiring new staff?
Development and Setup Software licensing cost per environment and per user What is the licensing model? For example, is it open source or proprietary? What are the licensing costs, and how will these change with scale?
Is there a flat fee per number of users or individual fees per user or device?
Is there a platform fee or costs to add users?
Development and Setup Software customization, including adding additional languages If you are working with software vendor, what are the costs to add features now or in the future?
If the software is open source, is there a responsive, established user community that will provide support and help add features at no cost?
Do you have skilled, available technical staff who can customize the software? What is the level of effort for technical staff to customize the software?
What are the costs to contract with a consultant who is skilled and familiar with the software code to do the customizations?
What are the costs to translate terms and develop the software in additional languages, if needed?
Development and Setup Software installation and configuration What is the level of effort for staff to install and configure the software? If you are replacing an existing system, consider the time needed to uninstall a previous system and to transfer data from the old system to the new system.
Development and Setup Interoperability with other systems What is the cost to interoperate with existing tools and systems?
What efforts will be needed to ensure that the system compiles with relevant standards, including open standards?
Development and Setup Hardware Do you need servers?
Do users need devices?
Deployment Cost and availability of data connectivity and power What is the cost for the internet bandwidth or mobile data needed for the software to operate properly?
Will you need to equip your office with generators to ensure that the system remains running during power outages?
Do you need solar chargers, car chargers or spare batteries for reliable device charging?
Deployment Training Is there a fee for initial training?
Are there travel and other logistical costs associated with training?
Do you need to create new training and capacity building materials?
How long are the trainings?
How many people need to be trained?
How frequently will you offer training to new users as the tool scales?
Operations Voice and data services (mobile data plan, internet, number of text messages) How many text messages and voice minutes will be used?
How much mobile data will be needed for each user?
Can you negotiate a below-market rate with a mobile network operator?
Operations Hardware maintenance, ongoing administration and replacement rate of hardware How often will you replace hardware (typical replacement rate is approximately 20 to 25 percent per year)?
What are typical maintenance costs?
How many staff members are needed for ongoing administration of hardware? What are their costs related to travel to project sites?
Operations Subscriptions Is there a subscription fee?
Are there costs to receive software updates or to access specific features?
Operations Software maintenance (fixing bugs, adding features, maintaining customizations) Will you need to pay new license fees when you update to new software versions?
Will volunteers from the open source community be able to do maintenance, or will you have to hire a developer? Consider that some updates may require additional development and testing.
Will you get support from a vendor or program staff? Consider the budget implications of operations support for system crashes or to address software performance issues.
Operations Transfer of ownership How much staff time will be needed to transition ownership to the government or another entity? What capacity building will this require?
Will licensing costs change due to an increase in number of users?
Will the new owner need to procure new hardware?
Operations Refresher training and additional training activities What is the staff attrition rate?
How frequently will you provide refresher training?
What other training activities and materials will you offer?
Create budget matrices to summarize or compare costs. Use your identified costs to create a detailed budget for each software solution, and then summarize the costs in a budget matrix (see Figure 2). If you are comparing costs across software solutions, use the comparison chart (see Figure 3). Online tools are also available to summarize your costs and compare TCO of different software, such as the following:
Total Cost of Ownership Model developed by Dimagi to help with budgeting for mobile tools.
Costing Utility Analysis tool created by NetHope for calculating costs related to electronic payment tools (such as mobile money) and comparing them to costs associated with cash-based payment systems.
Tip: Consider how costs will vary as your initiative moves from pilot to scale to sustainability. Important variables include the cost of adding and supporting new users, in addition to preparation and training for transferring system maintenance to local partners.
Figure 2: Summary budget matrix for an individual software application
Budgeting category
Year 0 (pilot)
Five-year total
Management and staffing
Development and setup
Figure 3: Comparison chart for software
Software 1: Five-year total
Use your TCO for planning, decision making and learning. TCO is one selection factor that you can consider when deciding between several software options. You may also want to develop comparison charts that rank other factors important to your initiative and context, such as whether a local user and support community exists, whether the software adheres to open standards, whether it is available in the local language and so on. While cost alone should not be seen as the definitive deciding factor, TCO is important for planning and for determining if a tool will fit in your budget. Once you have established your TCO, share it with your funder or other stakeholders, so they can understand the cost drivers and the true cost of implementation. Some funders may be interested in analysis, such as the total cost per user, which can be calculated once you have estimated the TCO.
During the course of the initiative, monitor your budget to determine if your TCO estimates were accurate. If you find that certain costs were significantly higher or lower than estimated or if you encounter new costs, recalculate your TCO and realign your budget as appropriate.
In your evaluation phase, compare your estimated TCO with the actual costs. Look at where you over- or underestimated, and see what lessons you can learn for future TCO calculations. Consider sharing your TCO process, the costs you identified and any mistakes you made in estimation with other digital development practitioners.
These outcomes are illustrative and have been collected from digital development organizations that have followed the steps outlined in this guide.
Better understanding of lifetime software costs, allowing for more accurate budget estimates.
Ability to communicate true funding needs and show due diligence in software selection to donors, partners, host-country governments or other stakeholders.
Deployment of software that meets local needs and can be scaled and sustained.
Common Missteps
Identifying only the short-term costs. Make sure that you estimate the costs for the entire life of the initiative, not just for the initial deployment and pilot phases. Plan for long-term costs, such as staff turnover, refresher training, support services and software updates.
Not engaging individuals with the needed technical knowledge during budgeting. During your budgeting process, which often occurs while developing a funding proposal, make sure that you engage someone with the expertise needed to develop an accurate and thorough technology budget. If you do not have that expertise on your staff, seek out a consultant with that expertise.
Misunderstanding the technical needs of the initiative. Take the time to design with the user to avoid the risk of choosing a tool without “must-have” features. Make sure that you account for the time and budget needed to carry out sufficient user research and to continue to solicit user feedback throughout the project lifecycle.
Not considering costs unique to the ecosystem. A previous implementation of a tool in another context will help you understand some costs but not the full picture. Create your TCO with a strong understanding of the current ecosystem and the new, increased or reduced costs that you will experience in this specific context.
Failing to manage and control costs. Proper planning, training and oversight can help cost estimates remain accurate. Plan for ways to ensure that the software maintenance, hardware replacement and training costs remain within budget, which could include providing hardware to staff with protective cases and communicating a clear usage and damage policy.
Budgeting for a Project: CommCare Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Model, Dimagi. https://confluence.dimagi.com/display/commcarepublic/Budgeting+for+a+Project
Costing Utility Analysis tool, NetHope Solutions Center. http://solutionscenter.nethope.org/products/view/653
Free as in Puppy: The Hidden Costs of Free Software, Opensource.com. https://opensource.com/article/17/2/hidden-costs-free-software
Planning an Information Systems Project: A Toolkit for Public Health Managers, PATH and World Health Organization. https://www.path.org/publications/files/TS_opt_ict_toolkit.pdf
[1] World Health Organization, PATH. Planning an Information Systems Project: A Toolkit for Public Health Managers. Seattle: PATH, 2013. Available at https://www.path.org/publications/files/TS_opt_ict_toolkit.pdf.
[2] Cotton B. “Free as in Puppy: The Hidden Costs of Free Software” [blog post]. Opensource.com. 2017 Feb 13. https://opensource.com/article/17/2/hidden-costs-free-software.
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Welcome to the Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers blog. It includes helpful posts to connect, inform, develop and represent the scholarly publishing community.
Dodo or Dog? Challenging the book in scholarship and higher education in the digital era
Dodo or Dog?
It is a good job that this conference, which will be held in Amsterdam on 12 and 13 October 2008, has a more descriptive subtitle: Challenging the book in scholarship and higher education in the digital era.
The conference has been timed to coincide with the Frankfurt Book Fair and the full programme is available on the conference website.
Posted by Audrey McCulloch at 17:30 No comments: Links to this post
Crash, bang, whallop!
Last week I had a phone call from Arend Kuester of Publishers Communications Group to discuss the programme for the Success in East and Central Europe seminar that we will be holding on 3 October 2008. Arend was apologizing for a delay in finalizing the speaker line up because his hard disk had crashed and he'd had to have the data professionally recovered... I admitted that my own back-up regime hadn't been all that it should be lately and Arend urged me to back-up my data as soon as I could.
The very next day - and before I'd been able to follow Arend's advice - my laptop crashed as I was booting it up to do some work while I waited for a meeting to start. You've guessed it - when I reboot, the computer can't find the disk drive and I'm getting the ominous 'click of death' from the drive.
Unlike Arend, my disk drive was totally caput and even a specialist data recovery company was unable to recover a single byte...
Now most of my data was backed-up but reconstructing my files - and particularly my e-mail - was much, much more painful than it would have been had I regularly backed up... so if you are in a similar boat, working for a small company or acting as a sole trader and responsible for your own back-up then heed the advice from Arend and now from me - BACK-UP!
Please note that I may not have been able to recover 100% of my MS Outlook diary appointments so if I have a meeting scheduled with you I would be very grateful if you could re-confirm it with me; better safe than sorry!
Publishers Licensing Society (PLS) Annual Open Meeting and reception
This from Imogen Forbes at the PLS:
The Publishers Licensing Society (PLS) wishes to invite all publishers to its Annual Open Meeting and reception.
The free-to-attend meeting is being held on 4th July 2008 at the Institute of Physics in central London. It represents an opportunity for publishers to learn about rights’ focused initiatives that PLS facilitates on behalf of all UK publishers.
This year PLS is especially delighted to welcome Ed Quilty from the UK Intellectual Property Office and Olav Stokkmo, General Secretary of IFRRO as guest speakers. There will also be a reception after the event so publishers can network with colleagues and PLS staff.
The event will highlight some of the rights challenges that publishers face today, and PLS support for the new collective digital licences that CLA has launched. Alicia Wise, Chief Executive notes that ‘collective digital licences present a new revenue stream to publishers. Operating on an ‘opt-in’ basis means that publishers have the control over their digital content and can feel confident in the collective licensing structure in the UK’.
If you wish to attend, or require further details, please contact :Imogen Forbes (i.forbes@pls.org.uk / +44 (0) 207 299 7730)
New North American Editor for Learned Publishing
After two fantastically successful years as North American Editor of Learned Publishing, we are very sad that Priscilla Markwood is stepping down from the post. The North American Editor is appointed by the Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP) as part of the collaborative arrangement between ALPSP and SPP and Priscilla has done an absolutely terrific job and will be missed.
We are, though, delighted to announce that Janet Fisher has agreed to succeed Priscilla as North American Editor. Janet is Senior Publishing Consultant at PCG, a former President of SSP and has served on the board of directors for the Association of American University Presses, the journals committee of the Professional/Scholarly Publishing Division of the Association of American Publishers, and in various capacities with SSP.
To quote Carol Anne Meyer who led the effort to recruit Janet: ‘We are so delighted she has agreed to serve. In addition to her competence, capabilities and knowing everybody and everything, Janet is one of the nicest people in the industry and is a fabulous person with whom to work’.
I couldn’t have put it better myself!
EC ‘Content Online for Creativity’ conference report
The most recent step for the European Commission’s public consultation on ‘Creative Content Online’ was a conference in Brdo, Slovenia that took place 4-6 June 2008. ALPSP Chair Robert Parker represented us and sends the following report from Ljubljana airport:
Content Online for Creativity - A European Commission Conference under the Slovenian Presidency
Brdo, 4 – 6 June 2008
This invitation-only conference had around 140 participants from most if not all EC member states plus Switzerland and the US and concentrated on piracy and legal offers and new business models for online distribution of content. This was not a publishing-only conference, it covered all areas of content, so there were attendees from Walt Disney, European Newspaper Publishers’ Association and the Premier League, for example. Many of the participants were DCMS-equivalent folk. Talking to Amy Casterton from the Premier League, It is surprisingly clear that the issues that STM publishers have with piracy and business models are common across very broadly different fronts: they also have issues with piracy in China in particular (Chinese websites providing online access to football games with a very small (1 second) time delay), pay per view models, licensing, the need for new business models.
The importance of the development of legal services to deal with piracy was emphasised. These can be pump-primed by public agencies, but they will ultimately rely on cooperation between content-generating organisations. Unfortunately European rights licensing would seem to be a Utopian prospect currently.
Angela Mills Wade (Exec Director of the European Publishers’ Council) presented a statistic that highlights the re-use of content: on average 20 copies of original content are available on the web within 48 hours of its original online publication. She encouraged the use of ACAP, which will be extended to video and images in the near future. Collaboration with ISPs over implementation of ACAP will obviate the need for publishers to have recourse to taking ISPs to court over illegal distribution of content. She also highlighted the problems with Data Protection giving protection to people who illegally distribute copyrighted content.
There was much discussion about what proactive measures rights owners would like ISPs to take with those putting up copyrighted content illegally, citing some sites that have 90% links that are illegal. Many such sites are operating anonymously, so it is very difficult for the rights owners to act. The hosting ISP should take such sites down and provide the name and address of the site owner so that the conflict can be dealt with between the right holder and the site owner. ISPs have been saying that the DPA protects the site owner and they must protect them, but the e-commerce directive states that sites should state on the site the details of the site owner, therefore the protection of the DPA is irrelevant, the site owner should be providing those details on the site. When names and addresses are eventually passed on, 80% of the details are false. ISPs should have a duty in law to verify the details of the site owner and should suspend sites where there is business activity from non-verified owners.
AT&T specialist had suggested that by 2010 the internet could fall apart from two things: egregious behaviour and bandwidth problems. The overwhelming majority of peer-to-peer traffic is illegal. Audiovisual material will make up 80% of all traffic by 2010. There is currently 8 hours of video material uploaded to U-tube every minute. This will be exacerbated when high-definition is more common, leading to a massive bandwidth issue. There is a massive lack of development of voluntary agreements and codes of conduct. Privacy must not be the only fundamental right: it shields illegal behaviour.
Guidelines for removal of illegal content are coalescing around giving 4 infringement notices before suspending sites. Currently 90% of people never receive a second notice, which is encouraging. A fraction of 1% of subscribers to ISP services are terminated. In the UK there is no graduated response yet. Consumer attitudes survey found that 17% would stop illegal hosting if they were sent a letter; 66% said they would stop the illegal activity completely if they thought there was a greater chance of being caught.
85 million songs are illegally downloaded every day, potentially putting the music-creation business at risk.
Many sites have only 10 – 20% of illegal content on their site, but the usage of the site is very heavily weighted towards accessing the illegally hosted content.
Cooperative ventures to produce content-recognition technology would be useful.
Digital rights management, content recognition and filtering are obviously not wanted by those organisations/individuals that rely on the illegal hosting of copyrighted material to drive up their advertising revenue.
In terms of © protection, many said it was not sensible to limit access (eg music industry); there must be another way to get money than by restriction. Music producers are generally keen to give access to all immediately under a creative commons licence as a mid-way between © restriction and public domain.
There was a discussion of e-book licensing, but nothing new.
People are accessing ever greater numbers of films and music but are paying ever less, and their expectations are that content should be free or very cheap. However, performers cannot exist on the 4 c per download they receive from the 99 c per download charged for music.
There was a session on new business models for distribution of online content, but again there was nothing very new or inspirational. Old business models are becoming outdated quicker than new ones are developing. Achieving balance between requirements of all stakeholders is far off. Obstacles are: fragmentation of the market, rapid technological advancement (same content on different platforms), managing © and related rights, cross-border licences etc. Possibilities are that old and new business models could be combined; subsidies; cooperation between creators, distributors and users; development of filtering mechanisms. Winners and losers should be defined by the market.
ALPSP links
ALPSP website
ALPSP International Conference
ALPSP LinkedIn group
ALPSP on Twitter
#alpsp #alpsp13 #alpspawards #alpspsme ALPSP Awards ALPSP conference digital driving usage journals open access publishing scholarly subscription agents
Dodo or Dog? Challenging the book in scholarship a...
Publishers Licensing Society (PLS) Annual Open Mee...
EC ‘Content Online for Creativity’ conference repo...
ALPSP
Dee French
Lesley Ogg
Susie Brown
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CECHR
Repository for the Centre of Environmental Change and Human Resilience (CECHR) at the University of Dundee. CECHR closed on 31 July 2018.
Associated projects A-L
Assessing the effectiveness of Scotland’s public flood warning service
BioEPIC
Climate Change Adaptation Indicators For Scotland
CrowdFundRES
Developing new smoke detection sensors
Establishing biofumigation as a sustainable pesticide replacement
Fast drug detection
Future Generations comparators
Geothermal pile as heat storage
Growing up in protracted crises
Growing Up On The Streets
GROW Observatory
Home not housing
Improving the Response to Energy Disruption for Vulnerable People
Identifying robust response options to manage environmental change using an Ecosystem Approach
Associated projects M-Z
Monitoring the impact of landscape and weather patterns on honeybee colony performance
National sustainability in Scotland and Wales
Overwintering rates of honeybee colonies in Scotland
Pollinating Wellbeing
Prototype Energy Autonomous Studio
Risk to road network in Scotland due to the effects of storms and extreme rainfall
Scottish Borders climate resilient communities
SEEARRP
Spatio-temporal dynamics of forest response to ENSO drought
Strategies for quantifying and controlling free living nematode populations and consequent damage by tobacco rattle virus to improve potato yield and quality.
Super Identity
The possibility of local actors shaping an understanding of poverty?
Upscape
Will climate change alter the landslide-tsunami risk to the UK?
Yellowcake: atomic modern
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Tag Archives: course
Team MSc Sustainability
MSc Sustainability is made up of five and a half students. The half being a part-timer. It’s a small size, but I can, in fact, tell you it is a big reason why I love this unique program. Almost all our courses are taken together and, perhaps because of that, we have developed lasting friendships. There are plenty of benefits to our small class sizes. It breathes ease into the classroom; we all feel comfortable speaking in front of one another, holding conversations, and asking questions. Our friendship follows us outside the classroom as well. We often enjoy potluck dinners and even ventured to a lovely Peatbog Faeries concert together. The five and a half of us make a great team but we couldn’t do it without the support, wisdom, and kindness of our instructors and mentors. With that said, I am wholeheartedly looking forward to conquering challenges and appreciating success alongside these folks in these two final semesters. Read the profiles below to hear a little bit more about each of us.
Courtney Ehrlich
BSc Environmental Science and Urban Design from Iowa State University
Why did you choose MSc Sustainability at University of Dundee? When I graduated in 2015, I knew I wanted to move abroad and I also knew I would need my Masters to be competitive in the job market so I picked my favorite countries and applied to highly-recognized Master’s programs in them. All signs pointed to Dundee!
What is the best part of the MSc Sustainability program? The best part, for me, is our small program size and close relationship with our tutors and professors.
What is the biggest challenge we face today? I think the biggest challenge we face is a lacking in motivation from society to progress. Sometimes I feel like we are stuck doing something the way we used to because it’s familiar and we’ve figured out comfortable ways of doing it, but all this while we could be creating better (more sustainable and purposeful) lives for ourselves and for the generations we will leave.
What high profile person would you have over for dinner? I would love to have Bernie Sanders over for dinner because he seems to be the incarnate form of my worldviews and I just think he would be pleasant company. I think he would probably recommend some of the best books, too.
Patrick Mason
Originally from Midlands in England but has lived in Scotland for over 10 years
Environmental Science and Sustainability at the University of Glasgow.
Why did you choose MSc Sustainability at University of Dundee? It suited me as has a large degree of flexibility and so has enabled me pursue my interests in a way that no other Master’s that I am aware of would have.
What is the biggest challenge we face today? At risk of sounding hypocritical, I think one of, if not the greatest, challenge we’re facing is the inseparable connection between ‘doing well’ and material consumption. I think reducing our perceived material quality of life would go a long way to addressing the roots of environmental challenges such as climate change.
How would you explain climate change to a non-believer? It’s frustrating that explaining climate change is still seen as necessary. I think a new approach to disseminating information on climate change is needed if the aim is to convince more people. However, while it is ideal, I don’t think it’s essential that we must convince everyone that climate change is real and an issue. Personally, at the moment, I don’t subscribe to a world view in which a person’s belief necessarily has an effect on their action. Even those of us most aware of climate change still live unsustainable lifestyles. Very briefly, I think it more important to change society than individuals. However, a pet peeve of mine is divisive language, particularly on the issue of climate change which necessitates society-wide action to overcome.
What would you save first, the Amazon or the Coral Reefs? Tough, I don’t know a huge amount about either! As far as I’m aware, the wider environmental benefits of coral reefs are relatively limited, whereas the Amazon rainforest has significant ‘benefits’ for the world. Unfortunately for the fish, the Amazon gets my vote.
Fiona Ross
Pitlcohry, Perth and Kinross, Scotland, UK
MA in Film and Television, Royal College of Art (1989) followed by 20 year career in film and television working in London and all around the world (my carbon footprint is dire). Re-trained as an antique restorer (last 6 years) and developed a passion for sustainability. Now Chair the Carse of Gowrie Sustainability Group
Why did you choose MSc Sustainability at University of Dundee? It’s the best option in Scotland for Sustainability, and I lucked out because it is 15 miles from where I live!
What would you do with 50 million pounds? With £50 million, I would buy Scottish Mountains, plant ancient forest and preserve them for the nation and future generations (and lower my carbon footprint of the last 30 years!).
What are your plans after you finish your degree? My goal after my degree is complete is to live a more sustainable life! To get some sleep! Money has never been my inspiration, following my instincts and my heart has always taken me further than I thought I could ever go.
Jan-Andre Mai
Germany/Bavaria
Human Geography; Interned in Urban Cycle Traffic Planning; Intrigued by the idea of urban food production
What is the best part of the MSc Sustainability program? It’s great because we learn practical things and effectively can go out in the world and do something beyond theory.
What is the biggest challenge we face today? I think the biggest challenge we’re facing is for people to genuinely pay attention to and have awareness for others.
What would you do with 50 million Euros? I would keep 8 million for me and then go to poor people in the world and help them with the most sustainable technical features I could get them until the Euros are gone!
What’s at the top of your bucket list? The top of my bucket list is to build a house for my family.
What high profile person would you have over for dinner? I honestly don’t like high profile persons, so I would have a high profile person over who I don’t know is a high profile person (and who doesn’t show it) …. the president of Mongolia for example, I have no idea who he/she is.
What are your plans after you finish your degree? I hope to be involved in interesting work that changes things, people, the environment, and my immediate surroundings.
Rory Angus
Inverurie in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, UK
University of Aberdeen; 2:1 in Human Geography
Why did you choose MSc Sustainability at University of Dundee? I picked it because it is the only course of its kind in Scotland. I have been interested in sustainability for a long but have been unsure what career I wanted. Whilst other courses were extremely specific, a broader focus like Sustainability allowed me to take classes in environmental architecture, planning, politics, and research methods.
What is the best part of the MSc Sustainability program? For me, it has been the work placement. The staff in the department have fantastic links and I was able to do a work placement with Perth and Kinross Council. In addition to improvement in my employment prospects, it allowed me to conduct research in a professional setting, opposed to an academic environment.
What would you do with 50 million Pounds? If I won £50 million I would buy myself a nice house (everyone is a little selfish!), take my family on holiday, and set up my own environmental/sustainability charity. I would probably give a chunk of it to other charities like Oxfam and Greenpeace.
The top of my bucket list is to travel to San Francisco. It’s a city I have wanted to visit for a long time!
Simon Binks
Northumberland in NE England with the last 10 years in Bradford, West Yorkshire
Community development. More recently, I have worked in housing and as a mediator (neighbourhood and education).
What is the best part of the MSc Sustainability program? I’ve found the whole course varied and stimulating and the tutors knowledgeable, enthusiastic and approachable.
What is the biggest challenge we face today? I’d say finding a way to ensure that humans – at the level of individuals or the organisations they are a part of – make decisions based on the capacities of natural environment (its ecosystems and climatic processes) that we are intrinsically a part of.
What is at the top of your bucket list? I hadn’t thought of it as an item on the bucket list, but next adventure might be: ferry from the UK, cycling down through at least part of Europe, over the Alps, to good cup of coffee on the edge one of the Italian lakes.
Would you rather travel back in time or to a new planet? Maybe we should all go back in time to get a sense of slower, less stimulated lives we used to lead…
This entry was posted in Uncategorized and tagged class, course, dundee, dundeeuni, masters, mastersdegree, MSc Sustainability, sustainability on March 13, 2017 by Courtney.
Interdisciplinary research connected to the University of Dundee’s School of Social Sciences is now the remit of the Institute for Social Sciences Research (ISSR)
Enquiries to issr@dundee.ac.uk
Blog archive Select Month March 2017 February 2017 October 2016 June 2016 May 2016 October 2015 July 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013
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Resurrecting an Inhofe Science Denier at WUWT - Nobel Prize Winner, MIT-educated Philip Lloyd
It looks as if Anthony has been dredging for articles and has resurrected another science denier at WUWT. He's got a guest post by Philip Lloyd, a petrochemical engineer from Cape Town, South Africa. I hadn't come across him before, but he's previously chosen WUWT to express his denial of climate science.
Who is Philip Lloyd?
Philip Lloyd is Managing Director at Industrial & Petrochemical Consultants (Pty) Ltd (profile archived here). He also lists himself as a Professor at Cape Peninsula University of Technology. This latter may be just an honorary post. My research suggests so but is not definitive.
Philip Lloyd describes himself as a "senior engineer" with the following specialties: Energy, petroleum industry, mining industry, extractive metallurgy, climate change.
Climate change you might ask? It turns out that, outside of his home country at any rate, the closest he has brushed with fame when it come to "climate change", apart from his two WUWT articles, is as Coordinating Lead Author of a chapter of an IPCC report.
Which report? Well it's a 2005 report on Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage.
Which chapter was he coordinating lead author of? It's not exactly a chapter, it's an Annexe. And it's not the first Annexe, it's Annexe II: Glossary, acronyms and abbreviations :)
Read on for more...
Philip Lloyd, science denier
Back in January this year Philip Lloyd wrote at WUWT (archived here):
Where the sceptic differs from many other scientists is in ascribing the warming to human activities – specifically, the burning of fossil fuels and the concomitant rise in the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere.
This is truly weird, given that Philip Lloyd has a career in the coal mining industry. He even has a PhD in Chemical Engineering. So you'd have thought he would know that burning fossil fuels yields carbon dioxide. Well, it seems he might have got that far, but that's about as far as he's got. He wrote:
A prime difficulty with the anthropogenic warming thesis is that it is not known how much of the warming is natural and how much might be caused by carbon dioxide.
Philip is wrong of course. It is known. Certainly enough to warrant action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In today's article (archived here), Philip goes on about changes between the first and final IPCC drafts, as if early drafts shouldn't have been amended. He's all hot and bothered about the corrected chart that I and others have discussed before. He reckons it shouldn't have been corrected!
Philip talks about the tropospheric "hot spot" and wrongly says:
None of these methods have managed to find any evidence of warming at anything like 0.6 degrees Centigrade per decade. The thermometers suggest slight cooling; the satellites slight warming. This huge discrepancy between model and measurement has been the subject of intense discussion since the 2007 Assessment. ...
...This time I read out to the IPCC the actual papers from the peer-reviewed literature that they should have been using: -
and listed five papers that he says the IPCC should have referenced papers, including this one:
Allen, Robert J. and Sherwood, Steven C. (2008) Warming maximum in the tropical upper troposphere deduced from thermal winds. Nature Geosci 1 (6), 399- 403, http://www.nature.com/ngeo/journal/v1/n6/full/ngeo208.html,
The abstract for the Allen and Sherwood paper shows that Philip Lloyd lied when he wrote "none of these methods have managed to find any evidence of warming at anything like 0.6 degrees Centigrade per decade:
Climate models and theoretical expectations have predicted that the upper troposphere should be warming faster than the surface. Surprisingly, direct temperature observations from radiosonde and satellite data have often not shown this expected trend. However, non-climatic biases have been found in such measurements.
Here we apply the thermal-wind equation to wind measurements from radiosonde data, which seem to be more stable than the temperature data. We derive estimates of temperature trends for the upper troposphere to the lower stratosphere since 1970. Over the period of observations, we find a maximum warming trend of 0.65 plus minus 0.47 K per decade near the 200 hPa pressure level, below the tropical tropopause. Warming patterns are consistent with model predictions except for small discrepancies close to the tropopause. Our findings are inconsistent with the trends derived from radiosonde temperature datasets and from NCEP reanalyses of temperature and wind fields. The agreement with models increases confidence in current model-based predictions of future climate change.
I checked and that paper was indeed cited in the IPCC AR5 report in the section on upper air temperatures (p 2-41). So that paper was cited in AR5. Not only that, it doesn't find what Philip wanted it to find. Huh! so much for his complaints.
So I check Philip's other references to see if they were cited in AR5. It turns out that three of of his list of five papers were cited:
Cited twice in Chapter 9 in the section on tropical troposphere temperature trends (page 9-30)
Douglass, D. H., Christy, J. R., Pearson, B. D. and Singer, S. F. (2008), A comparison of tropical temperature trends with model predictions. Int. J. Climatol., 28: 1693–1701. doi: 10.1002/joc.1651
Cited in Chapter 2 (page 2-40) in the section on upper air temperatures:
Titchner, Holly A., P. W. Thorne, M. P. McCarthy, S. F. B. Tett, L. Haimberger, D. E. Parker, 2009: Critically Reassessing Tropospheric Temperature Trends from Radiosondes Using Realistic Validation Experiments. J. Climate, 22, 465–485. doi: http://journals.ametsoc.org/doi/abs/10.1175/2008JCLI2419.1
I only found one citation from the dubious "journal" Energy and Environment and it wasn't the Singer et al paper. So sad :( (Will that single citation provide ammunition for Donna Laframboise to allege that AR5 WG1 didn't stick solely to peer reviewed literature?)
So apart from the E&E "paper" by Fred Singer, the only reference not cited from Lloyd's list (hey, not that Lloyd's List!) was this one:
Lanzante, John R., Melissa Free, 2008: Comparison of Radiosonde and GCM Vertical Temperature Trend Profiles: Effects of Dataset Choice and Data Homogenization. J. Climate, 21, 5417–5435. doi: http://journals.ametsoc.org/doi/abs/10.1175/2008JCLI2287.1;
However other similar papers from Lanzante and Free were cited more than once in AR5. For example, among others:
Wang, J. S., D. J. Seidel, and M. Free, 2012c: How well do we know recent climate trends at the tropical tropopause? J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 117.
Free, M., D. J. Seidel, J. K. Angell, J. Lanzante, I. Durre, and T. C. Peterson, 2005: Radiosonde Atmospheric Temperature Products for Assessing Climate (RATPAC): A new data set of large-area anomaly time series. Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmospheres, 110.
Free, M., and J. Lanzante, 2009: Effect of volcanic eruptions on the vertical temperature profile in radiosonde data and climate models. Journal of Climate, 22, 2925-2939
Seidel, D. J., and J. R. Lanzante, 2004: An assessment of three alternatives to linear trends for characterizing global atmospheric temperature changes. Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmospheres, 109.
How's that for "making up stuff". Philip Lloyd is a very suitable contributor to WUWT.
So who is Philip Lloyd? The WUWT article states (archived here):
Professor Philip Lloyd is from the Energy Institute, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town S.A.
I dug deeper and, thanks to Tim Lambert, found that he was one of Senator Inhofe's quoted "skeptics". In the 2008 Senate Minority Report (the one purportedly listing 650 "skeptics" but actually only three or so from the IPCC) he is mentioned as follows:
CO2 is insignificant, says "Nuclear Physicist" Philip Lloyd
Oh, and this "nuclear physicist" and coal mining consultant claims to have studied the ice record in detail!
Nuclear Physicist and Chemical Engineer Dr. Philip Lloyd, a UN IPCC cocoordinating lead author on the Technical Report on Carbon Capture & Storage, was in charge of South Africa’s Chamber of Mines’ Metallurgy Laboratory and was a former professor at University of Witwatersrand where he established a course in environmental chemical engineering. Lloyd has served as President of the South African Institution of Chemical Engineers, the Federation of Societies of Professional Engineers, and the Associated Scientific and Technical Societies of Southern Africa. Lloyd, who has authored over 150 refereed publications, currently serves as an honorary research fellow with the Energy Research Centre at the University of Cape Town. Lloyd rejects man-made climate fears. “I have grave difficulties in finding any but the most circumstantial evidence for any human impact on the climate,” Lloyd wrote to EPW on January 18, 2008. “The quantity of CO2 we produce is insignificant in terms of the natural circulation between air, water and soil. I have tried numerous tests for radiative effects, and all have failed. I have tried to develop an isotopic method for identifying stable C12 (from fossil fuels) and merely ended up understanding the difference between the major plant chemistries and their differing ability to use the different isotopes. I have studied the ice core record, in detail, and am concerned that those who claim to have a model of our climate future haven't a clue about the forces driving our climate past,” Lloyd wrote. “I am particularly concerned that the rigor of science seems to have been sacrificed on an altar of fundraising. I am doing a detailed assessment of the IPCC reports and the Summaries for Policy Makers, identifying the way in which the Summaries have distorted the science. I have found examples of a Summary saying precisely the opposite of what the scientists said,” he concluded.
Next question - who or what is EPW? Did Lloyd write a denier letter to Economics and Politics Weekly back in 2008? Maybe Inhofe could quote WUWT next :)
I searched Google Scholar for his "150 refereed publications". I found only 20 items listed in Google Scholar going back nearly fifty years, of which several were obviously not "refereed". He didn't have any publications listed in the IPCC carbon capture report he co-authored.
Philip Lloyd - Coordinating Lead Author of an IPCC report
Philip Lloyd was touted in Senator Inhofe's minority report as a Coordinating Lead Author for the IPCC . I went through all the main reports and couldn't find his name - not in any one of them. Not as an author nor in the list of references. I extended the search and discovered he was listed as an author in the 2005 IPCC Special Report: Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage:
Chapter 5: Underground Geological Storage - one of the 21 lead authors (working under two coordinating lead authors)
Annex II - Glossary, acronyms and abbreviations - Coordinating lead author!
He was a lead author in Underground Geological Storage. Fair enough. But the effort he must be most proud of his role as Coordinating Lead Author of the Annex of Glossary, acronyms and abbreviations!!!
What did Philip Lloyd do at MIT?
In Philip's LinkedIn profile (archived here) he claims education at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. But when I looked down his profile further it didn't list any degree of any kind from MIT. All it said was "Nuclear engineering". He listed his qualifications as follows:
Activities and Societies: Fellow School for Advanced Studies, Outing Club, Choral Society
PhD, Chemical Engineering
PhD thesis on uranium solvent extraction
Vice-president of SRC 1960-61 and de facto president because president generally absent from campus
Activities and Societies: Students Representative Council
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Chemical Engineering
BSc, Chemical Engineering
Activities and Societies: Mountain & Ski Club, Yacht Club, Photographic Society, Classical Music Society
Interesting. Did he get two PhDs in Chemical Engineering at the University of Cape Town or was that a slip? And what did he do at MIT apart from singing in a choir? Was that a post-doc position? Did he start something and not finish?
My BS antennas are quivering. This chap was a student politician and is still one today (look at his "I was really effectively the SRC president because the real president was away a lot"!) Shades of 60 year olds whose greatest academic award was given while they were in high school, so they still boast about it.
Philip Lloyd proudly proclaims his Nobel Prize - more than once
And there's more. Philip Lloyd, in his LinkedIn profile, when he mentions his role at the IPCC, proudly claims to have been part of team sharing the Nobel Peace Prize:
Part of team sharing Nobel Peace Prize
Padding and self-promotion to the extreme
It's not the only place where he boasts of his Nobel Prize. I found this paragraph in a press release from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (archived here). (Did he write this himself?)
It’s certainly not the first time Lloyd’s scooped such prestigious recognition. In 2007, Lloyd’s contributions to carbon capture and storage were acknowledged by the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) as sufficient for him to form part of the nominated Nobel Peace Prize team, together with former United States president Al Gore.
That's what I call ironic promotion for a climate science denier! (Am I correct in recalling Anthony Watts mocking Michael Mann for saying that he contributed to IPCC's efforts that resulted in it being awarded the Nobel Prize? When is he going to blast Philip Lloyd for doing so?)
(I checked, and the SANEA did give him the Energy Award for a lifelong contribution, back in 2010.)
By the way, here is the website of the Energy Institute of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. (I had to search directly because there is no link from this page in the list of Research Centres in the Engineering Department.) You'll see it is proudly supported by Eskom and the Fossil Fuel Foundation:
When I went to the Eskom website, this is what I found:
Incidentally, I don't know what the policies of the Fossil Fuel Foundation are or it's attitude on climate change. However I did come across a transcript of a speech by a guest speaker who spoke about climate change in realistic terms.
Just another nutty denier?
Philip Lloyd comes across as just another science denier, albeit one who wouldn't appear as an utter nutter if he stuck to his real accomplishments and didn't pad them so much. Ironically, he is a science denier who boasts a Nobel Prize from his contribution to the IPCC while making out that the IPCC reports are a load of crock. He opened his article with the following:
People have the nasty habit of giving their opponents names. Those who are convinced that humans are wrecking the world by burning fossil fuels call those who don’t believe them “denialists.” It implies that they are close to the Holocaust deniers, and so are clearly beyond the pale.
I have come to the conclusion that they are wrong. The true denialists are those who believe in global warming, and who will go to any lengths to deny the evidence against that position.
Philip Lloyd, no matter how much you deny the fact - you are a climate science denier :)
A quick scan revealed nothing worth repeating. You can read them archived here if you want to.
Labels: Anthony Watts, denier, fake sceptic, Philip Lloyd, WUWT
MikeH November 10, 2013 at 2:05 PM
"Shades of 60 year olds ..." He started an undergraduate degree in 1954. Probably more likely late 70s, early 80s unless he was a child prodigy.
He completed his PhD in 1961, nearly 20 years before the 1979 Charney report, the first of the modern scientific investigations into global warming. I suspect that this is a major problem for the elderly climate science deniers - all the scientific research happened well outside their academic heyday.
As for the whining about being called a "denier", it is now official.
"a person who denies something, especially someone who refuses to admit the truth of a concept or proposition that is supported by the majority of scientific or historical evidence:
a prominent denier of global warming
a climate change denier"
http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/denier--2
Please pass the following on to your friends.
National Day of Climate Action, next Sunday 17th November.
In every Australian capital city and 100s of regional towns.
https://www.getup.org.au/get_togethers/climate-catchup
Sou November 10, 2013 at 2:19 PM
Mike, with the "shades of" comment I was referring to someone else whose biggest claim to academic fame that people seem to cite was winning a math competition when he was in high school :)
I've often quoted the Oxford definition first at HotCopper and here at HotWhopper. Deniers are not impressed :)
Name November 11, 2013 at 3:41 PM
There are some interesting profiles of attitudes to climate action by age and other criteria here at the ABC Compass election survey.
Cugel November 10, 2013 at 2:27 PM
WUWT is looking more and more like a retirement home for grumpy old men.
SPM November 10, 2013 at 2:45 PM
It's more like an asylum than a retirement home.
Cugel November 11, 2013 at 3:53 AM
dbostrom November 10, 2013 at 2:46 PM
Looking back, it's a darned shame that the CFC/ozone layer thing played out when it did. Seeing what happened with that must have scared the HC industry no end, but worse it showed them their way forward. The CFC struggle was lost by its respective industry but then much needed to be learned and of course the stakes were less.
Part of the learning was this: mobilize enough cranks, moonlighters, demented emeritus professors and other elements of the fringe and at least some will inevitably end up with seats at the table of policy-making, begin to be heard where otherwise it would have been impossible.
Nuttiness has been formally incorporated in the transition zone between climate science and climate policy. It's almost impossible not to participate in this dance; using the term "skeptic" to describe someone such as Lloyd is to voluntarily play according to the terms of discussion created by the opposition, similarly to using the term "abortion clinic" or abandoning earlier terminology in favor of "unborn child."
Gordon November 11, 2013 at 3:35 AM
not sure if i'm about to double post, so i'll keep this brief:
"Next question - who or what is EPW? Did Lloyd write a denier letter to Economics and Politics Weekly back in 2008? Maybe Inhofe could quote WUWT next :)"
it's Inhofe's US Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works - he used Lloyd among all the other crap in his report "disputing" AGW...
http://www.epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Files.View&FileStore_id=83947f5d-d84a-4a84-ad5d-6e2d71db52d9
Thanks. I should have twigged to that one. (I've learned a lot about US political structures and politics through researching climate science denial. Funny that!)
Philip Lloyd January 9, 2014 at 8:37 PM
Thank you so much for your kind econium. A few corrections, however - you headed your piece "Nobel Prize Winner" - I have not claimed to be one, as you have noted elsewhere, merely that I was recognized formally as a member of the IPCC team that did share the Peace Prize.
As regards my role, you are a little disparaging about doing a glossary. You missed that I was also a Lead Author of another chapter in the IPCC report. And you did not recognize that, when we wrote the report, CCS was a relative newcomer with its own language, and we had to freeze that language in the interests of clear communication. As a result I got to edit almost every chapter in the report to make certain the text conformed to the glossary definitions. One of the battles I partly lost was avoidance of acronyms - and author insisted on COE - the "cost of electricity".
Re my age, it's no secret - I was born in 1936. When I studied at MIT, one of my electives was advanced optics III and the lecturer was brilliant. After his first class, I asked a fellow student just who "Ed" was - "Oh! He's Ed Land, he owns the Polaroid Corporation." "What's he doing lecturing?" I asked. "Dunno! You better ask him." So I asked him, and he told me "Every penny I ever made I made out of knowledge I acquired in college, and I'd be a poor American if I couldn't share some of the the fun I've had with the young people of today. Welcome to my class!" I thought that a good idea, and when I was formally retired from the world of international construction I returned to academia and am still enjoying my third career. I'm not grumpy - that is reserved, I have found, for those who have never enjoyed their work and have retired.
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Class of 2019 Early Application Deadlines and Resources
Wed, Oct 01, 2014 @ 03:39 PM
Many Early Decision and Early Action Deadlines Are Just One Month Away
Update: If you're looking for the 2014-15 early decision notification dates for the Class of 2019, you can find them here.
With the start of October we’re roughly one month away from the first early decision and early action application deadlines. It’s crunch time for students applying to their top-choice schools in the early round, and making note of early deadlines and the resources available to early applicants is important in this crucial stage of the admissions season.
Many schools can have several different application deadlines, so it’s important to make sure you’re on track and prepared for the correct application submission date. Last year, many early and regular admission deadlines were extended due to Common App technical problems However, this year has been fairly smooth so deadlines are unlikely to change.
For students applying early decision or early action, it’s important to understand the nuances of the early admissions process and how applying early will affect their chances of admission. Here are some resources to help students get through this first round of application deadlines.
Early, Rolling, and Regular: Understanding Application Options
The Truth About Applying Early Decision or Early Action
Why Applying Early Might Benefit Your Chances of Admission
Life After Early Application Submission
Class of 2018 Early Admission Rates
Last Minute Tips for Your College Admissions Essays
The most important thing that students applying early decision or early action can do is be mindful of the application deadlines. Here are some of the early application deadlines for those applying for admission into the Class of 2019.
Early Application Deadline
Emory University (ED I)
Nov. 1 (with Arts Supplement Oct. 15)
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Keep in mind, some schools may adjust their application deadlines as the date draws closer if there are circumstances that could negatively impact students (i.e. Common App problems, extreme weather, etc.), so be sure to check back periodically for any updated deadlines.
Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for any last-minute tips and breaking news for early applicants!
Have any questions about the early application process or deadlines? Post your question in the comment section below!
Early Decision Early Action For College Admissions Resources College Application Tips
Transfer Admission Rates
How to Use College Rankings to Make Decisions
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The Mexican Red Cross says Thank You
Jun 13th, 2018| 1K
In September 2017 the central and southern regions of Mexico were hit by earthquakes that left thousands injured and hundreds dead. Because of this, we started an online donation campaign in partnership with the Red Cross to help the survivors of this natural tragedy. The support of our community and members was crucial to helping thousands of people.
Red Cross helps clean up the effects of earthquakes in Mexico
Last month, we received a letter of thanks in regards to this project from the Red Cross. Written directly by the director of the Mexican Red Cross, Fernando Suinaga Cárdenas.
Read a little more about how the Red Cross acted and how the Shells from our online donations helped the survivors of the earthquakes in Mexico.
The effects of earthquakes
Mexico was hit not only by one but two major earthquakes. The Chiapas earthquake that occurred on Sept. 7 had a magnitude of 8.2 and was the most intense in Mexico since 1932. In addition to 61 deaths, the Chiapas earthquake damaged more than 7,000 homes in the Oaxaca region and 10,000 people were evacuated.
A few days later, on September 19, Mexico suffered the consequences of another earthquake, the Puebla Earthquake. Although it happened with a lower intensity, having a magnitude of 7.1, this second earthquake happened closer to the central region of Mexico, in very populous cities, like the capital, Mexico City. That is why it left enormous havoc, 369 died and 250,000 were left homeless.
Online donations for Nicequest help the earthquake survivors in Mexico
How our online donations helped survivors
It was with great joy and gratitude that we received a letter from Fernando Suinaga Cárdenas, director of the Red Cross in Mexico. In his own words:
“The earthquakes of September devastated our beloved Mexico, but thanks to people like you, we reaffirm the commitment of solidarity that characterizes us as Mexicans.”
In total, 8293 members from various countries collaborated in online donations with the Red Cross and together we managed to collect 24,879 Shells. We truly want to thank you so much for all the help!
Mexican Red Cross collected over 4,507 tons of humanitarian aid
The work of the Red Cross
Since becoming aware of the situation, the Mexican Red Cross has collected, along with other donations, more than 4,507 tons of humanitarian aid. Including food, water, first aid kits, and personal hygiene kits, to 1,126,750 people in the states of Chiapas, Oaxaca, Morelos, Puebla, Tlaxcala, Mexico State and Mexico City.
Every action can make a difference! Your Shells helped the survivors of the earthquakes in Mexico and your online donations can also help thousands of people in need all around the world. Click here to see all our available donations.
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He Lived
It was a cold starry night and he just got back to Amsterdam in train. Today he went to meet his friend in another city. He had met him through internet before but today was the first time they ever met. John took him to his home and they had second breakfast together. Then they went for cycling around the beautiful green woods and played Tolkien trivia. It was a beautiful sunny day but the clouds had started gathering.
He got off the train at central station and went to the tram stop. It was cold but he felt so much full of energy and full of confidence. He looked to his left and saw a beautiful girl also waiting for her bus. Gathering up his courage, he approached her and asked her ,”How are you doing?” The girl smiled and said,”I am fine thank you, How are you?” “Fine too”, he replied. “I came from Italy for a week”, he told her.
“Oh that’s really great. Are you enjoying it so far?”
“Yes it has been really great. There is some big party tonight that I was invited to. Do you want to come?”
“Oh I don’t really go to parties that much but thanks”, she backed away a bit.
You idiot, what was the hurry. You blew your chance. “Oh no problem. So what do..”, he started but was cut off because she had started talking to couple of guys who were standing to her right.
Feeling mixed emotions he put a smile to his face and nodded a good bye to her as she took her bus with the other two guys. What a bitch..Nah! What an idiot who doesn’t know how to ask out a girl.
He took his tram back to his hotel. Alex and Cameron were waiting for him when he reached his room.
“Let me just change my clothes and then I am ready to go”, he told them before they could complain about him being late.
John’s mother made a traditional Holland dish for him. Mashed potatoes with sausages and vegetables. He really liked it and complimented her on her cooking. John’s room was a mess, a mess full of books. They both were huge Tolkien nerds. He convinced John to install LOTRO and he did, they made a character for him, a temporary character obviously, till John could come up with a unique elvish name. After playing some LOTRO, they took his dog out for a walk, they walked on old mounds and also tried to find the bunnies, but they never found any.
Which shirt to wear. Ah this one. Holding up his black Stone Cold t-shirt. He quickly changed into it. They decided to walk to the club. It was crowded when they arrived there. The music was loud. They got the drinks. He had never been to a club before, nor had he ever danced before. But his metamorphosis had started.He liked the sound of music, the beat, the shaking of butt, the dancing. He knew no moves but he was athletic enough to copy others. He saw a group of girls dancing and he started copying them, Soon enough they noticed him and asked him to join them.
ooo Yeah! He did.
He told them about himself and his week vacation. They were all very friendly and inviting. One girl especially got his attention. She had a certain mean girl look to her, which he loved so much in girls, and she was a blond.
“So are you single”, the words escaped his mouth before he could stop them. What the fuck is wrong with you!!
But to his surprise she did not mind the question, probably because she was drunk or maybe its a blond thing. Whatever it was, they started talking and dancing together. Music does bring people together. After sometime it became difficult for him to breath. Lets say it was because of the heat and loud music.
“I will be right back, need to smoke”, he lied. He fought his way across the jam packed dance floor and into the smoking/pool room. He got his breath back.
There is just something about Indians and Pakistanis, that no matter how you are dressed or what your hair style is, you just instantly recognize each other. So when this two Indian guys entered the room with beers in their hands, he spotted them at once and they spotted him at once. The language they spoke is called Punjabi, which I will not write here. In the common tongue this is what they said..
“Hey dude! Pakistani or Indian?”, the more stylish looking guy asked.
“Pakistani here and you guys must be from India..I came here for a week from Italy”
“Yes brother we are Indians. Welcome. Enjoying the party buddy?”
“Yeah bro its really great. Do you guys smoke?”
“Yeah, you have some?”
“Yeah, I bought it yesterday”. He took out his smoking pipe and filled it and lit it. You were allowed to smoke anything in the pool area. I took a long shot and passed it to his new friends. They took the hits. The magic pipe at once started its magic and in just 5 minutes they were all playing pool together and laughing and dancing. Talking about life and its mysteries and how their pool table was like the solar system and the balls were like planets and what would happen if we got hit by an asteroid right now. It was a merry moment.
Oh damn!! the girl!? “I should go now, it was really nice meeting you guys, peace brothers!” He rushed back into the dance room before they said their good byes. He fought his way across the dance floor back to where he was before, but the beautiful blond fairy princess was gone, and two dudes were sitting where she was. He gave himself a hard-ish slap on his head and sat down. Soon Alex and Cameron also joined him.
“Where were you, we were looking for you everywhere”, Alex said.
“Yeah just dancing and meeting people”, he said, forcing a smile on his face.
They stayed there some more and danced together before leaving for their hotel.
They finally found two empty seats. John sat in front of him. They played “speaking elvish” on his way back to Amsterdam. John had to get off because it was late and he had to return to his home taking the last train. An old guy replaced him on his seat. On his right, 3 girls were sitting. They started talking in loud voices and somehow they started talking to him.
“You look really cute, you wanna go grab a drink when we reach Amsterdam?”, one of them said.
He had a puzzled look on his face and didn’t know what to make of this invitation. But before he could say anything, the older guy sitting in front of him spoke,
“Leave this poor guy alone you three, if you want drink, go have them yourself, you hooligans”
“Thank you for that”, he told the man.”I am Ali, I came here from Italy for a week”, he gave him his hand.
“I am Thijs Berg, I direct movies”, he said, shaking his hand. They talked about what movies he made. He told him that he often comes to Italy, while the hooligans were still talking in loud voices but they ignored them. They got off at Amsterdam Centraal.”Well it was nice talking to you Mr. Thijs Berg. Good Bye”, he waved. “Likewise. Good Bye”, he walked to his taxi and he walked to his tram stop.
They reached their hotel, all exhausted and tired. He waved them bye to their room before going to his own. It was a good day today. For the first time in his life he lived. He changed into pajamas and went to bed dreaming about the beautiful blond fairy princess angel.
Posted in Life and Experiences, Short Story
Tags: alive, club, clubs, cycling, dance floor, dancing, dating, drink, drinking, eating, experience, exploring, family, first time, flirting, friends, gaming, life, live, lived, living, lord of the rings, lotr, lotro, pipe, playing, pool, pool play, short story, shorty, smoke, stories, story, the hobbit, tolkien, vacation, writer, writing
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May 27, 2019, 13:41 GMT-0500 Counter-Strike / dennis / Ninjas In Pyjamas /
NiP’s coach Pita to stand-in for dennis at DreamHack Masters Dallas
They’ll have to play at least the first game with their coach.
Leonardo Biazzi
Photo via DreamHack
Ninjas in Pyjamas will have to field their coach, Faruk Pita, in place of Dennis Edman for the first round of DreamHack Masters Dallas.
Dennis is unable to travel to the United States “due to issues with an address update on the [Electronic System for Travel Authorization],” according to NiP.
Ninjas in Pyjamas 🇸🇪 on Twitter
Due to issues with an address update on the ESTA for @denniscsgod, he will be arriving to Dallas later than planned. The address update is subject to a 72 hours approval, which means @pitaCSGO will play the first game with us at @DreamHack Masters Dallas. #GONINJAS #CSGO
It can take 72 hours for the address change to be approved, so it’s unclear if dennis will be available for NiP’s second match at DreamHack Masters Dallas.
Dennis was one of the best players on NiP at their last LAN tournament, Blast Pro Series Madrid at the beginning of May. They came in third at that event and almost reached the grand finals.
Pita’s last professional game was in July 2017 when he played for Playing Ducks at DreamHack Masters Malmö. He represented teams like SK Gaming and Team Dignitas during his playing days, but he’s been the coach of NiP since February 2018.
NiP are set to play against TYLOO in the first round of Group A at DreamHack Masters Dallas on May 28 at 1:20pm CT.
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Dan James won the 2014 Freestyle Reining World Championship!
Double Dan Horsemanship Australia
With a performance inspired by Johnny Depp’s character Tonto from the Lone Ranger, James performed a routine bareback with Smart Little Elan that included crowed raising spins, stops and lead changes with half of the routine performed riding backwards. Near the end of the routine James dismounted and sent the chestnut into a spin at liberty that grabbed the attention of the entire horse world.
James admits that learning to perform riding backwards was no easy task. “I spent more time picking myself off the ground than riding,” said James. “They say that the key to horsemanship is keeping the horse between you and the earth, but I didn’t do much of that in the beginning.”
James has a long list of people he wishes to thank for their help in achieving this success. “Dan steers for believing in Rio (Smart Little Elan), my mum for teaching me to ride bareback, Heath Harris for teaching me to understand a liberty horse, Craig Johnson for helping me find the reining horse inside Rio, Yvonne from KYB Dressage for helping me fine tune my flying lead changes, the Double Dan Horsemanship team for their support and of course amazing horses that continue to give so much more then I could ever have imagined.”
Drake Johnson, with Sonic Chic Dream, and Rocky Dare, with Squeaky Clean Genes, tied with a score of 226 for the silver medal.
You can see James’ winning performance online at http://youtu.be/oHhKo0m312o
The World Championship Freestyle Reining at the Kentucky Reining Cup was held in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY April 26, 2014.
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Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Nebraska Drought Resources
What is Drought?
Types of Drought
Drought Prediction
Why Plan for Drought?
UNL Extension Drought Experts
Flyer and Web Ads
Drought Retrospective
Water Wise
Family Strengths
IANR
2012 was the driest year on record for Nebraska, Wyoming and Colorado, based on 118 years of data. (Map courtesy of National Climatic Data Center) Multiple states, including Nebraska, sets records for the hottest year on record, based on 118 years of data. (Map courtesy of National Climatic Data Center)
Expect More Impacts as Nebraska Drought Rolls into Second Year
How the Drought Evolved in 2012
Maps courtesy of the National Drought Mitigation Center
Nebraska has been at the epicenter of the U.S. drought since September, affecting agricultural production, water supplies, wildfires, and wildlife. These impacts will only intensify if drought lasts through the winter, as is forecast, say climatologists at the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
"The previous five years all had above-normal precipitation, the wettest period in recorded history," said Michael Hayes, the center's director. "For Nebraska, it was unprecedented. We came into 2012 with a full hydrological system - rivers, streams, reservoirs and groundwater. When you're talking major droughts, this is not a multi-year drought. As we look ahead to 2013, we don't have that margin built into our hydrological system, so we're in pretty dire straits."
Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming are on track to record their driest year on record in 2012, Hayes said, and the country is having its hottest year on record. Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico are in their second year of drought, while the eastern edge of the Corn Belt is seeing some relief. In the lower 48 states more than 60% of the land area is experiencing moderate to exceptional drought. (See DroughtMonitor.unl.edu.)
The National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center reports that the drought in the Plains is likely to continue at least through February.
"Right now the expectations are for increased odds of above-normal temperatures across quite a bit of the nation," Hayes said. The prediction for winter moisture is less clear, Hayes said, with a potential for Nebraska seeing both dry and wet weather this winter.
Even with some moisture, UNL State Climatologist Al Dutcher said he sees only a 10-20% likelihood of Nebraska getting a winter wet enough to bring moisture levels back to normal.
Recovery Will Take Time
"In Nebraska and the central Plains, we've started seeing the drought feeding off itself, with the dry soils and dry air not allowing precipitation events to develop as usual," said Brian Fuchs, climatologist at the National Drought Mitigation Center. "With the lack of moisture, we're more like a desert environment. It warms up fairly quickly during the day, but drops quickly at night."
"When we do have precipitation, very little will go to runoff," Fuchs said. "Those soils are going to act as a big sponge. They're just going to take in a lot of the moisture. We'll continue to see problems of stock ponds, smaller lakes, and streams dropping. The hydrologic drought hasn't reared its head, but it's there, as we are seeing more water systems under stress." {Highlight what hydrologic drought means}
"Typically when farmers are done irrigating, you will see the water in the Platte percolate back through the basin," Fuchs said. "We did see that response, but it was very minimal and that was even with the irrigation season ending sooner than usual. The channels are tiny, with these very small threads of water in eastern Nebraska."
Agricultural Losses
Nationwide, as of December 10, $8 billion in agricultural indemnity payments had been paid, according to USDA's Risk Management Agency. In 2012 80% of the eligible acres nationwide and 90% to 95% of those in Nebraska had crop insurance, said Rebecca Davis, RMA director for the region including Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.
She said nationwide Nebraska is the fourth largest consumer of crop insurance and the fifth largest recipient of indemnity payments. As of November 19 nearly $483 million had been paid out in Nebraska, with corn alone accounting for $363.2 million of the covered loss. By November 26, total Nebraska indemnities were at $544 million, with $502 million due to drought, heat, and dry wind on more than two million acres of cropland.
By the end of 2012 hay prices had climbed to $200 a ton in Nebraska, more than double the previous record, according to the Nebraska office of the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. That increase was, in part, due to a major drought in 2011 in the South Plains.
"Nebraskans sent a lot of their hay supplies south in 2011," Hayes said. "Little did they know there would be a drought here in 2012. That's going to have a large impact on ranchers as we go forward."
Water Supplies - Natural and Public
Resource managers in Nebraska are also keeping an eye on the Republican River Basin to see whether it will be a water-short year. This could affect water use agreements with Colorado and Kansas, Fuchs said. Managers also are watching the water level in Lake McConaughy, which is about 60% of normal for this time of year and 25% lower than this time last year. Recovery will depend on snowpack upstream in the Rocky Mountains.
"So far we've had a bad start to the snow season in the Central Rockies," Fuchs said. Anecdotal evidence suggests that in some areas, groundwater levels are declining.
"I would see that exponentially increasing if we stay dry in 2013," Hayes said.
Fuchs recommended that wells be checked for reliability this winter, before hot weather and the growing season increase water use.
Catastrophic Fire Year
Nebraska had its worst fire season since 1919, with central and western Nebraska being hit hardest. Don Westover, fire program leader of the Nebraska Forest Service, reported that as of Dec. 14, the state had 1,426 wildfires reported, burning more than 400,752 acres and 65 structures for an estimated loss of $12 million so far. Final reports on several large wildfires have still not been filed and would add another 94,000 acres to the total.
Scott Josiah, director of the Nebraska Forest Service, described this year's fire activity as catastrophic, with off-the-charts fire intensity and behavior. This type of fire can cause long-term changes in land cover and damage watersheds by
removing vegetation and soil litter,
depositing ash,
accelerating runoff, flooding, erosion, and downstream sedimentation, and
impairing water quality and fisheries habitat.
Even in the absence of fire, drought is taking a toll on trees.
"Many of the scorched Ponderosa Pine trees would normally survive if they get some precipitation, but given the continuing drought, I think we'll lose a lot more trees from the combination of drought and fire and then more drought," Josiah said. "I was in the Niobrara Valley last week and noted fairly frequent tree mortality even in the unburned pine forests, presumably due to drought."
Toll on Wildlife
Drought and resource management decisions are affecting wildlife as well. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission said the state's deer population is undergoing the worst outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease since the 1970s, fueled by the drought. In addition, emergency haying of conservation reserve program lands has reduced cover for upland game birds such as pheasants and quail.
Drought Resources
For more information on the drought:
DroughtResources.unl.edu - UNL Extension website with drought information for the farm, ranch, and home
National Drought Mitigation Center
Kelly Helm Smith
Communication and Drought Resources Specialist
211 Agricultural Hall
Lincoln, NE, USA 68583-0703
Eemail: ltempel1@unl.edu
Nebraska.gov
UNL Extended Education & Outreach
CSREES
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Disaster on the Coastliner (1979) starring Lloyd Bridges on DVD
Disaster on the Coastliner (1979) starring Lloyd Bridges on DVD quantity
Category: Thriller
This sale is for Disaster on the Coastliner (1979) starring Lloyd Bridges on DVD.
Disaster on the Coastliner (1979) Action, Drama | 1h 37min | TV Movie 29 October 1979
Director: Richard C. SarafianWriters: David AmbroseStars: Lloyd Bridges, Raymond Burr, Robert FullerSummary: Victor Prescott, who's real name is Jim Waterman, modifies the computer controlling the railroad track (signals, switches, alarms) between San Francisco and Los Angeles in such a way that two trains are heading towards each other on the same track without anyone being able to prevent the disaster. He wants the railroad company to confess that there was criminal negligence involved in an accident some years before during which a derail caused several fatalities - including Waterman's wife and kids. Written by Alto Speckhardt <[email protected]>
Also known as: Disaster on the Coastliner (on a region-free DVD).
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Journey to the Unknown (1969) starring Joan Crawford on DVD
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Beyond Control (1968) with English Subtitles on DVD
Fatal Desire (2006) starring Anne Heche on DVD
You're viewing: Disaster on the Coastliner (1979) starring Lloyd Bridges on DVD $12.00
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What is the function of capitalism? [closed]
To my understanding, all systems have a function. For instance, the function of the respiratory system is to supply oxygen to the body. The function of the digestive system is to break down and disseminate nutrients. The function of a mass transit system is to facilitate large scale public transport.
Capitalism is defined in Merriam-Webster as,
an economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods, by investments that are determined by private decision, and by prices, production, and the distribution of goods that are determined mainly by competition in a free market
So clearly, capitalism is a system, but I can't glean from that definition its purpose.
What would most economists consider the function of capitalism?
Please be clear to separate, if you will, this system's function from the functions of other economic systems in your answer.
edited Aug 8 '17 at 5:58
luchonacho
Jonesn11Jonesn11
$\begingroup$ You're asking about the function of it as a resource allocation mechanism/political economy? $\endgroup$ – EconJohn♦ Aug 8 '17 at 4:00
$\begingroup$ Not everything you can affix the word system to has a purpose or function. What is the purpose of a planetary system? What is the purpose of a weather system? Free market economic systems is just a name for the decentralized exchange of goods and services. You can ascribe all kinds of meanings to the set of human behaviors or outcomes associated with such a system, but that doesn't make them inherent to the system. It's still just, like, your opinion, man. $\endgroup$ – Tobias Aug 8 '17 at 9:54
$\begingroup$ You ask a very general and legitimate question but for this site I admit that it is way to much broad. To sum up very quickly, capitalist system aims to allocate all resources (mine, forests, oil, everything you can imagine to produce something) in the most efficient way. This is why neoclassical economists are always "maximizing" something or "minimizing" the cost of something. To understand the basic difference with capitalism and marxism, you can look at the idea of "marginalism" (marginal cost) and "average value", average cost. Look at the mathematical economics in Soviet Union $\endgroup$ – optimal control Aug 9 '17 at 10:00
Capitalism is defined as an economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state.
It functions as an allocation mechanism which generally yields the most optimal results under the Fundamental theorems of welfare economics and prevents issues such as Tragedy of the commons which a communist system would fail to deal with (unless all resources were heavily policed and regulated with knowledge of every consumers utility functions).
Under a pure capitalist system, government intervention in the market place is viewed as harmful.
However according to mainstream economic theory, there is some benefit to have from government intervention when dealing with externalities, market saturation and responding to Business Cycles.
EconJohn♦EconJohn
From a neoclassical perspective, its function is to allocate scarce resources efficiently, based on the invisible hand that make human selfishness work for the common good. Provided issues like externalities, public goods, etc are taking into account, every factor is paid its marginal product, ensuring efficiency.
From a Marxist perspective, its function is to serve the capitalist class by exploiting the workers, who are forced to sell their labour in the market receiving a pay below their actual contribution (because, according to the labour theory of value, only labour produces value). The surplus is appropriated by the capitalists, who enjoy the benefits of the system.
In my opinion these highly polar views provide the basis with which other, more complex views can be compared.
luchonacholuchonacho
Capitalism is a historical form of organizing the social production, distribution and consumption of goods and services. This function shares capitalism with other forms organizing the economy of a society. But capitalism differs fundamental how this function is performed. The definition and the answers are describing some important aspects, but there are a lot more. One is that capitalism creates a great dynamic of development. The speed how the foundation of economic is changed is unique in human history. This is possible because the profit is used to improve the performance of the actors. This increase of performance is required because the competition would otherwise reduce the chance to survive on the market.
A lot of views are possible, so there will be no definitive answer on your question. It is to say that there is not one capitalism - there are capitalisms, each a little bit different but each is capitalism. And a human society is an very complex thing, so it is ever a simplification to say something with attribute A and B performs function C. So we should not forget - capitalism is also the story how we tell and explain us, what is a main part of our social reality.
giftnussgiftnuss
Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged capitalism or ask your own question.
Is worsening wealth inequality intrinsic to Capitalism?
Why does competition work for capitalism?
Definition of capitalism
Alternatives to Capitalism and Communism
Did capitalism exist before the 18th century?
What are some historical examples of laissez-faire capitalism?
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Key statistics 2016 Industry summary 2016 Age structure 2016 Hours worked 2016 Occupations 2016 Qualifications 2016 Field of qualification 2016 Income 2016 Income quartiles 2016 Method of travel to work 2016 Characteristics of the unemployed 2016
Resident workers - Individual income
The City of Monash labour force have a higher proportion of people with high incomes ($1,750 or more per week) than Victoria.
The Individual Income levels of the local resident workers are directly linked to their knowledge, experience, qualifications, occupation and skill levels.
Income statistics in Monash, when analysed with other data sources, such as Age structure, Qualifications, Hours worked and Occupations, help to evaluate the economic opportunities and socio-economic status of Monash. This also indicates what knowledge and skill levels industry can draw upon locally.
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) – Census 2016 – by usual residence
Select industry:
Resident workers individual income
Gross weekly individual income
Victoria%
Negative Income/ Nil income 704 0.9 0.8 3101
$1 - $149 3,440 4.3 3.7 3102
$150 - $299 4,014 5.0 4.3 3103
$650 - $799 7,351 9.1 10.5 3107
$800 - $999 9,064 11.3 12.7 3108
$1,000 - $1,249 10,272 12.8 13.3 3109
$1,250 - $1,499 7,458 9.3 9.4 3110
$3,000 or more 4,074 5.1 4.7 3114
Not stated 1,100 1.4 1.8 3115
Total persons 80,385 100.0 100.0
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing (opens a new window) 2016. Compiled and presented in profile.id by .id (opens a new window), the population experts.
Residents individual income by small area (opens a new window)
Resident workers individual income, 2016
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing, 2016
Compiled and presented in economy.id by .id, the population experts.
Dominant groups
Analysis of the resident workers individual income levels in the City of Monash in 2016 compared to Victoria shows that there was a higher proportion earning a high income (those earning $1,750 per week or more) as well as a higher proportion of low income persons (those earning less than $500 per week).
Overall, 20.6% of the resident workers earned a high income, and 20.2% earned a low income, compared with 17.6% and 18.7% respectively for Victoria.
The major differences between the weekly income of the resident workers in the City of Monash and Victoria were:
A larger percentage of resident workers earned $2,000 - $2,999 (9.6% compared to 7.6%)
A smaller percentage of resident workers earned $800 - $999 (11.3% compared to 12.7%)
A smaller percentage of resident workers earned $650 - $799 (9.1% compared to 10.5%)
A smaller percentage of resident workers earned $500 - $649 (7.3% compared to 8.2%)
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This site uses cookies as explained in our Privacy Policy. If you agree to our use of cookies, please accept, alternatively, you can change your settings and decline.
The Knowledge Factory
Edinburgh Technopole is part of a national network of UK science parks with over 1.7m sqft of office, laboratory and manufacturing space. Together this network encompasses more than 180 science and innovation businesses in a network called the Knowledge Factory.
The companies across these parks collaborate through regular events and a shared digital collaboration platform and app.
Visit the Knowledge Factory
Click on the links below to find out more about our other science parks.
Kent Science Park
Hexagon Tower
Wilton Centre
Edinburgh Technopole
Langstone Technology Park
+44(0) 131 445 8600 parkmanager@edinburghtechnopole.com
Transport and Location
Midlothian Science Zone
Life in Edinburgh
Pre-lets
Our parks The Hub
Our occupiers work hard to deliver cutting-edge science, but need time to unwind too; as the proverb goes ‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’. Here at Edinburgh Technopole, we do everything we can to provide some light relief for our occupiers and support the local community, having a lot of fun along the way, as our recent activities show.
We’re lucky enough to work in a beautiful parkland location, and invited local photographers to capture the spirit of Edinburgh Technopole, submitting their favourite images taken during the spring and summer to win Amazon vouchers to the value of £500, with vouchers worth £250 for the runner up and the winner of a special category for children under 13 years of age. Despite the poor weather, the competition attracted high calibre entries, which were judged by Janet Bee, the editor of the Midlothian Advertiser. First prize in the adult section went to Stuart Marshall for his entry entitled Mini Planet, with Jon-Paul Purnell’s image of yellow lichen coming second. The winner of the U13 category was nine-year old Ava Marshall, who captured Bush House at sunset. Thank you to everyone who entered, and congratulations to the winners.
It’s important to find time to let off steam and, with that in mind, teams from companies based at Edinburgh Technopole and the neighbouring Roslin Institute and Pentlands Science Park, along with their supporters, got together on August the 29th for an ‘It’s a Knockout’ style fun day and barbeque in aid of Cash for Kids. Over 200 participants took up the challenge, negotiating large inflatable obstacles, some filled with water or foam, literally jumping through hoops and even dressing up as sausages! Nurture Landscapes – attired as flowers – came out on top, and celebrated with a bottle of champagne. The hugely successful event raised over £3,000 for Cash for Kids, and the overriding response from everyone that took part was ‘When can we do the next one?’.
Nurture Landscapes was also involved in a project to make our parkland environment even more attractive than it already is, donating bulbs and seeds that were planted by children from Glencorse Primary School on October the 11th. Our team spent a brilliant – if muddy! – morning with the children, planting 1,500 native Scottish bluebells deep in the Edinburgh Technopole woodland, as well as thousands of red, orange, dark purple and mauve poppies to create a memorial garden, before returning to Bush House for lunch and cupcakes. We look forward to enjoying a colourful floral display next year.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this snapshot of our recent activities and look forward to telling you about other events we have in the pipeline as they happen. Watch this space!
Occupier Hub
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EH26 0BB
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Newsgames
Experiments in Journalism and Game Design
Square Off
A Final Fantasy 7-inspired trivia game.
We worked with VOX and Polygon to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the classic role-playing game Final Fantasy 7. The JoLT team created a battlequiz to accompany Final Fantasy 7: An Oral History by Matt Leone.
Click here to play Square Off.
Commuter Challenge
Can you survive the metropocalypse?
We collaborated with WAMU 88.5, a local public radio station, to create a narrative-driven game about the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s multi-year SafeTrack initiative. Players experience the “metropocalypse” from the perspective of a service worker who relies on the metro.
This game utilized original reporting to create a composite profile of a metro rider in the service industry. Research of D.C. area expenses, such as child care and the cost of an Uber, were researched and included in the game.
Click here to play Commuter Challenge.
In addition to the game, JoLT professional fellow Maggie Farley collaborated with WAMU to create an original audio story around Metro’s SafeTrack project.
Newspark
Bringing news to the people.
A combination of a card game and journalistic information, News Park is aimed at establishing formal “news dialogues” in today’s new commons — malls, libraries, museums, train stations, terminals, and other public venues, including food trucks. We hope to see if a game-like environment helps in the attraction and retention of news and explore whether a game-centric model makes news more attractive.
Newspark has been exhibited at the Newseum and at the Smithsonian Museum for Natural History.
Factitious
Can you tell real news from fake?
Created by Bob Hone and Maggie Farley, Factitious puts your BS detector to the test. The game presents news articles which have been fact-checked by independent fact-checking organizations and challenges players to differentiate news from entertainment from opinion.
Click here to learn more about Factitious.
How Game Design Thinking Becomes Engagement Design
Lindsay D. Grace and Maggie Farley. 2016.
Proceedings from the 20th International Academic Mindtrek Conference
ABSTRACT: This paper is the product of 12 months of intensive study applying game design to the challenges of journalism and news community management. After conducting interviews and site visits with a wide variety of leaders in major print, web, television and news organizations, primary observations were made. The goal was to understand how the increasingly challenged news media industry could benefit from the knowledge that has sustained the success of the game industry. Our findings indicate that the formal practice of game design offers three key foci that may likely prove useful to industries and practices concerned with improving their audience engagement strategies. These three foci are experience, agency and play. We suggest that these three elements are the key to engagement in non-game contexts and are a likely path to improving the struggles facing not only the news industry, but other domains like activism, social impact, and civic participation.
2017: Datu, C., Dunlap, K., Rice, J. Games + Summit – Games + Journalism: A Retrospective on 2 Years at the Intersection of Games and News
2016: Grace, L. Playing the News, Meaningful Play, Michigan State U, 10/22 http://meaningfulplay.msu.edu/program.php?detailed=1
2016: Grace, L. Keynote: Online News Association (ONA)-London, United Kingdom
2016: Grace, L. “VR and Other Oddities, What Journalists Can Learn from Game Design”, Quinnipiac University visiting artist lecture in Games, Hamden Connecticut
2015: Grace, L. Affect & Effect — What Journalists Can Learn from Game Design, Society for News Design (SND), Washington, DC, April 2015
2016: Grace, L., Treanor, M., Totten, C. and McCoy, J. 2016. A Case Study in Newsgame Creation: Why Game Designers and Journalists are Still Learning to Work Together, 66th International Communication Conference, Fokouka, Japan
2017: Grace, L., Datu, C., Dunlap, K., Rice, J. Engineered Collisions Between Games and News, SXSW, Austin, TX
This event is upcoming: March 13, 2017
2016: Bosch, M., Datu, C., Peterson, L. Newsgaming: A New Media Playground? GEN Summit, Vienna, Austria.
2016: Grace, L., Rice, J., Datu, D., Dunlap, K. Community Engagement at the Intersection of News and Games, Game Developers Conference, San Francisco, CA, March, 2016.
2015: Eisman, A., Grace, L., Lih, A. What Journalists Can Learn from Game Designers, Online News Association, Los Angeles, CA, August, 2015
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Scientific life
Scientific life 18.10.2019
ISGlobal is the third PRBB centre to receive an accreditation of excellence
For the first time, the Spanish State Research Agency has named ISGlobal as a ‘Severo Ochoa’ Centre of Excellence. Manolis Kogevinas, from ISGlobal, tells us about what it means to receive this recognition.
InterviewISGlobal
By Elena Lapaz
The 'Severo Ochoa' Center of Excellence distinctive aims to fund and accredit highly competitive research centers worldwide. | Picture by Ibrahim Boran from Unsplash.
Out of 18 proposals, the Spanish State Research Agency, an instrument for the management and financing of public funds for R&D activities, named this year six Spanish centres as ‘Severo Ochoa’ Centre of Excellence, among which is the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal).
With ISGlobal, there are already three PRBB centres with an accreditation of excellence: the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) (Severo Ochoa), the Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University (DCEXS-UPF) (which has just been granted a renovation of its María de Maeztu) and, for the first time, ISGlobal (Severo Ochoa). Both the Severo Ochoa and the Maria de Maeztu are the highest institutional distinction for scientific research in Spain, for research centres and universities, respectfully.
Receiving this award means a lot for ISGlobal, since this PRBB centre would be the only Spanish global public health centre to receive the ‘Severo Ochoa’ Centre of Excellence award.
“This grant allows us to think about the future. It is very important to know where you are going. According to this, we have opted to enhance interdisciplinary research in very competitive areas”
Manolis Kogevinas
The purpose of this accreditation of excellence is to fund highly competitive research centres, such as ISGlobal, with €4 million over a four-year period.
We have talked to the Scientific Director of the Severo Ochoa Program at ISGlobal, Manolis Kogevinas. He tells us about what it means for the institution to receive this recognition and the impact it will have on their research.
“This grant allows us to think about the future. It is very important to know where you are going. According to this, we have opted to enhance interdisciplinary research in very competitive areas“, confirms Kogevinas. The scientific director explains that, in order to achieve that goal, they have promoted a 3×3 approach. It means they are setting 3 new strategic areas of research connected to other 3 areas in which ISGlobal researchers have already been working on.
The 3 new areas are:
Mobile health technologies for diagnosis and exposure assessment.
Data science and Big Data.
Health impact assessment and implementation of research.
And they will work together with the following areas:
Malaria and other infectious diseases
Urban health, climate and non-communicable diseases.
Kogevinas wants to highlight that, a part from this 3×3 approach, their plan also consists on promoting training courses and their business plan and policies, as well as strenghtening society engagement. “It’s a complete plan and it will just bring us forward, as well as making our work more meaningful for the society”, confirms the researcher.
“Proximity is still important and having many highly competitive research groups in the same building, such as the PRBB, helps everybody”
Talking about the context of ISGlobal, Kogevinas says: “We live in a period in which we can get connected to anybody around the world, but proximity is still important and having many highly competitive research groups in the same building, such as the PRBB, helps everybody. It makes us very attractive when it comes to bring new people to the institution”.
Elena Lapaz holds a degree in Biomedical Sciences, from the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Enthusiastic about science, as well as concerned about social responsibility and interested in the art of communicating, she also holds a Masters in Scientific, Medical and Environmental Communication from the Pompeu Fabra University.
Research 17.01.2020
Six Y chromosome genes could explain men's increased risk of cancer
The Spanish Biobank Network, 10 years coordinating the collection of samples for research
ERC grants and genomics hints into bird extinctions
Public engagement 16.12.2019
Planetary Health Debate at COP25 Climate Change Conference
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LikeFont is a font brand belongs to FontKe.com that provides font identification, font preview, font download and identification community. With unique font identification algorithm and similarity algorithm, together with big data technology and search engine technology to improve the accuracy of font identification. LikeFont.com supports Latin, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and all characters around the world based on Unicode 12.0.0.
LikeFont now owns several products on different platforms, including: LikeFont for Web, LikeFont for Mobile, LikeFont for Windows, LikeFont for macOS, LikeFont for Android, LikeFont for iOS, LikeFont for WeChat Mini Program and LikeFont for API. Among which, LikeFont for Windows and LikeFont for macOS is the first of its kind to support both local font identification and online font identification in the world.
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"Character Stitching" automatically splits unconnected strokes or parts in a picture into multiple parts. At this point as long as the drag the picture, these parts into a complete character. The font also provides the option of splitting the character sequence function (including "Smart sorting", "left-right-up-down", "up-down-left-right", "right-left-up-down", "up-down-right-left", can be adapted to the "left-right", "right-left", "up-down" and other different bidirectional of the demolition needs.), as well as deleting parts, moving parts, and so on.
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In the font preview function, you can customize the "preview text", Han Conversion, set the "font size" (optional "adaptive width"), "foreground color", "background color", "bold", "italic", "width ","height".And it provides font preview. The default text is what you input to identify and you change the text as you wish. Han (Hanzi or 汉字) also provide "Han (Simplified variant)", "Han (Traditional variant)", "Han (Japanese variant)" conversion function. Click the menu of "Preview text", you can choose preview text including 14 basic character string and 28 pangram.
The pre-installed basic character strings are Font Name, Latin Letters, Uppercase Letters, Lowercase Letters, Tone Letters, Symbols, Arabic Numerals, Arabic Alphabet, Greek Alphabet, Cyrillic Alphabet, Hiragana, Katakana, Hangul Numerals, Chinese Numerals.
The pre-installed pangrams are Bulgarian(Български), Icelandic(íslenska), Polish(Polski), Korean(한국어), Danish(Dansk), German(Deutsch), Russian(Русский), French(Français), Finnish(suomi), Gaelic(Gàidhlig), Dutch(Nederlands), Catalan(Català), Lithuanian(lietuvių kalba), Romanian(Română), Norwegian(Norsk), Portuguese(Português), Japanese(日本語), Swedish(Svenska), Serbian(Српски), Slovene(Slovenščina), Thai(ไทย), Spain(Español), Hebrew(עברית), Greek(Ελληνικά), Italian(Italiano), English, Simplified Chinese(简体中文), Traditional Chinese(繁體中文). A pangram (Greek: παν γράμμα, pan gramma, "every letter") or holoalphabetic sentence is a sentence using every letter of a given alphabet at least once.
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Georgia to adopt EU laws without membership hope
By EUobserver
The republic of Georgia will implement as much European legislation as possible, the country's president Salome Zurabishvili said in a speech in Vilnius, according to Il Foglio. She added that the EU has interrupted its enlargement process and that it is focussing on internal problems. That is why, she argued, Georgia should not hope for EU membership now, but be creative in finding other ways to become more European.
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The spectre of another peace agreement looms: that of the doomed Versailles treaty, which, by sowing resentment and perpetuating misunderstanding of each other's true ambitions and principles, created more tensions than it dissolved.
New year, old problems for one of EU's poorest places
The year is off to a rocky start in Vaslui, one of EU's most impoverished regions and Romania's poorest county, where two 12-year olds were found in alcohol-induced coma after having spent their Christmas carol-singing money on alcohol.
Thousands apply for EU border guard posts
Around 7,500 applications were sent to Frontex to fill 700 new border guard posts. The guards will become official EU staff and wear a yet to be unveiled 'European Union' uniform.
MEPs urge binding targets to protect biodiversity
MEPs have called on the EU commission to move away from voluntary commitments on biodiversity protection and propose a more "ambitious" strategy for 2030.
Davos and Libya in focus This WEEK
The all-powerful will meet in Davos after Berlin tries to resolve the Libyan conflict over the weekend, while MEPs will set the stage for final ratification of the Brexit deal.
The former EU ambassador suspected by German prosecutors of spying for China was Gerhard Sabathil, according to EU officials speaking on condition of anonymity.
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Kazakhstan, Central Asia, China
Kazakhstan: Chinese Kazakhs arrested, face trial in remote location
The pair tried to apply for asylum.
Darkhan Umirbekov Oct 15, 2019
Kaster Musakhan, speaking in the Facebook video testimony.
Two ethnic Kazakh citizens of China who unlawfully smuggled their way into Kazakhstan to flee what they say was systematic repression have been arrested and will likely soon face trial in a remote region of the country.
The men, Kaster Musakhan and Murager Alimuly, were arrested on October 14, following a press conference in Almaty in which they stated their intent to apply for asylum in Kazakhstan. Before they were able to file their petition with the migration police, however, they were detained by border service personnel from the National Security Committee, or KNB.
“When we turned up [at the offices of the migration police], they were closed for lunch,” activist Bekzat Maksutkhan, who accompanied Musakhan and Alimuly, told Eurasianet.
Maksutkhan said three lawyers have come forward expressing their readiness to represent the two men, but that only one of them, Bauyrzhan Azanov, has so far been granted access.
Musakhan and Alimuly went public last week with their story. They say that they are from China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and that they were prompted by years of abuse at the hands of Chinese authorities to plot their flight. In video testimonies, the men explained that they slipped across the border on October 1 and then travelled hundreds of kilometers to Almaty, where they shared their story with activists and journalists.
The unregistered wing of the Atajurt movement, which has for years been campaigning to draw international attention to the plight of ethnic Kazakhs in China, had kept the men in an undisclosed location for more than a week.
Beijing strenuously denies the mounting international claims that it is implementing a systematic policy to obliterate the beliefs and customs of the ethnic Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz and other traditionally Muslim minorities that populate the country’s western regions. It insists the incarceration camps that have been scrupulously documented by activists and journalists over the last few years are intended as centers of vocational training.
In addition to talking about their plans to apply for asylum, Musakhan and Alimuly spoke at the press conference about their personal background and provenance.
“Durbilzhin is a small district [in Xinjiang region’s Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture] and it has nine camps,” said Alimuly, 25. Inside the camps “there are people as old as 80 and others as young as 20.”
Alimuly claimed that even the most inoffensive gestures – such as wearing a beard or uttering characteristically Islamic phrases out loud – have over the past few years proven enough to land people in the camps.
“People are buried without [Islamic burial rituals]. And these days you will not see the crescent moon in cemeteries,” Alimuly said.
Alimuly said that over the last two months, he has been detained twice, on each occasion for periods of 24 hours.
“They tortured me for the entire 24 hours,” Alimuly said.
Kaster Musakhan, 30, said that the Chinese authorities arrested him in March 2013 and released him in November 2017. He was then placed under house arrest for a period of 16 months, Musakhan said.
Musakhan said charges leveled against him were for purportedly participating in public protests by ethnic Uyghurs in Xinjiang region’s capital Urumqi in 2009.
“I lived in Urumqi for three years, but left the city a month before the protests,” he said.
Musakhan and Alimuly will prove a headache for officials in Nur-Sultan, formerly Astana.
Most pressingly, they will again place the Kazakh government in the awkward position of having to prioritize between its relations with important economic partner China, which will almost certainly push hard to have the men returned forthwith, and the increasingly inflamed sentiments of Kazakh nationalists and people exercised by Beijing’s excessive clout.
Officials mostly fumbled the case of Sayragul Sauytbay, an ethnic Kazakh woman who likewise entered Kazakhstan unlawfully in 2018. After being threatened with deportation back to China, Sauytbay was eventually granted leave to remain and has since been permitted to relocate to Sweden with her family.
The two men are already bracing to cause embarrassment by undermining the face-saving narrative of the government, which has insisted previously, albeit in very confused and unclear terms, that it has received assurances from Beijing that no Kazakhs are being held in the camps.
“It has been confirmed that there are no ethnic Kazakhs in re-education camps in China,” Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi said on October 4, utilizing Beijing’s preferred nomenclature for the camps.
Musakhan said that this was far from the truth.
“If they release five, they would right away detain 20,” Musakhan said. “My brother was arrested in 2016 and we still don’t know what happened to him. We are afraid to ask. They could detain us as well.”
Because Musakhan and Alimuly have asserted that they slipped into the country at a far-flung location in the East Kazakhstan region, it is probably there that they will be tried, Azanov, the lawyer, has said.
Activists from the unregistered Atajurt organization are expected to monitor the case, but the remoteness of the location means that media scrutiny will likely be limited. If they are found guilty of violating the law by crossing into Kazakhstan improperly, which is more than a certainty as things stand, deportation to China will probably follow.
Darkhan Umirbekov is a journalist based in Kazakhstan's capital.
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Gulf states rush to embrace Israel
Tamara Nassar Power Suits 30 October 2018
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Oman last week was the most visible sign of Israel’s normalization of ties with Arab states with which it has no formal diplomatic relations.
But it was only the tip of the iceberg, as Israeli delegations fanned out to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates as well.
Netanyahu met with Oman’s ruler Sultan Qaboos and other officials at the Bait al-Baraka royal palace near the capital Muscat.
Local media published footage of Netanyahu’s delegation being received at the palace:
🔴جلالة السلطان المعظم يستقبل ببيت البركة دولة بنيامين نتنياهو رئيس الوزراء الإسرائيلي https://t.co/faOgfSFX93#مركز_الأخبار pic.twitter.com/B3qFuxLvl9
— مركز الأخبار (@omantvnews) October 26, 2018
The two leaders discussed the so-called peace process and mutual interests of stability in the region, according to Omani television.
“The public visit and the royal reception Prime Minister Netanyahu received over the weekend is the result of four months’ work, led by the Mossad,” Israel’s Ynet reported, referring to Israel’s notorious spying and assassination agency.
“It’s safe to assume Mossad director Yossi Cohen visited Muscat to finalize the details of that visit.”
Ynet said that Netanyahu’s visit was scheduled before the killing of the Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi but could be exploited to show “the world that Oman is different,” adding that an unnamed “senior Israeli official even said that he doesn’t ‘rule out the use of Oman to open a secret channel with Iran and Syria.’”
An analyst in the Israeli daily Haaretz speculated that US President Donald Trump “might now encourage the Saudi crown prince to promote an agreement with Israel to cleanse himself of the Khashoggi affair, with the Israeli visit to Oman, the expert go-between, being part of the process.”
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, a close ally of Israel and the United States, is widely suspected of giving the order to a team of Saudi assassins to abduct, murder and dismember Khashoggi in his country’s consulate in Istanbul earlier this month.
Coming out of the shadows
Netanyahu’s visit was not unprecedented; in 1994, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin went to Oman, in the wake of the Oslo accords Israel signed with the Palestine Liberation Organization, which were widely expected to herald broader normalization between Israel and Arab states.
Yet as the peace process collapsed, and Israel tightened the grip of occupation, colonization and violence against Palestinians, official Arab ties with Israel remained cool, while developing in secret.
Recently, they have been coming out of the shadows.
Following Netanyahu’s visit, Oman’s foreign minister Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah urged formal recognition of Israel and normalization of ties.
“Israel is a state in the region, and we all understand this,” he said at a conference in Bahrain last Friday.
“We are not saying that the road is now easy and paved with flowers, but our priority is to put an end to the conflict and move to a new world,” he said, according to The Jerusalem Post.
Saudi foreign minister Adel al-Jubeir agreed with Oman’s foreign minister.
“We think that the key to normalizing relations with Israel will have to be the peace process,” he said at the same conference.
One of the reasons that Israel and the US are so supportive of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, is that they see him as key to forcing Palestinians to accept a “peace” deal imposed by the Trump administration that would effectively liquidate Palestinian rights but pave the way for Israel to be fully integrated into the region.
Israeli anthem played in Abu Dhabi
Meanwhile, Israel’s flag was raised and its national anthem played in the United Arab Emirates twice in recent days at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam judo competition.
The norm is that participants who win medals can have their flag displayed. If they win gold, their national anthem is played as well.
Two Israeli competitors won gold medals on Sunday and Monday.
Israel’s sports and culture minister Miri Regev, who arrived in the Emirates late last week along with her country’s judo team, part of a blitz of Israeli normalization with Arab states in the region, cried with emotion as the Israeli anthem was played in the emirate.
لأول مرة في التاريخ، يُرفع علم الاحتلال الصهيوني ويُعزف نشيده في "أبو ظبي" بعد فوز لاعب الجودو الإسرائيلي "ساجي موكي" بالميدالية الذهبية، وذلك بحضور وزيرة الثقافة والرياضة الصهيونية "ميري ريغف" التي بكت من الفرحة. #تطبيع #التطبيع_خيانة #الإمارات #UAE pic.twitter.com/TJ0zI6V8db
— Yasser Ashour (@yasserashour95) October 28, 2018
Regev is notorious for her racist outbursts.
She once called African migrants a “cancer,” later apologizing to cancer victims for comparing them to Africans.
On another occasion, Regev posted a video of herself surrounded by Israeli fans of the notoriously racist Beitar football team shouting genocidal slogans against Arabs, including, “May your village be burned.”
Here is Andrew Cuomo's parade buddy, Miri Regev, celebrating "we will burn your village down" with extreme right wing Beitar football fans - one of the most racist sports clubs in the world. pic.twitter.com/wxJdcWzFtJ
— Rafael Shimunov 🔥 (@rafaelshimunov) September 8, 2018
In September, the United Arab Emirates judo federation capitulated to Israel’s demands to exhibit its symbols at the Abu Dhabi competition in October after Regev extensively lobbied the president of the International Judo Federation, Marius Vizer, to cancel the Abu Dhabi event, along with one in Tunisia, after the two countries refused to normalize Israeli participation.
The international federation reinstated the Abu Dhabi competition.
Regev also paid a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi – the largest mosque in the Emirates – on Monday.
#Israel’s Culture and Sports Minister Miri Regev tours Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in #AbuDhabi accompanied by officials from the #UAE. Regev is in the country to watch the Israeli judoka team compete at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam. pic.twitter.com/F3A6fXcDar
— Zaid Benjamin (@zaidbenjamin) October 29, 2018
Regev boasted that it was the first time an Israeli government minister had visited the mosque.
Media also published a photo purportedly showing Regev and the Israeli athletes smiling and displaying an Israeli flag in Abu Dhabi:
Israeli minister of culture and sport arrives in #AbuDhabi, starting an unprecedented visit paid by an Israeli minister to a #PersianGulf country#Israel #MiriRegev pic.twitter.com/QESugWKB8Z
— Press TV (@PressTV) October 26, 2018
While Regev celebrated in the United Arab Emirates, another Israeli-government backed delegation, the country’s gymnastics team, was competing in a tournament in Qatar.
Rise in normalization
Normalization between Arab countries – especially in the Gulf – and Israel has been on the rise, driven by the close Saudi-Israeli alliance.
One striking example was revealed by Buzzfeed News this month: the United Arab Emirates, with the help of Palestinian strongman Muhammad Dahlan, hired a firm run by an Israeli to assassinate people in Yemen.
According to the BuzzFeed report, Spear Operations Group, founded by security contractor Abraham Golan in 2015, hires former American soldiers as mercenaries to carry out the killings in Yemen on behalf of the UAE government.
More than a decade ago, Dahlan, a former Palestinian Authority intelligence chief, was the central player in a plot backed by the United States to mount a coup against Hamas, after the political and resistance organization won Palestinian legislative elections.
The plot ended with Dahlan and his men being driven out of Gaza, but it ushered in the division between the West Bank and Gaza Strip that persists to this day.
In recent years, Dahlan has been based in the UAE, where he advises the country’s rulers.
A CIA officer quoted by BuzzFeed said of Dahlan, “The UAE took him in as their pit bull.”
Dahlan was reportedly key to brokering the deal with Golan’s mercenaries on behalf of the UAE government.
Ali Abunimah contributed reporting.
Arab normalization
Sultan Qaboos
Yossi Cohen
Mohammad bin Salman
Oslo accords
Palestine Liberation Organization
Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah
Adel al-Jubeir
Miri Regev
International Judo Federation
Marius Vizer
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Muhammad Dahlan
Abraham Golan
Spear Operations Group
Tamara Nassar's blog
Permalink Carl Zaisser replied on Wed, 10/31/2018 - 17:39
sad, sick betrayal
Permalink John Costello replied on Wed, 10/31/2018 - 18:05
It seems that as institutions of international law weaken, the regional diplomacy discussed in this article, trends steadily toward full normalization of ties between Israel and its neighbors.
What are the ramifications for the BDS movement if this trend continues - which it shows every sign of doing - and Palestine's own family of states lends tacit support to status quo Israel, or an apartheid Israel that at best sees Palestinians and Arabs in general, as 2nd class citizens?
What happens to progressives in the Gulf states?
Oh, that's right, they're tortured, cut up into little pieces and scattered around the garden.
Any chance of them fertilizing another Arab Spring?
Sad gutless leaders
Permalink Abe Ferris replied on Tue, 11/06/2018 - 00:46
Absolute betrayal of values. Recognition of apartheid policies where lands are confiscated to accommodate illegal settlements. Benjy nothingyahoo is a scum. As they always say....enjoy life for if we can't have revenge, there is a hereafter
Permalink Lloyd Chambers replied on Fri, 12/07/2018 - 19:31
International Palestinianism seems to be imploding - as more and more Arab States normalizing relations with Israel. The whole concept of fakestinyanism is being exposed as the true sham of which it always was and is.
blame the elites
Permalink John Costello replied on Sat, 12/08/2018 - 15:06
Don't judge the people by their leaders, even though temptation and sometimes the evidence leads you there. The House of Saud and the Emiratis can only hold onto their power by supplicating to a higher power. We've gone past the time when a special relationship with God would be used as justification for autocracy - and Islam actually helped get us there - so now they're left with their special relationship with US and all that entails, including accepting our colonial adventurism.
If there comes another Arab Spring, these 21st century kings and princes may be swept into the dust bin of history, where they belong. Until then they will fight tooth and nail to maintain this winter of our discontent.
couldnt be more right. It's a
Permalink Abe Ferris replied on Sun, 12/09/2018 - 23:37
couldnt be more right. It's a long tough winter ahead for the likes of MBS in KSA and MBZ in UAE.....they're more or less heading towards history
Tamara Nassar
Tamara Nassar is an assistant editor at The Electronic Intifada.
How Israel tortures Palestinians
Tamara Nassar 15 January 2020
Israel starts pumping gas to Jordan
Israel bars Gazans from Christmas worship in Jerusalem
Tamara Nassar 16 December 2019
Israel lobby group visits Bahrain
Despite strains, Jordan stays tied to Israel
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March 22, 2018 March 22, 2018 Leave a comment ArchaeologyDocumentarydoesEvidencefromGrahamHancockhiddenMainstreamNewNotPublicSeeThetoTVWantYouZEG
Documentary – ZEG TV HIDDEN FROM THE PUBLIC – New Graham Hancock the Evidence Mainstream Archaeology Does Not Want You to See
ZEG TV HIDDEN FROM THE PUBLIC – New Graham Hancock the Evidence Mainstream Archaeology Does Not Want You to See
Graham Hancock explains how an entire episode of the human story has been lost, an advanced civilisation very different from our own, with advanced technologies In the teeth of opposition from orthodox historians, and an ideologically driven consensus, a new paradigm of prehistory is emerging that will change everything we have been taught to believe about ourselves. Technological skills that should have taken hundreds or even thousands of years to evolve were brought into use almost overnight– and with no apparent antecedents whatever. Hancock shares his unique experiences and perspective on the mysteries of the human past and explains why he’s convinced we are a species with amnesia forced, more than 12,000 years ago. What is prehistory, after all, if not a time forgotten–a time for which we have no records?
February 19, 2018 February 22, 2018 Leave a comment accordingancientDiscoveries - AncientEvidenceGiantsjustNewsRealStarGateStrangethistoVerywereZohar
Just News – Zohar StarGate Ancient Discoveries – Ancient Giants Were Real According to this Very Strange Evidence
Zohar StarGate Ancient Discoveries – Ancient Giants Were Real According to this Very Strange Evidence
Uncovers a lost legacy of extremely tall and powerful individuals who once ruled this part of the world. Giants were said to have gradually consolidated their position in Britain, ruling the land for hundreds or possibly thousands of years. Hugh Newman has collated over 150 accounts of giant bones, skeletons and skulls throughout the British Isles. Although the founding of Britain is still shrouded in mystery, and Geoffrey’s Histories is clearly jumbled-up versions of older books and myths, the stories of the giants seem to go very far back. The Legends and foundations myths of Britain are so strongly associated these local titans, we hope this introduction to giant-lore gives some indication that they could be the ancestral memories of real-life giants who ruled here long before us ‘Brits’ ever lived here, and could have been responsible for the thousands of megalithic constructions that grace this ancient landscape.
Presented by Hugh Newman at Origins 2017 Annual Conference, London, UK. To learn more about publications by this speaker, please visit – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hugh-Newman/e/B005XQZP5G/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1518268066&sr=8-1 To learn more about upcoming Megalithomania & Origins Annual Conferences, Tours, pls visit – http://www.megalithomania.co.uk All Rights Reserved, Copyright Megalithomania 2017, in partnership with ZoharStarGate
February 15, 2018 February 21, 2018 Leave a comment 1947AaboutalongandAramaicArchaeologicalînbeBedouinBehindBiblicalBothButbycalledCavecontainedcontainsControversyDeadDiscoveryDramaticearliestEastEntireEventEvidenceExplainsFindfragmentsfromGreekhebrewHistoryholdingHundredsimportantInformationinitialIsjarsJerusalemjewishjustkeyleast-knownLightlocatedMOSTmovementNEARnearbyNewsnonbiblicalnonbiblical--inNotnowofononeothersOwnpassagesperiodsQumranrecentScripturesScrollsSeasensationalSettlementshedShepherdstudiesstumbledSurroundingtextsThetheirThemTheoriesthisThousandtotranslationstwounpublishedUponVideoWithWORDSWouldYears
Just News – Ancient Secret Discoveries – Why Controversial Dead Sea Scrolls Have Been Hidden From Sight
Ancient Secret Discoveries – Why Controversial Dead Sea Scrolls Have Been Hidden From Sight
This find is the most important archaeological event in two thousand years of biblical studies. This video explains not just the Scrolls but the entire controversy surrounding them, from their initial discovery to the most recent sensational theories. Contains information about unpublished Dead Sea Scrolls with translations of key passages and recent discovery of the movement behind the Scrolls in their own words In 1947, a Bedouin shepherd stumbled upon a cave near the Dead Sea, a settlement now called Qumran, to the east of Jerusalem. This cave, along with the others located nearby, contained jars holding hundreds of scrolls and fragments of scrolls of texts both biblical and nonbiblical–in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. The biblical scrolls would be the earliest evidence of the Hebrew Scriptures by hundreds of years; and the nonbiblical texts would shed dramatic light on one of the least-known periods of Jewish history.
January 29, 2018 January 31, 2018 Leave a comment -2017BestCan'tDenyEarthEvidenceFLATjustNewsProofthisYou
Just News – BEST FLAT EARTH PROOF 2017 – YOU CANT DENY THIS EVIDENCE
BEST FLAT EARTH PROOF 2017 – YOU CANT DENY THIS EVIDENCE
August 23, 2017 August 24, 2017 Leave a comment !-1990-201322366-23?AA/H1N1accordingadjuvantadjuvantedadultsAdverseAfterAgainstAgeAIDSaluminiumAluminumAnandAreAustraliaAutismAutoimmune–înBback-endBackfiredBansbasedbeblaylockBLEIBENBoyCallscauseCausingChildrenchronicClassencohortCouldcountryCrimedataDaughterDecideddevelopmentDiabetesdiedDiet:disordersDrenvironmentalEpidemicEpidemicsEudraVigilanceEventEventsEvidenceExposedExposesFailureFollowingforFraudFREIWILLIGfromGardasilgavegeneratingGetsGirlsH1N1HaemophilusHaveHeHealthHearHoaxHowHPVIimmuneimmunisationImmunotherapiesImpfenInactivatedInducedIndustryinflammationInfluenzaInfluenzaeinjectingInjuriesinjuryInterviewinvolvedIsItJrKennedyKidslegsLethalLiteratureLossMechanismsMetabolicMinister’sMMRMonovalentmonthsMotherMovieMUSSMyneurologicalneuropathologyNewNewsnoseNotnownutritionobesityofOFFICIALonOrganouroverloadpandemicpaperPopulationPrayBigprofitsprovesputativeQueenslandRangerRarelyRelevantReportedReportingReviewRobertroleRussellScienceSeriousStockholmstrongstudySwedenSyndromesystemtestimonyThethenThreeTIVtoTrailertrivalentTruthTruth-TellingtypeUpvaccinateVaccinationvaccinevaccinesVAXXEDVersusWhatWhywifeWithwithoutYears
Vaccine News – Adverse events following Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccines in the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, 1990-2013
An interview with Robert Kennedy Jr. on vaccines
By Helen Branswell
In the early days of 2017, proponents of vaccination were deeply concerned. Donald Trump, who has long espoused a debunked link between vaccines and autism, was set to enter the White House. He met with environmental activist Robert Kennedy Jr., who has for years argued that vaccines can cause a range of developmental and other health conditions. Kennedy emerged to report he’d been asked to chair a commission into vaccine safety.
But seven months later, no such commission has been appointed and the crisis-mired White House has declined to say whether the plan has been shelved.
STAT contacted Kennedy to see where plans stood. He would only speak on condition that STAT publish the interview in a Q&A format. He argued that his assertions — which are disputed as a misreading of the scientific literature by many mainstream scientists — have been misquoted and misrepresented in the media.
Here is STAT’s conversation with Kennedy. It has been lightly edited, for length and readability.
The question I want to ask you relates to the vaccine safety commission that you had announced in January that you were going to head, after you met with then President-elect Trump. It’s been a number of months now, and there hasn’t been any further public announcement. And so we’ve been wondering: Where does this stand?
I’ve had no discussions specifically about the vaccine safety commission, probably since February. I’ve spoken to the White House about other issues of vaccine safety and had a number of follow-up meetings.
Study – The putative role of environmental aluminium in the development of chronic neuropathology in adults and children. How strong is the evidence and what could be the mechanisms involved?
The conceptualisation of autistic spectrum disorder and Alzheimer’s disease has undergone something of a paradigm shift in recent years and rather than being viewed as single illnesses with a unitary pathogenesis and pathophysiology they are increasingly considered to be heterogeneous syndromes with a complex multifactorial aetiopathogenesis, involving a highly complex and diverse combination of genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors. One such environmental factor implicated as a potential cause in both syndromes is aluminium, as an element or as part of a salt, received, for example, in oral form or as an adjuvant. Such administration has the potential to induce pathology via several routes such as provoking dysfunction and/or activation of glial cells which play an indispensable role in the regulation of central nervous system homeostasis and neurodevelopment. Other routes include the generation of oxidative stress, depletion of reduced glutathione, direct and indirect reductions in mitochondrial performance and integrity, and increasing the production of proinflammatory cytokines in both the brain and peripherally. The mechanisms whereby environmental aluminium could contribute to the development of the highly specific pattern of neuropathology seen in Alzheimer’s disease are described. Also detailed are several mechanisms whereby significant quantities of aluminium introduced via immunisation could produce chronic neuropathology in genetically susceptible children. Accordingly, it is recommended that the use of aluminium salts in immunisations should be discontinued and that adults should take steps to minimise their exposure to environmental aluminium.
Australia Bans Truth-Telling Mother From Country For Three Years…And It Backfired
The date was August 8th and the Vaxxed team had just wrapped up a two-week tour of Australia, where the communities of parents received their info with great interest. It was time for the team, consisting of a medical doctor, a scientist, a videographer, and a mother of a vaccine-injured son to pass through Australia’s Department of Immigration within the airport on the way to their flight to New Zealand. Three passed through unhassled, one didn’t. Vaxxed team member Polly Tommey describes what happened to her:
“I get taken to one side and that’s when two immigration police take me into a room and tell me that I’ve been detained and ask for my phone…and then they told me that I was in violation of my Visa and they took my phone and went right through everything in my phone. They typed in ‘Australia’ they went through every contact and every email that there had been with myself and the team. They took my phone away and photographed everything.”
In an instant Tommey was a persecuted individual who moments later would find out she was officially banned from Australia for three years. Next, it came time for airport security immigration officers to address one of the reasons Tommey was being harassed:
“Then they asked me about Vaxxed. Did I have a copy of it? Endless questions about Vaxxed being a very dangerous film with lies…I’m a mother recording stories from parents. And parents come to me to tell their stories. I didn’t seek them out, they come to me. And that is more of a threat than anything else?”
How did we get to the point where a mother can be banned from a western country for simply offering a voice to families?
The Wild Doc – What Officials Can Do To End Unnecessary Drug Overdoses/ Vaccine Awareness Month Brings New Confirmation That Vaccines Are Causing SIDS.
Relevant to the back-end profits (and back-end injuries) industry is generating from the autism epidemic. Abilify is in the class of second generation antipsychotics frequently pushed on individuals with autism by mainstream doctors as part of the $5 billion (and rising) “autism drug” market.
Dr.Russell Blaylock Exposes The Gardasil, HPV Vaccine Fraud
A shocking interview by Mike Adams (The health ranger) with Dr. Russell Blaylock who exposes to total criminal fraud of HPV vaccines and the vaccine industry.
Hear Why He Calls The HPV Vaccine a Crime Against Kids!
The HPV vaccine continues to be a hotly debated issue. Robert Scott Bell, popular radio host and homeopathic practitioner, discusses the theory behind the HPV vaccine and whether or not he thinks it’s safe.
The Health Ranger – Gardasil HPV Vaccine Hoax Exposed
This video exposes the truth about Gardasil and HPV vaccinations: They don’t work and may actually be dangerous to women. The FDA knew HPV did not cause cervical cancer in 2003.
HPV Gardasil Vaccine Proves Lethal – 236 Girls have now Died
236 Girls have now died in America – http://sanevax.org/
Irish Times 8.1.2012-Schoolgirl vaccine uptake of 82% beats target figures http://j.mp/zuYds8
236 girls have now died in America and the rest of the World, But the Irish Times keeps this quite, Irish Dr Kevin Kelleher, assistant national director of health protection at the HSE, welcomed the high uptake on Gardisil Vaccinations, he fails to give the facts also, says its excellent!
The 82 per cent uptake was “excellent” and was equal to or greater than those achieved in the first year of programmes in other countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia. He said the figures were great credit to the vaccination teams.
MMR gave our boy organ failure and then loss of legs #vaxxed #truth #science #Praybig
Why My Wife and I Decided Not To Vaccinate Our Daughter
Author: Jason Christoff
When my wife was pregnant we knew the vaccine issue was coming our way and we put it off as long as possible. As the day fast approached, I started to investigate and compile some information for my wife because she trusted that I would make sure she understood what the main issues were regarding vaccination. We had heard vaccinations were potentially dangerous but we didn’t know if that applied to all children or just some. We weren’t aware if vaccination was beneficial for some babies and maybe not for others. We were new to being parents and we didn’t want to make any mistakes. We certainly didn’t want our baby getting sick if we could do something about it proactively. We wanted our baby to have the most comfortable journey through life possible and if that meant giving our new born vaccines, so she could avoid disease now and in the future, then that’s what we were going to do. After researching for a couple of days, we were more than shocked at what we were uncovering.
Study – Neurological and autoimmune disorders after vaccination against pandemic influenza A (H1N1) with a monovalent adjuvanted vaccine: population based cohort study in Stockholm, Sweden.
Excess risks among vaccinated compared with unvaccinated people were of low magnitude for Bell’s palsy (hazard ratio 1.25, 95% confidence interval 1.06 to 1.48) and paraesthesia (1.11, 1.00 to 1.23) after adjustment for age, sex, socioeconomic status, and healthcare utilisation. Risks for Guillain-Barré syndrome, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis remained unchanged. The risks of paraesthesia and inflammatory bowel disease among those vaccinated in the early phase (within 45 days from 1 October 2009) of the vaccination campaign were significantly increased; the risk being increased within the first six weeks after vaccination. Those vaccinated in the early phase were at a slightly reduced risk of death than those who were unvaccinated (0.94, 0.91 to 0.98), whereas those vaccinated in the late phase had an overall reduced mortality (0.68, 0.64 to 0.71). These associations could be real or explained, partly or entirely, by residual confounding.
Results for the safety of Pandemrix over 8-10 months of follow-up were reassuring -notably, no change in the risk for Guillain-Barré syndrome, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis. Relative risks were significantly increased for Bell’s palsy, paraesthesia, and inflammatory bowel disease after vaccination, predominantly in the early phase of the vaccination campaign. Small numbers of children and adolescents with narcolepsy precluded any meaningful conclusions.
Injecting Aluminum Official Trailer
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In the early 90s, a mysterious muscular disease with symptoms that included severe muscle and joint pain began to surface among multiple patients in France. In 1993, a team of doctors in Paris discovered that these patients had developed a new disease called Macrophagic Myofascitis, or MMF, which occurs when the aluminum hydroxide adjuvant from a vaccine remains embedded in the muscle tissue and causes an immune reaction. Featuring interviews with patients, doctors, scientists, and influential politicians, Injecting Aluminum calls in to question the public health policies around aluminum in vaccines and examines aluminum’s devastating effects on the human body.
IMPFEN MUSS FREIWILLIG BLEIBEN!
In vielen Ländern Europas dürfen Eltern schon jetzt nicht mehr frei entscheiden, ob, wann und wogegen ihre Kinder geimpft werden. Auch in Deutschland werden die Daumenschrauben angezogen, aktuell wird diskutiert, man solle Eltern, die ihre Kinder nicht impfen, das Kindergeld entziehen!
Da Impfungen schwere Nebenwirkungen haben können, darf kein Staat und keine Institution Eltern vorschreiben dürfen, welche Pharma-Produkte ihren Kindern einverleibt werden!
Um den drohenden Impf-Zwang zu verhindern, rufen wir zur Teilnahme auf und bitten um Unterstützung:
Demonstration am 16.9.2017 in Berlin
FÜR EINE FREIE ZUKUNFT GESUNDER MENSCHEN!
Vaccination must be voluntary!
In many countries of Europe, parents are no longer allowed to decide whether, when and what their children are vaccinated. In Germany, too, the squeeze are being drawn up, and it is currently being discussed that parents who do not vaccinate their children should withdraw child benefit.
Since vaccination can have serious side effects, no state and no institution must be allowed to require parents to have the pharmaceutical products incorporated into their children.
In order to prevent the threat of vaccination, we call to participate and ask for support:
Demonstration on 16.9.2017 in Berlin
For a free future of healthy people!
Movie Vaxxed gets up QUEENSLAND Health Minister’s nose
By Brent Melville
QUEENSLAND Health Minister Cameron Dick was either seriously misinformed, ignorant, or flat out lying when, in response to the touring movie Vaxxed: From Coverup to Catastrophe, he said “there is no shred of credible scientific evidence to support claims that vaccinations are dangerous” (Gold Coast Bulletin, 15/7/17).
The same with Victorian Health Minister Jill Hennessy who stated on Seven News in February last year: “There are no risks in vaccinating your children – the science is really clear”.
Dr Hooker, who joined the Vaxxed tour, says there are in fact more than 100 studies on PubMed on autism, neurological developmental disorders (NDDs) and vaccination. But here’s a few specific studies our blind, deaf and dumb health ministers and their advisers refuse to look at.
1. Neurological and autoimmune disorders after vaccination against pandemic influenza A (H1N1) with a monovalent adjuvanted vaccine: population based cohort study in Stockholm, Sweden. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21994316 Conclusion in part: “… Relative risks were significantly increased for Bell’s palsy, paraesthesia, and inflammatory bowel disease after vaccination, predominantly in the early phase of the vaccination campaign…”.
2. Autoimmune disorders (AIDs) after immunisation with Influenza A/H1N1 vaccines with and without adjuvant: EudraVigilance data and literature review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23022149 From abstract: “Of the 50,221 adverse reactions received in EudraVigilance for A/H1N1 vaccines (adjuvanted: 46,173, non-adjuvanted: 4048), 314 were AID (adjuvanted: 276, non-adjuvanted: 38). GBS was the AID with the highest number of reports (125, adjuvanted: 109, non-adjuvanted: 16).
3. Serious adverse events rarely reported after trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) in children 6-23 months of age. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19450636 From results: “During 1991-2001, VAERS received 128,717 reports…A total of 14.2% of all reports described serious adverse events, which by regulatory definition include death, life-threatening illness, hospitalization or prolongation of hospitalization, or permanent disability.”
4. “Adverse events following Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccines in the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, 1990-2013.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25598306 Study results found: “VAERS received 29,747 reports after Hib vaccines; 5179 (17%) were serious, including 896 reports of deaths. Median age was 6 months (range 0-1022 months). Sudden infant death syndrome was the stated cause of death in 384 (51%) of 749 death reports with autopsy/death certificate records. The most common non-death serious AE categories were neurologic (80; 37%), other noninfectious (46; 22%) (comprising mainly constitutional signs and symptoms); and gastrointestinal (39; 18%) conditions.”
Study: Vaccine Induced Inflammation Cause of Obesity Epidemic – Not Diet
Childhood obesity is now a reason why the state could take away children from their parents. The rationale is that if a child is obese, it is the parents’ fault, because they failed to feed them properly. It is assumed that all childhood obesity is a result of diet.
However, most of us have probably seen first-hand just how different children are when it comes to food and putting on weight. Some children can eat junk food most of the time and never add weight, while some children can eat a healthy, organic diet and still add pounds.
Dr. J. Bart Classen has published a study claiming that the evidence for the overwhelming problem of childhood obesity is not diet, but “vaccine induced inflammation.”
Vaccines, not Diet, are Causing Epidemic of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes According to New Paper from Classen Immunotherapies
MANCHESTER, Md., June 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — A newly published paper in June’s Journal of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Obesity, 5(3): 1107, by immunologist J. Bart Classen, MD of Classen Immunotherapies provides further proof of the dangers of vaccines. The paper reviews the growing evidence that many cases of obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome are inflammatory conditions and that vaccine induced inflammation is the cause of the epidemic of these diseases. Upon receiving a vaccine some individuals’ immune system becomes hyper active leading to autoimmune destruction of insulin secreting cells and the development of type 1 diabetes. Many other individuals produce increased cortisol and other immune suppressing molecules, to suppress the vaccine induced inflammation. This increased production leads to type 2 diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome. The new paper reviews evidence supporting vaccines, not diet, as a cause of the epidemics of obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Study – Cause of the Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome Epidemics, Vaccine Induced Immune Overload versus Nutrition Overload
There is an epidemic of obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and associated conditions. Patients with these conditions often have markers of
increased inflammation. Many researchers have published that nutrition overload caused the epidemic of obesity and the associated inflammation which
leads to type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. A contrasting view has provided extensive evidence that vaccine induced immune overload has caused an
epidemic of inflammation and this inflammation caused epidemics of obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The data reviewed in these manuscripts
provides proof that immune overload, not nutrition overload has been the major contributing factor for the epidemics and inflammation associated with the
epidemics. Several lines of evidence are reviewed including evidence that inflammation precedes obesity in many patients, the lack of inflammation in many
obese patients, an epidemic of inflammation in thin patients, and an epidemic of obesity in children under 6 months of age. The failure to control the obesity
epidemic is blamed on the focus on nutrition and ignoring the root cause, vaccine induced immune overload. Once a patient has developed metabolic syndrome
with type 2 diabetes providers are too frequently subjecting their patients to further immune overload by administering yearly influenza vaccines and many
other vaccines. This action makes metabolic syndrome more difficult to reverse. The plan to reduce obesity must be focused on preventing immune overload
and not blaming patients for their diet. The epidemic of obesity can be reversed through discontinuation of vaccine practices that result in immune overload.
August 21, 2017 August 22, 2017 Leave a comment #HearThisWell#InformedConsent#RevolutionForChoice#thetruthaboutvaccines#VaccineInjury-1800s2million80-year-oldAaboutadultAfricanAfteragonyAlfredallAluminumAMAmongAnandAnswerArearmsaroundAsAutismautisticAutoimmune–înbeBeforebeganbetweenBiopersistenceblameBoardbrainBrownsteinBuchwaldbycaseCausalcauseCDCcellCervarixchildhoodChildrenClaimcohortcollegeCommunityCompletelycomponentcontaminantsControversialCorruptionCrazyculturesDamagedDeadDEATHDestructionDetectionDiphtheria-Tetanus-PertussisDisagreeingDiseaseDiseasesDownDrendEstablishmentEvidenceexistedExperiencesExperimentEXPERTExpertsexplainExterminationFactsFeelingFluForcedFrancefromGardasilGerhardGirlsgrowinghappeninghasHaveHayesHeadHealthHerholocaustHopkinsHPVHUMANII'veInfantsInfertilityinjuryintroductionIsItIt'sJohnsLambremontlargelateLaterLauraleftlegsliftlikeLinklookedMassmaymedicalmiaMissionMOSTMothernanoparticlesnaturalNebraskaNeckNewsNoNorthCarolinaNothingNumberobviousofoftenonorOralOverOwnpanelPapillomavirus:paralyzeParalyzedParentsPastPatientsPeoplephysiciansPolioprogramQuebecratherreactionRealRealityreasonRefusereleasesReportResearcherResearchersrightriskroutinescientificSeeseraSheShockingSimpleSospokeStandstudySUFFERINGtakesteasedTeenagersTennesseetestifiedtestimonyThanthatthat'sThetheirthentheorythisThreeTiredtoTrueTrumpingtrypsinunableUrbanVaccinationVaccinationsvaccinevaccine-injuredvaccinesVaccines-TheVAXXEDVideoWeaponsWebrewheelchair-boundwhetherWhistleblowerWithWitnessesWouldWritingYearsyoung
Vaccine News – Biopersistence in the Brain of Aluminum Nanoparticles from Vaccines
Dr. Brownstein on CDC Corruption: “I am Tired of Writing About This – I See Patients Damaged by Vaccines”
CDC Whistleblower Case Three Years Later: Nothing Happening
by Dr. Brownstein’s
I honestly cannot believe I am still writing about this. It was three years ago that a senior CDC scientist, Dr. William Thompson, claimed whistleblower protection after he issued a statement that he and his fellow colleagues altered, hid, and threw out data that showed a direct association between the MMR vaccine and autism.
I honestly cannot believe I am still writing about this. It was three years ago that a senior CDC scientist, Dr. William Thompson, claimed whistleblower protection after he issued a statement that he and his fellow colleagues altered, hid, and threw out data that showed a direct association between the MMR vaccine and autism. In August, 2014, I wrote in a blog post, “Now, there may be proof that the CDC not only knew about the link between the MMR vaccine and autism but they changed the data in a landmark 2004 study to hide the damning data. What did the heads of the CDC do? They altered the data and reported in 2004 (1) that there was no association between autism and the MMR vaccine. Who wrote this article? William Thompson, PhD, the whistleblower, was one of the authors of that 2004 study. He is reported to be suffering with regret and remorse over the damage that has been done to our children over the last ten years.”
The data that was altered showed a whopping 240% increase in autism cases among African American males who received the MMR vaccine before 36 months of age. Furthermore, there was a 69% increase risk in any male injected with MMR before 36 months of age. Guess which racial group has the highest incidence of autism? If you guessed African American males, you win the prize. Guess who suffers with more autism, boys or girls? If you guessed boys, you win again.
‘I would rather be dead than like this’: Teenager’s agony as she is left wheelchair-bound and feeling like an ’80-year-old’ as her parents claim controversial HPV vaccine is to blame
Zara Beattie, from Wigton, Cumbria was once a promising football player
Now the teenager struggles to stand up on her own and is largely bed bound
Her parents believe her symptoms started after she had the HPV vaccine
Since the jab, Zara suffers heart palpitations and severe pain all over her body
Experts say there is no link between the HPV vaccine and chronic illness
By Daisy Dunne For Mailonline
Mia, left paralyzed from the neck down after suffering a reaction to the HPV vaccine, has no feeling in her arms or legs and is unable to lift her head. Her Mother, Gini Blesky, says the symptoms of her debilitating illness all began after being given Gardasil. Parents! Please BE INFORMED now and share this crucial information with everyone you love. View this newly available docu-series right now and protect your beloved children: tinyurl.com/VaccinationEducation
#Gardasil #Cervarix #RevolutionForChoice #HearThisWell #VaccineInjury #VAXXED #INFORMEDconsent
Johns Hopkins Researcher Releases Shocking Report On Flu Vaccines
In 2015, a whole new slew of flu vaccines found themselves getting approved by the Federal Drug Administration. This isn’t an uncommon practice; most flu vaccines pass inspection every year. It’s well known advice that has been passed down from doctor to patient that the flu vaccine is something that we all should get, but it has been quickly surfacing that what’s in the vaccines–especially those from 2015 and after–might actually be more damaging then simply rolling the dice on getting the flu.
The ingredient that is getting the most flack is called an adjuvant. The particular one involved is called Squalene, and it has been linked to auto-immune disease side effects. In fact, it may have been used during chemical attacks in the Gulf War. Symptoms include chronic fatigue, muscle aches, and neurologic damage.
While it may be a contested subject, it remains that we aren’t really sure what’s going into these vaccines we’re being convinced should be used. A scientist who has been working at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, released a report sharing his views on the subject. And they aren’t pretty.
Here is an excerpt from yournewswire.com that summarizes aspects of Peter Doshi’s report. You can find the original report at the British Medical Journal’s site. Determine for yourself if the evidence he presents is credible or not…
WATCH NOW: http://bit.ly/2wqaSvA – Watch this free 7-part miniseries featuring over 60 vaccine experts to hear both sides of the vaccine debate. Playing through August 23rd. WATCH NOW: http://bit.ly/2wqaSvA
INFERTILITY – DISEASE – DEATH … Laura Hayes, Mother of vaccine-injured children, on a mission to end the vaccine holocaust! Share this LIFE-SAVING information with your loved ones and stay informed with this groundbreaking docu-series happening now: tinyurl.com/VaccinationEducation
“Would you allow something that could cause infertility, such as nonstick chemicals and solvents, to be injected into your child? Of course not. You know that you would never want to destroy your child’s future reproductive capabilities. However, millions of mothers across America are allowing doctors to inject their children with polysorbate 80, known to adversely affect fertility. And who knows what propylene glycol (antifreeze), Triton X100 (detergent), aluminum, mercury, foreign DNA fragments, and the myriad other vaccine ingredients do to one’s future reproductive ability, especially when injected in conjunction with polysorbate 80.
We know that the HPV vaccine has caused Primary Ovarian Failure (which is premature menopause) and amenorrhea (the prolonged cessation of a female’s menstrual cycle) in girls and young women, rendering them infertile, and possibly sterile for life. We know that tetanus vaccines given to girls and women in Kenya were laced with Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG), rendering them sterile. How? Administering HCG via vaccination stimulates the production of antibodies to HCG, and these antibodies then cause the woman’s body to reject embryos, effectively sterilizing her. Such an HCG-laced tetanus vaccine is in actuality a contraception vaccine.
Do you think any of these Kenyan women was told that prior to vaccination? To add to the evilness and deception, the Kenyan women were given a 5-dose tetanus program spread over a number of years, versus the 2-3 dose norm. Clearly, those vaccines were being used for induced sterility and birth control without the girls’ and women’s knowledge or consent.
Does any parent or vaccine recipient really know what is in the vaccines being injected into their child or themselves? It’s no wonder pharmaceutical companies don’t test to see whether or not their vaccine products cause infertility, they already know the answer. Instead, they simply write “not tested for impairment of fertility” on their package inserts, and our unethical government regulators let them get away with that. Interestingly, we are seeing record numbers of couples struggling with infertility issues. Coincidence?
Would you allow something that could kill your baby to be injected into your otherwise healthy child? Of course not! Mothers would lay down their lives for their children, they don’t purposefully put them in harm’s way. However, millions of mothers across America are allowing doctors to inject their children with more and more vaccines, not knowing that each and every one carries the risk of death, even more so when combined, as they most often are.
Interestingly, we are seeing record numbers of babies who are dying before their 1st birthday in the U.S., including many of “SIDS” and “SBS” (the labels that unethical doctors and unethical medical examiners use for vaccine-induced deaths instead of calling them what they are…i.e. vaccine-induced deaths). Coincidence?
Now that we have discussed what is actually in vaccines, let’s talk once more about how parental instincts have been demeaned, grossly manipulated, and obliterated, specifically, about how parents have been grievously lied to and misled, to the point where parents are now allowing things that simply do not make sense.
Imagine looking from the outside in, and seeing a tiny newborn, small infant, or trusting toddler, being held down, painfully stuck with a needle multiple times, screaming so that its face is beet red with tears, all while the child’s parents not only watch, but due to being lied to and coerced, they participate in this atrocity! What must this do to the psyche and stress hormones of a child to have this happen, time and again, while the person he trusts most is not only allowing it, but participating in it?
What would you say if you walked by the window to my house, peered in, and saw my husband and me holding down our tiny baby on the dining room table, then roughly jabbing and injecting it multiple times with toxic cocktails and true witches’ brews of ingredients…all while our baby, or child of any age, screamed bloody murder, trying to escape our grip and savagery? I imagine you would whip out your cell phone, call the police, then try to barge into our home to stop the abuse! How is what I just described any different than what goes on every minute of every day in doctors’ offices and hospitals in our country and across the world? To be very clear, it isn’t.
To state it very plainly, vaccination is child abuse in the form of medical assault and battery. With regard to adults, when vaccination is carried out against one’s will or wishes, say for school admittance, job requirements, elder care and housing, or military admission, or when carried out with one who is hesitant, or with one who is unsuccessful in resisting and refusing, it also meets the legal definition for assault and battery.
We must begin to label these vaccine atrocities for what they are: blatant and inexcusable child abuse; medical assault and battery; and when death is the result for the vaccine recipient, involuntary manslaughter. These vaccine-induced injuries, illnesses, and deaths are iatrogenic in nature, meaning they are caused by doctors and nurses. Vaccinations are crimes against humanity, and there is no time to mince words about this fact.”
This is a MUST SEE docu-series – totally free! tinyurl.com/VaccinationEducation
#RevolutionForChoice #VaccineInjury #TheTruthAboutVaccines #VAXXED #Infertility
STUDY: Reality Trumping Establishment Vaccine “Facts”
The past week has offered glimpses of hope for the growing number of people who know they are being lied to by the mainstream medical establishment about vaccine safety. More people are now aware that the kind of rigorous testing required for drugs to be put on the market does not apply to vaccines, or that vaccines like the HPV shot were not properly tested against a saline placebo before approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Yet, the medical establishment continues to omit these facts and instead focuses on why vaccine hesitancy is on the rise. Studies are being done in an attempt to understand vaccine hesitancy and come up with solutions to the “problem” of poor vaccine uptake. In 2014, the Boston Globe ran the headline Doctors Still Hesitant to Urge HPV Vaccine for Teenagers, highlighting a survey from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in which the agency stated that the inoculation rate is ‘unacceptably low.’ In 2015, NPR ran the story titled Doctors, Not Parents, Are the Biggest Obstacle to the HPV Vaccine in response to a study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, which found that more than a quarter of pediatricians and family doctors do not strongly endorse the HPV vaccine.
A new study in the journal PLOS One titled Misinformation Lingers in Memory: Failure of Three Pro-vaccination Strategies is an eye-opener at how clueless the medical establishment appears to be as to why its vaccine propaganda is being rejected. In this study, the researchers compared three strategies in vaccine promotion: a) contrasting myths vs. “facts,” b) employing “fact” and icon boxes, and c) showing images of non-vaccinated sick children. It should be noted that when the study’s authors refer to “facts,” they are using the term to mean vaccine propaganda. Beliefs in the autism-vaccine link and in vaccines side effects, along with intention to vaccinate a future child, were evaluated both immediately after the “correction intervention” and after a 7-day delay to reveal possible backfire effects. The study concluded the following:
“Results show that existing strategies to correct vaccine misinformation are ineffective and often backfire, resulting in the unintended opposite effect…”
Study – The Introduction of Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis and Oral Polio Vaccine Among Young Infants in an Urban African Community: A Natural Experiment
•When DTP and OPV were introduced in Guinea-Bissau in 1981, allocation by birthday resulted in a natural experiment of being vaccinated early or late.
•Between 3 and 5 months of age, children who received DTP and OPV early had 5-fold higher mortality than still unvaccinated children.
•In the only two studies of the introduction of DTP and OPV, co-administration of OPV with DTP may have reduced the negative effects of DTP.
Few studies have examined what happened to child survival when DTP and OPV were introduced in low-income countries. These vaccines were introduced in 1981 in an urban community in Guinea-Bissau from 3 months of age in connection with 3-monthly weighing sessions. Children were therefore allocated by birthday to receive vaccines early or late between 3 and 5 months of age. In this natural experiment vaccinated children had 5-fold higher mortality than not-yet-DTP-vaccinated children. DTP-only vaccinations were associated with higher mortality than DTP + OPV vaccinations. Hence, DTP may be associated with a negative effect on child survival.
Among 3–5-month-old children, having received DTP (±OPV) was associated with a mortality hazard ratio (HR) of 5.00 (95% CI 1.53–16.3) compared with not-yet-DTP-vaccinated children. Differences in background factors did not explain the effect. The negative effect was particularly strong for children who had received DTP-only and no OPV (HR = 10.0 (2.61–38.6)). All-cause infant mortality after 3 months of age increased after the introduction of these vaccines (HR = 2.12 (1.07–4.19)).
DTP was associated with increased mortality; OPV may modify the effect of DTP.
Dr. Buchwald testimony before the Quebec College of Physicians Medical Board:
Dr. Gerhard Buchwald takes the stand
A physician from Germany, Dr. Buchwald testifies through an interpreter. Dr. Lanctot tables his credentials as well as a copy of his book entitled “Vaccination: Business Based on Fear”. He is recognized as an expert on vaccination by the Committee.
Dr. Buchwald testifies that his experience includes being a medical counselor to an association of parents whose children have been injured or killed by vaccinations. He adds that he is aware of a thousand vaccination related injury cases and has had personal contact with 350 cases. In 150 of these cases, he wrote the medical opinion and acted as an advisor during the legal proceedings.
Dr Lanctot (L).: If you take this stand in your country, have you been reprimanded by the medical authorities?
B.: I wrote a paper entitled, “Vaccinations: A Crime Against our Children”. I received written reprimands from the College of Physicians… In Germany, we have a law called “Kronegesetz” in the Civil Code, which stipulates that everyone has the right to freely voice his or her opinion. When I was fed up with this nonsense with the College, I drew their attention to the fact that their responses were actually a breach of those sections of the law. German judges, who deal with these issues, are very touchy on this issue… It is impossible to suppress the free speech of a physician in a free country which is why the College knew that it would lose. They also knew that the press would really have a field day. Since then I’ve heard nothing more…
L.: You mentioned earlier that the first criterion in medicine is to do no harm… And you referred to these ethics in
He continues with a brief history of his experiences in general and describes how he got interested in the whole question of immunization. He recalls that after graduating from medical school, he was a supporter of vaccination policies, as was everyone else he knew. Then he relates to the Committee the story of the eldest of his three children, born in 1957, who at eighteen months received a smallpox vaccination and who, eight days later was no longer able to stand up in his crib. Until then, his son’s development had been absolutely normal:
“He fell sick with a post-vaccination encephalitis, and ever since, I have a completely destroyed human being at home.”
It was at that time that someone approached him to become a member of a protective association in Germany. It was through this group that he got to know other vaccination damage cases.
Study – Human papillomavirus vaccination and risk of autoimmune diseases: A large cohort study of over 2million young girls in France.
Among 2,252,716 girls, 37% received HPV vaccine and 4,096 AID occurred during a mean follow-up time of 33months. The incidence of AID was not increased after exposure to HPV vaccination, except for Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) (incidence rate of 1.4 among exposed [20 cases] versus 0.4 per 100,000 PY among unexposed [23 cases]; adjusted HR: 3.78 [1.79-7.98]). This association persisted across numerous sensitivity analyses and was particularly marked in the first months following vaccination. Under the hypothesis of a causal relationship, this would result in 1-2 GBS cases attributable to HPV vaccine per 100,000 girls vaccinated.
Our study provides reassuring results regarding the risk of AID after HPV vaccination, but an apparently increased risk of GBS was detected. Further studies are warranted to confirm this finding.
Study – Detection of contaminants in cell cultures, sera and trypsin.
The aim of this study was standardization and application of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of contaminants in cell cultures, sera and trypsin. Five PCR protocols were standardized to assess the presence of genetic material from mycoplasma, porcine circovirus 1 (PCV1), bovine leukemia virus (BLV) or bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in cell culture samples. PCR reactions for the genes GAPDH and beta-actin were used to evaluate the efficiency of nucleic acid extraction. The PCR protocols were applied to 88 cell culture samples from eight laboratories. The tests were also used to assess potential contamination in 10 trypsin samples and 13 fetal calf serum samples from different lots from five of the laboratories. The results showed the occurrence of the following as DNA cell culture contaminants: 34.1% for mycoplasma, 35.2% for PCV1, 23.9% for BVDV RNA and 2.3% for BLV. In fetal calf sera and trypsin samples BVDV RNA and PCV1 DNA was detected. The results demonstrated that cell culture, sera and trypsin used by different laboratories show a high rate of contaminants. The results highlight the need for monitoring cell cultures and controlling for biological contaminants in laboratories and cell banks working with these materials.
C-Span – April 6, 2000
Autism and Childhood Vaccines Witnesses testified about a theory that routine vaccinations may cause autism in a growing number of children. Parents spoke about their experiences with their own autistic children. Medical experts and researchers then testified about the scientific evidence of a link between vaccines and autism, often disagreeing on whether a causal link existed.
Alfred Lambremont Webre – EXPERT PANEL Forced Adult vaccinations are component of extermination program Refuse all vaccines
Vaccines-The True Weapons Of Mass Destruction
Dr.Rebecca Carley.
ADVERSE REACTIONS to immunizations are more common than many people realize.
Please visit her website: http://www.drcarley.com/
Biopersistence in the Brain of Aluminum Nanoparticles from Vaccines
Posted by Merinda Teller, Ph.D, MPH on Aug 14, 2017
In the 1990s, French clinicians and researchers began noticing and reporting on a mysterious inflammatory muscle disorder with a distinctive pathological pattern that later earned the name “macrophagic myofasciitis” or MMF.1 Myofasciitis refers to inflammation of muscles and their connective tissue (fascia).
Initially, the cause and features of MMF were unknown. Subsequent research by French investigators elucidated that the deltoid muscle lesions characteristic of MMF were secondary to intramuscular injection with vaccines containing aluminum hydroxide adjuvants.2 The lesions revealed both an ongoing local immune reaction along with long-term persistence of aluminum hydroxide at the injection site.2
An ongoing series of admirably methodical studies also have confirmed a number of other post-vaccination clinical symptoms associated with MMF.3 These disabling health problems include not just muscle pain but joint pain, chronic fatigue, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, autoimmunity, and cognitive dysfunction.4 The cognitive deficiencies experienced by MMF patients mirror the cognitive impairments that have been observed to result from chronic exposure to aluminum particles.5 Together, all of these dysfunctions are “paradigmatic” of an emerging aluminum-adjuvant-related syndrome that has come to be known as ASIA (autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants).
Finally! I’ve teased around the real reason polio began to paralyze people in the late 1800s and in this video, I explain it completely. It’s a crazy simple answer that’s so obvious, most people have looked right past it.
https://www.facebook.com/MyIncredibleOpinionWithForrestMaready/videos/1902971670026604/
https://www.facebook.com/MyIncredibleOpinionWithForrestMaready/videos/1904022136588224
#VaxXed #Tennessee #flu #medical
chiropractor fed up with vaccine harm!
Dr Humphries outs flu shot fail:https://youtu.be/QhNTV4ekYVc?t=157
#VaxXed #NorthCarolina #Nebraska
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Your search: "author:"Kleinman, MT""
Peer-reviewed only (18)
UC Irvine (18)
UC Office of the President (13)
Research Grants Program Office (RGPO) (13)
BY - Attribution required (16)
Exposure atmosphere generation and characterization
Phalen, RF
Kleinman, MT
UC Irvine Previously Published Works (1997)
EFFECTS OF OXIDANTS, ACIDS AND OTHER AGENTS ON PARTICLE CLEARANCE IN THE RAT
MANNIX, RC
Exposure of mice to tobacco smoke attenuates the toxic effect of methamphetamine on dopamine systems.
Bondy, SC
Ali, SF
Methamphetamine treatment of mice rapidly and severely depleted levels of dopamine and its metabolites, homovanillic acid (HVA) and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in the caudate nucleus. Exposure of mice to cigarette smoke by means of nose-only breathing apparatus for 20 min twice daily over 3 days prior to drug treatment significantly attenuated the neurotoxicity of methamphetamine as judged by a lesser depletion of dopamine, DOPAC and HVA. The lesser effect of methamphetamine upon content of serotonin level was unaltered by prior inhalation of smoke. Results suggest a specific protective effect of inhaled tobacco smoke upon the effects of methamphetamine upon dopaminergic circuitry.
Tracheobronchial Deposition Predictions for Infants, Children and Adolescents
Oldham, MJ
Crocker, TT
Effects of Inhaled Oxidant and Acidic Air Pollutant Combinations on Nasal and Tracheal Tissues in Exercising Rats
McClure, TR
Mautz, WJ
Effects of exercise exposure on toxic interactions between inhaled oxidant and aldehyde air pollutants.
Respiratory tract injury resulting from inhalation of mixtures of ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and of O3 and formaldehyde (HCHO) was studied in Sprague-Dawley rats under exposure conditions of rest and exercise. Focal inflammatory injury induced in lung parenchyma by O3 exposure was measured morphometrically and HCHO injury to the nasal respiratory epithelium was measured by cell turnover using tritium-labeled thymidine. Mixtures of O3 (0.35 or 0.6 ppm) with NO2 (respectively 0.6 or 2.5 ppm) doubled the level of lung injury produced by O3 alone in resting exposures to the higher concentrations and in exercising exposures to the lower concentrations. Formaldehyde (10 ppm) mixed with O3 (0.6 ppm) resulted in reduced lung injury compared to O3 alone in resting exposures, but exercise exposure to the mixture did not show an antagonistic interaction. Nasal epithelial injury from HCHO exposure was enhanced when O3 was present in a mixture. Mixtures of O3 and NO2 at high and low concentrations formed respectively 0.73 and 0.02 ppm nitric acid (HNO3) vapor. Chemical interactions among the oxidants, HNO3, and other reaction products (N2O5 and nitrate radical) and lung tissue may be the basis for the O3-NO2 synergism. Increased dose and dose rate associated with exercise exposure may explain the presence of synergistic interaction at lower concentrations than observed in resting exposure. No oxidation products were detected in O3-HCHO mixtures, and the antagonistic interaction observed in lung tissue during resting exposure may result from irritant breathing pattern interactions.
COMPARISON OF PULMONARY-FUNCTION OF EXERCISING DOGS INHALING O-3 ALONE OR A MIXTURE OF O-3, SO2, AND ACID AEROSOL
BUFALINO, C
Cellular and Immunologic Injury with PM-10 Inhalation
Bhalla, DK
Airborne particles Jess than 10 μsm (PM-10) in mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) are associated with adverse effects on human health including chronic lung diseases and mortality, but the mechanisms by which these particles might cause or aggravate diseases are not specifically known. PM-10 represents a complex mixture, both in terms of size and chemical composition, and it contains both aqueous-media soluble and insoluble particles. Furthermore, the ambient aerosol composition varies markedly in different locations and at different times in the same location. To test the effects of PM-10 on pulmonary defenses in relation to specific cell targets, barrier-reared Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to purified air (control), to two important constituents of the fine-particle < 1 μm MMAD) fraction of PM-10-ammonium sulfate [(NH4)2SO42-] (20 or 70 μg SO42- m-3, 0.2 μm MMAD) and ammonium nitrate [NH4NO31 (90 or 350 NO3 μg m -3, 0.6 μm MMAD). Rats were also exposed to resuspended road dust (300 and 900 μg m-3, 4.0 μm MMAD), an important contributor to the coarse (> 2.5 μm MMAD) fraction of PM-10. Exposures were 4 h/day, 4 dayslwk for 8 wk. Macrophage-dependent lung defense functions (antigen binding to Fc receptors and respiratory burst activity) were significantly depressed by NOf, SO42-, and the high-concentration road dust exposures, compared to purified air controls. Lung permeability, as determined from measurements of albumin concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, was significantly greater in rats exposed to high concentrations of road dust and NO3-, but not to SO42-, when compared to air-exposed controls. Quantitative histopathologic analyses, which included measurements of alveolar nuclear density, alveolar chord length, alveolar septal thickness, and alveolar cross sectional area, showed moderate to substantial changes. In general, the severity of the responses was in the order of SO42-NO3-road dust. The findings are consistent with those of epidemiological studies. This study also supports the hypothesis that the fine fraction of PM-10 is more toxic than the coarse fraction. © 1995 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.
Effect of cigarette smoking on nitric oxide, structural, and mechanical properties of mouse arteries.
Guo, X
Kassab, GS
Cigarette smoking (CS) is a major risk factor for vascular disease. The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess the influence of CS on mouse arteries. We studied the effect of short-term (6 wk) and long-term (16 wk) CS exposure on structural and mechanical properties of coronary arteries compared with that of control mice. We also examined the reversibility of the deleterious effects of CS on structural [e.g., wall thickness (WT)], mechanical (e.g., stiffness), and biochemical [e.g., nitric oxide (NO) by-products] properties with the cessation of CS. The left and right coronary arteries were cannulated in situ and mechanically distended. The stress, strain, elastic modulus, and WT of coronary arteries were determined. Western blot analysis was used to analyze endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) in the femoral and carotid arteries of the same mice, and NO by-products were determined by measuring the levels of nitrite. Our results show that the mean arterial pressure was increased by CS. Furthermore, CS significantly increased the elastic modulus, decreased stress and strain, and increased the WT and WT-to-radius ratio compared with those of control mice. The reduction of eNOS protein expression was found only after long-term CS exposure. Moreover, the NO metabolite was markedly decreased in CS mice after short- and long-term exposure of CS. These findings suggest that 16 wk of CS exposure can cause an irreversible deterioration of structural and elastic properties of mouse coronary arteries. The decrease in endothelium-derived NO in CS mice was seen to significantly correlate with the remodeling of arterial wall.
Respiratory tract responses to repeated inhalation of an oxidant and acid gas-particle air pollutant mixture.
The purpose of this study was to examine a broad range of toxicologic responses in rats exposed to a multi-component pollutant atmosphere. Cumulative and adaptive respiratory tract responses to 3 concentrations of an inhaled particle-oxidant mixture were examined in Fisher 344 N rats exposed 4 h/day, 3 days/week for 4 weeks. The mixtures contained O3, NO2, NH4HSO4, carbon particles, and HNO3 vapor. Irritant-induced, rapid-shallow breathing responses were present during the first 4-h exposure to medium and high concentrations. Successive exposures showed diminished responses in medium concentrations and exacerbated responses in high concentrations. At the end of 4 weeks, rats exposed to high concentrations exhibited lung lesions. Lavaged pulmonary macrophages showed dose-dependent depressions of Fc-receptor binding and phagocytosis. Lung tissue macrophages showed dose-dependent increases in acid phosphatase staining density and carbon particles. Respiratory tract clearance of tracer particles was not significantly affected by the exposures. Broncho-alveolar epithelial permeability was increased by the high concentration. Epithelial cell-proliferation labeling showed a dose-dependent increase at all levels of the respiratory tract. Progressively exacerbated breathing-pattern responses at high concentrations were associated with lung lesions and high cell-proliferation labeling in the nose transitional epithelium and terminal bronchioles. Attenuating or adaptive breathing-pattern responses occurred in the presence of smaller, but in many cases still significant, compromise of respiratory functions. Either attenuating or exacerbated breathing-pattern responses can occur in the presence of a significant dose-dependent compromise of other respiratory functions and lung tissue injury.
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Home News Breaking News
10,000 join San Marcos Women’s March
TOPICS:anti-trumpDonald Trumpescondido politicsonline digital journalismPalomar Collegesan diego county politicssan marcostrump protestwomen's march
Some of the crowd assembled Saturday at the San Marcos Women's March/Rikki Lauren
Posted By: dweisman January 22, 2017
Ten thousand came when only 2,500 were expected. Women’s March North County San Diego quadrupled its expected number Saturday as an excited, and determined group marched from San Marcos Civic Center to Palomar College.
A few early sprinkles and the unexpected numbers did nothing to dampen the mood at the free-wheeling people’s parade. Far exceeding expectations, the thousands of marchers overflowed Mission Avenue sidewalks spilling into half of the normally traffic-beset roadway.
Fortunately, motorists were wholeheartedly sympathetic with any honking horns and waving to the marchers. Sheriff’s deputies stood along the 1.7-mile route with no incidents or arrests reported.
One of the hundreds of national Women’s March events that drew more than a million participants, the San Marcos trek highlighted a variety of issues united with opposition to Donald Trump.
Assembling at San Marcos Civic Center/Joe Dusel
“We are here to let (Trump) know that we are here — and we will be watching,” said marcher Marilyn Falsetti, 66, to the Union Tribune.
“We want him to know that he doesn’t have a majority of the country supporting him,” friend Maggie Martin, 64, added.
The crowd was diverse — men and women of all colors, young, old, some pushing strollers, others in wheelchairs, some carrying rainbow flags, some chanting slogans such as, “Sí, se puede” (Yes we can, in Spanish).”
“We are Latinas, and we want our voice to be heard,” said marcher Alicia Cathcart, her 9-year-old daughter at her side. Cathcart, 53, said she was “20 years old when I ran across the border,” undocumented. She has since become a U.S. citizen.
Some of the estimated 10,000 people gathered at Palomar College/Joe Dusel
Issa supportsTrump, pass it on…
Marching for justice/Coleen Burnham
Fervor along Mission Avenue.
Welcome to our April print issue
Columns/Blogs, Editorial, Opinion, Politics
Trump targets Issa, the last Cal Republicans
Say G’Day to our May print issue
Local LGBTQ students receive scholarships
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Project acronym SOS.aquaterra
Project Respecting safe operating spaces: opportunities to meet future food demand with sustainable use of water and land resources
Researcher (PI) Matti Kummu
Summary Although the human population has quadrupled over the past century, per capita food availability is globally higher than ever - at the expense of environment: scarcity of water and land as well as exceedance of several planetary boundaries. Projected population growth and climate change will further increase the pressure on feeding the planet with sustainably managed natural resources. SOS.aquaterra takes up this challenge by identifying feasible measures to meet future food demand while staying below water and land scarcity thresholds. The project develops novel integrated modelling and data analysis methods to fully exploit the rapidly increasing global open spatio-temporal datasets together with outputs from global agrological and hydrological models. In the proposal, instead of assessing water and land scarcity separately, which is the current practice, the assessments are integrated. The second novelty in SOS.aquaterra is developing an integrated model that combines for the first time the potential of conventional and innovative measures -e.g. yield gap closure, alternative protein sources- towards increased food availability. The feasibility of these measures, within the safe operating space resulting from scarcity assessment, is explored by analogical problem solving and clustering methods. The innovative integration of measures using the latest datasets and modelling tools holds high risks, yet it significantly advances the scientific and technological state of the art to meet food demand with sustainably managed natural resources.
Although the human population has quadrupled over the past century, per capita food availability is globally higher than ever - at the expense of environment: scarcity of water and land as well as exceedance of several planetary boundaries. Projected population growth and climate change will further increase the pressure on feeding the planet with sustainably managed natural resources. SOS.aquaterra takes up this challenge by identifying feasible measures to meet future food demand while staying below water and land scarcity thresholds. The project develops novel integrated modelling and data analysis methods to fully exploit the rapidly increasing global open spatio-temporal datasets together with outputs from global agrological and hydrological models. In the proposal, instead of assessing water and land scarcity separately, which is the current practice, the assessments are integrated. The second novelty in SOS.aquaterra is developing an integrated model that combines for the first time the potential of conventional and innovative measures -e.g. yield gap closure, alternative protein sources- towards increased food availability. The feasibility of these measures, within the safe operating space resulting from scarcity assessment, is explored by analogical problem solving and clustering methods. The innovative integration of measures using the latest datasets and modelling tools holds high risks, yet it significantly advances the scientific and technological state of the art to meet food demand with sustainably managed natural resources.
Project acronym STATORG
Project State Encroachment on Civil Society? A Comparative Study of Parties, Interest Groups and Welfare-Providing Organizations in Contemporary Democracies
Researcher (PI) Nicole Bolleyer
Host Institution (HI) THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER
Summary This interdisciplinary project compares the regulatory frameworks governing membership-based, voluntary organizations (VOs) in long-lived democracies and assesses how these frameworks affect VOs’ operations. It studies interest groups, parties and welfare-providers as three VO types interacting with the state at different stages of the political process. State control over organized civil society is at odds with pluralist values and supposed to weaken VOs’ linkages to citizens. Simultaneously, specialist literatures in political science and sociology point to ‘their’ VOs’ entanglement with the state, while comparative legal and public policy scholars note that governments, in recent reforms, increased their control over which VOs receive funds and how funds can be used. In times of austerity, welfare state retrenchment and declining trust in elected institutions the regulatory frameworks governing VOs are changing, deeply affecting organizational life in a democracy. Only an up-to-date overview of current frameworks allows us to examine whether close state-voluntary relations compromise VO autonomy and reduce VOs’ beneficial effects for democracy. This project tackles these important issues through two modules integrated through a mixed methods design. Module 1 develops an analytical framework to compare the regulation of VOs cross-nationally and applies it to 19 long-lived democracies. Based on this mapping, it specifies and theorizes distinct normative conceptions of state-voluntary relations underpinning democracies. Offering a new approach to VO development, Module 2 studies qualitatively (through in-depth interviews and document analysis) how individual VOs adapt to ‘most different’ regimes - each regime representative of one state-voluntary conception identified in Module 1-, while testing quantitatively (through event history analysis) how far the features that VOs acquire in this process affect their likelihood to survive under varying regulatory conditions.
This interdisciplinary project compares the regulatory frameworks governing membership-based, voluntary organizations (VOs) in long-lived democracies and assesses how these frameworks affect VOs’ operations. It studies interest groups, parties and welfare-providers as three VO types interacting with the state at different stages of the political process. State control over organized civil society is at odds with pluralist values and supposed to weaken VOs’ linkages to citizens. Simultaneously, specialist literatures in political science and sociology point to ‘their’ VOs’ entanglement with the state, while comparative legal and public policy scholars note that governments, in recent reforms, increased their control over which VOs receive funds and how funds can be used. In times of austerity, welfare state retrenchment and declining trust in elected institutions the regulatory frameworks governing VOs are changing, deeply affecting organizational life in a democracy. Only an up-to-date overview of current frameworks allows us to examine whether close state-voluntary relations compromise VO autonomy and reduce VOs’ beneficial effects for democracy. This project tackles these important issues through two modules integrated through a mixed methods design. Module 1 develops an analytical framework to compare the regulation of VOs cross-nationally and applies it to 19 long-lived democracies. Based on this mapping, it specifies and theorizes distinct normative conceptions of state-voluntary relations underpinning democracies. Offering a new approach to VO development, Module 2 studies qualitatively (through in-depth interviews and document analysis) how individual VOs adapt to ‘most different’ regimes - each regime representative of one state-voluntary conception identified in Module 1-, while testing quantitatively (through event history analysis) how far the features that VOs acquire in this process affect their likelihood to survive under varying regulatory conditions.
Project acronym SUSTAINABLEWORKFORCE
Project Investments in a sustainable workforce in Europe: causes and consequences in comparative perspective
Researcher (PI) Antonia Van Der Lippe
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITEIT UTRECHT
Summary Economic and demographic trends are impelling the need for a sustainable European workforce, consisting of productive, satisfied employees (micro level), profitable organizations and cohesive workplaces (meso level) and a high employment rate and flourishing economy (macro level). So far comparative research has focused on the micro and macro level. Little is known about the role of organizations and their investments in a sustainable workforce. This groundbreaking research program introduces the organizational level and its interaction with the country and employee levels into research on the sustainable workforce. First, it examines organizational investments in (1) human and social capital, (2) work-life policies, (3) work flexibility, (4) long-term employability of older workers, and (5) flexicurity. Second, it explains differences in such investments and their utilization by employees based on micro, meso and macro characteristics, including interactions between the three levels. Third, it analyzes whether organizational investments contribute to better performance by the employee, the organization and the country. Revising theoretical mechanisms, we formulate original hypotheses based on the idea that interdependencies and norms between organizations and employees influence investments and their utilization by employees. A unique feature of this ambitious program is its multi-level design. Data will be gathered on 30 organizations and their employees in nine countries (Bulgaria, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, UK) representing different types of welfare regime with ample variation in macro-level conditions. The applicant’s longstanding data-gathering experience and cooperation with researchers in these countries makes data collection feasible. The data will permit in-depth examination of all levels and of micro-meso relationships. The European Foundation’s European Company Survey will be used to test meso-macro hypotheses.
Economic and demographic trends are impelling the need for a sustainable European workforce, consisting of productive, satisfied employees (micro level), profitable organizations and cohesive workplaces (meso level) and a high employment rate and flourishing economy (macro level). So far comparative research has focused on the micro and macro level. Little is known about the role of organizations and their investments in a sustainable workforce. This groundbreaking research program introduces the organizational level and its interaction with the country and employee levels into research on the sustainable workforce. First, it examines organizational investments in (1) human and social capital, (2) work-life policies, (3) work flexibility, (4) long-term employability of older workers, and (5) flexicurity. Second, it explains differences in such investments and their utilization by employees based on micro, meso and macro characteristics, including interactions between the three levels. Third, it analyzes whether organizational investments contribute to better performance by the employee, the organization and the country. Revising theoretical mechanisms, we formulate original hypotheses based on the idea that interdependencies and norms between organizations and employees influence investments and their utilization by employees. A unique feature of this ambitious program is its multi-level design. Data will be gathered on 30 organizations and their employees in nine countries (Bulgaria, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, UK) representing different types of welfare regime with ample variation in macro-level conditions. The applicant’s longstanding data-gathering experience and cooperation with researchers in these countries makes data collection feasible. The data will permit in-depth examination of all levels and of micro-meso relationships. The European Foundation’s European Company Survey will be used to test meso-macro hypotheses.
Project acronym TRANSJIHAD
Project Explaining Transnational Jihad - Patterns of Escalation and Containment
Researcher (PI) Mona SHEIKH
Host Institution (HI) DANSK INSTITUT FOR INTERNATIONALE STUDIER
Summary TRANSJIHAD aims at advancing our understanding of one of the greatest contemporary challenges on the international agenda for peace and security, namely the ability of transnational jihadist movements to tap into local conflicts, hence escalating violence. TRANSJIHAD specifically investigates the questions of how jihadist conflicts become transnational and under what circumstances they can be contained. The project also aims at developing an interdisciplinary analytical framework, which combines micro- and macro level approaches to jihadism, drawing from both Religious Studies, Security Studies and Peace & Conflict Studies. Methodologically, TRANSJIHAD dissolves the scientific dichotomy between inside- and outside-oriented approaches to the study of transnational jihadist conflicts, widening prevailing scientific understandings of transnationalization processes. The project uniquely combines i) a quantitative examination of transnationalization processes drawing from the Religion and Armed Conflicts (RELAC) dataset based at Uppsala University, ii) comparative case studies of the mechanisms of escalation and de-escalation of jihadist conflicts across Asia, the Middle East, the Arab Peninsula and Africa focusing on the movements of Islamic State, Al-Qaeda, the Taleban, and Boko Haram, iii) securitization analyses of the macro-level conflict structures that transnational jihadist movements tap into, and finally iv) sociotheological worldview analyses of potential changes in jihadist conflict imagery during transnationalization processes. With its focus on macro-level conflict structures, TRANSJIHAD also contributes to developing a new framework for thinking about containment, providing an alternative to both the micro-level countering discourses embraced by much of the radicalization research, and the containment thinking that stems from the treatment of jihadist conflicts as civil wars in the peace and conflict literature.
TRANSJIHAD aims at advancing our understanding of one of the greatest contemporary challenges on the international agenda for peace and security, namely the ability of transnational jihadist movements to tap into local conflicts, hence escalating violence. TRANSJIHAD specifically investigates the questions of how jihadist conflicts become transnational and under what circumstances they can be contained. The project also aims at developing an interdisciplinary analytical framework, which combines micro- and macro level approaches to jihadism, drawing from both Religious Studies, Security Studies and Peace & Conflict Studies. Methodologically, TRANSJIHAD dissolves the scientific dichotomy between inside- and outside-oriented approaches to the study of transnational jihadist conflicts, widening prevailing scientific understandings of transnationalization processes. The project uniquely combines i) a quantitative examination of transnationalization processes drawing from the Religion and Armed Conflicts (RELAC) dataset based at Uppsala University, ii) comparative case studies of the mechanisms of escalation and de-escalation of jihadist conflicts across Asia, the Middle East, the Arab Peninsula and Africa focusing on the movements of Islamic State, Al-Qaeda, the Taleban, and Boko Haram, iii) securitization analyses of the macro-level conflict structures that transnational jihadist movements tap into, and finally iv) sociotheological worldview analyses of potential changes in jihadist conflict imagery during transnationalization processes. With its focus on macro-level conflict structures, TRANSJIHAD also contributes to developing a new framework for thinking about containment, providing an alternative to both the micro-level countering discourses embraced by much of the radicalization research, and the containment thinking that stems from the treatment of jihadist conflicts as civil wars in the peace and conflict literature.
Project acronym TRANSRIGHTS
Project Gender citizenship and sexual rights in Europe: transgender lives from a transnational perspective
Researcher (PI) Sofia Isabel Da Costa D'aboim Inglez
Host Institution (HI) INSTITUTO DE CIENCIAS SOCIAIS
Summary "The TRANSRIGHTS project investigates transgender lives and the institutional apparatus that frames them. Rather than focusing exclusively on self displayed identities, four lines of inquiry will be developed. Firstly, gender politics and sexual rights are analyzed as the opposition between politics of equality and of difference is unable to provide answers for the inclusion of trans-people. Secondly, by comparing the lives of trans-people in five European countries – Portugal, France, United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Sweden – we wish to attain an overview of how institutional frameworks impact on these lives. Thirdly, our approach will take into account the immigration of trans-individuals to Europe, whether in search for recognition or as a way of survival often leading to sex work. Fourthly, by comparing different countries, different groups of transgender people, different forms of attaining inclusion or dealing with exclusion, different conceptions of gender citizenship and sexual rights, we wish not only to gain a deeper understanding of societal change and its impact on the lives of transgender individuals, but also to identify the gaps between policies and rights and the categories actually mobilized for self-identification. Such a task implies examining the voices of trans-people, the effect of policies on the materiality of lives as well as conceptualizations of selfhood that do not necessarily confine to the European context. Project outputs will contribute to the fields of gender, sexuality and citizenship by providing a grounded theoretical debate, discussing the gender categories of citizenship. Trans-people are a heterogeneous group that represents one of the most challenging boundaries for framing this debate within and beyond Europe. The voices of trans-people are essential to avoid an excessive reduction of lives to institutional categories, whether from the institutional apparatus, the LGBT movements or the social sciences."
"The TRANSRIGHTS project investigates transgender lives and the institutional apparatus that frames them. Rather than focusing exclusively on self displayed identities, four lines of inquiry will be developed. Firstly, gender politics and sexual rights are analyzed as the opposition between politics of equality and of difference is unable to provide answers for the inclusion of trans-people. Secondly, by comparing the lives of trans-people in five European countries – Portugal, France, United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Sweden – we wish to attain an overview of how institutional frameworks impact on these lives. Thirdly, our approach will take into account the immigration of trans-individuals to Europe, whether in search for recognition or as a way of survival often leading to sex work. Fourthly, by comparing different countries, different groups of transgender people, different forms of attaining inclusion or dealing with exclusion, different conceptions of gender citizenship and sexual rights, we wish not only to gain a deeper understanding of societal change and its impact on the lives of transgender individuals, but also to identify the gaps between policies and rights and the categories actually mobilized for self-identification. Such a task implies examining the voices of trans-people, the effect of policies on the materiality of lives as well as conceptualizations of selfhood that do not necessarily confine to the European context. Project outputs will contribute to the fields of gender, sexuality and citizenship by providing a grounded theoretical debate, discussing the gender categories of citizenship. Trans-people are a heterogeneous group that represents one of the most challenging boundaries for framing this debate within and beyond Europe. The voices of trans-people are essential to avoid an excessive reduction of lives to institutional categories, whether from the institutional apparatus, the LGBT movements or the social sciences."
Project acronym UNIJURIS
Project Unilateralism and the protection of global interests: opportunities and limits of the exercise of state jurisdiction
Researcher (PI) Cedric Marie Joseph Ryngaert
Summary "In the 20th century, states have increasingly sought to apply their laws to situations and persons beyond their borders. They typically did so to protect their own interests from harm spilling over their borders. Recently, however, states appear to be giving their laws ‘extraterritorial’ application to protect global interests, not only when prosecuting international criminals, but also by enacting emissions trading schemes to tackle global warming, by taking sanctions against foreign vessels involved in illegal fishing on the high seas docking in their port, and by fighting foreign corrupt practices with a view to furthering good governance in developing countries. Thus, it appears that a novel principle of jurisdiction is crystallizing that protects global interests through unilateral application of domestic (or regional) law. It is the aim of this research to study this development in-depth, and to examine in particular whether, and under what circumstances, international law countenances such an exercise of unilateral jurisdiction that is aimed at the protection of global interests. The project consists of two pillars. Pillar 1 studies three cases of states or regional organizations unilaterally applying their own laws to (partly) foreign situations considered as threatening global interests: (a) the exercise of unilateral jurisdiction aimed at mitigating climate change; (b) the exercise of port state jurisdiction aimed at protecting sustainable fishing and biological diversity on the high seas; (c) the exercise of unilateral jurisdiction to tackle foreign corruption practices. Pillar 2 is synthetic in nature, and assesses whether, and to what extent, general rules of jurisdiction and jurisdictional restraint concerning the protection of global interests are developing across various fields, including but not limited to the fields studied in Pillar 1."
"In the 20th century, states have increasingly sought to apply their laws to situations and persons beyond their borders. They typically did so to protect their own interests from harm spilling over their borders. Recently, however, states appear to be giving their laws ‘extraterritorial’ application to protect global interests, not only when prosecuting international criminals, but also by enacting emissions trading schemes to tackle global warming, by taking sanctions against foreign vessels involved in illegal fishing on the high seas docking in their port, and by fighting foreign corrupt practices with a view to furthering good governance in developing countries. Thus, it appears that a novel principle of jurisdiction is crystallizing that protects global interests through unilateral application of domestic (or regional) law. It is the aim of this research to study this development in-depth, and to examine in particular whether, and under what circumstances, international law countenances such an exercise of unilateral jurisdiction that is aimed at the protection of global interests. The project consists of two pillars. Pillar 1 studies three cases of states or regional organizations unilaterally applying their own laws to (partly) foreign situations considered as threatening global interests: (a) the exercise of unilateral jurisdiction aimed at mitigating climate change; (b) the exercise of port state jurisdiction aimed at protecting sustainable fishing and biological diversity on the high seas; (c) the exercise of unilateral jurisdiction to tackle foreign corruption practices. Pillar 2 is synthetic in nature, and assesses whether, and to what extent, general rules of jurisdiction and jurisdictional restraint concerning the protection of global interests are developing across various fields, including but not limited to the fields studied in Pillar 1."
Project acronym UNMAKING
Project Societal transformation to sustainability through the unmaking of capitalism? A comparative study of radical grassroots innovations in Europe
Researcher (PI) Giuseppe FEOLA
Summary Modern capitalist societies engage destructively with the natural environment. Societal transformation to sustainability is urged, but it implies a degree of disruption of modern, capitalist ways of being and doing. Radical grassroots innovations – those that posit a profound cultural, economic, and political transformation of dominant institutions and practices - hold the potential to lead such transformation, but may be constrained by their marginal, local, small-scale character. This programme aims to understand to what extent, under what conditions, and through what processes radical grassroots innovations unmake modern, capitalist institutions and practices. This research will compare Italian and German radical grassroots innovations in agriculture to: (1) identify and categorize mechanisms of unmaking that are involved in radical grassroots innovations; (2) explain whether and how unmaking creates space for alternatives from the individual to the social-ecological level; (3) understand how mechanisms of unmaking at different levels interplay; (4) explain why unmaking may result in different outcomes in different context; (5) develop a theory of unmaking in societal transformation to sustainability.This research is ground breaking as it (1) approaches societal transformation from the perspective of unmaking of dominant institutions, rather than of the introduction of innovations, (2) mobilizes theories that have so far not been considered, and innovatively integrates theories and levels of analysis, (3) originally employs mixed methods that capture trajectories of change, and enable to generalize causal mechanisms in complex social-ecological systems. This programme will push the boundaries of our understanding of transformation to sustainability. It will generate scientific knowledge that will be relevant across the social sciences, offer a theoretical lens –unmaking-, and test a process-tracing methodological approach to stimulate interdisciplinary research.
Modern capitalist societies engage destructively with the natural environment. Societal transformation to sustainability is urged, but it implies a degree of disruption of modern, capitalist ways of being and doing. Radical grassroots innovations – those that posit a profound cultural, economic, and political transformation of dominant institutions and practices - hold the potential to lead such transformation, but may be constrained by their marginal, local, small-scale character. This programme aims to understand to what extent, under what conditions, and through what processes radical grassroots innovations unmake modern, capitalist institutions and practices. This research will compare Italian and German radical grassroots innovations in agriculture to: (1) identify and categorize mechanisms of unmaking that are involved in radical grassroots innovations; (2) explain whether and how unmaking creates space for alternatives from the individual to the social-ecological level; (3) understand how mechanisms of unmaking at different levels interplay; (4) explain why unmaking may result in different outcomes in different context; (5) develop a theory of unmaking in societal transformation to sustainability.This research is ground breaking as it (1) approaches societal transformation from the perspective of unmaking of dominant institutions, rather than of the introduction of innovations, (2) mobilizes theories that have so far not been considered, and innovatively integrates theories and levels of analysis, (3) originally employs mixed methods that capture trajectories of change, and enable to generalize causal mechanisms in complex social-ecological systems. This programme will push the boundaries of our understanding of transformation to sustainability. It will generate scientific knowledge that will be relevant across the social sciences, offer a theoretical lens –unmaking-, and test a process-tracing methodological approach to stimulate interdisciplinary research.
Project acronym URBAG
Project Integrated System Analysis of Urban Vegetation and Agriculture
Researcher (PI) Gara Villalba Méndez
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITAT AUTONOMA DE BARCELONA
Summary This research aims to find out how urban green infrastructures can be most efficient in contributing to urban sustainability. This will evaluate which combinations of urban, peri-urban agriculture and green spaces result in the best performance in terms of local and global environmental impact. For this purpose, I will use novel and comprehensive analysis that will integrate the life cycle impacts of the resources required for green infrastructures with the understanding of how green infrastructures impact the urban atmosphere interaction. This comprehensive approach allows to capture the urban metabolism to optimize the food-energy-water nexus. In previous works, the impacts had been only studied individually. The analysis will consist of 1) A geo-referenced land-use model to optimize urban and peri-urban food production in terms of nutrients, water, and energy, considering urban morphology and determining life cycle impacts 2) A spatially-temporally resolved framework for quantitative analysis and simulation of green infrastructures to determine the direct and indirect effects on the urban and regional atmosphere. The research will be implemented in two selected cities with different profiles, Barcelona and Oslo. The study ambitions to gather substantial quantitative evidence in green infrastructures and sustainability, contributing to cover the existing gap in previous works. This project and the envisaged: Green infrastructures - A Guide for city planners and policy makers, are timely and urgent. Many cities are implementing green infrastructures despite having little quantitative and comprehensive knowledge as to which infrastructure strategies are more effective in promoting food production, air quality and temperature while reducing environmental impact. This intended Guide will contain evidence-based guidance and tools to create green infrastructure strategies; to help to meet sustainability targets, and promote wider and diffused social benefits.
This research aims to find out how urban green infrastructures can be most efficient in contributing to urban sustainability. This will evaluate which combinations of urban, peri-urban agriculture and green spaces result in the best performance in terms of local and global environmental impact. For this purpose, I will use novel and comprehensive analysis that will integrate the life cycle impacts of the resources required for green infrastructures with the understanding of how green infrastructures impact the urban atmosphere interaction. This comprehensive approach allows to capture the urban metabolism to optimize the food-energy-water nexus. In previous works, the impacts had been only studied individually. The analysis will consist of 1) A geo-referenced land-use model to optimize urban and peri-urban food production in terms of nutrients, water, and energy, considering urban morphology and determining life cycle impacts 2) A spatially-temporally resolved framework for quantitative analysis and simulation of green infrastructures to determine the direct and indirect effects on the urban and regional atmosphere. The research will be implemented in two selected cities with different profiles, Barcelona and Oslo. The study ambitions to gather substantial quantitative evidence in green infrastructures and sustainability, contributing to cover the existing gap in previous works. This project and the envisaged: Green infrastructures - A Guide for city planners and policy makers, are timely and urgent. Many cities are implementing green infrastructures despite having little quantitative and comprehensive knowledge as to which infrastructure strategies are more effective in promoting food production, air quality and temperature while reducing environmental impact. This intended Guide will contain evidence-based guidance and tools to create green infrastructure strategies; to help to meet sustainability targets, and promote wider and diffused social benefits.
Project acronym VictPart
Project Righting Victim Participation in Transitional Justice
Researcher (PI) Tineke DESTROOPER
Summary The question of how to serve justice, facilitate peaceful transitions and empower victims of past large-scale abuses is about as old as the field of transitional justice (TJ) itself. Increasingly, academics and practitioners are turning to participatory approaches as a promising way to make advances regarding these issues. An oft-cited benefit of victim participation in TJ processes is that it allegedly increases the legitimacy of these processes by rendering them more locally relevant, and that it empowers participants. However, little is known about how to organize this participation in practice or under which conditions alleged benefits (for individual victims-participants or for society at large) are likely to materialize. As a result, participation is often organized in an 'add-victims-and-stir' way, with little critical reflection about potential unforeseen or long-term effects. Because TJ processes often face significant practical, financial and political constraints, it is crucial to better understand how participatory approaches can be developed in ways that contribute to a positive and lasting legacy. The main objective of this project is therefore threefold, (1) to conduct a systematic analysis of the scope, nature, modalities and role of victim participation in transitional justice processes, (2) to study empirically and comparatively how participation shapes victims' experience and understandings of justice and their rights, and (3) to develop a critical victimology framework and establish how this framework can be used to conceptualize victim participation in ways that contribute to TJ's goal of engendering just, stable and secure societies. A multi-disciplinary approach, rooted in legal studies, social psychology, political science, public administration and anthropology is proposed, which allows for a multi-dimensional understanding of these issues, both in academic and in practical terms.
The question of how to serve justice, facilitate peaceful transitions and empower victims of past large-scale abuses is about as old as the field of transitional justice (TJ) itself. Increasingly, academics and practitioners are turning to participatory approaches as a promising way to make advances regarding these issues. An oft-cited benefit of victim participation in TJ processes is that it allegedly increases the legitimacy of these processes by rendering them more locally relevant, and that it empowers participants. However, little is known about how to organize this participation in practice or under which conditions alleged benefits (for individual victims-participants or for society at large) are likely to materialize. As a result, participation is often organized in an 'add-victims-and-stir' way, with little critical reflection about potential unforeseen or long-term effects. Because TJ processes often face significant practical, financial and political constraints, it is crucial to better understand how participatory approaches can be developed in ways that contribute to a positive and lasting legacy. The main objective of this project is therefore threefold, (1) to conduct a systematic analysis of the scope, nature, modalities and role of victim participation in transitional justice processes, (2) to study empirically and comparatively how participation shapes victims' experience and understandings of justice and their rights, and (3) to develop a critical victimology framework and establish how this framework can be used to conceptualize victim participation in ways that contribute to TJ's goal of engendering just, stable and secure societies. A multi-disciplinary approach, rooted in legal studies, social psychology, political science, public administration and anthropology is proposed, which allows for a multi-dimensional understanding of these issues, both in academic and in practical terms.
Project acronym WEIRD WITNESSES
Project Beyond WEIRD Witnesses: Eyewitness Memory in Cross-Cultural Contexts
Researcher (PI) Annelies VREDEVELDT
Host Institution (HI) STICHTING VU
Summary Our increasingly international society demands that eyewitnesses of serious crimes regularly provide testimony in cross-cultural settings, such as international criminal tribunals. This poses significant challenges for investigators and legal decision-makers. Errors in fact-finding may result in wrongful convictions and unjust acquittals. Yet, eyewitness memory research has predominantly focused on Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) witnesses. The project addresses two key objectives: (1) develop culturally modulated theory of eyewitness memory and (2) design and test evidence-based interview guidelines. In Subproject 1, I will examine what happens when police investigators interview eyewitnesses from a different cultural background. It will involve the systematic coding of culture-dependent variables in video-recorded police interviews with witnesses of serious crimes in South Africa, a society with many different subcultures. In Subproject 2, I will analyse the frequency, nature and legal consequences of culture-dependent variables in international criminal cases. It will involve an empirical document analysis of eyewitness evidence provided at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, and interviews with international legal scholars and practitioners. In Subproject 3, I will assess how different cultural groups encode, store and retrieve memories, and how memory reports are evaluated in immigration contexts. It will involve a series of experiments in which the objective and perceived characteristics of statements provided by asylum seekers originating from Sub-Saharan Africa are compared to a matched Western control group. The project integrates analyses of video, document and experimental data to provide insight into culture-dependent variables in eyewitness memory. The new theory will enable researchers and practitioners to steer away from the present WEIRD bias in legal psychology.
Our increasingly international society demands that eyewitnesses of serious crimes regularly provide testimony in cross-cultural settings, such as international criminal tribunals. This poses significant challenges for investigators and legal decision-makers. Errors in fact-finding may result in wrongful convictions and unjust acquittals. Yet, eyewitness memory research has predominantly focused on Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) witnesses. The project addresses two key objectives: (1) develop culturally modulated theory of eyewitness memory and (2) design and test evidence-based interview guidelines. In Subproject 1, I will examine what happens when police investigators interview eyewitnesses from a different cultural background. It will involve the systematic coding of culture-dependent variables in video-recorded police interviews with witnesses of serious crimes in South Africa, a society with many different subcultures. In Subproject 2, I will analyse the frequency, nature and legal consequences of culture-dependent variables in international criminal cases. It will involve an empirical document analysis of eyewitness evidence provided at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, and interviews with international legal scholars and practitioners. In Subproject 3, I will assess how different cultural groups encode, store and retrieve memories, and how memory reports are evaluated in immigration contexts. It will involve a series of experiments in which the objective and perceived characteristics of statements provided by asylum seekers originating from Sub-Saharan Africa are compared to a matched Western control group. The project integrates analyses of video, document and experimental data to provide insight into culture-dependent variables in eyewitness memory. The new theory will enable researchers and practitioners to steer away from the present WEIRD bias in legal psychology.
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Project acronym LIDD
Project Popular Sovereignty vs. the Rule of Law? Defining the Limits of Direct Democracy
Researcher (PI) Daniel Moeckli
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITAT ZURICH
Summary Should the people be allowed to vote on the adoption of immigration restrictions that violate international law? Should it be permissible to launch a citizens’ initiative demanding the reintroduction of the death penalty? May a proposal be put to a popular vote despite the fact that voters are not properly informed about its effects? With the mushrooming of direct-democratic instruments throughout Europe and the introduction of the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI), the relationship between popular sovereignty and the rule of law is set to become one of the defining political issues of our time. Yet despite their great practical relevance, the questions of where the legal limits of direct democracy should be drawn and how compliance with these limits should be reviewed have remained almost completely unexplored. This leaves a major gap in the research that has serious repercussions for the functionality and legitimacy of direct democracy. It is the ambitious objective of LIDD to provide the scientific basis for resolving this urgent challenge. By innovatively combining comparative legal analysis with both qualitative and quantitative methods from other social sciences, the project builds on the experience made with various direct-democratic mechanisms in order to develop general conclusions. Part 1 of LIDD distils a core of issues that is regarded as being beyond the reach of direct democracy across all European states and elaborates best practices that will help states define and apply the limits of direct democracy in a sensible way. Part 2 identifies common European minimum standards that institutional and procedural systems for reviewing compliance with these limits must satisfy and makes suggestions for improving these systems. Part 3 applies the findings from Parts 1 and 2 to the EU level; it shows how the admissibility requirements that an ECI must meet should be adapted and clarified and how the admissibility procedure could be improved.
Should the people be allowed to vote on the adoption of immigration restrictions that violate international law? Should it be permissible to launch a citizens’ initiative demanding the reintroduction of the death penalty? May a proposal be put to a popular vote despite the fact that voters are not properly informed about its effects? With the mushrooming of direct-democratic instruments throughout Europe and the introduction of the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI), the relationship between popular sovereignty and the rule of law is set to become one of the defining political issues of our time. Yet despite their great practical relevance, the questions of where the legal limits of direct democracy should be drawn and how compliance with these limits should be reviewed have remained almost completely unexplored. This leaves a major gap in the research that has serious repercussions for the functionality and legitimacy of direct democracy. It is the ambitious objective of LIDD to provide the scientific basis for resolving this urgent challenge. By innovatively combining comparative legal analysis with both qualitative and quantitative methods from other social sciences, the project builds on the experience made with various direct-democratic mechanisms in order to develop general conclusions. Part 1 of LIDD distils a core of issues that is regarded as being beyond the reach of direct democracy across all European states and elaborates best practices that will help states define and apply the limits of direct democracy in a sensible way. Part 2 identifies common European minimum standards that institutional and procedural systems for reviewing compliance with these limits must satisfy and makes suggestions for improving these systems. Part 3 applies the findings from Parts 1 and 2 to the EU level; it shows how the admissibility requirements that an ECI must meet should be adapted and clarified and how the admissibility procedure could be improved.
Project acronym LIQRISK
Project Liquidity and Risk in Macroeconomic Models
Researcher (PI) Philippe Jean Louis Bacchetta
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITE DE LAUSANNE
Summary The proposal is motivated by the need to incorporate financial realities into macroeconomic models. The objective is to introduce leverage and liquidity in standard dynamic general equilibrium models and analyze their macroeconomic implications. The proposal is divided into two sub-projects and analyzes two different aspects of liquidity. The first deals with leverage and market liquidity in developed financial economies. The second examines the demand for liquid assets by emerging countries and its global implications. In the first sub-project, the proposal breaks new ground in the understanding of the dynamics of risk and in explaining some important features of the recent crisis. The project particularly emphasizes the role of self-fulfilling changes in expectations that can lead to sudden large shifts in risk. This can take the form of a financial panic with a big drop in asset prices. Various extensions will investigate the empirical implications as well as the implications for international capital flows, exchange rates, macroeconomic activity and policy recommendations. In the second sub-project, the objective is to formalize and analyze different degrees of liquidity in international capital flows. The project will innovate in finding ways to model liquidity in dynamic open economy models. This will allow a better understanding of the recent pattern in international capital flows, where less developed countries lend to richer economies. It will also shed light on the evolution of global imbalances before and after the crisis.
The proposal is motivated by the need to incorporate financial realities into macroeconomic models. The objective is to introduce leverage and liquidity in standard dynamic general equilibrium models and analyze their macroeconomic implications. The proposal is divided into two sub-projects and analyzes two different aspects of liquidity. The first deals with leverage and market liquidity in developed financial economies. The second examines the demand for liquid assets by emerging countries and its global implications. In the first sub-project, the proposal breaks new ground in the understanding of the dynamics of risk and in explaining some important features of the recent crisis. The project particularly emphasizes the role of self-fulfilling changes in expectations that can lead to sudden large shifts in risk. This can take the form of a financial panic with a big drop in asset prices. Various extensions will investigate the empirical implications as well as the implications for international capital flows, exchange rates, macroeconomic activity and policy recommendations. In the second sub-project, the objective is to formalize and analyze different degrees of liquidity in international capital flows. The project will innovate in finding ways to model liquidity in dynamic open economy models. This will allow a better understanding of the recent pattern in international capital flows, where less developed countries lend to richer economies. It will also shed light on the evolution of global imbalances before and after the crisis.
Project acronym LITTLE TOOLS
Project Enacting the Good Economy: Biocapitalization and the little tools of valuation
Researcher (PI) Kristin Asdal
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITETET I OSLO
Summary What shall we live off in the future? Where will our food come from, and what will form the basis for our economies? A so-called “blue revolution”, where fish become farmed rather than caught, is increasingly presented as an answer to the above questions. This transformation of the economy exemplifies ongoing efforts to produce new forms of capital out of the ordering and reordering of life. These processes are intimately related to the expanding life sciences, the bioeconomy and what is sometimes called new forms of biocapital. But how do such large transformations take place in actual practice, and by which means? This project argues that if we are to understand such major transformations we need to study “little tools”, that is, material-semiotic entities that carefully modify and work upon bodies, markets and science. Emerging bioeconomies are expected not only to produce economic value but also to enact values in other ways that contribute to what this project refers to as “the good economy”. Such values include enabling sustainable fisheries, secure animal welfare or sustainable growth. The main hypothesis of the current project is that the enactment of the good economy can be studied by valuation practices performed by material-semiotic little tools. The project will explore this hypothesis at multiple sites for biocapitalization: science, the market, policy and funding institutions. This project will focus on how these interact and encounter one another. The aim is twofold: first, to provide new empirical insights about how biocapitalization processes are enacted in practice and at strategic sites, using cross-disciplinary methods from actor-network theory, the humanities and economic sociology; second to contribute analytically and methodologically to the field of Science and Technology Studies (STS) by drawing on resources from economic sociology and the humanities in order to provide an analytical framework for comprehending biocapitalization practices.
What shall we live off in the future? Where will our food come from, and what will form the basis for our economies? A so-called “blue revolution”, where fish become farmed rather than caught, is increasingly presented as an answer to the above questions. This transformation of the economy exemplifies ongoing efforts to produce new forms of capital out of the ordering and reordering of life. These processes are intimately related to the expanding life sciences, the bioeconomy and what is sometimes called new forms of biocapital. But how do such large transformations take place in actual practice, and by which means? This project argues that if we are to understand such major transformations we need to study “little tools”, that is, material-semiotic entities that carefully modify and work upon bodies, markets and science. Emerging bioeconomies are expected not only to produce economic value but also to enact values in other ways that contribute to what this project refers to as “the good economy”. Such values include enabling sustainable fisheries, secure animal welfare or sustainable growth. The main hypothesis of the current project is that the enactment of the good economy can be studied by valuation practices performed by material-semiotic little tools. The project will explore this hypothesis at multiple sites for biocapitalization: science, the market, policy and funding institutions. This project will focus on how these interact and encounter one another. The aim is twofold: first, to provide new empirical insights about how biocapitalization processes are enacted in practice and at strategic sites, using cross-disciplinary methods from actor-network theory, the humanities and economic sociology; second to contribute analytically and methodologically to the field of Science and Technology Studies (STS) by drawing on resources from economic sociology and the humanities in order to provide an analytical framework for comprehending biocapitalization practices.
Project acronym Locus Ludi
Project Locus Ludi: The Cultural Fabric of Play and Games in Classical Antiquity
Researcher (PI) Veronique DASEN
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITE DE FRIBOURG
Summary Play and games were ubiquitous in antiquity, among free men and slaves, men and women, adults and children, in town and country. Even gods played. Ludic culture created communities from early childhood to a ripe old age. Did these groups play together, or did they play different games, with distinct rules? And did they play similar games to us? This interdisciplinary project will provide the first comprehensive study of the evidence. Written, archaeological and iconographic sources are abundant, but forgotten in museums and libraries. This neglect is due to the modern Western view of games as children’s pastime, if not a waste of time. Ancient play and games reflect the gendered, religious, economic, and political fabric of a society, as much as they shape the lives of players by transmitting a cultural identity and an intangible heritage. Ludic culture evolves over time and this project intends to provide a benchmark by reconstructing this history in the Greek world, from the birth of the city-state, c. 800 BCE, to the Roman conquest in 146 BCE, and in the Roman world from the Republican age, c. 500 BCE, to the end of the Western Roman Empire, c. 500 CE. Locus Ludi will identify, categorize, and reconstruct games and play thanks to close linguistic, historical, archaeological, typological, topographical, iconographic, and anthropological studies. Ludic culture also mirrors interactions between different populations, as in the romanisation process, and religious shifts. The research will be informed by theoretical studies of the past as well as by gender and education studies. It will generate a new vision of the cultural fabric of ancient society, provide models for training and research in related fields, as well as up-to-date material for schools, museums, and libraries. Understanding the educational, societal and integrative role of play in the past is important to understand the present and widen the debate on high tech toys and new forms of sociability.
Play and games were ubiquitous in antiquity, among free men and slaves, men and women, adults and children, in town and country. Even gods played. Ludic culture created communities from early childhood to a ripe old age. Did these groups play together, or did they play different games, with distinct rules? And did they play similar games to us? This interdisciplinary project will provide the first comprehensive study of the evidence. Written, archaeological and iconographic sources are abundant, but forgotten in museums and libraries. This neglect is due to the modern Western view of games as children’s pastime, if not a waste of time. Ancient play and games reflect the gendered, religious, economic, and political fabric of a society, as much as they shape the lives of players by transmitting a cultural identity and an intangible heritage. Ludic culture evolves over time and this project intends to provide a benchmark by reconstructing this history in the Greek world, from the birth of the city-state, c. 800 BCE, to the Roman conquest in 146 BCE, and in the Roman world from the Republican age, c. 500 BCE, to the end of the Western Roman Empire, c. 500 CE. Locus Ludi will identify, categorize, and reconstruct games and play thanks to close linguistic, historical, archaeological, typological, topographical, iconographic, and anthropological studies. Ludic culture also mirrors interactions between different populations, as in the romanisation process, and religious shifts. The research will be informed by theoretical studies of the past as well as by gender and education studies. It will generate a new vision of the cultural fabric of ancient society, provide models for training and research in related fields, as well as up-to-date material for schools, museums, and libraries. Understanding the educational, societal and integrative role of play in the past is important to understand the present and widen the debate on high tech toys and new forms of sociability.
Project acronym LORAX
Project The Lorax Project: Understanding Ecosystemic Politics
Researcher (PI) Elana Tovah Wilson ROWE
Host Institution (HI) NORSK UTENRIKSPOLITISK INSTITUTT
Summary The Lorax project is a comparative effort to expand our understanding of global political architecture through the consideration of a potential set of ‘missing cases’, namely supranational policy fields organized around regional ecosystems. The project explores this question: Do regional politics around national border-crossing ecosystems share important resemblances and differ in significant ways from global politics? To address this question, the Lorax project analyzes the networks of actors, hierarchies between actors and diplomatic norms of the governance fields that have grown up around efforts to ‘speak for’ border-crossing ecosystems in three locations – the Arctic Ocean, the Amazon Basin, and the Caspian Sea. ‘Ecosystemic politics’ is meant to indicate regional-level political efforts justified by the shared management or discussion of collectively acknowledged ‘border-crossing’ ecosystems. Frequently, the political cooperation may be on issues that would be seen as environmental or regulatory politics relating to the ecosystem itself, but ecosystemic politics is not, by definition, limited to such questions of environmental politics. Rather, the word ‘ecosystemic’ gives the Lorax team a sense of where to look without presupposing the interests and issues that engaged actors may bring to those regional interactions. The project aims to generate new insights about the architecture and dynamics of global governance by rigorously researching and then comparing three cases of policy fields around national border-crossing ecosystems. The team will consist of the PI, a postdoc, a PhD and additional senior researcher capacity as needed. An ambitious, but achievable, publication plan (9 articles, 1 book) is mapped out to ensure rigorous finalization of results and dissemination to social science fields engaged with supranational governance questions.
The Lorax project is a comparative effort to expand our understanding of global political architecture through the consideration of a potential set of ‘missing cases’, namely supranational policy fields organized around regional ecosystems. The project explores this question: Do regional politics around national border-crossing ecosystems share important resemblances and differ in significant ways from global politics? To address this question, the Lorax project analyzes the networks of actors, hierarchies between actors and diplomatic norms of the governance fields that have grown up around efforts to ‘speak for’ border-crossing ecosystems in three locations – the Arctic Ocean, the Amazon Basin, and the Caspian Sea. ‘Ecosystemic politics’ is meant to indicate regional-level political efforts justified by the shared management or discussion of collectively acknowledged ‘border-crossing’ ecosystems. Frequently, the political cooperation may be on issues that would be seen as environmental or regulatory politics relating to the ecosystem itself, but ecosystemic politics is not, by definition, limited to such questions of environmental politics. Rather, the word ‘ecosystemic’ gives the Lorax team a sense of where to look without presupposing the interests and issues that engaged actors may bring to those regional interactions. The project aims to generate new insights about the architecture and dynamics of global governance by rigorously researching and then comparing three cases of policy fields around national border-crossing ecosystems. The team will consist of the PI, a postdoc, a PhD and additional senior researcher capacity as needed. An ambitious, but achievable, publication plan (9 articles, 1 book) is mapped out to ensure rigorous finalization of results and dissemination to social science fields engaged with supranational governance questions.
Project acronym Machine Vision
Project Machine Vision in Everyday Life: Playful Interactions with Visual Technologies in Digital Art, Games, Narratives and Social Media
Researcher (PI) Jill Walker RETTBERG
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITETET I BERGEN
Summary In the last decade, machine vision has become part of the everyday life of ordinary people. Smartphones have advanced image manipulation capabilities, social media use image recognition algorithms to sort and filter visual content, and games, narratives and art increasingly represent and use machine vision techniques such as facial recognition algorithms, eye-tracking and virtual reality. The ubiquity of machine vision in ordinary peoples’ lives marks a qualitative shift where once theoretical questions are now immediately relevant to the lived experience of ordinary people. MACHINE VISION will develop a theory of how everyday machine vision affects the way ordinary people understand themselves and their world through 1) analyses of digital art, games and narratives that use machine vision as theme or interface, and 2) ethnographic studies of users of consumer-grade machine vision apps in social media and personal communication. Three main research questions address 1) new kinds of agency and subjectivity; 2) visual data as malleable; 3) values and biases. MACHINE VISION fills a research gap on the cultural, aesthetic and ethical effects of machine vision. Current research on machine vision is skewed, with extensive computer science research and rapid development and adaptation of new technologies. Cultural research primarily focuses on systemic issues (e.g. surveillance) and professional use (e.g. scientific imaging). Aesthetic theories (e.g. in cinema theory) are valuable but mostly address 20th century technologies. Analyses of current technologies are fragmented and lack a cohesive theory or model. MACHINE VISION challenges existing research and develops new empirical analyses and a cohesive theory of everyday machine vision. This project is a needed leap in visual aesthetic research. MACHINE VISION will also impact technical R&D on machine vision, enabling the design of technologies that are ethical, just and democratic.
In the last decade, machine vision has become part of the everyday life of ordinary people. Smartphones have advanced image manipulation capabilities, social media use image recognition algorithms to sort and filter visual content, and games, narratives and art increasingly represent and use machine vision techniques such as facial recognition algorithms, eye-tracking and virtual reality. The ubiquity of machine vision in ordinary peoples’ lives marks a qualitative shift where once theoretical questions are now immediately relevant to the lived experience of ordinary people. MACHINE VISION will develop a theory of how everyday machine vision affects the way ordinary people understand themselves and their world through 1) analyses of digital art, games and narratives that use machine vision as theme or interface, and 2) ethnographic studies of users of consumer-grade machine vision apps in social media and personal communication. Three main research questions address 1) new kinds of agency and subjectivity; 2) visual data as malleable; 3) values and biases. MACHINE VISION fills a research gap on the cultural, aesthetic and ethical effects of machine vision. Current research on machine vision is skewed, with extensive computer science research and rapid development and adaptation of new technologies. Cultural research primarily focuses on systemic issues (e.g. surveillance) and professional use (e.g. scientific imaging). Aesthetic theories (e.g. in cinema theory) are valuable but mostly address 20th century technologies. Analyses of current technologies are fragmented and lack a cohesive theory or model. MACHINE VISION challenges existing research and develops new empirical analyses and a cohesive theory of everyday machine vision. This project is a needed leap in visual aesthetic research. MACHINE VISION will also impact technical R&D on machine vision, enabling the design of technologies that are ethical, just and democratic.
Project acronym MACROINEQUALITY
Project The Macroeconomics of Inequality, Development and the Welfare State
Researcher (PI) Kjetil Storesletten
Summary This project will develop macro models with heterogeneity across people and firms to understand the consequences of two profound macro trends: the economic transformation of China and the rising cross-sectional inequality in many countries. The ultimate aim is to help these models become everyday tools in macro, development/labor economics, and actual policy making. Inequality and human capital accumulation is an important theme. I will develop tractable models of the equity-efficiency tradeoffs under risk and imperfect financial markets. Due to novel general equilibrium effects, progressive taxation is particularly distortive for education choices. This calls for complementary policies. I also explore the nexus between inequality and aggregate risk, the interaction between inequality and the dynamics of political conflict, and the puzzling success of the Scandinavian welfare model. The project will provide sharper tools for policy analysis. A key aim is to integrate models of mistakes into structural macro models. While such models generally assume rationality, welfare programs are often geared to precisely address negative consequences of human errors. Assuming information is costly, I will quantify bounds on rationality to match observed behavior. The framework has a wide range of potential uses. I will use it to reevaluate government programs. A large part of the project focuses on China. The rapid economic transformation of emerging economies has raised many new questions for economic theory and policy. I will marshal the use of models with heterogeneity to address these issues. A key goal is to develop a quantitative structural model that can become the benchmark model of fiscal policy analysis and long-run forecasts in China. As an application, I will study cost and gains of various redistribution programs. The project also aims at examining the sources of growth and inflation in China and, ultimately, understanding the culprit of the Chinese growth miracle.
This project will develop macro models with heterogeneity across people and firms to understand the consequences of two profound macro trends: the economic transformation of China and the rising cross-sectional inequality in many countries. The ultimate aim is to help these models become everyday tools in macro, development/labor economics, and actual policy making. Inequality and human capital accumulation is an important theme. I will develop tractable models of the equity-efficiency tradeoffs under risk and imperfect financial markets. Due to novel general equilibrium effects, progressive taxation is particularly distortive for education choices. This calls for complementary policies. I also explore the nexus between inequality and aggregate risk, the interaction between inequality and the dynamics of political conflict, and the puzzling success of the Scandinavian welfare model. The project will provide sharper tools for policy analysis. A key aim is to integrate models of mistakes into structural macro models. While such models generally assume rationality, welfare programs are often geared to precisely address negative consequences of human errors. Assuming information is costly, I will quantify bounds on rationality to match observed behavior. The framework has a wide range of potential uses. I will use it to reevaluate government programs. A large part of the project focuses on China. The rapid economic transformation of emerging economies has raised many new questions for economic theory and policy. I will marshal the use of models with heterogeneity to address these issues. A key goal is to develop a quantitative structural model that can become the benchmark model of fiscal policy analysis and long-run forecasts in China. As an application, I will study cost and gains of various redistribution programs. The project also aims at examining the sources of growth and inflation in China and, ultimately, understanding the culprit of the Chinese growth miracle.
Project acronym MaGic
Project The Materials Genome in Action
Researcher (PI) Berend Smit
Host Institution (HI) ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE
Summary It is now possible to make an enormous spectrum of different, novel nanoporous materials simply by changing the building blocks in the synthesis of Metal Organic Frameworks (MOF) or related materials. This unique chemical tunability allows us to tailor-make materials that are optimal for a given application. The promise of finding just the right material seems remote however: because of practical limitations we can only ever synthesize, characterize, and test a tiny fraction of all possible materials. To take full advantage of this development, therefore, we need to develop alternative techniques, collectively referred to as Materials Genomics, to rapidly screen large numbers of materials and obtain fundamental insights into the chemical nature of the ideal material for a given application. The PI will tackle the challenge and promise posed by this unprecedented chemical tunability through the development of a multi-scale computational approach, which aims to reliably predict the performance of novel materials before synthesis. We will develop methodologies to generate libraries of representative sets of synthesizable hypothetical materials and perform large-scale screening of these libraries. These studies should give us fundamental insights into the common molecular features of the top-performing materials. The methods developed will be combined into an open access infrastructure in which our hypothetical materials are publicly accessible for data mining and big-data analysis. The project is organized in three Work Packages, each centered around finding better materials for carbon capture: (1) screen materials for gas separations and develop the tools to predict the best materials for carbon capture; (2) gain insights into and develop a computational methodology for screening the mechanical properties of nanoporous materials; (3) achieve an understanding of the amine-CO2 chemistry in diamine-appended MOFs and use this to predict their performance.
It is now possible to make an enormous spectrum of different, novel nanoporous materials simply by changing the building blocks in the synthesis of Metal Organic Frameworks (MOF) or related materials. This unique chemical tunability allows us to tailor-make materials that are optimal for a given application. The promise of finding just the right material seems remote however: because of practical limitations we can only ever synthesize, characterize, and test a tiny fraction of all possible materials. To take full advantage of this development, therefore, we need to develop alternative techniques, collectively referred to as Materials Genomics, to rapidly screen large numbers of materials and obtain fundamental insights into the chemical nature of the ideal material for a given application. The PI will tackle the challenge and promise posed by this unprecedented chemical tunability through the development of a multi-scale computational approach, which aims to reliably predict the performance of novel materials before synthesis. We will develop methodologies to generate libraries of representative sets of synthesizable hypothetical materials and perform large-scale screening of these libraries. These studies should give us fundamental insights into the common molecular features of the top-performing materials. The methods developed will be combined into an open access infrastructure in which our hypothetical materials are publicly accessible for data mining and big-data analysis. The project is organized in three Work Packages, each centered around finding better materials for carbon capture: (1) screen materials for gas separations and develop the tools to predict the best materials for carbon capture; (2) gain insights into and develop a computational methodology for screening the mechanical properties of nanoporous materials; (3) achieve an understanding of the amine-CO2 chemistry in diamine-appended MOFs and use this to predict their performance.
Project acronym MechAGE
Project In Vivo Single-Cell Mechanomics of Bone Adaptation and Regeneration in the Aging Mouse
Researcher (PI) Ralph Müller
Host Institution (HI) EIDGENOESSISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE ZUERICH
Summary Osteoporosis, one of the most prevalent degenerative diseases, is characterized by a reduction in bone mass and increased fracture risk and has been partly attributed to the decrease in mechanical usage of the skeleton. A detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing load-regulated bone remodeling could therefore lead to the identification of molecular targets for the development of novel therapies. Bone remodeling is a multiscale process mediated through complex interactions between multiple cell types and their local 3D environments. However, the underlying mechanisms of how cells respond to mechanical signals are still unclear. By combining single-cell “omics” technologies with well-established tissue-scale models of bone mechanobiology, MechAGE proposes to develop the technology required to allow spatially resolved in vivo single-cell mechanomics of bone adaptation and regeneration. CRISPR/Cas technology will be exploited to generate fluorescent reporter mice to identify the different cell types involved in the bone remodeling process. By combining RNA-sequencing of single cells isolated by laser-capture microdissection with micro-finite element analysis and time-lapsed in vivo micro-CT, MechAGE will link the transcriptome of hundreds of single cells to their local mechanical in vivo environment (LivE). This will allow investigation of molecular responses of the cells to LivE changes with aging in established mouse models of bone adaptation and regeneration. In addition to in vivo mechanomics, MechAGE proposes to use cellular and multiscale computational modeling to run in silico simulations of real-world events for better understanding of diseases of aging in mice and to maximize the use of the high quality in vivo mechanomic data. Findings from MechAGE will lead to a systems level understanding of the spatio-temporal regulation of gene expression during the process of load-induced bone adaptation and regeneration in the aging mouse.
Osteoporosis, one of the most prevalent degenerative diseases, is characterized by a reduction in bone mass and increased fracture risk and has been partly attributed to the decrease in mechanical usage of the skeleton. A detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing load-regulated bone remodeling could therefore lead to the identification of molecular targets for the development of novel therapies. Bone remodeling is a multiscale process mediated through complex interactions between multiple cell types and their local 3D environments. However, the underlying mechanisms of how cells respond to mechanical signals are still unclear. By combining single-cell “omics” technologies with well-established tissue-scale models of bone mechanobiology, MechAGE proposes to develop the technology required to allow spatially resolved in vivo single-cell mechanomics of bone adaptation and regeneration. CRISPR/Cas technology will be exploited to generate fluorescent reporter mice to identify the different cell types involved in the bone remodeling process. By combining RNA-sequencing of single cells isolated by laser-capture microdissection with micro-finite element analysis and time-lapsed in vivo micro-CT, MechAGE will link the transcriptome of hundreds of single cells to their local mechanical in vivo environment (LivE). This will allow investigation of molecular responses of the cells to LivE changes with aging in established mouse models of bone adaptation and regeneration. In addition to in vivo mechanomics, MechAGE proposes to use cellular and multiscale computational modeling to run in silico simulations of real-world events for better understanding of diseases of aging in mice and to maximize the use of the high quality in vivo mechanomic data. Findings from MechAGE will lead to a systems level understanding of the spatio-temporal regulation of gene expression during the process of load-induced bone adaptation and regeneration in the aging mouse.
Project acronym MECHANOCHEM SWITCHES
Project Switching the structure-function relationship of proteins by mechanical forces: physiological and technological implications
Researcher (PI) Viola Vogel
Summary After a decade of new insights into single molecule mechanics, my key interests are now directed towards asking how (a) mechanical forces can alter the structure-function relationship of proteins and (b) whether such force-regulated structural alterations are of physiological significance. Since forces are applied by cells via the transmembrane integrin junctions to the extracellular matrix, my goal is to decipher how the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin, integrins, and cytoplasmic scaffolding proteins that link integrins to the cytoskeleton are functionally regulated by force. Using high performance computational approaches, we will derive with Angstrom precision how their structures are changed when stretched using Molecular (MD) and Steered Molecular Dynamics (SMD). Knowledge how tensile forces alter the structure of proteins is central to develop experimentally testable mechanisms how force might regulate various functions. Experimentally, we will first address how the many different functions of fibronectin are regulated by force. This will involve quantitative studies how the interaction of fibronectin fibers with various serum proteins and growth factors is altered when mechanically strained. Preliminary studies show already that the strain-dependent binding can vary greatly among different serum proteins. We will then investigate whether the stretching and unfolding of extracellular matrix proteins co-regulates cell phenotypes. Finally, understanding the principles of mechanotransduction is not only crucial to gain far deeper insight into how cells work, but new technologies might be derived from these novel insights. Our longer-range goals are thus to develop new technologies that exploit proteins as mechanically regulated switches, from the design and screening of drugs that target mechanically strain proteins, to deriving new design principles how to better engineer tissue scaffolds that exploit mechano-regulated cell-matrix interactions.
After a decade of new insights into single molecule mechanics, my key interests are now directed towards asking how (a) mechanical forces can alter the structure-function relationship of proteins and (b) whether such force-regulated structural alterations are of physiological significance. Since forces are applied by cells via the transmembrane integrin junctions to the extracellular matrix, my goal is to decipher how the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin, integrins, and cytoplasmic scaffolding proteins that link integrins to the cytoskeleton are functionally regulated by force. Using high performance computational approaches, we will derive with Angstrom precision how their structures are changed when stretched using Molecular (MD) and Steered Molecular Dynamics (SMD). Knowledge how tensile forces alter the structure of proteins is central to develop experimentally testable mechanisms how force might regulate various functions. Experimentally, we will first address how the many different functions of fibronectin are regulated by force. This will involve quantitative studies how the interaction of fibronectin fibers with various serum proteins and growth factors is altered when mechanically strained. Preliminary studies show already that the strain-dependent binding can vary greatly among different serum proteins. We will then investigate whether the stretching and unfolding of extracellular matrix proteins co-regulates cell phenotypes. Finally, understanding the principles of mechanotransduction is not only crucial to gain far deeper insight into how cells work, but new technologies might be derived from these novel insights. Our longer-range goals are thus to develop new technologies that exploit proteins as mechanically regulated switches, from the design and screening of drugs that target mechanically strain proteins, to deriving new design principles how to better engineer tissue scaffolds that exploit mechano-regulated cell-matrix interactions.
Project acronym MechanoIMM
Project Mechanical Immunoengineering for Enhanced T-cell Immunotherapy
Researcher (PI) Li TANG
Summary Cancer immunotherapy harnessing the power of a patient’s immune system to fight cancer is transforming the standard-of-care for cancer. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT), a potent immunotherapy that directly infuses a large number of tumour-reactive T cells into patients, has elicited dramatic clinical responses in leukaemia patients recently. However, solid tumour remains a major challenge as tumour employs a number of strategies to prevent effector T cells reaching the tumour sites and attacking cancer by generating a highly immunosuppressive microenvironment. Current strategies are focused on controlling the immune system or the microenvironment using biochemical immunomodulatory reagents to enhance T cell based immunotherapy. Approaches exploiting biophysical and mechanical cues for immunomodulation are largely underappreciated. In this proposal, we aim to exploit mechanical immunoengineering strategies through biophysical cues to develop novel immune related treatments to enhance the efficacy and safety of adoptive T cell therapy for cancer. We will first develop a mechano-training approach to promote the T cell infiltration into tumour tissues using engineered microfluidic system for controlled force application on T cells in a high through-put manner. Second, we will develop a mechano-responsive nanoparticle delivery system to selectively deliver T-cell-supporting drugs in tumour to overcome the immune suppression in the microenvironment and enhance T cell functions for killing cancer. Third, we will develop mechano-inducible cytokine-secreting T cell therapies to augment the efficacy and minimize the toxicity of ACT by exploiting and targeting the difference in tissue stiffness between tumour and healthy tissues. This proposed project will open a new horizon for immunoengineering through biomechanical modulation of immunity for enhanced cancer immunotherapy and provide insight into the fundamentals of mechanotransduction in immune system in health and disease.
Cancer immunotherapy harnessing the power of a patient’s immune system to fight cancer is transforming the standard-of-care for cancer. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT), a potent immunotherapy that directly infuses a large number of tumour-reactive T cells into patients, has elicited dramatic clinical responses in leukaemia patients recently. However, solid tumour remains a major challenge as tumour employs a number of strategies to prevent effector T cells reaching the tumour sites and attacking cancer by generating a highly immunosuppressive microenvironment. Current strategies are focused on controlling the immune system or the microenvironment using biochemical immunomodulatory reagents to enhance T cell based immunotherapy. Approaches exploiting biophysical and mechanical cues for immunomodulation are largely underappreciated. In this proposal, we aim to exploit mechanical immunoengineering strategies through biophysical cues to develop novel immune related treatments to enhance the efficacy and safety of adoptive T cell therapy for cancer. We will first develop a mechano-training approach to promote the T cell infiltration into tumour tissues using engineered microfluidic system for controlled force application on T cells in a high through-put manner. Second, we will develop a mechano-responsive nanoparticle delivery system to selectively deliver T-cell-supporting drugs in tumour to overcome the immune suppression in the microenvironment and enhance T cell functions for killing cancer. Third, we will develop mechano-inducible cytokine-secreting T cell therapies to augment the efficacy and minimize the toxicity of ACT by exploiting and targeting the difference in tissue stiffness between tumour and healthy tissues. This proposed project will open a new horizon for immunoengineering through biomechanical modulation of immunity for enhanced cancer immunotherapy and provide insight into the fundamentals of mechanotransduction in immune system in health and disease.
Project acronym MEDPLAG
Project The medieval plagues: ecology, transmission modalities and routes of the infections
Researcher (PI) Barbara Bramanti
Summary The history of late medieval and early modern Europe was deeply affected by epidemics of plague that repeatedly broke out until 1750 AD and caused devastation and death with severe social, political and economic consequences. For decades, historians and scientists have been interested in the ancient pestilences and disputed their origin and epidemiology. One century ago, Yersinia pestis was identified as the causative agent of the current-day pandemic. Only some months ago the MedPlag team conclusively established (Haensch et al. 2010) that this bacterium was responsible for the Black Death (1346-1353 AD) and that two distinct variants of Y. pestis were simultaneously circulating through Europe during this pandemic. These results raise questions concerning the historic Y. pestis strains, their geographical origin, and whether they might have re-circulated in Europe over four centuries or were constantly reintroduced from elsewhere. Other open questions concern the routes of transmission of the medieval plagues and the role played by trade and pilgrimages in their dissemination, the mechanisms of transmission and the implication of wild and anthropochorous fauna, and the interplay between climatic conditions and plague dynamics. In addition, whether the reason for the disappearance of plague from Europe 250 years ago was due to improved hygiene or to genetic or environmental change remains unknown. Finally, while historians and scientists have speculated on the microbe responsible for the Justinian plague (541-542 AD) molecular evidence is still lacking. In this proposal, I outline the methodology by which I will answer these major questions with an inter-domain investigation involving ancient DNA, climatology, ecology, and history. The results of this work will not only settle century-old controversies by giving us valuable information about the past, but also furnish a paradigm for understanding the modality of serious epidemics in Europe; past, present, and future
The history of late medieval and early modern Europe was deeply affected by epidemics of plague that repeatedly broke out until 1750 AD and caused devastation and death with severe social, political and economic consequences. For decades, historians and scientists have been interested in the ancient pestilences and disputed their origin and epidemiology. One century ago, Yersinia pestis was identified as the causative agent of the current-day pandemic. Only some months ago the MedPlag team conclusively established (Haensch et al. 2010) that this bacterium was responsible for the Black Death (1346-1353 AD) and that two distinct variants of Y. pestis were simultaneously circulating through Europe during this pandemic. These results raise questions concerning the historic Y. pestis strains, their geographical origin, and whether they might have re-circulated in Europe over four centuries or were constantly reintroduced from elsewhere. Other open questions concern the routes of transmission of the medieval plagues and the role played by trade and pilgrimages in their dissemination, the mechanisms of transmission and the implication of wild and anthropochorous fauna, and the interplay between climatic conditions and plague dynamics. In addition, whether the reason for the disappearance of plague from Europe 250 years ago was due to improved hygiene or to genetic or environmental change remains unknown. Finally, while historians and scientists have speculated on the microbe responsible for the Justinian plague (541-542 AD) molecular evidence is still lacking. In this proposal, I outline the methodology by which I will answer these major questions with an inter-domain investigation involving ancient DNA, climatology, ecology, and history. The results of this work will not only settle century-old controversies by giving us valuable information about the past, but also furnish a paradigm for understanding the modality of serious epidemics in Europe; past, present, and future
Project acronym MemoSleep
Project Longing for a good night's sleep: A memory-based mechanism to improve sleep and cognitive functioning.
Researcher (PI) Björn Rasch
Summary Sleep is critical for optimal cognitive functioning and health. Sleep disturbances are highly frequent in our society and strongly influenced by cognitive factors, e.g. rumination, expectations and thoughts. However, the mechanism of how cognition influences sleep architecture is not yet understood. To explain how cognition influences sleep, I propose the “Memories-of-Sleep” (MemoSleep)-Hypothesis. Based on the theory of embodied cognition and evidence that memories are reactivated during sleep, the MemoSleep-Hypothesis makes the following assumptions: (1) Cognitions related to sleep/wake states are embodied. I will call them embodied sleep/wake memories. Embodied sleep/wake memories encompass not only their semantic meaning, but also their sensorimotor body representation. Thus, the mental representation of the word ‘wake’ is directly linked to our body sensation of wakefulness. (2) If embodied sleep/wake memories are activated before sleep, they will have a higher probability of being reactivated during sleep. (3) During sleep, increased reactivation of embodied sleep/wake memories activates associated body responses and thereby affects sleep architecture. Thus, increased reactivation of the mental representation of ‘wake’ will activate wake-related physiological responses and disrupt sleep. Here I aim at empirically testing these assumptions using brain imaging (high-density EEG, EEG/fMRI) and cognitive testing in humans. I will show that activation of embodied sleep/wake memories before and during sleep influences sleep architecture and affects post-sleep cognitive performance. In addition, I will apply these findings to the elderly and patients with sleep disorders. The results will greatly enhance our theoretical understanding of how cognition influences sleep. Furthermore, they will provide a solid basis for the development of effective cognitive interventions for sleep disorders, with a high potential to improve sleep and cognition also in every-day life.
Sleep is critical for optimal cognitive functioning and health. Sleep disturbances are highly frequent in our society and strongly influenced by cognitive factors, e.g. rumination, expectations and thoughts. However, the mechanism of how cognition influences sleep architecture is not yet understood. To explain how cognition influences sleep, I propose the “Memories-of-Sleep” (MemoSleep)-Hypothesis. Based on the theory of embodied cognition and evidence that memories are reactivated during sleep, the MemoSleep-Hypothesis makes the following assumptions: (1) Cognitions related to sleep/wake states are embodied. I will call them embodied sleep/wake memories. Embodied sleep/wake memories encompass not only their semantic meaning, but also their sensorimotor body representation. Thus, the mental representation of the word ‘wake’ is directly linked to our body sensation of wakefulness. (2) If embodied sleep/wake memories are activated before sleep, they will have a higher probability of being reactivated during sleep. (3) During sleep, increased reactivation of embodied sleep/wake memories activates associated body responses and thereby affects sleep architecture. Thus, increased reactivation of the mental representation of ‘wake’ will activate wake-related physiological responses and disrupt sleep. Here I aim at empirically testing these assumptions using brain imaging (high-density EEG, EEG/fMRI) and cognitive testing in humans. I will show that activation of embodied sleep/wake memories before and during sleep influences sleep architecture and affects post-sleep cognitive performance. In addition, I will apply these findings to the elderly and patients with sleep disorders. The results will greatly enhance our theoretical understanding of how cognition influences sleep. Furthermore, they will provide a solid basis for the development of effective cognitive interventions for sleep disorders, with a high potential to improve sleep and cognition also in every-day life.
Project acronym MEMS 4.0
Project Additive Micro-Manufacturing for Plastic Micro-flectro-Mechanical-Systems
Researcher (PI) Jürgen Peter BRUGGER
Summary The manufacturing of silicon-based MEMS today is well advanced because the micro-electro-mechanical devices for automotive, domestic, health-care and consumer electronics can be fabricated with methods from IC industry. Polymer-based MEMS have a great potential for flexible electronics and biomedical applications, but to date, the techniques to engineer functional polymers into 3D microsystems, are still at their beginning because a coherent fabrication platform with the right tools and processes does not yet exist. The field could tremendously benefit from a coordinated effort in materials and manufacturing, in particular with a focus on biocompatible plastic materials for biomedical applications. Additive manufacturing such as 3D printing and associated processing such as sintering has already started to transform traditional industry, but is not scalable much below a micrometer because the thermal processing is done in bulk or by lasers on surfaces. MEMS 4.0, in analogy with the industry 4.0 concept, aims to perform concerted research in additive manufacturing at the micro/nanoscale and associated key techniques. Using my expertise in MEMS and Nanotechnology, MEMS 4.0 will push the frontiers in new materials and new processing for MEMS by setting a focus on stencilling, printing, self-assembly and local thermal processing. This coherent processing framework will permit the use of delicate, soft, polymer materials to engineer the next generations of plastic MEMS. We are primarily targeting biodegradable implantable MEMS and permanently implantable glassy carbon MEMS. They are the most challenging to fabricate, but if successful, they also have an enormous impact for future wearables and implantables.
The manufacturing of silicon-based MEMS today is well advanced because the micro-electro-mechanical devices for automotive, domestic, health-care and consumer electronics can be fabricated with methods from IC industry. Polymer-based MEMS have a great potential for flexible electronics and biomedical applications, but to date, the techniques to engineer functional polymers into 3D microsystems, are still at their beginning because a coherent fabrication platform with the right tools and processes does not yet exist. The field could tremendously benefit from a coordinated effort in materials and manufacturing, in particular with a focus on biocompatible plastic materials for biomedical applications. Additive manufacturing such as 3D printing and associated processing such as sintering has already started to transform traditional industry, but is not scalable much below a micrometer because the thermal processing is done in bulk or by lasers on surfaces. MEMS 4.0, in analogy with the industry 4.0 concept, aims to perform concerted research in additive manufacturing at the micro/nanoscale and associated key techniques. Using my expertise in MEMS and Nanotechnology, MEMS 4.0 will push the frontiers in new materials and new processing for MEMS by setting a focus on stencilling, printing, self-assembly and local thermal processing. This coherent processing framework will permit the use of delicate, soft, polymer materials to engineer the next generations of plastic MEMS. We are primarily targeting biodegradable implantable MEMS and permanently implantable glassy carbon MEMS. They are the most challenging to fabricate, but if successful, they also have an enormous impact for future wearables and implantables.
Project acronym MEMSforLife
Project Microfluidic systems for the study of living roundworms (Caenorhabditis elegans) and tissues
Researcher (PI) Martinus Adela Maria Gijs
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE8, ERC-2012-ADG_20120216
Summary This proposal situated at the interfaces of the microengineering, biological and medical fields aims to develop microfluidic chips for studying living roundworms (Caenorhabditis elegans), living cultured liver tissue slices obtained from mice, and formaldehyde/paraffin-fixed human breast cancer tissue slices and tumors. Each type of microfluidic chip will be the central component of a computer-controlled platform having syringe pumps for accurate dosing of reagents and allowing microscopic observation or other types of detection. From an application point-of-view the work is focused on five objectives: (i) Development of high-throughput worm chips. Our goal is to build worm tools that enable high-throughput lifespan and behavioral measurements at single-animal resolution with statistical relevance. (ii) Linking on-chip microparticles (beads) to the C. elegans cuticle. We will use beads with electrostatic surface charges and beads that have a magnetic core for quantification of locomotion and forces developed by the worms. Moreover high-refractive index microspheres will be used as in situ microlenses for optical nanoscopic worm imaging. (iii) Realization of a nanocalorimetric chip-based setup to determine the minute amount of heat produced by worms and comparison of the metabolic activity of wild-type worms and mutants. (iv) Study of precision-cut ex vivo liver tissue slices from mice, in particular to evaluate glucose synthesis. The slices will be perifused with nutrients and oxygen in a continuous way and glucose detection will be based on the electrochemical principle using microfabricated electrodes. (v) On-chip immunohistochemical processing and fluorescent imaging of fixed clinical tissue slices and tumorectomy samples. These systems aim the multiplexed detection of biomarkers on cancerous tissues for fast and accurate clinical diagnosis.
This proposal situated at the interfaces of the microengineering, biological and medical fields aims to develop microfluidic chips for studying living roundworms (Caenorhabditis elegans), living cultured liver tissue slices obtained from mice, and formaldehyde/paraffin-fixed human breast cancer tissue slices and tumors. Each type of microfluidic chip will be the central component of a computer-controlled platform having syringe pumps for accurate dosing of reagents and allowing microscopic observation or other types of detection. From an application point-of-view the work is focused on five objectives: (i) Development of high-throughput worm chips. Our goal is to build worm tools that enable high-throughput lifespan and behavioral measurements at single-animal resolution with statistical relevance. (ii) Linking on-chip microparticles (beads) to the C. elegans cuticle. We will use beads with electrostatic surface charges and beads that have a magnetic core for quantification of locomotion and forces developed by the worms. Moreover high-refractive index microspheres will be used as in situ microlenses for optical nanoscopic worm imaging. (iii) Realization of a nanocalorimetric chip-based setup to determine the minute amount of heat produced by worms and comparison of the metabolic activity of wild-type worms and mutants. (iv) Study of precision-cut ex vivo liver tissue slices from mice, in particular to evaluate glucose synthesis. The slices will be perifused with nutrients and oxygen in a continuous way and glucose detection will be based on the electrochemical principle using microfabricated electrodes. (v) On-chip immunohistochemical processing and fluorescent imaging of fixed clinical tissue slices and tumorectomy samples. These systems aim the multiplexed detection of biomarkers on cancerous tissues for fast and accurate clinical diagnosis.
Project acronym METAFERW
Project Modeling and controlling traffic congestion and propagation in large-scale urban multimodal networks
Researcher (PI) Nikolaos Geroliminis
Summary "As cities grow rapidly and more people through different modes compete for limited urban road infrastructure to travel, it is important to manage traffic space to improve accessibility for travelers. This project tackles the problem of modeling and optimization in large-scale congested traffic networks with an aggregated realistic representation of dynamics and route choice and multiple modes of transport. This is a highly motivating problem both because of the socio-economic influence of congestion and the challenges embedded in the optimization framework and the modeling aspects. Currently most optimization methods for transport networks (i) are suited for toy networks with simplified dynamics that are far from real-sized networks, (ii) apply decentralized control, which is not appropriate for heterogeneously loaded networks, (iii) investigate engineering solutions through micro-simulation models and scenario analysis that make the problem intractable in real time, (iv) are not considering interactions and conflicts between transport modes (car, bus, delivery vehicle). This problem is even more challenging if one considers that transportation networks have a hierarchical structure with freeways and urban roads with mixed or separated traffic (e.g. bus-only lanes), that have dissimilar traffic flow dynamics. Lack of coordination among the jurisdictions during traffic operations or limited means of traffic data monitoring and communication can impede such mixed traffic network ideal goal. Traditionally, choices of people in transportation networks are based on equilibrium conditions with small variations.The huge amount of datasets (including thousands of GPS data from taxis, cars and buses and road detector data from heavily populated cities worldwide) can provide a unique way to understand how really people make choices, how these choices affect the development and spreading of congestion in networks and integrate them in the macroscopic dynamics and optimization"
"As cities grow rapidly and more people through different modes compete for limited urban road infrastructure to travel, it is important to manage traffic space to improve accessibility for travelers. This project tackles the problem of modeling and optimization in large-scale congested traffic networks with an aggregated realistic representation of dynamics and route choice and multiple modes of transport. This is a highly motivating problem both because of the socio-economic influence of congestion and the challenges embedded in the optimization framework and the modeling aspects. Currently most optimization methods for transport networks (i) are suited for toy networks with simplified dynamics that are far from real-sized networks, (ii) apply decentralized control, which is not appropriate for heterogeneously loaded networks, (iii) investigate engineering solutions through micro-simulation models and scenario analysis that make the problem intractable in real time, (iv) are not considering interactions and conflicts between transport modes (car, bus, delivery vehicle). This problem is even more challenging if one considers that transportation networks have a hierarchical structure with freeways and urban roads with mixed or separated traffic (e.g. bus-only lanes), that have dissimilar traffic flow dynamics. Lack of coordination among the jurisdictions during traffic operations or limited means of traffic data monitoring and communication can impede such mixed traffic network ideal goal. Traditionally, choices of people in transportation networks are based on equilibrium conditions with small variations.The huge amount of datasets (including thousands of GPS data from taxis, cars and buses and road detector data from heavily populated cities worldwide) can provide a unique way to understand how really people make choices, how these choices affect the development and spreading of congestion in networks and integrate them in the macroscopic dynamics and optimization"
Project acronym microCrysFact
Project Microfluidic Crystal Factories (μ-CrysFact): a breakthrough approach for crystal engineering
Researcher (PI) Jose Puigmartí Luis
Summary To study and understand the aggregation, nucleation, and/or self-assembly processes of crystalline matter is of crucial importance for research and applications in many disciplines. For example, understanding the formation of crystalline amyloid fibres could lead to advances in the treatment and prevention of both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, whereas controlling the process of crystal formation can play a significant role in obtaining chemicals and materials that are important for industry as well as society as a whole (e.g., drugs, superconductors, polarizers and/or frequency modulators). Despite the impressive progress made in molecular engineering during the last few decades, the quest for a general tool-box technology to study, control and monitor crystallisation processes as well as to isolate metastable states (dynamic capture) is still incomplete. That is because crystalline assemblies are frequently investigated in their equilibrium form, driving the system to its minimum energy state. This methodology limits the emergence of new chemicals and crystals with advanced functionalities, and thus hampers advances in the field of materials engineering. µ-CrysFact will develop tool-box technologies where diffusion-limited and kinetically controlled environments will be achieved during crystallisation and where the isolation of non-equilibrium species will be facilitated by pushing crystallisation processes out of equilibrium. In addition, µ-CrysFact’s technologies will be used to localise, integrate and chemically treat crystals with the aim of honing their functionality. This unprecedented approach has the potential to lead to the discovery of new materials with advanced functions and unique properties, thus opening new horizons in materials engineering research.
To study and understand the aggregation, nucleation, and/or self-assembly processes of crystalline matter is of crucial importance for research and applications in many disciplines. For example, understanding the formation of crystalline amyloid fibres could lead to advances in the treatment and prevention of both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, whereas controlling the process of crystal formation can play a significant role in obtaining chemicals and materials that are important for industry as well as society as a whole (e.g., drugs, superconductors, polarizers and/or frequency modulators). Despite the impressive progress made in molecular engineering during the last few decades, the quest for a general tool-box technology to study, control and monitor crystallisation processes as well as to isolate metastable states (dynamic capture) is still incomplete. That is because crystalline assemblies are frequently investigated in their equilibrium form, driving the system to its minimum energy state. This methodology limits the emergence of new chemicals and crystals with advanced functionalities, and thus hampers advances in the field of materials engineering. µ-CrysFact will develop tool-box technologies where diffusion-limited and kinetically controlled environments will be achieved during crystallisation and where the isolation of non-equilibrium species will be facilitated by pushing crystallisation processes out of equilibrium. In addition, µ-CrysFact’s technologies will be used to localise, integrate and chemically treat crystals with the aim of honing their functionality. This unprecedented approach has the potential to lead to the discovery of new materials with advanced functions and unique properties, thus opening new horizons in materials engineering research.
Project acronym MicroDE
Project Interpreting the irrecoverable microbiota in digestive ecosystems
Researcher (PI) Phillip Byron Pope
Host Institution (HI) NORGES MILJO-OG BIOVITENSKAPLIGE UNIVERSITET
Summary Currently available enzyme technology is insufficient to economically degrade plant biomass, and presumably will remain so whilst fundamental questions are inadequately answered, the most evident being: “how do microbes and their enzymes interact with plant cell walls?” Compounding these difficulties is the “cultivability bottleneck”. The microbes that harbor the answers to these questions are largely irrecoverable in isolate form, which restricts access to their genetic and metabolic machinery. The present project will address these issues by applying a progressive interdisciplinary approach to study and compare natural and engineered digestive ecosystems that are linked together via overlapping phenotypic and functional traits (i.e. biomass degradation). The project aims to generate insight into diverse uncultured microbial lineages and uncover core enzyme systems for biomass degradation that are present in multiple environments. To achieve its objectives the project will employ a combination of predictive genome-reconstruction technologies, as well as metagenome-directed isolation strategies to target dominant and novel saccharolytic species. Furthermore we will develop and take advantage of advanced software for enzyme annotation and phylogenetic binning as it is being developed. Relevant genes identified from reconstructed genomes and/or transcriptome data for isolates will be cloned, over-expressed and their gene products tested using state-of-the-art carbohydrate microarray technologies, prior to being characterized in detail. The project will complement existing activities at the PI’s university on (1) polysaccharide converting enzymes in a biorefining context, (2) the impact of intestinal fiber deconstruction on satiety and (3) enhanced production of biogas. We expect to unravel novel aspects of the microbial ecology within these systems/processes. Furthermore, it is envisaged that novel isolates and enzymes will enter into live bioenergy projects.
Currently available enzyme technology is insufficient to economically degrade plant biomass, and presumably will remain so whilst fundamental questions are inadequately answered, the most evident being: “how do microbes and their enzymes interact with plant cell walls?” Compounding these difficulties is the “cultivability bottleneck”. The microbes that harbor the answers to these questions are largely irrecoverable in isolate form, which restricts access to their genetic and metabolic machinery. The present project will address these issues by applying a progressive interdisciplinary approach to study and compare natural and engineered digestive ecosystems that are linked together via overlapping phenotypic and functional traits (i.e. biomass degradation). The project aims to generate insight into diverse uncultured microbial lineages and uncover core enzyme systems for biomass degradation that are present in multiple environments. To achieve its objectives the project will employ a combination of predictive genome-reconstruction technologies, as well as metagenome-directed isolation strategies to target dominant and novel saccharolytic species. Furthermore we will develop and take advantage of advanced software for enzyme annotation and phylogenetic binning as it is being developed. Relevant genes identified from reconstructed genomes and/or transcriptome data for isolates will be cloned, over-expressed and their gene products tested using state-of-the-art carbohydrate microarray technologies, prior to being characterized in detail. The project will complement existing activities at the PI’s university on (1) polysaccharide converting enzymes in a biorefining context, (2) the impact of intestinal fiber deconstruction on satiety and (3) enhanced production of biogas. We expect to unravel novel aspects of the microbial ecology within these systems/processes. Furthermore, it is envisaged that novel isolates and enzymes will enter into live bioenergy projects.
Project acronym MiniMasonryTesting
Project Seismic Testing of 3D Printed Miniature Masonry in a Geotechnical Centrifuge
Researcher (PI) Michalis VASSILIOU
Summary Earthquakes are responsible for more than half of the human losses due to natural disasters. Masonry structures have been proven the most vulnerable both in the developing and in the developed world. Even though Masonry is one of the oldest building materials, our understanding of its behavior at the level of the structure (system level) is limited. Therefore, there is a need for extended shake table testing. But shake table tests are expensive and full-scale system-level testing of large buildings is only possible in a handful of shake tables in the globe – and at a huge cost. We propose to take advantage of research developments in 3D printing and develop a method to perform system-level testing at a small scale using 3D printers and a geotechnical centrifuge (to preserve similitude). The key is to print materials with behavior controllable and similar to masonry. MiniMasonry testing proposes to control the properties of masonry via controlling the geometry of a 3D printed “meta”-mortar. The method will be developed via typical static masonry tests performed on the 3D printed parts. It will be further validated via comparing shaking table tests (in a centrifuge) of miniature structures to existing results of full-scale tests. The cost of the dynamic tests is expected to be so low, that multiple tests can be performed, so that existing numerical methods can be validated in the statistical sense. As a case study, the method will be applied to explore the behavior of a low-cost seismic isolation method that has been proposed for masonry structures in developing countries. With the rapid evolution of 3D printing, it will be possible to scale-up the methods developed in MiniMasonryTesting, so that other Civil Engineering materials can be tested faster and cheaper than now. This is a game changer in structural testing, as it will enable researchers to test structures that up to now it was impossible or very expensive to test at a system level.
Earthquakes are responsible for more than half of the human losses due to natural disasters. Masonry structures have been proven the most vulnerable both in the developing and in the developed world. Even though Masonry is one of the oldest building materials, our understanding of its behavior at the level of the structure (system level) is limited. Therefore, there is a need for extended shake table testing. But shake table tests are expensive and full-scale system-level testing of large buildings is only possible in a handful of shake tables in the globe – and at a huge cost. We propose to take advantage of research developments in 3D printing and develop a method to perform system-level testing at a small scale using 3D printers and a geotechnical centrifuge (to preserve similitude). The key is to print materials with behavior controllable and similar to masonry. MiniMasonry testing proposes to control the properties of masonry via controlling the geometry of a 3D printed “meta”-mortar. The method will be developed via typical static masonry tests performed on the 3D printed parts. It will be further validated via comparing shaking table tests (in a centrifuge) of miniature structures to existing results of full-scale tests. The cost of the dynamic tests is expected to be so low, that multiple tests can be performed, so that existing numerical methods can be validated in the statistical sense. As a case study, the method will be applied to explore the behavior of a low-cost seismic isolation method that has been proposed for masonry structures in developing countries. With the rapid evolution of 3D printing, it will be possible to scale-up the methods developed in MiniMasonryTesting, so that other Civil Engineering materials can be tested faster and cheaper than now. This is a game changer in structural testing, as it will enable researchers to test structures that up to now it was impossible or very expensive to test at a system level.
Project acronym Momentum
Project Modeling the Emergence of Social Complexity and Order: How Individual and Societal Complexity Co-Evolve
Researcher (PI) Dirk Helbing
Summary This proposal develops a new perspective on social systems by combining analytical sociology with evolutionary game theory, agent-based modeling, computational social science, complexity science, and experimental research. Our focus on co-evolutionary processes will shed new light on emergent phenomena in social systems and elaborate a “social ecosystem” perspective. We will overcome problems of previous approaches by implementing social mechanisms, learning rules, and parameters in an evolutionary way. Our major goal is to show how a “homo socialis” can emerge as the result of an evolutionary competition. For this, we will demonstrate that strict payoff maximization or mechanistic, stimulus-response interactions may eventually be replaced by other-regarding behaviors. In particular, we will study how social cooperation and social norms emerge from repeated social interactions. We will furthermore equip agents with small virtual “brains” and simulate the co-evolution of individual and societal complexity. This will add cognitive complexity to our modeling approach and allow us to study origins and effects of subjectivity, but also early stages in human social evolution. We plan to demonstrate that, in a complex society, boundedly rational agents can perform equally well as a perfect “homo economicus”, and that both types of agents emerge and spread under different conditions. Our project is broad and highly interdisciplinary. It combines various methodologies and pursues an innovative complexity science approach to solve long-standing scientific puzzles. It has the potential to bridge previously incompatible research traditions by revealing unexpected and seemingly paradoxical relationships between them. Thereby, it will help to overcome existing controversies and the related fragmentation in the social sciences.
This proposal develops a new perspective on social systems by combining analytical sociology with evolutionary game theory, agent-based modeling, computational social science, complexity science, and experimental research. Our focus on co-evolutionary processes will shed new light on emergent phenomena in social systems and elaborate a “social ecosystem” perspective. We will overcome problems of previous approaches by implementing social mechanisms, learning rules, and parameters in an evolutionary way. Our major goal is to show how a “homo socialis” can emerge as the result of an evolutionary competition. For this, we will demonstrate that strict payoff maximization or mechanistic, stimulus-response interactions may eventually be replaced by other-regarding behaviors. In particular, we will study how social cooperation and social norms emerge from repeated social interactions. We will furthermore equip agents with small virtual “brains” and simulate the co-evolution of individual and societal complexity. This will add cognitive complexity to our modeling approach and allow us to study origins and effects of subjectivity, but also early stages in human social evolution. We plan to demonstrate that, in a complex society, boundedly rational agents can perform equally well as a perfect “homo economicus”, and that both types of agents emerge and spread under different conditions. Our project is broad and highly interdisciplinary. It combines various methodologies and pursues an innovative complexity science approach to solve long-standing scientific puzzles. It has the potential to bridge previously incompatible research traditions by revealing unexpected and seemingly paradoxical relationships between them. Thereby, it will help to overcome existing controversies and the related fragmentation in the social sciences.
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Project acronym ALGOCom
Project Novel Algorithmic Techniques through the Lens of Combinatorics
Researcher (PI) Parinya Chalermsook
Summary Real-world optimization problems pose major challenges to algorithmic research. For instance, (i) many important problems are believed to be intractable (i.e. NP-hard) and (ii) with the growth of data size, modern applications often require a decision making under {\em incomplete and dynamically changing input data}. After several decades of research, central problems in these domains have remained poorly understood (e.g. Is there an asymptotically most efficient binary search trees?) Existing algorithmic techniques either reach their limitation or are inherently tailored to special cases. This project attempts to untangle this gap in the state of the art and seeks new interplay across multiple areas of algorithms, such as approximation algorithms, online algorithms, fixed-parameter tractable (FPT) algorithms, exponential time algorithms, and data structures. We propose new directions from the {\em structural perspectives} that connect the aforementioned algorithmic problems to basic questions in combinatorics. Our approaches fall into one of the three broad schemes: (i) new structural theory, (ii) intermediate problems, and (iii) transfer of techniques. These directions partially build on the PI's successes in resolving more than ten classical problems in this context. Resolving the proposed problems will likely revolutionize our understanding about algorithms and data structures and potentially unify techniques in multiple algorithmic regimes. Any progress is, in fact, already a significant contribution to the algorithms community. We suggest concrete intermediate goals that are of independent interest and have lower risks, so they are suitable for Ph.D students.
Real-world optimization problems pose major challenges to algorithmic research. For instance, (i) many important problems are believed to be intractable (i.e. NP-hard) and (ii) with the growth of data size, modern applications often require a decision making under {\em incomplete and dynamically changing input data}. After several decades of research, central problems in these domains have remained poorly understood (e.g. Is there an asymptotically most efficient binary search trees?) Existing algorithmic techniques either reach their limitation or are inherently tailored to special cases. This project attempts to untangle this gap in the state of the art and seeks new interplay across multiple areas of algorithms, such as approximation algorithms, online algorithms, fixed-parameter tractable (FPT) algorithms, exponential time algorithms, and data structures. We propose new directions from the {\em structural perspectives} that connect the aforementioned algorithmic problems to basic questions in combinatorics. Our approaches fall into one of the three broad schemes: (i) new structural theory, (ii) intermediate problems, and (iii) transfer of techniques. These directions partially build on the PI's successes in resolving more than ten classical problems in this context. Resolving the proposed problems will likely revolutionize our understanding about algorithms and data structures and potentially unify techniques in multiple algorithmic regimes. Any progress is, in fact, already a significant contribution to the algorithms community. We suggest concrete intermediate goals that are of independent interest and have lower risks, so they are suitable for Ph.D students.
Project acronym APES
Project Accuracy and precision for molecular solids
Researcher (PI) Jiri KLIMES
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERZITA KARLOVA
Summary The description of high pressure phases or polymorphism of molecular solids represents a significant scientific challenge both for experiment and theory. Theoretical methods that are currently used struggle to describe the tiny energy differences between different phases. It is the aim of this project to develop a scheme that would allow accurate and reliable predictions of the binding energies of molecular solids and of the energy differences between different phases. To reach the required accuracy, we will combine the coupled cluster approach, widely used for reference quality calculations for molecules, with the random phase approximation (RPA) within periodic boundary conditions. As I have recently shown, RPA-based approaches are already some of the most accurate and practically usable methods for the description of extended systems. However, reliability is not only a question of accuracy. Reliable data need to be precise, that is, converged with the numerical parameters so that they are reproducible by other researchers. Reproducibility is already a growing concern in the field. It is likely to become a considerable issue for highly accurate methods as the calculated energies have a stronger dependence on the simulation parameters such as the basis set size. Two main approaches will be explored to assure precision. First, we will develop the so-called asymptotic correction scheme to speed-up the convergence of the correlation energies with the basis set size. Second, we will directly compare the lattice energies from periodic and finite cluster based calculations. Both should yield identical answers, but if and how the agreement can be reached for general system is currently far from being understood for methods such as coupled cluster. Reliable data will allow us to answer some of the open questions regarding the stability of polymorphs and high pressure phases, such as the possibility of existence of high pressure ionic phases of water and ammonia.
The description of high pressure phases or polymorphism of molecular solids represents a significant scientific challenge both for experiment and theory. Theoretical methods that are currently used struggle to describe the tiny energy differences between different phases. It is the aim of this project to develop a scheme that would allow accurate and reliable predictions of the binding energies of molecular solids and of the energy differences between different phases. To reach the required accuracy, we will combine the coupled cluster approach, widely used for reference quality calculations for molecules, with the random phase approximation (RPA) within periodic boundary conditions. As I have recently shown, RPA-based approaches are already some of the most accurate and practically usable methods for the description of extended systems. However, reliability is not only a question of accuracy. Reliable data need to be precise, that is, converged with the numerical parameters so that they are reproducible by other researchers. Reproducibility is already a growing concern in the field. It is likely to become a considerable issue for highly accurate methods as the calculated energies have a stronger dependence on the simulation parameters such as the basis set size. Two main approaches will be explored to assure precision. First, we will develop the so-called asymptotic correction scheme to speed-up the convergence of the correlation energies with the basis set size. Second, we will directly compare the lattice energies from periodic and finite cluster based calculations. Both should yield identical answers, but if and how the agreement can be reached for general system is currently far from being understood for methods such as coupled cluster. Reliable data will allow us to answer some of the open questions regarding the stability of polymorphs and high pressure phases, such as the possibility of existence of high pressure ionic phases of water and ammonia.
Project acronym aQUARiUM
Project QUAntum nanophotonics in Rolled-Up Metamaterials
Researcher (PI) Humeyra CAGLAYAN
Host Institution (HI) TAMPEREEN KORKEAKOULUSAATIO SR
Summary Novel sophisticated technologies that exploit the laws of quantum physics form a cornerstone for the future well-being, economic growth and security of Europe. Here photonic devices have gained a prominent position because the absorption, emission, propagation or storage of a photon is a process that can be harnessed at a fundamental level and render more practical ways to use light for such applications. However, the interaction of light with single quantum systems under ambient conditions is typically very weak and difficult to control. Furthermore, there are quantum phenomena occurring in matter at nanometer length scales that are currently not well understood. These deficiencies have a direct and severe impact on creating a bridge between quantum physics and photonic device technologies. aQUARiUM, precisely address the issue of controlling and enhancing the interaction between few photons and rolled-up nanostructures with ability to be deployed in practical applications. With aQUARiUM, we will take epsilon (permittivity)-near-zero (ENZ) metamaterials into quantum nanophotonics. To this end, we will integrate quantum emitters with rolled-up waveguides, that act as ENZ metamaterial, to expand and redefine the range of light-matter interactions. We will explore the electromagnetic design freedom enabled by the extended modes of ENZ medium, which “stretches” the effective wavelength inside the structure. Specifically, aQUARiUM is built around the following two objectives: (i) Enhancing light-matter interactions with single emitters (Enhance) independent of emitter position. (ii) Enabling collective excitations in dense emitter ensembles (Collect) coherently connect emitters on nanophotonic devices to obtain coherent emission. aQUARiUM aims to create novel light-sources and long-term entanglement generation and beyond. The envisioned outcome of aQUARiUM is a wholly new photonic platform applicable across a diverse range of areas.
Novel sophisticated technologies that exploit the laws of quantum physics form a cornerstone for the future well-being, economic growth and security of Europe. Here photonic devices have gained a prominent position because the absorption, emission, propagation or storage of a photon is a process that can be harnessed at a fundamental level and render more practical ways to use light for such applications. However, the interaction of light with single quantum systems under ambient conditions is typically very weak and difficult to control. Furthermore, there are quantum phenomena occurring in matter at nanometer length scales that are currently not well understood. These deficiencies have a direct and severe impact on creating a bridge between quantum physics and photonic device technologies. aQUARiUM, precisely address the issue of controlling and enhancing the interaction between few photons and rolled-up nanostructures with ability to be deployed in practical applications. With aQUARiUM, we will take epsilon (permittivity)-near-zero (ENZ) metamaterials into quantum nanophotonics. To this end, we will integrate quantum emitters with rolled-up waveguides, that act as ENZ metamaterial, to expand and redefine the range of light-matter interactions. We will explore the electromagnetic design freedom enabled by the extended modes of ENZ medium, which “stretches” the effective wavelength inside the structure. Specifically, aQUARiUM is built around the following two objectives: (i) Enhancing light-matter interactions with single emitters (Enhance) independent of emitter position. (ii) Enabling collective excitations in dense emitter ensembles (Collect) coherently connect emitters on nanophotonic devices to obtain coherent emission. aQUARiUM aims to create novel light-sources and long-term entanglement generation and beyond. The envisioned outcome of aQUARiUM is a wholly new photonic platform applicable across a diverse range of areas.
Project acronym BABE
Project Why is the world green: testing top-down control of plant-herbivore food webs by experiments with birds, bats and ants
Researcher (PI) Katerina SAM
Host Institution (HI) Biologicke centrum AV CR, v. v. i.
Summary Why is the world green? Because predators control herbivores, allowing plants to flourish. This >50 years old answer to the deceptively simple question remains controversial. After all, plants are also protected from herbivores physically and by secondary chemistry. My goal is to test novel aspects of the “green world hypothesis”: ● How the importance of top-down effects varies with forest diversity and productivity along a latitudinal gradient? ● How the key predators, birds, bats and ants, contribute to top-down effects individually and in synergy? I strive to understand this because: ● While there is evidence that predators reduce herbivore abundance and enhance plant growth, the importance of top-down control is poorly understood across a range of forests. ● The importance of key predatory groups, and their antagonistic and synergic interactions, have been rarely studied, despite their potential impact on ecosystem dynamics in changing world. I wish to achieve my goals by: ● Factorial manipulations of key insectivorous predators (birds, bats, ants) to measure their effects on lower trophic levels in forest understories and canopies, accessed by canopy cranes, along latitudinal gradient spanning 75o from Australia to Japan. ● Studying compensatory effects among predatory taxa on herbivore and plant performance. Why this has not been done before: ● Factorial experimental exclusion of predatory groups replicated on a large spatial scale is logistically difficult. ● Canopy crane network along a latitudinal gradient has only recently become available. I am in excellent position to succeed as I have experience with ● foodweb experiments along an elevation gradient in New Guinea rainforests, ● study of bird, bat and arthropod communities. If the project is successful, it will: ● Allow understanding the importance of predators from temperate to tropical forests. ● Establish a network of experimental sites along a network of canopy cranes open for follow-up research.
Why is the world green? Because predators control herbivores, allowing plants to flourish. This >50 years old answer to the deceptively simple question remains controversial. After all, plants are also protected from herbivores physically and by secondary chemistry. My goal is to test novel aspects of the “green world hypothesis”: ● How the importance of top-down effects varies with forest diversity and productivity along a latitudinal gradient? ● How the key predators, birds, bats and ants, contribute to top-down effects individually and in synergy? I strive to understand this because: ● While there is evidence that predators reduce herbivore abundance and enhance plant growth, the importance of top-down control is poorly understood across a range of forests. ● The importance of key predatory groups, and their antagonistic and synergic interactions, have been rarely studied, despite their potential impact on ecosystem dynamics in changing world. I wish to achieve my goals by: ● Factorial manipulations of key insectivorous predators (birds, bats, ants) to measure their effects on lower trophic levels in forest understories and canopies, accessed by canopy cranes, along latitudinal gradient spanning 75o from Australia to Japan. ● Studying compensatory effects among predatory taxa on herbivore and plant performance. Why this has not been done before: ● Factorial experimental exclusion of predatory groups replicated on a large spatial scale is logistically difficult. ● Canopy crane network along a latitudinal gradient has only recently become available. I am in excellent position to succeed as I have experience with ● foodweb experiments along an elevation gradient in New Guinea rainforests, ● study of bird, bat and arthropod communities. If the project is successful, it will: ● Allow understanding the importance of predators from temperate to tropical forests. ● Establish a network of experimental sites along a network of canopy cranes open for follow-up research.
Project acronym Brain Health Toolbox
Project The Brain Health Toolbox: Facilitating personalized decision-making for effective dementia prevention
Researcher (PI) Alina Gabriela SOLOMON
Host Institution (HI) ITA-SUOMEN YLIOPISTO
Summary Preventing dementia and Alzheimer disease (AD) is a global priority. Previous single-intervention failures stress the critical need for a new multimodal preventive approach in these complex multifactorial conditions. The Brain Health Toolbox is designed to create a seamless continuum from accurate dementia prediction to effective prevention by i) developing the missing disease models and prediction tools for multimodal prevention; ii) testing them in actual multimodal prevention trials; and iii) bridging the gap between non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches by designing a combined multimodal prevention trial based on a new European adaptive trial platform. Disease models and prediction tools will be multi-dimensional, i.e. a broad range of risk factors and biomarker types, including novel markers. An innovative machine learning method will be used for pattern identification and risk profiling to highlight most important contributors to an individual’s overall risk level. This is crucial for early identification of individuals with high dementia risk and/or high likelihood of specific brain pathologies, quantifying an individual’s prevention potential, and longitudinal risk and disease monitoring, also beyond trial duration. Three Toolbox test scenarios are considered: use for selecting target populations, assessing heterogeneity of intervention effects, and use as trial outcome. The project is based on a unique set-up aligning several new multimodal lifestyle trials aiming to adapt and test non-pharmacological interventions to different geographic, economic and cultural settings, with two reference libraries (observational - large datasets; and interventional - four recently completed pioneering multimodal lifestyle prevention trials). The Brain Health Toolbox covers the entire continuum from general populations to patients with preclinical/prodromal disease stages, and will provide tools for personalized decision-making for dementia prevention.
Preventing dementia and Alzheimer disease (AD) is a global priority. Previous single-intervention failures stress the critical need for a new multimodal preventive approach in these complex multifactorial conditions. The Brain Health Toolbox is designed to create a seamless continuum from accurate dementia prediction to effective prevention by i) developing the missing disease models and prediction tools for multimodal prevention; ii) testing them in actual multimodal prevention trials; and iii) bridging the gap between non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches by designing a combined multimodal prevention trial based on a new European adaptive trial platform. Disease models and prediction tools will be multi-dimensional, i.e. a broad range of risk factors and biomarker types, including novel markers. An innovative machine learning method will be used for pattern identification and risk profiling to highlight most important contributors to an individual’s overall risk level. This is crucial for early identification of individuals with high dementia risk and/or high likelihood of specific brain pathologies, quantifying an individual’s prevention potential, and longitudinal risk and disease monitoring, also beyond trial duration. Three Toolbox test scenarios are considered: use for selecting target populations, assessing heterogeneity of intervention effects, and use as trial outcome. The project is based on a unique set-up aligning several new multimodal lifestyle trials aiming to adapt and test non-pharmacological interventions to different geographic, economic and cultural settings, with two reference libraries (observational - large datasets; and interventional - four recently completed pioneering multimodal lifestyle prevention trials). The Brain Health Toolbox covers the entire continuum from general populations to patients with preclinical/prodromal disease stages, and will provide tools for personalized decision-making for dementia prevention.
Project acronym CALLIOPE
Project voCAL articuLations Of Parliamentary Identity and Empire
Researcher (PI) Josephine HOEGAERTS
Host Institution (HI) HELSINGIN YLIOPISTO
Summary What did politicians sound like before they were on the radio and television? The fascination with politicians’ vocal characteristics and quirks is often connected to the rise of audio-visual media. But in the age of the printed press, political representatives also had to ‘speak well’ – without recourse to amplification. Historians and linguists have provided sophisticated understandings of the discursive and aesthetic aspects of politicians’ language, but have largely ignored the importance of the acoustic character of their speech. CALLIOPE studies how vocal performances in parliament have influenced the course of political careers and political decision making in the 19th century. It shows how politicians’ voices helped to define the diverse identities they articulated. In viewing parliament through the lens of audibility, the project offers a new perspective on political representation by reframing how authority was embodied (through performances that were heard, rather than seen). It does so for the Second Chamber in Britain and France, and in dialogue with ‘colonial’ modes of speech in Kolkata and Algiers, which, we argue, exerted considerable influence on European vocal culture. The project devises an innovative methodological approach to include the sound of the human voice in studies of the past that precede acoustic recording. Adapting methods developed in sound studies and combining them with the tools of political history, the project proposes a new way to analyse parliamentary reporting, while also drawing on a variety of sources that are rarely connected to the history of politics. The main source material for the study comprise transcripts of parliamentary speech (official reports and renditions by journalists). However, the project also mobilizes educational, satirical and fictional sources to elucidate the convoluted processes that led to the cultivation, exertion, reception and evaluation of a voice ‘fit’ for nineteenth-century politics.
What did politicians sound like before they were on the radio and television? The fascination with politicians’ vocal characteristics and quirks is often connected to the rise of audio-visual media. But in the age of the printed press, political representatives also had to ‘speak well’ – without recourse to amplification. Historians and linguists have provided sophisticated understandings of the discursive and aesthetic aspects of politicians’ language, but have largely ignored the importance of the acoustic character of their speech. CALLIOPE studies how vocal performances in parliament have influenced the course of political careers and political decision making in the 19th century. It shows how politicians’ voices helped to define the diverse identities they articulated. In viewing parliament through the lens of audibility, the project offers a new perspective on political representation by reframing how authority was embodied (through performances that were heard, rather than seen). It does so for the Second Chamber in Britain and France, and in dialogue with ‘colonial’ modes of speech in Kolkata and Algiers, which, we argue, exerted considerable influence on European vocal culture. The project devises an innovative methodological approach to include the sound of the human voice in studies of the past that precede acoustic recording. Adapting methods developed in sound studies and combining them with the tools of political history, the project proposes a new way to analyse parliamentary reporting, while also drawing on a variety of sources that are rarely connected to the history of politics. The main source material for the study comprise transcripts of parliamentary speech (official reports and renditions by journalists). However, the project also mobilizes educational, satirical and fictional sources to elucidate the convoluted processes that led to the cultivation, exertion, reception and evaluation of a voice ‘fit’ for nineteenth-century politics.
Project acronym CANCER SIGNALOSOMES
Project Spatially and temporally regulated membrane complexes in cancer cell invasion and cytokinesis
Researcher (PI) Johanna Ivaska
Host Institution (HI) TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT
Summary Cancer progression, characterized by uncontrolled proliferation and motility of cells, is a complex and deadly process. Integrins, a major cell surface adhesion receptor family, are transmembrane proteins known to regulate cell behaviour by transducing extracellular signals to cytoplasmic protein complexes. We and others have shown that recruitment of specific protein complexes by the cytoplasmic domains of integrins is important in tumorigenesis. Here our aim is to study three interrelated processes in cancer progression which involve integrin signalling, but which have not been elucidated earlier at all. 1) Integrins in cell division (cytokinesis). Since coordinated action of the cytoskeleton and membranes is needed both for cell division and motility, shared integrin functions can regulate both events. 2) Dynamic integrin signalosomes at the leading edge of invading cells. Spatially and temporally regulated, integrin-protein complexes at the front of infiltrating cells are likely to dictate the movement of cancer cells in tissues. 3) Transmembrane segments of integrins as scaffolds for integrin signalling. In addition to cytosolic proteins, integrins most likely interact with proteins within the membrane resulting into new signalling modalities. In this proposal we will use innovative, modern and even unconventional techniques (such as RNAi and live-cell arrays detecting integrin traffic, cell motility and multiplication, laser-microdissection, proteomics and bacterial-two-hybrid screens) to unravel these new integrin functions, for which we have preliminary evidence. Each project will give fundamentally novel mechanistic insight into the role of integrins in cancer. Moreover, these interdisciplinary new openings will increase our understanding in cancer progression in general and will open new possibilities for therapeutic intervention targeting both cancer proliferation and dissemination in the body.
Cancer progression, characterized by uncontrolled proliferation and motility of cells, is a complex and deadly process. Integrins, a major cell surface adhesion receptor family, are transmembrane proteins known to regulate cell behaviour by transducing extracellular signals to cytoplasmic protein complexes. We and others have shown that recruitment of specific protein complexes by the cytoplasmic domains of integrins is important in tumorigenesis. Here our aim is to study three interrelated processes in cancer progression which involve integrin signalling, but which have not been elucidated earlier at all. 1) Integrins in cell division (cytokinesis). Since coordinated action of the cytoskeleton and membranes is needed both for cell division and motility, shared integrin functions can regulate both events. 2) Dynamic integrin signalosomes at the leading edge of invading cells. Spatially and temporally regulated, integrin-protein complexes at the front of infiltrating cells are likely to dictate the movement of cancer cells in tissues. 3) Transmembrane segments of integrins as scaffolds for integrin signalling. In addition to cytosolic proteins, integrins most likely interact with proteins within the membrane resulting into new signalling modalities. In this proposal we will use innovative, modern and even unconventional techniques (such as RNAi and live-cell arrays detecting integrin traffic, cell motility and multiplication, laser-microdissection, proteomics and bacterial-two-hybrid screens) to unravel these new integrin functions, for which we have preliminary evidence. Each project will give fundamentally novel mechanistic insight into the role of integrins in cancer. Moreover, these interdisciplinary new openings will increase our understanding in cancer progression in general and will open new possibilities for therapeutic intervention targeting both cancer proliferation and dissemination in the body.
Project acronym Cat-In-hAT
Project Catastrophic Interactions of Binary Stars and the Associated Transients
Researcher (PI) Ondrej PEJCHA
Summary "One of the crucial formation channels of compact object binaries, including sources of gravitational waves, critically depends on catastrophic binary interactions accompanied by the loss of mass, angular momentum, and energy (""common envelope"" evolution - CEE). Despite its importance, CEE is perhaps the least understood major phase of binary star evolution and progress in this area is urgently needed to interpret observations from the new facilities (gravitational wave detectors, time-domain surveys). Recently, the dynamical phase of the CEE has been associated with a class of transient brightenings exhibiting slow expansion velocities and copious formation of dust and molecules (red transients - RT). A number of RT features, especially the long timescale of mass loss, challenge the existing CEE paradigm. Motivated by RT, I will use a new variant of magnetohydrodynamics to comprehensively examine the 3D evolution of CEE from the moment when the mass loss commences to the remnant phase. I expect to resolve the long timescales observed in RT, characterize binary stability in 3D with detailed microphysics, illuminate the fundamental problem of how is orbital energy used to unbind the common envelope in a regime that was inaccessible before, and break new ground on the amplification of magnetic fields during CEE. I will establish RT as an entirely new probe of the CEE physics by comparing my detailed theoretical predictions of light curves from different viewing angles, spectra, line profiles, and polarimetric signatures with observations of RT. I will accomplish this by coupling multi-dimensional moving mesh hydrodynamics with radiation, dust formation, and chemical reactions. Finally, I will examine the physical processes in RT remnants on timescales of years to centuries after the outburst to connect RT with the proposed merger products and to identify them in time-domain surveys. "
"One of the crucial formation channels of compact object binaries, including sources of gravitational waves, critically depends on catastrophic binary interactions accompanied by the loss of mass, angular momentum, and energy (""common envelope"" evolution - CEE). Despite its importance, CEE is perhaps the least understood major phase of binary star evolution and progress in this area is urgently needed to interpret observations from the new facilities (gravitational wave detectors, time-domain surveys). Recently, the dynamical phase of the CEE has been associated with a class of transient brightenings exhibiting slow expansion velocities and copious formation of dust and molecules (red transients - RT). A number of RT features, especially the long timescale of mass loss, challenge the existing CEE paradigm. Motivated by RT, I will use a new variant of magnetohydrodynamics to comprehensively examine the 3D evolution of CEE from the moment when the mass loss commences to the remnant phase. I expect to resolve the long timescales observed in RT, characterize binary stability in 3D with detailed microphysics, illuminate the fundamental problem of how is orbital energy used to unbind the common envelope in a regime that was inaccessible before, and break new ground on the amplification of magnetic fields during CEE. I will establish RT as an entirely new probe of the CEE physics by comparing my detailed theoretical predictions of light curves from different viewing angles, spectra, line profiles, and polarimetric signatures with observations of RT. I will accomplish this by coupling multi-dimensional moving mesh hydrodynamics with radiation, dust formation, and chemical reactions. Finally, I will examine the physical processes in RT remnants on timescales of years to centuries after the outburst to connect RT with the proposed merger products and to identify them in time-domain surveys. "
Project acronym CELLONGATE
Project Unraveling the molecular network that drives cell growth in plants
Researcher (PI) Matyas FENDRYCH
Summary Plants differ strikingly from animals by the almost total absence of cell migration in their development. Plants build their bodies using a hydrostatic skeleton that consists of pressurized cells encased by a cell wall. Consequently, plant cells cannot migrate and must sculpture their bodies by orientation of cell division and precise regulation of cell growth. Cell growth depends on the balance between internal cell pressure – turgor, and strength of the cell wall. Cell growth is under a strict developmental control, which is exemplified in the Arabidopsis thaliana root tip, where massive cell elongation occurs in a defined spatio-temporal developmental window. Despite the immobility of their cells, plant organs move to optimize light and nutrient acquisition and to orient their bodies along the gravity vector. These movements depend on differential regulation of cell elongation across the organ, and on response to the phytohormone auxin. Even though the control of cell growth is in the epicenter of plant development, protein networks steering the developmental growth onset, coordination and termination remain elusive. Similarly, although auxin is the central regulator of growth, the molecular mechanism of its effect on root growth is unknown. In this project, I will establish a unique microscopy setup for high spatio-temporal resolution live-cell imaging equipped with a microfluidic lab-on-chip platform optimized for growing roots, to enable analysis and manipulation of root growth physiology. I will use developmental gradients in the root to discover genes that steer cellular growth, by correlating transcriptome profiles of individual cell types with the cell size. In parallel, I will exploit the auxin effect on root to unravel molecular mechanisms that control cell elongation. Finally, I am going to combine the live-cell imaging methodology with the gene discovery approaches to chart a dynamic spatio-temporal physiological map of a growing Arabidopsis root.
Plants differ strikingly from animals by the almost total absence of cell migration in their development. Plants build their bodies using a hydrostatic skeleton that consists of pressurized cells encased by a cell wall. Consequently, plant cells cannot migrate and must sculpture their bodies by orientation of cell division and precise regulation of cell growth. Cell growth depends on the balance between internal cell pressure – turgor, and strength of the cell wall. Cell growth is under a strict developmental control, which is exemplified in the Arabidopsis thaliana root tip, where massive cell elongation occurs in a defined spatio-temporal developmental window. Despite the immobility of their cells, plant organs move to optimize light and nutrient acquisition and to orient their bodies along the gravity vector. These movements depend on differential regulation of cell elongation across the organ, and on response to the phytohormone auxin. Even though the control of cell growth is in the epicenter of plant development, protein networks steering the developmental growth onset, coordination and termination remain elusive. Similarly, although auxin is the central regulator of growth, the molecular mechanism of its effect on root growth is unknown. In this project, I will establish a unique microscopy setup for high spatio-temporal resolution live-cell imaging equipped with a microfluidic lab-on-chip platform optimized for growing roots, to enable analysis and manipulation of root growth physiology. I will use developmental gradients in the root to discover genes that steer cellular growth, by correlating transcriptome profiles of individual cell types with the cell size. In parallel, I will exploit the auxin effect on root to unravel molecular mechanisms that control cell elongation. Finally, I am going to combine the live-cell imaging methodology with the gene discovery approaches to chart a dynamic spatio-temporal physiological map of a growing Arabidopsis root.
Project acronym CHOBOTIX
Project Chemical Processing by Swarm Robotics
Researcher (PI) Frantisek Stepanek
Host Institution (HI) VYSOKA SKOLA CHEMICKO-TECHNOLOGICKA V PRAZE
Summary The aim of the project is to develop chemical processing systems based on the principle of swarm robotics. The inspiration for swarm robotics comes from the behaviour of collective organisms – such as bees or ants – that can perform complex tasks by the combined actions of a large number of relatively simple, identical agents. The main scientific challenge of the project will be the design and synthesis of chemical swarm robots (“chobots”), which we envisage as internally structured particulate entities in the 10-100 µm size range that can move in their environment, selectively exchange molecules with their surrounding in response to a local change in temperature or concentration, chemically process those molecules and either accumulate or release the product. Such chemically active autonomous entities can be viewed as very simple pre-biotic life forms, although without the ability to self-replicate or evolve. In the course of the project, the following topics will be explored in detail: (i) the synthesis of suitable shells for chemically active swarm robots, both soft (with a flexible membrane) and hard (porous solid shells); (ii) the mechanisms of molecular transport into and out of such shells and means of its active control; (iii) chemical reaction kinetics in spatially complex compartmental structures within the shells; (iv) collective behaviour of chemical swarm robots and their response to external stimuli. The project will be carried out by a multi-disciplinary team of enthusiastic young researchers and the concepts and technologies developed in course of the project, as well as the advancements in the fundamental understanding of the behaviour of “chemical robots” and their functional sub-systems, will open up new opportunities in diverse areas including next-generation distributed chemical processing, synthesis and delivery of personalised medicines, recovery of valuable chemicals from dilute resources, environmental clean-up, and others.
The aim of the project is to develop chemical processing systems based on the principle of swarm robotics. The inspiration for swarm robotics comes from the behaviour of collective organisms – such as bees or ants – that can perform complex tasks by the combined actions of a large number of relatively simple, identical agents. The main scientific challenge of the project will be the design and synthesis of chemical swarm robots (“chobots”), which we envisage as internally structured particulate entities in the 10-100 µm size range that can move in their environment, selectively exchange molecules with their surrounding in response to a local change in temperature or concentration, chemically process those molecules and either accumulate or release the product. Such chemically active autonomous entities can be viewed as very simple pre-biotic life forms, although without the ability to self-replicate or evolve. In the course of the project, the following topics will be explored in detail: (i) the synthesis of suitable shells for chemically active swarm robots, both soft (with a flexible membrane) and hard (porous solid shells); (ii) the mechanisms of molecular transport into and out of such shells and means of its active control; (iii) chemical reaction kinetics in spatially complex compartmental structures within the shells; (iv) collective behaviour of chemical swarm robots and their response to external stimuli. The project will be carried out by a multi-disciplinary team of enthusiastic young researchers and the concepts and technologies developed in course of the project, as well as the advancements in the fundamental understanding of the behaviour of “chemical robots” and their functional sub-systems, will open up new opportunities in diverse areas including next-generation distributed chemical processing, synthesis and delivery of personalised medicines, recovery of valuable chemicals from dilute resources, environmental clean-up, and others.
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Project acronym ABYSS
Project ABYSS - Assessment of bacterial life and matter cycling in deep-sea surface sediments
Researcher (PI) Antje Boetius
Host Institution (HI) ALFRED-WEGENER-INSTITUT HELMHOLTZ-ZENTRUM FUR POLAR- UND MEERESFORSCHUNG
Summary The deep-sea floor hosts a distinct microbial biome covering 67% of the Earth’s surface, characterized by cold temperatures, permanent darkness, high pressure and food limitation. The surface sediments are dominated by bacteria, with on average a billion cells per ml. Benthic bacteria are highly relevant to the Earth’s element cycles as they remineralize most of the organic matter sinking from the productive surface ocean, and return nutrients, thereby promoting ocean primary production. What passes the bacterial filter is a relevant sink for carbon on geological time scales, influencing global oxygen and carbon budgets, and fueling the deep subsurface biosphere. Despite the relevance of deep-sea sediment bacteria to climate, geochemical cycles and ecology of the seafloor, their genetic and functional diversity, niche differentiation and biological interactions remain unknown. Our preliminary work in a global survey of deep-sea sediments enables us now to target specific genes for the quantification of abyssal bacteria. We can trace isotope-labeled elements into communities and single cells, and analyze the molecular alteration of organic matter during microbial degradation, all in context with environmental dynamics recorded at the only long-term deep-sea ecosystem observatory in the Arctic that we maintain. I propose to bridge biogeochemistry, ecology, microbiology and marine biology to develop a systematic understanding of abyssal sediment bacterial community distribution, diversity, function and interactions, by combining in situ flux studies and different visualization techniques with a wide range of molecular tools. Substantial progress is expected in understanding I) identity and function of the dominant types of indigenous benthic bacteria, II) dynamics in bacterial activity and diversity caused by variations in particle flux, III) interactions with different types and ages of organic matter, and other biological factors.
The deep-sea floor hosts a distinct microbial biome covering 67% of the Earth’s surface, characterized by cold temperatures, permanent darkness, high pressure and food limitation. The surface sediments are dominated by bacteria, with on average a billion cells per ml. Benthic bacteria are highly relevant to the Earth’s element cycles as they remineralize most of the organic matter sinking from the productive surface ocean, and return nutrients, thereby promoting ocean primary production. What passes the bacterial filter is a relevant sink for carbon on geological time scales, influencing global oxygen and carbon budgets, and fueling the deep subsurface biosphere. Despite the relevance of deep-sea sediment bacteria to climate, geochemical cycles and ecology of the seafloor, their genetic and functional diversity, niche differentiation and biological interactions remain unknown. Our preliminary work in a global survey of deep-sea sediments enables us now to target specific genes for the quantification of abyssal bacteria. We can trace isotope-labeled elements into communities and single cells, and analyze the molecular alteration of organic matter during microbial degradation, all in context with environmental dynamics recorded at the only long-term deep-sea ecosystem observatory in the Arctic that we maintain. I propose to bridge biogeochemistry, ecology, microbiology and marine biology to develop a systematic understanding of abyssal sediment bacterial community distribution, diversity, function and interactions, by combining in situ flux studies and different visualization techniques with a wide range of molecular tools. Substantial progress is expected in understanding I) identity and function of the dominant types of indigenous benthic bacteria, II) dynamics in bacterial activity and diversity caused by variations in particle flux, III) interactions with different types and ages of organic matter, and other biological factors.
Project acronym ACCUPOL
Project Unlimited Growth? A Comparative Analysis of Causes and Consequences of Policy Accumulation
Researcher (PI) Christoph KNILL
Host Institution (HI) LUDWIG-MAXIMILIANS-UNIVERSITAET MUENCHEN
Summary ACCUPOL systematically analyzes an intuitively well-known, but curiously under-researched phenomenon: policy accumulation. Societal modernization and progress bring about a continuously growing pile of policies in most political systems. At the same time, however, the administrative capacities for implementation are largely stagnant. While being societally desirable in principle, ever-more policies hence may potentially imply less in terms of policy achievements. Whether or not policy accumulation remains at a ‘sustainable’ rate thus crucially affects the long-term output legitimacy of modern democracies. Given this development, the central focus of ACCUPOL lies on three questions: Do accumulation rates vary across countries and policy sectors? Which factors mitigate policy accumulation? And to what extent is policy accumulation really associated with an increasing prevalence of implementation deficits? In answering these questions, ACCUPOL radically departs from established research traditions in public policy. First, the project develops new analytical concepts: Rather than relying on individual policy change as the unit of analysis, we consider policy accumulation to assess the growth of policy portfolios over time. In terms of implementation, ACCUPOL takes into account the overall prevalence of implementation deficits in a given sector instead of analyzing the effectiveness of individual implementation processes. Second, this analytical innovation also implies a paradigmatic theoretical shift. Because existing theories focus on the analysis of individual policies, they are of limited help to understand causes and consequences of policy accumulation. ACCUPOL develops a novel theoretical approach to fill this theoretical gap. Third, the project provides new empirical evidence on the prevalence of policy accumulation and implementation deficits focusing on 25 OECD countries and two key policy areas (social and environmental policy).
ACCUPOL systematically analyzes an intuitively well-known, but curiously under-researched phenomenon: policy accumulation. Societal modernization and progress bring about a continuously growing pile of policies in most political systems. At the same time, however, the administrative capacities for implementation are largely stagnant. While being societally desirable in principle, ever-more policies hence may potentially imply less in terms of policy achievements. Whether or not policy accumulation remains at a ‘sustainable’ rate thus crucially affects the long-term output legitimacy of modern democracies. Given this development, the central focus of ACCUPOL lies on three questions: Do accumulation rates vary across countries and policy sectors? Which factors mitigate policy accumulation? And to what extent is policy accumulation really associated with an increasing prevalence of implementation deficits? In answering these questions, ACCUPOL radically departs from established research traditions in public policy. First, the project develops new analytical concepts: Rather than relying on individual policy change as the unit of analysis, we consider policy accumulation to assess the growth of policy portfolios over time. In terms of implementation, ACCUPOL takes into account the overall prevalence of implementation deficits in a given sector instead of analyzing the effectiveness of individual implementation processes. Second, this analytical innovation also implies a paradigmatic theoretical shift. Because existing theories focus on the analysis of individual policies, they are of limited help to understand causes and consequences of policy accumulation. ACCUPOL develops a novel theoretical approach to fill this theoretical gap. Third, the project provides new empirical evidence on the prevalence of policy accumulation and implementation deficits focusing on 25 OECD countries and two key policy areas (social and environmental policy).
Project acronym ACETOGENS
Project Acetogenic bacteria: from basic physiology via gene regulation to application in industrial biotechnology
Researcher (PI) Volker MÜLLER
Host Institution (HI) JOHANN WOLFGANG GOETHE-UNIVERSITATFRANKFURT AM MAIN
Summary Demand for biofuels and other biologically derived commodities is growing worldwide as efforts increase to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and to limit climate change. Most commercial approaches rely on fermentations of organic matter with its inherent problems in producing CO2 and being in conflict with the food supply of humans. These problems are avoided if CO2 can be used as feedstock. Autotrophic organisms can fix CO2 by producing chemicals that are used as building blocks for the synthesis of cellular components (Biomass). Acetate-forming bacteria (acetogens) do neither require light nor oxygen for this and they can be used in bioreactors to reduce CO2 with hydrogen gas, carbon monoxide or an organic substrate. Gas fermentation using these bacteria has already been realized on an industrial level in two pre-commercial 100,000 gal/yr demonstration facilities to produce fuel ethanol from abundant waste gas resources (by LanzaTech). Acetogens can metabolise a wide variety of substrates that could be used for the production of biocommodities. However, their broad use to produce biofuels and platform chemicals from substrates other than gases or together with gases is hampered by our very limited knowledge about their metabolism and ability to use different substrates simultaneously. Nearly nothing is known about regulatory processes involved in substrate utilization or product formation but this is an absolute requirement for metabolic engineering approaches. The aim of this project is to provide this basic knowledge about metabolic routes in the acetogenic model strain Acetobacterium woodii and their regulation. We will unravel the function of “organelles” found in this bacterium and explore their potential as bio-nanoreactors for the production of biocommodities and pave the road for the industrial use of A. woodii in energy (hydrogen) storage. Thus, this project creates cutting-edge opportunities for the development of biosustainable technologies in Europe.
Demand for biofuels and other biologically derived commodities is growing worldwide as efforts increase to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and to limit climate change. Most commercial approaches rely on fermentations of organic matter with its inherent problems in producing CO2 and being in conflict with the food supply of humans. These problems are avoided if CO2 can be used as feedstock. Autotrophic organisms can fix CO2 by producing chemicals that are used as building blocks for the synthesis of cellular components (Biomass). Acetate-forming bacteria (acetogens) do neither require light nor oxygen for this and they can be used in bioreactors to reduce CO2 with hydrogen gas, carbon monoxide or an organic substrate. Gas fermentation using these bacteria has already been realized on an industrial level in two pre-commercial 100,000 gal/yr demonstration facilities to produce fuel ethanol from abundant waste gas resources (by LanzaTech). Acetogens can metabolise a wide variety of substrates that could be used for the production of biocommodities. However, their broad use to produce biofuels and platform chemicals from substrates other than gases or together with gases is hampered by our very limited knowledge about their metabolism and ability to use different substrates simultaneously. Nearly nothing is known about regulatory processes involved in substrate utilization or product formation but this is an absolute requirement for metabolic engineering approaches. The aim of this project is to provide this basic knowledge about metabolic routes in the acetogenic model strain Acetobacterium woodii and their regulation. We will unravel the function of “organelles” found in this bacterium and explore their potential as bio-nanoreactors for the production of biocommodities and pave the road for the industrial use of A. woodii in energy (hydrogen) storage. Thus, this project creates cutting-edge opportunities for the development of biosustainable technologies in Europe.
Project acronym ActiveCortex
Project Active dendrites and cortical associations
Researcher (PI) Matthew Larkum
Host Institution (HI) HUMBOLDT-UNIVERSITAET ZU BERLIN
Summary Converging studies from psychophysics in humans to single-cell recordings in monkeys and rodents indicate that most important cognitive processes depend on both feed-forward and feedback information interacting in the brain. Intriguingly, feedback to early cortical processing stages appears to play a causal role in these processes. Despite the central nature of this fact to understanding brain cognition, there is still no mechanistic explanation as to how this information could be so pivotal and what events take place that might be decisive. In this research program, we will test the hypothesis that the extraordinary performance of the cortex derives from an associative mechanism built into the basic neuronal unit: the pyramidal cell. The hypothesis is based on two important facts: (1) feedback information is conveyed predominantly to layer 1 and (2) the apical tuft dendrites that are the major recipient of this feedback information are highly electrogenic. The research program is divided in to several workpackages to systematically investigate the hypothesis at every level. As a whole, we will investigate the causal link between intrinsic cellular activity and behaviour. To do this we will use eletrophysiological and optical techniques to record and influence cell the intrinsic properties of cells (in particular dendritic activity) in vivo and in vitro in rodents. In vivo experiments will have a specific focus on context driven behaviour and in vitro experiments on the impact of long-range (feedback-carrying) fibers on cell activity. The study will also focus on synaptic plasticity at the interface of feedback information and dendritic electrogenesis, namely synapses on to the tuft dendrite of pyramidal neurons. The proposed program will not only address a long-standing and important hypothesis but also provide a transformational contribution towards understanding the operation of the cerebral cortex.
Converging studies from psychophysics in humans to single-cell recordings in monkeys and rodents indicate that most important cognitive processes depend on both feed-forward and feedback information interacting in the brain. Intriguingly, feedback to early cortical processing stages appears to play a causal role in these processes. Despite the central nature of this fact to understanding brain cognition, there is still no mechanistic explanation as to how this information could be so pivotal and what events take place that might be decisive. In this research program, we will test the hypothesis that the extraordinary performance of the cortex derives from an associative mechanism built into the basic neuronal unit: the pyramidal cell. The hypothesis is based on two important facts: (1) feedback information is conveyed predominantly to layer 1 and (2) the apical tuft dendrites that are the major recipient of this feedback information are highly electrogenic. The research program is divided in to several workpackages to systematically investigate the hypothesis at every level. As a whole, we will investigate the causal link between intrinsic cellular activity and behaviour. To do this we will use eletrophysiological and optical techniques to record and influence cell the intrinsic properties of cells (in particular dendritic activity) in vivo and in vitro in rodents. In vivo experiments will have a specific focus on context driven behaviour and in vitro experiments on the impact of long-range (feedback-carrying) fibers on cell activity. The study will also focus on synaptic plasticity at the interface of feedback information and dendritic electrogenesis, namely synapses on to the tuft dendrite of pyramidal neurons. The proposed program will not only address a long-standing and important hypothesis but also provide a transformational contribution towards understanding the operation of the cerebral cortex.
Project acronym AestApp
Project The Aesthetics of Applied Theatre
Researcher (PI) Matthias Warstat
Host Institution (HI) FREIE UNIVERSITAET BERLIN
Summary The project aims to systematically explore an entire field of current forms of theatre, which despite its outstanding cultural and political significance has so far largely been ignored by theatre studies. Over the past two decades, notwithstanding intense competition from television and electronic media, theatre has been able to reassert and even reinforce its relevance in many different parts of the world and in widely diverse cultural fields (politics, business, social work, development aid, health care, and education). This renewed relevance originates not in traditional, experimental, or commercial theatre but rather among the many different types of applied theatre, which set in motion constructive social processes while upholding theatre’s aesthetic claim. Theatre with clear social, political, or economic aims is experiencing an unprecedented boom. The study will analyse this cross-cultural trend against the background of new theories of the aesthetics of performances and rehearsal processes. This theatre studies approach promises precise insights into the aesthetic forms of applied theatre, which constitute the (hitherto barely researched) foundation of its political effects. It will furthermore bring to light the ethical issues of applied theatre: intense aesthetic experiences – often linked with risks when it comes to performances – do not readily fit in with the claim to restore children, youngsters, patients, and other target groups to health, integrity, and self-confidence through theatrical practice. The project aims to show how aesthetic, political, and ethical aspects interact in the practice of applied theatre. Investigations will focus on carefully selected case studies in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America, whose comparison will make it possible for the first time to capture the worldwide landscape of applied theatre in its full diversity, but also in its overarching structures and interrelations.
The project aims to systematically explore an entire field of current forms of theatre, which despite its outstanding cultural and political significance has so far largely been ignored by theatre studies. Over the past two decades, notwithstanding intense competition from television and electronic media, theatre has been able to reassert and even reinforce its relevance in many different parts of the world and in widely diverse cultural fields (politics, business, social work, development aid, health care, and education). This renewed relevance originates not in traditional, experimental, or commercial theatre but rather among the many different types of applied theatre, which set in motion constructive social processes while upholding theatre’s aesthetic claim. Theatre with clear social, political, or economic aims is experiencing an unprecedented boom. The study will analyse this cross-cultural trend against the background of new theories of the aesthetics of performances and rehearsal processes. This theatre studies approach promises precise insights into the aesthetic forms of applied theatre, which constitute the (hitherto barely researched) foundation of its political effects. It will furthermore bring to light the ethical issues of applied theatre: intense aesthetic experiences – often linked with risks when it comes to performances – do not readily fit in with the claim to restore children, youngsters, patients, and other target groups to health, integrity, and self-confidence through theatrical practice. The project aims to show how aesthetic, political, and ethical aspects interact in the practice of applied theatre. Investigations will focus on carefully selected case studies in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America, whose comparison will make it possible for the first time to capture the worldwide landscape of applied theatre in its full diversity, but also in its overarching structures and interrelations.
Project acronym AMAIZE
Project Atlas of leaf growth regulatory networks in MAIZE
Researcher (PI) Dirk, Gustaaf Inzé
Host Institution (HI) VIB
Summary "Understanding how organisms regulate size is one of the most fascinating open questions in biology. The aim of the AMAIZE project is to unravel how growth of maize leaves is controlled. Maize leaf development offers great opportunities to study the dynamics of growth regulatory networks, essentially because leaf development is a linear system with cell division at the leaf basis followed by cell expansion and maturation. Furthermore, the growth zone is relatively large allowing easy access of tissues at different positions. Four different perturbations of maize leaf size will be analyzed with cellular resolution: wild-type and plants having larger leaves (as a consequence of GA20OX1 overexpression), both grown under either well-watered or mild drought conditions. Firstly, a 3D cellular map of the growth zone of the fourth leaf will be made. RNA-SEQ of three different tissues (adaxial- and abaxial epidermis; mesophyll) obtained by laser dissection with an interval of 2.5 mm along the growth zone will allow for the analysis of the transcriptome with high resolution. Additionally, the composition of fifty selected growth regulatory protein complexes and DNA targets of transcription factors will be determined with an interval of 5 mm along the growth zone. Computational methods will be used to construct comprehensive integrative maps of the cellular and molecular processes occurring along the growth zone. Finally, selected regulatory nodes of the growth regulatory networks will be further functionally analyzed using a transactivation system in maize. AMAIZE opens up new perspectives for the identification of optimal growth regulatory networks that can be selected for by advanced breeding or for which more robust variants (e.g. reduced susceptibility to drought) can be obtained through genetic engineering. The ability to improve the growth of maize and in analogy other cereals could have a high impact in providing food security"
"Understanding how organisms regulate size is one of the most fascinating open questions in biology. The aim of the AMAIZE project is to unravel how growth of maize leaves is controlled. Maize leaf development offers great opportunities to study the dynamics of growth regulatory networks, essentially because leaf development is a linear system with cell division at the leaf basis followed by cell expansion and maturation. Furthermore, the growth zone is relatively large allowing easy access of tissues at different positions. Four different perturbations of maize leaf size will be analyzed with cellular resolution: wild-type and plants having larger leaves (as a consequence of GA20OX1 overexpression), both grown under either well-watered or mild drought conditions. Firstly, a 3D cellular map of the growth zone of the fourth leaf will be made. RNA-SEQ of three different tissues (adaxial- and abaxial epidermis; mesophyll) obtained by laser dissection with an interval of 2.5 mm along the growth zone will allow for the analysis of the transcriptome with high resolution. Additionally, the composition of fifty selected growth regulatory protein complexes and DNA targets of transcription factors will be determined with an interval of 5 mm along the growth zone. Computational methods will be used to construct comprehensive integrative maps of the cellular and molecular processes occurring along the growth zone. Finally, selected regulatory nodes of the growth regulatory networks will be further functionally analyzed using a transactivation system in maize. AMAIZE opens up new perspectives for the identification of optimal growth regulatory networks that can be selected for by advanced breeding or for which more robust variants (e.g. reduced susceptibility to drought) can be obtained through genetic engineering. The ability to improve the growth of maize and in analogy other cereals could have a high impact in providing food security"
Project acronym AMYLOID
Project Identification and modulation of pathogenic Amyloid beta-peptide species
Researcher (PI) Christian Haass
Summary The frequency of Alzheimer's disease (AD) will dramatically increase in the ageing western society during the next decades. Currently, about 18 million people suffer worldwide from AD. Since no cure is available, this devastating disorder represents one of the most challenging socio-economical problems of our future. As onset and progression of AD is triggered by the amyloid cascade, I will put particular attention on amyloid ß-peptide (Aß). The reason for this approach is, that even though 20 years ago the Aß generating processing pathway was identified (Haass et al., Nature 1992a & b), the identity of the Aß species, which initiate the deadly cascade is still unknown. I will first tackle this challenge by investigating if a novel and so far completely overlooked proteolytic processing pathway is involved in the generation of Aß species capable to initiate spreading of pathology and neurotoxicity. I will then search for modulating proteins, which could affect generation of pathological Aß species. This includes a genome-wide screen for modifiers of gamma-secretase, one of the proteases involved in Aß generation as well as a targeted search for RNA binding proteins capable to posttranscriptionally regulate beta- and alpha-secretase. In a disease-crossing approach, RNA binding proteins, which were recently found not only to be deposited in Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis but also in many AD cases, will be investigated for their potential to modulate Aß aggregation and AD pathology. Modifiers and novel antibodies specifically recognizing neurotoxic Aß assemblies will be validated for their potential not only to prevent amyloid plaque formation, but also spreading of pathology as well as neurotoxicity. In vivo validations include studies in innovative zebrafish models, which allow life imaging of neuronal cell death, as well as the establishment of microPET amyloid imaging for longitudinal studies in individual animals.
The frequency of Alzheimer's disease (AD) will dramatically increase in the ageing western society during the next decades. Currently, about 18 million people suffer worldwide from AD. Since no cure is available, this devastating disorder represents one of the most challenging socio-economical problems of our future. As onset and progression of AD is triggered by the amyloid cascade, I will put particular attention on amyloid ß-peptide (Aß). The reason for this approach is, that even though 20 years ago the Aß generating processing pathway was identified (Haass et al., Nature 1992a & b), the identity of the Aß species, which initiate the deadly cascade is still unknown. I will first tackle this challenge by investigating if a novel and so far completely overlooked proteolytic processing pathway is involved in the generation of Aß species capable to initiate spreading of pathology and neurotoxicity. I will then search for modulating proteins, which could affect generation of pathological Aß species. This includes a genome-wide screen for modifiers of gamma-secretase, one of the proteases involved in Aß generation as well as a targeted search for RNA binding proteins capable to posttranscriptionally regulate beta- and alpha-secretase. In a disease-crossing approach, RNA binding proteins, which were recently found not only to be deposited in Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis but also in many AD cases, will be investigated for their potential to modulate Aß aggregation and AD pathology. Modifiers and novel antibodies specifically recognizing neurotoxic Aß assemblies will be validated for their potential not only to prevent amyloid plaque formation, but also spreading of pathology as well as neurotoxicity. In vivo validations include studies in innovative zebrafish models, which allow life imaging of neuronal cell death, as well as the establishment of microPET amyloid imaging for longitudinal studies in individual animals.
Project acronym AngioBone
Project Angiogenic growth, specialization, ageing and regeneration of bone vessels
Researcher (PI) Ralf Heinrich Adams
Host Institution (HI) WESTFAELISCHE WILHELMS-UNIVERSITAET MUENSTER
Summary The skeleton and the sinusoidal vasculature form a functional unit with great relevance in health, regeneration, and disease. Currently, fundamental aspects of sinusoidal vessel growth, specialization, arteriovenous organization and the consequences for tissue perfusion, or the changes occurring during ageing remain unknown. Our preliminary data indicate that key principles of bone vascularization and the role of molecular regulators are highly distinct from other organs. I therefore propose to use powerful combination of mouse genetics, fate mapping, transcriptional profiling, computational biology, confocal and two-photon microscopy, micro-CT and PET imaging, biochemistry and cell biology to characterize the growth, differentiation, dynamics, and ageing of the bone vasculature. In addition to established angiogenic pathways, the role of highly promising novel candidate regulators will be investigated in endothelial cells and perivascular osteoprogenitors with sophisticated inducible and cell type-specific genetic methods in the mouse. Complementing these powerful in vivo approaches, 3D co-cultures generated by cell printing technologies will provide insight into the communication between different cell types. The dynamics of sinusoidal vessel growth and regeneration will be monitored by two-photon imaging in the skull. Finally, I will explore the architectural, cellular and molecular changes and the role of capillary endothelial subpopulations in the sinusoidal vasculature of ageing and osteoporotic mice. Technological advancements, such as new transgenic strains, mutant models or cell printing approaches, are important aspects of this proposal. AngioBone will provide a first conceptual framework for normal and deregulated function of the bone sinusoidal vasculature. It will also break new ground by analyzing the role of blood vessels in ageing and identifying novel strategies for tissue engineering and, potentially, the prevention/treatment of osteoporosis.
The skeleton and the sinusoidal vasculature form a functional unit with great relevance in health, regeneration, and disease. Currently, fundamental aspects of sinusoidal vessel growth, specialization, arteriovenous organization and the consequences for tissue perfusion, or the changes occurring during ageing remain unknown. Our preliminary data indicate that key principles of bone vascularization and the role of molecular regulators are highly distinct from other organs. I therefore propose to use powerful combination of mouse genetics, fate mapping, transcriptional profiling, computational biology, confocal and two-photon microscopy, micro-CT and PET imaging, biochemistry and cell biology to characterize the growth, differentiation, dynamics, and ageing of the bone vasculature. In addition to established angiogenic pathways, the role of highly promising novel candidate regulators will be investigated in endothelial cells and perivascular osteoprogenitors with sophisticated inducible and cell type-specific genetic methods in the mouse. Complementing these powerful in vivo approaches, 3D co-cultures generated by cell printing technologies will provide insight into the communication between different cell types. The dynamics of sinusoidal vessel growth and regeneration will be monitored by two-photon imaging in the skull. Finally, I will explore the architectural, cellular and molecular changes and the role of capillary endothelial subpopulations in the sinusoidal vasculature of ageing and osteoporotic mice. Technological advancements, such as new transgenic strains, mutant models or cell printing approaches, are important aspects of this proposal. AngioBone will provide a first conceptual framework for normal and deregulated function of the bone sinusoidal vasculature. It will also break new ground by analyzing the role of blood vessels in ageing and identifying novel strategies for tissue engineering and, potentially, the prevention/treatment of osteoporosis.
Project acronym Angiolnc
Project Endothelial long non-coding RNAs
Researcher (PI) Stefanie Dimmeler
Summary Endothelial cells comprise the inner cellular cover of the vasculature, which delivers metabolites and oxygen to the tissue. Dysfunction of endothelial cells as it occurs during aging or metabolic syndromes can result in atherosclerosis, which can lead to myocardial infarction or stroke, whereas pathological angiogenesis contributes to tumor growth and diabetic retinopathy. Thus, endothelial cells play central roles in pathophysiological processes of many diseases including cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Many studies explored the regulation of endothelial cell functions by growth factors, but the impact of epigenetic mechanisms and particularly the role of novel non-coding RNAs is largely unknown. More than 70 % of the human genome encodes for non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and increasing evidence suggests that a significant portion of these ncRNAs are functionally active as RNA molecules. Angiolnc aims to explore the function of long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) and particular circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the endothelium. LncRNAs comprise a heterogenic class of RNAs with a length of > 200 nucleotides and circRNAs are generated by back splicing. Angiolnc is based on the discovery of novel endothelial hypoxia-regulated lncRNAs and circRNAs by next generation sequencing. To begin to understand the potential functions of lncRNAs in the endothelium, we will study two lncRNAs, named Angiolnc1 und Angiolnc2, as prototypical examples of endothelial cell-enriched lncRNAs that are regulated by oxygen levels. We will further dissect the epigenetic mechanisms, by which these lncRNAs regulate endothelial cell function. In the second part of the application, we will determine the regulation and function of circRNAs, which may act as molecular sponges in the cytoplasm. Finally, we will study the function of identified lncRNAs and circRNAs in mouse models and measure their expression in human specimens in order to determine their role as therapeutic targets or diagnostic tools.
Endothelial cells comprise the inner cellular cover of the vasculature, which delivers metabolites and oxygen to the tissue. Dysfunction of endothelial cells as it occurs during aging or metabolic syndromes can result in atherosclerosis, which can lead to myocardial infarction or stroke, whereas pathological angiogenesis contributes to tumor growth and diabetic retinopathy. Thus, endothelial cells play central roles in pathophysiological processes of many diseases including cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Many studies explored the regulation of endothelial cell functions by growth factors, but the impact of epigenetic mechanisms and particularly the role of novel non-coding RNAs is largely unknown. More than 70 % of the human genome encodes for non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and increasing evidence suggests that a significant portion of these ncRNAs are functionally active as RNA molecules. Angiolnc aims to explore the function of long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) and particular circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the endothelium. LncRNAs comprise a heterogenic class of RNAs with a length of > 200 nucleotides and circRNAs are generated by back splicing. Angiolnc is based on the discovery of novel endothelial hypoxia-regulated lncRNAs and circRNAs by next generation sequencing. To begin to understand the potential functions of lncRNAs in the endothelium, we will study two lncRNAs, named Angiolnc1 und Angiolnc2, as prototypical examples of endothelial cell-enriched lncRNAs that are regulated by oxygen levels. We will further dissect the epigenetic mechanisms, by which these lncRNAs regulate endothelial cell function. In the second part of the application, we will determine the regulation and function of circRNAs, which may act as molecular sponges in the cytoplasm. Finally, we will study the function of identified lncRNAs and circRNAs in mouse models and measure their expression in human specimens in order to determine their role as therapeutic targets or diagnostic tools.
Project acronym AngioMature
Project Mechanisms of vascular maturation and quiescence during development, homeostasis and aging
Researcher (PI) Hellmut AUGUSTIN
Host Institution (HI) RUPRECHT-KARLS-UNIVERSITAET HEIDELBERG
Summary Angiogenesis research has focused on the sprouting of new capillaries. The mechanisms of vessel maturation are much less well understood. Yet, the maintenance of a mature, quiescent, and organotypically-differentiated layer of endothelial cells (ECs) lining the inside of all blood vessels is vital for human health. The goal of ANGIOMATURE is to identify, validate, and implement novel mechanisms of vascular maturation and organotypic EC differentiation that are active during development, maintenance of vascular stability in adults, and undergo changes in aging. We recently identified previously unrecognized gene expression signatures of vascular maturation in a genome-wide screen of ECs isolated from newborn and adult mice. Epigenetic mechanisms were identified that control the EC transcriptome through gain and loss of DNA methylation as well as EC differentiation and signaling specification. These findings pave the way for groundbreaking novel opportunities to study vascular maturation. By characterizing functionally diverse types of blood vessels, including continuous ECs in lung and brain and sinusoidal ECs in liver and bone marrow, the ANGIOMATURE project will (1) determine up to single cell resolution the transcriptional and epigenetic program(s) of vascular maturation and organotypic differentiation during adolescence, (2) analyze the functional consequences of such program(s) in differentiated ECs and their adaptation to challenge, and (3) study changes of maturation and differentiation program(s) and vascular responses during aging. We will towards this end employ an interdisciplinary matrix of approaches involving omics, systems biology, conditional gene targeting, organoid cell culture, and experimental pathology to create a high-resolution structural and functional organotypic angioarchitectural map. The project will thereby yield transformative mechanistic insights into vital biological processes that are most important for human health and healthy aging.
Angiogenesis research has focused on the sprouting of new capillaries. The mechanisms of vessel maturation are much less well understood. Yet, the maintenance of a mature, quiescent, and organotypically-differentiated layer of endothelial cells (ECs) lining the inside of all blood vessels is vital for human health. The goal of ANGIOMATURE is to identify, validate, and implement novel mechanisms of vascular maturation and organotypic EC differentiation that are active during development, maintenance of vascular stability in adults, and undergo changes in aging. We recently identified previously unrecognized gene expression signatures of vascular maturation in a genome-wide screen of ECs isolated from newborn and adult mice. Epigenetic mechanisms were identified that control the EC transcriptome through gain and loss of DNA methylation as well as EC differentiation and signaling specification. These findings pave the way for groundbreaking novel opportunities to study vascular maturation. By characterizing functionally diverse types of blood vessels, including continuous ECs in lung and brain and sinusoidal ECs in liver and bone marrow, the ANGIOMATURE project will (1) determine up to single cell resolution the transcriptional and epigenetic program(s) of vascular maturation and organotypic differentiation during adolescence, (2) analyze the functional consequences of such program(s) in differentiated ECs and their adaptation to challenge, and (3) study changes of maturation and differentiation program(s) and vascular responses during aging. We will towards this end employ an interdisciplinary matrix of approaches involving omics, systems biology, conditional gene targeting, organoid cell culture, and experimental pathology to create a high-resolution structural and functional organotypic angioarchitectural map. The project will thereby yield transformative mechanistic insights into vital biological processes that are most important for human health and healthy aging.
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Secretariat of State of Culture and AECID
Key objectives of the measure:
Objectives: Disseminate among boys and girls, teens and young people orchestral practice as a valuable tool for artistic and human development, as well as for the social integration of the most underprivileged sectors of the population, and encourage the presence and awareness of Ibero-American cultural diversity in the sphere of music, encouraging the training of new audiences in the region and broadening job prospects for future music professionals.
Scope of the measure:
National, International
Nature of the measure:
regulatory, financial
Main feature of the measure:
Background: In the framework of the XVIII Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government, at the proposal of Venezuela, in 2008 an Ibero-American Program to encourage musical activity was created. In 2009 the Intergovernmental Council was set up. Venezuela initially presided the program and was in charge of technical unit, until Mexico took over in 2010 (the latter country being reelected for a second three-year term in 2013).
The lines of action are: Mobility, training, strengthening of the orchestral system, integration of gender and ethnic group, program synergy, visibility, call for projects.
And the activities: Concerts, festivals, workshops, contests.
Results expected through the implementation of the measure:
The IBER programs were created to combine effects and cooperate in achieving a common goal at the regional level (Ibero-American), generally to strengthen sectorial public policies. They are based in the cooperation among countries, and have some shared objectives: encourage the development of inclusive and innovative projects; strengthen cultural and creative industries; promote collaboration between entreprises within the sector and their participation in joint projects, and foster the flow and exchange of cultural goods and services; promote training and capacity building; and set up synergies and facilitate mobility of artists and their works.
In this frame, each program has its own objectives and priorities, enumerated in the section 2 above.
Financial resources allocated to implement the measure:
Participating countries are: Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Spain, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Uruguay, Colombia, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The Intergovernmental Council Program meets twice a year, with Spain taking part in these meetings. Spain contributed 190,000€ to the program in 2015.
Main conclusions of the evaluation of the measure:
The Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB) is an international organization created in 1999 for fulfilling the objetives of the Ibero-American Conference.
Amongst its duties, SEGIB is in charge of the "Follow up on inititatives and evaluation of (...) Programs (...) under the Ibero-American Conference".
In SEGIB's Annual Reports are including the figures, the main activities and the achievements of each IBER program.
Return to the platform
Goal(s) of UNESCO's 2005 Convention
Area(s) of Monitoring
Balanced flow of cultural goods and services and mobility of artists and cultural professionals
Flow of cultural goods and services
Mobility of artists and cultural professionals
Culture in sustainable development frameworks
International cooperation for sustainable development
Cultural Domain(s)
Cultural Value Chain
Other measures from this goal
Switzerland | Soutien de cinéastes du Sud et de l‘Est
Latvia | Intergovernmental and interministerial cooperation programmes
Greece | Import and Export Strategy for the Film Industry
Chile | Subscription of Interinstitutional Instruments : Audiovisual coproduction
Republic of Korea | Dream Project in Developing Countries
Other measures from the same country
Spain | Plan for the Promotion of the Cultural and Creative Industries
Spain | El Ranchito. Matadero Madrid – AECID Residence Program
Spain | MUSEOS + SOCIALES.
Spain | Plan for the promotion of cultural and creative industries
Spain | Integral Plan to Encourage Reading
Other measures from the same region
Sweden | The Creative Schools Initiative
Slovakia | Support for Art
Montenegro | Montenegro as one cultural address
Croatia | Fund for the Promotion of Pluralism and Diversity of Electronic Media
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Huebel in July 2012
Robert Anderson Huebel
(1969-06-04) June 4, 1969 (age 50)
Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
Actor, comedian, writer
www.robhuebel.com
Robert Anderson Huebel[1] (born June 4, 1969) is an American actor, comedian and writer best known for his sketch comedy work on the MTV series Human Giant and for his role of Dr. Owen Maestro on the Adult Swim series Childrens Hospital. He also appeared as Len Novak on the Amazon series Transparent.
4.3 Web series
Huebel was born in Alexandria, Virginia, the son of Louisa and Jared Huebel.[2] He attended Annandale High School in Annandale, Virginia before attending Clemson University in South Carolina where he studied Marketing in hopes of working in advertising.[3] He later moved to New York and began studying improv comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater.[4]
Find sources: "Rob Huebel" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (September 2017) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)
Huebel first began improvising when he was 27 by taking classes at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City.[3]
His early work was as a sketch actor on shows such as Late Night with Conan O'Brien and Upright Citizens Brigade. He was nominated for an Emmy award for his work as a producer for Michael Moore's Bravo series The Awful Truth. He worked as a segment producer on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.[citation needed]
Huebel was a panelist on the VH1 series Best Week Ever, part of the NetZero "Candidate Zero" campaign during the 2004 election. He was known for the "Inconsiderate Cell Phone Man" character, shown at movie theatres before showtime. He also appeared on the HBO television series Curb Your Enthusiasm, as well as Fox's Arrested Development.
The comedy partner of Rob Riggle, the duo have worked with the improvisational comedy troupe Respecto Montalban and at the Upright Citizens Brigade. Huebel and Riggle performed a comedy bit in the documentary Super High Me. Among their best known work at UCB was their long-running two-man show Kung-Fu Grip, which was eventually showcased at the 2004 HBO Comedy Arts Festival. Huebel was in the movie Blackballed: The Bobby Dukes Story, as Sam Brown with Corddry, Scheer, and Riggle.[citation needed]
Huebel and fellow comedians Aziz Ansari and Paul Scheer are writers, actors, and executive producers in the MTV sketch comedy show Human Giant. Some of Huebel's characters from the show include Samir from "The Shutterbugs" and T.C. Everwood from "Clell Tickle". He guest starred in the 30 Rock episode "MILF Island", and also as Holly's boyfriend A.J. in three episodes of The Office. He played the role of 'Tevin' in the 2009 comedy I Love You, Man. He also co-starred with Rob Corddry in Childrens Hospital.
Huebel continues to regularly perform at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in Los Angeles. He currently co-hosts the live sketch show "Crash Test" with Paul Scheer twice a month, as well as hosting "The Shit Show", in which he gathers comedian friends and other well-known performers to present the worst scenes in films, television and commercials that they have ever done.[citation needed]
Huebel has written and starred in various filmed sketches for the HBO sketch comedy program Funny or Die Presents. In November 2010, Huebel performed stand-up on The Benson Interruption on Comedy Central.
Huebel appeared in the films The Other Guys (2010), Life as We Know It, Little Fockers, Despicable Me, and The Descendants. In February 2011, Huebel was cast as a lead in the Fox sitcom pilot Family Album and in May he guest starred on ABC's sitcom, Modern Family as Glen Whipple in the episode "The One That Got Away". He also appeared in a recurring role on Amazon Studios's Transparent, playing Len Novak. [5]
Huebel appears frequently on the comedy podcast Comedy Bang! Bang![6] along with starring in his own podcast series on the Earwolf network, Mike Detective.[7] He later appeared in Horrible Bosses 2 (2014) and Barely Lethal (2015).
Huebel has starred as "Inconsiderate Cell-Phone Man" in several PSAs of this title, which are shown in movie theaters to discourage patrons from making calls during the picture.[citation needed]
Huebel is married; his daughter was born in 2016.[8]
Filmography[edit]
Film[edit]
2002 Bowling for Columbine Corporate Criminal Uncredited
2004 Blackballed: The Bobby Dukes Story Sam Brown
2004 Terrorists Town Council Member
2007 Norbit Excited Man on TV
2007 7-10 Split Jerry Lowry
2008 The Love Guru Frat Guy
2009 I Love You, Man Tevin Downey
2010 Despicable Me Anchorman (voice)
2010 The Other Guys Officer Watts
2010 Life as We Know It Ted
2010 Orientation Day Announcer (voice) Short film
2010 Little Fockers Sleazy Doctor
2011 Flypaper Rex Newbauer
2011 Natural Selection Martin
2011 The Descendants Mark Mitchell
2012 Celeste & Jesse Forever Business Man
2012 What to Expect When You're Expecting Gabe
2012 Seeking a Friend for the End of the World Jeremy
2012 It's Not You It's Me Detective Archer Short film
2013 Hell Baby Mickey
2013 Welcome to the Jungle Phil
2013 Rapture-Palooza Morgan
2014 Date and Switch Pete
2014 Horrible Bosses 2 Pinkberry Executive
2014 A Better You Coach
2015 Barely Lethal Mr. Marcus
2015 Night Owls Peter
2016 Donald Trump's The Art of the Deal: The Movie Le Club Boss
2016 Miss Stevens Walter
2016 Keanu Spencer
2016 Cuddle Party Drew Short film
2017 Fun Mom Dinner Andrew
2017 How to Be a Latin Lover Nick
2017 Baywatch Captain Thorpe
2017 Izzy Gets the F*ck Across Town Roger
2017 The House Officer Chandler
2019 International Falls Tim
2020 Chasers pre-production
Television[edit]
1998–1999 Upright Citizens Brigade Various characters 3 episodes
2000 The Awful Truth Producer; 12 episodes
2000–2001 The Daily Show Field producer; 4 episodes
2004 McEnroe Various characters 22 episodes
2005 Arrested Development Dave Williams Episode: "Righteous Brothers"
2005 The Showbiz Show with David Spade Correspondent
2005 Curb Your Enthusiasm Dr. Mark 2 episodes
2007 Fat Guy Stuck In Internet Morgan 2 episodes
2007–2008 Human Giant Rob / Various characters 20 episodes; also creator, writer, and executive producer
2008 30 Rock MILF Island Host Episode: "MILF Island"
2008–2016 Childrens Hospital Dr. Owen Maestro 79 episodes; also writer
2009 Reno 911! HMO Advisor #1 / Resort Salesman #2 / Financial Advisor #1 3 episodes
2009 Michael & Michael Have Issues Jeff Episode: "Frogbox"
2009 Gary Unmarried Howard Needleman 3 episodes
2009–2010 The Office A.J. 3 episodes
2009–2015 The League Russell / Dr. Deramo 10 episodes
2009–2019 American Dad! Various voices 5 episodes
2010 Players Todd Episode: "Barb's Husband"
2010 Party Down Mr. Dauntless Episode: "Not on Your Wife Opening Night"
2010 Pretend Time Bill Episode: "Powdered Doughnuts Make Me Go Nuts"
2010 2010 MTV Movie Awards Writer and segment producer
2010 CollegeHumor Originals Brock Episode: "Action Movie Pun Brainstorm"
2010–2011 Funny or Die Presents Various characters 13 episodes; also writer and executive producer
2011 Traffic Light Kev 4 episodes
2011 Happy Endings Alan Fitzgerald Episode: "You've Got Male"
2011 Modern Family Glen Whipple Episode: "The One That Got Away"
2012 The Life & Times of Tim Matt (voice) Episode: "The Smug Chiropractor/Corporate Disaster"
2012 How I Met Your Mother Wade Flanagan Episode: "The Magician's Code: Part 2"
2012 Up All Night Jerry 2 episodes
2012 NTSF:SD:SUV:: Dragon Shumway 2 episodes; also writer
2012 17th Critics' Choice Awards Co-host Television special
2012 Key and Peele Blue Falcon Episode: "#2.9"
2012–2019 Bob's Burgers Various characters (voice) 9 episodes
2013 Burning Love Simon 20 episodes
2013 Kroll Show Suicidal Rockstar Episode: "Ice Dating"
2013 Hart of Dixie Michael Burgess Episode: "I'm Moving On"
2013 Super Fun Night Peter Crane Episode: "Three Men and a Boubier"
2013 The ArScheerio Paul Show Ultimate Warrior Episode: "Ultimate Warrior"
2013–2015 Axe Cop Gray Diamond (voice) 16 episodes
2013–2015 Comedy Bang! Bang! Dave Grigsby / Larry Jetski 2 episodes
2013–2015 Drunk History Juan Francisco Treviño / Pat Garrett 2 episodes
2014 Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Lloyd Rathman Episode: "The Magical Place"
2014 Parks and Recreation Harvey Spielyorm Episode: "Galentine's Day"
2014 Garfunkel and Oates Boomer (voice) Episode: "The Fadeaway"
2014 The Mindy Project Andrew 2 episodes
2014 Newsreaders Rob Huebel Episode: "Motorboating Dads; the Negative $100,000 Question"
2014–2015 Marry Me Wes 3 episodes
2014–2019 Transparent Len Novak 28 episodes
2014–2018 The Goldbergs John Calabasas 6 episodes
2015 Archer Patrick (Crash) McCaren (voice) Episode: "The Archer Sanction"
2015 Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Dad Episode: "The Internet"
2015 Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp Brodfard Gilroy Episode: "Auditions"
2015 Crash Test: With Rob Huebel and Paul Scheer Rob TV movie; also writer
2015 The Hotwives of Las Vegas Gynecologist Episode: "Vaca-Shunned"
2015 Married Jacob Episode: "Triggers"
2016 Fresh Off the Boat Rick Episode: "Year of the Rat"
2016 Workaholics Sam Episode: "The Nuttin' Professor"
2016 Family Guy Business Meeting Leader (voice) Episode: "Road to India"
2016 Blunt Talk Dr. Rudy Kamper 2 episodes
2017 Drive Share Various characters 6 episodes; also creator, writer, director, and executive producer
2017 Hawaii Five-0 Blake Stone Episode: "Poniu I Ke Aloha"
2017 Angie Tribeca Sperber Pennington Episode: "This Sounds Unbelievable, but CSI: Miami Did It"
2017 Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later Brodfard Gilroy 2 episodes
2017 The Chris Gethard Show Phone Sex Chewbacca Episode: "Technology Will Destroy Us All"
2017–2019 Big Mouth Mr. Lizer (voice) 6 episodes
2017 Do You Want to See a Dead Body? Himself 15 episodes; also creator, writer, and executive producer
2017 Brooklyn Nine-Nine Landon Lawson Episode: "Return to Skyfire"
2018 The Mayor Don Viola Episode: "The Pitch"
2018 Black-ish Gary 2 episodes
2019 I'm Sorry Brad Episode: "Barbara T. Warren"
2019 Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Tad Frye Episode: "Kimmy Finds a Liar!"
2019 We Bare Bears Ranger Norm (voice) Episode: “Ranger Norm”
2019 Abby's Clark Episode: "Rosie's Band"
2019 Kids Say the Darndest Things Himself Season 1, Episode 3
2020 Medical Police Dr. Owen Maestro 10 episodes
Web series[edit]
2017 Guest Grumps[9] Himself Episode: "Scooby Doo Mystery Mayhem with Rob Huebel"[9]
2017 Good Mythical Morning Himself Episode: "Stuff & Bluff Challenge ft Rob Huebel"[10]
^ "Clemson World Magazine". Clemson World Magazine. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
^ "State: Search Results". nl.newsbank.com. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
^ a b "Rob Huebel 5/23/06 Part 1". Improv Interviews. 15 November 2006. Archived from the original on 23 May 2007. Retrieved 16 June 2016.
^ "Rob Huebel's Upright Citizens Brigade Theater Profile". Retrieved 6 October 2018.
^ https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/10/arts/television/rob-huebel-transparent.html
^ "Rob Huebel on Earwolf". Retrieved 7 July 2015.
^ "Mike Detective". Retrieved 7 July 2015.
^ "Instagram post by Rob Huebel • Nov 17, 2016 at 8:39pm UTC". Instagram. Retrieved 2017-02-25.
^ a b "Scooby Doo Mystery Mayhem with Rob Huebel - Guest Grumps". Game Grumps. 2017-11-15. Retrieved 2017-11-15.
^ Link, Rhett & (2017-11-17). "Today on #GMM we've got Rob Huebel, a special appearance from "Harry Styles" and hidden talents from the Mythical crew! http://bit.ly/GMM-1222 pic.twitter.com/vK53ZxcaBB". @Mythical. Retrieved 2020-01-16. External link in |title= (help)
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Rob Huebel.
Rob Huebel on IMDb
Rob Huebel on Twitter
Comedy portal
MusicBrainz: 8d29f776-672a-4a12-b724-18a9442703f2
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rob_Huebel&oldid=936142046"
American television producers
American television writers
Male television writers
Clemson University alumni
Male actors from Alexandria, Virginia
People from Columbia, South Carolina
Upright Citizens Brigade Theater performers
Screenwriters from Virginia
Screenwriters from South Carolina
21st-century American comedians
CS1 errors: external links
Articles needing additional references from September 2017
Articles with unsourced statements from May 2019
Commons category link from Wikidata
Wikipedia articles with MusicBrainz identifiers
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40.8019-124.1636
North America > United States of America > California > North Coast (California) > Humboldt County > Eureka
1.3 By bus
4.1 Land activities
4.2 Water activities
For other places with the same name, see Eureka (disambiguation).
Eureka is in Humboldt County in California. It is the largest coastal city on the West Coast of the US north of San Francisco and south of Portland and the center of the Redwood region. The timber industry gave the town its early wealth. Now, with logging on decline, it retains the charm of older Victorian homes and the feel of an old-fashioned working town.
40°48′7″N 124°9′49″W
Map of Eureka
By car[edit]
Most visitors choose to travel to the Redwood Coast by car to enjoy the spectacular scenery. Driving time from the San Francisco Bay Area is five or six hours of spectacular scenery through Sonoma, Mendocino and Humboldt Counties.
40.970994-124.1065491 Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV IATA) is a small airport served by a single carrier, United Express, with 3 or 4 flights daily to San Francisco-SFO, 2 daily flights to Los Angeles, and one flight a day to Denver. The airport is located in the town of McKinleyville, about 15 miles north of Eureka. Take the HTA county bus or a taxi to get to Eureka.
By bus[edit]
40.804805-124.1544552 Greyhound, 1603 4th St (at Q St, curbside bus stop on northeast corner). Greyhound provides service to Oakland and San Francisco. Greyhound only has a curbside stop in Eureka; the closest terminal is in Arcata. (updated Jul 2015)
40.800736-124.1692883 Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach, 6th and C Sts (curbside bus stop behind the Denny's parking lot). Amtrak Thruway buses go from Eureka to the Capitol Corridor train at Martinez, northeast of San Francisco. You must have a ticket for a trip on the train to use Amtrak Thruway. (updated Jul 2015)
Eureka Transit Service (ETS) and HTA both run service within town.
Old Town. The heart of Eureka, Old town. Home to beautiful victorian era architecture, which house dozens of locally owned and operated stores ranging from beads to coffee to clothing. A must-see for those driving the 101.
Land activities[edit]
Lost Coast Trail, ☏ +1 707 825-2300. A 24-mile section of the Lost Coast Trail leads north from Black Sands Beach to the Mattole River, along the wilderness beach. This is a rugged hike, not a simple walk on the beach, and is one of the few coastal wilderness hiking experiences in the U.S.
40.800556-124.1644441 Morris Graves Museum of Art, 636 F St, ☏ +1 707-442-0278. W-Su Noon-5PM. This is a very respectable museum for a smaller area, and the architecture itself is quite artistic. The structure was the first Carnegie library in California and was completely renovated in the late 1990s. The Museum today houses seven galleries including a Courtyard Sculpture Garden, a Museum Store, classroom facilities, an Arts Resource Center and a Performance Rotunda ̰Adults $5, Students/Seniors $2, Chilren (17 & under) Free. Also free the 1st Saturday of each month. (updated May 2018)
40.777-124.1452 Sequoia Park Zoo, ☏ +1 707-441-4263. In operation since 1907, The Sequoia Park Zoo has long been considered one of the most important cultural facilities in the area.
Water activities[edit]
Paddlefest (Halverson Park), ☏ +1 707 826-6016. (10/7/2006 - 10/8/2006) FREE.
Full Throttle Sportfishing, Woodley Island Marina, ☏ +1 707 498-7473. During fishing season, Captain Gary Blasi takes anglers out on his 22 ft boat the Seaweasel. Prices vary depending on what fish and how long you're out for. He fishes for Tuna, Salmon, Rockfish and Halibut. $150 for a half day or $250 for a whole day. Prices are per person. $150.
Humboats Kayak Adventures, Dock A, Woodley Island Marina, ☏ +1 707-443-5157. A kayak and canoe specialist, certified by the ACA and BCU, catering to all levels of paddlers.
Northwind Charters, ☏ +1 707 616-5803. Northern California salmon, tuna, rockfish, and halibut saltwater sportfishing hook and line-caught fishing experts. $150.
40.80432-124.1673851 Eureka Books, 426 Second St (in Old Town across from the gazebo), ☏ +1 707 444-9593. Open 7 days. Eureka Books is one of the last classic antiquarian bookstores on the West Coast, offering new, used, and rare books, along with an extraordinary selection of vintage photographs, prints and maps. Located in the heart of Old Town in an elegant Victorian storefront built in 1879, Eureka Books is truly a destination bookstore.
Two Street Music, 124 Second St, ☏ +1 707-445-3155. Two Street Music has been serving Humboldt County's musical needs for over 25 years.
Bless MySoul, 29 5th St, ☏ +1 707-443-1090. Has Good Food and Good Feelings in a location where you will feel right at home. With a walk up counter for take out orders, and indoor seating for people who want to enjoy the down home hospitality.
Lost Coast Brewery, 617 Fourth St, ☏ +1 707 445-4480. 11AM-1AM. Located in a 100-year-old building, a restored wood frame structure built in 1892.
Samoa Cookhouse, 511 Vance Road. This is the last remaining lumberjack style cookhouse in America. There is no menu. You get what the cook serves and you can eat all you want. Dinners usually consist of soup, salad, fresh bread, and either porkchops, fried chicken, beef, plus desert (usually pie). In Samoa, California right across the bridge from Eureka.
Ramone's Bakery and Cafe, 209 E St, 95501, ☏ +1 707 445-2923. Awesome local cafe in Old Town. Been going there for decades. $. (updated Mar 2018)
The SpeakEasy, 411 Opera Alley (in Old Town's Opera Alley between E and F, between 2nd and 3rd), ☏ +1 707 444-2244. 4-11. New Orleans inspired bar that hosts live blues music, burlesque, and other prohibition themed fun; located in a 120 year old building which no doubt served the same purpose during the real days of prohibition. No food is served, 21 and over only. Beautiful ambience, perfect for a romantic meeting or a nightcap after a long day's travel. Plenty of local beer selection as well as an extensive drink menu. Open every day at 4! $$.
Best Western Bayshore Inn, 3500 Broadway St, ☏ +1 707 268-8005, toll-free: +1 888-268-8005, fax: +1 707 268-8002.
Best Western Humboldt Bay Inn, 232 W 5th St, ☏ +1 707 443-2234, toll-free: +1 800-521-6996, fax: +1 707 443-3489.
Motel 6, 1934 Broadway St, ☏ +1 707 445-9631, fax: +1 707 444-3217.
The Cornelius Daly Inn, 1125 H Street, ☏ +1 707 445-3638, toll-free: +1 800-321-9656.
Abigail's Elegant Victorian Mansion B&B Inn, 1406 C St, ☏ +1 707 444-3144. Luxury Inn for discriminate connoisseurs who appreciate authentic high-style Victorian interior design, decor and antique furnishings.
Routes through Eureka
Crescent City ← Arcata ← N S → Jct S → Fortuna → Santa Rosa
This city travel guide to Eureka is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?title=Eureka&oldid=3892535"
This travel guide page was last edited at 05:29, on 5 December 2019 by Wikivoyage user Transitguru1. Based on work by Wikivoyage users WOSlinker, Traveler100bot, JakeOregon, Ibaman, Traveler100, Mx. Granger, Wrh2 and Koavf, Wikivoyage anonymous user 144.58.40.252 and others.
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Astrophotography | Article about astrophotography by The Free Dictionary
https://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/astrophotography
(ass-troh-fŏ-tog -ră-fee) Astronomical photography.
a method of astronomical observation based on photographing celestial bodies with astro-graphs. Astrophotography was introduced as an astronomical technique in the middle of the 19th century. It replaced visual observations because of its advantages, including the ability of photographic emulsion to store light energy, which makes possible the observation of faint celestial bodies; the ability to obtain simultaneously in one photograph the images of many objects (for example, stars in the Milky Way) or of one object in all its details (for example, the corona of the sun); and objectivity and ease of data storage.
In a narrow sense, astrophotography refers to photographic astrometry, that is, the branch of astrometry in which photography is used to solve such problems as the determination of the positions of stars in the celestial sphere, the measurements of their movements and of the distances to them, the relative displacements of stars in binary and multiple systems or of satellites orbiting planets, and so forth. Most astrometrical problems are solved by measuring the angles between star positions at given time periods. Using the methods of astrophotography gives the measurement on a photograph of a specific region of the sky, the rectangular coordinates of the object to be studied, and a certain number of reference stars with the equatorial coordinates α and δ, which are known from catalogs. Measurements are made with the aid of special coordinate-measuring machines. Measurements by this method do not normally exceed a one-μm margin of error. The results of such measurements permit the determination of the α and δ coordinates for the bodies under study, which might be a large or small planet, a comet, a meteor, the moon, a star, and so forth.
Proper motions of stars are determined from photographs made at ten-year intervals. Distance calculations are based on measurements of angles between positions to a celestial body at different times of the year, that is, from different points of the earth’s orbit. In this way the distances to stars are determined with an accuracy to several thousandths of a second of arc, which corresponds to distances of 200–300 parsecs. Astrophotography makes possible the measurement of the relative position of binary star components if the distance between them is not less than 1”—otherwise, the star images on the photograph touch or overlap each other. Of exceptional interest are the invisible companions of stars, which cause noticeable periodic displacements of the stars themselves. The masses of such invisible companions have been found to be comparable to the masses of the planets in the solar system. Special instruments were designed in the 1950’s for photographing and determining the positions of artificial satellites of the earth moving rapidly through outer space, and special methods were also developed for determining their α and δ coordinates and the time periods of the observations.
Deich, A. N. “Osnovy fotograficheskoi astrometrii.” In Kurs astrofiziki i zvezdnoi astronomii, 3rd ed., vol. I. Moscow-Leningrad, 1951.
Martynov, D. Ia. Kurs prakticheskoi astrofiziki, 2nd ed. Moscow, 1967.
A. N. DEICH
[‚as·trō·fə′täg·rə·fē]
(optics)
astronomical photography
<a href="https://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/astrophotography">astrophotography</a>
Grigorii Neuimin
Grigorii Nikolaevich Neuimin
Kostinskii, Sergei
Kostinskii, Sergei Konstantinovich
Neuimin, Grigorii
Neuimin, Grigorii Nikolaevich
Pulkovo Astronomical Observatory
Sergei Konstantinovich Kostinskii
Sergei Kostinskii
Turner's Method
variable star
The exhibition celebrates the very best in astrophotography. Each year it produces images that broaden our perception of the universe and, year on year, shows its diverse and wonderful beauty.
Images that will 'wow' you; MY CITY
"It is where I learned a lot about astronomy and astrophotography. I was able to meet group of people with the same interest as mine.
Star Seeker
TWAN certified Huawei P30 Pro for its unmatched low light photography & videography dexterity, low range photography and landscape photography to achieve distinguished astrophotography. The device features a 40MP primary camera with HUAWEI SuperSpectrum Sensor, a 20MP ultra-wide angle camera, an 8MP telephoto camera fitted with SuperZoom Lens (supports high fidelity magnification of 5 times optical zoom, 10 times hybrid zoom and 50 times digital zoom) and HUAWEI TOF Camera and a 32MP front camera that takes selfies to a new level.
Huawei P30 Pro receives TWAN certification for smartphone astrophotography
Following a flurry of bookings for the first breaks planned in January and February, the award-winning eco-hotel in Northumberland, which is the only hotel in the country with an on-site observatory, has added new dates in March and April to provide expert tuition and a hands-on experience of the art of astrophotography.
Take a break and look at the stars
However, there are few astrophotography programs or mentors in Lebanon, leaving astrophotographers self-taught and self-funding their hobby.
Lebanon's astrophotographers chase stars in the deep reaches of space
Babak, who now lives in Boson, USA, says he eventually converted his pasA[degrees] sion for astrophotography into a fullA[degrees]time profession but did not expect young astrophotographers in Oman to follow suit.
MILKY WAY AHEAD
While astrologers interpret the planetary position as astronomy and astrophotography enthusiasts savor the treat of observing five planets at the same time, astronomers insist that the phenomenon's significance is limited to the skies.
'Very rare' celestial treat up on Friday
While your cell phone is a great start, phone cameras have limited resolution and extremely small lenses, limiting their usefulness for astrophotography. Moving up from your cell phone, most pocket digital cameras these days have the ability to take exposures lasting up to 15 or 30 seconds, and often cost around $100 or so.
Shooting the night: imaging your favorite targets can be a snap!
THE stunning Dark Skies of Northumberland National Park are set to play host to two special meteor-watching and astrophotography events.
National Park to host astro picture and watch events
Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the D810A, a Nikon FX-format digital SLR camera designed exclusively for full-scale astrophotography.
Japan : Nikon's first ultra high-definition model designed exclusively for astrophotography for capture of vivid reds in photos of nebulae that emit H-alpha light
Astrophotography covers all the basics of taking pictures of the stars and comes from a world-renowned astrophotographer who teaches all the basics, from purchasing the most useful equipment and accessories to setting up different kinds of cameras and telescopes.
Beginning with an introduction into basic astrophotography without a telescope this book moves through more complex topics like photographing planets, the sun, and whole galaxies.
Astronomical Spectroscopy
astronomical station
astronomical surveying
Astronomical Symbols
Astronomical Telescope
astronomical theodolite
astronomical tide
astronomical time
Astronomical Tower
astronomical traverse
astronomical triangle
astronomical twilight
astronomical unit
astronomical year
Astronomical Yearbooks
Astronomical-Gravimetric Leveling
Astronomicheskii Ezhegodnik SSSR
Astronomicheskii Kalendar
Astronomicheskii Tsirkuliar
Astronomicheskii Vestnik
Astronomicheskii Zhurnal
Astronomiia
Astropectinidae
astrophobia
Astrophysical Institute of the Academy of Sciences of the Kazakh
Astrophysics Data System
Astrophysics Institute of the Academy of Sciences of the Tadzhik
Astropolarimetry
astro-precomputation
astropyle
astrosclereid
astrosphere
astrotracker
astro-tracker
Asturian Culture
Asturian orogeny
Asturias, Miguel Ángel
Astyages
Astyanax
Astylar
Astyrev, Nikolai
Astyrev, Nikolai Mikhailovich
Asubulak
Asukata Ichio
Astronomy zenith
Astropanax
Astroparticle and High Energy Physics
Astropetrology
Astrophel
astrophobic
astrophorous
Astrophotograph
astrophotographers
astrophotographic
Astrophotometer
Astrophotometry
astrophysical
Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences
Astrophysical Institute & University Observatory
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astrophysically
Astrophysicists
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Astrophysics and Space Science Theory Group
Astrophysics Data Facility
Astrophysics Data Program
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Our Core Team
Our Core Team | Enriched Earth Ecovillage
page-template-default,page,page-id-173,cookies-not-set,ajax_fade,page_not_loaded,,qode-title-hidden,qode_grid_1200,hide_top_bar_on_mobile_header,qode-content-sidebar-responsive,qode-child-theme-ver-1.0.0,qode-theme-ver-10.0,wpb-js-composer js-comp-ver-4.12,vc_responsive
John-Paul Patton is the Founder of Enriched Earth Ecovillage C.I.C. He has 25 years of experience as an environmental activist and educator. His main work being accomplished through his career as Head of Media Studies, an English Teacher and Environment Coordinator for 15 years in Lagan College, Belfast. Where he was instrumental in the school achieving Eco-Schools Ambassador Status through being the only secondary level school in Northern Ireland to have consistently won and held four Green Flag Awards. He was also awarded the prestigious EarthWatch Institute Environmental Education Teacher Award for his dedication in this field and has worked with many environmental stakeholders in NI over the years. He has also successfully completed two state-of-the-art Leadership training courses in recent years.
Recently John-Paul has engaged in four Ecovillage residential experiences at Findhorn, Solheimer, Lammas and Cloughjordan and is passionate to see Environmental Education for all ages in Ireland taken to the next level via this exciting initiative of Enriched Earth Educational Ecovillage.
The rest of the team
John-Paul is ably supported by many others who care about the future of the environment in Ireland and who passionately support this pioneering educational initiative. In brief here are some of our core team members:
Alessandro Crapanzano
Bsc Degree in Environmental Management and Technologies. Alessandro is a proud father and has worked as a Professional Stockbroker. He is experienced in eco-building and environmental design work and has his own agroecological small-holding. Alessandro and his family are founding members and highly dedicated Aspiring Residents of Enriched Earth Ecovillage.
Environmental Building and Architectural Consultant
Tom Woolley
Tom Woolley B.Arch, PhD is an architect and environmental researcher. Professor of Architecture at Queens University Belfast from 1991 to 2007. Currently freelance educator and environmental consultant for Rachel Bevan Architects. Was Visiting Professor of Architecture at the Centre for Alternative Technology Graduate School of the Environment in Wales and at the University of Central Lancashire, and also Professor of Sustainable Rural Architecture at the Countryside and Communities Research Institute, University of Gloucestershire. He has been chairman of the Northern Ireland Building Regulations Advisory Committee and a member of the NI Ministerial Advisory Group for Architecture. He is on the board of the Chartered Institute of Housing NI. Tom has been a strong advocate and guide to Enriched Earth Ecovillage from its inception and has consistently provided guidance and advice of the highest calibre.
Site Construction Consultant
Arthur O’Reilly
HNC in Building and Construction and recognised by the Institute of Clerk of Works. He was Contracts Director for Pilot Construction (1970-2000) and was recently Director for Wilson Developments (2000-2015). Arthur is an experienced Contracts Manager and Site Manager. Throughout his career he has worked on many construction projects ranging from new-build housing, hospitals and schools to the fit-out of office buildings. With strong technical and project management skills, Arthur is a real asset to the team and is very keen on seeing the success of this pioneering project in sustainable development.
Marketing and PR Consultant
Natalie Lough
Degree in Marketing from Dublin Institute of Technology. Currently Marketing Manager at MCCain Foods. Natalie is a highly sought and experienced expert in her field and has been instrumental in the branding process and provision of PR guidance for Enriched Earth Ecovillage from its inception.
Andrew McMurray
M.Sc. Renewable Energy Systems Technology, Loughborough University. (Distinction) BEng, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Queens University Belfast. (1st Class Hons). NRG Solutions Senior Project Engineer. Recognised industry expert with over eight years experience in renewable energy grid connections. Broad experience in project managing electrical connections and wind farm development. Helped raise over £3,000,000 in Community Cooperative Shares for 6 wind turbines. Andrew is also the chairperson for Co-Housing NI and has worked with Enriched Earth Ecovillage from its inception.
Aspiring residents
© Enriched Earth Ecovillage 2017-2018 - Privacy Policy - Web design by Create & Cultivate
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QCinema reveals roster of original films
By: Manila Bulletin Entertainment
Updated May 6, 2017, 6:55 PM
(FROM LEFT): Christopher Gozum, James Robin Mayo, Pam Miras Emerson Reyes, Mikhail Red, and Dominic Lim
(Photo from official Facebook account)
The Quezon City International Film Festival (QCinema) 2017 continues to expand its sphere of influence by presenting a slate of fresh titles from independent Filipino filmmakers.
In QCinema’s “Circle Competition,” eight filmmakers will individually receive P1 million worth of production grant. The directors will retain their rights to the films they created.
The lineup features stories of war, romance, cultural traditions, mystery, and the relationships that show the complexity of humankind.
The new titles that made the cut this year are “Dapol Tan Payawar Na Tayug 1931 (The Ashes And Ghosts Of Tayug 1931)” by Christopher Gozum; “Dormitoryo” by Emerson Reyes; “Gugu” by Khavn; “Hubog Ng Langit” by Lawrence Fajardo; “Medusae” by Pam Miras; “Neomanila” by Mikhail Red; “The Chanters” by James Robin Mayo; and “The Write Moment” by Dominic Lim.
Lawrence Fajardo
Christopher Gozum’s “Dapol Tan Payawar Na Tayug 1931 (The Ashes And Ghosts Of Tayug 1931)” retells the story of rebel leader Pedro Calosa and the infamous Tayug Colorum Uprising in Pangasinan from three diverse angles: A silent film dramatizing his return to his hometown; as an aging supremo as he searches for a sacred cave accompanied by historians; and a filmmaker doing interviews about the 1931 uprising to prepare for a film about Calosa.
“Dormitoryo”, Emerson Reyes’ second film, focuses on the lives of eight individuals who spend the evening tucked away in personal galaxies, talking about collective experiences, and sharing a similar fate.
Indie filmmaker and scriptwriter Khavn worked with writers Jerry Gracio and Achinette Villamor to create the film, “Gugu.” Set in Balangiga in 1901, “Gugu” follows the life of the 11-year-old Kulas who flees town with his grandfather and their carabao to escape General Smith’s “Kill and Burn” order. Through a twist of fate, Kulas finds a toddler amid a sea of corpses. Together, the two boys struggle to survive the American occupation.
Filmmaker Lawrence Fajardo teamed up with writer Lilit Reyes for “Hubog Ng Langit.” An idealistic priest attempts to shape the morals of a town and tries to transform a chaste but warped fanatic carving icons whose sensuality is awakened with her craft. Surrounding them are the council members with their respective worldly ways while claiming to serve the parish.
Pam Miras spun a playful narrative in “Medusae” for her second feature as writer and director. A documentarist’s son goes missing when she films a story on the disappearances of the firstborns in a remote island. Her search reveals the presence of a cult and an abductor who looks like her, whom her son claims to be his real mother.
Mikhail Red’s second film, “Neomanila”, provides a closer look on the violent war on drugs waged in present day Manila. Toto, a teenage orphan, is recruited by a notorious death squad. Irma, the group’s leader, soon becomes a maternal figure to the young boy. As the two form a familial bond, their loyalties will be put to the test when one of their targets turns out to be a familiar face.
Director James Robin Mayo collaborated with Andrian Legaspi and Ana Puod for his first feature, “The Chanters.” In a remote tribe, the dying tradition of chanting is kept alive by an old chanter and his son. When the father, one of the last chanters, passed away, the tradition is threatened to be forgotten.
Another first time helmer, Dominic Lim, wrote and directed “The Write Moment” where he sheds the spotlight on a heartbroken scriptwriter. When the main character fails to get back with an old flame through his “romantic-hugotscript”, he finds himself living in the scenes he wrote. He’s forced to follow everything verbatim – or else face being stuck in an endless loop of scenes repeating over and over again.
QCinema 2017 is from Oct. 19 to 28.
Tags: Circle Competition, Entertainment News, manila, Manila Bulletin, Manila Bulletin Entertainment, manila news, mb entertainment, mb.com.ph, news today, QCinema, QCinema reveals roster of original films
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Cleggan Bay
eOceanic has been made aware of this haven. We are looking for a sailor with first-hand experience to provide their direct personal insights so that we may complete our write up. In advance of this we have posted these preliminary research notes. Do you know this location? Please contact us or click the 'Report a Mistake or Omission' button below to help share this location with the sailing community.
Cleggan Bay is approximately 3.5 miles east of Aughrus Point directly opposite Inishbofin, on the west coast of Ireland. There is a pier which is used by the ferries to Inishbofin and Inishturk as well as fishing boats, but it may be possible to moor alongside if space is available. An alternative option is to anchor off the pier taking care not to interfere with the ferries.
Cleggan affords tolerable shelter and straightforward access but with easterly winds the squalls are heavy off the hills.
Keyfacts for Cleggan Bay
7 metres (22.97 feet).
53° 33.461' N, 010° 6.552' W
this is the position at the head of the quay at Cleggan
The following Cleggan Bay initial fix will set up a final approach:
this is the position in the North Atlantic Ocean midway between Inishbofin and Cleggan Point.
Taking a mean tidal offset from Dover's tide, we expect your targetted date's associated local tide at Cleggan Bay to be:
Data based on an average tide is only accurate to within one hour, if you more precise times are required use the ISA tidal predictions, with Galway offset +00:08.
Click the 'Next' and 'Previous' buttons to progress through neighbouring havens in a coastal 'clockwise' or 'anti-clockwise' sequence. Below are the ten nearest havens to Cleggan Bay for your convenience.
Ballynakill Harbour - 2.9 miles E
Clifden Boat Club - 3 miles SSE
Inishbofin - 3 miles NW
Clifden - 3.2 miles SSE
Mannin Bay - 3.8 miles S
Inishturk - 5.5 miles N
Bunowen Bay - 5.7 miles S
Little Killary Bay (Salrock) - 6 miles ENE
Roundstone - 7.3 miles SE
Gorteen Bay - 7.6 miles SSE
Killary Harbour - 9.3 miles E
The entrance to the bay which is open to the northwest lies between the Aughrus and Cleggan promontories and is about 0.75 miles wide, and the bay extends inland for about 2 miles in a southeast direction. Cleggan Bay has easy access and is largely protected from the Atlantic swell by the off lying islands of Inishbofin and Inishshark, and it affords tolerable shelter especially during the summer sailing season, but with east winds the squalls are heavy off the surrounding hills.
Anchorages can be taken in the outer part of the bay, or preferably in 6 to 7 metres depth abreast of the the quay at Cleggan village which lies 1.25 miles southeast of Cleggan Point on the south shore and about 0.5 miles from the head of the bay.
At the head of Cleggan Bay lies the small sleepy fishing village of Cleggan, Irish : An Cloigeann, which means head or skull apparently referring to the coastal headland. Legend however provides a different origin of the name, St Ceannanach is said to have been beheaded by a pagan chief and folklore has it that the chief then picked up the head and took it to the Holy Well in Clooncree where he washed it before lying down to die. Cleggan is one of the most westerly points of Connemara and indeed Ireland, and it is situated approximately 7 miles northwest of Clifden and 9 miles to the west of Letterfrack. The village, which is sheltered by Cleggan Hill to the north, is the departure point for ferry services from the mainland to the islands of Inishbofin and Inishturk, and it is also the centre of the fishing industry in northwest Connemara.
The outstanding feature of the landscape around Cleggan is the blanket bog, as Connemara and Ireland contain the last surviving blanket bogs in Europe. Few plant species can live in the acid conditions of the bog, but those that do form a vegetation not found outside of Ireland.
Traditionally fishing, supplemented by small farming has been the areas main source of income although latterly tourism makes a significant contribution. The islands of Inishbofin and Inishturk attract more and more visitors each year and the ferries to them leave Cleggan pier daily.
A focal point of Cleggan village is the pier which was built by the engineer Alexander Nimmo in 1822 and later extended in 1908, and from which tourists can hire boats for deep sea angling or trips to the islands.
In 1927 in what has become known as the Cleggan Disaster, 25 fishermen from the area drowned during a freak storm which arose whilst they were mackerel fishing in the bay.
The area between Cleggan and Ballynakill Lough has a fine collection of prehistoric monuments including tombs, standing stones and walls for those interested in archealogical finds, but for the more adventurous try taking a walk to Omey Island 7 miles southwest of Cleggan which can be reached on foot at low tide. The interior of the island is dominated by Fahy Lough but it also has some lovely long beaches on which pony races on the sand take place during August. It is truly a lovely island well worth visiting if in the area.
Cleggan beach on the Ballynew road is also the perfect location for an enjoyable walk along the sand or for a swim in the crystal clear waters, and it is also a great place for surfing. There are other notable walks in the area such as the walk to the summit of Cleggan Head where your reward will be a commanding view of the harbour and some breathtaking views including taking in the remains of Cleggan Tower, a signal tower built in 1816 when an invasion of Ireland by Napoleons' troops was feared.
Water is available at the pierhead at Cleggan and fuel can also be delivered to the pier by arrangement if a reasonable quantity is required, and the village boasts a small general store, a grocery shop, a post office, a restaurant and four bars. There is also a launching slip inside the boat harbour that has been built by the RNLI.
Water is available from a tap at Cleggan pierhead, and fuel can be delivered to the quay by arrangement if sufficient quantity is required. Cleggan village has a small general store, a grocery shop, a post office, a restaurant and four bars. A slipway is available inside the inner harbour.
inyourfootsteps.com site research
The following video may be useful to help first time visitors familiarise themselves with the Cleggan area.
The following video is an exert from the BBC Coast series highlighting Cleggan Harbour.
About Cleggan Bay
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