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Visitation Monastery of Minneapolis
Living the Monastic Way in the Inner City
Meet the Sisters
Ministry of Prayer
Ministry of Presence
Salesian Spirituality
Become a Sister
Monastery Retreats
St. Jane House
Monastic Immersion Experience
Meet MIE Partipants
Visitation Companions
Meet the VC’s
Vis Companions in Service!
Visitation Volunteer Internship Program (VIP)
Meet the VIP’ers
Nuns in the News
How to Be Who You Are: Insight from Visitation Seniors in North Minneapolis
by Anna Dourgarian on June 6, 2019
We have all heard the oft-quoted “Be who you are and be that well” by Saint Francis de Sales. We love it for its simple affirmation. However, if you have ever tried to explore his words beyond that warm-fuzzy feeling, you might have hit a wall: How do you know who you are so that you can be it well?
Six seniors from Visitation High School spent the past two weeks living in North Minneapolis and volunteering with the Sisters for their senior project, and they discovered the key to Saint Francis’s wisdom. They found it by hanging out with the Sisters and watching them interact with their neighbors. They noticed and enjoyed the Sisters acting simply like themselves, naturally and joyfully, and they witnessed with awe the reverberating effect it had on their environment.
The first thing they noticed was that the Sisters are not a group of holier-than-thou saints working miracles. It is easy to put nuns on a pedestal, but in reality they are regular people who do amazing things. “They love a joke, and we are teaching them our slang,” said Ana Seitz. She was especially impressed when Sister Suzanne told her about protesting in the 1970’s and getting dragged out of the Pentagon by police officers—not particularly saintly! Ana realized that the Sisters are normal, everyday friends, and she felt at ease to be herself around them.
The students noticed further that the Sisters treated everyone with that same attention and sincerity. Louise Koenig saw it while they were gardening: “The Sisters are welcoming and open to people. People would just come up and talk to them.” Isa Baca noticed it even during inconvenient times like prayer, when the doorbell would ring and a Sister would tend quietly and lovingly to their visitor while the other Sisters continued singing. The Sisters built individual connections all the time, valuing and welcoming each person.
By sharing stories, friends of the Sisters became friends of the seniors
The students realized that this simple dynamic of putting people at ease has the powerful effect of building community. Bella Mascia was struck by how the Sisters’ nonjudgmental reception of everyone they met had built a positive environment where diverse people could come together. Callie O’Neill, great-niece to Sister Katherine, had grown up visiting the Sisters periodically, but it was when she saw them fulfilling their motto “Live + Jesus” every single day of the senior project that she truly appreciated the importance of stepping out of her personal bubble and seeking to understand other people. By talking together comfortably, friends of the Sisters became friends of the students. The students were inspired by people they would never have met without the Sisters. As Keenan Conley put it, “I learned the power of human stories as a catalyst for change. Genuine human interaction can change the world.”
How do you know who you are? From the Visitation seniors’ experience, we can begin to form an idea. You nurture a welcoming community where you tell your story and you give others space to tell theirs. All that matters is that you are willing to share where you have been, to connect human-to-human with others who have been places too. This is what the Sisters teach us. Be natural. Be gracious. Be who you are and be that well.
A Greener Monastery
by Anna Dourgarian on April 30, 2019
“God created us to be stewards, not rulers, over the environment. What does it mean to be a steward?”
-Sister Brenda Lisenby
Napkins, coffee grounds, and orange peels are composted instead of wasted
“Let’s go all organic,” said Sister Mary Frances to the Sisters. The Visitation Sisters were hosting an appreciation brunch for the Ascension Church choir at the monastery. Going all organic was a bold goal, and the Sisters pulled it off: compostable tableware, damp cheese cloths to replace Saran wrap, and eco-friendly cleaning products. Like every party that the Sisters host, the brunch was a blast, without sacrificing the natural environment.
The road to building a communal mindset and the habits necessary for going “all organic” has not been easy, and the Sisters still have a long way they want to go. For the year 2019, they have adopted care for the environment as a guiding theme for their community. At New Year’s, they each received a small paper bag to keep in their rooms to collect compostable waste that would otherwise be thrown away, like used tissues and hair from their hairbrushes. They are determined to be deliberate about how they can make a difference.
Sister Brenda is an inspirational help, a voice of wisdom and practicality as they strive for a greener household. She has always tried to make environmentally-conscious decisions, such as refusing disposable straws and bringing reusable bags to the grocery store. Now, she helps the Sisters stay up-to-date on city regulations, like:
Juice boxes are recyclable.
Keep caps on milk jugs so they don’t get stuck in the recycling center’s sorting machine.
Do not put paper bags full of recycling into the recycling bin. The bags get in the way of sorting.
Sister Brenda helped organize recycling and composting at National Night Out
When Sister Brenda first joined the Visitation community, she found them “wish-cycling”. Wish-cycling is throwing non-recyclables into the recycling bin because you wish that the materials were recyclable. The Sisters are now wiser about what they recycle, what they compost, and what products they buy in the first place.
Sister Brenda also pursues eco-friendliness in personal habits. She uses a bamboo toothbrush and makes her own toothpaste. Instead of plastic disposable razors, she uses a safety razor for shaving. These are small changes, but they are small things done with great love, and that makes all the difference.
The Sisters’ future goals include more eco-friendly food storage practices and consistently using eco-friendly cleaning products. In addition, they want to spread the word in their neighborhood about caring for the environment; they have found that their annual block party in August is a great opportunity to teach their neighbors about recycling and compostable goods. Sister Brenda would also like to go for a tour of the city’s recycling center.
Can they achieve zero waste? Not necessarily. On one hand, they must make tradeoffs for living in community and convenience. On the other hand, they can be more aware and make wiser daily decisions. They aim for zero waste, even if it might never happen. One small step at a time, they are committed to caring for all God’s creation, our common natural home.
For more information on our local solid waste and recycling, Sister Brenda invites you to visit http://www.minneapolismn.gov/solid-waste/.
Welcome Sister Mary Paula!
by Sister Katherine Mullin, VHM
As you may know, this January our Visitation Monastery of Mendota Heights, MN, closed, and the three remaining Sisters took up residence in other places.
After 68 years as a Visitation Sister in the St. Paul Visitation Monastery, Sister Mary Paula McCarthy requested to join our community in Minneapolis. We welcomed her warmly on January 12, 2019, though “warm” has not been reflected in the weather! It has been so bitterly cold and icy that we have often been unable to keep our usual daily schedule of enjoying Liturgy of the Hours and evening meals together. Moreover, the very day Sister Mary Paula arrived, Sister Mary Virginia fell and broke her hip. Despite the irregularity and mayhem, Sister Mary Paula has adjusted very well.
Sister Mary Paula has proven her flexibility, and what stands out is her understanding of St. Francis de Sales’ quote: “Have no care for the morrow; think only of doing well today, and when tomorrow shall have become today then we shall think about it.” Her wholeheartedness brings to mind “Live joyfully, brimful of God” as she begins her life with us at the Northside Visitation.
She brings her many gifts, including her understanding of all things Salesian and of Scripture. Not only does she possess the knowledge, but her life here has also shown total engagement in our prayer and community, our neighbors and in the small duties of the monastic life.
We welcome you, Sister Mary Paula!
Healing Prayers for Sister Mary Virginia
by Sister Karen Mohan, VHM
Sr. Mary Virginia shoulders a new cross, with the grace of God as her support
Sister Mary Virginia Schmidt has had a very eventful month, one that we hope will not ever be repeated. Since mid-January, when she fell on our icy Fremont driveway and broke her left hip, Sr. M. Virginia has spent two weeks at HCMC Hospital, well-known for its expert care of trauma patients. She then moved to Catholic Eldercare’s Transitional Care Unit for the physical therapy and healing that will enable her to return to our community, her monastery home.
She would be the first to say that physical therapy is not for the fainthearted! But her sense of humor and her graciousness continue to shine through the exhaustion of therapy for our beloved 89-year-old Sister.
Sr. Mary Virginia is fighting hard through physical therapy!
The cards and greetings of many encourage her, and visitors are welcome to stop by for a short time from mid-afternoon until early evening. You can write her at 817 NE Main St Minneapolis, MN 55413.
What a joy it was for Sr. M. Virginia to finally be able to attend Sunday Mass in the chapel adjacent to Catholic Eldercare! Father John Brandes, chaplain for the Eldercare Community and formerly an occasional presider for Mass at our monastery, was the celebrant for Eucharist that day!
Our community members are able to drop by throughout the day since Catholic Eldercare is just a five-minute drive from our monastery. Occasionally we go over together for Night Prayer with her. As soon as the harsh winter weather subsides, Sr. Mary Margaret hopes to go over to see her dear friend of 65 years, a visit that would make us all very happy.
Please pray for Sr. M. Virginia’s full recovery.
Jim Lee’s Christmas Trees
by Dave Nimmer*, Guest Blogger
It’s not likely that Jim Lee will be forgotten by the Visitation Sisters in the life of their Minneapolis monastery, not as long as they celebrate Christmas. Lee and his family have been part of their Christmas tradition for 20 years, and his men’s Cursillo prayer group have been part of the Sisters’ prayer life for even longer.
The group, which meets weekly, joins the Sisters for Tuesday morning prayer once a month. “These men became our brothers,” says Sister Karen Mohan. “We prayed with them through their job losses, their illnesses, and their job situations, and they readily looked for opportunities to serve us and our neighbors.”
It was serving a neighbor that got Lee and his prayer group involved with Visitation. They had contacted the Sisters and asked what they could do to help.
“Sister Karen knew of a family that needed a washer and dryer,” Lee says. “We bought a used unit and installed it for the family. With the few dollars left over, I went out and bought Christmas trees for the neighbors.”
The simple act of delivering the trees impressed upon Lee how great the needs were among the Northside neighbors, and he wanted his children to learn the same lesson. So Jim Lee started the family tradition of buying the Visitation Christmas tree. As the Lee family grew, the tree-picking expedition went from morning to afternoon to accommodate the different work and child-care schedules. Lee’s wife, Diana, would also bring “too many” Subway sandwiches that got distributed around the neighborhood.
Lee particularly remembers one Christmas when his two teenage boys were anxious to hang out with their friends. As they left the Sisters’ house, they met a woman coming up the steps carrying presents. They started talking. She told the boys she worked at the Masonic Children’s Hospital and that many of its patients were from South America, kids who had lost arms and legs. One of them, she explained, had no one to care for him back home, so she had adopted him.
“I believe this is the day my boys started to understand and ‘get it,’” Lee says. “The tradition continues today and is being handed down to my grandchildren.”
The relationship between Lee and the Sisters goes much deeper and beyond the Christmas season and Subway sandwiches. It’s all about spiritual sustenance from years of prayerful mornings in North Minneapolis. When the Cursillo men – as many as seven or eight – met, the meetings tended to focus on “areas”: prayer life, formation or evangelization, putting faith into practice. The feeling was different when they met with the Sisters.
“Prayer with the nuns,” Lee says, “was more spiritual and personal. We would discuss what was happening on the Northside and in each of our lives. This was a great opportunity to grow outside our normal boundaries and develop a greater closeness to Christ.”
For Jim Lee, perhaps the greatest gift from his association with the Visitation Sisters came from the mouth of his then-6-year-old grandson. The boy told his mother that if the family didn’t buy a Christmas tree for the nuns, then a lot of children on the Northside, who could not afford it, would not get to see a real tree.
“Now,” says Lee, “the nuns are part of our children’s lives. I know they hold a special place for them in their hearts. Who would’ve thought a Christmas tree would lead to such a great experience?”
* Dave Nimmer, journalist for the Minnesota Good Age magazine, is a frequent contributor to the Visitation blog, especially in his series of profiles of Visitation Companions and North Side neighbors. We hope you enjoy these stories of the blessed community that surrounds the monastery and sustains us in our ministry of mutuality.
LIVE + JESUS!
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged Dave Nimmer, Profile
Sammy McDowell at Sammy’s Avenue Eatery
Sammy McDowell:
Owner of Sammy’s Avenue Eatery
Sammy McDowell has been in the food business for most of his adult life, and he’s owned and operated Sammy’s Avenue Eatery at West Broadway Avenue and Emerson Avenue North since 2012. The Eatery is newly remodeled and reopened, and McDowell is hoping for a brisk business and profitable future.
But he also wants more from the restaurant. He wants a place where North Side neighbors can gather – to meet and eat, sit and talk, rest and enjoy life. He wants to make a contribution to the fabric of the neighborhood, and that’s what endears him to the Sisters of the Visitation.
“Sammy has a big heart and a gracious spirit,” says Sister Mary Frances Reis. “He’s got a vision of what this neighborhood could be. He knows people need a place to hang out and feel comfortable. And that’s what his restaurant has been all about.”
McDowell grew up in South Minneapolis but went to North High and graduated from Henry. He attended MCTC and then found his first job in the food business: eight years at Kentucky Fried Chicken, five more at Subway.
He learned how to run a business, and he knows how to put out good food. Just ask Will Wallace, who runs the North Four program for young men at Emerge; Wallace is in the business of turning kids from the street life to the good life, complete with training and a steady job. On a lot of days, he starts his morning at the Eatery with a breakfast sandwich.
Wallace and McDowell share a philosophy about what needs to happen to turn young men from gangs, guns, and drugs. “It’s all about education,” says McDowell, “about helping kids get out of a box. If you get educated, get a job, you can travel. You can make it out of the neighborhood. Some of these kids have never been out of North Minneapolis.”
McDowell hopes to add to the number of jobs (seven or eight) by opening a second eatery at Plymouth and Penn Avenues North. It will have the same format as Sammy’s on Broadway, with sit-down tables and a catering service, offering sandwiches, desserts, grilled meats, tuna and turkey melts, and garden salads. “I can do everything,” he says, “from sandwiches to brisket to catering big, fancy weddings.”
Sammy recalls meeting some of the Sisters shortly after the Broadway eatery opened. He says they held a few meetings at the restaurant and later gave gift certificates to some neighbors who came to their door with an empty stomach, in need of a good meal.
“Sammy offered this deal to us,” Sister Katherine Mullin recalls. “We would buy Sammy’s cards for five dollars to hand out to some of our better-known doorbell ringers. If the fellows went over five dollars, Sammy made up the difference. This is the kind of man he is.”
Of serving his guests at the Eatery, McDowell says, “I really want to infuse the neighborhood with great customer service.”
“I love the fact these women came over to introduce themselves,” he says. “The Sisters bring stability to the neighborhood. They are consistent in what they do. They are honest, and they are genuine. They’re a bridge between black and white.
“I guess what I’m saying is… they are doing their part.”
And Sammy McDowell is doing his part. “What I’m trying to do at the Eatery is to smile, to welcome, to help people if I can,” he says. “I want to stay in my lane, do what I do best.” That approach hasn’t changed over the years. Here’s what he told a reporter when he first opened the restaurant:
“I really want to infuse the neighborhood with great customer service. Even if you’re busy, it’s important to say hi and, ‘I’ll be right with you.’ People need to smile more, be happy to get up in the morning and get some coffee.”
When Sammy McDowell talks about “staying in his lane,” it’s hard to imagine that his lane doesn’t run down the middle of Broadway, and he admits he has a dream for the avenue. “I’d like my Broadway community to have more locally-run businesses. Some specialty shops, maybe even a tailor shop. You know, a place where people can look around, take their time, feel comfortable.”
McDowell says he’s thinking of keeping the Eatery open a little later at night to accommodate a few local musical groups, so folks could sit back and listen to some blues. The blues, breakfast, and brotherhood: they’re a good combination anywhere, and Sammy is trying to dial it up in North Minneapolis. The Sisters are not surprised: it’s in his nature.
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged Dave Nimmer, Profile, Sammy McDowell, Sammy's Avenue Eatery
Kiara Jones: Dancing in the Light of God
As a girl growing up on Minneapolis’ north side, Kiara Jones had two realities in her young life: she and her mother moving too much and having too little, and her dream of singing for others and dancing on stage.
Fortunately for her, she ran into the Sisters of the Visitation Monastery who helped lead her to Ascension Grade School, the Lundstrum School of Performing Arts, and Visitation High School. Now she’s a student St. Olaf College in Northfield, a sophomore majoring in Dance with a minor in Management Studies (just in case).
“I remember we had Kiara and her family at our annual Soul Food dinner,” says Sister Mary Frances Reis, “and she performed for us. She was the star of the night, and I knew we had to get her over to Lundstrum. It so happens we had established a scholarship there, and she was one of our first recipients.”
Lundstrum got its start in the 1920’s when 15-year-old Dorothy Lundstrum took over the Ascension School of Dance. Its purpose was to provide a welcoming place for kids where “virtues and values are taught through words and example.”
Kiara found out about the values right off the bat. She was an 8-year-old when she first went to Lundstrum. She says she was kind of a hyperactive kid, and one of the first lessons she learned had nothing to do with acting, dancing, or singing. She badly wanted to perform at Lundstrum’s annual gala but was denied because of her behavior.
“I got my act together,” she says, “and was featured at the next gala. It doesn’t matter how well you do something. Behavior and (the right) attitude play a huge role in your success.”
Amy Ellis, the executive director of Lundstrum, will not forget Kiara: the struggles she had, the progress she made, and the young woman she became. “She’s truly a triple threat,” says Ellis. “She can sing, dance, and act. She’s humble. She’s respectful. She’s prompt. Quite simply, she’s a winner. I’m convinced she can have a professional career onstage.”
Kiara says she does want to end up in the music business and, when pressed, admits she’d like to be on stage. “It’s a feeling I get,” she explains. “I feel like, this moment, I am where I am supposed to be. I feel alive. I love it. I am completely and totally enjoying myself.”
And she can pass the feeling on to others, like the 14 St. Olaf students who are in the hip-hop dance group she organized and runs. They perform at functions around the campus, and Jones gets to do her thing.
The Sisters watched Kiara doing her thing on the National Night Out this past summer. About 50 people, younger and older, were dancing in the street in front of Girard House – kind of an informal competition. Kiara says she “hyped” the crowd, calling on kids for solos and then showing everyone a few moves of her own. The effect was electric.
That’s the performer. She’s also writing music – lyric and melody. One song, “Perseverance,” is about hope and what happens if you keep trying, believing in yourself and in God. She’d like to do that number with the St. Olaf choir and music ensemble.
Kiara Jones has come a lightyear from where she was when she first met the Sisters. She understands them better now than when she was a little girl: “They give me motivation to keep on going. They give me hope. They help me believe in myself. And I’ve learned that they give back because they want to.”
As for the Sisters, they’ve learned that Kiara works well with others and can bring out the best in just about everybody. They are also impressed by her humility. That’s important because they believe the girl who grew up near West Broadway could someday wind up on THE Broadway.
One thing is for certain: in the life ahead of her, Kiara Jones will not sit out the dance. Being on the sidelines is simply not in her makeup.
Kiara with her dance group
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged Convent of the Visitation School, Dave Nimmer, Kiara Jones, Lundstrum, Profile
Judge John McShane, Honorary Member of the Visitation Order
Judge John McShane, from http://www.mncourts.gov
When John McShane was in his Hennepin District courtroom, he was known as Your Honor. When he’s at the Visitation Monastery in North Minneapolis, it’s more like Our Honor, a man whose wise counsel and manual labor have been solicited and treasured by the Sisters for three decades.
In fact, they have so appreciated his presence that they gave him their Cross of Affiliation, making Judge John McShane an honorary member of their Visitation Order.
His work with the Sisters stems from an expansive and eclectic life experience as a college grad, Army Lieutenant, Vietnam veteran, husband, father of three daughters, trial lawyer, district court judge, and law clerk to the legendary U.S. Judge Miles Lord. McShane credits Lord with demonstrating how NOT to be intimidated by the courtroom or the judges and lawyers who inhabit it. “The judge wanted me to know that I can do this job,” says McShane. “Miles believed both sides ought to be represented, but he had a special feeling for the underdog.”
John McShane’s special relationship with the Visitation goes back long before the Sisters arrived in North Minneapolis. McShane knew the Order from his school days in St. Louis, MO. His father was a physician who treated the St. Louis nuns. His sisters went to Visitation High School, and one was in the Visitation Monastery for 10 years. He once dated Sister Karen Mohan and recalls taking her to a May Day dance.
“We did dance the night away,” he says with a smile. Long after the dance and after McShane graduated from Notre Dame and St. Louis University School of Law, Sister Karen got in touch with him – this time in Minneapolis. She called to wish him Happy Birthday and to tell him that she and Sisters Mary Virginia Schmidt, Mary Margaret McKenzie, and Mary Frances Reis were about to start a new monastery on the North Side.
Handyman John McShane
He’d been working and living in the Twin Cities, a partner in a prestigious law firm that specialized in product liability. As a trial lawyer, he was busy, but he found himself telling Sister Karen, “If there’s ever anything I can do….”
The judge made good on the offer for over 30 years, advising the Sisters on mortgages and contracts and helping their neighbors navigate the legal and government bureaucracies: finding the right person at the right time who had the right answer. He’s also swept floors, painted walls, and washed windows.
“That’s the wonderful thing about John,” says Sister Karen. “He didn’t just come over here as a lawyer and judge. He came over to roll up his sleeves and go to work. He’s been here to do what needed to be done at that moment.”
Working with the Sisters has not been a one-way street. District court judges quickly develop a realistic sense of the parameters of human behavior, especially if they’ve presided in civil, criminal, and juvenile cases, as McShane has. But, from the Sisters’ influence, he has developed an even deeper understanding of his community and of the breadth and scope of its human condition.
“I’ve been at Fremont and Girard when bishops have been there. I’ve also been there when those who are down-and-out come over,” McShane says. “The Sisters treat them all the same – with love, respect, and welcome. That’s a lesson for all of us.”
The judge is close to all the Sisters and says they’ve all helped him with “matters of faith. We can disagree, and sometimes we do. But I always come away feeling better.” That’s particularly true of his relationship with Sister Mary Margaret McKenzie.
“I have known John as a brother almost as long as I have known myself as a Visitation Sister,” says Mary Margaret, noting his family’s connections to the St. Louis monastery. “John and I enjoy doing things together, but in the doing things together what holds us is the being together. Music is a comfort and entertainment for both of us.”
Lifelong friends: McShane and Sr. Mary Margaret
So is a good laugh. McShane recalls the end of one of his weekly visits when, saying goodbye to Margaret, he took her hand gently – or so he thought. She hollered, “Ow. Ow!” McShane quickly dropped her hand. What have I done to this poor woman? he wondered. Then she laughed. Gotcha.
“John grew into having a sense of humor that was defined by his family’s ability to laugh at self,” she says. “John mastered the appreciation of a good joke which he took care to keep clean and kind.”
Through the decades, the two have mastered a friendship that allows Sister Mary Margaret to confidently characterize his life with brevity, clarity, and honesty: “John,” she says, “cradles good with courage, but without knowing he is good.” She knows it, though, for she’s seen the life he’s lived.
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged Dave Nimmer, John McShane, Profile
The Pearson Partners
by Dave Nimmer,* Guest Blogger
Jeff & Maryann Pearson reading at the Fremont House (1995)
Since the Sisters first opened the door of the Visitation Monastery of North Minneapolis, no one has had a more persistent and consistent presence in their lives than Maryann and Jeff Pearson. In three decades, they’ve given freely of their time, talent, and treasure.
They’ve been at one time or another volunteers, donors, mentors, and organizers. For years, Maryann was a guiding force behind the monthly Salesian Monday nights, where the Sisters shared their mission and ministry with friends, neighbors, and benefactors. Maryann did everything from preparing a salad to running a meeting. For instance, she led a discussion of leadership traits with a Vietnamese Buddhist, and the two of them managed to include love, prayer, caring, and courage – right out of the Visitation playbook.
For his part, Jeff was a mentor to a teenager whom the Sisters felt could use a man in his life. For several years, Pearson was that figure in Wazeer Brown’s life. The lessons he imparted were about responsibility, accountability, and even durability – the fine art of hanging in there. Pearson was well-acquainted with these lessons as a husband, a U.S. Army veteran, a law school graduate, a father, and a 25-year CEO of a manufacturer’s rep business for electronic components.
“Jeff and Maryann have been with us so long and served us so faithfully,” says Sister Mary Frances Reis, “that now when they come over for an event or a celebration, it feels as though they are part of the heart and soul of the community.”
The pair earned their place in the life of the monastery. Jeff and Maryann read to children weekly during Windsock Time at the Fremont house, as many as 15 or 20 at a time. Wazeer was one of the kids. “I was glad to do it,” says Maryann, “because those kids had no one reading to them at home. It was a real privilege.”
Jeff Pearson and his dad working on the Fremont house
Before the Sisters moved into the Fremont house, Jeff’s father had been over helping make the place ready for them and for the hundreds of neighbors who would enter their door over the years. The hospitality and humility of the Visitation and of Saint Francis de Sales, Jeff recalls, has always comforted him, especially the admonition to “be who you are and be that well.”
Maryann followed that advice, and, after she earned her Master’s degree in Theology and Lay Spirituality from United Theological Seminary, she and Sister Mary Frances developed the practices, principles, procedures, and program for the Visitation Companions. The Vis Companions are men and women who choose to deepen their commitment to the Visitation ministry and the monastery through prayer, studying Salesian spirituality, and regular service – on the Northside AND in their own walks of life. “One of Maryann’s real insights was the notion that you didn’t have to live in the neighborhood to be a companion,” Sister Mary Frances recalls. “She believed you can be anywhere in the metro area and LIVE JESUS.”
Jeff and Maryann Pearson qualify as Companions. They’ve been immersed in the life since their two daughters enrolled at Visitation High School in Mendota Heights, where they first met Sister Mary Frances and Sister Katherine Mullin.
“I remember saying when our oldest daughter graduated in 1993,” recalls Maryann, “‘I don’t know what those women have, but I do know I’d like to get it.’” Almost 30 years later, the Pearsons got it — one month, one year, one task at a time.
The Sisters are grateful. Sister Karen Mohan marvels at the number of different tasks the couple has undertaken. “While Maryann guided the Vis companions, Jeff, ever the entrepreneur, heard our community’s desire to rent another space in order to accommodate a growing number of people who wanted to make retreats, pray, or meet together to study Salesian spirituality,” Sister Karen says. “He and I were commissioned to do this. When Brian [Mogren] got wind of it, the Holy Spirit inspired him to offer his home for these gatherings, and the St. Jane House was born. Its 10th anniversary celebration in June found Maryann and Jeff rolling up their sleeves to help with this party.”
Since the Pearsons have been with the Vis Minneapolis monastery from the start, it’s not surprising that they plan on getting older with the Sisters, who they feel will age with grace and peace. “They are my faith community,” says Jeff, “and I’d like to stay in step with them.”
Maryann agrees and takes it a little further. “They taught me to live in the present moment,” she says, “and to be not afraid. And they have changed my relationship with God.”
Posted in Uncategorized Tagged Dave Nimmer, Jeff Pearson, Maryann Pearson, Profile
Meet Alfreda Riddley, the Friend with a Heart of Gold
Alfreda Riddley with her new Honda Accord
The Visitation Sisters have put me in the middle of a rewarding, unlikely relationship between an old friend of theirs and an older friend of mine. It all revolved around a 20-year-old Honda automobile that used to belong to Jim Shoop, a reporter colleague of mine dating back to our days at The Minneapolis Star in 1963.
During the past two decades, Shoop and I have used that car to go fishing dozens and dozens of times. It’s carried our rods, reels, tackle bags, and rain jackets. Reluctantly, he had to part with the car this year when he and his wife moved into a retirement village in Apple Valley. Their apartment was big enough for most of their “stuff,” but the garage had room for only one car. The Honda Accord had to go.
The Sisters knew of someone who needed a car: Alfreda Riddley. The former family liaison aide at Bethune Community School had been hoping for wheels for months. Shoop, who’s known the Sisters for years, was a willing donor.
“I got my car totaled out,” Riddley said, “and I was wondering what I’d do. Then I got a call from Sister Mary Frances (Reis). This Honda I have now is a sweet-running car.”
Riddley needed all the help she could get at the time. She’d just lost her job because of budget cuts in the Minneapolis School District. Since 2011, she had worked at Bethune and loved her job. She had started a resource room at the school that had a food pantry and access to computers.
Her duties included helping parents write resumes, get training, find jobs, seek housing, arrange daycare, and generally cope with the demanding task of raising a family and keeping kids interested in learning. One of the parents she’d “bugged” to stay involved with the school showed up at Bethune a few years later, telling Riddley he was grateful for the push he got from her.
Riddley, who has four children of her own, lives with a son in south Minneapolis. She’d like to get back to working with children, especially kids who are at risk. “To do this kind of work,” she said, “you have to have love, compassion – and passion. The reason I can help people is that I’ve been there, I know first-hand what they’re dealing with.”
Riddley came to Minnesota with her parents from west central Texas. They came looking for a better life. It was not without a few bumps in the road for Riddley, who experienced some racist taunts in school. But she graduated from Edison High School and got trained as a nurse’s assistant at MCTC (Minneapolis Community & Technical College).
She was working at Turning Point (a rehab center for men) in 1993 when she met Sister Mary Frances, who was on the board of directors. Riddley said she “loved” Sister from the very first. And she feels the same about the others, whom she describes as “never phony.”
“These ladies,” she said, “are kind and compassionate. They do care and that is for real.” Riddley also admits she likes the fact that the Sisters are feisty, a trait she shares with them. She gives off a no-nonsense demeanor, one that does not suffer fools or phonies.
“The truth is she’d do anything to help the children,” said Sister Mary Frances. “She has a heart of gold. When we are in need of help in this community, she answers the call. And she does it without fail.”
The best compliment of all comes from Sister Mary Margaret McKenzie, who suffered a stroke in 2016. She has let the other Sisters know that when Alfreda Riddley is sitting with her, she’s at ease and at peace.
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Home » WAKO India » WAKO » The First HEROES
Karate (bare hands), the martial art of Okinawa, which was further developed by the Japanese when Masters Funakoshi, Miyagi, and Mabuni brought it to Japan at the beginning of the 20th century, has undergone a real revolution in recent years.
The sport of karate in particular has evolved greatly in recent times, so much so that its storied past now seems only a fond memory. What has caused this rapid evolution? Several factors. Let's look at them together.
The first sign of change on the international level took place when WUKO, the maximum traditional karate authority, which today is World Karate Federation, united almost all major styles, allowed the use of light protective gear during Kumite Shiai (tournament combat). Until after the 1972 World Championships in Paris, in which I participated, the fighters were permitted to wear neither gloves nor shin-guards unless the fighter had a doctor's certification of a recent injury.
I remember an episode that illustrates the type of spirit still permeating the air of traditional karate at the Paris WUKO Championships. The national team championships were held on the first day. Italy, with Parisi, Schiappacasse, Munda, Fassione and myself as captain, unexpectedly captured second place behind the strong French team with Valera, Gruss, Sauvin, Petitdemange and Setroux.
Fighting without any protective gear on the hands and legs always left its mark on the face, the forearms or the shins. The following day saw the beginning of the individual matches, but without the Japanese, Americans and Canadians who had withdrawn in protest of the refereeing.
This was a harbinger of the rupture between the Japan Karate Association (represented in Paris by Iida, Oishi, Tanaka, Yahara and Abe) and WUKO, a rupture which in Italy later gave a boost to FESIKA on the national level, and EAKF and IAKF on the international scene. I was about to start my first match (somewhat demoralized by the situation) against the formidable Englishman Knighton, ex-European Shotokan champion. The central referee of the match, the famous Master Hayashi (in those days the WUKO world head of referees) gave us the preliminary inspection, checking my fingernails, if I was wearing a cup, etc. The last inch of a shinguard was barely visible under my gi pants, which were shorter than those of many others who wisely wore long pants. Hayashi told me to remove the shinguard. I protested, explaining that I was wearing it only because I had suffered a huge bruise the day before. He had me take it off anyway, and after inspecting my leg he declared it was nothing serious. Thus, I had to fight without it, with the psychological handicap of knowing how much pain I would feel as soon as the bruise was hit again.
This was in 1972! If you think about how a traditional karate athlete presents himself today, you can only laugh. In WUKO it is mandatory to wear a cup and use both light gloves with padding at the knuckles and shinguards. In my day, shinguards were short, more or less the length of an open hand, covering the lower leg only partially. Today there are shinguards that cover the entire lower leg and, for a little more money, that also protect the top of the foot and the ankle. In special cases (traumas or others) it is also possible to wear under the gi jacket a type of shield to protect the front of the torso. I remember a member of the French national team, Gauze, wearing such a thing during the UEK European championships at the De Coubertin arena in 1977. Why has there always been more acceptance of protective gear in traditional karate? Simply because there were too many injuries during matches. Split lips, cut eyebrows and cheekbones, broken teeth and noses are all too common at traditional karate bouts.
The light protection tried to minimize the risk of injury. And with what success? In traditional matches faces continue to take a beating. The protective equipment used does not prevent injuries because it is not sufficiently safe. So what is WUKO doing about it? In an attempt to reduce the damage (since all appeals for better control of punches and kicks are in vain) they are limiting the types of attack allowed by limiting the targets. The latest example is that straight punches to the face are now outlawed, which means that a gyakuzuki or kizamizuki to the face of an advancing opponent is forbidden.
The reader may think that this problem alone led to Safe-T protective gear, but I don't think so. I would say this was only a marginal factor. Between 1970 and 1975, karate was enjoying its golden age, thanks to American filmmakers who, always looking for new subjects, discovered the martial arts, first inserting action scenes and later dedicating the entire film to karate, with Bruce Lee leading the way.
For years karate had survived in humid basements or poorly equipped gyms, on linoleum or cold flooring. Suddenly, karate was becoming a relatively big business. The Japanese who came to Italy to teach the art (and not the philosophy) at first said "big gym, small spirit – small gym, big spirit". Then they changed their minds and were the first to create big beautiful and bright facilities. The movies and newspapers were full of karate. Obviously, the public felt the attraction. Karate matches, formerly held in small theaters or playgrounds, wound up being staged in grand venues. Sports arenas were filled for years, in part because the myth of the new superman, the karateka, had been perpetuated in the mass media in Italy, as in the rest of the world. But if traditional karate has held up in Italy more than elsewhere, in the U.S.A. in particular, it has had an early decline. One reason is the different mentality of Americans, who generally prefer virile, violent action, a tradition inherited from the mythical "Frontier" days and an intrinsic admiration for pioneers, who alone stood up against a rather hostile nature. Another reason is that America, at the time, also had all the major styles in world, all the kung-fu variations, not to mention every type of tae kwon do. Lastly, Americans have little propensity for abstraction, and therefore simply couldn't accept the idea that two opposing karate fighters, without ever touching each other, were actually simulating a mortal duel. We can fully understand why somebody finally decided to change things around.
In Europe, if we take a friend to see a match for the first time, he will be disoriented, though perhaps fascinated, by all those blows and the strictly martial air of some fighters, but he will hardly understand anything of what is truly going on in front of him. We all know that a karate match can be understood only by an "elite" of practitioners. If you add to this the Japanese language used by the referees, the punches and kicks with strange names, and the rules themselves - when you K.O. your rival you lose – we understand why it is intelligible only for insiders.
Can you imagine this in America? I remember in 1968 when my friends Parisi, Ottaggio and I fought in Los Angeles and San Francisco, in particular in Los Angeles at the Long Beach Arena (where the historic 1975 world championships were later held), in the first world tournament in martial arts history, an invitation only affair with Japan, USA and countries in South America and Europe. Only 1,200 spectators showed up. That is nothing if you consider that later, at the same venue, Ed Parker's international competition drew that many people as participants. Why? Because Americans found traditional karate boring, with little or only sporadic action. The matches were too brief and there was little excitement. The finals in that historic championship, between Oishi and Tabata, lasted five minutes, during which the two friends, in place, scrutinized each other's eyes, trying to read the other's intentions. When Tabata decided to attack, Oishi was waiting with an ever reliable gyakuzuki to the stomach and won the match before the yawning public. I can remember being very perplexed by the lack of spectators, but now that I better understand the situation in America, I know why. Between films and live competitions, they had consecrated karate as a spectacle sport.
However, everyone knows that when you decide to offer something to the public, you must take its demands into account. The public generally wants to enjoy itself, to get excited. It doesn't matter whether they come for the physical spectacle or the setting, as long as they get something for the price of admission.
In Italy we have showered the paying public with all available Japanese masters. In America they haven't met with success, unless they were excellent showmen.
Some states in America still have "special" rules. For example, in traditional karate (in the States the term has a different meaning – it refers to a type of mixed-style match with controlled blows) if you K.O. your opponent it is ippon, immediate victory. However, if the opponent manages to get back on his feet, you are disqualified. This explains why karate in Texas is among the roughest in the world. The habit of accepting some types of "contact" (we finally said it) became a strong selling point.
Light contact in karate competition came with the birth of professional karate in the USA. Mike Stone, Chuck Norris, Skipper Mullins, Joe Lewis, Howard Jackson, Benny Urquidez and Bill Wallace are now legendary names in American karate. It was some of them who started the latest revolution, which more or less led to the current situation. They provided the muscle, but as always in a revolution, little would have been accomplished if they hadn't had others behind them representing the brains and money.
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North Korea warns Donald Trump against making reckless remarks, calls him 'spiritually instable'
Seoul: North Korea on Thursday warned Donald Trump against making "reckless remarks" as the US president began a marathon Asian tour dominated by the nuclear threat from Pyongyang.
Ruling party newspaper Rodong Sinmun said Americans were pressing for the president's early impeachment because tough remarks by a "spiritually instable" Trump could bring about "nuclear disaster to the US mainland".
After arriving in Tokyo on Sunday, Trump warned that "no dictator" should underestimate the United States, in a thinly veiled reference to North Korea.Trump, who will also visit South Korea this week, has been engaged in an escalating war of words with the North's leader Kim Jong-Un, trading threats and personal insults.
In his maiden address to the UN General Assembly he threatened to "totally destroy" the North if it attacked the US or its allies.
Rodong Sinmum cited Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and former officials as saying Trump was pointlessly escalating tensions with the North.
But the president has not come to his senses and instead is "seriously stimulating the DPRK (North Korea) by making foolish remarks", the paper said in a commentary carried by the KCNA state news agency.
"If the US misjudges the DPRK's toughest will and dares to act recklessly, the latter will be compelled to deal a resolute and merciless punishment upon the former with the mobilisation of all forces," it added.
Tensions are high after the North's sixth and most powerful nuclear test in September, along with a series of ballistic missile launches in recent months. The North says it now has the ability to launch nuclear strikes on the US mainland.
Published Date: Nov 05, 2017 8:15
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The Last Plantagenet
January 8, 2016 by Rebecca Larson 39 Comments
Guest article written by: Alan Freer
Margaret (Plantagenet) Pole
On the morning of 27th May 1541 an elderly, stately woman walked with dignity, as befitted her birth, from her cell in the Tower of London, in to the yard, and to East Smithfield Green, within the precinct of the brooding castle walls. She had been informed earlier that day that she was to die. Her reply had been to say that no crime had been proved against her. In an effort to play down the event, no wooden scaffold had been built, no large crowd of onlookers was to be present; only the Mayor of London and a few dignitaries were to witness her death. She knelt at the simple, low block of wood, which was to be her final pillow, and commended her soul to God. Turning to the thin line of bystanders she asked them to pray for the King and Queen, for young Edward, Prince of Wales, and for Princess Mary, of whom she was Godmother. She asked that she be particularly commended to the Princess. With a final prayer she placed her delicate, royal neck on the block. The executioner, a clumsy novice, hideously hacked at her neck and shoulders before the final decapitation was accomplished. So died the last of the great and mighty Plantagenet family.
Margaret Plantagenet was born at Castle Farley, near Bath, in August 1473. She was the daughter of George, Duke of Clarence, and Isabel Neville, daughter of Warwick the Kingmaker. From both her father and mother she received a generous helping of royal blood and could call two of her uncles King (Edward IV and Richard III). Little is known of her early years but it can be assumed that they were passed as any child close to the throne of England. When she was five years of age her father met his death in somewhat confusing circumstances for plotting against his brother, Edward IV. Her sickly mother had died the year before so Margaret and her little three-year-old brother, Edward, were left orphaned.
Edward, Earl of Warwick
Young Edward, inheriting the earldom of Warwick from his grandfather, Richard Neville, via his mother, had a particularly tragic, short and star-crossed life. Richard III, realizing that the boy had a stronger claim to the throne than himself, had him shut up in closer confinement in Sheriff Hutton Castle. With Richard’s defeat and death at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, Edward was brought to London on the orders of the new king, Henry VII. Unfortunately young Warwick’s position remained precarious. He still had the best claim to the crown and Henry kept him imprisoned in the Tower for the rest of his life purely for no other crime than being the son of George, Duke of Clarence.
This injustice was resented by many and there were still supporters of the Yorkist cause in England. Rumours were riff concerning his condition and whereabouts. Some believed he had escaped while others said he had died in the Tower. It was probably the latter that brought about the rising centred on Lambert Simnel. Sir Richard Symonds, a Yorkist, used this innocent, gentle natured, scholar as a substitute for Warwick. Although Simnel was a non-entity, the threat to the House of Tudor was real. One of the supporters was probably Elizabeth Woodville, the Dowager Queen – her rapid confinement in a nunnery by her son-in-law speaks volumes for her complicity. More dangerous was the adherence of Margaret, Duchess of Burgundy, the late King Edward’s sister. She raised two thousand German troops and sent them to Ireland. The puppet imposter Earl of Warwick was crowned King Edward VI in Dublin on 24th May 1487. After a meeting of the Royal Council at Charterhouse, Richmond, it was decided that the real Edward, Earl of Warwick be taken from the Tower, paraded through the streets of London and attend Mass at St. Paul’s Cathedral. This did not stop the forces of the counterfeit Earl, swelled by Irish soldiers, from landing in Lancashire and marching south. Henry met and defeated the rising at Stoke, killing most of the leaders and taking the hapless Lambert prisoner. He quickly realized that Simnel was an innocent dupe and set him to work in the royal kitchens. There is a tale that he ended up the King’s falconer. The affair did, however, give young Edward one day of freedom – it was to be his last. He was returned to the Tower where he was denied all contact with the outside world. It is even said that “he could not discern a goose from a capon.” Nevertheless, the mere fact that he was alive must have been a cause of anxiety for Henry.
The Tudor Dynasty still sat on an unsteady throne. The advent of Perkin Warbeck, claiming to be the younger of the Princes in the Tower, Richard Duke of York, posed a real danger to Henry’s power. Warbeck was taken prisoner and lodged in the Tower with Warwick.
In late 1498 or early 1499 a young man by the name of Ralph Wilford, together with his Austin Canon tutor, claimed to be the Earl of Warwick. Both Wilford and his tutor were arrested and executed on Shrove Tuesday, 12th February 1499. This relatively minor incident must have brought home to the King that while Warwick lived he would ever be a thorn in his side.
Warbeck chose this time to make a bid for freedom and take Warwick with him. The plot failed and Perkin, together with his confederates, was tried and condemned at Westminster on 16th November and executed at Tyburn on the 23rd. Henry obviously decided to rid himself of all his dynastic problems. On the 21st November Warwick was arraigned before the Earl of Oxford, the High Constable of England, not for attempting to escape from prison, as many historians would have you believe, but on the manufactured charge of conspiracy, with others, to depose the King. In his naivety, the young man pleaded guilty and was condemned to death. He was beheaded on the 28th November on Tower Hill. Thus, within a week, Henry had freed himself of the two most dangerous threats to his throne.
There is firm evidence that Edward’s death was encouraged by Ferdinand, King of Spain, who refused to allow his daughter, Catherine of Aragon, to marry Prince Arthur while there was any doubt over the succession. The Spanish Ambassador’s dispatches show that he attached great importance to the execution. Many years later, when Catherine of Aragon was so bitter over Henry VIII’s efforts to divorce her, she confirmed to Lord Bacon “that it was a judgment of God, for that her former marriage was made in blood, meaning that of the Earl of Warwick.
Meanwhile Margaret had married Sir Richard Pole in about 1494, son of Sir Geoffrey Pole, whose wife, Edith St. John, was half-sister to King Henry’s mother, Margaret Beaufort. The Poles were in high favour and the match, made at the instigation of the King, was a sure way of keeping Margaret close and safely within the royal control. Richard was a landed gentleman of Buckinghamshire and Henry made him a squire of his bodyguard and a knight of the Garter. He was granted various offices in Wales including the constableships of Harlech and Montgomery Castles and was appointed Sheriff of the county of Merioneth. In addition he held the controllership of the port of Bristol, England’s second largest port and a position of trust and authority.
In 1495 Richard Pole raised troops against Perkin Warbeck and in 1497 he served in the King’s army against the Scots with “five demi-lances and 200 archers” and again “600 men-at-arms, 60 demi-lances and 540 bows and bills.” In about 1500 he was appointed Chief Gentleman of the Bedchamber to Prince Arthur and took control of the Welsh Marches on behalf of the King. In 1505 he died leaving Margaret a widow with five children – Henry, Arthur, Reginald, Geoffrey and a daughter Ursula.
Henry VIII around 1513
Margaret’s relationship with Prince Henry, later Henry VIII, must have been good. On his accession he granted her an annuity of £100 a year and on 14th October 1513 he created her Countess of Salisbury and gave her the family lands of the earldom of Salisbury. Her brother’s attainder was reversed and the Parliament of 1513-14, on the instructions of the new King, made full restitution of all the right of her family. She therefore became an extremely rich lady with lands in Hampshire, Wiltshire, the West Country and Essex. However, Henry did nothing without a price – he had learnt that from his father. There was a heavy charge of redemption money claimed by the King. There is a record that she paid Cardinal Wolsey, the Chancellor, £1000 as first payment of a benevolence of five thousand marks for the King’s wars and, in 1528, she was sued for a further instalment of £2,333, 6 shillings and 8 pence – a vast amount of money.
In 1516 Margaret took on a role that was to influence the rest of her life. On the 18th February the Queen, Catherine of Aragon, was delivered of a healthy child, a girl. Two days later the royal daughter was borne in pomp and solemnity to the Church of the Observant Friars at Greenwich and baptized with the name of Mary. “The Lord Cardinal was her Godfather, the Lady Catherine and the Duchess of Norfolk were her Godmothers at the font, and the Countess of Salisbury was her Godmother at the bishop.”
By May 1520 Margaret was head of Princess Mary’s household. As it was probably dawning on Henry that Catherine would never produce a male heir, this was recognition that Mary was most likely to become Queen of England and that only a person of the highest rank could have charge of his daughter’s welfare.
Other members of Margaret’s family benefited from the King’s favour. Her eldest son, Henry, was created Baron Montague and much of the lands originally held by the Neville family were conferred on him (for a fee of course). He was referred to as Lord Montague in official documents and was a witness to the great peace Treaty of London in 1518. Young Henry became a member of the royal household and accompanied the King in 1520 to the Field of the Cloth of Gold and also to his meeting with Charles V of Spain. The family seemed to prosper under the Tudors but what occurred in 1521 was to sow the seeds of disaster and bring the Countess to that morning on East Smithfield Green.
Ursula Pole Stafford
Margaret’s daughter, Ursula, had married Henry, Lord Stafford in 1518/19. Henry’s father was Edward Stafford, Duke of Buckingham. Like Margaret, the Duke could claim royal blood on both the male and female line. His grandmother was Margaret Beaufort (not the mother of Henry VII) descended from John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and his grandfather was Humphrey, Earl of Stafford, descended from Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester, youngest son of Edward III. Both Margaret Pole and Edward Stafford had more royalty in them than any Tudor King. With Henry VIII having only a female child the Duke of Buckingham saw himself as heir to the kingdom. Never a prudent man, the Duke freely voiced his intention to of seizing the throne should Henry die. The King patiently had him watched and early in 1521 he pounced. The Duke was arrested. The House of Lords pronounced him guilty of treason and condemned him as a traitor. On Friday 17th May at about eleven o’clock the Duke was delivered by the Sheriffs of London, John Kyeme and John Skevyngton, to the scaffold at Tower Hill where he was beheaded. In July the court moved from Windsor to Easthampstead and Margaret was not allowed to accompany her charge, Princess Mary. She had fallen under suspicion due to her close association with the Duke of Buckingham. It would be four years before Margaret was reunited with Mary.
In 1525 Margaret went with Mary to Wales and in the summer of 1526 the King visited her great house at Warblington in Hampshire (a single tower of the house still stands). Unfortunately the reconciliation between the King and the Countess was short-lived.
Henry, desperate for a male heir, broke with Rome, divorced his Queen and married Anne Boleyn. The divorce proclaimed Mary a bastard but Margaret stayed loyal to her Princess. A lady was sent from the court to retrieve Mary’s jewellery but Margaret refused to hand them over. When she was dismissed from her post she declared that she would follow the Princess at her own expense. Her fidelity was much appreciated by Catherine of Aragon but the King was careful to separate his daughter from a woman she regarded as a second mother.
Cardinal Reginald Pole
Margaret briefly returned to favour in 1536 at the fall of Anne Boleyn but then two things happened concerning her son, Reginald, which was to change everything. Reginald had been a great favourite of the King. Henry had paid for his education even to the extent of financing a year’s study in Padua, Italy. The King sent him as an emissary into Europe to seek approval for his divorce from Catherine of Aragon and, when he returned, offered Reginald the archbishopric of York or the wealthy bishopric of Winchester, even though he was not yet ordained a priest. The young man realized that with Henry, royal favour came at a price. With the final break with Rome he chose exile. The bombshell came when Reginald published “De Unitate Ecclesiae.” It castigated everything that Henry had done relating to the Church and the King was never a man to take opposition. In recognition of his work for the Catholic faith Pope Paul created Reginald Cardinal, even though he was still not a priest, and made him papal legate to England.
Henry went through the roof. Margaret could see the danger if her son could not. In desperation she and Henry, Lord Montague, wrote to Reginald a strongly worded reproof (all for the consumption of Henry’s spies). She denounced him as a traitor and even expressed her regret that she had given birth to him. Margaret was fighting for her life and those of her family. The previous year such respected men as John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, and Sir Thomas More, once Chancellor of England and a close royal friend, had both met their Maker on Tower Hill for offending this King. The years of 1535 and 36 saw the emergence of that monster of absolute power, tyranny.
The letters and protestations from Margaret and her family were all for the benefit of King and Council and Henry was well aware of this. The King, speaking to the French ambassador, stated openly that he would destroy all of those of the white rose – referring to the Pole connection to the Yorkist, Plantagenet monarchy.
Geoffrey Pole
In the summer of 1538 the blow fell. Geoffrey Pole, Margaret’s youngest son, was arrested and committed to the Tower on 29th August. He lay for two months in prison and, in late October, began his interrogation. He was questioned about private conversations and letters sent to and received from Reginald by himself and other members of the family. Geoffrey was faced with the rack and, knowing that he would inevitably implicate his mother and elder brother, he attempted suicide and seriously injured himself. After long periods of interrogation he broke and supplied the “evidence” the King required not only against Margaret and Henry but also against Henry Courtenay, Marquis of Exeter, Sir Edward Neville and others. Henry had Montague and Exeter arrested and committed to the Tower on 4th November.
It was now Margaret’s turn. A spy within her household, Gervase Tyndall, was called before Chancellor Cromwell at Lewes and reported circumstances concerning the escape abroad of the Countess’ chaplain, John Helyar, Rector of Warblington. He also spoke of clandestine letters, sent via a Hugh Holland, to Cardinal Pole. The Earl of Southampton and the Bishop of Ely were sent to Warblington to “examine” the Countess. They questioned her all day but could not extract and admission. Nonetheless they seized all her possessions and moved her to the Earl’s house at Cowdry.
Late in November Montague and the Marquis of Exeter were tried before Lord Chancellor Audeley, the Lord High Steward, and a jury of peers found them guilty of treason. A week later, on the 9th December, both lords met their deaths on Tower Hill. Geoffrey, tried with his brother and Exeter, entered a plea of guilty and was condemned to death but was spared. Cromwell informed the French ambassador that he was hopeful of learning more from him. On representation from his wife, Geoffrey received a pardon for reason that he was so ill that he was already as good as dead. A few weeks after his mother’s death he went in to a haunted exile.
In the spring of 1539 Margaret was moved from Cowdry to the Tower of London and in May a sweeping Act of Attainder was brought against the dead Montague and Exeter and the Countess. Her house at Warblington was searched and letters and papal bulls found. At the third reading of the attainder bill in the House of Lords Cromwell produced a tunic of white silk, embroidered with the arms of England – three lions surrounded by a wreath of pansies and marigolds – which the Earl of Southampton stated was found at her house. On the back of the garment was the badge of the five wounds of Christ, the emblem of a recent northern rebellion. Without a trial, the Act was passed on 12th May 1539.
Because of the popularity of the Countess, Henry stayed the inevitable penalty. By April the following year there was hope that Margaret would soon be released. Now 67 years of age, she had suffered through the winter from cold and a lack of adequate clothing. What sealed her fate was another rising in the north, led by Sir John Neville in April 1541. The King was resolved to be rid of her and so, the following month, she died.
Queen Mary I of England
Her eldest son, Lord Montague, left a son and two daughters. The son must have died soon after his father for there is no mention of him in official documents. His daughter, Catherine, married Francis, Lord Hastings, later Earl of Huntingdon, and her sister, Winifred, married a bother of Catherine’s husband. The girls were restored to full honours and property at the accession of Queen Mary. Reginald prospered in the Church and became a chief adviser to Mary. In one of those strange coincidences of history, on 17th November 1558, at 7 o’clock in the morning, Queen Mary passed away. On the same day at 7 o’clock in the evening Cardinal Reginald Pole died. That tortured soul, Geoffrey, had travelled to Rome when he left England and thrown himself at the feet of his brother, the Cardinal. He proclaimed himself unworthy to be considered his brother as he had caused another brother’s death. Reginald obtained his absolution from the Pope and sent him to the Bishop of Liege in Flanders. There he stayed until the accession of Mary. He then returned to England and died a few days before Reginald and was buried at Stoughton. His widow, Constance, died in 1570 and was buried beside him. Geoffrey left five sons and six daughters of whom two married and one daughter became a nun.
Queen Mary killed for religion; her sister, Elizabeth, killed because of political need; but their father committed judicial murder for revenge, pride and in the name of tyranny. Henry died in 1547 having sent so many innocent men and women to their deaths. There was no sadder victim of his vengeful character than that of Margaret Plantagenet, Countess of Salisbury.
Many years ago in my youth, I attended a school in the village of Warblington, on the Hampshire coast between Portsmouth and Chichester. One of the sports in which the school excelled was cross-country running. The usual route was out the school gate, down the road, across the A27, down a potholes country lane, through a field and down, on to the shoreline. In this field stood a crumbling, almost gothic tower of brick and stone. It was surrounded by a few fallen walls and debris all over run with brambles and weeds. The lower entrance to the tower was block and a notice stated “Danger Keep Out.”
Even at that tender age I was fascinated by historical mysteries and I began to dig. I wanted to know who had built this strange, haunted folly known locally as Warblington Castle. The eventually result was a piece I wrote several years ago for a US history heritage website.
I am Alan Freer and live in the small village of Byfleet, Surrey, England. Edward, the Black Prince, spent much of his final years in Byfleet. I have been an amateur “historian” since the age of seven, when I purchased my first history book in 1955. Indeed, it was anticipated that I would become a history teacher, but a brief conversation just before I was due to go to university directed me to the banking industry – more lucrative but, perhaps, not so satisfying! History lead me into genealogy and I have my own website detailing the Descendents of William the Conqueror (www.william1.co.uk ). A never-ending project! When I retired from the bank in 1999 I started to write and have had a number of articles published in US history magazines or on magazine websites. Primarily I wrote for the amusement of my colleagues in my second occupation as a civil servant. I count myself most fortunate to have been born in England and would not wish it otherwise – except, possibly, Italy!!
Posted in: History, Margaret Pole Tagged: anne boleyn, Geoffrey Pole, Henry VIII, Lambert Simnel, Margaret Pole, Mary I, Perkin Warbeck, Reginald Pole
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Warwick: The Man Behind the Wars of the Roses →
Very nice article, but I believe Ursula Pole and Henry Stafford were married in 1518 or 1519, rather than 1501 as stated.
Tudors Weekly
Thanks for catching that, Samantha – I took the liberty to correct that for the author as you are correct.
Liam Seamus McDonald
I was always under the impression that because she denied ever having committed treason, rather than meekly and willingly placing her neck on the block as the article suggests, Margaret resisted and she had to be forced down onto the block as she vigorously shook her head from side to side which is why the executioner made such a mess of it.
This may be the author’s interpretation of what happened. I had also read a different story: “She was dragged to the block and, as she refused to lay her head on it, was forced down. As she struggled, the inexperienced executioner’s first blow made a gash in her shoulder rather than her neck. Ten additional blows were required to complete the execution.”
No, Margaret didn’t have to be forced to lie down at the block. That’s a myth that originates back to the Victorians. Eustace Chapuys was an eye witness to Margaret Pole’s execution and he stated that she conducted herself with great dignity and bravery, despite the executioner performing badly.
Also, Henry VIII did not die of syphilis. That’s another of the oldest myths in the books. He more than likely died of diabetes.
With regards to Geoffrey Pole, he provided information willingly and later tried to take his own life.
Ellie Merritt
They don’t know for sure what King Henry VIII died of for sure. While the symptoms sound like diabetes I doubt he would have lasted that long without dying or having his leg amputated. He did sleep with many women and there are symptoms that may suggest that was the cause especially his mental state. You don’t go mad from diabetes but his behavior suggests he killed an enormous amount of people with little regret and little evidence. I don’t believe it was diabetes and I don’t think we will ever know. He may have had several diseases as is the problem with such a heavy persons but not all heavy people act crazy as he did. Being king was no excuse for his behavior since he had been brought up to serve in the church before Arthur died.
Enjoyed reading this as I have a great interest in history.
Sarah Brooks
Great article on Margaret, Countess of Salisbury and her poor Plantagenet children! My family left England before the Civil Wars for the colonies…I, too, wish sometimes that I had been born in England where history is everywhere and greatly preserved and not knocked down like in the States. 🙂
Richard Edward Pole
Very turbulent times. His story. !
Cherry Blood
Richard III did not have Margaret’s brother, Edward of Warwick, “shut up in closer confinement in Sheriff Hutton Castle”. He did have a nursery at Sherrif Hutton for high born children, including Warwick, but records indicate that they were well looked after, eg dressed in expensive fabrics. Warwick was knighted in September 1483 and appointed to the Council of the North, alongside another newphew, John de la Pole. Obviously a nominal appointment, given his young age, but it indicates that he was being groomed to play a part in Richard III’s administration.
Alan Freer
Dominic Mancini wrote that Richard, on becoming king, “gave orders that the son of the duke of Clarence, his other brother, then a boy of ten years old, should come to the city: and commanded that the lad should be kept in confinement in the household of his wife”. Mancini over estimated Edward’s age by two years. In 1484, Richard established a royal household for the young Edward at Sheriff Hutton Castle. An estate originally held by Edward’s grandfather, the Kingmaker and by then Richard’s land. Richard kept Edward out of the lime light and the public eye. Edward’s father, George, duke of Clarence, had been attained and therefore Edward had no right to the throne and was no legal threat to Richard. It would have been easy for Richard III to dispose of such a young boy but it took Henry Tudor to engineer a charge of treason to get rid of a rival.
I could go on to say that if Richard killed the Princes in the Tower, removing Edward would be a mere footnote – but that’s a whole new ball game!!!!
Duke of Buckingham: Victim of Hearsay
[…] The Last Plantagenet […]
Love the article and the details that you added. Henry was a dangerous king and the times were perilous.
Elderly, she was 42, if my math is correct.
Tudors Dynasty
She was about 68. Born in 1473, executed in 1541. That was considered elderly in the 16th century.
Sandra papasedero
I am American,but am inexplicably drawn to such stories. I envy your scholarship and yearn to learn more! Thank-you!
I am also American but my ancestors come from England. I also enjoy English history.
Excellent article. More than any other judicial killing in Henry’s reign, the gruesome one of Margaret, Countess of Salibury is the most disgraceful and unnecessary. By then he was truly a tyrant.
Tricia Penteny Mancuso
The article was most interesting. It was a very dangerous age in which to live it you carried royal blood.
I’m a descendant of William The Conqueror down through the Plantagenet line through both my maternal grandparents. My royal ancestry spreads across Britain, Europe, into Byzantium, Western Russia and throughout Scandinavia. I share much ancestral history with Elizabeth II. I was teacher and have my degree in ancient history and fine art. My greatest interest is British Royal history.
anne pow
I question the statement about Margaret Beaufort, not Henry VII mother, being descended from John of Gaunt. I was lead to believe that Henry’s mother was descended from John and this was the tenuous claim Henry had to the throne. We’re there 2 Margaret Beauforts ?
Henry’s mother was Margaret Beaufort and she came from an illegitimate line of John of Gaunt through her father, John Beaufort.
Ellen Myers
Margaret Beaufort (1437-1474) was the daughter of Sir Edmund II “Beaufort” Plantagenet (1406-1455) who was the son of Sir John “Beaufort” Plantagenet (1371-1410) who was the son of John “Gaunt” Plantagenet (1340-1399) so she is his Great Great Great Grandaughter
Jim Pagliaro
Impressive work, thanks for sharing. I have read of the Countess’s execution many times and the cruelty of it always moved me.
Nora Conley
I read that her young grandson, Montagues son,died from neglect/starvation in the Tower after his grandmother was executed. There is a portrait from 1513 accompanying this article stating it is Henry vii, seeing he was dead I’m sure it is Henry VIII.
This is correct. Henry Pole’s son, another Henry, is never recorded leaving the Tower and is believed to have died there of unknown causes (could certainly have been illness rather than neglect). What is certain is that in 1553, when Queen Mary released Edward Courtenay, who had also been imprisoned with his father at the same time, he was the last prisoner of the Exeter Conspiracy.
Sabine Forestier-Walker
Interessiert article. Two little mistakes. It Henry VIII, in 1513 and Charles v, Roman Emperor or charles i of spain.
Thank you for your work. Reading your article and the comments is a learning experience!
Kandra M Ayon
Interesting read, could you tell me the names of the books you’ve written. I find England history interesting. My family comes from Surrey and unfortunately for me, I was born in the U.S. I would love to read more about England.
Peter fleming
I found “ the hollow crown “ by Dan Jones a superb book ,mostly about Richard third and around his time, if the 15 th century is your time for history.It encompasses the princes in the tower ,which will always be a mystery ,and is always fun as many people have different ideas who did it . For me it was Henry Stafford the duke of Buckingham ,nasty piece of work he was .But we all have our favourites.
Pamela Taylor
Very interesting reading of English history.
Teri Martin
The man in the fourth picture.. named “Henry VII”…
Should say, “Henry VIII”. Since it is not Henry VII.
I have read, all my life, that Margaret Countess of Salisbury refused to lay her head on the block saying, “I am no traitor!” and that she fled and was pursued and was hacked to death as she stood by the executioner with either and axe or a sword while onlookers gazed in horror.
So which version is correct? I don’t believe she meekly submitted.
Even though she was the last Plantagenet born with that name, there are Plantagenet descendants living today.
Geoffrey Tobin
Margaret wasn’t the last person surnamed Plantagenet. She may have been the last known to be legitimately in that line (of course assuming no funny-business in earlier generations), but there was also Frances Plantagenet (1519-1568), daughter of Arthur Plantagenet (died 1542), 1st Viscount Lisle, illegitimate son of Edward IV.
Arthur’s voluminous correspondence when he was Governor of Calais (“the Lisle Papers”) provide much detail about the times and government of Henry VIII.
herstoryian@yahoo.com
I’ve known a lot of would-be historians in banking.
herstoryian
To Owner: Accidentally posted my e-mail above.
Is is removable?
Who really was the last Plantagenet ,the earl of Devon ,Richard the third,Margaret pole ,or has the name not disappeared ,but when reading in books about the last Plantagenet ,they perhaps mean only the people in power.
nancy j burns
I have always been intrigued by English history also. My ancestors came from England and Ireland. Thank you for all the information that you have provided. I have enjoyed it very much. Henry VIII was truly a tyrant king. N Burns
Jodi Meyers
Do you have any thoughts on whether Elizabeth deCoutenay born 1539 died 1570 was truly Henry deCoutenay and Gertrude Blount’s daughter? She was born in the tower shortly after Henry VIII had her father beheaded.
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Summer Reading Recommendations
Book Review: “Anna, Duchess of Cleves” by Heather R. Darsie
Anna of Cleves and Catherine Parr (Guest Post)
Book Review: “Henry VIII – and the Men Who Made Him” by Tracy Borman
Tudors Dynasty Podcast: Interview with Historian Dan Jones
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NYPD Muslim Officers Society Condemns Terror Attacks in Istanbul, Egypt and Yemen
By Ali Cinar- New York - There were 3 bomb attacks in Egypt,Turkey and Yemen at the same day. NYPD Muslim Officers Society made a press releases on these 3 deadly attacks. Egypt has declared 3 days of mourning on Sunday after a bombing at a chapel adjacent to Egypt’s main Christian cathedral killed 25 people and wounded another 49. 12 kilograms of TNT explosives were used in the attack. The majority of those killed were women and children. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.
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Houston Mayor Applauds Turkey's Hosting of WPC
By Ebru Sengul, ISTANBUL, AA - Turkey has done an excellent job in hosting the 22nd World Petroleum Congress (WPC), Sylvester Turner, the mayor of the U.S. city of Houston, Texas, told Anadolu Agency on Thursday. Speaking exclusively to the agency, the Congress' global communication partner on its sidelines, Turner hailed Turkey's hospitality throughout the Congress. "The Turkish national organizing committee has moved the World Petroleum Congress forward. I have nothing but praise for all the representatives. They have set the bar very high for Houston for hosting the Congress in 2020," he asserted. Responding to the question of the U.S.' future policy on shale gas production, Turner said that susceptibility of the industry is linked to fluctuating oil prices and factors leading to price formation.
"The production of shale has really been a boom for the U.S," he asserted.
The target for the U.S. LNG market, as one of the world's biggest LNG exporters, will probably be the European market, according to Turner.
"We just started an economic trade mission to London. We talked with the people in the U.K. and then we went to Germany. In fact, we are going back to Germany after we leave the World Petroleum Congress in Turkey, but I think we are looking at several markets throughout the world," he explained.
LNG is an area that generates a great deal of interest, he said.
"We are looking to identify all potential markets to enhance our trade and opportunities," he concluded.
Galen Cobb, vice president of Industry Relations at Halliburton and chairman of the U.S. national committee for the WPC, said the Congress, although small in size, was of superior quality.
"For me, from a participant's perspective, this has been one of the best congresses that I have ever attended, and I have been to many over the years," Cobb asserted.
He said the venue chosen for the Congress facilitated the interaction between participants.
"We really thank the Turkish national organizing committee for all their hard work," he said.
The American Petroleum Institute (API) Senior Director of Business Development and Membership and secretary for the U.S. national committee for the WPC, Gerardo Uria, also praised Turkey's hosting of the Congress.
"We are very pleased. We understand that there were a lot of challenges. Even though there were last minute additions and people dropped out, the level and quality of the presentations and discussions were superior. Also for us, [as the next host nation for the 2020 Congress], we have learned from watching the Turkish national committee's organization of this event, and there are things we can take away for 2020," he concluded.
The triennial World Petroleum Congress is widely known as the "Olympics" of the petroleum industry and covers all aspects of the industry from technological advances in upstream and downstream operations to the role of natural gas and renewables, the management of the industry and its social, economic and environmental impact.
Following Turkey's hosting of the 22nd World Petroleum Congress between July 9 and 13 in Istanbul, Houston will be the next host for the event in 2020.
Last modified onFriday, 14 July 2017 21:17
houston mayor
Sylvester Turner
World Petroleum Congress
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How mompreneurs balance business and family [infographic]
by 99designs Team
If you’re one of the millions of American women who own a business and parent at the same time, you’re in great company. According to the sixth annual report from Womenable and American Express OPEN on the state of women-owned businesses in the U.S., mompreneurs like you are doing amazing new things each year.
Between 2007 and 2016, while the total number of business across the US increased by 9%, the number of women-owned firms increased by 45%—a rate five times the national average. Women-owned businesses now also account for 30% of privately held companies in the US, and as a result should create more than 5 million new jobs nationwide by 2018. Although we are learning more and more about female founders, there’s still very little data available on women business owners with children under 18. So we stepped up…
To pay homage to these supreme go-getters, we polled mom entrepreneurs in search of their stories. Using the responses from over 500 inspirational mothers, we show the motivations, techniques as well as sacrifices made by today’s mom entrepreneur.
by obicatlia
The mom entrepreneur
57% of mom entrepreneurs are 40 years or older. They’re almost all married (79%) and have a partner who also supports their family with income (95%). They usually have one or two kids as part of their family unit. And most strikingly, it’s mom who is still the primary childcare provider in the family—71% of our mom entrepreneur respondents are doing the lion’s share of childcare.
by Uxie
How does she do it?
How do our mom business owners achieve so much?
School starts, business starts
Typically moms start their business once their children reach school age, presumably because they have more time to focus on a business project and/or passion. The vast majority (80%) of our mom entrepreneurs started their business after having children. The average age of their first child when they took the leap into entrepreneurship? 6.
“Second shifts” are the norm
For business-minded moms, a “second shift”—shifting focus back to business once the bedtime duties are done—is par for the course with 39% of them stating that this is a regular habit or, at least, is something that they sometimes have to do to get things done (34%).
Squeeze in a stress-busting massage.
- Stephanie Tilenius, founder of Vida
See ya later pilates class!
by ottocapo
Our mom entrepreneurs are doing a lot, and so, naturally, some things make way for others. What is the first to go? Hobbies. 88% of our mom entrepreneur respondents told us that they now spend less than 3-4 hours per week on their hobbies. Exercise also gets sacrificed, with 67% of our moms explaining that they spend less time working out since starting their business. Lastly, it’s friends. 64% of our moms said that they see friends much less once they have kicked off their business venture.
With so much going on, mom entrepreneurs need to manage their priorities, and 44% of our survey respondents told us they “sometimes” feel guilty about entrepreneurship. But spending time with family is a distant third on the list of things they do less of since starting their venture; mom entrepreneurs may have to skip workouts and outings with friends, but they don’t scrimp on their family time.
Make time for family dinner.
- Lily Kanter, co-founder of Serena and Lily
Get the right support
The moms from our survey have found that getting the right support is key. 63% of them have a network of fellow entrepreneurs who they reach out to on a regular basis.
Build a tribe.
- Julia Hartz, co-founder & CEO of Eventbrite
Try to find balance
Mom entrepreneurs are getting the sleep they require to keep up the pace with 63% of our community saying that they get 6-8 hours of sleep per night. Only 5% of our respondents are getting less than 5 hours per night. Work/life balance seems to be crucial for these power-women with 55% of them spending less than 8 hours a day on their business.
Balance life and work to a healthy diet.
- Neka Pasquale, founder of Urban Remedy
Why does she do it?
by CChick
Unanimously “flexibility” was cited by our mom entrepreneurs as the #1 advantage of having their own business. It seems to be about finding the right balance as opposed to leaving a legacy with our respondents stating that they are unsure whether their children will (41%) or certain that their children will not (42%) eventually take over the business.
What seems to be clear to us, having taken a closer look into the world of mom entrepreneurs, is that actually they may not be who you think they are. There is still a stereotype of a long-suffering working mother, but this is not necessarily the case. Many admit to feeling guilty about entrepreneurship, but they also say that’s ok. They manage their time and their workload, and their sleep. They admit a few things have to be dropped to balance the needs of a family and a business. However, they never sacrifice their family time, and it seems that the option of becoming their own boss has allowed them the freedom of flexibility—perhaps something that’s less available in the more traditional corporate world. It’s an area that we feel needs more research and would love to put this theory to the test.
Trust your potential, not only your past performance. Go!
- Amel Karboul, politician and social entrepreneur
For more insights and inspiration from “the front line” you can check out these tips from twenty-three mompreneurs.
Congrats to all you mom entrepreneurs for being both awesome moms and entrepreneurs—we admire you and are here to support you every step of the way!
99designs Team
The 99designs team is a rag-tag group of color-loving, creativity-celebrating, typography-appreciating, idea enthusiasts. Most of us like beer.
Natalie Franke explains how to find your path as a creative entrepreneur
15 inspiring Instagram accounts every entrepreneur should follow in 2019
How to build a graphic design budget
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Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson baptized in Israel
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson is on a trip he'll likely never forget.
The Texans quarterback has been in Israel for a week on a trip sponsored by the nonprofit group America's Voices.
America's Voices organizes week-long missions to Israel for celebrities, religious leaders and political leaders in the Latino and African-American communities.
While on the trip, Watson was baptized in the Jordan River.
"This is a part of the world which gets a lot of attention internationally, and this is a chance for me to look beyond the headlines and learn more about the history and culture of this land," Watson said in a statement. "I have been blessed to visit many countries around the world, but the chance to visit the Holy Land, see the sites and meet the people of this special place, truly is a special blessing and an amazing opportunity."
Tony Boselli to Deshaun Watson: A look back at Houston Texans first round draft picks
Deshaun Watson surprises mom with home makeover
Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson hosts youth camp
sportsreligionfootballisraelhouston texansu.s. & world
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Crews extinguish fire in the Mission District
Firefighters responded to 3316 26th St., near South Van Ness Avenue, at about 7:15 a.m. to put out an attic fire at a three-story building, fire spokeswoman Mindy Talmadge said.
Attic fires immediately require a second alarm response, she said. The fire was contained by 7:36 a.m. and under control by 7:51 a.m., Talmadge said.
Everyone got out of the building without injury, Talmadge said. The fire didn't get into any of the floors below, she said.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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Pres. George HW Bush buried at presidential library
HOUSTON, Texas -- George H.W. Bush, who shaped history as 41st president and patriarch of a family that occupied the White House for a dozen years, was laid to rest Thursday in College Station, alongside wife Barbara and daughter Robin.
Before he was taken to his final resting place, an invite-only funeral service with about 1,200 guests was held at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston.
PHOTOS: Inside Pres. George HW Bush's private burial service
The president's body was lying in repose at the church from 6 p.m Wednesday until 6 a.m. Thursday. Nearly 12,000 mourners visited the church to pay their respects to the president, whose casket returned to Houston Wednesday afternoon after a state funeral in Washington D.C. that offered high praise for the last of the presidents to have fought in World War II - and a hefty dose of humor about a man once described as a cross between Mister Rogers and John Wayne.
A LIFETIME OF SERVICE: Experience the legacy of President George H.W. Bush
PHOTOS: George HW Bush Through the Years
PHOTOS: George HW Bush Family Funeral
After the private ceremony at St. Martin's, the president was transported by motorcade to Union Pacific Railroad Westfield Auto Facility in Spring.
A locomotive painted the colors of the Air Force One plane used during Bush's presidency and bearing the number "4141" transported his casket to College Station.
The casket was in a car with Plexiglas windows to allow people to see it during the trip, according to McGrath, the family spokesman.
For those who would like to visit Bush's gravesite can do so starting at noon Saturday.
Bush, who presided during the collapse of the Soviet Union and the final months of the Cold War, died last Friday at his Houston home. His wife of 73 years, Barbara Bush, died in April 2018.
VIDEOS: George HW Bush state funeral, tributes throughout the week
FULL COVERAGE: The death of George H.W. Bush
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George HW Bush's funerals
Private funeral in Houston
Bush's custom-made train to transport him to final resting place
George P Bush remembers 'Gampy' at funeral
Star athletes and prominent Houstonians fill church to celebrate President George HW Bush
Houston says farwell to Pres. Bush in heartfelt ceremony
State funeral in Washington D.C.
Most memorable moments from George HW Bush's state funeral
PHOTOS: George HW Bush's state funeral
George W Bush and more remember George HW Bush with speeches at his state funeral
Before funeral performance, Ronan Tynan sang to George HW Bush in his final hours
VIDEO: George W Bush appears to sneak Michelle Obama candy at state funeral
George HW Bush funeral: World leaders attended state funeral at National Cathedral
George HW Bush was lying in state in Capitol rotunda: What that means
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Remembering Bush 41
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Arnold Schwarzenegger recalls sledding with George H.W. Bush -- and crashing into Barbara
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Neil Bush fights back tears sharing memories of his father, George H.W. Bush
Bush remembered as 'Superman' by former Army sergeant who jumped out of plane with him
President George H.W. Bush's aide Jim McGrath reflects on 'perfect' man
Houston restaurants remember President George H. W. Bush
George H.W. Bush's letter to Bill Clinton: A grace note for the ages
President George HW Bush reflects on aging in new video series
Barbara Bush reads Pres. George HW Bush's letter remembering Robin in new video series
'Thousand points of light' and Bush 41's legacy of volunteerism
George H.W. Bush quotes: Memorable lines from the 41st president
Sports icons pay respect to Pres. George HW Bush at Capitol
President George H.W. Bush reminisces on signing Disabilities Act 1990
George HW Bush reflects on being sworn in as president in intimate video diary
H.W. and Barbara Bush
George H.W. Bush's love letter to Barbara proves love is as strong as ever
George and Barbara Bush: A love story
Barbara Bush was 'first lady of the greatest generation'
Bush 41 and his family
GEORGE HW BUSH FAMILY TREE: Who are the children, grandchildren of the political dynasty
PHOTOS: Former President George H.W. Bush
George H.W. Bush: 5 things you didn't know about the former president
How the Bushes chose Houston as a home
Inside the growing Bush family political dynasty
Remembering Robin Bush, George H.W. Bush's daughter who died of leukemia
Former Pres. George H.W. Bush was proud of service dog 'Sully'
Country music star Brad Paisley reminisces on friendship with Bushes
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George H.W. Bush honored in new USPS Forever stamp
A LIFETIME OF SERVICE: Legacy of President George H.W. Bush
A look back at other recent federal government shutdowns
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Cross-fostering Newell’s Shearwaters on Wedge-tailed Shearwaters did not establish a colony on a Hawaiian islet
André Raine (Kaua‘i Endangered Seabird Recovery Project, Hanapëpë, Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i, USA) and colleagues have published in the journal Pacific Science on the petrel and shearwater populations of Moku‘ae‘ae Rock Islet off the Hawaiian island of Kauai.
“Moku‘ae‘ae Rock Islet is located off the north shore of Kaua‘i and is protected as a Hawai‘i State Seabird Sanctuary. In the late 1970s it was also the site of a cross-fostering project for the endangered Newell’s Shearwater, Puffinus newelli. Few avifauna surveys have been undertaken on the islet, and none since 2007. In 2013 and 2015, we conducted burrow searches across the entire islet to obtain breeding population estimates for each species and to evaluate whether the Newell’s Shearwater had become established as a breeding species after the cross-fostering project. Auditory surveys were also conducted for 2 hr after sunset and 1.5 hr before sunrise, which are the peak calling periods for the Newell’s Shearwater on Kaua‘i. A total of seven seabird species was recorded on the islet, of which three, Bulwer’s Petrel, Bulweria bulwerii; Wedge-tailed Shearwater, Ardenna pacifica; and Red-tailed Tropicbird, Phaethon rubricauda, were confirmed breeding. This is the first time Bulwer’s Petrel has been confirmed breeding on Moku‘ae‘ae. Searches for Newell’s Shearwater did not produce evidence that this species breeds on the islet, suggesting that the cross-fostering project was not successful. Although the islet is small, it represents an important refuge for seabird species. However, high levels of depredation were recorded on Bulwer’s Petrel; we conclude that these were all killed by the introduced Barn Owl, Tyto alba, based on disposition of the bodies and the injuries they had sustained. Management recommendations for the islet include creation of a management plan, annual breeding bird surveys, annual rat monitoring, and Barn Owl control.”
Newell's Shearwater, photograph by Eric Vanderwerf
With thanks to André Raine.
Byrd, G.V., Sincock, J.L., Telfer, T.C., Moriarty, D.I. & Brady, B.G. 1984. A cross-fostering experiment with Newell’s race of Manx shearwater. Journal of Wildlife Management 48: 163-168.
Raine, A.F., Boone, M. & Banfield, N. 2017. An updated avifauna of Moku‘ae‘ae Rock Islet, Kaua‘i. Pacific Science 71: 67-76.
John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 10 April 2017
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Westport’s Poet Laureate Raps With “06880”
During her 22 years in Westport, Diane Meyer Lowman has done a lot.
As her 2 sons moved through the school system, she was involved in many PTA ventures, including ArtSmart. She helped formalize and coordinate Staples High School’s library volunteer program, and was on the district’s food committee.
She was a substitute Spanish teacher, at Staples and the middle schools. She did pro bono nutritional consulting for Homes with Hope. She teaches yoga at Town Hall.
But until a few days ago, Diane — a graduate of Middlebury College, with a master’s in Shakespeare studies from Britain’s University of Birmingham — had never been Westport’s poet laureate.
That’s okay. Until a few days ago, we’d never had a poet laureate either.
Diane Lowman (Photo/Jane LaMotta)
If you missed the announcement, you’re not alone. It came in the middle of the Westport Library’s opening-day ceremonies. (The library was part of the selection process, along with the superintendent of schools’ office and the town Arts Advisory Committee, which manages the poet laureate program.)
The application process was rigorous: a resume, personal statement, 4 letters of recommendation, and several interviews. “It was like applying to college,” she says.
So what exactly does Westport’s poet laureate do?
The job description includes the importance of promoting poetry as a form of communication, inspiration and entertainment; expanding and promoting awareness and appreciation of poetry and writing in general, and advocating for poetry, literature and the arts.
Diane admits she is not a poet, per se. (She has, however, written 1600 haiku.)
“This is the inaugural position,” she says. “There’s no template. But I’ve got some good ideas.”
They include working closely with schools, the library and the arts community; helping students and senior citizens collaborate through writing; organizing poetry slams at places like Toquet Hall and the library; bringing a “Poetry on Demand” desk (and local poets) to townwide events; putting bulletin boards around Westport, for anyone to post poems; working with ArtSmart, the Westport Arts Center and Artists’ Collective of Westport to include poetry alongside exhibitions; integrating poetry into WestportREADS — stuff like that.
“I wake up every morning thinking of something new,” Diane says.
She welcomes ideas from the community. “This is not about me. It’s about Westport,” she explains.
Diane knows that the word “poetry” can be intimidating to some people. When she studied Shakespeare, she realized that his name too carries “a cultural cachet that can feel elitist or off-putting.”
But, she insists, “everyone can read and write poetry. It’s just another way to communicate feelings. It makes us realize how much we all have in common, whether we’re seniors in high school or seniors at the Senior Center.”
Her favorite poets are Shakespeare, T.S. Eliot, and her son Dustin. (He’s midway through an MFA program at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her other son, Devon, is an artist and art handler, also in Chicago.)
Devon, Diane and Dustin Lowman.
There’s no type of poetry Diane does not like — except “poems that intentionally try to be difficult. Challenge is fine. Thinking, reflecting, questioning — that’s good. But it’s not good to make someone feel dumb or stuck.”
Westport’s new poet laureate — who began her honorary, non-compensated 2-year post on July 1 — is both excited and humbled.
“I’m so appreciative of this community,” Diane says. “I’m so glad to be able to give back to it. I know it sounds trite, but I’m very enthusiastic and excited.”
No, not at all.
Not trite; quite right.
(Westport poet laureate Diane Meyer Lowman welcomes all suggestions and ideas. Email waac@westportct.gov — with “Poetry” in the subject line — or dilo922@gmail.com)
Posted in Arts, Library, Organizations, People
Tagged Diane Lowman, poetry, Westport Library, Westport poet laureate
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AIM4Truth Audios
Glass Bead Game
by Our Spirit February 14, 20197:01 am March 16, 2019
Adam Schiff is a Poster Child for Conflict of Interests
The Congressional Code of Official Conduct prohibits member involvement in matters where they can benefit financially.
By promoting decisions favorable to The Clinton Foundation, Adam Schiff benefits Apple’s vice president Lisa Jackson, and therefore also benefits his financial holding in Apple.
Schiff’s Apple holding is a poster child for conflict of interest in matters related to The Clinton Foundation, including the false assertions of Russian interference to defeat Hillary Clinton.
Rule XXIII – Code Of Official Conduct
3. A Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, officer, or employee of the House may not receive compensation and may not permit compensation to accrue to the beneficial interest of such individual from any source, the receipt of which would occur by virtue of influence improperly exerted from the position of such individual in Congress.
On May 15, 2017, Rep. Adam Schiff disclosed holding up to $100,000 in Apple stock and up to $15,000 in income from that holding.
However, Lisa P. Jackson, Apple vice president for Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives reports directly to Tim Cook, CEO.
In addition, Jackson is a director of The Clinton Foundation.
Therefore, Adam Schiff has been violating the Code of Official conduct by holding Apple stock which benefits Clinton Foundation director Lisa P. Jackson, and therefore Hillary Clinton.
Stated another way, Adam Schiff’s involvement in the Russian investigation has tainted the entire proceeding from its inception. His involvement has created “the fruit of the poisonous tree.”
https://ethics.house.gov/financial-dislosure
2019-02-13-Lisa-P-Jackson-Board-of-Directors-The-Clinton-Foundation-accessed-Feb-13-2019
2019-02-13-Lisa-P-Jackson-Biographies-Apple-Leadership-Wikipedia-accessed-Feb-13-2019
2017-05-15-Adam-B-Schiff-2016-Financial-Disclosure-Report-Filing-ID-10016142-Office-of-Government-Ethics-May-15-2017
Remember…even one share requires recusal.
….That’s not all, folks:
Jackson worked for Jon S. Corzine, former Goldman Sachs CEO (1994-1999) and President of MF Global before collapsing in after “losing” more than $1.6 billion dollars. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MF_Global
5 CFR § 2635.101 – Basic obligation of public service.
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/5/2635.101
(14)Employees shall endeavor to avoid any actions creating the appearance that they are violating the law or the ethical standards set forth in this part. Whether particular circumstances create an appearance that the law or these standards have been violated shall be determined from the perspective of a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts. [Note: This “reasonable person” believes Schiff’s Apple-Jackson-Cook-Clinton-Corzine interrelationships are odiferous to the 10th degree. They require Schiff’s recusal and sanction for not being forthcoming, as is his solemn duty that he is very evidently ignoring in his witch hunt.]
https://americans4innovation.blogspot.com/2016/10/hillarys-foundation-director-terry.html#corzine-teneo-goldmansachs-mfglobal-clinton-foundation | https://tinyurl.com/y2nqefhw
https://www.fbcoverup.com/docs/library/2011-12-06-John-Podesta-FYI-To-Cheryl-Mills-re-TENEO-MFGlobal-EmailID-35244-WikiLeaks-Dec-06-2011.pdf
….found a few more things:
Another of Corzine former staffers, Tom Shea, like Lisa Jackson, his successor as then NJ Gov. Corzine’s chief of staff, swirls at the center of this Schiff corruption: “prominent member of the Clinton political family is Tom Shea.”
Shea served on the Clinton White House staff as director of communications and spokesman for the U.S. Mission to the United Nations.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-shea-87679b87/
https://ballotpedia.org/Jon_Corzine
http://nj1015.com/report-links-clinton-to-corzine-mess/
Eliza Ayres on February 14, 2019 at 7:34 am
Reblogged this on Blue Dragon Journal.
Richard Orberson on February 14, 2019 at 10:23 am
Adam Schiff, the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, was previously financially aided by the George Soros-financed MoveOn.org to win his Congressional seat.
Schiff was also awarded the Toll Fellowship, which is sponsored by the Council of State Governments, a nonprofit that monitors federal government activities and is heavily financed by Soros’s Open Society Foundations.
The Open Society and Soros-funded groups have additionally supported a number of Schiff’s legislative efforts.
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2017/04/10/rep-adam-schiffs-congressional-career-aided-soros-financed-groups
Roland Weissel on February 14, 2019 at 1:41 pm
Reblogged this on rittervonrost.
johnbarleycorn12 on February 15, 2019 at 10:19 am
Reblogged this on John Barleycorn and commented:
Government incest.
·Comments are closed.
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Bearcats Crush Raiders
The Binghamton Bearcats men's basketball team clobbered the Colgate Raiders December 1 by a final score of 69-50. It was just the third win for the Bearcats in 13 meetings between the two teams.
The Bearcats had three players score in double figures. Marlon Beck led the way with 14 points hitting a trio of three-point shots and nabbing six rebounds. Beck has scored 17 three-pointers in his past four games. Both Willie Rodriguez and Everson Davis scored 10 points apiece for the Bearcats. Freshman Thomas Bruce scored four points, eight rebounds and two blocks with 25 minutes of playing time. Sophomore Justin McFadden notched nine points including a perfect six for six at the foul line.
The Bearcats embark on a three-game road trip that begins December 5 in East Lansing, Michigan when the face the third-ranked Michigan State Spartans. That game is scheduled for a Noon start (air at 11:45 a.m. on News Radio 1290 WNBF).
Source: Bearcats Crush Raiders
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UN Security Council Imposes New Sanctions on North Korea
Matthew Rycroft, left, Britain's Ambassador to the U.N. and U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley vote in favor of a resolution, Friday, Dec. 22, 2017, at United Nations headquarters. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
The Associated Press | By Edith M. Lederer
UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. Security Council unanimously approved tough new sanctions against North Korea on Friday in response to its latest launch of a ballistic missile that Pyongyang says is capable of reaching anywhere on the U.S. mainland.
The resolution adopted by the council includes sharply lower limits on North Korea's refined oil imports, the return home of all North Koreans working overseas within 24 months, and a crackdown on ships smuggling banned items including coal and oil to and from the country.
But the resolution doesn't include even harsher measures sought by the Trump administration that would ban all oil imports and freeze international assets of the government and its leader, Kim Jong Un.
The resolution, drafted by the United States and negotiated with the North's closest ally China, drew criticism from Russia for the short time the 13 other council nations had to consider the draft, and last-minute changes to the text. Two of those changes were extending the deadline for North Korean workers to return home from 12 months to 24 months — which Russia said was the minimum needed — and reducing the number of North Koreans being put on the U.N. sanctions blacklist from 19 to 15.
U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley said after the vote that "the unity this council has shown in leveling these unprecedented sanctions is a reflection of the international outrage at the Kim regime's actions."
The Security Council has stood united for the 10th time "against a North Korean regime that rejects the pursuit of peace," she said.
President Donald Trump tweeted the 15-0 vote, adding: "The World wants Peace, not Death!"
China's deputy U.N. ambassador, Wu Haitao, said it's "imperative" to pursue a peaceful settlement and resume dialogue and negotiations at an early date, warning that resorting to force "will only lead to disastrous consequences."
Deputy Russian Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov also demanded that key parties display "openness to genuine, meaningful political dialogue." Stressing the importance of "creative approaches," he said that "isolation and pressure must give way to dialogue and talks."
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also called for a political solution, "which requires de-escalation and open communication channels now," his spokesman said.
Haley recalled that the previous sanctions resolution approved in September, when combined with earlier measures, would ban over 90 percent of North Korea's exports reported in 2016.
That resolution, adopted in response to North Korea's sixth and strongest nuclear test explosion on Sept. 3, banned North Korea from importing all natural gas liquids and condensates. It also banned all textile exports and prohibited any country from authorizing new work permits for North Korean workers — two key sources of hard currency for the northeast Asian nation.
Haley told the council Friday that the new resolution "bans all remaining categories of major North Korean exports — a loss of nearly $250 million in revenue to the regime."
Here are key provisions of the new sanctions:
—The import of refined oil products, including diesel and kerosene that are key to North Korea's economy, is capped at 500,000 barrels a year. That represents a reduction from the 4.5 million barrels North Korea imported in 2016, and a cap of 2 million barrels in September's resolutions. And it means the North's refined oil imports have been cut by 90 percent.
—The import of crude oil is capped at 4 million barrels a year and countries supplying oil are required to provide quarterly reports to the Security Council committee monitoring sanctions on North Korea.
—North Korea is banned from exporting food and agriculture products, machinery, electrical equipment, earth and stones, wood and vessels — and all countries are banned from importing these items.
—All countries are banned from exporting industrial machinery, transportation vehicles, iron, steel and other metals to North Korea.
—All countries must expel North Korean workers and safety monitors by the end of 2019. The resolution expresses concern that earnings from these workers are being used to support the country's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. According to the U.S. Mission, there are nearly 100,000 overseas North Korean workers, with about 50,000 in China and 30,000 in Russia.
—U.N. member states are authorized to seize, inspect and impound any ship in their ports or territorial waters suspected of being involved in illegal smuggling and evasion of U.N. sanctions. The resolution expresses "great concern" that North Korea is illegally exporting coal and other prohibited items "through deceptive maritime practices and obtaining petroleum illegally through ship-to-ship transfers."
—All countries are banned from providing insurance or re-insurance to North Korean-affiliated ships believed to be involved in illegal smuggling and sanctions evasion and are required to de-register these vessels.
—Fifteen North Koreans, including 13 representing banks overseas, and the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces were added to the U.N. sanctions blacklist. The two others facing a travel ban and asset freeze are Kim Jong Sik, identified as a leading official guiding North Korea's development of weapons of mass destruction, and Ri Pyong Chul, an alternate member of the Political Bureau of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea and first vice director of the Munitions Industry Department.
North Korea's test on Nov. 29 of its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile yet was its 20th launch of a ballistic missile this year, and added to fears that it will soon have a military arsenal that can viably target the U.S. mainland.
British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said the Security Council was sending "a very strong united signal to the North Korean regime that enough is enough — that they must stop their nuclear program and they must stop their intercontinental ballistic missile program."
France's U.N. ambassador, Francois Delattre, said: "We believe maximum pressure today is our best lever to a political and diplomatic solution tomorrow ... (and) our best antidote to the risk of war."
The new resolution reiterates the Security Council's regret at North Korea's "massive diversion of its scarce resources toward its development of nuclear weapons and a number of expensive ballistic missile programs." It notes that 41 percent of the population is undernourished.
The resolution reaffirms the council's support for a resumption of six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear program aimed at the peaceful denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
It also reiterates the importance of maintaining peace and stability in northeast Asia and "expresses its commitment to a peace, diplomatic and political solution to the situation ... through dialogue."
This article was written by Edith M. Lederer from The Associated Press and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@newscred.com.
Military Headlines Global Hot Spots Pacific Militarization North Korea United Nations
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Category Archives: Italy
Traveling and eating our way through Italy
Explore Florence…
Florence, Italy is by far my favorite place in the world!!! It is an absolute dream city that you could walk around for days and just get lost in it all. I have had the pleasure of visiting Florence twice and would love to return and spend a whole week walking around all of the museums, monuments, cathedrals, art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Since it is a non-drive zone, it really has the feel of going back in time with the narrow streets, cobblestone sidewalks and carriages passing by. The pictures are absolutely inviting but Florence is a place that you must see for yourself. You will be in awe of the marble sculptures, cathedrals and the indescribable experience.
Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany and of the province of Florence. It is the most populous city in Tuscany. Florence has approximately 370,000 residents which increases to over 1.5 million in the metropolitan area. Florence is famous for its history!!! The first time I experienced Florence, I knew I had to bring my husband back because he is a history buff. Known for being the centre of medieval European trade and finance, Florence is one of the wealthiest cities of the time. Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance.
The historic centre of Florence attracts millions of tourists each year, and in 2009, Euromonitor International ranked the city as the world’s 72nd most visited. Forbes ranked Florenceas one of the most beautiful cities in the world! The city also contains numerous museums and art galleries, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Pitti Palace. Bet you didn’t know that Florence is important in Italian fashion, as it is ranked in the top fifty fashion capitals of the world.
The picture above is of the Facade of the Cathedral.
The original façade was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio while attributed to Giotto. It all started as a mid 15th century ink drawing in 1587, which is currently on display in the Museum of the Opera del Duomo (located behind the cathedral). This façade was the collective work of several artists which was completed in its lower portion and then left unfinished. It was dismantled in 1587-1588 by the Medici court architect Bernardo Buontalenti. Some of the original sculptures are on display in the Museum Opera del Duomo. The competition for a new façade turned into a huge corruption scandal and it was left bare until the 19th century.
In 1864, a competition was held to design a new façade and was won 7 years later by Emilio De Fabris. Work began in 1876 and completed in 1887. This neo-gothic façade in white, green and red marble forms a harmonious entity with the cathedral. The whole façade is dedicated to the Mother of Christ.
Duomo meaning “Italian Cathedral” can be seen for miles. It is probably the most recognized structure in all of Florence. The Cathedral is located at Piazza Duomo in the historic center of Florence. The cathedral complex, located in Piazza del Duomo, includes the Baptistery and Giotto’s Campanile. We visited the cathedral from the outside, but tours are available. Guided visits are available for the Duomo (€9), its dome, (€11, includes entrance fee), the cathedral terrace (€15, also includes the dome), and Santa Reparata (€9, includes entrance fee). All guided tours last approximately 45 minutes to one hour.
History of the Dome~ In the beginning of the 15th century, after a hundred years of construction, the Florence Cathedral was still missing its dome. The basic features of the dome had been designed by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1296. In 1367, the architectural choice of Neri di Fioravante’s model was chosen over a competing one by Giovanni di Lapo Ghini which was one of the first events of the Italian Renaissance. At the time, the use of buttresses (structure made of brick or stone built against a wall for support or reinforcement) was forbidden in Florence. In August 1418, the Arte della Lana (the wool guild of Florence) announced a structural design competition for erecting Neri’s dome. Filippo Brunelleschi, a master goldsmith, was chosen.
The Duomo, Cathedral
The dome posed many technical problems.
Brunelleschi researched the great dome of the Pantheon in Rome for solutions. There was not enough timber in Tuscany to build the scaffolding and forms.Brunelleschi chose to follow such design and employed a double shell, made of sandstone and marble. He constructed a wooden and brick model with the help of Donatello and Nanni di Banco which is currently displayed in the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. The model served as a guide for the craftsmen. Construction of the dome started in 1420 and was completed in 1436. The dome was the first octagonal dome in history to be built without a temporary wooden supporting frame.
The Palazzo Vecchio
The Palazzo Vecchio meaning “Old Palace” is the town hall of Florence. The massive, Romanesque, solid cubicle shaped building with a walled fortress-palace is considered to be the most impressive town hall in all of Tuscany. The location of the fortress-palace is what makes it one of the most significant public places in Italy. It overlooks the Piazza della Signoria with the replica of Michelangelo’s David statue as well as the gallery of statues in the adjacent Loggia dei Lanzi. The Tower includes three bells, the oldest one was cast in the 13th century.
How did the building come about? The commune and people of Florence decided to build a palace in 1299 that would be worthy of the city’s importance and would provide security to the magistrates. Arnolfo di Cambio, architect, constructed Palazzo Vecchio so that the Uberti family (rebels of Florence and Ghibellines) homes would never be rebuilt on the same location. The tower contains two small cells, which imprisoned Cosimo de’ Medici in 1435 and Girolamo Savonarola in 1498. The tower is named after its designer Torre d’Arnolfo.
The large, one-handed clock was originally constructed by the Florentine Nicolò Bernardo, but was replaced in 1667 by a clock made by Vincenzo Viviani. Most of Palazzo Vecchio is now a museum but remains the symbol of local government housing the office of the mayor of Florence and it is the seat of the City Council since 1872.
Perseus with the Head of Medusa at Loggia dei Lanzi
The Perseus with the head of Medusa is quite a violent and interesting sculpture which was created by Benvenuto Cellini’s 1545. The sculpture sits on a square base with bronze relief panels located in the Loggia dei Lanzi of the Piazza della Signoria in Florence, Italy. The piece was introduced to the public on April 27, 1554. Michelangelo’s David, Bandinelli’s Hercules and Cacus, and Donatello’s Judith and Holofernes were already in the piazza.
What is with the snakey head? The sculpture is about the mythological story of Perseus beheading Medusa. Medusa was a hideous woman-faced Gorgon whose hair was turned to snakes and anyone that looked at her was turned to stone. In the sculpture, Perseus stands naked except for a sash and winged sandals, standing on top of Medusa holding her snakey head in his hand. The body of Medusa spews blood from her severed neck. The bronze sculpture is surrounded by three huge marble statues of men: Hercules, David and later Neptune.Cellini was the first sculptor to introduce bronze in Perseus and the head of Medusa in the piazza.
The Loggia dei Lanzi (the arches above the sculptures in the picture) consists of wide arches open to the street. The wide arches appealed so much to the Florentines, that Michelangelo even proposed that they should be continued all around the Piazza della Signoria. The Loggia dei Lanzi is an open-air sculpture gallery of antique and Renaissance art including the Medici lions.
Cosimo I de’ Medici
Cosimo I de’ Medici – Florence
I find it interesting how the bronze sculptures appear green in color. Why? Bronze alloys contain copper. When bronze oxidizes (comes in contact with water and oxygen) or “rusts”, the process causes the bronze to turn in a green color. More commonly recognized in the Statue of Liberty – due to oxidation.
The bronze equestrian statue of Cosimo I by Giambologna, pictured above, reflects the famous equestrian statue of Marc Aurelius located at the Campidoglio in Rome. It illustrates the relation between the Roman Empire and Florence and Cosimo I himself.
The David
The David (statue of David)
By far the most moving experience in all of Florence is seeing the original David with your own eyes located inside the Galleria dell’Accademia. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside the Galleria and therefore I have attached a picture of the replica of The David located in Palazzo Vecchio. The David is known as the world’s most famous statue.
The statue, which is 17 feet tall, was commissioned by the Florentine republic, who saw the biblical hero slaying the giant Goliath as a symbol for the creation of the nascent republic.
The statue was installed in front of the Palazzo Vecchio but in 1873 it was replaced by a replica and moved to the Galleria dell’Accademia to protect it from the elements. Another replica can be found at the center of the Piazzale Michelangelo.
The statue was created by Michelangelo in 1501-1504 from a single block of marble and instantly became admired for its proportions and attention to detail. Michelangelo chose to depict David as an adolescent instead of a young boy. The statue brought instant fame to the 29 year-old Michelangelo.
The Ponte Vecchio means “Old Bridge”. It is a Medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental (space between two arches) arch bridge which spans over the Arno River, in Florence. The Ponte Vecchio is unique as it has shops built along it, which used to be common. Butchers originally occupied the shops in the Ponte Vechhio but now they are filled with jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers.
Kids in front of Ponte Vecchio
History of the bridge~ The bridge crosses the Arno at its narrowest point where it is believed that the via Cassia (important Roman road) crossed. When was it built? The bridge first appeared in a document of 996. It was reconstructed in stone, after being destroyed by a flood in 1117. In 1333, the Ponte Vecchio was swept away again but two of its central piers were saved. Giorgio Vasari recorded that the bridge was rebuilt in 1345. that attributed its design to Taddeo Gaddi, besides Giotto one of the few artistic names of the 14th Century still recalled two hundred years later. Modern historians present Neri di Fioravanti as a possible candidate. Displayed in a little gallery at the central opening of the bridge is a weathered dedication stone, which once read Nel trentatrè dopo il mille-trecento, il ponte cadde, per diluvio dell’ acque: poi dieci anni, come al Comun piacque, rifatto fu con questo adornamento, which means “In the thirty-third year following thirteen hundred, the bridge fell, from a watery flood: ten years later, at the pleasure of the Commune, it was rebuilt, with this adornment”.
Structure of the Ponte Vecchio~ The bridge consists of three sections of arches. The main arch has a span of 98 ft and the two side arches each span 88 ft. The rise of the arches is between 11½ to 14½ feet.
On August 4, 1944, During World War II, the Ponte Vechhio was not destroyed like all other bridges in Florence. The buildings at both ends of the bridge were destroyed which prevented access . The buildings have since been rebuilt using a combination of original and modern design.
Buca San Giovani
Let’s eat!!!
Ristorante Buca San Giovanni
Finding a restaurant or “ristorante” in Florence is no easy task I must warn you. There are 1797 restaurants in Florence!!! Fortunately, we were on tour and the restaurant was already chosen. We really were fortanute because we experienced the BEST baked lasagna we have ever had in our lives. Ristorante Buca San Giovani opened in 1882 and is located in the Piazza Di San Giovanni. They are open for lunch and dinner and ideally located downtown Florence. It is just steps away from the historical city centre and it’s masterpiece like the Cathedral, Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, Loggia dei Lanzi, Ponte Vecchio,The David at the Accademia. The wine list has a selection of 40 red wines!!! This is compared to the list of White/Pink wine which has 10 selections. Can you say heaven?? One of my favorite things about dining in Italy is that you will almost always have three glass at your setting for lunch or dinner for red wine, white wine and water. Can’t we all dine this way universally?? Here’s the real question, does the food, bread and wine taste better just because you are in Italy? Very well could be.
Buca San Giovanni Label
Since we were in a group, we had the pleasure of dining downstairs which is actually underground~ in the Gallery. It was amazing!! The gallery has red brick ceilings in an arcg form and feels as if you are eating in a wine cellar with wine bottles everywhere you look. Interesting historical fact~ the Buca San Giovanni was the former Sacristy of the Baptistry San Giovanni, before the building of the Cathedral Santa Reparata, later on was a secret meeting place where the Rosa Croce Masons started the activities. Many important people showed at the “Buca” like the Prince of Bulgaria for his bachelor party in the 30’s and th U.S. President John F. Kennedy.
Ristorante San Buca Giovanni
Below you will find a list of some of their highlights~
Crunchy eggplant strudel with Buffalo’s milk mozzarella and grilled cherry tomatoes
Macaroni with meat and mushrooms sauce
Scamorza large raviolis with , saffron potato cream sauce and courgettes
Sliced beef with rocket and Parmesan cheese
Bitter chocolate basket with cream and strawberries
Desserts~
Dry almond biscuits with Vin Santo
Cream pudding with chocolate
Rice pears cake with warm Armagnac cream
Bitter chocolate basket with Chantilly cream and strawberries
Mille-feuille with orange cream and cinnamon
Cheese cake with morellos sauce
Crème caramel with aniseed flavour
Chocolate soft cake with vanilla ice cream
Strawberries coupe
Ice-cream coupe
Movies you ask? Florence is so picturesque that is has been the setting for many movies. Many of the movies are International of course but some that you may be familiar with are The Dark Knight Rises, A Room With a View, Tea With Mussolini, Stay As You Are, Hannibal, The Devil in Love, The Mandrake, My Friends and Romola.
Shopping!!!! My favorite thing about shopping in Florence is the Italian leather.
I was sniffing purses, belts and wallets everywhere we went. Be sure to look for the label stating “genuine leather made in Italy” as there are a lot of vendors selling knock offs and faux leather.
Money Saving Tips: Don’t buy any knockoff goods from any of the hawkers selling their fake Prada (or any other high-end designer) on the streets. It’s illegal, and fines are astronomical if the police happen to catch you. The police will fine you a hefty fee while the vendors only receives a small fine. Faux leather is pretty easy to detect. Touch, feel and smell the leather. As crazy as that may seem, I opened all the zippers and looked at the lining. If it has a plastic feel to it at all, don’t buy. The vendors on the street, as opposed to in the shops, often times will offer bargains. I bought two leather purses for €10 less than if I would have purchased them individually.
Leave a comment Posted in Florence, Italy, Italy, Mediterranean Tagged Arno River, Arnolfo di Cambio, Arte della Lana, Euromonitor International, Filippo Brunelleschi, Florence, Italy, Florentine Nicolò Bernardo, Florentine republic, Forbes, Giotto, Giotto's Campanile, Italy, Loggia dei Lanzi, Marc Aurelius, Michelangelo, Museum of the Opera del Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, Piazzale Michelangelo, Ponte Vecchio, Ristorante Buca San Giovani, Rosa Croce Masons, Sacristy of the Baptistry San Giovanni, statue of Cosimo I, Statue of David, The David, Torre d'Arnolfo, Tuscany, Italy, Uberti, Uffizi Gallery, via Cassia, Vincenzo Viviani
For the Love of Gelato!!!
Gelato in Florence
Gelato in Roma
Throughout the Mediterranean our kids flipped out over gelato!! Everywhere we went, they wanted more and more. In Florence, Italy our daughter ate gelato three times in one day which is not cheap.
Gelato is the Italian word for ice cream, but is it really the same thing as ice cream??? Gelato refers to varieties of ice cream made in a traditional Italian style. Gelato is made with milk, cream, various sugars, and flavoring such as fresh fruit and nut purees. Often times you will see it served in a glass as a parfait or in a dish with whole fruits. In the picture above the gelato is displayed in parfaits. Whether in a cup, on a cone or in a dish~ It’s all amazing!!!
First you must know the gelato lingo!!! Gelati is plural for gelato and Gelateria is where geltao is sold.
Money saving tips: We ate gelato all along the Mediterranean. Be sure to look around and price out the gelato as some gelaterias are located on the same block for twice as much and the one next door. At Piazza Navona in Rome for example, gelato is priced very high within the piazza but if you step a block outside of the piazza you can find it much cheaper and just as good! It’s the same for paella in Spain or wood burning oven pizzas in Rome. When visiting Barcelona, the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria (The Market) has amazing gelato for much cheaper than purchasing on La Rambla. If you would like to read more about The Market, click on the link Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria on the right hand side under “topics”.
What makes gelato different from ice cream? Gelato is a type of soft ice cream which contains a relatively small amount of air. Gelato in Italy must have at least 3.5% butterfat. The sugar content in homemade gelato, as in ice cream, is balanced with the water content to act as an anti-freeze to prevent it from freezing solid. Several types of sugar are used including sucrose, dextrose, and inverted sugar to control sweetness. Typically, gelato—like any other ice cream—needs a stabilizing base. Egg yolks are used in yellow custard-based gelato flavors, including zabaione (an Italian dessert, or sometimes a beverage, made with egg yolks, sugar, and a sweet wine) and creme caramel, and non-fat milk solids are also added to gelato to stabilize the base. Starches and gums, especially corn starch, are often used to thicken and stabilize the mix.
Facts about Gelato~ In the United States there isn’t a standard of definition for gelato set forth by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as there is for ice cream. Ice cream in the U.S. is defined by the Federal Code both by its ingredients, which includes milk fat of 10% or more, gelato in the U.S. covers a wide range of products including frozen desserts eaten like ice cream; products that are identical to ice cream with the exception of their butterfat contents; and premium ice cream containing butterfat far exceeding the minimums set forth in Italy. Recipes will vary as will the person making it, but most dairy gelato contains 16–24% sugar. Whereas, ice cream in the United States contains 12 to 16% sugar.
Where does gelato come from? The history of gelato dates back to frozen desserts in Sicily, ancient Rome and Egypt which were made from snow and ice brought down from mountaintops and preserved below ground. Then, frozen desserts appeared during banquets at the Medici court in Florence. Bernardo Buontalenti, the Florentine cook, is said to have invented modern ice cream in 1565. He presented his recipe and his innovative refrigerating techniques to Catherine de’ Medici, who in turn brought the novelty to France as Queen consort. In 1686 the Sicilian fisherman Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli perfected the first ice cream machine. Gelato increased in popularity in the 1920s–1930s in the northern Italian city of Varese, where the first gelato cart was developed!!
Interesting Gelato Stat: Italy is the only country where the market share of handmade gelato versus industrial one is over 55%. More than 5,000 modern Italian ice cream parlors employ over 15,000 people today, mostly Italians.
Want to make your own gelato???
Piazza Navona, Roma
Making gelato is similar to making ice cream. There are several steps involved. The mixture for gelato is typically prepared using a hot process first, dissolving sugars. White base is heated to 185 °F completing a pasteurization program. The hot process to make chocolate gelato is basically the same for ice cream and is traditionally flavored with cocoa powder and cocoa butter.
Gelato and some premium ice creams are so dense that they require a slightly higher serving temperature. This is the perfect point in which your scoop is firm but not hard and not so soft that it melts immediately. Gelato recipes usually include more egg yolks, more milk and less cream than ice cream. It actually has less fat than regular ice cream. Gelato’s low overrun (less air) makes for an extremely dense, rich and creamy treat that we all love.
Sorbets are all about the fruit, fruit, fruit. With the absence of milk, cream or eggs, they depend only on sugar, lemon juice and fresh fruit for flavor. Elegantly simple and refreshingly tart, sorbets were the rage during Victorian years, when they were served as palate cleansers between rich, heavy courses. A sorbetto, the more intense Italian version, generally has more fruit and less water, resulting in a softer, less icy texture. Sorbet is all about the FRESH fruit.
Giada’s Chocolate-Hazelnut Gelato
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup sugar, plus 1/4 cup
1/2 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread (recommended: Nutella)
1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts, crushed, for garnish
In a saucepan combine the milk, cream, and 1/2 cup sugar over medium heat. Cook until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl whip the egg yolks with the remaining sugar using an electric mixer until the eggs have become thick and pale yellow, about 4 minutes. Pour 1/2 cup of the warm milk and cream mixture into the egg mixture and stir. Add this mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over very low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon, about 7 to 10 minutes.
Place a strainer over a medium bowl and pour the warm custard mixture through the strainer. Stir in the vanilla and hazelnut spread until it dissolves. Chill mixture completely before pouring into an ice cream maker and follow manufacturer’s instructions to freeze. To serve, scoop gelato into serving bowls and top with hazelnuts.
What type of gelato maker should you buy? Gelato makers can run anywhere from $22.00 – $1200 depending on the brand, size and features. De Longhi GM6000 Gelator Maker with Self-Refrigerating Compressor will cost you about $300! Cuisinart ICE-100 compressor is both an ice cream maker and gelato maker which runs about $251. If you own a KitchenAid mixer, there is an attachment for ice cream which is $85.00. Be sure to research before purchase, check out ratings and read reviews as some of the ice cream makers are for both ice and gelato while others are for frozen yogurt and sorbets. Gelato is made to perfection at a slightly lower temperature than ice cream in Italian Gelaterias; however, it can still be made at home using an ice cream maker.
According to World of Ice Cream, here is the equation for gelato:
Gelato= less fat + no air added = richer taste
Gelato in Barcelona
Leave a comment Posted in Barcelona, Spain, Gelato, Italy, Mediterranean, Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, Barcelona, Piazza Navona, Rome, Rome, Italy Tagged Ancient Rome, Barcelona, Buontalenti, Catherine de' Medici, cocoa butter, Cuisinart, De Longhi, Florence, Italy, Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli, Gelateria, Gelati, Gelato, Giada, Ice Cream, Italy, Medici court, Nutella, parfait, Sicily, Sorbets, sorbetto, Varese, World of Ice Cream, zabaione
3 generations at the Vatican
We decided to explore Vatican City as three generations of girls!!! It was an extremely hot day and thankfully we purchased our tickets in
advance so we were able to bypass waiting in the long, hot ticket lines. The Vatican is a very high tourist area, as you can imagine and therefore, swarms of people gather around the outside and inside. The ticket lines looked like hundreds of people standing in the blazing sun. There are several parts to tour within Vatican City, so be sure to research what you want to do and see. There are tours which include several buildings or just one. I did not have the kids with me that day and to be honest, I think it would be too boring for them. The tours are long, crowded and require a lot of standing and walking. Please note, shoulders must be covered upon entering the Basilica. I brought a scarf because it was easy to carry around, provided coverage and was much cooler than a sweater.
The Papal Apartments have been the official residence of the Pope in his religious capacity since the 17th century. The Papal Apartments in Italian are called appartamento nobile and appartamento pontificio.
The apartments have ten large rooms including a lobby, a studio office for the secretary, the pope’s private study, the pope’s bedroom in the corner of the building, a medical suite, a dining room, a small living room, and the kitchen. In addition, the apartments have a roof garden and staff quarters for the nuns who run the household. The pope greets and blesses visitors to Saint Peter’s Square on Sundays from the window of his small study. The top four windows to the right are where the Pope resides. The pope lives there for all months except July to September, when Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo is the official summer residence.Three of the last five popes, John XXIII, John Paul I, and John Paul II, died in the Papal Apartments.
The Vatican is located in Vatican City also known as Vatican City State, in Italian is officially Stato della Città del Vaticano. The Vadicanis a landlocked sovereign city-state whose territory consists of a walled enclave within the city of Rome. The population in Vatican City is 836 in 109 acres and was founded on February 11, 1929.
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica is a Late Renaissance church located within Vatican City. It was designed by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. St. Peter’s is the most well known work of Renaissance architecture and remains one of the largest churches in the world. While it is neither the mother church of the Roman Catholic Church nor the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome. St. It is regarded as one of the holiest Catholic sites and has been referred to as “holding a unique position in the Christian world” and as “the greatest of all churches of Christendom”. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Peter’s_Basilica
The basilica is the burial site of its namesake Saint Peter who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the first Bishop of Rome. Tradition and some historical evidence hold that Saint Peter’s tomb is directly below the altar of the basilica. For this reason, many Popes have been interred at St. Peter’s since the Early Christian period. There has been a church on this site since the time of Constantine. Construction of the present basilica began on April 18, 1506 and was completed on November 18, 1626.
The Pope holds a number of services throughout the year, which audiences of 15,000 to over 80,000 people gather , either within the Vatican Basilica, or in St. Peter’s Square. The picture of the Square shows all of the seating present when the Pope speaks.
Altar with Bernini’s baldacchino
Altar with Bernini’s Baldacchino: Bernini’s first work at St. Peter’s was designing the baldacchino. The baldacchino is a pavilion-like structure 98 ft tall and said to be the largest piece of bronze in the world. The baldacchino is located underneath the dome and above the altar. Bernini’s idea for the baldacchino was for something other than the typical white marble and colored stone. Bernini designed four enormouscolumns of bronze, twisted and decorated with olive leaves and beesto represent Pope Urban.
The dome of St. Peter’s 448.1 ft high from the floor of the basilica to the top of the cross. This is the tallest dome in the world. When designing the dome, the architects of St. Peter’s looked to the domes of the Pantheon and Florence duomo. St. Peter’s is the greatest dome of Christendom.
Tomb of Pope Alexander VII
Next I took a picture of the Tomb of Pope Alexander VII. The color of the marble in person is indescribable. It is so vibrant with gold, orange and amber tones. At the age of 80, the Italian artist Gianlorenzo Bernini designed the sculpture Tomb of Pope Alexander VII. It is located in the south section of St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City. The piece was commissioned by Pope Alexander himself. Construction of the monument didn’t start until 1671 and then was finally completed eleven years after the Pope’s death in 1678.
Just as you leave the Chapel, you will pass the Monument to Gregory XIII on the right. It was built by Camillo Rusconi in 1723 out of white marble. The moument was influenced by Algardi in its structural linearity and the expressive peacefulness. The monument is known as the Figure of Knowledge and represents the pope giving his blessing.
Monument to Gregory XIII
Let’s talk food!!! After a long tour of the Vatican, everyone is hungry. As we departed the Square, there was a cafeteria-style restuarant to the left with some of the best Italian food we experienced in Rome!!! We were starving and just started walking and saw tons of people gathering outside in line, sitting in the outdoor seating and it was so noisy. You could hear espresso machines going and dishes clanking around. I think we grabbed one of everything and all shared.
$$ saving tips: Vatican City is located right off of a stop on the double decker bus in Rome. If you choose to take a cab, it will be more expensive and there are long cab lines. The buses have designated stops right outside of the Vatican Square which is easy access to and from shopping and restaurants. The double decker bus picked us up right in front of our hotel, Westin Excelsior Rome. Be sure to bring your camera to the Vatican, as they do allow pictures inside. I was quite surprised because many museums won’t allow flash photography. We saved money by eating outside of the Vatican, ordering food family style and sharing it all. Plus it’s a great way to try everything!! Look up information on the double decker bus stops at http://www.rome-tours.net/?event=offer.detail&offerId=2154&startDate=07/01/2013&endDate=07/31/2013
Leave a comment Posted in Europe September 2011 Girls Trip, Italy, Mediterranean, Rome, Italy, St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican, Rome Tagged appartamento nobile, appartamento pontificio, Baldacchino, Christendom, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Michelangelo, Papal Apartments, Peter, Pope, Rome, Saint Peter, St. Peter's Basilica, Stato della Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
Trevi Fountain, Roma
You must see The Trevi Fountain, Fontana di Trevi, in person!! Pitcures of the fountain do not capture size nor the details in the marble and travertine. The fountain is 85.28 feet high and 160.72 feet wide, spilling over 2 million cubic feet of water each day. The fountain is a display of ancient roman acqueduct termination and constructed of carrara marble and travertine.
In the center of the fountain you will see a statue of Ocean which was carved by Pietro Bracci standing under the trymphal arch. When viewing the fountain, you will see a statue of Abundance to the left and on the right side, a statue of Health.
Drink stand by fountain
The Trevi Fountain was within walking distance of our hotel. The walk there was nice on a sunny day in September. The legend of the Trevi Fountain is that you are to throw 3 coins into the fountain over your shoulder and
then you will be ensured a return to Rome! Must be true as I threw the coin in the fountain in September 2011 and I ended up back in Rome less than a year later in June 2012. There is a famous song called ‘Three Coins in the Fountain’.
For more information on the meaning of the inscriptions on the fountain and history, please visit http://www.trevifountain.net/
$$ saving tips: It is free of charge to view the fountain. There are an abundance of cute boutiques and restaurants tucked in alleyways all around the fountain. Most of the bistros advertise their original pizza by having waiters stand out on the street waving you in. As we stopped off in wood shop to purchase a Pinocchio ornament, the manager said to be very careful of where we ate as many of the restaurants serve pizza made from frozen dough and charge a lot of money due to the location near the fountain. He gave us the tip to look in the restaurant for a wood burning oven and ask to see it if they say they have one. His advice was great! That way we knew where to order authentic Italian pizza made in a wood burning oven.
Leave a comment Posted in Europe September 2011 Girls Trip, Fontana di Trevi, Rome, Italy, Mediterranean, Rome, Italy Tagged Colosseum, Italy, Pietro Bracci, Rome, Trevi, Trevi Fountain
Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
You may recall hearing the stories about The Leaning Tower of Pisa in history. The tower was originally designed in 1173 to be perfectly vertical, but started to lean during construction and was eventually completed in 1399. The tower originally stood at 60 meters high and now is 56.67 meters at the highest point and 55.86 meters at the lower end. The tower leans at a 10 degree angle. The Italian name for the tower is Torre Pendente di Pisa. The leaning Tower of Pisa is medieval architecture, in Romanesque style. The tower was built in two phases, which included a total of 5 architects. The tower weighs approximately 14,500 tons. The Leaning Tower is the Piazza’s crowning glory.
View from top of the Leaning Tower
Climbing the tower: There are 297 steps that you must climb to get to the top of the Leaning
Top of Leaning Tower
Tower. A purchased ticket to view the tower has a specific time to enter, in 30 minute intervals. It is important to note that if you will only be in Pisa for one day, you should visit the tower in the morning to ensure your ticket for the day. Depending on how busy it is that day, your ticket may be for several hours out or even sold out for the day. The second time I went to Pisa, we were on a tour which arrived in the afternoon and only allowed two hours to explore. When we went to purchase a ticket to climb the tower, the first available was three hours out and our tour would already be gone. My family was devastated to travel all the way to Pisa, just to be turned away. The afternoon is quite busy in Pisa. Keep in mind that buses drop tourists off constantly throughout the day. We wasted an entire 30 minutes of our 2 hours at the Square just waiting in line at the bathroom. If possible, use the restroom outside of the square. When purchasing a ticket, they require that all bags, purses and any belongings be checked into a locker (for a fee) prior to entering the tower. If you have asthma, I recommend bringing your inhaler into the tower. I didn’t think to bring mine and left it behind in my purse – big mistake. When climbing the tower, there aren’t any railings to hold on to and it is very narrow with people passing as they are coming down. It is odd climbing up steps which aren’t level and it can cause dizziness climbing in a circle for 297 steps. Nonetheless, it is worth it when you get to the top! The view is unbelievable and you can see the entire square. Bring your camera to take pictures at the top.
The Square of Miracles
Duomo di Pisa
There are four buildings that make up the cathedral complex in Pisa, Italy, called Campo dei Miracoli or Piazza dei Miracoli, which means Field of Miracles. The cathedral, or Duomo di Pisa, was the first building constructed at Campo dei Miracoli, Pisa, which rests on a white marble pavement and is an impressive example of Romanesque architecture. Just west of the dome, lies the next building added which is the baptistery. Then work on the campanile began. Before the work on the campanile was completed the cemetery, Campo Santo, was built.This Piazza is the most phenomenal display of Romanesque architecture in Italy. The cathedral is faced in gray-and-white striped marble and bristling with columns and arches. It has a curiously Islamic dome and matching domed baptistery, which rises from an emerald green lawn. Flanking one side of the piazza, the camposanto, or cemetery, is a gracefully elongated cloister enclosing a burial ground with earth reputedly brought back during the Crusades from Golgotha, the hill where Jesus was crucified, so that noble Pisans could rest in holy ground.
http://www.towerofpisa.info/
Lawn in front of cathedral
There is a large area of lawn at the Square which is a great way to unwind after being cooped up on a long bus or car ride to reach the Tower. Tourists were sitting around on the lawn enjoying a drink, taking pictures of the enormous structures all the while kids were running around. The lawn area is very inviting.
Shopping in the Square
$$ saving tips: Vendors set up at tables along the walk to the Square selling various items such as snow globes, aprons, purses, plates with the tower on them, etc. Many of the vendors sell the same items, so be sure to check prices at each table prior to purchasing. The shopping area is filled with high priced souvenirs, so be sure to compare prices with vendors located right outside the square. Rather than sitting down and eating a meal outside the square, you can grab a piece of fruit and a bottled water or coffee from one of the vendors and make your way into the Square. If you are there for a limited amount of time, don’t waste time eating lunch. Go straight to the tower to purchase the ticket to go inside.
Leave a comment Posted in Europe September 2011 Girls Trip, Italy Tagged Camposanto Monumentale, Crusades, Duomo, Italy, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy, Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa, Romanesque architecture
Just off the coast of Naples and Salerno is the island of Capri, which is a fabulous stop for the day.
The picture above shows the view of the island as you sail into Capri. The harbor area has shops and restaurants within walking distance. Capri is most famous for their handmade sandals. Walk into any sandal shop, get your feet measured and choose your very own leather straps.
Upon arriving in Capri, we boarded a minibus for 15 a minute ride which took us up to the top of the island, known as Anacapri. The bus ride was a little scary as it zipped up the mountain on very narrow roads without any railings. The view from the minibus was beautiful, looking down onto Capri and the Amalfi coastline. On the ride up the windy mountain, you will pass residential areas with large estates and vacation homes, most of which are gated.
Once we arrived in Anacapri, we took a tour of Villa San Michele.
Villa San Michele, Anacapri
The villa is off white with arches and staircases throughout, open air and had beautiful gardens that you can walk through. My grandmother came along and could walk around at her own pace even though we were on a guided tour. The villa had sculptures and busts about the rooms.
The Villa San Michele was built around the turn of the 20th century by the Swedish physician, Axel Munthe, on the ruins of the Roman Emperor Tiberius’s villa, on the Isle of Capri, Italy. Its gardens have panoramic views of Capri town and its marina, the Sorrentine Peninsula and Mount Vesuvius. The villa and its grounds sit on a ledge at the top of the Phoenician Steps, between Anacapri and Capri, at 327 meters above sea level.
Outside the Villa San Michele
San Michele’s gardens are adorned with numerous relics and works of art dating from ancient Egypt and other periods of antiquity. They now form part of the Grandi Giardini Italiani.The story of the villa is recorded by Dr. Munthe in his book entitled The Story of San Michele, published in 1929. There have been numerous reprints since.In 1919–1920, Munthe was an unwilling landlord to the outrageous socialite and muse Luisa Casati, who took possession of Villa San Michele. This was described by Scottish author Compton Mackenzie in his diarieshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_San_Michele
My sister and I enjoyed thick hot chocolate, almost like liquid pudding consistency in Capri. It was so thick that it rolled down the side of the cup and just hung there! It was rich chocolate that tasted just like you were eating a chocolate bar.
Enjoy the Torta Caprese, flourless chocolate and almond cake found all over the island of Capri. In Anacapri we passed a glass case with desserts inside, the cake with the sign on it which read “capri cake” caught my eye.
(makes one 9-inch cake)
9 ounces (255 g) good quality dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces
1 cup (225 g) butter
¼ cup (25 g) cocoa powder
1 tablespoon almond extract
1 ¼ cup (250 g) granulated sugar
1 ½ cups ground blanched and toasted almonds
Preheat an oven to 310°F and line the bottom of a 9-inch spring form pan with parchment paper.
Slowly melt the chocolate and butter over a double-boiler. In a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whisk together the melted chocolate mixture, the cocoa powder, almond extract and sugar until combined. Add the ground almonds and whisk until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, adding each egg after the first has been incorporated into the mixture. Pour the mixture into the spring form pan. Make sure the mixture is level and smooth on top. Bake for 50-60 minutes. Cool and serve with chocolate spirals or shavings and powdered sugar. Serve with gelato or whipped cream.
http://foodloversodyssey.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/10/torta-caprese-flourless-chocolate-cake-from-capri.html
Hot chocolate in Capri
We enjoyed a fabulous, light lunch at Relais La Palma Capri, a restaurant that was nestled into a Spanish style hotel. The lunch ended with a light, lemon panna cotta that was to die for.
Just around the corner from the famous Piazzetta, Hotel La Palma is in the centre of Capri, the most vibrant area of the Island. Since 1822 it is the first and oldest Hotel in Capri, but don’t expect anything formal and austere. Here guests feel at home perceiving friendship and creativity. The spaces are large and bright, the dynamic atmosphere is ideal for those who aspire to experiment and innovate. It is the favorite choice of young people and lovers of authentic and high quality hospitality. Be inspired by Hotel La Palma’s genius loci like many artists, musicians and writers who love the hotel.
http://www.lapalma-capri.com/en/
$$ saving tips: Capri is quite small and most of the restaurants and shopping are pricy. Capri is full of high end shops such as Valentino, Alexander McQueen, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, etc. and I did not see a sale sign. At the harbor there are vendors selling leather purses, wallets, scarves and other souveniers who will barder with you. It is a great way to pick up something small as a rememberance of your time on Capri. We booked a pre-packaged excursion which included the ferry ride to Capri, a minibus to Anacapri which only holds 12 people, lunch at La Palma Hotel, tour of San Michele and a ride down the Funicular Marina Grande for a reasonable price. Many of the restaurants would not allow a cup of hot chocolate or coffee to go, so we were required to sit and drink it there. Sample your way through the shops in Capri which offer limoncello chocolate, limoncello, or purchase a slice of the famous Torta Caprese, rich hot chocolate or frozen lemonaide. There are ways to experience the specialities of Capri without paying the high restaurant prices. It is a fun place to walk around, explore, people watch, window shop with amazing views of the Amalfi Coastline.
Fresh Lemons in Capri
The first inhabitants to settle in Capri were the Greek “Teleboi” who came to the island in the VIII Century BC. Today, only the fortified walls of an ancient Greek acropolis still survive as testimony to their presence on the island. In 1906 a local doctor, Ignazio Cerio, uncovered the remains of a number of prehistoric animals and stone weapons during excavation work undertaken to expand the Quisisana Hotel.
The great political events that unfolded in Naples with the consecutive rise to power of the Angevin, Aragonese, Spanish and Bourbon dynasties between the VIth and XIXth Centuries, had few repercussions on the island itself. Exposed to the threat of Muslim attack, and left to fend for themselves, the islanders’ best defence was to flea their homes around the Marina and take refuge in the uplands.
With few natural resources and a population decimated by pirate raids and pestilence, the plight of the islanders was further exacerbated in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries by the rivalry that emerged between the island’s two Communes, Capri and Anacapri , regarding their respective civil and ecclesiastic rights of jurisdiction.
http://www.capri.net/en/history
Leave a comment Posted in Amalfi Coastline, Ana Capri, Italy, Capri, Italy, Europe September 2011 Girls Trip, Italy, Naples, Italy Tagged Anacapri, Axel Munthe, Capri, Italy, Funicular Marina Grande, La Palma Hotel, Luisa Casati, Phoenician Steps, Relais La Palma Capri, Salerno, Torta Caprese, Villa San Michele
Piazza Navona, Roma, Italy
While in Rome, you must stop off at the Piazza Navona Square which includes the famous Fountain of Four Rivers, music, gelatto, shopping and restaurants. The double decker bus conveniently stops off at the Piazza. Navona Square is exactly how Italy is portrayed in romantic movies with Italian music playing all around.
We rode the bus there and spent the entire day roaming around the square. The Piazza is a great place to take photos of the ancient buildings and statues and wander around for the day. We ate our way through the square with lunch, gelato and then cannoli.
The square is great for everyone, as we have taken our kids as well as my grandmother. There are many sidewalk cafes and bistros with shaded areas to sit as you walk along the square.
http://www.navonasquare.com/en/storia.php:
Navona Square, the most beautiful baroque square in Rome, sits on the ancient ring of the Stadium of Domitian – also known as Circus Agonalis – built in 85 AD to host Greek athletic events, agones, with the typical rectangular shape of the arena with its curved northern side.
Surrounded by two imposing travertine arcades, decorated with Ionian and Corinthian capitals, it could host up to 30,000 people, who accessed through the two main entrances located in the middle of its longer sides. The square came back to life in the second half of the 15th century, when it started to host the market. In 1485, it was paved to favour the several festivals and processions that were starting to take place there more and more often.
In the 16th century, the square was enriched with the fountains donated by Pope Gregory XIII Boncompagni; then, Pope Innocent X ordered the construction of the majestic Pamphili Palace on the land owned by his family. The Palace was built by Girolamo Rainaldi and embellished by marvellous frescos, a Gallery by Borromini and several art works.
The Fountain of Four Rivers, Roma
The Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi), unveiled in 1651, is definitely one of the most beautiful and famous monuments in baroque Rome and represents the four major rivers known at the time. The Ganges, Nile, Danube and Plate: four white marble, 5-metre high statues located on travertine juts. The Nile, by G.A.Fancelli, has its head draped because its source was unknown at the time. However, the population thought that it expressed Bernini’s contempt for the nearby church of Sant’Agnese in Agone, designed by his rival Borromini, as the Rio de la Plata’s arm raised to protect its head, by Francesco Baratta, ironically expressed the artist’s fear that the church may collapse.
However, these rumours are totally groundless because Bernini finished the fountain before Borromini started the church. Finally, the Ganges is by Claude Poussin, while the Danube is by Antonio Raggi.
$$ saving tips: There are great restaurants located right outside of the Piazza which are far less expensive than eating inside the square. We were craving authentic, Italian pizza so our tour guide recommended a restaurant called Ristorante Pizzeria Zio Ciro, where all of the pizzas are cooked in their wood burning oven. They make homemade sausages to put on top of the pizza and they have pastas, salads, seafood and more. Everything we ordered was fresh and fabulous along with a cold beer! Take the double decker bus to the Piazza!! It is a fun and inexpensive way to see Rome and take pictures.
http://www.pizzeriaziciro.com/
We stumbled upon really cute boutiques walking down the side streets. Many of the shops had great sale racks tucked in the back.
Leave a comment Posted in Italy, Navona Square, Italy, Piazza Navona, Rome, Rome, Italy Tagged Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Fountain of Four Rivers, Girolamo Rainaldi, Italy, Piazza, Piazza Navona, Rome, Stadium of Domitian
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The Truth Endureth to All Generations
Although the word "orthodox" actually means 'up right' it has also grown to mean 'generally accepted'. Orthodox, then, is like the stock market's moving average, not of equities, but of consensus, majority rule. The word did not even exist until the 6th century when consensus was, well, captive.
During apostolic times, Jude wrote not of the consensus, but of a never changing benchmark when he referred to 'the common salvation' and the 'faith once delivered to the saints': Jude 1:3
But regardless of warnings, and as prophesied, even before the death of the last Apostle (100 AD), the 'moving average' began to shift away from Apostolic doctrines.
It was a gradual falling away as consensus embraced philosophy, vain deceit, traditions of men, and rudiments of the world.
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
When weights change, there is a moment of time when the balance on a scale tips from one side to another. In church history, the actual time consensus finally tipped is lost in antiquity, among the ash heaps of the bonfires. But one thing is certain - when the church was forced underground because of the intense persecution beginning in 250 AD under emperor Decius, and ending in 311 AD with the edict of toleration issued by the emperor Galerius (and 3 years later reiterated with the edict of Milan), it (the church) never again emerged prominently upon the world stage. What emerged was a religious entity with the scale of consensus - majority rule - completely tipped, ready and eager to embrace not only philosophical differences in opposition to the 'old school', but with the emperor Constantine as their new found hero and protector, political power, which inherently, brought wholesale corruption:
"When the kindness of Constantine gave Holy Church endowments:
In lands and leases, lordships and servants,
The Romans heard a angel cry on high above them,
“This day dos Ecclesiae has drunk venom
And all who have Peter’s power are poisoned forever.”
- 'Piers Plowman' -William Langland
Over the next few decades, with the waning of the western Roman Empire, this politico-religious entity would rise to fill the power vacuum of the Roman Emperor, and to eventually surpass it in power:
"Take thou the tiara adorned with the triple crown, and know that thou art the father of princes and kings, and art the governor of the world.”
- The words spoken over the pope as he assumes his powerful office.
No, the church was not destined to abandon the teaching of Jesus to be a worldly militant power wielding life and death upon millions of people, forced conversions, being the persecutor instead of the persecuted. It would remain faithful to its founder and If need be, would remain in the catacombs
Jesus said to Pilate in John 18:36:
"My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence."
And "not from hence" (here, on this earth) it would remain. In the world but not of the world. In obscurity, never to win the masses of the world.
What would become the religious behemoth of the world though, would be the system or the skeleton upon which western society would exist. There would be enough good in it to retain its religiosity. But like Niccolo Machiavelli instructed in his book 'The Prince', it would do evil also - whatever serves the purpose of the 'state'.
If this does not quite resonate, let it be ascertained that 'The Prince' was dedicated to Lorenzo 'The Magnificent' Medici, whose son would become Pope Leo X, the pope that was denounced by Martin Luther for excesses in his '95 Theses'. Lorenzo was also the uncle of the later Clement VII who was pope during the early reformation. (Which by the way had the unfortunate duty to deal with King Henry VIII in his marriage with Catherine of Aragon, and the creation of the 'Church' of England.)
In 'The Prince', the perfect 'model' of the book was none other than Cesare Borgia - the brother of Lucretia Borgia, the infamous illegitimate offspring of Rodrigo Borgia, who became Pope Alexander VI.
Does any of this resemble the church of Jesus Christ? The fact is, it is purely grapes of thorns and figs of thistles.
2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Defenders of conventional thought that Catholicism is the legitimate body of the church will argue how any religious entity can exist without central authority. Did Jesus really design the church to be of private ownership, proprietary, the exclusive domain of a 'magisterium' subject to corruption, or did he design the church to be led by by the Holy Ghost and revelation to each generation 'severally', as He wills? I will be adding links here to address the fallacies of apostolic succession, papal authority and tradition.
History bears out that during the formation of this State sponsored politi-religious behemoth, up to 50% of the populous resisted it ('The Jesus Wars', Phillip Jenkins), and later during the Middle Ages, at any given time over 10% of the populous, under threat of death, resisted Rome ('Civilizations of the Middle Ages', Norman Cantor). Through these pockets of resistance, in obscurity, the church existed through the centuries. Of course not all of these pockets of resistance held the truth - here were many who, according to Romans 1:18, 'held the truth in unrighteousness'. But there were those, the majority of whom are known only to God, who held it in righteousness.
The argument that Catholicism is the entity that canonized scripture so therefore it must be the legitimate representative holds no water. Moses was raised by his own mother in the Pharaoh's house. In ancient times, there were no doubt thousands of manuscripts. I have no proof that not all of them were handed over, as required, as Catholic leaders forbid the populace to possess the bible, but there is no proof that they were all turned in. My gut feeling tells me the ones who remained underground during the persecutions did not hand over their manuscripts.
I have in my lifetime witnessed the excruciating death of a man made organization, once strong and vibrant, yet even at its zenith there were pockets of weakness, and then political entities would coerce consensus away from apostolic truths, and there would be the inevitable, painful separation. I have come to the realization that truth endures - not because of organizations run by man, but because of revelation from God.... to the hungry... believers.... from generation to generation.
Psalms 100:5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
More..... from my view.
I do not wish to be a polemicist or apologist although I suppose those titles come with the territory when one begins to stand for his or her beliefs in any way. At any rate I've gotten over having an ax to grind; there's not a single person I'm mad at. So I'm not attacking anyone. I do feel an obligation to give voice to those who were denied a voice. And in doing so my agenda is to explain as articulately and thoroughly as I can what I believe, and why.
I believe first of all that the Bible is complete and clear enough for anyone who wishes to know the truth. We are 'thoroughly' furnished.
2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
I also believe, as Jesus said in Matthew 13, "who hath ears to hear, let him hear" - some people simply don't have eyes to see or ears to hear; and also, Jesus holds control over a person's understanding (Luke 24:16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.; 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures). So I will happily labor away, helping who I can but the burden is really upon each individual to seek for themselves. I have no control over someone elses beliefs, but I must be true to my own.
Now here's the biggie. I also believe that although Jesus and the disciples were clear in their teaching, before they were all dead, heresies began to creep in (as was prophesied), and afterwards, it was tantamount to a tsunami of whacked out beliefs that engulfed the masses.
Wait - did you really think the masses were going to adhere to the teachings of Jesus?
I cannot tell you when the church of Jesus reached its apex of true believers. To find that out we would have to sift through the ashes of the "Damnatio memoriae" of the imperial-religious system that dominated western civilization for over twelve centuries. But I can tell you of a truth it wasn't in those who damned the memory of the faithful who resisted state mandated religion to ashes- who in the high Middle Ages emanating from the learned scholars of Cluny or Rome, or at the dedication of the cathedral of Chartres or Notre Dame de Paris either. I too am bowled over by the magnificence of these edifices and the pageantry. The visions in my mind of the kings, queens, popes, cardinals and bishops and their retinue - the wars, the wealth and power, the pomp - I have stood in the great cathedrals of Seville, Granada, Santiago de Compostola, the Mizquita of Cordoba: Notre Dame de Paris, Reims, St. Denis, St. Peter's Basilica is Rome - and seen the jaw dropping splendor - surely this is the glory of God! The court of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, the 'Catholic Monarchs'; or King Louis XIV and Cardinal Richelieu; Henry VIII and Cardinal Wolsey (pre- Catherine) - or seeing the magistrates witnessing the auto da fe of an inquisition - the defenders of the faith following Richard the Lion Heart on his crusade - or the Te Deum being sung on the shores of a new continent - the volumes of writings of religious philosophy from Saint (yes, a saint!) Augustine and Ambrose that is so lofty I cannot penetrate - (oh how I need a priesthood that can interpret for me!)
I too have found myself feeling like a mere mortal needing to succumb to the massive iron fists listening to the chords of Mozart’s Requiem – do I dare resist the power of Rome? With their demonstration of power and wealth, surely they have the monopoly - the very corner of the market of God the Father!
Do I have the audacity to say they followed fables and falsehoods and I, wiser than they, am right?
I - a high school dropout - never went to college (the fact is I lasted two weeks but that is another story) - mentored by ones without degrees or titles - sons of share croppers from West Texas or Louisiana who preached to me that I could get the Holy Ghost like they did in the Bible if I'd repent of my sins -
Yes, I have the audacity to say I am right.
It's actually quite clear.
1Co 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
1Co 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
1Co 1:28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
1Co 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
In other words, the playing field is level - for all of us. No pedigree or degree behind a person's name can give them any advantage.
Also, in 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, Paul referred to Satan as the god of this world. Jesus spoke twice of the 'prince' of this world (John 14:30' 16:11), Paul called him 'the prince of the power of the air (Eph 2:2). The worldly system is both secular and religious, Paul said 'no marvel' - in other words, don't be baffled or blown away - that Satan has transformed himself into an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).
A massive 'ship of mammon' upon which we would all be passengers. The church of the New Testament would be 'in the world but not of the world'. Jesus said to make 'friends' of the mammon of unrighteousness; in other words, his believers have to 'ride along' on this ship of mammon but not be a part of it - a unique 'symbiosis' of such.
I have viewed the Crusades as a very colorful and deeply human experience. As God allowed the events in Joseph's life, being sold into slavery by his own brothers, but in fact working the overall plan of destiny, the Crusades beyond a doubt thwarted the very real threat of Islamic conquest of the remaining one third of Europe and the Middle East of nations indeed affecting our destiny. However these events in no way legitimizes or validates the dogmas of Catholicism. Its errors still stand, in fact, the audacity of the very definition of 'crusade': "any war to which the Pope granted an indulgence: that is, spiritual merit which would remove the penalty of sin and bestow grace on the participant." I see it might be easy or almost automatic to make an assumption that if the Crusades were divinely inspired that those who implemented them must be also, making the grave mistake of not separating the errors of Catholicism from the romanticism of the human experience. I am also quite aware of the many other contributions Catholicism has made to the secular world in architecture, the arts, even in preserving ancient literature in monasteries and in universities that were under the sponsorship of the Vatican. Even so this record of 'good' has a flip side to it. There are legions of historic luminaries that would question the balance of positive contributions of Catholicism, as it also suppressed democracy, free speech, freedom of religious thought and even science.
This unique symbiosis of good and evil is what pervades my thoughts and quite frankly, gives a reason for the things I see happening around me.
The mission of Jesus was not 'world domination' as has been the goal of Catholicism - the very definition of 'church' is 'the called out ones'. Jesus came not to set up a worldly kingdom but to 'take out of this world a people for his name's sake'.
The story of Roman Catholicism is the story of the church in Pergamos in the 2nd chapter of Book of Revelation, that embraced the doctrine of Balaam. Christianity, Paganism, politics and world power becoming bedfellows. The result is a sordid history of religiosity that is the antithesis of what Jesus or his apostles taught. The issue of that union became the world's 'Frankenstein' monster.
Indeed one of the greatest challenges facing each generation of the true Christian is how to be IN the world but not OF the world. Although I believe the true church had already departed from the world stage somewhere before the middle of the 3rd century, those that claimed 'orthodox' teaching that succumbed to the political opportunities availed to them under the reign of Constantine took a left turn from which there was no return.
Whenever I hear the claim to 'orthodoxy' I think of Colossians 2:8,
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ".
So let the the world own that title of orthodoxy. The church of Jesus will not compete. It is simply the true church's challenge to live in this world but not be 'of' this world.
None of us can escape the trappings of this world completely. From the days of the week (Monday through 'Sun'Day) and the months of the year - they are all of pagan origin. The symbols on our currency, holidays ('holy' days), we're all forced to dance with the devil in some way or the other. But never fear, Jesus said to 'make friends of the mammon of unrighteousness' but not hop into bed with it, or become a proponent or leader of this mammon of unrighteousness. 'Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, the things that are God's".
No one knows human nature more than our Creator. As He watched the progeny of the first man and woman that he created fall headlong into sin, I will not for one second entertain the idea that he did not know what His church would face. Jude wrote that Enoch prophesied about The Lord coming "To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him."
Just like the first few generations of the story of humanity, the church began to fragment immediately. All Asia forsook Paul even as he awaited his execution. This is not to say that the 'gates of hell prevailed against the church'. As long as there was one single person holding onto apostolic truth, the church continued from one generation to another, as it did in the amazing story of the bloodline of the coming redeemer. As the bloodline could not be destroyed, neither can the church of Jesus Christ be destroyed even in the face of gross apostasy and doctrines of every imagination of man's perspective. Like the story of the three blind men describing the elephant, each one came back with their own view based upon their limited perspective. The end result was, they were all right to a degree, but wrong as a whole. What we can deduce from this is, God, open our eyes so we can see.
The emperor of the Roman Empire had the pagan priesthood's title of 'Pontifex Maximus'. Constantine became leader of the western Roman Empire in 311 Ad with the defeat of Maxentius. In 324 AD he defeated the emperor of the eastern empire, Licentius making Constantine the sole emperor of the Roman Empire. He decided at the Bosphorus strait, virtually the center of east and west would be the ideal place to build a Capitol. With that in mind he built Constantinople. With the vacuum of power or leadership in Rome, the bishopric located there began to take the place of the once splendorous presence of the emperor. Slowly, with the disintegration of the empire in 476 AD the papacy assumed this title. Its goal has been world dominance - and has never recanted that position.
The teaching of biblical Christianity indeed contains absolute truths relevant to salvation, as does the teaching of most denominations including Catholicism. The bible is not ecumenical in any way shape or form. In other words, if a group holds a doctrine they deem to be essential, but turn around and join hands with others who hold opposing views, they have contradicted themselves and their doctrine is not 'absolute'. The underlying message in ecumenicism is 'doctrines really don't matter'. The fact is, to a person who believes absolute truths, doctrine does matter.
Not long ago I was listening to a Trinity/Oneness debate - which was actually labeled as "orthodox" Christianity vs a cult. Oneness was deemed a cult because it's tenants exclude all other beliefs. The trinitarian in the debate kept pushing - pushing - pushing for the proponent of oneness doctrine to declare him (the trinitarian) a 'saved brother' or going to hell - which one was he? The oneness proponent declined to out & out make that statement, I suppose being only too aware of the outcry so he defaulted to the "let God be the final judge" answer. The trinitarian was relentless to make his point that if indeed the oneness proponent does not accept the trinitarian as a saved brother, that in doing so he (oneness) is excluding the vast populace of "Christian" believers, sending them to 'hell' - and therefore is a cult! How much I wanted to jump into that debate! I wanted to shout, "ok, so you're saying that majority rules, here, eh? So the "strait gate" that Jesus referred to includes the masses of Christians who swallowed this Nicene nonsense and has become the rudimentary order of orthodoxy? Paul said in Colossians 2:8, Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Trinitarianism is indeed the rudimentary doctrine of "universal (Katholica - hello? Anyone home? Get the connection!) jump on the bandwagon belief. And yes, we, oneness, reject it." Quite frankly, my standard answer when backed up in that "so you're saying that orthodox Trinitarians are going to hell" corner is, "this is what we believe the scripture says. We cannot bend it for anyone. If God chooses to bend His own word, that's his prerogative.
Honestly I don't know what makes people tick. Irony that two people can see things completely opposite of each other. I have to let God sort that out, even though I am forever thinking of a better way to articulate my views.
I don't get it. I came across a website the other day about protestant viewpoint on mariology. It actually had this disclaimer:
"Note: The purpose of this webpage is not to present information "against" any Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox who are fellow believers in Christ, but rather to inform those who are Protestants of their heritage, their distinctive beliefs, and why these are held. If you are Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox and are offended by hearing about beliefs differing from your own, you are welcome to skip this page."
That is 'grand' of them to not want to cross anyone's theology. But I suppose, if someone can do this, they really don't believe fat meat is greasy.
In our open society, we have the freedom of choice to embrace what doctrines we wish to embrace. There is really only one limitation, and that is, our freedom of choice must not encroach upon someone else' freedom of choice. Put plainly, 'your freedom ends where my nose begins'. This is the essence of tolerance. Tolerance is not embracing something that is false, it is allowing others to have views that opposes yours. How much we wish radical Islam to understand that. Without this principle, they cannot 'play' in our international global society.
After realizing persecuting Christianity didn't work, Constantine and Licinius, his rival in the east, if they didn't understand the value of tolerance were at least willing to give it a shot by issuing what is known as the edict of Milan granting religious tolerance to all subjects, pagan, Jew & Christian alike throughout the realm of the Roman Empire:
"We have long considered that freedom of worship should not be denied. Rather, each man's thoughts and desire should be granted him, thus enabling him to have regard for spiritual things as he himself may choose. This is why we have given orders that everyone should be allowed to have his own beliefs and worship as he wishes."
But this does not throw out absolute truths. For a group to keep their beliefs pure, they must exclude from their fellowship those who do not embrace their doctrines. This is not done through force, this is done through choice.
I believe in 'just wars' - in other words, there are times when war is a just cause, and a Christian can fight in that war. But it is NOT the place of the church to lead that war or play an active role in it. It has never been the role of the church to entangle itself with those political affairs of the world. This is an indisputable fact:
"No political event or circumstance can be evaluated without the knowledge of the Vatican's part in it. And no significant world political situation exists in which the Vatican does not play an important explicit or implicit part." ---------Guy Emery Shipler
It is the church's part to pray for them in authority that they will make good decisions.
1 Timothy 2:1-3 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
And if they don't make good decisions, the church just needs to pray harder.
Actually, who are we to say what the right and wrong decision are, as really, the church just rides along.... as Jesus said there would be wars, rumors of wars, catastrophes of every sort. Remember - we're in the world, but not of the world.....
Jesus taught that we wouldn't live by the sword.
Luk 9:54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?
Luk 9:55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
Luk 9:56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.
There is no place in Christian religion for forced conversions. We all deplore what is happening to innocent people because of ISIS, but just a few hundred years ago this and worse was done in the name of Catholicism.
The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.1 Peter 5:1-3
"Not by constraint". Cannot and should not force anyone to believe anything.
This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;1 Timothy 3:1-3
Oh how much Jesus was a gentleman. The total antithesis of Catholicism.
"France, less favoured on the whole as to matters spiritual than her sister of the shield and trident, rolled with exceeding smoothness down hill, making paper money and spending it. Under the guidance of her Christian pastors, she entertained herself, besides, with such humane achievements as sentencing a youth to have his hands cut off, his tongue torn out with pincers, and his body burned alive, because he had not kneeled down in the rain to do honour to a dirty procession of monks which passed within his view, at a distance of some fifty or sixty yards." - Charles Dickens, "A Tale of Two Cities".
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Public Health & Policy > General Professional Issues
Submarine Officer, Plane Builder, Urologist
One doctor's unusual path to practice and his unusual hobbies
by Renee Bacher, Contributing Writer, MedPage Today April 23, 2019
Baton Rouge urologist James D. Atkinson, MD, is humble for a man who not only pilots his own prop plane on weekends but is building one, for fun, in his carport.
"A lot of guys fly, but I guess not a lot of people make planes," he said of the two-seat single-piston engine Van's RV-14 kit aircraft he is making.
Building and flying planes are just a couple of Atkinson's unusual hobbies which have also included operating and building ham radios and working on circuit boards. A man of many interests, being a physician is also Atkinson's third successful career. College aptitude tests, he says, always pointed him towards being a being a doctor or a surgeon. "But I blew it off and went down a different road," he said.
That road began with an undergraduate degree in petroleum engineering at Louisiana State University that Atkinson figured would satisfy his urge to see the world. Next, he joined the Navy where he spent 15 years near the bottom of the sea as a submarine officer. While stationed in Monterey, California, he picked up a couple of masters degrees at the Naval Postgraduate School, one in physics and another in astronautics. It was while studying Space Systems Engineering that he developed an interest in flying planes and joined the Navy Flying Club.
Monterey was a good place to fly because the weather is usually nice. The club also had a lot of planes that were relatively inexpensive to rent and plenty of jet pilots attending the postgraduate school who liked to give the training. "It was just a really good setup to learn," he said.
After a self-study ground instruction course, Atkinson found an instructor to spend 15 hours in the air with him, teaching him and ensuring he would be safe flying by himself. After 25 hours of limited solo flying time to build his skills and confidence, an FAA inspector certified him air-worthy and licensed him to fly single engine system aircrafts, which is what he flies today. He also has an instrument license, which allows him to fly at night and in fog.
In 1995, while still in the Navy, Atkinson's curious and adventurous spirit led him to start an internet service provider. Three years later, he left the Navy to work for Bell Labs and later worked with several startup companies. "I never made much money but I made a good enough salary to save some money," he said.
With his savings, he decided to do what the aptitude tests years earlier had advised and applied to medical school. He started at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans in 2003, finished in 2007, did his urology residency at LSU Ochsner Compliance Program and moved to Baton Rouge to begin his practice in 2012. He was age 47 when he finally found a career that felt like the right fit.
"Being a urologist is the best job I've ever had," he said. "It's hard to explain why, but everybody should do the work that they like getting up in the morning to go to do. This is a job like that for me."
Even after working a 40-plus-hour week between running a clinic, doing surgeries, and being on call, Atkinson finds it relaxing to build his plane-in-progress in the evenings and on weekends to fly his Piper Arrow four-seater. A lot of his flying, he says, is just going to get gas at another airport, "goofing off and sightseeing around town" in places like McComb, Mississippi (Dennis Air Base there, he says, always has cookies on the counter and a really nice cafe for lunch).
His longer flights have included Atlanta, Nashville, and San Antonio. And last year, he and a friend flew to College Station, Texas to attend a Texas A&M basketball game. They woke at 7:00 am, jumped in the plane at 8:00, and were eating barbecue in College Station by 11:30. The basketball game ended at 4 and we were home by 6:30. "It's kind of hard to beat a day like that," he said. "This plane is great because it gives you a nice 500-mile range for doing cool stuff." And an 8-hour drive usually translates into a two-hour flight in the Piper.
Atkinson's favorite flying days are when the sky is half-full of white fluffy clouds and he gets to fly between two cloud layers. "It's kind of like cotton candy all over the place," he said. He also loves to fly at night. "It's just pretty, and there's a different perspective that you don't see during the day. Landmarks stick out a different way." Flying at night, however, requires a good deal of experience as well as an instrument rating.
Because the weather in Baton Rouge is no Monterey, Atkinson has been spending more of his leisure time building than flying. So far, he has logged about 1500 hours putting together his Van RV-14 and works on it every evening that he doesn't have something else going on.
While he finds building a plane relaxing, he says, it's not for everyone, and it's not even for everyone who has the skill set of a surgeon. Having a hands-on mechanical mindset and a genuine interest in physically building things yourself is the most important thing. "If you're not mechanically handy, you're not going to even be interested in this because it's just gonna be overwhelming," he said. "I mean it's overwhelming to people who are really good with mechanical things."
And being a perfectionist is going to get in the way. Every airplane, Atkinson points out, has had repairs, even though the average person might not notice the patches, dings, and holes filled in here and there in the commercial planes we all fly on. And while his own Arrow was delivered from the factory complete with dents and imperfection, every part met the standard, the dings were painted over and the manufacturer kept going when making it. "It's OK. You're not flying into space," he said, adding that the quality of workmanship for an airplane to be successful is the quality of a tractor that happens to fly, and not the quality of the space shuttle.
Still, safety is of the utmost importance and Atkinson anticipates that the first 20 hours flying the plane he is building himself will be somewhat nerve-wracking as he tries out and cross-checks new systems, listens for strange sounds and calibrates his work. He knows, though, that it's been built according to plan since he will have been the one who put it together. Meanwhile, Atkinson anticipates another 300 hours until his new plane is ready for the sky.
"If it weren't for my pesky day job," he said, laughing, "I'd be done a long time ago."
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Clashes Over ICU Care; Doc Shortages Continue; Nursing Home Staffing Falls Short
Morning Break: Victories for Abortion Foes; 'Tampon Taxes' Under Fire; Adenovirus Death
More Attention Needed on Misdiagnosis, Experts Say
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1964 National League Pennant race, 1967 American League Pennant Race, Baseball in Japan, Boston Red Sox, Crosley Field in Cincinnati, George Altman, Hot bathes, John Tsitouris, Red Sox Impossible Dream 1967 season, St. Louis Cardinals
Baseball Nostalgia: John Tsitouris, George Altman, ’64 and More
It was pitcher John Tsitouris of the Cincinnati Reds, who beat the Philadelphia Phillies (1-0) in the game that started the Phils’ 10 game loss skein that essentially cost them the 1964 National League Pennant.
Tsitouris was also the Reds losing pitcher in a last day of the season game vs the Phillies, which coupled with a St. Louis Cardinals’ win vs the New York Mets, lifted the Cards to the pennant and eventually a World Series title.
Three years later, on a day a great American League race played out, Tsitouris won his only decision of the year, in a meaningless game vs the Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati’s Crosley Field, where John had lost the ’64 finale.
It was George Altman’s last game in the major leagues. He was a three time National League All-Star, playing in both such games in 1961.
Postscripts: 1967 again was a Cardinals’ title season, as they beat the “Impossible Dream” Boston Red Sox in 7, to win the World Series.
The Red Sox had prevailed in the great American League pennant race.
Rather than tell you again, how the wild card presence has ruined the chance of great races such as ’64 N.L. and ’67 A.L. –I choose to recall Altman’s tale of playing baseball in Japan, especially regarding how surprised he was, regarding the very hot temperature of a bath there.
Likely a hot (but not too) bath pictured above.
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Click to copyhttps://apnews.com/2b092304d59e4bb8947bc2eaf183d9fa
A growing list: Trump associates who have pleaded guilty
By MARY CLARE JALONICK and MICHAEL BALSAMODecember 11, 2018
FILE - In this Dec. 7, 2018 file photo, Michael Cohen, former lawyer to President Donald Trump, leaves his apartment building on New York's Park Avenue. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Five people in President Donald Trump’s orbit have pleaded guilty to federal charges. Prosecutors in Washington and New York are investigating whether the Trump campaign coordinated with the Kremlin in the 2016 election and whether Trump directed an illegal hush-money scheme to silence women who said they had sex with him.
A look at those cases:
Cohen pleaded guilty in federal court in New York to lying to Congress about his work on a possible Trump real estate project in Moscow in a case brought by special counsel Robert Mueller’s office.
Cohen — who for more than a decade was a key power player in the Trump Organization and a fixture in Trump’s political life — said he did so to be consistent with Trump’s “political messaging.” Court documents show Cohen is cooperating with Mueller and has met with his team seven times.
Cohen had pleaded guilty in August to eight criminal counts, including campaign-finance violation and other charges. He said Trump directed him to arrange the payment of hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels and a former Playboy model in the run-up to the 2016 campaign.
Prosecutors also have asserted that Cohen committed campaign finance violations “in coordination with and at the direction of” Trump. It’s the first time they have directly tied Trump to a federal crime.
Justice Department legal opinions have found that a sitting president cannot be prosecuted, making the next steps unclear.
That case was brought by prosecutors in Manhattan and is separate from Mueller’s investigation.
Cohen’s sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 12.
Manafort cut a deal with prosecutors in September and pleaded guilty to conspiracy against the United States and conspiracy to obstruct justice. That plea deal headed off a second trial on charges tied to Ukrainian political consulting work.
As part of the agreement, Manafort agreed to cooperate with Mueller’s team “fully, truthfully, completely, and forthrightly.”
But the special counsel’s office accused him last week of violating the agreement by repeatedly lying to investigators. That could expose Manafort to a lengthier sentence and potentially additional criminal charges.
Manafort was separately convicted last summer of eight felony counts related to millions of dollars he hid from the IRS in offshore accounts. The charges are all unrelated to Trump’s campaign.
Trump has distanced himself from Manafort, who led his presidential campaign from May 2016 to August 2016. On Thursday, Trump said it was “very sad” what has happened to Manafort, adding that he’s “never seen anybody treated so poorly.”
Trump said in an interview with the New York Post earlier this week that a potential pardon for Manafort is “not off the table.”
Trump’s former national security adviser, a retired Army lieutenant general who had led the Defense Intelligence Agency, was the first White House official charged in Mueller’s probe. His plea last December to one count of lying to the FBI requires Flynn to cooperate with prosecutors.
In August, the special counsel’s office said Flynn was still not ready to be sentenced, a sign that he is still cooperating.
Flynn was a national security surrogate during the later parts of the campaign. He was charged with lying about conversations with a Russian ambassador during the transition.
Gates, Manafort’s longtime business associate and a former Trump campaign adviser, pleaded guilty in February to federal conspiracy and false-statements charges, saying then he would help Mueller’s investigation in “any and all matters.”
Gates later turned against his former colleague, spending three days on the stand in Manafort’s Virginia trial. He told jurors how he committed crimes alongside Manafort for years and admitted doctoring documents, falsifying information and creating fake loans to lower his former boss’ tax bill. He also acknowledged stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars without Manafort’s knowledge by filing fake expense reports.
GEORGE PAPADOPOULOS
George Papadopoulos, who served as a foreign policy adviser to the Trump campaign, was sentenced in September to 14 days in prison for lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russian intermediaries.
Papadopoulos was the first campaign aide sentenced in Mueller’s investigation, and he was also the person who triggered the initial Russia investigation two years ago. Memos written by House Republicans and Democrats, now declassified, show that information about Papadopoulos’ contacts with Russian intermediaries triggered the FBI’s counterintelligence investigation in July 2016 into potential coordination between Russia and the Trump campaign. That probe was later taken over by Mueller.
The White House has said that Papadopoulos was a low-level volunteer on the campaign.
At his sentencing hearing, Papadopoulos told the judge that he was “deeply embarrassed and ashamed” for lying. Prosecutor Andrew Goldstein said Papadopoulos’ cooperation “didn’t come close to the standard of substantial assistance.”
Papadopoulos was released from a federal prison in Wisconsin last week.
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Blog posts tagged with 'Sarin gas'
History of Biowarfare Part III - Now For Something Completely Horrific -Thursday, October 14, 2010
From a historical perspective, anthrax is probably the most widely used bio-threat known to humans. Some scholars now believe it to be the nasty soot “morain”, spoken of in the book of Exodus and may also be considered a likely candidate for the “burning wind of plague” that begins Homer’s Illad. Anthropologists have recently determined that Yersina Pestis is without a doubt the plague virus behind the Black Death. If these accusations are correct then its’ safe to say anthrax might be the most well recorded bio-threat to date.
As a weapon, anthrax lives up to its reputation. Those infected with the substance will develop ulcerative puss filled lesions; severe respiratory infections and death within two to three days in most cases. The victims also become infectious to those close to them allowing this nasty toxin to spread like wildfire. Anthrax is a bacterium and can become dormant in the ground in a spore type state for long periods of time before springing back to life and re-infecting all over again. In this regard it is not much different then a mold or fungus.
The use of anthrax bacteria in ancient military campaigns as been recorded going back to biblical times. Some barbarians stooped so low as to use the diseased bodies of its’ victims to poison wells and food supplies, and even to catapult them over the walls of fortified cities under siege. In this century combatants on all sides of conflict carried out the military use of anthrax during World War I. By the time we get to World War II, biowarfare becomes actively financed by government officials who, taking a lesson from history, begin to seek out more advanced ways to exploit deadly toxin and other forms of bio-threats inert potency. Reports are said to prove that allied efforts in Canada, the United States, and Britain sought to develop anthrax-based weapons against Germany, but apparently this was never fully realized.
The growing concern for a substance like anthrax being used on heavily populated areas today is nothing to be taken with a grain of salt. When United Nations inspector’s toured Iraq’s bio-weapons facilities after the Gulf War, they discovered, according to some sources, that the Iraqi’s reportedly had produced up to 10,000 liters of bio-weapons grade anthrax, though some dispute this claim. But a sobering reality of the potential of an attack surfaced when the Japanese cult Aum Shinrikyo, the same peace-loving group who was responsible for releasing Sarin gas in the Tokyo Subway system, was later discovered to have been close to developing anthrax-based weapons. This group was seeking nothing less then total world domination. Yes, you read that correctly … “Total World Domination“.
After the anthrax attack that followed five days after 9/11, killing five people and infecting 17 others, it became apparent that the best way for a nation to defend itself from such threats was to create a level of preparedness that would limit the impact of this type of terrorist tactic or eliminate the threat completely. It was then determined that one of the most important factors in limiting this kind of damage by such a heinous act would be in the timing that it would take to identify the what type of biological threats were involved. This information would allow first responders to make rapid and reliable decisions that could mean the difference between saving millions of lives vs. the unthinkable horror of a wide spread plague that could devastate vast numbers of a population. The solution to this dilemma of rapid detection and response would be found in the science of biotechnology.
In order for first responders to know what bio-threat was being presented to them upon receiving that first call to quickly contain the situation, they would require some sort of device that could identify the biological threat as close to the moment of it’s first outbreak as possible. Up until 9/11 no such device existed that could adequately be labeled as rapid detection. The answer to this problem would come in the form of a device known as a chromatographic immunoassay, also known as a hand held assay (HHA). One of the first and best of this kind of test to hit the market was called the BADD single detection test, this test would then later evolve into a multi-threat detection test called the Pro-Strip, allowing for the first time, one test that would give a first responder the ability to read up to 5 threats (Anthrax, Botulinum, Plague, Ricin and SEB toxins) with just one revolutionary device. Created by researches at AdVnt Biotechnologies in Phoenix AZ. these two devices are still being used by military, first response teams and CBRNE teams worldwide due in large part to the consistent reliability, ease of use and cost effective dependability.
As horrific as it must have been to be on the receiving end of bio-terrorism in times past, new, current technologies now exist today that was not available during the times past. With the threat of biological attacks growing more realistic, the likelihood that a highly trained and prepared first response team will have the capabilities to move in quickly, ascertain the situation with rapid, reliable knowledge of the threat involved, downgrade the event from the potential wide spread catastrophe to a much limited and highly contained incident is far more plausible now then at any time in the history of the world.
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Aum Shinrikyo
Badd
BADD single detection test
biological attacks
CBRNE teams
chromatographic immunoassay
First Response Teams
rapid detection
Yersina Pestis
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Dealing with waste lithium batteries
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Caroline Hand discusses how to dispose of waste lithium batteries.
Lithium batteries come in a variety of shapes, sizes and chemistries. Besides the use of small lithium button cells used in watches, digital cameras and other consumer appliances, there are many specialised batteries for scientific, military, aerospace and commercial applications. There are two basic categories of lithium battery: non-rechargeable batteries containing lithium metal, and rechargeable batteries containing salts of lithium. Rechargeable lithium ion (li-ion) batteries are used in mobile phones and laptops, and larger versions power electric cars. Lithium polymer batteries are a category of li-ion rechargeable batteries, which have a range of laboratory and scientific applications, as well as being used in consumer electronics such as laptops and tablets.
Hazards of waste lithium batteries
Lithium metal heats up when exposed to water and can easily catch fire. Lithium-ion batteries were implicated in a plane crash in Dubai in 2010 and consignments of these batteries are now banned from UK and US aircraft, although individual passengers are still allowed to take their laptops on board.
Those responsible for workplace health and safety should be aware that batteries containing metallic lithium become hazardous when the outer casing is damaged and the contents exposed. If improperly disposed to landfill, the batteries can catch fire below the surface of the landfill; landfill fires can burn for a long period and are very difficult to extinguish. However, most consumer batteries still end up in landfill and this is not regarded as a serious risk to the environment. Lithium batteries should never be incinerated due to the risk of explosion.
Lithium batteries can provide extremely high currents and can discharge very rapidly when short-circuited. A too-rapid discharge of a lithium battery can result in overheating of the battery, rupture, and even explosion. Lithium-thionyl chloride batteries are particularly susceptible to this type of discharge. Consumer batteries are much safer, as they incorporate overcurrent or thermal protection or vents in order to prevent explosion.
Pros and cons of recycling
With the exception of lead acid vehicle batteries, battery recycling has not been an economic option in the past as it costs much more to recycle a battery than to dispose of it to landfill. Furthermore, although battery recycling conserves valuable metals, according to US statistics recycled lithium is five times more expensive than lithium obtained through mining and uses six times as much energy as the processing of virgin ore. Lithium-ion batteries only contain a very small percentage of lithium, which is not economic to recycle.
Strategic value of lithium
One of the key justifications for recycling waste electrical and electronic equipment is that it conserves valuable metals such as rare earths, which are either scarce or can only be found outside the EU — whether in China or in politically unstable regions. In the case of lithium batteries, there is not such a strong rationale for recycling.
Lithium is not included in the EU's list of critical raw materials because, compared with other metals, both the supply risk and economic importance are relatively low. However, it was classified as a strategically important metal by the UK Parliament's Science and Technology Committee on account of the projected growth in demand for vehicle batteries. In 2011, the University of Michigan carried out a study into the availability of lithium and concluded that global resources are adequate to meet the demand for electric vehicles throughout this century; looking further ahead, though, an EU study predicted that reserves could be exhausted by 2050 if there is high market penetration of electric vehicles. Over 40% of the world's lithium reserves lie in Bolivia and Chile, but Bolivia has not yet allowed overseas companies to mine the salt flats in which the deposits are found.
The Batteries Regulations 2009
It is important to know the impact of the Batteries Regulations 2009. The EU Batteries Directive, implemented in the UK by the Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations, introduced a producer responsibility regime for batteries by which manufacturers and importers of batteries pay for their collection and recycling. Retailers and other suppliers who sell more than 32kg of batteries each year must take them back from consumers free of charge, and battery collection bins are now seen in most stores. The UK as a whole was set a target of 25% collection of consumer batteries by 2012, rising to 45% by 2016. DEFRA's statistics indicate that the initial target has been met, with a provisional figure of 27.71% of batteries collected for recycling in 2012.
The actual recycling is organised by compliance schemes such as BatteryBack, which collects batteries on behalf of its members and ensures that they are recycled to the standards laid down in the directive. For lithium batteries, at least 50% of the collected batteries must be recycled (the targets are higher for lead-acid and Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) batteries).
This legislation has created a market for battery recycling and has resulted in the development of new infrastructure. Until recently, all collected batteries were sent to other European countries, such as Belgium, for recycling. However, UK capacity is now set to grow significantly. Europe's first facility for the recycling of lithium ion batteries was opened at Golspie, Scotland in 2004 by AEA Technology and, in October 2010, Veolia unveiled its plans to build a recycling facility for portable (consumer) batteries. This new capacity should reduce the cost of recycling relative to disposal.
Recycling of lithium batteries
Lithium battery recycling is well established in the USA and an American company gives the following description of their recycling process:
“Lithium ion batteries are recycled in a specialised 'room temperature, oxygen-free', mechanical process during which the battery components are separated into three end products. These items are cobalt and lithium salt concentrate, stainless steel and copper, aluminium and plastic. All of these materials are then put back on the market to be reused in new products.”
To recycle batteries containing lithium metal, ferrous and non-ferrous metals are recovered using an alkaline solution, and the lithium is converted to lithium carbonate, which can be used again in batteries.
Another US company uses liquid nitrogen to freeze lithium-based batteries before shredding, crushing and removal of the lithium, as well as other battery components. The lithium is dissolved in a solution to make the metal non-reactive and is sold for producing lubricating greases. Similarly, the cobalt is separated, collected and sold.
Practical guidance on management of waste lithium batteries
Ideally, all waste batteries should be collected separately and sent for recycling. Free collection services are offered by the battery compliance schemes and waste contractors. With lithium batteries, care must be taken to ensure that the batteries are not damaged while awaiting collection. On no account should these batteries be incinerated.
Special precautions and procedures are necessary for lithium polymer batteries. Undamaged batteries should be discharged and stored safely in salt water; the detailed procedure is given below.
Place the Lithium Polymer battery in a fireproof container or bucket of sand.
Connect the battery to a Lithium Polymer discharger and discharge safely until its voltage reaches 1.0V per cell or lower. For resistive load type discharges, discharge the battery for up to 24 hours.
Prepare a bucket or tub containing three to five gallons of cold water, and mix in 1/2 cup of salt per gallon of water. This container should have a lid, but it does not need to be airtight.
Drop the battery into the salt water. Allow the battery to remain in the tub of salt water for at least two weeks.
Remove the Lithium Polymer battery from the salt water and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Damaged batteries should be placed directly into salt water and disposed of as hazardous waste.
Hazardous waste classification and transport
Workplace management may be somewhat surprised to know that lithium batteries are not classified as hazardous waste by the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005. The European Waste Catalogue lists NiCd and mercury-containing batteries as hazardous, but there is no specific category for lithium batteries, merely a category of “other batteries” classified as non-hazardous.
Lithium is, however, mentioned in the Environment Agency's guidance on hazardous waste as a substance whose presence could render a waste hazardous on account of its flammability.
Waste management companies are likely to err on the side of caution where batteries are concerned: for example Wastecare, which is a partner in the Batteryback scheme, consigns all batteries as hazardous waste. Where lithium batteries are mixed with other types of battery the consignment should be classified as hazardous waste.
The Environment Agency, in its guidance on battery returns, explains that although non-hazardous in terms of the 2005 Regulations, lithium batteries still present a risk. It should be realised that they should not be put in the post (and are banned from air mail) and are subject to dangerous goods legislation when transported by road, rail or sea. Lithium batteries are classified by the ADR Regulations as Class 9 (other dangerous goods) and must be packaged in a UN container conforming to Packing Group II specifications.
Last reviewed 2 October 2013
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Sum 41 Get Political With '45 (A Matter Of Time)' Video: Watch
posted by Katrina Nattress - Jul 11, 2019
With Sum 41's upcoming album Order In Decline's release date a mere week away, the punk rockers have given us another taste on what to expect — and it's the most political track yet. "45 (A Matter Of Time)" is about the United State's current president, and its music video mirrors the band's thoughts by depicting a literal cartoon character candidate by the name of "Cosmo."
"I, believe that I, am losing faith/ In all of human kind, but then I realize/ It’s plain to see, that a number is just all you are to me" frontman Deryck Whibley sings during the chorus while the video's protagonist stands up to Cosmo supporters at a rally, asking how they can stand behind him.
"45 (A Matter Of Time)" follows other sociopolitical singles "Out For Blood"and "A Death In The Family,", as well as the deeply personal ballad "Never There."Order In Decline is slated for a July 19 release. Watch the "45 (A Matter Of Time" video below.
Despite the seemingly political nature of the album, Whibley considers it more of a personal project than a political one.
“I’m not going to write a protest record,” he bluntly told Alternative Press in a recent interview. “I’m not going to talk about specific policies and trying to change the world or impeach the president and all of this kind of stuff. But I can talk about how I don’t like [Trump]. I can talk about my own personal feelings, I guess. If I have some sort of anger, I can write an angry song, but I’m not necessarily saying time’s up. We need to impeach the president. A lot of people are. There’s a whole movement of trying to go down that road, and I support that route to a certain degree. I’m all for voting him out, but yeah, he’s not my kind of guy.”
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Adventurers’ Home
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James Fenimore Cooper and Dr. James Still in New Jersey
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The desk and books of James Fenimore Cooper ©Author Adventures
New Jersey certainly loves its authors! James Fenimore Cooper only lived at his birthplace home in Burlington as a baby (1789), but it is preserved for visitors to this day. (See #37 of The City of Burlington Historic District website.)
Cooper Doll photo courtesy of Uneek Doll Designs
As a young man, Cooper was schooled in Burlington and later stopped by the house and met the new owners, as is recorded in his writings.
Cooper’s best-known books are The Last of the Mohicans and The Deerslayer, which can be found at www.gutenberg.org. The tribe “Mohicans” is Cooper’s variant spelling of a tribe that lived in the area during his time named the “Mahicans.”
The walkway next to the Cooper home leads to a research library that will provide the information you need to learn what life was like for the Coopers and how the house changed through the years.
Of special note is a display of early editions of The Last of the Mohicans published in many languages and with different illustrators.
The chair possibly belonging to Cooper’s mother ©Author Adventures
An interesting anecdote is that a chair that may have belonged to the mother of James Fenimore Cooper remains in the house. As the story goes, she did not want to move out of the house when the time came, so she was lifted out while sitting in the chair.
While visiting, you will also see a bed and other belongings of the brother of Napoleon, who had fled to the same area.
The house next to the Cooper house is another historical structure that now serves as a charming interactive children’s museum for ages 3 to 9, thanks to grant funding.
©Author Adventures
Dr. James Still Historic Office and Education Center
South of the James Fenimore Cooper Birthplace and also in Burlington County is the historical medical office of Dr. James Still, open to the public two Sundays a month, and now serving the local community as an education center. Visit the website of the Dr. James Still Center for updates and information at www.drjamesstillcenter.org.
Dr. James Still (1812-1882) was a son of slaves and descendant of a Guinean prince in Africa, according to www.americaslibrary.gov, which also states this about his brother William:
In 1872 William Still wrote the classic book The Underground Railroad about the heroism of the runaway slaves, many of who stopped at his house on their way to freedom, and the people who helped them escape. If you want to learn more about the people on the Underground Railroad, this would be a good book to read.
As an adult, James decided to study medicine in order to serve the community as a doctor. Today, the type of doctor he became would be called a general practitioner because the occupation treats a full range of physical ailments.
As part of his medical practice, he experimented with using herbs to create medicinal treatments and allowed patients to purchase the healing mixtures in order to continue to work on their healing independently. He became very popular and eventually one of the wealthiest landowners in Burlington County, New Jersey, according to www.drjamesstillcenter.org.
Dr. James Still’s autobiography is entitled Early Recollections and the Life of Dr. James Still. It was published in 1877, according to www.goodreads.org.
These two stops are the final stops on our New Jersey Trail!
Patricia Smart
We're so excited about the Hamner homestead getting ready to inspire even more generations to cherish "The Waltons." Expansion to open in October, including a new Waltons-themed bed-and-breakfast. Book soon at thewaltonhamnerhouse.com!
To find out more about us, click here: Our Team.
The fastest way to reach us is through the Author Adventures Facebook page. Feel free to leave us a private message there and we will get back to you pronto
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…or catch us at one of our offices in Los Angeles or Washington, DC. If we miss each other for coffee, remember that tea is at 4:00.
© 2013-2019 Author Adventures. All Rights Reserved
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Other Motorsports
Formulec announces new electric racing series
Quentin Spurring
The new Formulec car which debuted in Cancún, Mexico.
The United Nations Climate Change Conference in Cancún, Mexico, included the announcement of the Formulec EF01, an all-electric single-seater conceived to introduce a new, multichassis, international track-racing series in 2013.
The target is for on-track performance on par with the FIA Formula Three series, which is based on a 2.0-liter internal-combustion engine. The car was developed during the past 30 months by French company Segula Matra Technologies, one of Europe's biggest engineering consultancy groups.
The powertrain, developed by the same team responsible for the Andros and Exagon Furtive eGT ice racers, consists of a pair of Siemens electric motors mated to a two-speed transmission purpose-designed by Hewland. Sufficient energy to race for 20 to 25 minutes is stored in SAFT lithium-ion batteries, which take 60 to 90 minutes to recharge.
The monocoque and bodywork of the new car were developed by the Mercedes GP Petronas Formula One team, using a 40 percent scale model in its on-site wind tunnel in Brackley, England.
Michelin adapted new energy-saving tires to suit the power and torque of the motors.
A prototype Formulec has been track-tested at Magny-Cours by Jules Bianchi and on the Le Mans Bugatti circuit by Alexandre Prémat. The car could accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in three seconds and exceed 155 mph. Ongoing track testing will be managed by the ART Grand Prix team.
The promoters in Paris plan a 10-event championship on five continents in 2012, when they will develop the technical regulations with a view to throwing open the formula to other constructors in 2013.
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Tag: Michael Kors
Alexandre Cunha - the most successful Brazilian model
Born in 9th June 1987, Alex Cunha is a Brazilian Fashion model who was discovered as he scouted on a bus at the age of 17. Ever since he joined the fashion modelling industry, Alex has gain immense success and has since become of the most successful Brazilian models today. He is well-known for his killer body-well-sculptured and toned and beautiful skin as well. He is also known for his charming smile and sexiness. He is adored by many and has made his name in the industry in the most fashionable way-he is definitely a rising star.
Michael Kors to Be Guest of The Atelier with Alina Cho on June 21
The next guest of The Atelier with Alina Cho will be fashion designer Michael Kors, Honorary Chairman & Chief Creative Officer of Michael Kors, on Wednesday, June 21, at 6:30 p.m. at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Kors, a renowned creator of 21st-century American style for women and men, is as adept with words as he is with design. The master of cut and one-liners will share his humor and insight with veteran journalist Alina Cho. They will explore the details of how Kors built his empire over the last three decades, beginning as a five-year-old advising his mother on her wedding dress, to his role as a judge on Project Runway, on through his company's IPO and success as a public company.
Fashion Photographers
Vincenzo Grillo - one of the photographers of Pitti Uomo 91
Vincenzo Grillo was born in Vibo Valentia, Calabria, in 1985. He begun to shoot since he was a child driven by his father’s love and experience. After graduating he moved to Milan where his brother, a photographer as well, engaged the world of fashion and beauty around the world.
New York Fashion Week: Men's - Michael Kors Spring-Summer 2017 collection
American fashion designer Michael Kors presented his Spring 2017 Men's collection two days ago in the USA during the New York Fashion Week: Men's (held July 11-14, 2016).
Michael Kors with a new store in London
'Each floor is focused on a different category, with the lower floor being men's, the ground floor centered on accessories, and the top floor all about ready-to-wear, so it will be easy for our customers to find what they're looking for'.
Adam Katz Sinding - one of the most wanted in the fashion
Adam Katz Sinding - Self-Taught + Self-Motivated. Adam Katz Sinding was born on 3th of May 1983 in San Francisco, CA, and raised in Tacoma, WA. Living in Seattle, WA from 2001-2010, and a 6 month period in Paris, France, he now resides in Brooklyn, NY.
Michael Kors Spring/Summer 2016 collection
Earthy elegance romantic softness juxtaposed with relaxed tailoring. The feminine flourishes of ruffles, chantilly lace and rustic floral embroideries, the sensuous attitude of clothes that wrap, tie and slide.
Fall/Winter 2015-2016 Fashion trends: Reefer style
It reminds the military style and includes a double-breasted coat with wide shoulders, which may vary in length and color (but mainly black or brown) and can be combined with trousers or a dress.
Michael Kors Resort 2016 Collection
Graphic glamour...deco sportif...geometric hexagon, octagon and diamond motifs play off bold stripes and crisp piping. Optimistic tones of coral and geranium paired with shades of caramel, dune and black. Sharp black and white, electric accents of lime and aqua. Neatly tailored coats, jackets and trousers juxtaposed with the movement of softly pleated skirts and dresses. Scarf dressing in relaxed kimono and wrap shapes, the neatly structured shoulder bag and the graphic clutch.
Must-haves in blue by Michael Kors
The perfectly polished Greenwich is this season's to go. On work days, play up the structured silhouette by pairing with monochrome tailored pieces letting the colorful interior pop. On weekends, make it the refined juxtaposition to laid-back dresses or over-sized knits and skinnies.
Best Holiday 2014 looks by Michael Kors
As the holiday season hits its stride, the party invites come piling in. From casual cocktails to sumptuous soirées and an all-out New Year’s Eve celebration, there are so many reasons to dress up. But what to wear everywhere? With so many options— sparkle and lace, prints and little black dresses–ensemble planning can get a little complicated. Enter our glam guide to party dressing that will ensure you look chic, whatever the occasion.
Colour trends for Summer 2013
Summer fashion is often bright and uplifting, so are the colour fashion trends for 2013 any different? The catwalks this year have featured a variety of colours, tones and hues right across the spectrum, however there are a few fantastic stand-out trends to really heat up the year! Here is your guide to Summer 2013's ultimate colour trends.
Michael Kors thinks every woman should have a pair of white jeans
Michael Kors thinks every woman should own a pair of white jeans. The designer is a huge fan of the light-coloured denim trousers as he thinks they look great in every season and work with lots of combinations.
He said: "The best thing in the world is to look as though you've not spent any time working on it, so it must look a bit throwaway, and as though you have just returned from holiday even if you haven't. I believe in white jeans - for winter also. You can throw on white jeans with a heavy cashmere pullover and tell people, 'Oh, I've just returned from a week in the islands.' They are both casual and dressed up at the same time."
Michael Kors with a summer collection of handbags and shoes
Michael Kors fashion brand completed the work on its summer collection of shoes and bags, designed by the stylish designer.
The brand published a series of photos of the new models. The promotional posters for the campaign are the work of the most famous fashion photographer at the moment - Mario Testino.
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by Beaverton Foods | Aug 15, 2018 | Uncategorized | 0 comments
HILLSBORO, OR – (March 12, 2018) – Oregon’s 89-year-old specialty condiment manufacturer is celebrating the recent announcement that its Beaver Brand™ Extra Hot Horseradish is the recipient of a ChefsBest® 2018 Award of Excellence. The Beaver Brand™ is the No. 1 selling horseradish in the country and the brand is the top selling specialty branded mustard in the West*.
ChefsBest® identifies and honors the best-tasting grocery products to support the companies that make them and the people who choose to select them. By utilizing a proprietary judging process called SAQA®, “Sensory Attribute Quality Analysis,” the ChefsBest Certified Master Tasters® identify high quality and best-tasting food, which can result in one of three awards. The ChefsBest® Excellence Award is awarded to brands that surpass quality standards established by independent professional chefs.
Domonic Biggi, CEO of Beaverton Foods, said he is thrilled with the honor. He added that he intends to highlight it with changes to the product label in the new year.
“Earning this honor from professional chefs in the industry is a true testament to the quality of our products we make here at our fourth generation, family business,” Biggi said. “It was an extensive, but worthwhile process to receive the ChefsBest® Excellence Award. The Extra Hot Horseradish is one of many award-winning products that my Dad has developed using his gift of creating innovative and great-tasting specialty condiments.”
The Beaver Brand Extra Hot Horseradish comes in two retail sizes: 4 oz. and 8.5 oz.; selling for $1.99 and $2.99 respectively. Foodservices sizes are available for restaurants and other institutional uses.
Beaverton Foods’ Inglehoffer brand is the No. 1 selling specialty branded mustard in the US and it’s the second leading shelf-stable horseradish in the US*.
It is the largest Safe Quality Food (SQF) certified processor of authentic wasabi products in North America. The company offers a variety of best-selling gourmet sauces, garlic, spices, and other unique specialty condiments packaged under these labels: Beaver, Inglehoffer, Napa Valley, Tulelake, Pacific Farms and Charlie’s Salsa. In addition to its brands, the company develops, produces and co-packs a wide range of products for companies in the US and abroad.
About Beaverton Foods:
Since 1929, the privately held Beaverton Foods has thrived by following wholesome business practices set in place by Founder Rose Biggi (pronounced Bee Gee). What started in Rose’s basement, grinding and bottling homegrown horseradish roots, has now grown to a family owned, multimillion dollar corporation with more than 150 specialty condiments. These products are sold in mainstream grocery and specialty foods stores, restaurants, and gourmet shops throughout the US and in 12 foreign countries.
Today, Rose’s son Gene Biggi serves as company Chairman. CEO Domonic Biggi refers to his father as the “Maestro of Mustard” and “Master Innovator.” Gene Biggi first developed his palate for developing unique specialty condiments from his mother Rose’s kitchen as a kid. He was the first in the nation to develop and bottle Chinese Hot Mustard and Honey Mustard. Domonic says his father is actively involved in all new product development. Fourth generation Jeff Biggi says of his grandfather: “He is self-made … he created the category niches; there was no jalapeno, fruit or whole grain categories when he started developing mustards in the 1950s.”
Industry professionals share the same sentiments about Gene Biggi. National Mustard Museum Curator Barry Levenson called Gene “fearless” in the art of mustard making. “Gene Biggi never ceases to amaze me,” he noted. “He still comes up with new mustard flavors that seem to anticipate the hottest trends in taste. Gene is not only imaginative; he is also fearless. Not every flavor will take off, but he is willing to commit to adventurous flavors.”
The company has 70 employees at its 70,000-square-foot headquarters based in Hillsboro, Oregon. In addition to its HACCP program the fourth-generation family owned company also has the following certifications: kosher, organic, gluten free and SQF (Safe Quality Food). For more information, call (503) 646-8138 or visit www.beavertonfoods.com. Orders can be made online or by calling (800) 223-8076.
*I.R.I., Total US Food, 52 weeks ending Oct. 8, 2017
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December 2013 Defence & Security Industry - Military - Army News
Army of Russia has deployed Iskander-M tactical ballistic missile near its borders with NATO 1712133
Posted On Tuesday, 17 December 2013 08:49
Army of Russia has deployed Iskander-M tactical ballistic missile near its borders with NATO
Russia confirmed Monday, December 16, 2013, that it has deployed tactical ballistic missiles near its borders with NATO but said the move did not violate international agreements. Bild newspaper in Germany reported over the weekend that Russia had “quietly” moved 10 Iskander-M (SS-26 Stone) missile systems into its Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad and along its border with the Baltic States and NATO members Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Tuesday, December 17, 2013 09:48 AM
United States military will transport African troops from Burundi to Central African Republic 101213
Hungarian army receive 12 MRAP armoured vehicles MaxxPro Plus from United States 0912135
Several new air defense systems enter in service with the Iranian armed forces 0912134
India has recently conducted field trial tests with new local-made Arjun Mk-II main battle tank 0912
New Zealand Army takes delivery of first 40 trucks from Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia
New Zealand’s Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Rhys R. Jones recently accepted the first 40 vehicles from Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia. The New Zealand Defence Force started replacing its current fleet of Unimogs and type with high mobility 6-tonne HX60 4x4 with cargo tray and cargo tray with winch variants.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013 07:58 AM
Russia to deliver modern military equipment and armoured to Kyrgyzstan for $1 billion 1612135
Posted On Monday, 16 December 2013 10:34
Russia to deliver modern military equipment and armoured to Kyrgyzstan for $1 billion
Russia will begin arms shipments to Kyrgyzstan in the near future as part of a $1 billion deal signed last year to modernize the Central Asian country’s military, Kyrgyzstan’s president said at a news conference Monday, December 16, 2013.
Monday, December 16, 2013 11:47 AM
Russia could export military equipment and weapons for more than $50 billion annually by 2020 161213
Russia could export military equipment and weapons for more than $50 billion annually by 2020
By 2020, Russia will be able to reach the level of $50 billion annually in arms exports, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said.Russia could quadruple its annual arms sales to $50 billion by 2020 in a race for the top spot on the global arms exporters list.
Iranian Army has successfully test-fired new home-made anti-tank rocket during military exercises
The Iranian Army has successfully test-fired its new anti-tank rocket along with a series of other weapons, Ground Force Commander Brigadier General Ahmad Reza Pourdastan announced on Sunday, December 15, 2013. In July 2012, former Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi inaugurated the production line of a new home-made anti-armor missile system named 'Dehlaviyeh'.
Chinese army soldiers conduct first mission as peacekeepers in Mali 1612131
Chinese army soldiers conduct first mission as peacekeepers in Mali
The first batch of 135 Chinese Army peacekeepers in Mali have conducted the mission's first defense drilling operation to improve emergency handling capabilities, according to the Chinese Ministry of National Defense on Friday, December 13, 2013.
Kazakhstan and Turkey opened new facility to produce optical-electronic military equipment 1512134
Posted On Sunday, 15 December 2013 13:04
Kazakhstan and Turkey opened new facility to produce optical-electronic military equipment
December 2013, in Astana the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Kazakhstan Adilbek Dzhaksybekov and the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Turkey Ismet Yilmaz founded the joint Kazakh-Turkish facility “Kazakhstan Aselsan engineering” for production of the optical-electronic military equipment.
Sunday, December 15, 2013 01:54 PM
Iran unveils new home-made cyber defense products including secure cell phone 1512134
Iran unveils new home-made cyber defense products including secure cell phone
Iran unveiled 12 new home-made technological products in a ceremony attended by Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan and Head of Iran’s Civil Defense Organization Brigadier General Gholam Reza Jalali in Tehran on Saturday, December 14, 2013.
Global Defense & Security News Web TV December 2013 Television channel Army Recognition military
Defense & Security News Web TV Channel December 2013 of Army Recognition Company
Defense and Security News Web TV of December 2013, a global monthly TV Channel bringing you coverage and reports on military news as well as defense and security, business, technology, exhibition, events, and products with the goal to serve an audience of senior military, government and industry decision-makers throughout the world.
Sunday, December 15, 2013 11:09 AM
More than 45% of the Russian Strategic Nuclear Forces will be equipped with new weapons 1412132
Posted On Saturday, 14 December 2013 15:40
More than 45% of the Russian Strategic Nuclear Forces will be equipped with new weapons
Four divisions and one regiment of the Russian army will be equipped with Yars RS-24 missiles and two brigades will receive Iskander tactical missiles in 2014, announced Tuesday, December 10, 2013 the Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.
Saturday, December 14, 2013 03:20 PM
Russian-made S-300 air defense missile system test-fired for the first time by Army Greece 1412131
Russian-made S-300 air defense missile system test-fired for the first time by Army of Greece
Armed forces of Greece test-fired a Russian-made S-300 air defense system on Friday, December 13, 2013, for the first time since it was bought 14 years ago. This was the first test of the missile system conducted by a NATO member. Part of a military exercise of the Greek armed forces, code-named ‘White Eagle 2013’, the test was attended by Greek Defence Minister Demetris Avramopoulos and his Cypriot counterpart Fotis Fotiou. Saturday, December 14, 2013 11:24 AM
AAD Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition exerts positive impact on economy of South Africa 131213
Posted On Friday, 13 December 2013 16:13
AAD Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition exerts positive impact on economy of South Africa
A study commissioned by the Africa Aerospace & Defence (AAD) partnership has confirmed that the bi-annual AAD airshow defence exhibition exerts a significant positive impact on the economy, particularly the Tshwane regional economy. The Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2014 is one of the world’s premier Aerospace and Defence exhibition that holds a prominent position within the Aviation and Defence calendar. Friday, December 13, 2013 04:59 PM
1,800 private companies in China have now licenses for research and production of weaponry 1312138
1,800 private companies in China have now licenses for research and production of weaponry
A document entitled Military-Civilian Integration Development Report of China in 2013 (hereinafter referred to as the report) was unveiled on December 12, 2013 in Beijing. The report says that China’s military industry has stepped up the pace of opening to private enterprises, as evidenced by that over 1,800 private enterprises have obtained the licenses for research and production of weaponry and equipment.
Friday, December 13, 2013 11:55 AM
France and Brazil to enhance cooperation in the fields of defense and cyber security 1312137
France and Brazil to enhance cooperation in the fields of defense and cyber security
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and her French counterpart, Francois Hollande, agreed Thursday, December 12, 2013, to enhance cooperation in defense and high technology. "France and Brazil maintain cooperation that is unique due to its content, reach and scope, especially in the areas of defense and high-performance technology," said Brazilian President Rousseff.
Raytheon Patriot PAC-2 missile test fired with new modernized radar with digital processor 1312136
Raytheon Patriot PAC-2 missile test fired with new modernized radar with digital processor
Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Patriot Air and Missile Defense System test fired nine Patriot missiles at McGregor Range, N.M., during its annual Field Surveillance Program (FSP), successfully engaging inbound and outbound unmanned air breathing targets.
Raytheon demonstrates Excalibur GPS guided-projectile compatibility with PzH-2000 howitzer 1312135
Raytheon demonstrates Excalibur GPS guided-projectile compatibility with PzH-2000 howitzer
The U.S. Army and Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) successfully fired 10 precision-guided Excalibur projectiles during the final phase of compatibility testing at Yuma Proving Ground. This live-fire demonstration, funded by the U.S., Germany and supported by Raytheon-funded initial testing, marked the completion of a multi-phase assessment that verified Excalibur's compatibility and performance with the PzH2000 self-propelled howitzer. Friday, December 13, 2013 10:58 AM
Raytheon Chemring Group successfully fired Javelin missile from Centurion multirole launcher 1312134
Raytheon and Chemring Group successfully fired Javelin missile from Centurion multirole launcher
Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), acting through its Missile Systems business, and Chemring Group (LSE: CHG), acting through Chemring Countermeasures, successfully fired a Javelin missile from the multirole CENTURION® launcher during testing at the Defence Training Estate on Salisbury Plain in England.
MBDA contract research - technology under MCM-ITP Materials and Components Missiles programme 131213
MBDA contract research - technology under MCM-ITP Materials and Components Missiles programme
MBDA has been awarded a contract by the UK MoD’s DSTL (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory) and the French DGA (Direction Générale de l’Armement) to launch a new tranche of research and technology (R&T) under the aegis of the MCM-ITP (Materials and Components for Missiles - Innovation and Technology Partnership) research and technology programme.
U.S. Army test successfully HEL MD mounted laser weapon against mortar rounds aerial targets 1312131
US Army tests successfully HEL MD mounted laser weapon against mortar rounds and aerial targets
The United States Army High Energy Laser Mobile Demonstrator, or HEL MD, underwent multiple test events between Nov. 18 and Dec. 10, at White Sands Missile Range. The U.S. Army used a vehicle-mounted high-energy laser for the first time to successfully engage more than 90 mortar rounds and several unmanned aerial vehicles in flight.
Kazakhstan to produce a full range of military vehicles with Paramount Group of South Africa 1212134
Posted On Thursday, 12 December 2013 11:05
Kazakhstan to produce a full range of military vehicles with Paramount Group of South Africa
Kazakhstan launched a project Wednesday in the Kazakh capital of Astana to produce specialized vehicles, including vehicles for military uses, with South Africa' s Paramount Group, said Kazakh Defense Minister Adilbek Dzhaksybekov.
Thursday, December 12, 2013 11:55 AM
Russia to increase defense spending by nearly two-thirds to $97 billion by 2016 1212133
Russia to increase defense spending by nearly two-thirds to $97 billion by 2016
President Vladimir Putin and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu laid out Russia’s arms procurement roadmap for 2014 on Tuesday, December 10, 2013, including new strategic missiles, tanks and aircraft. “In 2014 more than 40 of the newest intercontinental ballistic missiles, 210 aircraft, and more than 250 armored vehicles will enter into the armed forces,” President Putin said at a meeting of the country’s top military leadership. Thursday, December 12, 2013 11:35 AM
Lockheed Martin JLTV vehicle successfully completes U.S. Manufacturing Readiness Assessment 1212131
Lockheed Martin JLTV vehicle successfully completes U.S. Manufacturing Readiness Assessment
The Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) team successfully completed the government’s Manufacturing Readiness Assessment (MRA), an important milestone on the path to vehicle production at the company’s Camden, Ark., manufacturing complex.
Japan could be interested to purchase Oshkosh MRAP M-ATV or Bushmaster 4x4 armoured vehicles 1112131
Japan could be interested to purchase Oshkosh MRAP M-ATV or Bushmaster 4x4 armoured vehicles
According to the Kyodo News International website, Japan is considering to purchase MRAP armoured vehicles M-ATV from United States or Bushmaster 4x4 APC from Australia. The recently revised law enables the SDF to use land vehicles for the role abroad in addition to aircraft and ships, but the vehicles need to have enough safety features against potential terrorist attacks.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013 11:03 AM
SAAB to deliver laser-based training systems for U.S. Armys armored combat vehicles 1012135
SAAB to deliver laser-based training systems for U.S. Army’s armored combat vehicles
Defence and security company Saab has been awarded the first option year of a multi-year contract for the next generation of laser-based training systems for U.S. Army’s armored combat vehicles. The order value is $ 11.8 million.
United States to increase missile defense spending and collaboration with Israel 1012133
United States to increase missile defense spending and collaboration with Israel
United States House and Senate Armed Services Committees would increase American missile defense spending by some $358 million, bringing the total to $9.5 billion. Funds for missile defense collaboration are separate from the average $3 billion (NIS 10.5 billion) in defense assistance Israel receives from the United States annually
BAE Systems to provide a range of services to support space and mission defense for U.S. Army 101213
BAE Systems to provide a range of services to support space and mission defense for U.S. Army
The U.S. Army has selected BAE Systems to provide a range of services to support space and mission defense as part of an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity contract worth as much as $220 million over three years.
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Making Aid Work for basic education Evidence from the Philippines 4Ps Programme in Quezon City A Thesis Proposal Presented to the Faculty of International Studies Department De La Salle University In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Master of International Studies PARRAS, Maria Patricia U. Submitted to Dr. Dennis Trinidad August 2018 Table of Contents Acknowledgement Abstract Acronyms Chapter I Introduction Background of the Study Statement of the Problem Hypothesis Theoretical and Conceptual Framework Significance of the Study Scope and Limitations Chapter II Review of Related Literature Education and Development Foreign Aid Education as a Priority in funding Aid interventions in the past Aid Effectiveness A. Aid Effectiveness in education CHAPTER III. Methodology Research Design Data Collection Procedure Population and Sampling Instrument Data Analysis Orientation Chapter IV Results and Discussions Chapter V Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations Summary Conclusions Recommendations Bibliography Appendices Acknowledgement (DRAFT) This study would not be possible without the guidance and the help of several individuals who in one way or another contributed and extended their valuable assistance in the preparation and completion of this study. First and foremost, our utmost gratitude to all our interviewees ..(insert names) who made time for us despite their schedules. The researcher also owe our deepest gratitude to Professor ___________ for his patience, motivation, enthusiasm, immense knowledge and unfailing support as the thesis adviser. The researcher also wish to thank _____________________________________ for their inputs as mentor and editor. The researcher would also like to thank ______________________________ for sharing his steadfast encouragement to complete this study. Last but not the least, the researcher would like to thank her family whose continued guidance and support is irrevocable and the one above all of us, the omnipresent God, for answering prayers and giving strength to plod on despite the hardships and challenges the researcher encountered during thesis writing, thank you so much Dear Lord. Abstract (insert here) Keywords Basic education, aid effectiveness, conditional cash transfer CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION Background of the Study Poverty remains a potent crux that perpetuates out-of-school and drop-outs children. Some children are forced to drop out of school to seek employment outside their homes in order to augment their household income as well as to ensure their survival. The United Nations 2013 data confirms that there is a rising concern that all children- esp. children from low income households, girls, and minorities- are not afforded with equal educational opportunities. Poverty is defined in two ways one is seen as a multi-dimensional concept, and the lack of education is poverty itself. Second is associated to monetary dimension. Education has been found to contribute to development directly because of its relevance to the well-being and freedom of people, indirectly through influencing social change, and indirectly through economic production. The model of education as human capital is seen as a vital instrument for reducing poverty. In other words, investing in education leads to the formation of human capital, which is an important factor for development. The stock of skills and knowledge enables individuals to become economically productive. Whereas in a human development approach, it does not view education as a means of development, but as development itself, the lack of education is not just a cause of poverty, but poverty itself. Reducing poverty is highly unlikely not unless knowledge, capabilities, and skills are extended to the marginalized sector of the society. Several organizations have found statistical support to the claim that education is a key to the development of individuals, households, communities, and societies. This has been justified by the UNESCOs report showing a correlation between education and poverty better educated people generates more money better quality education improves local economies, which in turn increases income and thirdly, education provides other social benefits which helps reduce poverty such as low mortality rates and fertility, and empowerment of women in the workforce. Interestingly, the model of education as human capital continues to be a central concept of development and education analysis and a central impetus for investing in education. Foreign aid emerged with the introduction of the Marshall Plan by the US to support the reconstruction of European countries. This plan led to the development of the World Bank, the IMF, and the United Nations. Aid continued to place priority on infrastructure in areas of the world where there is low human capital, weak public institutions, and high levels of inefficiency. In the emergence of newly independent less developed states in the 1950s, the rationale of foreign assistance shifted to economic growth where the role of aid was seen as a source of capital to spur economic growth through higher investments. It was in the late 1950s and early 1960s when the causal relationship between education and development was accepted by academics and policymakers. It was in the early 1960s when education was first included as a component in the foreign assistance to support workforce development plan. As sectoral development processes began to be better understood in the 1960s, the importance of investing in human capital to overcome resource scarcities through technical assistance began to be appreciated by the development community. Education as a vital tool for development came to the scene during the 1970s when the primary objective of aid is to increase the living standards of the poor through increased employment opportunities. Aid was no longer closely identified to economic growth and exclusively as a source of domestic and external savings. The international aid scene has a greater focus on poverty, and on peoples welfare in general. The two major donors with their advocacy of anti-poverty programmes were World Bank and USAID. In essence, it became clear that in the 1960s and 1970s that a large portion of a nations economic growth could be attributed to the quality of its labor force measured by the expansion of education and health. By the 1980s, education had expanded and grown to include primary and secondary education. The sudden shift was triggered by the World Banks publication of an education policy paper in 1980 which assessed the costs and earnings of manpower including the calculation of economic rates of return on education investments. The common finding was that primary education had the highest economic returns. In short, primary education is the most viable means for reducing poverty. Having the importance of basic education in mind, in the 1990s, a prevailing pattern of education, education for all, surfaced that highlights primary education among donors In recognition of the fact that that education is a foundation for progress, in the early 2000s, member states of the UN has made achieving the universal primary education in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It recognized the initiative in Education for All, based on Dakar Actions Framework in 2000, a global commitment to provide equal access of education for both girls and boys. More importantly, the EFA is one of the global efforts being made in achieving the 2015 Millennium Development Goals, where access to education represents as an underpinning in expanding human capabilities and freedoms. Last September 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) replaced the MDGs prominently including the quality perspective and its aim of inclusive and equitable quality education This advancement has been the prevailing approach of education aid in recipient countries until today. Aid-receiving countries, particularly the Philippines, is one of the countries that receives foreign assistance to improve its education sector in partnership with its donors such as ADB, World Bank, and AusAID. At present, the countrys educational system has several issues that need to be addressed in order to improve the access and quality of education to most of its population In the report of the National Statistics Office (NSO), a great number of school age children are engaged in both work and school. The average dropout rate is 7.34 percent for elementary and 13.10 percent for high school. More often than not, dropping out often translates into a child working to help augment the familys income. Depressed areas of the Philippines are generally unable to provide or sustain basic education services at levels that ensure a child can break from the poverty cycle. More importantly, the poverty level in the Philippines remains much higher than any other nation in Southeast Asia. Despite the foreign aids success on high levels of children entering the school system, there are still pressing concerns regarding those children who are out of school, not completing primary school, and most importantly the quality of primary and secondary education. In the UNDPs 2013 data, results show 59 million children of primary-school age were out of school. Estimation among those 59 million children, 1 in 5 of those children had dropped out and recent studies show that 2 in 5 children will never set foot in a classroom. Moreover, children from the poorest households are nearly 4 times to be out-of-school in contrast to their well-off counterparts. Some of the key factors that hampers the quality of education are the standard of student teacher ratio, reflecting 29 percent of elementary schools and 37 percent of high schools have less teachers, whereas others have surplus the book student ratio shows a 16 in public elementary and 18 in public secondary schools and a decrease in the NAT, where students averaged between 30-50 percent instead of 75 percent as a learning target. In order for literacy to become a norm rather than an exception takes a hefty process, and it cannot be achieved without the increase in the number of children successfully completing basic education. In the last couple of years, developing countries like the Philippines, have adopted policies to reduce the costs of enrolling a child in school. Some of these are ending school fees, provision of free uniforms and meals through feeding programs, also establishing programs that include household demand for education through conditional cash transfer (CCTs). The program was first launched in 2007 as a pilot test (initially known as Ahon Pamilyang Pilipino) covering 6,000 households. Expanded in 2008, the CCT program of the Philippines, locally known as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), has become one of the largest poverty alleviation and social protection program that provides cash assistance to improve living conditions of poor households, provided that they must first comply to certain conditions such as investing on the education and health of their children. It was patterned after the conditional cash transfer in Latin America which have been proven successful as a poverty reduction and social development measure. Donor agencies such as ADB, World Bank, and AusAID partnered with the government in its program that prioritizes education, particularly basic education. The program successfully kept children in school. During the first impact evaluation survey in 2011, findings underscore that the Pantawid Pamilya meets its objectives in education by increasing enrolment rate among younger children (aged 3-11 y/o) and increasing attendance among 6-17 years of age. Moreover, the findings showed higher enrolment rates among Pantawid children aged 3-11(by 10 points for 3-5 y/o and 4.5 points for 6-11 y/o.) Provided that the programme at the time is not designed for children beyond 14 years of age, the programme did not have a significant impact on children (aged 12-17.) Nevertheless, the programme was still unable to improve enrollment of children (aged 12-14 y/o) who are currently covered under the 4Ps. By and large, the first round impact evaluation in 2011 shows that the program has not had any significant impact on increasing enrolment to older children, 12-17y/o in particular. The findings in the first impact evaluation is similar to Reyes, Tabuga, Mina, and Asis study. Since the programmes vast scale-up, the 2013 second round of the impact evaluation took place. The key findings highlight the programmes success of keeping older children in school by improving the gross enrollment rate of high school Pantawid children (aged 12-15). Amidst the positive impact mentioned above, it does not mean that there is no room for improvements. Indeed, generally, the programme has improved the enrollment rates of its recipients. It can be refuted, however, that there are some 4Ps beneficiaries that were not able to meet the conditions, especially in education. Based from the DSWDs annual accomplishment report CY2017, it entails the national compliance for education is below the target (82.64), meaning there is no increase when it comes to compliance. For regional breakdown, see Table 1 Table 1 CY 2017 Target and Acc omplishment for Compliance in Education per Region Source DSWD Pantawid Pamilyang Piliino Program Implementation Status Reports Therefore, it would be compelling to speculate on why in some cases, among the programme beneficiaries with primary or secondary-aged children, objectives were met, while for others, some failed to comply with the CCT programs objective. The purpose of this paper is to examine on why some families failed to meet the objective of sending their children to school and finish their basic education. Statement of the Problem Foreign aids primary objective is to promote development. Some donors prioritize education on their foreign aid programs such as ADB, World Bank, and AusAID. A portion of aid coming from these donor agencies is provided to the Philippines conditional cash transfer program, commonly known as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). The 4Ps program provides grants to poor households subject to monitored compliance with health and education obligations. Recipients are identified by the targeting system, National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR), identifies poor households based on a Proxy Means Test (PMT) methodology. As it is common for CCT Programmes to condition cash transfers on school attendance, it is natural to ask the impact of the CCT on school enrollment and attendance rate. Despite the fact that other 4Ps recipients met the conditions in school enrolment and attendance of their children, some 4Ps beneficiaries fail to comply to the set of conditions in education. Therefore, the paper is significant in improving foreign aid use for the education sector, particularly basic education. Moreover, it is essential for enhancing the design of the CCT to maximize its benefits. Looking at the 4Ps Conditional Cash Transfer as a case, under what circumstances does foreign aid become effective in improving the education sector, particularly basic education In particular, why is it that the impact is not so significant in the attendance and enrollment among other 4Ps children During the implementation of the CCT, what interventions were used by the implementing agency to ensure compliance in education What management approaches were utilized Why were the 4Ps primary/ secondary-aged beneficiaries were unable to adhere to the conditions What are the roles of stakeholders (4Ps parents, pupils, municipality/city links, parent leaders, LGUs, CSOs, etc.) Hypothesis A positive contribution of aid is expanding enrollment rates of 4Ps beneficiaries. On the other hand, several results of aid has indicated a considerable gap on what aid can do and what it can potentially achieve, especially in terms of its contribution on boosting enrollment and maintain school attendance of at least 85 of school days per month of Panatwid beneficiaries. The study on how to make aid effective in promoting education through 4Ps CCT in 5 barangays of Quezon citys 2nd district has the hypothesis that institutional rules constraints individuals behavior to comply, which in turn affects aids efficiency in promoting education through 4Ps. This is in line with previous evaluations citing administrative issues such as overworked staff and shortage of municipality links and support services in the community level. On the other hand, notwithstanding the cash grants, the grant rates are low and account a smaller share of the household income. Thus, the rates might not incentivize the families to comply to the said conditions or the implementing staff to perform efficient implementation of the programme. Therefore, the study applies Rational Choice Institutionalism Theory to explain the aforementioned phenomenon. Through the application of the Rational Choice Institutionalism approach, the argument validates that the institution among individuals have affected aids impact in promoting education. Theoretical Framework The purpose of this study is to analyze aids effectiveness, indirectly through 4Ps CCT Programme, in promoting education in the Philippines. The main assumption on why some 4Ps recipients failed to adhere to the set of conditions for education is due to institutional rules that constraints individuals behavior. Therefore, the study will examine the institutions of 4Ps recipients, as well as the personnel of the implementing agency through the theory of Rational Choice Institutionalism. Before explaining the conceptual framework used to organize this paper, it is important to understand the relevant theory on understanding attitudes and predicting on how institutions affect the behavior of actors that leads to the outcome of individuals choices, hence, affecting aids effectiveness in promoting education through 4Ps programme. The following section on the concept of Rational Choice Institutionalism theory will address this need for a theoretical background analysis before explaining the framework. Rational Choice Institutionalism Theory The study made reference to the Rational Choice Institutionalism theory. The theory arose within the original theory of Rational Choice. The old meaning of institutions stems back when it was defined as set of rules, establishments, and individuals. Subsequently, it emerged as structures that emerge to solve collective action problems, thus, facilitate gains from cooperation and as Douglas North said, humanly-devised constraints that shape human interaction. The basic idea of rational choice is that patterns of behavior in societies reflect the choices made by individuals as they try to maximize their benefits and minimize their costs. Its utility maximization explains that when an individual is confronted with a range of options, the actor will choose the one that will serve her best interest. Rational choice theory constitutes a simple explanation given a social phenomenon, what is needed in order to explain its origin are the strategies that rational actors would pursue in those circumstances, and the aggregate effects of those strategies. Thus, the outcome is the result of the purposive actions of various individuals. More importantly, it relies on the assumptions that are made concerning preferences, beliefs, and constraintsthe key of elements of all rational choice explanations. Preferences denote the positive or negative evaluations individuals attach to possible outcomes of their actions beliefs refer to the cause-effect relations, including perceived likelihood with which individuals actions will result in different possible outcomes and constraints defines the limits to the set of feasible actions. Rational Choice theorists have studied institutions both as independent variables that channel individual choices and as independent variables chosen or designed by actors to secure mutual gains. Methodologically, rational choice theory translates into studying on how institutions constrain the sequence of interaction among actors, the choices amiable to particular actors, the structure of information hence beliefs of the actors, and the payoffs of the individuals. The outcomes of the design process are determined by the nature of incentives and constraints built into the institutions. Within the Rational choice approach there are two standard ways to think about institutions 1) Institutions as Exogenous and 2) Institutions as Endogenous. Initially, the Exogneous variable study the effects of institutions on individuals who are assumed to have a particular set of interests. Therefore, in this sense, institution affect the behaviour of indviduals by restricting individual choices, affecting how they interact, molds their information and beliefs, and shaping their sense of payoffs. As the economic historian, Douglas North said, institutions are the rules of the game in a society, humanly-devised constraints that shape human interaction. The latter, endogenous variables defines institutions as rules on how players want to play. Institutions in this case help individuals capture gains from cooperation through incentives. In connection to this, the 4Ps Programme is a poverty reduction and social development strategy of the national government, targeting the countrys poorest households with children aged 0-18. The programme has two main objectives social development and social assistance. The former aims to break the intergenerational poverty cycle by investing in human capitaleducation and health, while the latter aims to alleviate the poors immediate needs. Although, there are conditions that needs to be met. In order to receive cash grants, the recipients should follow the conditions that are laid down, specifically education conditions for this study. Failure to comply to the conditions can result in undermining aids effectiveness. In summary, Rational choice institutionalism shares the same idea of individual behavior with the original theory of rational choice. Both approaches assume that individual choices are self-interested. Though, their goals can be effectively fulfilled through institutional action. Meaning, institutions can affect the behavior of actors, however individuals react rationally to the incentives and constraints of those institutions. Behavior is endogenous, not produced by institution, rather institution are purposeful human constructions designed to solve collective action problems. Conceptual Framework Exogenous Variable Endogenous Variable The figure illustrates the Rational Choice Institutionalism Theory applied to the 4Ps recipients as it shows on how institution affects the structure of a situation which individuals select strategies for the pursuit of their own preferences. Same figure will be utilized for the DSWD Implementing Personnel. For rational choice, to understand institutions we first need to understand individual interactions, specifically the game people play in this study. 4Ps Recipients If the Rational Choice Institutionalism is applied, then the focus of aids effectiveness in promoting education success lies in the Institution which affects individuals choice and actions in various ways depending on the opportunity they face. The study will apply the Rational Choice approach to institutions as explained in two separate ways 1) Institutions as Exogenous, defines institutions as rules of the game that constrains behavior of actors and 2) Institutions as Endogenous where the researcher needs to examine the emergence, necessity, and durability of institutions. In this sense, institution affects human behavior by helping individuals capture gains from cooperation through incentives. To survive, institutions must be self-enforcing in the sense that relevant actors have incentives to abide by them. The Exogenous variable From the perspective of CCT programme, institutions refers to the Conditions attached to the cash grants. Institutions can be understood as actor-created formal rules of the game, thus constrains actors behavior. The rules of the game is a shared understanding among those involved that refer to enforced prescriptions about what actions are required, restricted, and permitted. The DSWD provides the poor social protection through incentives directed at assisting them to invest in human capital under the conditions that they invest it to their childrens education. Therefore, at this point the institution affect the actors response through its incentive of an additional income if conditions are met. The Endogenous variable The term Action Arena refers to the Actors and the Actors situation. The actors are assumed to possess meanings and values associated to the situations, resources, information and beliefs capable of processing information, and decision making strategies. Actors refer the 4Ps beneficiaries with primary school-aged children. The source of action is the actors preferences and intereststo comply or not to comply. This is where individuals implement their strategies. The actors are assume to be rational actors with fixed preferences seeking to strategically maximize and attain these preferences. The individuals make rational choices from their set of preferences by evaluating their likely consequencesbeliefs (compliance will increase human capital, therefore better foresight of the future and provision of additional income). The actors behave strategically in order to obtain their most preferred outcome. The strategies generated in the action arena is established in the Patterns of Interaction and actions chosen in the arena determines the outcome. More importantly, it is important to remember that the outcomes of the design process are determined by the nature of incentives and constraints built into the institutions. Lastly, result from the interaction patterns in the outcome area can affect the institutions as whole. DSWD Implementing personnel As for the implementing staff, same line of process will be utilized. The only difference are the actors and the exogenous variable. The actors in this area refers to the DSWD implementing personnel. In the exogenous variable, the institutional rules for actors consists of bonus and a renewal of contract/MOA in exchange of good performance. Provided the stated hypothesis, the agency personnel of the DSWD will also be examined using the same theory but different The application of the Rational Choice Institutionalism to the study is important since with the framework used as a guide, certain factors are examined in order to find out if institutions play a crucial role in the 4Ps programme implementation. Also, it provides an overview whether the incentives and conditions are enough to affect ones behavior. Significance of the Study This research is significant because of its ability to provide observations and insights regarding the effectiveness of foreign aid through the 4Ps programme in promoting education, particularly basic education. Information of this sort is essential because it serves as a form of feedback to government officials/ stakeholders in determining the effectiveness and efficiency of the programme in addressing the needs of its recipients. This study also helps to evaluate any flaws in the implementation. As an integral programme of the government, it is fundamental that the 4Ps implementation should be closely monitored to ensure that the recipient who failed to meet the objectives will be valuable inputs in correcting any deficiencies, strengthening any weaknesses, and reinforcing any strength. Therefore, the benefits to de derived from the 4Ps as envisioned by the government will be realized. For the Philippines to solve the challenges of aid effectiveness considered in this research, it recognizes that the utilization of aid in education must be a fundamental part of the solution. The paper will contribute to the effectiveness of foreign aid utilization in improving basic education of the recipient government. It will shed light to further understand the challenges on why some families were not able to meet the objectives of the Conditional Cash Transer or 4Ps Program. The shortcomings presented in this research would be beneficial within a larger context on the provision of aid in the countrys CCT Program and more importantly, its long-term impact on making aid work for the countrys development objectives. This study is expected to strengthen and deepen the knowledge of development practitioners, students from the field of International Studies, international organization, advocacy networks, and academes in making thorough intervention assessments that will further contribute to the efforts on enhancing disadvantaged peoples lives and mitigating poverty through intervening more on improving education in the Philippines. No amount of job creation will employ and lift out poverty of millions unskilled citizens and no government can sustain growth and job creation on such weak foundation. Scope and Limitation The paper will provide a comprehensive investigation on aids effectiveness, indirectly through the 4Ps Programme , in promoting basic education in the Philippines with its objective of analyzing on why some 4Ps recipient families failed to comply to the set of conditions, in particular education. As of May 31, 2018, there are 38,216 active household beneficiaries in Quezon city. The scope of this study will be the 5 barangays in the 2nd district located in Quezon city as it is one of the many barangays covered by the 4Ps of DSWD. Furthermore, the paper will only cover 2008-present. 2008 is the year when the CCT is first implemented by the Arroyo Administration after its remarkable success in its pilot test back in 2007. The key informants will only be limited to a specific number of individuals like the families of the CCT recipients who live in 2nd district of Q.C. , the involved stakeholders such as the DSWD officials in coordination with ground coordinators, city/municipal links, who serve as the frontlines and is fully knowledgeable of the 4Ps educational operations for us to thoroughly grasp on how aid is being maximized efficiently to its recipients and to examine the conditions that led to the challenges being faced by the 4Ps today. Instead of nationwide sampling of the program, it is impossible for the researcher to do so due to time and budget constraints. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) underscored ARMM having the highest out-of-school children and youth which comprises of 14.4 of the country. Therefore, based from the DSWDs Monthly Report on Pantawid Pamilya Coverage as of May 31, 2018, the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao has the most number of 4Ps active beneficiaries with 9.8 or 429,106 households. Again, given the time and budget constraints, in the meantime, to rigorously analyze the problem and challenges on why the program was not able to meet the objective in some families, the researcher will focus on the barangays in the 2nd district of Quezon city. It is far from the studys aim to create policy recommendations. Furthermore, it does not attempt to quantify the contribution of such assistance to development, aware of the pitfalls and difficulties of impact assessment. Instead, it will review the interventions of education assistance in terms of both quantity and quality, also indicates some plausible directions in relation to the role of education assistance to the Philippines. Since the study will be employing a qualitative research data, the research will only be limited to a specific topic such as pertinent articles and reports on aid allocations for basic education. CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE Education and Development Development is the most important challenge facing the international community today. In the literature of development, Development is progress, be it economic, social or cultural, which serves basic needs of individuals. These needs include economic opportunities, political freedoms, social freedoms, transparency, and protective security. Conversely, underdevelopment occurs when these needs are deprived from people or are not all equally accessible to all members of the populace. As Sen explained, development is a process of expanding the real freedoms people enjoy. Moreover, he cited that education contributes to development directly because of its relevance to the well-being and freedom of people, indirectly through influencing social change, and indirectly through economic production. The causal relationship between education and development has been accepted by scholars in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Education has been viewed to play a central role in growth. What makes education essential is that it has greatly influenced two categories monetary and non-monetary. In the realm of monetary, human capital theory recognizes education as essential for development as it imparts productive knowledge and skills, which education imparts. According to human capital theory, investing in education leads to the formation of human capital, which is an essential factor for economic growth. In this matter, development is a complex phenomenon in which economic growth plays a vital part. The knowledge disseminated through education, increases productivity, reduces fertility and improves health, equipping people with skills for them to fully participate in the workforce, thus, increases income. Education as an investment on human capital yields to national economic benefits by increasing the productive capacity of individuals. Therefore, a portion of a nations economic growth could be attributed based on the quality of its labor force through educations expansion. The human capital approach recognizes both the direct contribution of education to development such as health, nutrition, democracy etc. and the indirect contribution to development which influences income and productivity and earnings. For instance, Awan, Malik, Sarwar, and Waqas argued that education is an important factor in reducing poverty. In Pakistan, it recognized that monthly earning of an individual worker increased by 7.3 with an additional year of schooling. Furthermore, they found out that each additional year of schooling level increased earnings by 3 at the primary level, 5 at the secondary, and 7.1-8.2 at higher/tertiary level. Each level of technical training increased earnings by 2.5. Therefore, it is palpable that education can increase the earnings of the poor and they become economically productive. Their analysis suggests that as education attainment increases, the more likelihood of being poor declines. In the mid 1990s, the thought that education and human capital are essential for economic growth and poverty reduction gained much importance because of the economic progress of East Asian tigers such as Singapore, Korea, and Taiwan in the 1970s and 80s was due to their investment in education and human capital. On the other hand, non-monetary influences include having a better impact on personal health, nutrition practices, childrearing, and participating in voluntary activities. As such, education should be regarded as a basic human right. In this perspective, human development recognizes the intrinsic value of education it views it as a human right, an entitlement, and an opportunity. In all this, education is essential to all parts of developmentagricultural productivity, poverty reduction, income distribution, health, nutrition etc. as it enhances individuals to become civically engaged, economically productive, and improves well-being. Indeed, no 21st century economy can expect to develop a productive workforce to take advantage of globalization without a well-functioning education system. That having said, education is not only an objective in itself, but it is also an important driving force for overall economic growth. The Education for All (EFA) world conferences in 1990 and 2000, and the education specific Millennium Development Goals (MDG 2) focus in particular primary education, is considered as a human right. The goal of universal primary education was established with the recognition of the fact that education is a foundation of progress for all development goals. Last September 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) replaced the MDGs prominently including the quality perspective and its aim of inclusive and equitable quality education. Psacharopoulos highlighted that investment in education has shown particularly higher rates of return to both the individual and society. Therefore, education is recognized as a part of any multidimensional concept of development. Foreign Aid Development aid is given by affluent nations to support development in general which can be economic development or social development of developing states. It is usually distinguished from humanitarian aid as aimed in alleviating poverty in the long term than alleviating poverty in a transient way. In its most basic definition, development aid are resources given by developed countries to help people in poorer nations. Statistical studies have produced a gamut of differing literature of assessments in relation to the correlation between aid and growth, and no firm consensus has emerged on claiming that foreign aid generally boost growth. Some studies find a positive correlation however, others find either no correlation or an adverse correlation. Foreign assistance has taken its roots of optimism from the success of Marshall Plan. The expectations were substantial with the belief that the success of Europes reconstruction could be replicated elsewhere. Today, research on aids impact of aid flows suggests that aid spurs growth, therefore, contributes in reducing poverty levels. This viewpoint has been strongly articulated by one of the leading advocates of aid effectiveness-Sachs in his analysis, Can Foreign Aid Reduce Poverty, citing that foreign aid provides the greatest hope for lifting the worlds most impoverished out of the poverty cycle His report reflected the horrific conditions of poverty and assumes that the affluent nations is responsible for reducing poverty. The positive relationship between aid and growth is argued by Papanek to which the findings concludes that aid has greater effect on GDP growth than domestic savings or foreign investments. Aid fanatics like Sachs and Papanek, point many cases where aid has contributed in reducing child mortality, life expectancy, child survival in school, improved access to clean water, assisted in smallpox eradication, treatment of diseases such as Malaria and AIDS. Indeed, there is no doubt that over the years of aid has some exemplary successes to show. Take the health sector for example, development assistance has contributed significantly to the increase of life expectancy in the developing countries from 40 to 65 years, the eradication of diseases such as smallpox and the reduction of infant mortality (sample) Asian countries such as Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand are considered to have gained from aid and achieved high rates of growth. During the late 1960s, the Green Revolution in India greatly benefited from foreign assistance which in turn saved millions of lives from starvation. While there is much optimism on aids impact on development, critics of aid have made equally passionate claims asserting exactly the opposite. The World Bank has reported that more than three billion people are living under 2 per day and ten thousand children are dying due to conditions that are associated to extreme poverty and despite billions of dollars poured into underdeveloped countries for years, in 2010, 48 of people in Sub-Saharan Africa were living in extreme poverty. The main prediction is that aid would have large and have positive growth effects in poor countries. Decades of research on aid and growth has failed to generate evidence in this prediction. Take Africa, for instance. Easterly challenges the idea that aid has large growth effects, helping poor countries escape the poverty cycle by citing several evidence Africa being the largest aid recipient, but African growth is lowest in any continent aid has risen over time as a percent of income in poor countries, and yet their growth rates has failed over time. Similarly, Ayitteys conclusion shows that aid has proved the greatest reason for the majority of sub-Saharan Africas predicament, many of whom endures on less than one dollar a day. Lastly, Moyo also conveys that aid can increase the chances of domestic conflict in Africa where aid is most abundant. Conflicts such as aid as an easy money which fosters corruption, distorts economies, creates culture of dependency and economic laziness. In fact, her argument is clearly straightforward. She argued that aid did not merely failed, otherwise it has compounded Africas problems. Still, other critics of aid stake out the middle ground. A more controversial analysis, however, is that aids impact on growth depends on the quality of the aid-receiving countrys institutions and policies. It turns out that a good policy environment has a fundamental role in making aid effective. Burnside and Dollar found that aid has minimal impact on growth. Though, aid works better in countries with good policy environment. Similarly, Durbary, Gemmell, and Greenaway has similar findings. This argument has been strongly opposed by Hansen and Tarp, suggesting that foreign aid spurs development even in countries hampered by poor policy environment. While there is a strong dispute on the relation of aid effectiveness and good policy environment. Similarly, another relevant issue that has drawn interest of aid researchers is the accountability of aid-recipient governments. Just like the previous argument, Thorbecke argued that the effectiveness of aid in development will only be successful if the aid recipient country is following growth enhancement policies. Given the high importance of recipient countrys accountability, donors mostly favor countries in which the expected outcome are likely to be achieved. Just like Germanys ODA, it strongly provides a substantial amount of aid towards countries with good governance which is why it strongly emphasizes its Technical Assistance to ensure that aid funds are utilized efficiently. Many studies found a positive correlation between aid and good governance. Needless to say, foreign aid is more likely to lead growth and aid interventions are likely to have higher rates of economic return in the context of accountable government institutions, particularly democratic and where the rule of law prevails. Furthermore, aid critics like Winters argues that foreign aid functions betterboth at the macro-level of aid flows and the micro-level of individual aid projectswhen there is more government implementing agency accountability. These findings give a clear implication that in order to effectively maximize aid in reducing global poverty, aid in the context of accountable institutions is better aid. In a similar case, Collier found out that aid is only likely to boost growth in a relatively small number of casesif aid is put to proper use in selected instances, it can be part of the solution. In the remaining cases, it will only sustain countries in the form of minimal life support. As an overall result, aid spurs growth in countries with good policy environment–with low inflation, has openness to trade, strong rule of law, and competent government as it exudes more accountability. On the contrary, this would mean leaving poor countries behind in which it strongly challenges the main objective of aid-giving. With these prevalent challenges being contested, there is a reason to doubt the sustainability of foreign assistance. Sustainability, is widely recognized of its importance criterion in development projects. Looking into the future of foreign aid, sustainability became an optimal guiding tool in providing an important momentum in innovating new ideas, mobility, policy change, particularly, in the development of the global agenda in reducing poverty in less affluent countries. Sustainability should be incorporated in all aid interventions to maximize its benefits to its recipients, as well as to ensure the positive impact of development aid by enhancing its accountability through collective action. Amidst the success of short-term objectives, it often faces difficulties in achieving long-term sustainable aid-funded projects and programmes especially with the recurring previously mentioned realities of aids lack of resources and leadership in highlighting the objectives of aid, its impact on development, and the current explanation of aids association to national interest makes it difficult to assess the sustainability of aids impact in the long run. Provided that aids success is due to its attainment of short-term immediate objectives, outcomes are often regarded of having less value when temporary. Indeed, it is difficult to assert that development occurred if a certain intervention failed to persist. In most development organizations, they anticipate the costs of their project based on the number of beneficiaries, including those who will continue to reap benefits even after the external activity has ended. In fact, USAID has included sustainability as a part of their criterion of project success. At the turn of the millennium, after ten years of steep decrease in ODA, the UN adopted the 8 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). These helped relaunch global aid, which concentrated on social and medical objectives. At present, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted in 2015, that fabricated both the framework for political, economic, social, and environmental policies of all countries and new framework of intervention for global aid. All the financial tools have a role in the SDGs. Development has become sustainable development and development aid is increasingly sustainable development aid. Authors like Therien and Lloyd raised that there is a reason to question the sustainability of aid as both concluded that development aid will remain contingent to the socioeconomic condition of the donor government. Among the various problems which the aid regime is confronting is the decline of financial resources among donor states. More and more donors have been cutting back its aid resources due to several factors such as the reason that domestic issues are more favorable than extending assistance to recipients. Another reason for poor sustainability is that it is poorly defined and development organizations differ in what aspects of their aid interventions should be sustained. In the study delivered by Nkansa and Chapman, sustainability is variously defined by organizations in terms 1) the extent to which organizational structures established by a project such as parent-teacher associations remain after the funding ends 2) the capacity of participant increases despite the fate of an aid activity 3) the overall economic growth of a country improves due to the aggregated assistance given by donors.Drawn from the study of Chapman and Moore, despite the joint efforts of the Education for All fast track initiative (FTI) and long-term commitment that was associated to the Sector-Wide Approaches (SWAPs), it remains the case that external efforts to basic education is provided on a short-term basis, thus working against sustainability. In summary, aid is fundamental in development and poverty reduction in recipient countries. It augments domestic savings and allows access to foreign markets. It is often claimed that the relationship between development and aid is conditional such as government with good governance, On the contrary, some argue that there is no relation between aid and growth. Moreover, aid is often wasted, increases public consumption, rises corruption, and aid-dependency of recipient countries. All things considered, these empirical literatures on aids effectiveness reflects that aid is not necessarily a good thing, however, it can be beneficial. The emerging conclusion from these literature is that aid can have a positive effect on development, however, the link between the two remains vague and that the positive and negative data heavily depends on the choice of data and the methods that were used. Needless to say, there has been no general consensus upon the issue, thus, the overall effect of aid remains complex. Education as a priority A developing society cannot foster development without educated individuals as education attacks ignorance, provides information and skills that would benefit the individuals progress and society as a whole. Since 1945 and the constitution of the United Nations, the signatories expressed their beliefs in full and equal opportunities for education for all, in the unrestricted pursuit of objective truth and the free exchange of ideas and knowledge. During the early 1960s and 70s, education was first included as a feature of foreign assistance, however, the struggle to place human capital on the agenda of international development assistance has undergone three decades of argumentation. First, is the challenge of human forecasting where it has failed to include measures of cost and benefits, therefore, foreign aid programmes are deeply distorted. Much of aid was limited to vocational and technical education, the most expensive part of the education sector with skills in least demand. As a result, much of foreign aid to education was wasted. The second stage utilized the national growth models and the estimation of costs and earnings over a working lifetime to individuals who completed different levels of education. Through the utilization of growth models, one can measure a nations economic growth by the size of its labor force and the quality of its workforce. As a result, one can surmise that during the 1960s and 1970s, a large portion of a nations development could be associated to the quality of its labor force measured by the expansion of education. With that said, through the measurement of costs and earnings, one could estimate the rates of return in investing in education. The 1980s expanded educations scope which includes primary and secondary education, humanities and social sciences, professional education and education research. Basic education has an appeal for outside assistance since it has been shown to be a good way to direct resources ore specifically towards the poor and brings high economic returns. This has been shown by the World Banks 1980 education policy paper shows that the measured econmomic benefits relative to costs have to been found to be greater for investment in primary schooling than for higher, more expensive levels of schooling. In several countries, the returns of primary education is twice as high as those to higher education. Furthermore, primary education is an efficient way to direct resources to the poor, since the benefits of primary education supplants to those who are less fortunate. The World Bank, Development Assistance Committee of the OECD, and others have given support to a shift in the emphasis of education towards primary education and away from higher education, as based from the higher economic returns to investment in the former. Indeed, many countries have documented the high rates of return on investment in education Relying on the evidence of higher rates of return in lower levels of education, the World Bank has strongly advocated directing substantial increase of education aid towards basic education and away from higher education. Moreover, the bank supports the view that provisions of universal quality basic education is of great assistance towards economic and social advancement of the aid-receiving countries. It was in the year 1990s when the World Conference on Education for All in Jomtien took place where a shared vision was developed to meet the basic learning needs. Furthermore, the international community have committed itself to reach the Universal primary education before the end of the millennium. International interest in aid to basic education and literacy has been sharpened in the past couple of years brought by this event. Ten years have passed and the Forum of Dakar in 2000 addressed that for many countries, the commitment of Universal Primary education is far from reality. Again, such goal is consistent to the findings of recent studies that show economic returns to investment in education to be higher for primary education than for secondary or tertiary. In this occasion, an action framework for education was fabricated and a new number of commitments were made by the internationally community to bolster the international financing on basic education, to enhance aid flows predictability, ensure coordination among donors, and improve an efficient sectoral approach. As a result, all countries are expected to commit and implement plans for Education for All and take necessary steps to achieve the Dakar Framework for Actions goals. That having said, it has been internationally agreed that education is not just an objective itself, but an overall driving force towards development. Subsequently, the education specific goal 2 of Millennium Development Goals in 2000 recognizes Dakars Education for All intitative as part of the efforts made in achieving the MDGs by 2015, where access to education marks as an underpinning in the expansion of human capabilities and freedom. In line with these global objectives, donors have taken the obligation to financially support developing countries in this area of development. To support countries at risk of not achieving the objectives, the Fast Track Initiative was established in 2002 that aims to strengthen the achievement of universal education by 2015, as well as to provide support to primary education and enhance its effectiveness. In broader context, the Monterrey Conference in 2002, Rome 2003, and Paris 2005 declarations have also tended to reinforce commitments to the MDGs as well as to formalize the efforts of the international community for harmonization and aid effectiveness. Successively, in the year 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) replaced the MDGs prominently including the quality perspective and its aim of inclusive and equitable quality education for all. As reported in the UN resolution establishing the SDGs, the objective for 2030 is to provide inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels. It is irrefutable to claim that nothing has changed. Much progress has been met between 2000 and 2013, the number of children in primary and secondary schools increased by 20. By and large, Heyneman and Lee delineates that educational assistance remains essential in a recipient countrys development as it is recognized that through human capital, educated population is needed for a country to prosper. Investments in education continue to elicit both monetary and non-monetary rewards to individuals and the society as a whole. Individuals and communities gain comparative advantages in the labor market such as benefits from health practices, substantial productivity, increase in political participation, and social inclusion. Aid interventions According to the Education for All (EFA) Global Monitoring Report 2005, among the top education aid recipients in the world, East Asia and the Pacific is acknowledged as the second in the total aid in education. Issues such as lack of instructional materials, underpaid but overworked teachers, lack of facilities, and is some instances, absence of schools in far-flung areas, overpopulated students, all these issues are compounding over time and hampers the improvement of the education sector. In this context, foreign aid is utilized by aid-receiving governments to address these blocks that hampers the progress of aid in the education sector. Equally important, aid is channeled into a variety of interventions namely school feeding programmes, classroom contruction, teacher education, programmes to reduce dropouts, curriculum development and etc. To begin with, the basic support of aid to education are the basic educational requirements such as classrooms, teachers, and textbooks. Take China as an example, a country with one of the worlds most populous countries, with majority of is people living in rural areas, the government of China implemented a program in partnership with other development donors with an objective universalizing nine-year compulsory education and increasing literacy rate of youth and adults. Its investment in education is a major national strategy to upgrade the human resource development for poverty alleviation and social development. Majority of the Chinas citizen lives in rural areas, and people living in poverty are mostly concentrated in rural areas. Therefore, to increase the citizens quality of life, it is necessary to improve the rural populations productivity and capability, which highly depends on investing in education. Based on the China case study of Zhang and Minxia, the results illustrated that the countrys education intervention, particularly its compulsory education in rural area, is a success partly due to external support. Chinas initiative has been strengthened with the funding and expert support from these international agenciesUNDP, ADB, UNICEF, and World Bank and other international donors. Such external support includes the improvement of infrastructure of rural schools, and local capacity building by aiding school construction, providing teacher trainings, supporting teacher-learning processes, and monitoring and improving management performances. In the analysis, brought by Chinas education program, it paved the way of dropping impoverished citizens from 250million in 1978 to 80 million in 1995 and to 30 million by the end of 2000. It reflects that education has proved itself to be the most sustainable poverty reduction strategy. they concluded that the expansion of compulsory education in rural China, especially in poverty-stricken areas has proved to be highly cost-effective and has a considerable positive and economic benefits such as increasing the financial returns of farmers. In comparison, Bangladesh, a developing nation with over 130 million people, of whom are 45 lives below the poverty line, has included education in its poverty reduction strategies. The countrys historical background of neglect, abuse, and deprivation, especially among women, constrains poor people their potential as agents of national development. In the case study made by Alam, he justified Bangladeshs model for poverty alleviation through literacy-based approach called Ganokendra. The education initiative has been spearheaded by an NGO, DAM (Dhaka Ansania Mission). The DAM works to raise awareness of present issues within the country and works towards poverty alleviation through education-based programs. Support from DAM is provided in forms of trainings, technical services, materials (books and other reading materials) during its operation while its staffs supervises and monitors the activities. Since its development in 1992, the benefits and impact to its beneficiaries are clearly reflected in an improvement of social and economic conditions. With reference to literacy, its program of literacy has served as a catalyst, and its promotion of literacy has prompted continuing education more generally, which in turn is necessary for development. International organizations like UNESCO, has recognized this model and acknowledged it as a development aid success story in the Asia-Pacific region. Likewise, the case study of Ward in Indias Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan programme, the largest basic education programme in the world, illustrated the importance of external support in the increase of access to basic education, particularly the northern part of India. Ward highlighted the fundamental role of aid in improving the education sector by providing financial assistance, its continuous support of the programmes technical development, and strengthening of the monitoring and supervision of the programme. Despite the substantial amount of literature claiming the positive output of aid in educational development, the argument in regards on how educational aid will be more effective remains untapped. Rather than focusing on aids impact on educational outcomes alone, Birchler and Michaelowas analysis highlighted the complementing relationship of various areas of education education facilities and training, teacher training, educational research, early childhood education, vocational training, tertiary education and etc. as an important complementary in achieving increase in enrolment rates, as well as increase in quality education. It implies that the positive outcome in education does not solely depend in the increase of enrolment in primary education, but rather a well- balanced shares of aid to other areas of education will greatly contribute in improving the overall education sector. It is important to recognize that the support given to the varying sub-sectors of education has a mutually reinforcing effect on education outcomes. For what its worth, we cannot expect quality education to spring from overcrowded classrooms, reduced time of classes, lack or absence of textbooks, teachers handling the subjects, and other issues that impedes efficiency of education aid. Many developing countries have adopted programmes that reduce the opportunity cost of enrolling a child in school. there are a range of supply-side programmes, such as ending school fees, provision of school feeding and uniform, building schools in rural areas where access is otherwise limited, and demand-side interventions, such as conditional cash transfers (CCT), which pay a stipend to poor families on the condition that children go to and stay in school. A large part of empirically defined body of evidence has illustrated the ability of CCT to raise schooling rates in the developing world. Fiszbein and Schady provide a recent reviews of studies that evaluate the impact of CCT programs in developing countries. Nicaraguas Red de Proteccion Social improved the enrolment rates by 18 points, retention rates by 7 points, and the daily attendance by 11 points for children in grades 1-4. Attanasio, Fitzsimons, and Gomez illustrated that Colombias Familias en Accion increased enrolment rates for children aged 12-17, but not for 8-11y/o. Much of the studies examine Mexicos Progresa/Oportunidades programme. One of which found that it raised 12-14y/o girls enrolment but did not have any effect on younger children. The latters explanation was due to the already high enrolment rates for younger children, close to the objective of universal enrolment. Smilarly, Schultz finds a positive impact of Mexicos CCT on girls and boys enrolment, where the pendulum weighs more on girls. On an interesting note, Campos-Vasquez and Santillan found that programmes school accessibility and quality education is one of the reasons for the rise of drop-out rate in Mexico. A positive impact of Progresa towards the increase of enrolment and reduced employment among both boys and girls was reflected in Skoufias and Parkers study. Dubois, de Javanry, and Sadoulet argues that the Progresa CCT Programme has significantly increased childrens probability of staying in school, as well as primary grade level progression and completion, however, reduced the progression in the secondary level, Interestingly, Bairod, Fferreira, Ozler, and Woplcock made a different evaluation towards Mexicos CCT. They compared CCT and UCT (Unconditional Cash Transfer) and found that CCT Programmes are more effective and has larger impact on enrolment rates as it is explicitly conditional, monitors compliance, and penalize non-compliance. Brazils Bolsa Escola/Familia apperared to reduce drop-outs by 6 points and raise grade promotion by 8-10 points. Though, had minimal impact on students performance. On a gender specific impact trajectory, Debrauw, Gilligan, Hoddiott, and Roy entailed the success of Bolsa Escola/Familia, Brazils cash transfer program has induced the amount girls spend on domestic work and therefore, allows them to study which accounts to the beneficial effect on Bolsas girls grade progression. As a result, the programme has been successful on promoting older girls education than boys. Due in large part of to the high-quality assessment of Latin Americas CCT Programme, CCT interventions have become in other parts of the world. It has shown to be an effective social assistance programme to help alleviate the lives of the poor. Relatively, in the Philippines, a great number of children of school age are engaged in both work and school. Children from the poorest households are nearly 4 times to be out-of-school in contrast to their well-off counterparts. The average dropout rate is 7.34 percent for elementary and 13.10 percent for high school. More often than not, dropping out often translates into a child working to help augment the familys income. Hence, patterned after Latin Americas CCT programmes, the 4Ps CCT program in the Philippines was first implemented in 2008. Frufongas case study in the Philippine setting illustrates that the CCT programme showed exemplary results such as an increase of children enrolment in public schools and the attendance rate of children also increased. Although external support in the recipient countries appears to be extremely successful in terms of school enrolments, public schools remain to grapple on containing the large number of students, while also suffering from less adequate budget in this area quality has had to give way to quantity. Issues such as lack of instructional materials, underpaid but overworked teachers, lack of facilities, and is some instance, absence of schools in far-flung areas, overpopulated students, all these issues are compounding over time and what suffers most is the quality of education. To provide quality education to all students is one of the most important objectives of the education system. The question on what works for aid in education has become increasingly complex as aids efficiency is not merely an increase in numbersof textbooks, children in school, textbooks, schools, teachersstill, in order to make a lasting improvement, aid effectiveness on the quality of learning remains questionable. Although, foreign aid provisions and achievement in learning involves more of the number of pupils enrolled in school. How well do schools equip and train their students is also a pressing issue. It is unfortunate to say that seven out of ten pupils were not able to reach tertiary level. How do we expect individuals to contribute in nation building if they do not have the necessary skills and training Another challenge that is being faced in the light of post-MDGs, schools are having difficulty in keeping their students and reducing the number of drop outs. Aid Effectiveness Aid effectiveness in education Since the World Declaration on Education for All, adopted by UNESCO, UNICEF, the World Bank and other multilateral agencies, as well as by 155 countries and 150 non-governmental organizations, much work has been taken to enhance the effectiveness of aid to education. Greater engagement among donor agencies are needed. Issues such as lack of harmonization and alignment of donors with domestic objectives have dominated the discussions around aids effectiveness. That having said, the 2005 Paris Declaration was established to promote a more efficient aid delivery through greater country ownership and harmonization of aid resources. Concerns regarding efficiency of education aid mirrors those with concerns in general aid. For instance, assumptions suggest that aid would be effective if (i) spent in very poor countries, (ii) in countries with good policies and credible institutions, (iii) in countries with strong mechanisms of aid allocation. The beauty of effective foreign aid is that it can make such difference. Its about the benefits of families in developing countriesaid saves peoples lives, allows children of good nutrition, and helps the poor escape from the poverty cycle. Aid in general can reduce poverty by investing in human capital such as health. In the light of global commitment of education for all, the initial analysis of aid effectiveness in education was specified by Michaelowa and Birchler by arguing that aid led to modest improvement in enrolment rates but not necessarily in terms of quality education With respect on enhancing student learning outcomes, aid has been more prominent in improving enrolment rates than increasing the achievement rates. One of the most tangible impact of aid in education is the increase of enrolment rates, particularly primary school as reflected in Dreher, Nunnenkamp, and Thieles analysis. Albeit it does not connote that an increase of investment in education leads to a wider attainment of objectives. Hence, there is a common view that in targeting quantity getting children into school quality has been sacrificed by not making sure that they learn something once they get there. Overcrowded classrooms, poorly qualified teachers and lack of teaching materials create a poor learning environment, exacerbated by rampant absenteeism among both pupils and their teachers. Quality education is often downplayed since most of the development agencies has focused on aids contribution towards the achievement of MDGs, and hence an increase on enrolment rates, attainment, and gender equality as explained by Riddell and Zarazua. Likewise, drawn from the meta-studies conducted by Chapman and Moore, it shows that the flaw of organizations project evaluations has a dearth of evidence on the impact of project activities in promoting its educational learning achievements. Pursuing this further, there are substantial studies which illustrates aid waste. Aid is often categorized as a waste if there is a extensive mismatch between donor policies and recipient needs as reflected by Collier to which he illustrated aid given to health sector. Results found that only less than a percent of aid reached health clinics and turns out that eleven percent was surprisingly financed to the military. Luteru and Teasdale has the same analysis and results show that this mismatch has its roots deep in the complex of motives behind aid giving. As a case in point, in Kyrgyzstan, both institutionsAsian Development Bank and World Bank both launched education textbooks in the same country. The institutions lack of coordination created duplication of aid efforts. Hence, there is waste of aid if there is a duplication with what is already being addressed by other donors. Another point of aids insufficiency in education may also be caused due to several prevailing priorities of the government in terms of its interests in domestic affairs, commercial, and military priorities. Furthermore, education aid is oftentimes pervaded in specific circumstances such as graft and corruption, hence, hampers the progress of aid in the education sector, thus, waste of aid. The disintegration of donors, projects, and lack of coordination between donors-recipients can lead to higher transaction costs. Moreover, the greater the number of interventions that influence the outcome, the more difficult it is to scrutinize the aids impact to its recipients, which is why Howes suggested ways on enhancing the use of aid harmonization and alignment. Harmonization can be beneficial by focusing on a number of small programs, while alignment integrates aid-funded programs to local initiatives. This was reflected in Indias SSA programme as discussed earlier by Ward. Although subsequent donor involvement was substantial and influenced both policy implementation and management in Indias SSA programme, this successful harmonization has been justified by the government of India who succeeded in using external resources and expertise in ways that it suited its own purposes, while minimizing external influence in its own educational policy as reflected in Colclough and Des analysis. This issue is discussed in a similar perspective by Thiele who examined that donors did not target education aid to countries in need as measured by the net primary school enrollment, primary school completion rate, and average years of schooling. On the contrary, Nelson examined six major bilateral donorsCanada, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom, and the US, between 1981-2004, it shows that educational aid interventions were responsive to the primary school completion rate of the recipient country that donors found to be strategically important. Moreover, Dreher, Nunnekamp, and Thiele find donors responsiveness to countries with large gender gaps and a lower rate of females in primary school completion and tertiary enrollment from 2002-2011. Some studies found strong evidence that educational aid is associated with the recipient countrys rule of law. It favors countries that have rules of society and maintain contract enforcement, implying the appropriate use of aid. Since corruption levels are indicative of a governments ability to allocate resources efficiently and administer effectively, and it is expected that such factors contributes to aid effectiveness in education That being said, some have drawn a link between aid and corruption in recipient countries as discussed by Heyneman Consistent to this claim, Nielson, Homer, and Christensen showed that bilateral donors have more capacity of boosting enrollment rates since much of its aid is conditioned based on the recipient countrys policy environment. In the case of education aid in fragile states, Turrent and Oketch analysis of 52 fragile countries that receives education aid and found that countries that fall under fragile states receives less aid than countries that are categorized as less-fragile. Moreover, despite the universal commitment of primary education, it seems to be the case that education aid is a less of a development priority in fragile states. Sumida shares the same argument and adds that donors respond to education aid in countries where there are gender disparities. Reviewing the previous literature shows that there are deficiencies in the literature that affects the critical arguments for aid efficiency in the basic education sector. First, none of the previous analysis examine.. These loopholes in the literature fail to provide evidence for educational policymakers to evaluate inquiries regarding aids effectiveness to basic education. This lack of evidence may downplay the efficiency of education aid. CHAPTER III METHODOLOGY Research Design In order to satisfy the objectives of the research, a qualitative research design will be utilized, particularly a mixture of interview methods, documentary analysis method which consists of pertinent issues of CCT, and archival methods will be used to collate and gather data that are needed in order to fulfill this study. Qualitative method refers to a range of techniques which involves observations and intensive individual interviews which seeks to understand the experiences and practices of key informants and to locate them firmly in context. In this view, intensive interviews are appropriate when seeking to understand peoples motives and interpretations. Such guided conversations cannot be free of bias, although the influence of the researcher can be acknowledged. The research at hand is explanatory and descriptive in nature, since it seeks to elucidate the relationship and factors that affect among the variables. Furthermore, the paper will use case study analysis of the basic education performance of the Philippines through multiple aid interventions in its 4Ps programme, confirms on how the aid-receiving country utilizes foreign aid to improve its education, particularly basic education, and undertakes an analysis of the importance of education on the recipients life. At this point, the efficiency of aid will be analyzed by the researcher through interviews from DSWD personnel involved in the implementation of the programme, key representatives of partner agencies of the Pantawid Pamilya, and beneficiaries of the programme in the studys area of coverage by consolidating the data as primary source and will rely on the review of related literature from the secondary sources. Data Collection Procedures In order to gather information, interview and written method will be utilized. This study will collect data from recipient families of the 4Ps Conditional Cash Transfer and focal persons/ front lines during the implementation operations. This includes interviews with the DSWDs officials who serve as front lines in operating the programme. Families of the 4Ps were identified based on the NHTS-PR. Interview is one of the most widespread methods used in doing research studies. An interview is a systematic way of talking and listening to people and is another way to collect data from individuals through conversations. The common steps in conducting an interview area, a researcher or an interviewer often uses open questions. However, this research will be utilizing both open and close-ended questions. Data is collected from the interviewee. The researcher needs to remember and record the interviewees views about the topic. The interview is the primary data for the study. With the use of interview, the researchers will be able to collect data, as well as to gain knowledge from the response of the implementing agency and 4Ps recipients towards the programmes impact. Another usage of interview is that it gives many ways for participants to get involved and talk about their point of view. In addition, the interviewees are able to discuss their perception and interpretation in regards to a given situation. It is their expression from their point of view. In conducting an interview it is the major role of the researcher to ask questions. The questions ought to elicit valid response from respondents and the following questions to be asked by the interviewee must reach dual goals of motivating the respondent to give full and precise replies while avoiding biases stemming from social desirability, conformity, or other constructs of disinterest. There are many reasons to use interviews for collecting data and using it as a research instrument. The following reasons are There is a need to attain highly personalized data, there are opportunities required for probing, a good return rate is important, respondents are not fluent in the native language of the country, or where they have difficulties with written language. Among the beneficiaries, these are families that live in the poorest municipalities and barangays, as identified by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), whose economic conditions are equal or below the provincial poverty threshold, have children between 0-18 years old or have a pregnant woman, and are willing and able to comply with the conditions specified by the programme. In obtaining the needed data for the study, the researcher made a questionnaire for the respondents. Two key informants will be interviewed, one is coming from the 4Ps recipient side and second will be the implementing agency officials that have the right knowledge or participated in the actual implementation of the 4Ps programme. Initially, the researcher will identify three 4Ps beneficiaries per barangay in Quezon citys 2nd district, selected through Purposive Sampling in the said barangay and will ask permission if she can interview them. The researcher will interview the respondents personally. During the interview, the question is done in a Tagalog language to ensure the respondents appropriateness of the response and to encourage them to answer questions wholeheartedly. Second, same procedure will be utilized in interviewing the DSWD front lines in the implementation of the 4Ps programme. Equally important, they were made to understand that their answering of the questions would not, in any way, affect or prejudice them. The researcher will set a specific time for the interview. In order to ensure the accuracy of the data, the whole interview conversation will be recorded using a cellphone. The interview will be transcribed and the data will be translated afterwards. Lastly, the researcher will draw a conclusion from these gathered data. The process of data collection should not violate the intellectual property of the author of certain related literature that will be used. The researcher should respectfully cite the author or address properly the authority of the literature that could help in the research. Moreover, in conducting survey and interview, the researcher should ask permission first and discuss properly to his/her subjects their safety and security in giving details. Therefore, the researcher and the process of data collection shall observe and respect properly the guidelines and other ethical considerations in trying to access information. Population and Sampling During the initial stage of the 4Ps in 2008, the programme covered 160 cities and municipalities in 28 provinces in the 17 regions of the Philippines. As of May 2018, the programme has covered 41, 620 barangays in all 145 cities. Particularly, Quezon city who currently has 38,216 active household beneficiaries. Regardless of the several 4Ps beneficiaries in Quezon city, the researcher decided to observe and study the 4Ps recipients located in the 2nd district of Quezon city which comprises of Brgy. Bagong Silang, Batasan Hills, Commonwealth, Holy Spirit, and Payatas due to time and financial constraints, as well as, this is where the researcher found an inconsistency of the programme in meeting its objectives for some 4Ps recipients residing in this district. Among the beneficiaries, these are families that reside in the poorest municipalities and barangays, as identified by the 2003 Small Area Estimates (SAE) and the Proxy Means Test (PMT) of the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), whose economic conditions are equal or below the provincial poverty threshold, have children between 0-18 years old or have a pregnant woman, and are willing and able to comply with the conditions specified by the programme. Provided that the study will utilize Process tracing method as it will be discussed on the latter area, the researcher will use Positional Criteria to identify desirable respondents that is, analysis of key actors that are the focus of the study. An alternative approach of positional criteria is one that references reputational criteria in the selection of respondents. This approach does not involve defining the desired set of respondents according to the particular positions they hold, but rather according to the extent to which they are deemed influential in a particular political arena by their own peers. In other words, the researcher is open to include respondents from any political arena or position who may have played an important role in the process of interest. In this study, the researcher will utilize Positional Criteria. The ff. are the respondents profile Three 4Ps recipient coming from each barangay of Quezon citys 2nd district with eligible aged children who were not able to meet the programmes conditions. The place was chosen for the study due to budget and time constraints, as well as, this is where the researcher found an inconsistency of the programme in meeting its objectives for some 4Ps recipients residing in this district. For the stakeholders, these are officials that have the right knowledge or is directly involved in the actual implementation of the 4Ps programme. In particular, these officials will be coming from the DSWDs Pantawid Pamilya National Project Management Office (NPMO), which handles the day-to-day operations of the programme with the assistance from Regional Project Management Offices (RPMO) and in coordination with city/ municipal links such as barangay captain coming from the recipient community of the CCT. The study used Random Sampling, which is a lottery method or draw by lots. Out of 41, 620 barangays in all 145 cities, the researcher come up with 5 barangays of Quezon citys 2nd district as a result of the draw. Samples are taken from three respondents per barangay who met the above criteria, selected through Purposive Sampling. Patton argues, the power and logic of purposeful sampling lie in information-rich cases that needs in-depth analysis. Information-rich cases are those from which one can learn great deal about issues of central importance to the purpose of the inquiry and studying information-rich cases will lead to insights and in-depth understanding of the phenomenon. Furthermore, purposive sampling was introduced as a specifically qualitative approach to case selection. More importantly, Purposive sampling is a non-probability sampling where subjective judgements play a role in the selection of the sample because the researcher decides which units of the population to include and therefore implies the researcher having a greater control of the selection process. Those who will be chosen will serve as the representatives of all barangays under district 2. Instrument The researcher will use interview instrument with a combination of researcher-made open and close-ended questions formulated in mother tongue for the recipients, and English for the front lines of the implementing agency in conducting the study as the researcher found these tools useful and effective. The questionnaire guide is developed to collect primary data from beneficiaries, key personnel who serve as front lines in the implementation process. For the part of beneficiaries, it is structured in four sections first part provides demographic information about the beneficiary respondent, part 2 confirms their involvement in the programme and perceived incentives/benefits from the Pantawid Pamilya, part 3 discusses the reason why the respondents failed to comply to the given set of conditions in education part 4 evaluates the awareness of the 4Ps, their perception towards the conditions given, and its impact on promoting education. The interview questions for key personnel were structured to assess the level of involvement of the respondent, their motivation to improve their performance, their perceptions and comments towards the non-compliance of their beneficiaries, their assessment towards the approaches used in addressing the importance of education in the 4Ps. The study used Random Sampling, which is a lottery method or draw by lots. Out of 41, 620 barangays in all 145 cities, the researcher came up with 5 barangays of Quezon citys 2nd district as a result of the draw, and secured samples from the respondents who met the above criteria, selected through Purposive Sampling. Data Analysis The research will be utilizing the Process-Tracing Methodology. It is a useful tool for making causal conclusions in a single case study. Causal mechanisms are central to causal explanation, and that case studies analysis is the best able to examine the operation of causal mechanisms in detail. Furthermore, the process is fundamental as it allows the researcher to process and assess critical data. In the process tracing, the researcher examines histories, archival documents, interview transcripts, and other resources to view whether the causal process a theory hypothesizes in a case is in fact evident in the sequence and values of the intervening variables in that particular case. In turn it is the most suitable method for uncovering such causal mechanisms. Its main objective is to uncover causal mechanisms that ink independent and dependent variables to one another in a particular context. In terms of the population and sampling, the process tracing methods goal is to obtain the testimony of individuals who were mostly closely involved in the process of interest. The method requires focused attention to very specific actors, events, and processes to determine the mechanisms at work to begin with. The key issues to consider when drawing a sample using process tracing is to ensure that the most important and influential actors are included, and that testimony concerning the key process is collected from the central players involved. The analysis of data completed by the researcher will be based on the outcome that will be conducted with the utilization of materials such as surveys and the information that were gathered coming from different sources. (i.e., secondary sources such as reports, article reviews, journals, news, and other existing literature and documentaries pertinent to the study, interview of focal person/ front lines of the program and family beneficiaries of the 4Ps) The researcher will be using Qualitative design by comparing and contrasting the collated data from these various findings. Furthermore, the data analysis will be presented in a descriptive approach in order for the researcher to summarize the gathered data and to also describe the key features of the research study. Being the most common form of qualitative research, the study will use content analysis to examine the collated data. The qualitative data from the interviews will be subjected to content analysis and merged into coherent descriptions that supported information obtained through the questionnaires and will be woven in the findings and conclusions. More importantly, in relation to the gathered data from the interviews, during the actual interviews, the conversation between the participant and researcher will be recorded to secure the accuracy of the data. Subsequently, the recorded interview will be transcribed. The researcher will then read and re-read the transcription of the data collected in order to fully grasp the phenomenon. Orientation The interview questionnaire will be the main instrument in this research. The questions that will be enclosed in the instrument is a mixture of open-ended and close-ended questions. The questionnaire guide will be utilized. For this study, using purposive sampling a total of 4-5 4Ps beneficiaries for each barangay in District 2 will be interviewed, as well as officials that have the right knowledge or is directly involved in the actual implementation of the 4Ps programme. Bibliography Acosta, P. A., Velarde, R. (2015). An Update of the Philippine Conditional Cash Transfers Implementation Performance. Washington, D.C. World Bank. ADB. (2009). Poverty in the Philippines Causes, Constraints and Opportunities. Mandaluyong Asian Development Bank. AIDAB. (1990-91). Australian Development Cooperation in the Education and Training Sector. Canberra. Al-Samarrai, S. (2016). 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(nZT_pm -N_DFL(@YAjFm/KcR3Mgu-1E_hE-Th3cE([email protected]/hMXc 5SgufbdNQPI.O_CJ0mD_U7RJFtu.9VwReBs9DSfzoZ nk3/3 QnZ4 i4/Dacm7CODBxMJO.jhA4HGtrpe d,5dL1KeAKCR([email protected]/s9hJ5Edz G,R YXVd_qQsErG,D 6qMlRhtic9OzuyXImbF BFKS3_kDH.Vv(maGm8(C97_ Y, B8L 1(IzZYrH9pd4n(KgVB,lDAeX)Ly5otebW3gpj/gQjZTae9i5j5fE514g7vnO( ,[email protected] /[email protected] 6Q
Introduction Diabetes mellitus is a faction of metabolic illness characterized by high glucose level ensuing from defect in insulin secretion
INTRODUCTION In today’s increasingly changing world both employers and employees are trying to find ways to make jobs more meaningful and satisfying
Impact of Vitamin D Therapy in treating X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets Kate Barratt Research Proposal For the degree of Masters by Research
DED 1101 INTRODUCTION TO DEVELOPMENT STUDIES ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS CAT ONE 1
University of Westminster Faculty of Life Sciences MSc Global Public Health Nutrition FACTORS THAT HAVE LED TO IMPROVED MATERNAL NUTRITION OUTCOMES IN LOW AND MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES Jean Jepchirchir Chelimo w1662117 A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the University of Westminster for the degree of MSc in Global Public Health Nutrition
-133350-2000254781550-200025Adjustments in Learning Styles of BSMT Students With the Zero-Based Grading System A Thesis Presented to the Lyceum International Maritime Academy College of Education
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Pan American Art Projects
invites you to the opening reception of
Collective Exhibition of Prints & Multiples
On Saturday, June 30, Brunch 11 – 3 pm
274 NE 67th St.
panamericanart.com
(June 20 – August 17, 2108)
Everything in life is relative. Everything has its opposite, this is why humanity tends to think in binaries – we see things in white or black, good or bad, etc. For this reason, we are easily manipulated to think that whatever is for the elite is thus not for the masses, which is not important anyway as nothing belongs to the masses, they have no power to lay claim to anything. With this exhibition, we propose to open a debate on the significance, and transcendence of the concept of multiples or editions and on their place within private and public collecting.
Luis Cruz Azaceta, Urban Jungle, 2011
Serigraph, Ed of 90, 35 x 40.50 inches
Many questions immediately surface surrounding this theme. Indisputably, the term “multiple edition” relates to the intention to make art more accessible to the masses, creating a tension between something that is one of a kind, exclusive, and something that is mass produced, which inevitably leads to the bigger tension between the elite and the masses. Is this too a mechanism established by the market, really more a play on words than in actual application?
Alfredo Jaar, A Hundred Times Nguyen, 1996
Iris print, Ed 7/25, 18 x 48 inches
What is indisputable is that a work produced in multiples, or in limited edition, provides an accessible option in the market as a valid investment because it is validated by the creative process of an artist, which is the true test of value in aesthetics, concept, placement in the market, etc. Ultimately this places the ability to build the value of the work in the hands of the collector, an ability which still remains in the hands of relatively few, which may be lamentable or not depending upon which side of the fence you stand.
Carolina Sardi Constellation #4, Necklace,
Sterling Silver, Ed of 25, 20 inches
About the Gallery:
Pan American Art Projects was established in 2001 with the mission to exhibit and promote established artists from North and South America concurrently, providing a context for dialogue between the various regions. We represent a strong roster of contemporary artists of the Americas and hold a collection of works by masters from Cuba, Argentina, the U.S. and the Caribbean. Our programming reflects these complementary arenas providing a comprehensive historical context to contemporary tendencies in the visual arts from these regions.
Art Circuits’ Announcements And Invitations
Your Best Way To Link With The Art Market
Art Circuits’ Announcements is a news distribution service oriented to art professionals, media, and collectors. Our database reaches a targeted audience of over 10,000 art minded online subscribers throughout Latin America, United States, and Europe, including 500 writers and art critics in The Americas.The e-mail announcements include an active URL which links directly to each client’s site and they are echoed in facebook, twitter & Instagram. Art Circuits was founded in 2003.
To send a tailor-made announcement or to advertise in our
newsletters advertise@artcircuits.com or 305 661 05 11.
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Twitch continues to dominate live streaming with its second-biggest quarter to date – TechCrunch
Twitch continues to lead rivals including YouTube Live, Facebook Gaming, and Microsoft’s Mixer when it comes to live streaming video. Despite experiencing its first decline in hours watched in Q2 2019, the Amazon-owned game streaming site still had its second-biggest quarter to date, with over 70% of the hours watched during the quarter.
According to a new report from StreamElements, Twitch viewers live-streamed a total of 2.72+ billion hours in Q2 — or 72.2% of all live hours watched — compared with 735.54 million hours on YouTube Live (19.5%), 197.76 million on Facebook Gaming (5.3%), and just 112.29 million hours (3%) on Mixer.
Combined, the total hours watched across all four platforms was 3.77 billion in Q2.
While none of Twitch’s rivals are nearly catching up, YouTube Live did have a good month in May, breaking its own record with 284 million hours watched then. Overall, YouTube Live’s hours watched improved in Q2 as a result while Twitch saw a slight decline.
Facebook Gaming is also gaining steam. It’s now the third-biggest live streaming platform, having passed Microsoft Mixer.
Despite its traction, Twitch doesn’t have much of a longtail when it comes to stream viewership. That’s a problem it has faced for some time, as newcomers complained they spent years broadcasting to no one in hopes of gaining a fan base, with little success. Twitch has tried to remedy this problem with various educational efforts as well as product features like Raids and Squad Streams, for example.
However, the new report finds that the majority (almost 75%) of Twitch’s viewership still comes from people tuning in to the top 5,000 channels. Out of the 2.7 billion hours watched in Q2, these top 5,000 channels drove 2 billion of those hours watched.
In addition, the average concurrent viewership (viewers watching at the same time) of the top 5,000 channels increased by 12% in Q2 2019, compared with Q1. The top 200 channels have the highest concurrent viewership with 10,590 people watching together, on average.
Also in the quarter, viewership of top titles like Fortnite, League of Legends, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive declined in while vlogging — aka “Just Chatting” — grew, along with other titles.
Esports, meanwhile, still draws in big numbers but represents only a small slice of the overall pie.
The full report, which takes a look in other trends, including which streamers are gaining and losing popularity, is available here.
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How did Michigan become a State?
by Cara | Jun 24, 2019 | Buy Michigan Clothes, Michigan |
French Explorers
Urban Areas
Michigan has a long and fascinating history. By the time it was admitted to the union as the 26th state on January 26, 1837, it had already seen many population changes, a number of wars, as well as the construction of the Erie Canal.
Some of the first residents were the Hopewell culture, dating back to 1000 B.C. However, when the first Europeans arrived on the scene, the local people were, among others, the Ottawa, the Potawatomi and Ojibwe tribes of Native Americans.
1 French Explorers
2 Urban Areas
The first Europeans in the area were French explorers looking for a western route to China. They did not find tea but instead fur that would fetch a high price back in Europe, and started trading with local tribes. The first permanent settlement was established in 1668. Soon after, in 1701, the trading post that would later become the city of Detroit was founded.
By 1763 the local tribes had become unhappy with the Europeans rapid expansion and appropriation of their land and staged an attack, led by Cheif Pontiac, which was eventually put down by the British.
In 1805 Michigan became a United States Territory, but there would continue to be battles fought for control between British and U.S. forces until 1813. The 1820s and 1830s saw an influx of migrants, many from New York. This climb in population and settlement led the federal government to take steps to give Michigan statehood in 1835, with the proposal passing in 1837.
After the Civil War Michigan prospered, with the population doubling between 1870 and 1890. Railroads came as a boon to commerce and connected the many growing industries like lumber harvesting, dairy farming, and manufacturing with their respective customers.
In the 1900s, urban areas flourished. Detriot grew rapidly due to the burgeoning automotive industry, and in Battle Creek, the now-famous Kellogs and Post breakfast cereal companies changed the way people ate.
Then came Henry Ford and his production line, which revolutionized manufacturing, and affordable vehicles exploded onto the scene, with Michigan at the heart of it all. Immigrants poured in from southern and eastern Europe, as well as the South of the U.S.
With this influx came the diversity for which Detroit and Michigan, in general, is known. World War 2 created many new manufacturing jobs that led to prosperity in the post-war years. Motown Records was created and gave the world more great music than can anyone can shake a stick at.
The years since this heyday have brought a lot of struggle and strife to Michigan and its citizens. Between racial tensions, the oil crisis, and burst housing bubbles, not to mention undrinkable water, Michiganians have had much with which to contend. But this only underlines the determination and tenacity that characterizes this part of the country.
Show support for the proud 26th state, and one of the most beautiful regions in the North with clothing from Michigans coolest clothing company. With Hats, hoodies, shirts, jewelry, and decals featuring homegrown designs that show the love locals feel for their state, Livnfresh.com has something for everyone.
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Loving the new #georgejones #talesfromthetourbus mural down the street from @pretopostmodern at #colonialliquors ❤️ Didn’t get close enough to see artist sig. 😕 #nashville #nashvillehistory #mikejudge #nashvillemurals #nashvillestreetart #8thavenuesouthnashville #berryhill #woodlandinwaverly
A post shared by Pink Star Vintage (@pinkstarvintage) on Apr 7, 2019 at 6:59am PDT
George Jones’ Widow Hates His New Nashville Mural
George Jones' widow, Nancy Jones, is not at all happy with a new mural in Nashville that depicts an infamous scene from his life. The new mural shows Jones riding his lawnmower to the liquor store, a legendary tale in country music circles, and she's not hesitating to speak out about her disapproval.
"Have you seen that thing?? It is plumb ugly!" she says in a statement to Nashville news station Fox 17. "It doesn't look anything like George. It is stupid, hideous, self-serving, NOT accurate and certainly not sanctioned by the estate or the museum."
She feels that the mural is disrespectful to Jones' musical and personal legacy.
"George was a great writer, a great singer, and a proper mural should be about him and his music, not a mischaracterization of him on a lawnmower!" Nancy Jones adds.
Nashville's Tennesseean newspaper reports that Nashville-based artist Shawn Catz and his crew's design for the mural was inspired by an episode of Mike Judge's animated show, Tales From the Tour Bus. It appears on the side of the building at Colonial Liquors on Franklin Pike, where Jones had been a regular customer during his legendary drinking days.
Jones shared the story in his memoir, I Lived to Tell It All, though the details are the source of some dispute. He recalled that it took place in Texas during his marriage to Shirley Ann Corley, which lasted from 1954-1968. After he'd been drinking for several days, he wrote, she hid the keys to all of their cars so he could not leave to purchase more liquor, leaving him no choice but to ride his riding lawnmower to the nearest town, miles away.
"I imagine the top speed for that old mower was five miles per hour," Jones wrote. "It might have taken an hour and a half or more for me to get to the liquor store, but get there I did."
In the episode ofTales From the Tour Bus that inspired the mural, Jones' attorney, John Lentz, recalled the situation differently, claiming it took place in Nashville during Jones' marriage to Tammy Wynette, which began in 1969 and ended in 1975.
According to the Tennessean, Catz received permission from Judge, Cinemax and the George Jones Museum before creating the mural, but Nancy Jones' statement says otherwise.
Jones himself was quick to make fun of the incident, even making light of it in cameos in Hank Williams Jr.'s "All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight" video in 1984 and Vince Gill's "One More Last Chance" video in 1993. He married Nancy Jones on March 4, 1983, and with her guidance and support, he turned around a career that had been in serious decline due to his alcohol abuse and addictions.
Jones had one final drinking incident in 1999, when he was involved in a terrible one-car accident near his home in Tennessee. He pleaded guilty to charges of driving while impaired and violating Tennessee's open container law, and after that accident, the country legend swore off alcohol until his death in 2013.
Next: Remember How George Jones Saved His Career?
These Country Singers Have All Had Brushed With Death
See the House George Jones Built for Tammy Wynette
Source: George Jones’ Widow Hates His New Nashville Mural
Filed Under: george jones
Categories: Country
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Immigrant Detention System Broken
"In New York when I was detained, I was about to get an attorney through one of the churches, but that went away once they sent me here to New Mexico.... All my evidence and stuff that I need is right there in New York. I've been trying to get all my case information from New York ... writing to ICE to get my records. But they won't give me my records; they haven't given me nothing. I'm just representing myself with no evidence to present." – (name withheld), writing from the Otero County Processing Center, Chaparral, New Mexico.
So reads testimony from one of the increasing number of immigrants transferred by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detention centers far from where they were apprehended – making it virtually impossible for them to retain their records, communicate with family members, or hire lawyers to contest their deportation.
The number of individuals held in hundreds of different detention facilities by the DHS’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in fiscal year 2009 is estimated to have reached 369,483, more than double what it was a decade earlier. A new analysis of millions of government records shows that to handle this pronounced surge in detainees, ICE made 1.4 million detainee transfers in the decade from 1999 through 2008 -- 53 percent of them since 2006.
An increasing proportion of all detainees are being transferred. In FY 1999, one out of every five (19.6%) of the detainees was moved from one detention facility to another. During the first six months of FY 2008, the latest period for which complete data are available, the majority (52.4%) of detainees were transferred.
Almost as startling was the growth in the percentage of individuals who were subjected to multiple transfers — starting at one detention facility, being transferred to a second, and then again (and sometimes again and again) to other detention locations. Ten years ago only one out of twenty detainees experienced multiple transfers (5.6%). In FY 2008, one out of every four detainees (24%) was subject to multiple transfers.
This analysis is based upon previously unavailable data obtained by the Transactional Records Access Clearing House (TRAC) at Syracuse University and Human Rights Watch (HRW), which has published a new report, “Locked Up Far Away: The Transfer of Immigrants to Remote Detention Centers in the United States."
According to Alison Parker, HRW’s U.S. deputy director, “ICE is increasingly subjecting detainees to a chaotic game of musical chairs. And it’s a game with dire consequences since it may keep them from finding an attorney or presenting evidence in their defense.”
The human consequences of detainee transfers can be devastating. One detainee told Human Rights Watch that after living in upstate New York for
10 years with his wife and four children, ICE said he was deportable because of an old marijuana possession conviction, for which he had paid a fine and never served jail time. Initially detained in New York City, he was sent, just days later, to a detention center in New Mexico.
“In New York when I was detained, I was about to get an attorney through one of the churches, but that went away once they sent me here to New Mexico,” a detainee said from the Otero County Processing Center in Chaparral, New Mexico. “All my evidence and stuff that I need is right there in New York. I’ve been trying to get all my case information from New York … But they won’t give me my records, they haven’t given me nothing. I’m just representing myself with no evidence to present.”
ICE detains people suspected of violating civil immigration laws, not criminal laws. Many immigrants are first arrested and detained in major cities like Los Angeles or Philadelphia, places where immigrants have lived for decades and where their family members, employers, and attorneys also live. Days or months later, with no notice, many of these immigrants are loaded onto planes for transport to detention centers in remote corners of states such as Texas, California, and Louisiana (the three states most likely to receive transfers), the report found.
The average length of detention by ICE is 30 days, including the 25 per cent of detainees apprehended at the border and sent home within a day. But about 2,100 immigrants are detained for a year or more.
Says Rebecca Schreve, an immigration attorney in El Paso, Texas, "The transfers are devastating, absolutely devastating. [Detainees] are loaded onto a plane in the middle of the night. They have no idea where they are, no idea what [US] state they are in. I cannot overemphasize the psychological trauma to these people. What it does to their family members cannot be fully captured either. I have taken calls from seriously hysterical family members - incredibly traumatized people - sobbing on the phone, crying out, ‘I don't know where my son or husband is!'"
Detained immigrants have the right, under both US and international human rights law, to be represented in deportation hearings by an attorney of their choice and to present evidence in their defense.
But once they are transferred, immigrants are often so far away from their lawyers, evidence, and witnesses that their ability to defend themselves in deportation proceedings is severely curtailed, the report found.
"Immigrant detainees should not be treated like so many boxes of goods - shipped to the most convenient place for ICE to store them," HRW’s Parker said, adding, "We are especially concerned that the transferred detainees may find that their chances of successfully fighting deportation or gaining asylum from persecution have just evaporated."
The federal Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (which covers Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas) has jurisdiction over the largest number of the transferred detainees. Those transfers are of particular concern, HRW said, because that court is widely known for decisions that are hostile to non-citizens and because the states within its jurisdiction collectively have the lowest ratio of immigration attorneys to immigration detainees in the country.
HRW acknowledges that some detainee transfers are inevitable, but says that ICE and Congress should use reasonable and rights-protective checks on detainee transfers as the best state criminal justice systems do. The report recommends concrete steps to help create such a system.
Although ICE has recently announced plans to revamp its detention system, which may provide an opening for reforms, the agency previously has rejected recommendations to place enforceable constraints on its transfer power.
A number of factors account for the dramatic increase in the numbers of detainees. In 1996, the immigration law was changed to require the detention of people convicted of crimes, including misdemeanors, and all asylum applicants. Unlike criminal defendants, these immigrants are not entitled to a bond hearing to determine if they are flight risks.
According to a recent ICE review of the detention system, about 11 percent of immigrant detainees in custody had committed violent crimes. “The majority of the population is characterized as low custody, or having a low propensity for violence,” the ICE report concluded.
Intensified law enforcement has also played a role in increasing the number of detainees. For example, ICE has expanded its so-called 287(g) program, named for a section of the immigration law, which allows local law enforcement officers to arrest and detain anyone suspected of violating federal immigration laws.
ICE has also expanded the “Secure Communities” program, which requires local police to check the immigration status of everyone booked into a local jail. Those convicted are deported after serving their sentences.
DHS, which recently received $200 million to expand the “Secure Communities” program, estimates that “tens of thousands” more immigrants will be deported under the program in 2010.
ICE has responded to the TRAC and Human Rights Watch reports. “ICE is in the process of fundamentally overhauling our immigration detention system to establish consistent standards across the country, prioritize risk, strengthen oversight and increase efficiency,” says the agency’s statement.
“ICE will also soon submit a plan to Congress to implement an alternatives to detention program nationwide for low-risk individuals. These steps will not only enhance accountability and safety in our system, but will also reduce detainee transfers that can separate detainees from counsel and prolong their legal proceedings.”
Earlier, ICE acknowledged that it had serious problems with the conditions under which detainees are held. A report from Dr. Dora Schriro, who was then Director of ICE’s Office of Detention Policy and Planning, concluded that ICE needed to do a better job of assessing the risks associated with individual detainees in order to house and treat them appropriately.
ICE detention centers – a collection of hundreds of Federally-owned facilities, county and city jails, and privately-run prisons – have been severely criticized for substandard physical and medical conditions. ICE has acknowledged these conditions.
The recent ICE report acknowledges that attorneys representing detainees have complained that their clients are often transferred to detention centers far away and without notice, making legal representation extremely difficult. The report therefore only recommends that those who are represented by attorneys “should not be transferred outside the area unless there are exigent health or safety reasons, and when this occurs, the attorney should be notified promptly.”
The findings in the HRW report were confirmed by other sources. One is a bipartisan study group, the Constitution Project, whose members include Asa Hutchinson, a former DHS under secretary, and the DHS Inspector General.
The group called for sweeping changes in ICE policies and amendments to immigration law, including new access to government-appointed counsel for many of those facing deportation. It recommended shrinking the use of detention, in part by adding more constitutional safeguards required in the criminal justice system.
“None of the recommendations being made should in any way compromise national security,” Hutchinson said in an interview with the New York Times before he presented the report at the National Press Club in Washington. “It simply allows for a more humane and more efficient system,” he said.
A separate report by the DHS Inspector General found that ICE detainee transfers were so disorganized that some detainees arrived at a new detention center without having been served a notice of why they were being held, or despite a high probability of being granted bond, or with pending criminal prosecutions or arrest warrants in the previous jurisdiction.
The investigation found that the consequences included a loss of access to legal counsel and relevant evidence; additional time in detention; and “errors, delays and confusion for detainees, their families, legal representatives” and the immigration courts. Some detainees were transferred with files lacking a photo and a security classification, field inspectors found.
According to the inspector general, it is estimated that in the future ICE will detain more than 442,000 people a year — more than double the number in 2003, the year ICE began its operations. Prior to the formation of the Department of Homeland Security, ICE was known as the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
Posted by Unknown at Friday, December 11, 2009
Out of Ashes 12:56 AM, December 14, 2009
My brother was picked up on December 8, 2009 in an ICE sweep in Los Angeles.
In 1984, during the McMartin pre-School hysteria he was accused of "lewd conduct" perpetrated on a minor. He was charged but because of mitigated circumstances, such as the victim "recanting", he was put on probation. He did not want it to go to trial because of the hardship it would put on the family, and because he felt that a trial would be like that of the McMartin Pre-School; a total scam!
His probationary period was over in 1989. We have lived here since 1956 and are naturalized citizens. My brothers behavior has been exemplary all this time and has lived in the same place for 30 years. He was in the army for four years, he is a veteran.
He is 70 years old and has Parkinson's WTH!!! He is being held at Mira Loma, one and a half hour away from us and they are saying they may move him to New Mexico or Washington.
My brother has a family of three biological and 2 step kids with 8 grandkids who all depend him emotionally and financially.
I have been talking to him on the phone and he says the general holding area at Mira Loma is like a Felini movie with some people having been there for years. One guy has been there for SIX years! What floors me is that many are naturalized citizens and NOT ILLEGALS who had ticket warrants and such. What is really happening here????
Open Government: We Live in Hope
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Thumbelina ( )
Original Author: Andersen, Hans Christian
Adapted by: Yoon, Hee-jeong
Illustrator: Yang, Hye-Won
Retold by: Cowley, Joy
Publication Date: Jan 2015
Publisher: ChoiceMaker Pty. Limited, The
Imprint: Big and SMALL
Illustrated using beautiful soft pastel watercolours that evoke the warmth of the story.
Detailed Subjects: Juvenile Fiction / General
(Original Author)
Hans Christian Andersen, one of the best known figures in literature, is best know for combining traditional folk tales with his own great imagination to produce fairy tales known to most children today. The Danish writer was born in the slums of Odense. Although he was raised in poverty, he eventually attended Copenhagen University.
Although Andersen wrote poems, plays and books, he is best known for his Fairy Tales and Other Stories, written between 1835 and 1872. This work includes such famous tales as The Emperor's New Clothes, Little Ugly Duckling, The Tinderbox, Little Claus and Big Claus, Princess and the Pea, The Snow Queen, The Little Mermaid, The Nightingale, The Story of a Mother and The Swineherd.
Andersen's greatest work is still influential today, helping mold some of the works of writers ranging from Charles Dickens to Oscar Wilde and inspiring many of the works of Disney and other motion pictures.
Andersen, who traveled greatly during his life, died in his home in Rolighed on August 4, 1875.
Southern Lady Code
Ellis, Helen
Nanaville
Quindlen, Anna
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Home Architecture Nelson to Acquire Seattle-Based Craft Architects, Lunching Nationwide Industrial Practice
Nelson to Acquire Seattle-Based Craft Architects, Lunching Nationwide Industrial Practice
NELSON, a global brand experience firm delivering architecture, interior design, graphic design, branding and consulting services, has finalized an agreement to acquire Craft Architects, a Seattle-based architecture and interior design firm, the company said in a statement.
The strategic move will expand NELSON’s Seattle location, a part of the firm’s rapidly growing West Coast presence, and launch a full nationwide industrial practice area for the firm.
Led by Principal Kathy Craft-Reich, Craft Architects has a 15-year history of award-winning design in the industrial, commercial, retail and financial markets. The firm’s pioneering work for its client, Prologis, produced the first multistory warehouse space in the United States at Georgetown Crossroads in Seattle, notable for its three-story structure with truck access on two levels. The firm’s innovative concept is expected to help meet increasing demand in the commercial real estate market for industrial manufacturing and distribution space in dense, urban areas.
Combined with Craft’s more traditional, suburban industrial portfolio, the West Coast firm’s capabilities in urban, multistory design extend NELSON’s growing industrial design practice, currently based in Minneapolis in the Midwest and Atlanta and Alpharetta in the Southeast, to create a comprehensive nationwide practice. Led by Sasha Vinitsky in Alpharetta, NELSON’s industrial practice has produced over 30 million square feet of space for companies large and small in the Southeast and Midwest regions. The addition of Craft will allow NELSON to bring its knowledge and expertise in industrial design to clients across the country.
In addition to Prologis, Craft brings a diverse roster of clients such as Panattoni Development, Terreno, Triangle Equities and CenterPoint to NELSON’s extensive portfolio, along with 17professionals to NELSON’s Seattle office, one of more than 22 locations nationwide.
“We are beyond thrilled to have Craft Architects join our firm,” said John “Ozzie” Nelson Jr., Chairman and Co-CEO of NELSON. “This is a great opportunity for us to create a true nationwide presence in the industrial market and bring a fresh approach to designing these important spaces. Craft’s portfolio of state-of-the-art projects will also boost our profile as an innovative leader in the industrial market.”
“Craft greatly looks forward to an expanded ability to work across the country and globe as a part of NELSON,” said Kathy Craft-Reich, Principal. “We couldn’t be more excited to join operations with a firm that shares our client service philosophy and commitment to forward-thinking industrial space design.”
The acquisition will be finalized on October 15, 2018. Effective on the 15th, Craft Architects will operate as NELSON.
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GUND Partnership Breaks Ground on Kenyon College’s Three Buildings in Ohio
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SLAM Expands Team in Connecticut, Georgia and Massachusetts
Harvard University’s new research campus seeks a developer
AIA announces Small Project Award recipients
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admin@brennerlawfirm.com
Brenner, Monroe, Scott & Anderson, Ltd
Thoughtful and Innovative Approach to Litigation and Trial
Sheldon Brenner Obtains Not Guilty Verdict for Defendant Ophthalmologist
On November 4, 2005, a jury in Cook County, Illinois returned a not guilty verdict in favor of Sheldon Brenner’s client, an ophthalmologist. The plaintiff, a retired 76 year old woman, underwent cataract surgery done with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. The local was given by a peribulbar block. The plaintiff contended the block was in fact never given and that as a result she experienced excruciating pain during the surgery and, that because of the sedation, she was unable to vocalize her distress. She also claimed that the defendant should have converted to general anesthesia during the operation when she began to move and cough. Plaintiff did not claim the surgery was successful, and sought damages for the pain she experienced during the operation and the emotional distress suffered since, including nightmares and sleeplessness. The defense contended the anesthetic block was given, although there was some confusion in the records whether it was done by the anesthesiologist, who had been sued but was dropped before trial, or the defendant. Neither could state with certainty that he did it, but they both agreed it was done. Defendant also contended he exercised reasonable judgment in deciding not to convert to general anesthesia.
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Experience BA
Admission Team
Our desire is to encourage an athletic environment where Christ-like humility and self-discipline are the priorities — where we cultivate a spirit of competition, teamwork and always doing one’s best. Our emphasis on athletic excellence and our winning tradition must never overshadow the more important goal: to reach students and touch lives for God’s glory.
We encourage contemplative learning along with practical opportunities to experience life lessons. We recognize the significance of test scores, college entrances and our number of National Merit scholars, but our expressed priority is nurturing a strong academic work ethic to develop lifelong learners, keeping the pursuit of truth our primary directive at all times.
We know any attempt to institutionalize the personal relationship with the Creator we receive through Jesus Christ with spiritual emphasis programs or religious talk ultimately falls short. At BA, we are more concerned with the quality and depth of our relationships than the outcome of our efforts, humbly using the gifts and talents He has given us to His glory.
When Bill Brown established Brentwood Academy in 1969, he and the founding trustees envisioned a school that would emphasize the development of each student’s body, mind, and spirit, encouraging the cultivation of relationships, service and community outreach.
We seek to nurture the whole person — spiritually, intellectually and physically — so we work to ensure strong academics and challenging athletics prosper together in an environment where God is the foundation. To be effective, this model of education requires a spirit of cooperation rooted in wholesome relationships, which we strive toward cultivating every day.
Every Tuesday at 9:15 AM (no
reservation required)
Get the Brentwood Academy experience firsthand and see if our community is right for you and your family! Stop by any Tuesday at 9:15 AM without a reservation, or schedule a tour with us any other weekday.
Nov. 9, 2019 / Feb. 1, 2020
Admission Day begins with a student-led tour, followed by refreshments and entrance testing for prospective students. Parents meet with our headmaster, administrators and faculty to learn more about educational opportunities for their child.
Our Open House is a great opportunity for families to learn more about what BA is like from the students, parents and faculty who know it best. Discover BA’s unique culture, mission and ministry by joining us for a fun and informative morning together.
The BA Way
Our lockers don't lock.
We are serious about integrity, so we keep an “open locker” policy campus-wide, encouraging our students to be trustworthy and respectful of others.
Our students clean their own school
Students at BA don’t just learn about personal responsibility in theory. They practice it daily, which includes participating in campus-wide clean-up at the same time every day.
We honor BA values 24/7
Our students commit to a standard of high moral character, and they are expected to uphold these values 24/7, whether they’re on campus or not.
My BA Story
Colton Powell
Class of 2017 | Abeline Christian University
Avery Billington
Class of 2017 | Baylor University
Brentwood Academy is committed to accepting students for admission from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Our board of trustees has a need-based financial aid policy that dictates a percentage of tuition budget to be used exclusively for financial aid.
Kurston Biggers
B.S. University of Tennessee
EMAIL 615-523-0611 x336
Jenny Cretin
Financial Aid Director/Admission
B.A. B.S. Welch College
Lisa Greene
B.S. Carson-Newman University
EMAIL 615-724-3404
Jason Mathews
Admission Director/Football
B.S. Texas A&M University
Mark Sutton
Admissions/Boys' and Girls' Tennis/Strength & Conditioning
B.S. University of Tennessee Martin
M.S. Middle Tennessee State University
EMAIL 615-373-0611 x-316
What kind of school is Brentwood Academy?
Brentwood Academy is a co-educational, independent, college preparatory school dedicated to nurturing and challenging the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—to the glory of God. Brentwood Academy serves students in grades 6 through 12.
Where is Brentwood Academy located?
Brentwood Academy is located at 219 Granny White Pike in Brentwood, TN 37027.
Get directions or see a campus map.
How many students attend Brentwood Academy?
Enrollment for the 2018-2019 school year is 740 students in grades 6 through 12. The student body at Brentwood Academy matriculates from more than 60 different schools.
What is the student/faculty ratio at Brentwood Academy?
The ratio of students to faculty is 10 to 1. The average class size is 17 students.
What kinds of academic programs are available?
Brentwood Academy is a college preparatory school, offering a variety of classes including honors and Advanced Placement courses. Students study English, mathematics, science, history, world languages [French, Spanish, Latin], religion, art, forensics and speech, drama, instrumental music, vocal music, drama, theater production, and life skills.
Learn More About Academics
What athletic teams does Brentwood Academy offer?
Brentwood Academy fields teams in both team and club sports. Students participate on teams in five different levels—upper school varsity, upper school junior varsity, middle school varsity, middle school junior varsity, and sixth grade. Brentwood Academy upper school teams compete in the Middle Region of Division II of the Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association [TSSAA]; the middle school is a member of the Harpeth Valley Athletic Association [HVAC].
Learn More About Athletics
Are there fine arts opportunities?
Yes. Brentwood Academic offers academic and extra-curricular opportunities in band, vocal performance, dance, theater, speech and debate, and visual arts for all ages. Learn more about the specific offerings in the Fine Arts section of our website.
Learn More About Fine Arts
Is Brentwood Academy affiliated with any church or religious organization?
Brentwood Academy is not affiliated with any church or religious denomination, and prospective families do not have to sign a statement of faith prior to enrollment. The school’s mission, however, is to nurture and challenge the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—to the glory of God. This mission is rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and faculty and staff articulate the reality of this relationship in their lives and in the classroom.
How does a student apply for admission to Brentwood Academy?
Families who are interested in Brentwood Academy should contact the admission office. Two Admission Days offer tours of the campus, student testing, a parent information meeting with an overview of academic, athletic, and spiritual programs, and a question-and-answer period. These dates are in November and February. Applicants should contact the admission office to reserve a place for either of these dates.
How much does Brentwood Academy cost?
The tuition for 2019-20 is $26,980 which includes everything except books, supplies, lunches, and certain class activities.
Does Brentwood Academy offer financial aid?
Financial aid is need-based and is available to all qualified families. Families interested in applying for aid may apply on-line at sss.nais.org in November. Parents may also contact the admission office to request the form for making an application through the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS) in Princeton, New Jersey. Based on the results of this report, the Financial Aid committee determines the amount given to each qualified applicant. Limited funds are available each year, and applicants should request financial aid information prior to March 1.
How is Brentwood Academy accredited?
Brentwood Academy is dually accredited through the Southern Association of Independent Schools [SAIS] and the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges [SACS]. BA is also accredited by the Council on Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA).
Whether you're ready to apply now or still exploring what BA is all about, we're happy to help.
Start Here request info Apply
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1966 Signed (30+) NFL Championship Program with Lombardi JSA LOA Packers vs. Cowboys
All > Programs & Tickets
The end of an era and a classic battle! The last NFL Championship before the Super Bowl era was tightly contested and not decided until the the very end as the Packers prevailed over the upstart Cowboys (who were competing in their first postseason in franchise history) 34 to 27. The game was played at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas on January 1, 1967.
On June 8, 1966 the NFL and AFL had announced that they would be merging following the 1969 season; ending the competition between the two leagues off the field. As part of the merger terms the two leagues agreed to meet in a season finale (following the 1966 season) initially known as the "World Championship Game" with the AFL champion facing the NFL champion. By defeating the Cowboys the Packers earned a berth to play in the first Super Bowl against the AFL's Kansas City Chiefs. Two weeks later the Packers would defeat the Chiefs 35 to 10; earning a title that can never be removed...first Super Bowl champions.
Offered here is a program, autographed by over 30 Green Bay Packers including the legendary Vince Lombardi, from the last NFL Championship before the Super Bowl era began. Lombardi's signature stands above the rest; boldly signed on the top right corner of the front cover. The remainder of the signatures (with the exception of Red Mack, top of page 1) adorn the front cover and include the majority of the members from the Super Bowl I champion Green Bay Packers (nine Pro Football Hall of Fame members).
The program cover is signed by the following Packers: Lionel Aldridge, Bill Anderson, Don Anderson, Ken Bowman, Bob Brown, Tom Brown, Jerry Burns (coach), Don Chandler, Red Cochran (coach), Bill Curry, Carroll Dale, Boyd Dowler, Gale Gillingham, Jim Grabowski, Forrest Gregg, Dave Hanner (coach), Dave Hathcock, Doug Hart, Bob Jeter, Henry Jordan, Jerry Kramer, Vince Lombardi, Bob Long, Red Mack, Ray Nitschke, Dave Robinson, Bob Schnelker (coach), Bob Skoronski, Bart Starr, Jim Taylor, Fuzzy Thurston, Phil Vandersea, Jim Weatherwax, and Steve Wright.
The autographs have been authenticated by James Spence and the program will be accompanied by the LOA. The 116 page program is in excellent condition with the exception of the back cover which is torn with a piece missing.
A program from the game that marked the beginning of one era and the end of another; signed by the majority of the Super Bowl I champion Packers players and the man for whom the trophy would eventually be named after.
Final prices include buyers premium.: $1,434.00
Number Bids: 10
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Burton K Janes
Newfoundland Writer.
Books by Burton
The Enigmatic Samuel Mercer
October 20, 2017 / burtonkjanes / Leave a comment
Everyone in Bay Roberts, NL, knows that Samuel Mercer (1879-1969), Episcopalian clergyman and world-renowned Orientalist and Egyptologist, was born in their town. The record of his birth is incontestable; he was indeed born in the town on 10 May 1879. And, when he entered Harvard University in 1905, he agreed with the baptismal registry, except that he had expanded his name to Samuel Alfred Browne Mercer. Five years later, when he entered the University of Munich, he seemed to have forgotten both the year and place of his birth! “Ich bin am 10 Mai 1880,” he began his resume, “in Bristol, England geboren.”
Samuel Alfred Browne Mercer with the insignia of the Order of the Trinity
The two errors – 1880 and Bristol – subsequently entered the reference books, and became the gospel – except in Bay Roberts, where he is venerated as a local boy who made big. The prestigious Current Biography went so far as to speculate on how Mercer ended up in Bay Roberts in the first place!
“At an early age,” the book hypothesized, “Samuel Mercer was taken to North America where he spent most of his boyhood and youth in Newfoundland.”
The question is why Mercer instigated the hoax surrounding his birth. It is a question that readily invites investigation. The holder of twelve degrees, the author of twenty-nine books and a linguist who spoke fifteen languages, he may have wanted simply to forget his poverty-stricken childhood in Bay Roberts and, at the same time, lend credibility to his many and varied accomplishments. Bristol, England, may have sounded more stately to him than Bay Roberts, Newfoundland.
A distinctive Newfoundland regional dialect – the north shore of Conception Bay which exhibits a loss of “r” after vowels – completely fooled a reporter for The New York Times in 1952. The journalist was impressed by what he perceived as Mercer’s “native British accent.” And, an expanded name, Samuel Alfred Browne Mercer, may have carried a more scholarly ring than the mundane Samuel.
A subsidiary factor is drawn from Mercer’s A Brief Autobiography, which he wrote in 1958. At seventy-nine years of age, he dated his birth in 1880 and wrote giddily that it was “the year in which Gaston Maspero [1846-1916], the famous French Egyptologist, discovered the inscriptions in the five Sakkara pyramids in Egypt.” In 1952, Mercer had completed a six-year task of translating these hieroglyphics into English. The historical link between his work and Maspero’s find was, in Mercer’s mind, too close to pass up. His claim to have been born the same year as Maspero’s find backfired, though, because the latter did not make his discovery until 1881. Mercer still missed by a year!
This is but one of many hoaxes that have been foisted upon the public. In the case of Samuel Alfred Browne Mercer, an individual of international repute, for personal reasons, threw a veil over the details of his birth. And, he allowed the hoax to persist until a future biographer rechecked the records. This is a clear example of how a hoax can become entrenched in the accepted version of events.
David Mainse on Eugene Vaters
October 1, 2017 / burtonkjanes / Leave a comment
After reading about the passing of television host and founder of 100 Huntley Street David Mainse at 81 on 25 September 2017, I went to my correspondence file to see whether I had any letters from him.
David Mainse
On 1 August 1988, while researching the life and ministry of Pastor Eugene Vaters (1898-1984), general superintendent of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Newfoundland (1928-62), I asked Mainse for his impressions about the Newfoundland Pentecostal pioneer.
“He was a great blessing to us,” Mainse begins his response, dated 28 August 1988. Featuring Vaters on 100 Huntley Street was, Mainse adds, “like having one of God’s patriarchs as our special guest.
Eugene Vaters
“Eugene Vaters is a man of towering statue, in my experience of ministry. I’ve heard him preach. I’ve visited in his home and I have seen the results firsthand of his apostolic calling in the great success of the Pentecostal Assemblies ministry throughout Newfoundland. He was and continued to be, in my thinking, to the Church a figure of great importance. In the history of our Nation one would have to draw an earthly comparison to [John A.] MacDonald [1815-91) or [George-Étienne] Cartier [1814-73], some of the early Fathers of Confederation. I don’t wish to minimize the importance of political contribution that these men made to nationhood, but the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth is of infinitely greater importance than the work of anyone following a political calling.”
When Vaters’ daughter, Pauline Shaw and her husband Geoffrey were with 100 Huntley Street for several years, “the character of Eugene Vaters was very much a part of their lives,” Mainse writes. “I saw and appreciated his legacy daily during the time.”
When Mainse was in Vaters’ presence, he “sensed an unbending integrity and yet a heart full of compassion and understanding. In short, a man who had, throughout life’s journey, became conformed to the image of Christ.”
Actually, Mainse knew both Eugene Vaters and his wife, Jennie (1895-1986). “Together,” he reminisces, “this couple was a formidable team striking fear into the hearts of the enemy and planting the banner of the cross firmly throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and having a great influence far beyond those shores.”
The footsteps of the Sorbonne trio
September 25, 2017 / burtonkjanes / Leave a comment
In his book Newfoundland’s Believe It or Not! Jack Fitzgerald relates a great hoax that in the 1930s rocked two continents with laughter. You can either go out and buy this book, or read the story here!
In 1933 in Paris, the Chamber of Deputies, the name given to several parliamentary bodies in France in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, spent weeks discussing debts owed the United States by European countries as a result of World War I. Public attention too was focussed on the issue.
Each member of the Chamber contributed to the discussion. Three students at the Sorbonne, the historical house of the former University of Paris, were convinced that some of the Deputies knew absolutely nothing about the States or, indeed, the Western Hemisphere. The trio determined to prove the ignorance of contemporary politicians.
A few days later, 72 members of the Chamber received a professionally typewritten letter. The letterhead read: Paris Branch, Ethnical Defence League of Newfoundlanders and Guatemalans, New York, Headquarters, 43 Seventy-Second Street, N.W. 2.”
The letter began with an appeal to President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
“You know that two States of the Republic of the United States are deprived of a majority of the privileges enjoyed by the other 42,” the authors of the letter declared.
“They are the States of Newfoundland and Guatemala,” they continued. “Newfoundland, as you know, is inhabited by two million people of Spanish origin who still speak Spanish since Cortes[-Real] conquered the country from the Incas; while the Guatemalans speak Portuguese from the time Don Pedro of Syracuse conquered the country in 1456.
“As just one example of injustice, these two States are represented in the United States Senate by only one Senator, whereas others, such as New York, have 12.”
The remainder of the letter was a similar mix of fact and fiction.
The most outrageous result of the hoax was that nine of the 72 Deputies who had received the letter responded to the nonexistent Ethnical Defence League of Newfoundlanders and Guatemalans, promising their undying support for the cause!
As one would expect, once the story got out, the two continents convulsed with laughter. The incident may not be the hoax of that century, as some would claim, but it deserves honourable mention in the history of good-natured deception.
Bill Rowe’s report card on the premiers
Bill Rowe is a veritable book-writing machine! His literary output is prodigious.
Pick the genre of your choice: fiction, collected columns, political memoir, public policy, history… There’s something in his oeuvre for every reading taste.
I haven’t yet finished reading his 2015 book, The True Confessions of a Badly Misunderstood Dog, as much as I want to. I am a shameless dog lover, who has laughed and wept over my pets. I once read John Grogan’s Marley & Me, but my eyes were blinded by tears, and I vowed to never again read such a heartbreaker. After having lost two dogs, can I bear reading what I think might be another tearjerker about a four-legged animal?
But I can and do read about two-legged animals, especially those of the political stripe. Bill Rowe is my favourite guide to recent politics in Newfoundland and Labrador. He whetted my appetite with titles like Danny William: The War With Ottawa, Danny Williams: Please Come Back, The Premiers Joey and Frank, No Punches Pulled: The Premiers Peckford, Wells, & Tobin, and now…
The Worst and Best of the Premiers and Some We Never Had is, as the subtitle suggests, “a political report card.”
How should Newfoundland and Labrador’s political leaders during the nearly seventy years of Confederation be graded? Bill set for himself a demanding assignment, grading some forty-two individuals who led the various Parties into a provincial general election, ranging from a high of 85% (a tie between Joseph Smallwood and John Crosbie) to a low of 20% (a tie between Jim Higgins and Gus Duffy).
While Bill strove for objectivity – is objectivity even possible? – the marks he assigned reflect his personal likes and dislikes. Readers will quibble with some of his grades.
As I read, I wondered about where on the scale between 0% to 100% Bill himself would be placed. Lo and betide, when I reached page 77, I read these words, “if I had qualified for a ranking here, I would have placed myself, based on the gap between what I had aspired to achieve and what I actually achieved, at the lower end of the scale.”
I would give Bill full marks for writing the way he did, with what he calls his “brutal frankness” and “‘warts and all’ approach.” Admittedly, it may not help him to, in the words of Dale Carnegie, “win friends and influence people,” especially those about whom he writes, but it makes for entertaining and thoughtful reading.
Following a trip I won to Russia in 1978, I spent a nostalgic hour viewing Peter Ustinov’s Leningrad. Later, William Casselman, writing in Macleans, stated, “This is the Leningrad of Peter Ustinov. Not mine, not yours perhaps, but his alone – quirky, flawed, riveting.” I don’t know about the quirky and flawed part, but Bill’s book is definitely riveting.
The Worst and Best of the Premiers and Some We Never Had is published by Flanker Press.
How Ya Gettin’ On?
Some writers are so well known, they don’t have to use their real name. Case in point: Snook, aka Pete Soucy. The title of his book: How Ya Gettin’ On? Snook Writes About Stuff.
Snook is no stranger to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. He has hosted his own talk show on VOCM. He has also hosted his own CBC variety series. He has released several videos, CDs and DVDs. And this is only part of the stuff he’s been doing for over twenty-five years.
I’m partial to NTV’s evening news coverage. Sometimes, when I’m in another part of the house, I hear the unmistakable voice of the fast-talkin’ Snook, “Howyagettinon?” I rush to the TV, to hear what words of wisdom he will pass on to viewers. I am rarely if ever disappointed. He’s one of a kind. And, as he might say, “Tank God for dat!”
Snook may not have made it to the cover of Atlantic Books Today, as he has The Newfoundland Herald, but he has made it to back of the literary magazine. There, he describes himself as “a proper downtown, St. John’s, Newfoundland ‘Corner Boy,’ ” who mostly just hangs around, “shootin’ the breeze.”
He blames – uh, credits – Mother Nature for making him the way he is, “forever looking for a light, a laugh, and a milder mood.”
How Ya Gettin’ On? is a compilation of weekly columns which originally appeared in The Newfoundland Herald. Such compilations don’t always work, but this one does, as it reflects a year in the thinking of one of the province’s funniest guys. There’s no doubt about it: Snook has a wicked sense of humour.
In the dedication of his book, he makes reference to his high school principal, Mr. Mullett, who always declared that he would “Never do nudding, never be no one, and always be proper useless.” The clincher is when Snook asks rhetorically, “Where’s your book to, Mullett?” I wouldn’t want to be Mr. Mullett today!
“The world is magic,” Snook suggests, “and writing just might be the best of it.”
If you decide to read Snook’s book, to be forewarned is to be forearmed: Be ready to experience some aching belly laughs.
As Snook would say, “Right on.”
How Ya Gettin’ On? Snook Writes About Stuff is published by Flanker Press.
What to Read in the Bathroom
May 6, 2017 / burtonkjanes / Leave a comment
It’s been several years – decades? – since I’ve gone to an outhouse. But the bathroom attached to my office provides the same services. Because of the time spent in the facility, it is useful to have at hand a ready supply of reading material. There’s nothing quite so boring as sitting and staring at a blank wall, not unlike watching paint dry. Now, thanks to Flanker Press of St. John’s, and a gentleman who goes by the moniker of Grandpa Pike, I have a brand new book to add to my stash of bathroom reading, Grandpa Pike’s Outhouse Reader.
Laurie Blackwood Pike grew up in Stanhope, NL, but, leaving when he was four years old, he also grew up in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Outhouses were common in the 1940s and 1950s.
“On the wall beside the hole were strips of paper cut from an old Eaton’s catalogue, or the Family Herald, nailed in place, or sometimes laid in a pile within reach of the seat. While you were waiting for nature to take its course, … you used these strips the way you would use toilet tissue today.”
The Eaton’s catalogue and Family Herald may be things of the past, but, Grandpa Pike suggests, “people everywhere still read in the bathroom.” He hopes that his book “will take your mind off the more mundane.”
He tells his stories in eight chapters, umbrellaed under the good old days, animals, sports, life, the Duke, people, sales and travel. All 70 of them are humourous, inspiring and, sometimes, thought-provoking.
“A book like this … contains short reads, and you can simply fold down the corner of the page when done.” I personally prefer to not dog ear my books. “Upon your next visit, you might even choose a story at random, the length of which you’ll determine by estimating the time required to complete the job.”
Bathroom users and book readers will have their favourite stories. Grandpa Pike’s animal stories especially resonate with me. You know, he’s a very punny guy. In “Dawn,” he writes about the time he had to give his cat away because he was moving. His ending is classic: “It is indeed a long night that has no dawn.”
Grandpa Pike’s Outhouse Reader is not the kind of book to read in one … ah … sitting, then relegate to a shelf. Keep it on your vanity and read a story or two as the need arises.
Art Love Forgery
February 9, 2017 / burtonkjanes / Leave a comment
There were approximately 19,900 new books published in Canada in 1996, the latest year for which statistics are available. Even if I were to read two a week, it would take me 200 years to read ’em all! So, I must choose carefully which books I read.
As a history aficionado, I recently read Art Love Forgery, Carolyn Morgan’s foray into published fiction based on fact.
In 1880, Alexander Pindikowsky, a Polish artist working in Heart’s Content, is arrested for the crime of forgery.
Morgan has been fascinated by this story since she first heard about the Pole.
“Since I am a visual artist,” she says, “his story was all the more compelling to me.” She wanted his “quite unusual” tale to “come alive.”
As a university student writing history papers, she “always read historical fiction first to get a sense of the time period and the historical figures. Reading a novel was far less tedious for me than reading dry historical documents.”
By crafting Pindikowsky’s story as a novel, Morgan was able to entertain her readers and educate people “about a slice of Newfoundland history in the process.”
Art Love Forgery is informed by an amalgam of “stories and characters from my own family history” and an awareness of “the cultural mind-set of the time.”
Pindikowsky was sentenced to prison; part of his sentence included designing and painting ceiling frescoes that can still be seen at Government House in St. John’s.
“Very progressive was the idea of using a prisoner’s talents during his incarceration instead of having him languish in a jail cell.”
Visual artistry has been part of Morgan’s life, she explains, “starting as a young girl designing and creating hats and clothing for my dolls.”
Studying art locally and spending two art holidays in France and one in Italy, studying painting en plein air, she now sells her paintings, textile work and metal art work.
She says that her visual work is based on inspiration.
“My artistic expression is all about communicating ideas and stories. My work often reflects the struggle between the industrialized/technological world and the natural world. When I am inspired, my imagination processes images in the form of a visual story. A person, place, leaf or seedpod, a phrase in a book or a fragment of conversation, can trigger a torrent of visual images that will condense into an artwork.”
In Art Love Forgery, she writes “about an artist who is part of Newfoundland’s history – a happy combination for me.”
In case you are wondering, yes, the Love in the title indicates the story of a forbidden love in the capital city in the nineteenth century.
Art Love Forgery, which is published by Flanker Press, is a good read. Morgan draws the reader in through her artistic imagination. The overriding question is: How will the love affair between Alexander Pindikowsky and Ellen Dormody evolve?
The book will also “foster a curiosity about other characters and events from our rich history,” which is one of the things Morgan wants people to take from her novel.
A fire at Brigus
February 6, 2017 February 6, 2017 / burtonkjanes / Leave a comment
It was Wednesday, 25 September 1935. Seventy-five-year-old Nicholas Smith of Brigus was in the middle of writing his memoirs. The book would be released the following year by the English firm, Arthur H. Stockwell, Ltd., under the title, Fifty-Two Years at the Labrador Fishery.
Humphrey T. Walwyn (1879-1957), Governor of Newfoundland from 1936 to 1946, wrote the foreword to Smith’s book, referring to it as “a work of great inspirational value and historical interest to those who today follow in his footsteps.” The Englishman enthused that the author “gives to the reader an insight into the sterling character of the Newfoundland fisherman. Greater indeed than the industry itself are the courage and undying optimism which inspire him to carry on in the face of almost insurmountable difficulties. Greater indeed than the mere commercial value of the total catch are the character and resourcefulness which go into the production of a single quintal of codfish.”
Suddenly, as Smith was buried in his manuscript, a fire started in a house halfway down Grave Hill, which was one of Brigus’ better residential neighbourhoods. Much of the town’s businesses, including the premises belonging to J. & G. Smith, Captain Azariah Munden and Captain Nathan Norman, were located there. Both captains owned homes not unlike English castles which were, Smith recalled, “a picture to see.”
The fire spread to the adjacent building, then the cooperage where R. F. Horwood had lived as a child. From there, the flames lit another house and coal shed, then quickly ignited the Pomeroy dwelling and stores across from Smith’s home. The fire jumped the street, a mere thirty feet from where Smith was writing his autobiography.
“It greatly affected my brain and ability,” Smith admitted. He facetiously added that he had not been “over-stocked with either before the accident occurred!”
During the following week, Smith could barely write his own name, let alone continue writing what would become a 56,000-word book!
The author, who was blessed with a keen sense of humour, acknowledged, “I fancy now that I have got things down here that I should have left out, and have left out some funny incidents that I should have included.” He encouraged the reader to “take the will for the deed and forgive my shortcomings under the circumstances.”
A flood at Brigus in 1907. Photo courtesy J. J. Winter.
The fire was a disastrous and devastating one. Before the conflagration was brought under control, largely after the arrival of the pumper from St. John’s, sixteen structures were destroyed. Smith himself came to within a hair’s breath of losing his home and all his possessions. He and his family, he suggested, would then have “been on the street in my old days.”
As it stood, his daughter and son-in-law lost their home, which was, he wrote, “a fairly good one for a fisherman to possess.” The house boasted nine rooms and a grocery store on the ground floor; the basement stored 100 tons of coal. Fortunately, most of the furniture, as well as the items in the shop, were saved. Unfortunately, no insurance was carried. Some of the other people who had suffered loss were covered, but most were only partly insured.
Smith suspected that, if the residents of Brigus at the turn of the twentieth century could return, they would be grief-stricken to “see the once prosperous Grave Hill, now a place of fallen brick and mortar.” Smith hoped the buildings which had been destroyed by the fire would be rebuilt, but he was practical enough to realize that “time alone can tell.”
A bishop at Bay Roberts
Newfoundland’s second Anglican bishop, Edward Feild (1801-76), was consecrated in Canterbury in April 1844. Shortly after, he assumed duties commensurate with his position.
He began a private diary, in which he reflected on his challenge and detailed his voyage. He was preoccupied with church architecture and arrangement, colonial practices for church ritual, and the erection of a new cathedral. He included his personal opinions of both public figures and clergy, not shying away from passing judgment when he felt it was necessary.
Today, it is instructive to review the bishop’s experiences at Bay Roberts on 30 July 1844.
Feild found the settlement to be “very long-struggling.” To reach the church, he “proceeded along a very decent road upwards of a mile.”
Nearing the church, he spied the parson who, apparently, “had been expecting us in the morning and had designed that his people should receive the Sacrament at my hands.”
Bishop Edward Feild
The Anglican minister at Bay Roberts in 1844 was Robert Traill Spence Lowell (1816-91). He is remembered as the author of New Priest in Conception Bay, the first novel ever to be based on firsthand experience of Newfoundland life.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Lowell trained for ministry in the Protestant Episcopal Church. In 1842, he was admitted for ordination.
That fall, Lowell met Aubrey George Spencer (1785-1872), Newfoundland’s first Church of England Bishop, later following him to Bermuda.
Lowell was deaconed in December and priested in March 1843. He served as domestic chaplain to Bishop Spencer and school inspector.
Lowell requested to be transferred to Bay Roberts. Arriving in Newfoundland in May 1843, he became the third resident minister of St. Matthew’s Anglican Church.
Except for a three-month stint in the States in 1845, when he married Mary Ann (known as Marianna) Duane of Duanesburg, New York, Lowell lived in Newfoundland until July 1847. The couple had three daughters and four sons. Their first child was born in Bay Roberts in 1847.
Lowell took Feild to the schoolroom, where the American bragged about the Sunday school children who, in his opinion, were “well instructed in the church Catechism.” Feild begged to differ.
Lowell also boasted of the numbers he had enlisted in Sunday school. He had established a daily afternoon church service. He had also obtained and fenced ground for a cemetery. He had “great influence” with people.
Feild committed his caustic feelings about Lowell to his diary: “He is a genuine American – a young and unfortunately a single man, [who] fancies himself a decided Churchman.” His ways were “truly American.”
For example, Lowell had a dog by the name of Chrysostom. “The dog was introduced to me as a son of the Church,” Feild noted humourlessly.
Chrysostom accompanied his master and the bishop to the church, evidently “a common practice.” Field was not amused.
Feild was also unimpressed with the way Lowell “said the prayers,” making “such pauses between the sentences of the Confession that it was quite painful to hear him.” Feild thought Lowell had simply put on a performance.
Not only that, but “people kept coming in during the whole service, and the children were moving about, coming and going out in a degree that was almost intolerable.”
Feild mounted the pulpit to preach. Suddenly, “John Chrysostom marched deliberately up the church, as it might be supposed to inquire who was got into his, or his master’s, place, but as it turned out to join his master at the altar!”
Decidedly upset, Feild stopped preaching and insisted that the dog be “thrown out, which his master, in great confusion, was obliged to perform.”
The bishop noted in his diary: “I greatly fear that Mr. Lowell has another American gift, viz. that of lying,” as Lowell had assured the bishop that the canine would not venture “beyond the vestry.”
Following the service, Feild accompanied Lowell to his lodgings, which consisted of two small rooms. The American endeavoured to make the Englishman “feel more comfortable and at ease by expatiating on the house he shortly intends to build,” a stone structure on a site he had already obtained.
Lowell served his guest plenty of tea, bread and butter, along with “some very nice scrods – which is the young cod – and was the first variety of the fish I have liked.” Feild sarcastically noted, “The fishermen cook it better than professed artists.”
Lowell then “informed us of his powers and perfections, among other things equally wonderful that he was regularly descended from Mahnus Troil,” a character in a novel written by Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832).
Bishop Feild then took his leave of Bay Roberts and moved on to neighbouring Port de Grave.
Skipper Jim Powell’s dream
February 4, 2017 / burtonkjanes / 1 Comment
Jim Powell of Bonavista was not a particularly religious fellow. This is an important observation to keep in mind, as it plays a key part in this story. He attended his church whenever the doors were open and he supported his clergyman anyway he could. Still, religion was largely a perfunctory affair for him; he was what is termed a “nominal” Christian.
One night, Jim dreamed a dream. Nothing unusual there. But the content of his dream was unusual and would stay with him until his dying day. He related the details of his dream to all and sundry.
In his dream, he died, thankfully ending up in heaven.
“My son,” he would say to family and friends, “you should’ve seen it!” He would then launch into an eloquent and colourful description of heaven’s splendours.
“I was met at the gate by St. Peter himself!” he exclaimed. “I walked up the golden staircase and entered this very wonderful and beautiful place.
“Then,” he continued, excitement showing in his voice, “I was taken to a long hall, where there were rows of pegs. On each peg there was a robe and a crown.”
Emotion creased his countenance. But he wasn’t yet finished describing what he had experienced.
“As we were walking down the hall,” he continued, “St. Peter stopped and pointed to a certain peg. He said to me, ‘This robe and crown are yours, and in three years I am coming for you.’ ”
By now, shivers would be running up and down the backs of Jim’s listeners, who had heard this story time and again.
Earlier, we said that Jim Powell was not a particularly religious fellow. Well, that was before his dream. After his dream, he did an about-face. So impressed upon his mind was his dream that he became a devoted Christian. Indeed, his lifestyle was completely altered.
One fall day in 1890, three years to the day from Jim’s dream, his schooner was tied up at Baine Johnston’s wharf in St. John’s. His brother-in-law’s schooner was there, too. They had sailed to the capital city with a load of dried codfish. In return, they would take back to Bonavista the full complement of supplies they needed for the winter.
Jim’s brother-in-law had been up on Water Street. On his way back to his schooner, he saw Jim Powell walking up the wharf. He was drenched and water was streaming off his clothing. His brother-in-law spoke to him, but there was no response…for Jim was no longer there!
That afternoon, the two schooners left for Bonavista. The larger one was skippered by Tom Burge; the smaller, by Jim Powell.
Because there was no wind, they put out their rowboats and rowed until they reached the outer part of the Narrows. The schooners were so close to each other that the men engaged in a bit of fun by throwing birch junks at each other.
Separating from Captain Powell, Captain Burge proceeded to Bonavista, arriving almost three days later. But Powell’s schooner was nowhere to be seen.
Meanwhile, Jim had reached Sugarloaf.
At that moment, a steamer, the Falcon, steered directly for the schooner. A Mr. Carroll, who was manning the wheel, later testified, “I tried by every means in my power to steer clear of the steamer, but I was unable to do so.
“They had lights up,” he explained. “There was no reason whatsoever for the steamer to run into our vessel, unless there was nobody on the bridge. The steamer came along so fast that I didn’t have a chance to see if there was any lookout. But I distinctly remember there was nobody on the bridge.”
The schooner was sliced in half.
Miraculously, Mr. Carroll grabbed a piece of rope which was hanging from the steamer and pulled himself aboard. Jim Powell, who had the reputation of being “a dog in the water,” was lost. His body was never found.
Jim Powell died three years to the day of his dream of heaven.
Stan on Skipper Jim Powell’s…
Lisa on Bibliomania
Stan Keefe on An unusual song request
Karen on Justice prevails: A memoir of…
Euan on Newfoundland: An Island A…
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Tuesday, Feb 27 2007
California Firm Part of Microsoft Health Care Plan
Microsoft on Monday announced plans to acquire California-based Medstory, a start-up company that has developed a specialized online search engine to provide health and medical information to consumers, the New York Times reports. The search engine uses artificial intelligence techniques to provide health information from medical journals, government documents and Web sites (Lohr, New York Times , 2/27).
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announced the acquisition at the Health Information Management and Systems Society conference in New Orleans.
The companies did not disclose the terms of the acquisition (Bishop, Seattle Post-Intelligencer , 2/27).
Broader Effort
According to Peter Neupert, vice president for health strategy at Microsoft, the acquisition of Medstory represents a first step in a broader effort by the company to "improve the consumer experience in health care."
Microsoft last year purchased Azyxxi, a clinical health care information technology software system with the ability to retrieve and display different forms of patient information from many sources -- such as scanned documents, EKGs, X-rays, MRI scans, angiograms and ultrasound images.
Neupert said that Microsoft hopes to link personal information -- such as age, sex, family history and prescription drug regimen --to online searches for health information. "Health search could be way more relevant," Neupert said, adding, "You don't need to see thousands of results. What you want to know is, what does this mean to me, personally?"
Esther Dyson, an industry analyst, said that the search engine developed by Medstory is "not so much a search engine, but an ontology engine," with the ability to identify concepts in health, rather than only keywords and Web site links.
According to the Times , the acquisition of Medstory "comes at a time of increased investment in online health ventures, rising traffic at consumer health sites on the Web and profits at the most popular sites" ( New York Times , 2/27).
Connected Health Framework
In addition to the acquisition, Microsoft on Monday released the Connected Health Framework, technical blueprints and software code that physicians and other health care providers can use to update their older computer programs for forms automation and interoperability with different systems ( Seattle Post-Intelligencer , 2/27).
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Bunch premiere to highlight opening week of Grant Park Music Festival
Mon Jun 15, 2015 at 3:24 pm
By Hannah Edgar
Kenji Bunch’s Symphony No. 3 “Dream Songs” will receive its world premiere Friday and Saturday at the Grant Park Music Festival. Photo: Erica Lyn
The Grant Park Music Festival is getting right down to business the opening week of its 81st season.
The lakefront festival kicks off Wednesday night at the Pritzker Pavilion with Carlos Kalmar leading the Grant Park Orchestra in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, Andrew Norman’s Drip and Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with soloist Yevgeny Sudbin.
Yet most interest this opening week will be focused on the Friday and Saturday program, which brings this summer’s sole commission, Kenji Bunch’s Symphony No. 3. Subtitled “Dream Songs,” the symphony is scored for orchestra and chorus, with texts taken from Native American oral poetry.
“I never imagined that I would be the composer of two choral symphonies,” said Bunch, a Portland-based composer and violist. “It’s not something I ever set out to do. But when this opportunity came along—and knowing I would be working with this particular chorus—it made me want to really have the chorus be the star of the show.”
When festival programming was being planned in October, Bunch quickly came to mind, and was tapped by Kalmar, Grant Park’s artistic director and principal conductor, to write a new work for the Grant Park Music Festival’s 2015 season. The commission came about through Kalmar’s relationship with Bunch as working musician as well as composer.
“He actually just finished a season with the Oregon Symphony in my viola section,” said Kalmar. “I like Kenji’s music . . . and so I thought, ‘Well, for the Grant Park Music Festival, it would be fantastic to have a new piece.’”
The seeds for “Dream Songs” had been planted long before the commission. Bunch had intended to set Native American texts to music as early as 2008, the year he composed a song cycle by the same name for baritone and piano. However, some of the original texts had copyrighted translations, which forced him to scrap the project.
“I felt bad about that,” recalls the 41-year-old composer. “I really liked those songs, and I liked the project, and those texts.”
The Grant Park commission offered the perfect opportunity to give the project new life, and on a larger symphonic scale.
When Bunch searched for texts to use the second time around, he happened upon a treasure trove of oral poetry in the Smithsonian Archives. The texts had been collected by the Bureau of American Ethnology, a late-19th century project that sent field researchers into the plains to document Native American culture. One of the project’s most prominent participants—and the one to whom Bunch owes the greatest debt—was anthropologist Frances Densmore.
“[She] tirelessly and painstakingly worked on these texts, and has this huge collection of really amazing work that she translated,” Bunch said.
The composer selected Densmore’s translations of eight songs from six nations—Sioux, Ojibwa, Pawnee, Arapaho, Chippewa, and Navajo—and grouped them into three thematic movements to form an effective dramatic arc: “Songs of Anxiety and Unrest,” “Songs of War and Its Aftermath,” and “Prayer of Healing.”
The chorus plays a prominent role in the symphony, although their vocal music is closely interstiched with that of the orchestra.
“Sometimes it seems to be part of the texture in the orchestra, and at other times, they’re declaiming the text,” said Christopher Bell, director of the Grant Park Chorus. “Towards the end, there’s a very life-affirming prayer, which is in a very strong singing style very much in the late-century American tradition—a mix between classical and musical theater.”
Though the texts would seem to offer an opportunity to incorporate elements of Native American music into his symphony, Bunch consciously decided against doing so.
“I liked the idea of this text being abstracted from its original context,” said the composer. “Although this work was created over a hundred years ago—probably before that, because it’s passed down orally . . . I want to show that it does actually get to the same universal truths.”
Kalmar believes Bunch’s selection of his texts could not have been more apt. “He was very, very thoughtful, not only in his music, but in his selection of the lyrics,” says Kalmar. “Now, seeing the piece, I understand why he went to these lyrics. This translated poetry is very to-the-point, somewhat austere. There is no Hollywood around them, they’re not big and romantic—none of that. They’re actually astoundingly simple.”
“There’s a lot to connect with here,” adds Bell. “And it’s written in a basically tonal style that people [tend to] find most appealing.”
Bunch’s career as a composer is clearly on an upward trajectory, and his music has now been performed by over fifty orchestras. His Symphony No. 2 “Jubilee” was commissioned and performed by the Mobile Symphony Orchestra. And his First Symphony, “Lichtenstein Triptych” has enjoyed wide and popular advocacy, having just been performed by the Chicago Philharmonic earlier this month.
This weekend’s world premiere will share the program with Mozart’s Magic Flute Overture and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 6. The latter is particularly significant for Bunch, who says Shostakovich’s music made a huge impact on him as an impressionable teenager through a viewing of the film Testimony on PBS, with Ben Kingsley portraying Shostakovich.
“It was a really powerful movie, and there was something about his music that I connected with and was drawn to,” Bunch recalls. “The clarity of his expression was so powerful. That definitely got me interested in composing….And gosh, it’s an honor being on the same program as a Shostakovich symphony.”
After living in New York for twenty years, the composer moved back to Portland two years ago where he grew up (and played in the Portland Youth Philharmonic).
“The community here I find to be thriving and incredibly supportive,” he says. “My wife is a pianist, and we both just felt so welcomed out here. We’ve made friends and become part of the music community out here—and have found ourselves busier than we ever were in New York!
When engaged in composing, Bunch takes a page from Gustav Mahler and does his creative work in a little hut separated from his house.
“It’s an eight by twelve room with a keyboard and computer setup, plus some instruments and books and stuff. Just a lot of trees outside the window.
“It’s great. I spend most of my days here with my dog and I’m footsteps away from my wife and kids. I couldn’t be happier.”
Carlos Kalmar and the Grant Park Orchestra will perform the world premiere of Kenji Bunch’s Symphony No. 3 “Dream Songs” 6:30 p.m. Friday and 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Pritzker Pavilion. The program also includes Mozart’s Overture to The Magic Flute and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 6. gpmf.org.
Hannah Edgar is a violinist and student at the University of Chicago, where she is associate arts editor of the Chicago Maroon. She was recently named WFMT-FM’s first Andrew Patner Fellowship intern.
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The Single Most Important Takeaway From The NYT’s Facebook Investigation
Dan Bigman
The New York Times has a dutiful sidebar to its incendiary story about the way Facebook’s leadership handled the past year of problems, with “six takeaways” from the investigation.
All six are interesting, especially if you’re focused on the intersection of Russia, U.S. politics and Silicon Valley. You can read it here.
But there’s one takeaway that’s not in there that’s more important than any of those, because it explains not what went wrong (Patrick Lencioni calls these downstream symptoms) but rather why things went wrong.
And here it is: A CEO having total, imperial control over a public company is a really, really terrible idea. Not just for investors, or the board, or employees, or customers—but for the CEO themselves.
Takeaway part B: When that CEO has also developed arguably the most important communications platform since the Internet itself, well, that’s an even bigger bummer!
Welcome to Facebook! Through Facebook’s oft-copied and truly terrible dual-class share structure, Mark Zuckerberg, founder, CEO and all-around grand pooh-bah, controls the company with unassailable authority. Stocks can go up, stocks can go down (and down, and down, and down) but as I mumbled into the wind during the company’s IPO in 2012, there is nothing and no one that can override Zuckerberg when it comes to running the company, and good luck with that! It should have been a concern all along, but oddly a moonshot stock price and cries of “change the world” have a way of slathering over cracks in a foundation.
Business, when played best, is a team sport. No one—not even someone smart enough to start Facebook—is smart enough to see around all the twists and turns that come from running an enterprise of such sheer complexity, scale and centrality. The world’s best-run companies—not the fastest growing companies—but those that are built to outlast any one leader, have lots of guardrails and plenty of accountability.
Not Facebook! What Zuckerberg says goes—right into the grave. That’s right: He can even name a successor to take control of the company in case of his death. (Don’t believe me? Go back and read pages 20-21 of the S1.)
If anyone is still wondering why that may be a problem, the Times offers 7,100 words of damning evidence that not all is well in Face-land.
I’ll save you 30 minutes and boil it down:
1. Zuckerberg and his right-hand Sheryl Sandberg had a fixed worldview about how to run the company;
2. They made a series of strategic and tactical decisions based on those assumptions;
3. They were wrong.
Whether it was poo-pooing the idea that Russia was using the platform to influence American politics, or focusing on lobbying lawmakers instead of finding fixes, or messing with people’s privacy in unsavory ways if even inadvertently, they simply got a lot wrong.
Then they made it worse by brushing aside the views of others—like their board and members of the executive team—who might have helped them make better decisions. (Actually, they may have wanted to get more opinions before making mistakes, but whatever, you get it.)
It happens. Actually, it happens at a lot of companies big and small. We all know that. But in Menlo Park, California, center of the global-social-industrial-Internet complex, there’s a difference: A) The stakes are enormous, and B) there’s nothing anyone can do about it.
Yes, the stock can go down, activists can come in, ISS can make noise and Congress can make, er, vague threats and call a hell of an entertaining hearing, but at the end of the day, the only one who matters, the only vote that counts, is Mark Zuckerberg.
Ok, thought experiment: Imagine that Mark Zuckerberg is just an really smart thirty-something dad with a limited set of life experiences, zero experience leading in any business other than his own, a very healthy ego and billions of dollars tied up in his company? Now: What if the kinds of smarts he needed to take it this far are different from what he’ll need to move from here? Then: What if your company really needs an Alan Mulally-like figure, but your ego won’t let you bring him or her —or someone like him or her—in? What happens then?
The answer: Nothing!
That’s the real issue with the dual share-structure that doesn’t show up in the S1, but maybe should: Investors should be aware that the CEO is a human, and he is as trapped as the shareholders are in this inane scheme. While it all seems fine now, short of a superhuman act of self-awareness and ego suppression, if things go wrong, this will end badly because this guy is a brilliant, awkward Harvard dropout from Westchester, not St. Francis. And they will go wrong. Good luck!
Facebook has always been a pure-play bet on Mark Zuckerberg and his vision of connecting the world’s people in exchange for permission to mine and monetize their personal information thirty-six ways from Sunday. Investors, customers, lawmakers and employees were good with that as long as the stock was rising, the cat pics were posting without eroding global democracy and the options were in the money. Now? Not so much, it seems.
Okay, that’s enough out of me. Let’s grab three takeaways from this one takeaway story:
• People who really read fine print are seldom surprised by bad things happening (They’re all in there! That’s what lawyers do!).
• Accountability makes leaders stronger, not weaker.
• Absolute power…well, you get the idea.
The big question now: Does he?
Read more: Reading The Signs On Mark Zuckerberg
Dan Bigman is Editor and Chief Content Officer of Chief Executive Group, publishers of Chief Executive, Corporate Board Member, ChiefExecutive.net and Boardmember.com. Previously he was Managing Editor at Forbes and the founding business editor of NYTimes.com.
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When the Children’s Rosary began in 2011, it was one small group of children in one parish. For a year and a half it remained just one little group of children praying. Although small, there were lots of prayers being said. Along with the monthly Rosary the children said together as a prayer group, hundreds of 9 day novenas were said to different Saints. We prayed that the Children’s Rosary would be the extended hands of Our Blessed Mother and her Son in the world and gather a great many souls especially young people for Our Lord. As 30 or more saints were being prayed to at the same time by the children and members of the Children’s Rosary, it was beautiful to imagine the line of saints waiting to have their turn to present petitions to Our Lord. As each one stepped forward, Our Lord would ask what each saint was presenting. Over and over the same prayer was laid at the feet of Our Lord: that the Children’s Rosary would be the extended hands of Mary and Jesus in this world and gather a great many souls for the Lord especially young people. In faith we knew each prayer was heard and we waited to see how the Lord would use us. As the Children’s Rosary began to grow and more Children’s Rosary groups began to form, our prayers were multiplied. Then doors began to open; the Spirit seemed to direct us to the Radio. With little knowledge of such things we followed. A Children’s Rosary was recorded and CDs released. As a flower gently opens in spring we began to see Our Lord indeed using these little children to reach a great many souls. In their innocence and humility their voices had the ability to touch even the most distant hearts. And so began our efforts to bring the Children’s Rosary to the airwaves.
In prayer we felt our Lady and Our Lord directing us to try to bring the Children’s Rosary to stations at 5:30 PM as many are traveling home to meet their families or even have children in the car as well. Yet some stations are not able to broadcast at this hour as some sign off when the sun goes down and for a good part of the year they are quiet. In this way we humbly suggest the5:30PM time but in all things we are grateful for any chance to have the children’s prayers heard. We know that Our Lady and Our Lord can make use of every moment granted to us. It is as a stream that can not be held back but finds the nooks and crannies and winds its way between every obstacle. So it would seem Our Lord means to use the voices of the smallest in this world to touch that which is the furthest from Him.
Currently the Children’s Rosary is airing on the following stations in English:
EWTN Radio Classics airs the Children’s Rosary each day at 4:30 PM ET. Listen LIVE HERE.
Eternal Life Radio in Massachusetts USA is currently airing the Children’s Rosary daily at 5PM ET. To listen to LIVE streaming click HERE.
Every Sunday Morning at 7AM ET on the show “Cause of Our Joy” which airs on WACE 730 AM. This station broadcasts out of Chicopee, MA and reaches regions of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont and New Hampshire in the United States.
Every Monday morning at 4:30 AM CT on WFSI Radio. This station broadcasts in Illinois USA including the Rockford Illinois Diocese and the Archdiocese of Chicago. It also airs in Wisconsin in the Milwaukee Archdiocese. The Children’s Rosary can be heard online LIVE streaming on their website.
On the second Sunday of the month from 3-4PM CT on the Radio Maria Network. This station airs in Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, NY, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin. The Children’s Rosary can be heard online.
The Children’s Rosary airs during the 3-4PM ET hour on the 13th of the month on Holy Spirit Radio in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA.
The Children’s Rosary airs the first full week of each month- Monday through Friday in the 3PM hour and 9 PM on Saturday and Sunday on both KHRM 94.1 Anchorage Alaska and KQHE (Queen of Heaven and Earth), 92.7 Fairbanks, North Pole and Interior Alaska Region USA.
Please if you are reading this consider reaching out to your local radio station. Ask them to air the Children’s Rosary and our theme song “Rosary Children“. We will make the song and all the mysteries of the Rosary available to them.
All those with questions or radio stations interested in airing the Children’s Rosary please write us at info@childrensorsary.org
We also have a Chaplet of Divine Mercy recorded as well.
If you would like information about our Children’s Rosary CDs please click HERE.
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TwitterFacebookInstagramLinkedIn
Charity Evening
Backgroundadmin2018-08-17T07:21:02+00:00
CANSEARCH is a charitable foundation founded in 2011 with the support of several foundations, one of which is very highly regarded in Geneva.
Results already achieved
Research often takes many years before collecting tangible results and is clinically exploitable.
Since its inception, the main scientific achievements of CANSEARCH are:
The appointment of Dr. Ansari as Professor at the Medical Faculty of the University of Geneva in September 2015
The development of three major areas of pediatric research such as:
individualized therapies in childhood cancer (pharmacogenomics), adaptation of chemotherapeutic treatments in real time, “bed to bench & bench to bed” by modeling specific genetic characteristics and algorithmages)
research on neuroblastoma (cancer genetics)
research on liver tumors in children.
Obtaining Swiss National grant in March 2014 for research on individualized therapies in pediatric oncology (international pharmacogenomics busulfan).
The commitment of 10 researchers from various origins and training backgrounds in Geneva since 2011. ” Pooling” of professional researchers in one place for greater efficiency.
The creation of more than 20 research projects in Switzerland and abroad the most important are, to date:
the finalization of an international scientific research of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT), whose principal investigator is Prof. Ansari allowing more than 250 children benefit from a protocol individualized therapy in childhood cancer,
the launch of an international study (EBMT and IBFM) in late 2014 (for a period of 6 years), directed and initiated in the laboratory including over 800 patients from 20 countries for the individualization of treatment against leukemia with stem cell transplantation.
These studies will allow the creation in Geneva of a Worldwide biological database of children with leukemia who received a transplant of hematopoietic stem cells.
Researchers also participated in numerous national and international conferences.
In 2014, Professor Ansari was appointed to the executive council of the European Society of Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Therapy (PTSD) and the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) .
Also in 2014, the laboratory was recognized as a European research group affiliated with PTSD and has since organized clinical studies of EBMT.
The year 2016 saw on a national level, the creation of the pharmacogenomics and individualized therapy (SPT) company.
Fondation CANSEARCH
6 chemin Pont-Perrin
1226 Thônex, Genève
Email: info@cansearch.ch
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Staff Director, PTC and S&TC, Office of Safety, FRA
Federal Railroad Administration
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is looking for an experienced railroad signaling professional to serve as the Staff Director for Positive Train Control (PTC) and Signal & Train Control (S&TC) Division in the Office of Railroad Safety. The Staff Director for PTC/S&TC is the principal program advisor in the Office of Railroad Safety on all new and existing signaling, train control and PTC technologies and their associated safety and security issues. The incumbent is a leader in the industry and is able to manage a large, disperse team to deliver complex rail safety programs. For more information regarding this position and how to apply go to: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/538605800
Internal Number: FRA.S-2019-0026
About Federal Railroad Administration
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is responsible for ensuring the safety of the Nation's passenger and freight rail operations and infrastructure by promoting safe, efficient and accessible rail transportation. The mission and focus of FRA has grown to include the design and management of an unprecedented investment in the creation of a nationwide passenger rail network. FRA is providing leadership for the creation of a more balanced transportation system, transforming the way Americans travel.To meet this mission FRA promulgates and enforces rail safety regulations; consolidates government support of rail transportation activities; administers financial assistance programs; conducts research and development in support of improved railroad safety and efficiency, and national transportation policy, including improved intercity passenger service.FRA is committed to fostering a diverse, highly skilled workforce capable of meeting or exceeding our strategic goals with efficiency, innovation, and a constant focus on better serving our customers. The FRA is ranked by its employees as one of the top-rated agencies in which to work.
Manager, Rail Transportation Communications San Carlos, California
San Mateo County Transit District 1 Month Ago
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South Asia slow to act on water threats
July 7th, 2014, by Nivedita Khandekar
Satellite image of the vast Ganges river delta in Bangladesh and India
Image: NASA World Wind via Wikimedia Commons
A study of the five countries sharing and relying on the Indian sub-continent’s great rivers shows that Bangladesh is the only one that is taking climate change seriously. NEW DELHI, 7 July, 2014: Even before this year’s delayed and inadequate monsoon recently brought some relief to the Indian sub-continent, researchers discovered widespread concern by local experts that their governments are mismanaging the water supplies on which a billion people depend for survival, and giving insufficient attention to climate change. A new report, Attitudes to Water in South Asia, explores domestic water management and transboundary water issues in five countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan. It focuses on two river systems, the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and the Indus-Kabul basins, which are vital to the lives of a vast population. Chatham House – the home of the Royal Institute of International Affairs − worked on the report with India’s Observer Research Foundation, and similar partner organisations in the other four countries. Their findings are based on evidence from almost 500 interviews conducted in the five countries in 2013 with a range of water experts, government officials, policy-makers and decision-makers from NGOs and the private sector. Observing that water is “highly politicised in the region, with strong links to food security and the livelihoods of the large proportion of the population dependent on agriculture”, the report underscores the relation between the domestic mismanagement of water in each country and the failure to address transboundary water relations.
Few agreements
“In spite of the shared river system and the interdependencies, South Asian governments have signed few bilateral water agreements and no regional ones,” the report says. “Those transboundary water treaties that do exist face criticism on a number of grounds: for time periods too short to too long; and for their lack of provision for environmental factors or new challenges, such as climate change.”. Yet the ability of countries in South Asia to deal with the possible effects of climate change will be in part determined by their ability to manage water, and also how they deal with weather events such as floods and droughts.
“The majority . . . expressed concern that their governments were giving the issue of climate change insufficient attention”
“While many respondents across the region felt that other immediate concerns were more pressing, the majority of those interviewed expressed concern that their governments were giving the issue of climate change insufficient attention,” said Gareth Price, a senior research fellow at Chatham House and lead author of the report. For instance, in Afghanistan, even where respondents had some knowledge of the body responsible for setting government-wide policy on climate change, they were equally certain that the amount of practical action on ground was virtually zero. In Bangladesh, where most respondents were acutely aware of climate change and its possible effects, many said their government was doing better. There was a general consensus that ministers had made climate change a priority by setting aside funds for adaptation and mitigation. However, Afghani and Bangladeshi respondents noted the lack of availability of important policy documents − currently available only in English − in local languages.. And Indian respondents felt that climate change was not a major priority for the government, although it was widely recognised that it could wreak havoc on the country. “Inadequate water storage leaving farmers vulnerable to the vagaries of weather suggest an urgent need for appropriate investment in such facilities in order to not just increase agriculture production, but also to ensure farmers have an option to adjust to changing climate,” the report says.
Climate change could also have a big impact on the transboundary water relations, the report warns. Some respondents from India and Bangladesh feared that a variation in the timing and intensity of monsoons could affect agricultural production and weaken food security, “driving tension between the two countries over access to water in a dry period”. Interviewees from Nepal perceived climate change as a “future threat”, in comparison with immediate challenges and the need to increase access to water and electricity. Most respondents felt that Nepal’s approach was “inadequate” and pointed out the gap between national plans and local implementation. Pakistani respondents believed their country’s approach to climate change lacked “urgency”. They particularly pointed out that a Ministry of Climate Change had recently been reduced to a mere division of another ministry, and had had its funding slashed by 62%.
Brink of cataclysm
The report quoted a climate change expert working with the Pakistan government, who said his country stood on the brink of an environmental cataclysm, with the seasonal monsoon shifting away from traditional catchment areas towards Afghanistan. “This trend, reinforced by climate change, [has]increased the likelihood of extraordinary rainfall patterns, cloudbursts, and flash floods,” he said. The researchers’ recommendations Include: improving domestic water management, and rainwater harvesting; enhancing data collection, data sharing and discussions between the five countries, particularly in relation to floods and droughts, and the management of watersheds and river basins; easing water demand through less water-intensive crops and irrigation methods. They also stress that existing treaties should be revisited, ensuring that they address technological advances, environmental factors and climate change. – Climate News Network
Nivedita Khandekar is a journalist based in New Delhi, focusing on environmental and developmental issues. She has worked at the Press Trust of India, India’s premier news agency, and the Hindustan Times, one of the leading national daily newspapers in India. Her journalistic achievements include a national award for environmental reporting, an award for reporting on health issues, and a Rural Reporting Fellowship.
Agriculture, climate change, Drought, Flooding, South Asia, Water
About Nivedita Khandekar
Nivedita Khandekar is a Delhi-based independent journalist who writes on environmental, developmental and climate change issues. Email: nivedita_him@rediffmail.com; Twitter: @nivedita_Him
View all posts by Nivedita Khandekar »
« Quick fixes won’t solve CO2 danger Arctic warming upsets birds’ breeding calendar »
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Cognitive Science Section
Institute of Psychology – University of Graz
Albert, Dietrich
Jud, Marcel
Lefrere, Paul
Prünster, Stephanie
Ruß-Baumann, Chiara
Seitlinger, Paul
Bedek, Michael
Hillemann-Sach, Eva-Catherine
Pacher, Pierre
Raehse, Hannes
Staff Archive
Chronological List
The Cognitive Science Section (CSS) is an interdisciplinary research group consisting of psychologists, computer scientists, and mathematicians at the Institute of Psychology, University of Graz (UniGraz), Austria. From 2009 to 2019 CSS has been located at Graz University of Technology (TUGraz), Austria.
In general, the CSS targets research fields where cognitive psychology meets technology. More precisely, its research areas encompass the fields of technology-enhanced learning and related technologies, decision making and decision support systems, adaptation and personalization, cognitive modeling, human factors in secure society research, and user-centered evaluation of computer applications. CSS follows a multi-disciplinary approach to assemble solid psychological theories, methodologies, and technologies in formal frameworks that guide and integrate research and development. The group has worked and gained experience in more than thirty research projects on national and European level in the context of Technology-enhanced Learning, Secure Society, Cultural Heritage, and Smart Cities.
CSS targets research fields at the intersection of cognitive science and technology. Its research history encompasses cognitive modelling, techniques for adaptation and personalisation, technology-enhanced learning and related technologies, decision making and decision support systems, the application of empirical studies and the analysis of user data, as well as evaluation methodologies and related technical support. CSS follows a multi-disciplinary approach to assemble solid theories, methodologies, and technologies in formal frameworks that guide and integrate research and development. On-going and future research fields are outlined in the following list:
Cognitive Modelling and Adaptive Support. Cognitive modelling describes the specification of runnable computer models that approximate cognitive processes, mechanisms and representations. Our research focuses on the dynamic modelling of user’s cognitive traits and sates in the domains of learning, decision making, and information search. Characteristics of user models include knowledge, prior and advancing experiences, motivation, meta-cognitive skills or cognitive workload. To represent users according to such characteristics we develop methods and algorithms that build on explicit and implicit assessment methods, non-invasive data capturing and analytics. Resulting user models can be exploited in various ways, such as the personalisation of learning experiences, the support of decision making, or to influence user behaviour in smart cities.
Technology-enhanced Learning. We undertake research on psychological and pedagogical theories, models, and methods to measure cognitive attributes, assess learner knowledge, personalise the learning experience, and provide adaptive learning and teaching support. Examples are competence models (including structured domain knowledge, meta-cognition, and critical thinking), procedures for assessing the learner’s knowledge, tracking the learning behaviour, and multi-adaptive methods for learning support through recommendations, feedback, and learning path creation. Software components and user interfaces apply the theoretical work in practice. Research fields include learning analytics, recommender systems, self-regulated learning, game-based learning, inquiry-based learning, and collaborative learning.
Decision Making Support. Research on decision making is based on cognitive processes, competence models, decision heuristics, and cognitive biases. These underlying models and theories are applied for creating new technical concepts that are included in decision support systems. Particularly, user interface designs, the tracking of user behaviour, and feedback techniques are influenced by this research stream. This impacts the user by providing support for valid and effective decisions and the avoidance of cognitive biases. Research on decision making is predominantly applied in the Secure Society domain, but is not limited to this area.
Reflective Information Seeking. This strand of research investigates models and concepts to support the more reflective search and consumption of information on-line. At the focus are effects that appear in information search and often stronger in social media such as filter bubbles and echo chambers. Methods are researched and that help users identify fake or biased information.
Evaluation. New research, models, theories, and approaches need new evaluation techniques. We address this challenge by continuously updating and developing tailored evaluation strategies and thus enable a scientifically and methodologically sound and correct appraisal of the efficacy and efficiency of new research results. Systematic evaluation is accomplished through holistic evaluation frameworks that define evaluation goals, instruments, and analysis methods. Furthermore, these frameworks are put into practice through our evaluation software component that enables multi-modal and user-centric evaluation.
On the top of our core research areas, we connect with and take into account other fields of research that complement our work, such as:
Big Data and Data Analytics. Big data analytics complement our research streams in many ways. For example, the analysis of user behaviour on a large scale is well suited to feed assessment methods and learning recommendations. Furthermore, data analysed from natural and artificial environments acts as a basis for decision making support.
Ethics. We strongly believe in the compliance of ethical principles in research activities. This is manifested in the conduct of research itself e.g. through the protection of privacy in user studies, and is applied on research outcomes by developing ethical guidelines that determine how developed frameworks and software can be applied in a considerate manner (ethics-by-design approach).
Standardisation. We are involved in standardisation activities of the International Standardisation Organisation (ISO) on defining standards related to learning and teaching. This work is relevant to research on technology-enhanced learning projects.
We are interested to continue collaboration in inter-disciplinary and multi-national projects with strong previous and new partner organizations. Information on current and past projects can be found here.
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: International Conference on Human-Centered Digitalization - Deadline June 21th, 2019
Escaping the (Mental) Echo Chamber - FWF's Project of the Week!
PROVENANCE Project started in December 2018
Cognitive Science Section • Institute of Psychology • Faculty of Natural Sciences • University of Graz
Imprint • Contact
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Arequipa Peru Temple
Grounds and exterior completed; interior finish work progressing
© Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Carmen Alto
Cayma
Arequipa, Arequipa
Street Map – Nearby Hotels
Groundbreaking and Site Dedication:
4 March 2017 by Carlos A. Godoy
Public Open House:
Dedication:
Public Open House and Dedication
The general public is invited to attend a free open house for the Arequipa Peru Temple beginning Friday, November 15, and continuing through Saturday, November 30, 2019, except for Sundays, November 17 and 24. A youth devotional will be held Saturday, December 14, and be broadcast to meetinghouses within the temple district. The temple will be dedicated the next day on Sunday, December 15, in three sessions at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Additional details about the dedication will be communicated by local priesthood leaders. The temple will open to patrons on Thursday, December 19, 2019.
Angel Moroni Raising
On November 30, 2018, it was a special day for the Saints of Arequipa and Southern Peru as the brilliant gold-leafed statue of the angel Moroni was hoisted to stand atop the lantern that caps the cupola of the Arequipa Peru Temple. Hundreds of spectators gathered for the event and expressed their enthusiasm.
As of October 2018, stone cladding of the exterior of the Arequipa Peru Temple has reached the base of the tower. Work continues simultaneously on an adjoining housing facility.
Groundbreaking Ceremony
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Arequipa Peru Temple was held on Saturday, March 4, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. Elder Carlos A. Godoy, president of the South America Northwest Area, presided at the services.
Construction Approval
The general contractor for the Arequipa Peru Temple was selected in March 2016. In January 2016, the temple site was rezoned, which allowed for the acquisition of building permits. The final piece of land needed for the temple site was acquired in the latter months of 2014.
Temple Site
The Arequipa Peru Temple site is located just three miles north of the city center near the entrance to the quiet village of Carmen Alto. The land stands on a bluff rising from the Chili River and surrounded by breathtaking pastures and mountain views including the prominent volcano Misti. Carmen Alto, which is easily accessible by public transportation, is popular with visitors and described as "heaven like."
Temple Announcement
On October 6, 2012, Peru's third temple was announced by President Thomas S. Monson during the opening session of the 182nd Semiannual General Conference for the city of Arequipa in southern Peru. Seven stakes currently operate in the city with several additional stakes and districts in the surrounding region. The units that will be served by the Arequipa Peru Temple have not yet been announced.
Peru is home to approximately 29 million people including over a half million members of the Church organized into 101 stakes and 19 districts. Missionary work officially began in the country in 1956. Church members in Arequipa—Peru's second largest city—currently travel to the Lima Peru Temple, almost five hundred miles away, to attend temple services.1
Temple Facts
The Arequipa Peru Temple will be the third temple built in Peru, following the Lima Peru Temple (1986) and the Trujillo Peru Temple (2015).
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Arequipa Peru Temple was held on the same day as the groundbreaking ceremony for the Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints News Release, "Church Announces New Temples in Arizona and Peru," 6 Oct. 2012.
"And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people."
Construction barrier replaced by decorative fencing; landscaping underway; scaffolding being removed from temple tower
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Security Council Working Methods and UN Peace Operations: The Case of Chad and the Central African Republic
This week, the UN General Assembly is debating a resolution proposing improvements to the Security Council's working methods, including the use of the veto. One important theme of the proposed resolution is the need to improve the ways in which the Security Council mandates, discusses and monitors peace operations. To coincide with this debate, the Center on International Cooperation is publishing a new paper by Alexandra Novosseloff and Richard Gowan entitled Security Council Working Methods and UN Peace Operations: The Case of Chad and the Central African Republic.
Publication Date: Apr 02, 2012
Author(s) / Contributor(s): Alexandra Novosseloff, Richard Gowan
Topic(s): Fragile States, Global Governance
Knights in Fragile Armor: The Rise of "G7+"
Globally 1.5 billion people live in countries affected by violent conflict. International aid to fragile and conflict-affected states accounts for 30 percent of global official development assistance (ODA) flows. However, no low-income fragile or conflict-affected country has yet to achieve a single Millennium Development Goal (MDG). For the first time, a group of these countries have joined together to discuss their shared development challenges and advocate for better international policies to address their needs.
Topic(s): Fragile States, G8 and G20, Post 2015 Development
The Arab Awakening | America and the Transformation of the Middle East
Even the most seasoned Middle East observers were taken aback by the events of early 2011. Protests born of oppression and socioeconomic frustration erupted throughout the streets; public unrest provoked violent police backlash; long-established dictatorships fell. How did this all happen? What might the future look like, and what are the likely ramifications for the United States and the rest of the world? In The Arab Awakening, experts from the Brookings Institution tackle such questions to make sense of this tumultuous region that remains at the heart of U.S.
Publication Date: Nov 10, 2011
Author(s) / Contributor(s): Bruce Jones
Region/Country: Middle East
Topic(s): Arab Awakening, Fragile States
Kofi Annan to be Syria crisis envoy
Overcoming Helicopter Force Generation Challenges for UN Peacekeeping Operations
Intervention in Syria Is Morally Justified—and Completely Impractical
Syria: Moscow Rules
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Where critical thinking meets creative practice
Video Login | Faculty Login
Faculty Spotlight: Erin Hanna
“There is such incredible work happening in cinema and media studies all over campus, and I love that as a department, Cinema Studies gets to become a real hub of that kind of cultural production and intellectual work.”
–Erin Hanna, Assistant Professor, Department of Cinema Studies
Cinema Studies Spotlight:
Assistant Professor Erin Hanna, Department of Cinema Studies
Story By Kylie Elliot, Class of '18
Erin Hanna joined the University of Oregon in 2014 and is a Cinema Studies Assistant Professor with a research focus on the relationships between media industries and audiences. Hanna joins six other tenure-track faculty members moving into the Cinema Studies Department as a result of the recent expansion of Cinema Studies from a program to a department. “There is such incredible work happening in cinema and media studies all over campus, and I love that as a department, Cinema Studies gets to become a real hub of that kind of cultural production and intellectual work.” Hanna is excited at the opportunities the growth presents for faculty and students alike. “As a faculty, we have diverse and unique interests, but our background in cinema studies brings us all together and allows us to support each other's work. . . .I'm excited to see how [the students] use the tools we give them and how their interests develop and grow as they move through the major.”
Hanna says her love of film and television came from her parents. “My dad had a tremendous memory, so he was [a] walking encyclopedia of film trivia. . . . we spent a lot of our time renting movies or going to the theatre. He would show me classics like Singin' in the Rain, and then I would repay the favor by dragging him to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” Her mom, on the other hand, was the one responsible for Hanna’s interest in television. “When I was a kid, my mother was an early VCR adopter and recorded all of our favorite TV shows. Reruns of I Love Lucy were basically on a constant loop in our house. My mother and I still compare notes on new TV pilots each year.” Hanna’s parents cultivated her interest in popular culture, so no one was surprised when she ultimately went on to research and teach courses on film and television.
Since joining the UO, Hanna has taught courses on television; the film industry; fan culture; and gender, media, and diversity. Her courses challenge students to “reevaluate their relationship with popular culture and embrace its complexities.” This challenge is the underlying thread that connects all the classes that Hanna has taught and hopes to teach in the future. “A lot of students come into my classes worried that studying TV will make it impossible for them to enjoy their favorite shows in the future. I try to show them that it doesn't have to be one or the other. There's a grey area in there where real intellectual growth takes place. You can be critical of the things you love. In fact, you have to be!”
With a research focus on the relationships between media industries and audiences, Hanna’s work critiques the power imbalances in those relationships and examines how Hollywood profits from fan labor. “Today, social media platforms tend to be the most obvious places where those kinds of relationships play out. But I’m more interested in other spaces and times where the industry has profited on the work of fans or where industry and fan interests seem intertwined. For example, live events like the San Diego Comic-Con and historical case studies like the recycling and repackaging of cult television programs, the formation of comic book fandom in the 1960s, and the rise of online movie bloggers in the late 1990s.” Based on her research, Hanna has written multiple essays in her areas of expertise, including her most recent essay, "The Liminality of the Line and the Place of Fans at Comic-Con,” which will be published in The Journal of Fandom Studies in the fall of this year.
Hanna has some really big work coming up in her future, including working with Rutgers University Press to publish a book about San Diego Comic-Con. She first attended Comic-Con in 2009 to research the marketing of film and television reboots. “But when I got there and saw the scale of the event and what was happening in and around the convention center, my paradigm totally shifted and I began learning everything I could about Comic-Con, past and present.” The Comic-Con convention dates back to 1970, and Hanna found its rich history incredibly fascinating, particularly how it “created a space that allowed fans to have interactions with industry professionals and how that laid the groundwork for the promotional spectacle we see there now.” Hanna is most interested in researching the relationship between the exclusivity of Comic-Con and how it is used to promote films and television and also sell merchandise. “Part of what makes Comic-Con so exciting is that it is an experience that not everyone can access—just look at the massive lines in and around the convention center! But so much of Comic-Con is also about the idea of inclusion, that everyone is a fan of something, . . . and [the fact] that our fandom means we get to play a role in shaping popular culture is exciting.”
Hanna’s main advice for UO Cinema Studies majors is to diversify their studies. “Even if you know what you want to do when you graduate, broaden your focus, don't narrow it. If you want to work in film production, take a TV history class; if you want to be a cinema studies scholar, take a production class; if you want to work in any sector of the media industries, take a class in Gender Studies or Ethnic Studies.” Hanna challenges students to look for intellectual connections that strengthen their work and to look for opportunities to add to their repertoire. “Support the film community on campus and in Eugene, and in your hometown—go to every screening and event you can.” Lastly, and the advice that Hanna finds most important, is to “arm yourself with as much information as you can, surround yourself with supportive mentors and colleagues, and don't accept the status quo. Change it.”
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Video Login University Film Organization Prospective Students
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6223 University of Oregon
Eugene , OR 97403-6223
Office: McKenzie Hall, 201
cinema@uoregon.edu
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Accessibility Careers Privacy Policy About Find People
UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity, or to the Office for Civil Rights. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed on the statement of non-discrimination.
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What is an organic conservative?
Tags: American Constitution, common culture, Condorcet, Edmund Burke, Goddess of Reason, Marie Antoinette, multiculturalism, organic conservatism, Penny Dreadful, printing press, tradition, Victor Frankenstein
Gene Wilder as young Frankenstein
I congratulated a well-known moderately conservative (?)journalist for bringing up “multiculturalism” as an obstacle to defeating jihadism. His response shocked me, for he declared that he was defending a “common culture” against the divisiveness of “multiculturalism.” Some organic conservatives (including “liberals”) will agree with admirers of Edmund Burke (in his Tory response to the French Revolution) and to Russell Kirk. For who does not long for “order” and a route to uniting divided families, polarized political parties, and the fragments of our memories and consciousness? The longed for “union” is glamorous, even glitzy.
Such responses, however, alarm me, for I had taken it for granted that this conservative journalist would prefer intellectual and religious pluralism/diversity to the implicit racialism that underlies the term “multiculturalism.” I don’t know if he sees the racialist underpinnings of the now hegemonic pseudo-solution to racism, one that was advanced by [covertly racist/German nationalist] German Romantics in the late 18th century to stave off the “mechanical materialism” they saw looming in the French Enlightenment. The French pox was an epistemology that led inexorably to worship of the Goddess of Reason that noted academics condemn today, irrationalist social democrats that they are, despising Jacobinism and its guillotine, you know, the guillotine that to the Gothic mentality resembles a printing press. (I am not nostalgic for Jacobins, but rather favor Condorcet, the Girondist, who was hounded to death by Jacobins.)
German printing press, 1811
But America already has a common culture, and we didn’t need Edmund Burke to invent it, nor the Frankenstein monster to scare us half to death. That common culture is embodied in the social contract that separates church and state, and that guarantees the freedoms in the First and subsequent Amendments to the Constitution, not to speak of the property rights that enable economic growth and equal opportunity. Indeed, the very structure of the American Constitution, with its checks and balances, its separation of powers, enables us to agree to disagree. For conflict is normal and productive, unlike the dogma of “tradition” (unless that tradition favors literacy, numeracy, skepticism and close reading of texts). (Perhaps that is what the conservative journalist meant by a “common culture.” I sent him this blog and he agrees with me: his notion of a common culture is “secular and civic” and he firmly stands behind the First Amendment.)
Standing apart from these vanguard institutions are the dragons devised to scare us by less attractive conservatives like Mary Shelley, the author of the timeless Gothic thriller, Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus. Her message, typical of all reactionaries, is reiterated in the popular Showtime series Penny Dreadful, where Victor Frankenstein is an actual character intended to remind us that the evil within us is too powerful to achieve the goals of the American and French Revolutions with respect to human rights. (See https://clarespark.com/2014/06/25/penny-dreadfuls-sinister-significance/.)
Frontispiece to 1831 edition of Frankenstein
It is not only far-Right conservatives who prefer the Terror-Gothic style of social organization, wherein mystical bonds are the source of social cohesion, not the rule of law and individual human rights, including property rights. Social democrats and even revolutionary socialists are just as eager to resuscitate Edmund Burke when it suits them. (On Edmund Burke’s frantic response to the French Revolution, inverting freedom and obedience, see https://clarespark.com/2011/09/17/edmund-burkes-tantrum/.)
Consider the abandonment of class or gender interest as an analytic category by today’s academic leftists. Gone with the wind are the days when revolutionary socialists forbade any social analysis that ignored “class struggle.” We are all multiculturalists now, Trotskyists and Stalinists alike. (See https://clarespark.com/2011/03/26/race-class-and-gender/. Underneath that shift to social democratic tactics is organicism brought about by the worship of the administrative state, the one that brought us permanent divisiveness and opened the gates to barbarian hordes.
All we fallen angels have to look forward to is the apocalypse. Goodbye Areopagitica; goodbye Paradise Lost. When I was a small child, I made a crayon drawing of a “happy harem girl” lacking sharp elbows. Perhaps I was more clairvoyant than Clare Spark.
Amazon ad for Frankenstein
Edmund Burke’s tantrum
Tags: Benjamin Disraeli, chivalry, Constitution Day, Declaration of the Rights of Man, Edmund Burke, English literary romanticism, French Revolution, Marie Antoinette, Tom Paine
Marie-Antoinette in Muslin dress
Today, Constitution Day in the United States, brings back the chief ideas of the American Revolution, an exceptional event that partly inspired the French Revolution, the latter upheaval said by its critics to be the blueprint for 20th century totalitarian states. On my Facebook page yesterday, I quoted Burke’s line “…the age of chivalry is gone.” Readers took it to mean chivalrous behavior by men toward women today, and generally did not recognize the quote, nor did all but one show concrete knowledge of the nature of feudalism and its knightly practices, made hollow by the Inquisitions and constant war/anarchy. Most did, however, distance themselves from 1970s feminism. So I quote the context of Burke’s lament, and note that Burke saw a written constitution based on universal human rights as an offense against Nature herself. Note the inversion of deference to established authority and “exalted freedom.” Orwell, anyone?
Before reading the Burke quote, here are two links that fill in some history: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie_Antoinette, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declaration_of_the_Rights_of_Man.
[Burke, writing about Marie Antoinette* after the natural rights/natural law doctrine embodied in the Declaration of the Rights of Man (1789), and four years before her execution by guillotine]:
“ It is now sixteen or seventeen years since I saw the Queen of France, then the Dauphiness, at Versailles; and surely never lighted on this orb, which she hardly seemed to touch, a more delightful vision. I saw her just above the horizon, decorating and cheering the elevated sphere she just began to move in—glittering like the morning star, full of life and splendor and joy. Oh! What a revolution! And what a heart must I have, to contemplate without emotion that elevation and that fall! Little did I dream, when she added titles and veneration to those of enthusiastic, distant, respectful love, that she should ever be obliged to carry the sharp antidote against disgrace in her bosom! Little did I dream that I should have lived to see such disasters fallen upon her in a nation of gallant men, in a nation of men of honor, and of cavaliers! I thought ten thousand swords must have leaped from their scabbards to avenge even a look that threatened her with insult. But the age of chivalry is gone. That of sophisters, economists, and calculators has succeeded; and the glory of Europe is extinguished forever. Never, never more [Poe’s “The Raven”?CS] , shall we behold that generous loyalty to rank and sex, that proud submission, that dignified obedience, that subordination of the heart, which kept alive, even in servitude itself, the spirit of an exalted freedom! The unbought grace of life, the cheap defense of nations, the nurse of manly sentiment and heroic enterprise, is gone! It is gone, that sensibility of principle, that chastity of honor, which felt a stain like a wound, which inspired courage whilst it mitigated ferocity, which ennobled whatever it touched, and under which vice itself lost half its evil by losing all its grossness!….” [footnote: The quoted paragraph “has been called a landmark in the beginning of English literary romanticism.”][i]
Is there any doubt that Disraeli was writing about the Austrian noblewoman in his first novel? See https://clarespark.com/2011/05/04/disraelis-captive-queens/?
Declaration of the Rights of Man
Edmund Burke, “Impractical Zealots,” The French Revolution: Conflicting Interpretations, ed. Frank A. Kafker, James M. Laux, Darline Gay Levy (Malabar, Florida: Krieger, Fifth Edition, 2002), 87-88. This was an excerpt from Burke’s Reflections on the Revolution in France (1790), famously answered by Thomas Paine in a controversy that remains timely today.
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Ivan Cash
Rand Fishkin Rand Fishkin
part of a series on Transparency
San Francisco host
Katrina Muñez @katrinawhat
Ivan Cash explores the use of full disclosure as creative provocation.
Artist, filmmaker and creative director, Ivan Cash, shares how transparency can be used to engage people in authentic ways.
Ivan Cash is an award-winning creative director + director who believes in the power of human connection. His conceptually-based, genre-bending media projects spark meaningful conversation and impact culture, having been featured in The New York Times, CNN, TIME, The Guardian, Fast Company, Buzzfeed, and received multiple Vimeo Staff Picks and Webby Honorees.
Ivan’s critically acclaimed ‘Last Photo’ film series has taken him around the world, being recognized by MSNBC, Forbes, Buzzfeed, and inspired global off-shoots. He is founder of the international community art project, ‘Snail Mail My Email,’ and author of the accompanying book, where volunteers translate strangers’ emails into handwritten letters.
He has been recognized as an Art Directors Club Young Gun, a Print New Visual Artist, and was selected as a 2016 Forbes 30 Under 30 creative. He has worked with global agencies including Wieden+Kennedy, 72andSunny, and Venables Bell & Partners, and collaborated with multinational brands including Airbnb, Facebook, MTV, L’Oreal, and Toyota.
His work has exhibited internationally, from the Brooklyn Museum to the Australian Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences, and is included in the permanent collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
He believes talking to strangers can change the world, but nothing would make him happier than if you closed your eyes for 20 seconds and just listened to your breath.
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Partners Coffee Manufactory
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Lionel Messi Is All Alone
Billy Haisley
Filed to: lionel messiFiled to: lionel messi
Photo credit: Marcelo Endelli/Getty
It’s a funny thing, talking about what an athlete deserves. Sports are the ultimate results-oriented business, where no matter how much you love your mother or how kind and considerate you are to lovers and waiters or even how well you played in any given game, if the final whistle blows and you look up at the scoreboard and the other team has more points than yours, then they get the trophy and you go home with nothing, and that’s that.
But it’s hard to feel like any athlete deserves anything more than Lionel Messi deserves to win the World Cup. Messi is the iconic player of his generation and quite possibly of all time, his brand of sporting superiority so vivid and searing and electric in color that it can’t even be classified along the traditional light spectrum. He does the hardest, coolest things in his sport way more often than anyone else, and does so with an ease and grace and artistry that makes watching his every match a beatific experience. He was the lodestar around which the greatest club team of all time was centered, has continued to shine just as bright even after the manager and players that made that team what it was have faded away, and, now at the age of 30, could very well be in the midst of his most impressive career accomplishment yet.
On top of all that, he has become this legendary player after leaving his motherland as a boy, giving his entire heart and soul to his country in search of validation and acceptance from his skeptical countryman, only to repeatedly come up just short in agonizing fashion, receiving only ridicule and distrust from many fellow Argentines in response. Messi is the best player, has won and earned just about every single trophy and plaudit a player could imagine, regularly plays exceptionally well for club and country, wants nothing more than to win something for his country, and lacks only one that thing, a World Cup trophy, to permanently seal his place as the greatest player to ever lace up boots. This is what it means to say Messi deserves to win a World Cup, in every sense of the word.
And yet, on the doorstep of what will probably be the last World Cup of his prime—an idea founded on the premise that even Lionel Messi won’t still be Lionel Messi as a 35-year-old in 2022, which is just about the safest supposition imaginable when dealing with mere humans but could plausibly prove erroneous in regards to this alien—Messi not only looks very unlikely to win next summer’s World Cup in Russia, there’s a terrifyingly large chance Argentina won’t even make it there. That’s right: If World Cup qualifying ended today, one of the five historically strongest international teams in the world would find themselves outside the tournament after yet another dismal showing yesterday in a game they should’ve won easily. This is both a tragedy and a travesty, and despite Argentina’s historical place in world soccer and their current embarrassment of attacking riches, it still looks like Messi is in a one-man fight to save Argentina and his legacy.
Argentina’s match against Peru was typical of so many Argentina matches in the Messi era. It involved Messi dropping deep to pick up the ball, Messi either running through the entire defense or otherwise bypassing the defense with a cutting pass, and then Messi shooting or setting up his teammates to shoot, only for them to fail. In short, Messi did practically everything, by himself, and it wasn’t enough:
As great as Messi is at so many things, a team that relies on Messi to do so much is bound to fail. Everything Messi does he does with an eye toward getting the ball into the net. This is of course a good thing in general, but asking such an attack-minded player to not only be the team’s final-third creator and finisher but also the player who transitions play from defense to midfield and midfield to attack (seriously, watch the video above and note how often there are about five or six Argentine players ahead of him, at times forced to drop so deep in order to advance the ball to where it needs to go that he picks up the ball just in front of his own central defenders) will only create a team that’s easy to stymie, totally dependent as it is on a single player; a team that has no fluidity or shared sense of involvement; and ultimately a team that wastes the talents of its deadliest weapon.
Messi individually had a pretty good game last night. He took two shots, one of which hit the post, he succeeded in seven of his 12 dribble attempts, and created six shots for his teammates. But because he wasn’t able to steer his shots goalward and because he was setting up the likes of Dario Benedetto and Alejandro Gómez for those great chances (by the way, how on earth does a nation with Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuaín and Sergio Agüero and Mauro Icardi wind up relying on attackers like Benedetto and Gómez in a massive game like this?), Argentina didn’t score and had to settle for a disappointing scoreless draw. It would be easier to blame Messi for his team’s shortcomings—you can already hear the Cristiano Ronaldo fanboys starting up with something like “Ha-ha! Typical selfish Messi, so insistent on doing everything by himself that he gums up the team dynamic of what should be a really good team!”—if it weren’t so clear that he is the only Argentine who tries to do anything at all, and how much worse Argentina have looked when Messi wasn’t playing. This team has tried the Give It To Messi And Stand Around While He Makes Something Out Of Nothing Philosophy for years now, and while it got them to two consecutive Copa América finals and even to the final of the last World Cup, Messi’s heroics are not so superhuman as to make it a viable strategy in the long run.
As disastrous as Argentina’s World Cup qualifying cycle has been, they are somehow still in a relatively decent spot. Next week Argentina will go to Ecuador to play the final game of CONMEBOL qualifying. All they have to do is beat the already eliminated Ecuadorians to keep their World Cup dream alive. A win, depending on what happens in the other matches, would see them either qualify for the World Cup automatically or at least put them into a home-and-home playoff match against New Zealand for a spot in the tournament. They should be big favorites against Ecuador and would be the same against New Zealand, though with how they’ve played of late, there are no guarantees.
If Argentina do manage to back their way into the World Cup, it’s hard to see it happening any other way than Messi dragging them to it with a stunning run and goal or two, or a pass so exquisite and defense-shattering that even his unerringly diffident strike partners couldn’t fail to slam into the back of the net. In light of everything Messi has already done in his career and what he continues to do for Barcelona and for Argentina, getting to Russia next summer would be the very least he deserves. Whether he gets that and even more by leading the Albiceleste to a shocking title run while there, or if instead Argentina don’t even qualify and he’s forced to watch from home as lesser players in better setups fight for the single most coveted trophy in all of sports, ultimately—depressingly—it probably won’t have much to do with Messi’s own merits. The universe is unfair, and sports are no exception.
Lionel Messi Might Be In The Midst Of His Most Impressive Feat Yet
How The World's Best Player Finally Won Over His Home Country
Lionel Messi Turned A Meaningless Clásico Into One For The Ages
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10 Styles That Have Changed the Face of Icon Design
by Andrei Stefan 7 Sep 2017
Length:LongLanguages: EnglishEspañolBahasa IndonesiaRomânăPусский
Icon DesignHistoryUI DesignAdobe IllustratorDesign TheoryGraphic Design
This post is part of a series called 10 Years of Envato Tuts+!.
10 Essential Adobe Photoshop Brushes You Should Own
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It’s been a while since I’ve done this sort of article, but today I’m back, and I really think you’re going to love this one. We’re going to put our creative juices on hold and spend some quality time together exploring the history and evolution of those little critters that we like to call “icons”.
So, if you’re into icon design as much as I am (digital fist bump while smiling like a crazy person), make a quick stop at the nearest espresso machine and grab a cup of that magical bean liquor, and then gently hop on back into the chair and let the journey begin.
1. Icons. The What, When, and Why
Well, I guess a lot of you already know the answer, but if the social sciences class "Research Methods and Techniques" taught me anything, it’s that for each and every study (which this article clearly is), you should always start from the root level of your concept and then gradually build your way up using multiple layers of information.
The What
So, “icon” is a noun of Greek origin (eikόn), and is defined according to the Merriam Webster online dictionary as “a conventional religious image typically painted on a small wooden panel and used in the devotion of Eastern Christians.”
Now, I think we can all raise an eyebrow and agree that this isn’t exactly the sort of “icon” that we’re interested in, since we aren’t actually in the business of painting divinity-praising images on wood (or I guess most of us aren’t), so let’s try and approach the term from a more modern, technological perspective.
From a digital standpoint, an “icon” is a “graphic symbol on a computer display screen that represents an object (such as a file) or function (such as the command or delete)”.
An even more insightful explanation can be found on the online version of the Cambridge Dictionary where they define it as “a small picture or symbol on a computer screen that you point to and click on (=press) with a mouse to give the computer an instruction.”
Now, before we move on, I would like to point out that although icons were initially created with the intent of being used within (desktop) computer graphic interfaces, they have quickly proven their utility, making their way to other screen-enabled devices that have adopted them due to their ease of use.
The When
The first ever set of computer icons was born in 1981, when computer scientist David Canfield Smith and designer Norman Lloyd Cox joined forces in order to bring the “office metaphor” to the Xerox Star 8010, which was the first office intended computer of its time.
Xerox Star 8010 - image provided by DigiBarn
The idea was to have Norman design a set of office items such as documents, folders, file cabinets, etc., which were to define the first icon style (pixel art) on which all the other ones would be based.
The reason why icons came to be is that computers advanced to a stage where they needed a visual symbol capable of easing the interaction between their software’s interface (the GUI or Graphical User Interface) and the user’s needs.
This means that from a symbolistic perspective, it has both a function and a meaning, since it has to carefully and correctly convey the object or action which it was intended to describe, using visual cues that aim to be self-explanatory.
You can learn more about the research process involved in the creation of these types of visual metaphors, by reading my 10 Top Tips for Creating Awesome Icons article, which will answer most if not all of your questions.
2. Defining (Creative) Style
Since the article focuses on presenting and explaining the evolution of icons from a visual perspective, it’s only natural that we take a couple of moments to see exactly what “style” is, since a lot of times the term gets misunderstood.
If we go back to the Merriam Webster dictionary, we’ll see the noun defined as “a particular manner or technique by which something is done, created, or performed”.
One definition really stood in my mind, since it describes the term as “a distinctive appearance, typically determined by the principles according to which something is designed”.
Put both together, and we quickly realize that style is basically a form of expression (be it visual or of another nature) based on an intricate relationship between the methods and principles carefully chosen and developed by a creator (the artist), in order to bring his or her vision into form.
Now, for example, an actor’s style can easily be reduced to the way that person talks, walks, and looks. Singers can set themselves apart by adopting a specific set of clothing and a softer or deeper voice.
Designers, on the other hand, strive to accomplish a sense of style by infusing different visual characteristics based on methods and techniques that were developed over a long process of exploration and refinement, making them their own.
Now here is where it becomes a little tricky, since in design, one’s personal style can quickly be taken, imitated and iterated upon, turning it into a collective style, where different designers follow similar if not identical compositional techniques.
That being said, no individual style is completely pure, since everything that is being created is basically a visual iteration and/or evolution based on somebody else’s previous work.
3. What Influences Style?
At this point, we’ve managed to get a sense of what “style” is, but let’s take a couple of moments and see what factors can influence its development and evolution.
As we all know, for every art form there are a set of tools and mediums that end up influencing its growth and popularity, and icon design is no exception to that rule.
As designers, we spend our days creating digital products that are meant to live on within a digital medium, which is influenced by the state and evolution of technology determined by the computing power and display advances made available in one’s lifetime. This is why the journey from pixel art icons to fully fledged skeuomorphic ones was a really long one, since computers didn’t have the raw power to display the amount of pixels that we currently have.
For designers, this means that they always have to adapt and become fully dependent on the medium, which depending on its evolutionary state can influence their style by adding or removing creative limitations.
A perfect example of this is VR (Virtual Reality) where we are just starting to make advances by figuring out the possibilities and limitations of this new and exciting medium.
In the beginning, I promised that the study would focus on presenting and briefly describing the ten styles that shaped icon design into its current state, so without wasting any more time, grab another sip of that hot coffee and let’s jump straight into it.
3.1 The Original Three
We’re going to kick things off by presenting the trinity from which all started.
Pixel Art Icons
As we saw a few moments ago, the first ever icon style that came into existence was created and shaped by the technology of its time, when computers were slow and designers had to deal with monochromatic displays.
The mission was to make use of the existing limitations and create the icons using an elaborate process of positioning a specific number of black pixels over a square grid, until the symbol started taking shape, which is where the name of the style comes from.
The style itself can only be described as bold, since it used hard, thick, black lines for the outlines and softer, thinner lines and details for the inner composing sections.
To me personally, pixel-based icons are really impressive since not only were they the first to open up personal computers to the consumer market, but they’ve also managed to stay relevant due to the simplicity of their nature, since over their 36 years of existence, not much has changed, and maybe that’s a good thing.
Xerox 8010 Star GlobalView OS - image provided by ToastyTech
Today, pixel art icons continue to maintain their popularity, since they’re a powerful nostalgia trigger, bringing back the feel and look of the early days of computing, where style wasn’t about how many details you could cram into a small space, but how you could capture the eyes’ attention using as few visual elements as possible.
Pixel Icons by Gustavo Zambelli
Isometric Icons
The year is 1985, and ATARI has just debuted TOS (The Operating System) with the launch of its Atari 520ST computer, which is the first time we see a visual evolution from the pixel icons. If before the user had to deal with two-dimensional icons, now the experience changes for the better with the introduction of isometric icons, based on the same “office metaphor”, which added the illusion of depth and dimension to its GUI (Graphical User Interface) using the third axis.
In terms of style, this wasn’t a radical departure. Think of it more as a visual improvement, since they were still pixel based, but brought some subtle changes such as the addition of projected hard shadows and uniform line thickness.
To some, the word “isometric” doesn’t seem like the best way to label the style, since by its definition, an isometric projection is a “method for visually representing three-dimensional objects in two dimensions” in which “the three coordinate axes appear equally foreshortened and the angle between any two of them is 120 degrees”. To me personally, they could be seen as the first attempts at bringing a new perspective to the “office metaphor” that ultimately led to what we now call isometric icons.
Atari TOS - image provided by ToastyTech
Today, the style has seen a radical departure from its monochromatic pixel-based origins, leaning heavily on the use of colors and shapes in order to bring three-dimensional objects to life.
In terms of complexity, the style is fairly difficult to master, since it requires designers to visually reimagine the object they want to portray using a rotated cube as a reference object, which isn’t always easy, especially when you’re dealing with oddly shaped objects.
Isometric Icons by Thomas Brunsdon
Skeuomorphic Icons
Fast forward four years, and things are finally starting to break the pattern with the launch of Steve Jobs's NeXT workstation computer, which came with NeXTSTEP OS.
If up until this point icons were thought of as being simple symbols meant to ease the interaction between human and machine, Jobs took it to the next level with the introduction of the first ever skeuomorphic icons, which were designed to mimic their real-world counterparts.
Say goodbye to those thick, chunky outlines, and hello to a level of craftsmanship never before seen inside a GUI (Graphical User Interface), characterized by the use of shading and highly detailed illustrations all crammed inside the same small space.
NeXTSTEP OS 0.8 - image provided by ToastyTech
As computers became more powerful and screen technology evolved, skeuomorphism became more of an art form than a simple symbol, pushing the techniques and imagination of its creators to a point where the depicted objects blurred the line between pixels and reality.
From intricate gradients to life-like textures, highlights and shadows, the process can be really hard to master if you haven’t had any artistic training. If you're interested in this style, you can start learning by recreating a Stylized Strawberry Icon which will show you all the basics.
The style itself became super popular in 2007 with the launch of Apple’s iPhone, and remained so up until the year 2012, when there was a shift from realistic icons to minimalist ones.
Skeuomorphic Icon by Eddie Lobanovskiy
3.2. The Evolution
At this point, our timeline is going to get a little blurry here and there, since for some of the upcoming styles we won’t be able to pinpoint the exact moment when they appeared and gained popularity, which is why I’ve decided to group and order them based on the attributes which they share and evolved from.
Line Icons by Justas Galaburda of Icon Utopia
Line icons are a direct evolutionary branch of the original pixel art icons, being one of the current popular styles practiced, due to their ability to portray powerful imagery using simple shapes and outlines.
For a design philosophy, the style itself uses the same principle of separating the object’s different composing sections using hard, thick lines, but it does so using strokes as opposed to individual squares. This change of technique has made it easier for the designer to create and adjust them, since you’re now dealing with shapes and paths instead of individual pixels.
Beyond that, the style has become more organic, since the evolution of computer displays has made it possible to use curved lines and rounded corners, compared to the old days when you had to bring your ideas to life using super-sharp rectangular shapes.
I personally love the style, since it’s easy to approach and get good at once you’ve practiced it a few times.
Glyph Icons
From a terminological perspective, the noun “glyph” comes from the French “glyphe” which itself originates from the Greek “gluphē” and can be defined as a “hieroglyphic character or symbol”. From a design perspective, a “glyph” is a visual style, where the objects are represented using monochromatic shapes that can have subtle empty spaces separating their different composing sections.
While simple in its nature, the style can be really effective, especially when used in smaller sizes, since you can depict the object using a minimalist but still comprehensible result, which is why it can be seen as the precursor of flat design.
Glyph Icons by Martin David
Flat Icons
Flat icons as a style became popular around the year 2012, with the launch of Microsoft’s newly redesigned visual language that we knew as Metro (now Fluent), which came as a direct response to Apple’s abuse of skeuomorphism.
Visually speaking, there was a huge shift in design philosophy, aiming for a clear, minimalist approach by breaking the object down to its bare essentials, removing as many details as possible in the process.
This led to the birth of a new type of icons that were easy to understand and use, due to the fact that the focus had been redirected onto the careful use of colors and basic geometric shapes.
Eventually, designers saw the potential that flat design had, and they started creating new icons based on clear shapes, free of any gradients or drop shadows, and developed the style into what it is now.
Flat Icons by Dominic Flask
As things started changing with flat design, in 2014 Google decided to embrace the change and brought designer Matias Duarte aboard to help create its own visual language, which it called Material Design.
Now, if skeuomorphism had too much going on, and flat design was well, too flat, Google positioned itself somewhere in the middle by bringing back the highlights and shadows but giving them a subtler presence, creating a visual style where objects are stacked over one another. They went even further and put together a pretty extensive online guide, where they talk about everything from material properties to layout principles and color styles, which makes it really easy to jump in and adopt the style.
In my opinion, material icons are a nice addition to flat design, and as long as Google has something to say, they will continue to be popular.
Material Icon by Jovie Brett Bardoles
Dimensional Icons
For the next style, it’s really kind of difficult to put a label on, since it sits somewhere between the boundaries of line icons and isometric ones, borrowing key elements from both.
I’ve almost broken my brain trying to define it, and I finally came to the conclusion that the best fit would be dimensional, since the process focuses on adding dimension or depth to the icon from a horizontal perspective.
The way it’s done is by presenting both the front and one of the object’s sides, using rectangular shapes for everything that is not of circular or curved nature. For the objects that fall within the second category, they are usually represented using one perspective, the front, which creates a contrasting and at the same time cohesive balance between the icon’s composing elements.
In terms of difficulty, the style is somewhat easy to understand and master as long as you’ve got a basic understanding of perspective, so that you can correctly define and position the details needed for both the front and side sections.
Dimensional Icons by Ryan Putnam
This next one is in a category of its own, since as visually appealing as it is (just look at these little beauties), it’s not that frequently used since most of the time it’s viewed as being too “playful”. The style became more popular after Dropbox’s rebranding, which showed the potential to build a truly unique identity, using hand drawn-like lines that have a shaky nature to them.
In my opinion, this type of icon can prove to be friendlier, since the relation between them and the user becomes warmer because you’re dealing with symbols that feel as if they were designed not by a computer, but rather by a living, breathing human.
In terms of complexity, the style can be hard to handle, especially if you’re not used to drawing and shading, which also makes it hard to imitate, since you’re not just creating the shapes by clicking and dragging rectangles and circles.
Hand-Drawn Icons by Corrine Alexandra
Animated Icons
Lastly, we have a breed of icons that is truly unique since its dynamic nature begs you to click on them. While they might look like pure visual gimmicks, animated icons are the future of interaction, since they hold an incredible power when it comes to the engaging process between the user and the interface.
No matter what form they take (flat, line, etc.), animated icons can bring something new and fresh to the table, due to their second state (when hovered on), and thus double the information available to the user, since when hovered on, they can bring useful data in a matter of seconds.
In a world where VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality) are the future, one can see the potential of integrating animations within the fabric of icons.
In terms of complexity, the style can be hard to master, since you are not only designing them but also taking the time to fully bring them to life, which can be hard if you don’t know exactly what you want to express through them.
Animated Icons by Dave Chenell
A Few Final Words
Before we wrap things up, I really want to thank each and every designer who participated in the study, and most importantly ToastyTech for providing the images of the operating systems.
That being said, I hope you've enjoyed going through the history of what we call icons and discovered something new and captivating.
Also, if you want to learn more about icons, I strongly recommend you go through some of the following articles, since I'm sure you'll end up finding some fresh and useful tips.
How to Create Pixel-Perfect Artwork Using Adobe Illustrator
As a beginner, creating digital artwork intended for web use can sometimes get a bit frustrating, especially when you put a lot of time into a piece (be it...
Understanding Adobe Illustrator's Grid System
This quick tip is focused on explaining what the Grid is, how it works, and how you should use it to benefit your design process.
Quick Tip: Exporting Icons Using Slices in Adobe Illustrator
Today we’re going to take a look at the different ways of exporting icons using a tool that is often feared, but will take your productivity to another level...
How to Scale Icons Correctly in Adobe Illustrator
Lately I’ve been getting a lot more technical and started exploring solutions to the different challenges that you might encounter along your creative...
This little quick tip is dedicated to a subject that is close to my heart but at the same time gave me some strong headaches in the early days of my design...
coffee addict / pixel grinder
Just another young gun coffee fanatic from Europe, designing colorful worlds one pixel at a time. When I'm not "making stuff" you can usually find me at my place, flipping news and catching up on all the crazy things happening in both the tech and design realms.
AndrewRosek
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A Few Hours From Where Acosta Said There’s No Crisis: 21 Bodies, Some Burned, Found In Mexican Border Town
On the same day that CNN Chief White House Correspondent Jim Acosta posted his report from McAllen, Texas assuring Americans that there wasn’t “anything resembling a national emergency situation,” at least not there, very different reports were coming out of a Mexican border town just a few hours northwest: Authorities found 21 bodies, some burned, after what appears to be yet another clash between rival drug cartel gangs.
“Mexican authorities said Thursday that 21 bodies, some burned, have been found in the northern Mexico border state of Tamaulipas in what appears to have been a clash between drug gangs. The bodies were found near the remains of seven burned-out vehicles near the border town of Miguel Aleman,” CBS News reports.
The city of Miguel Aleman is located in the northwestern border state of Tamaulipas, Mexico. The city is about three hours northwest of McAllen and borders the southern edge of Texas. Below is a screenshots from Google Maps showing Miguel Aleman and McAllen, which are about 180 miles apart:
While Acosta made sure to note that he saw no evidence of a crisis “at least in McAllen,” the reality, of course, is that multiple towns on both the north and south edge of the border are seeing not only the humanitarian crises that necessarily result from illegal immigration, but the additional, often deadly violence of the drug cartels.
CBS notes that newly elected Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has responded to the discovery of the 21 bodies, saying evidence indicates they are the results of brutal gang violence.
The Zetas drug cartel is currently locked in a battle with the Gulf cartel for control of the Rio Grande Valley. The recent splintering of the Zetas cartel has resulted in even more skirmishes, this one reportedly between the Northeast Zetas splinter group and the Gulf gang. In 2017 alone, the war between the rival groups left nearly 29,000 dead, CBS reports.
President Trump addressed the dangers posed by drug traffickers in his first national address from the Oval Office Tuesday, stressing the loss of innocent lives due to these criminal operations. Mexican border states, particularly Tamaulipas, as CBS notes, have become “conduits” for drug shipments and, as a result, hubs of violence.
But from Acosta’s view down in McAllen, there’s nothing to see at the southern border. Here’s his much-criticized report in which he declares there isn’t “anything resembling a national emergency situation.. at least not in the McAllen TX area”:
I found some steel slats down on the border. But I don’t see anything resembling a national emergency situation.. at least not in the McAllen TX area of the border where Trump will be today. pic.twitter.com/KRoLdszLUu
— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) January 10, 2019
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AHA News: This Couple Did Everything Right, Then Their 3-Year-Old Drowned
The Hughes family, in a photo they provided, from left: Reese, Nicole, Lily, Jonathan and Levi, who died lin June 2018
MONDAY, June 17, 2019 (American Heart Association News) -- Nicole and Jonathan Hughes, a teacher and a physician with three young children, were acutely aware of the dangers of swimming pools and lakes. From fenced-off pools to life jackets to constant supervision, they did everything right.
Tragedy struck anyway.
Last June, as the family was about to head to an Alabama beach for an evening crab hunt, 3-year-old Levi somehow slipped out of their vacation house and found his way to the pool. In what seemed like an instant he was face down in the water, and couldn't be revived.
"We weren't neglectful, but somehow we failed to keep him safe," Nicole said. "Everybody knows about statistics, but the reality is nobody thinks it's going to happen to them."
Nicole, who lives in Bristol, Tennessee, has channeled her grief into activism, speaking out about a leading cause of preventable death among children: drowning.
"There's such a stigma that it's even hard to say the word," she said. "People say it's about 'water safety.' No, it's about drowning. We have to stop tiptoeing around it."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the No. 1 cause of unintentional death between ages 1 and 4, and the No. 2 cause between ages 5 and 9. The latest national data show 702 U.S. children under age 15 drowned in 2017.
The figures are not broken down by ethnic group, but minorities may be at even greater risk. The USA Swimming Foundation reports 64 percent of African American children and 45 percent of Hispanic children have low or no swimming ability, compared to 40 percent of white children.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recently updated its recommendations for preventing drowning in children, ranging from vigilance at bath time and emptying buckets and wading pools immediately after use to teaching children to swim and encouraging teenagers to learn CPR.
"We've got to do a better job," said Dr. Sarah Denny, lead author of the new guidelines. "Drownings continue to happen. Parents must be aware of the risks and take action to prevent drowning."
Denny, a pediatrician at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, is particularly concerned about young children.
"Toddlers are curious, they're newly mobile, they're exploring their environment and they have no concept of the risk of water," she said.
She stressed that "layers of protection" are key to avoiding tragedy. Those layers include secure fences around pools, close supervision when children are around water, risk assessment and planning for children at every age level, and education, from the pediatrician's office to public service announcements.
One current announcement features Olympic gold medal skier Bode Miller and his wife Morgan, whose 19-month-old daughter Emmy drowned in a pool in California ; on the same day that Levi Hughes died in Alabama.
"You have to be vigilant, as if it's a lion waiting to snatch your child," Morgan says in the video message.
Nicole Hughes wants to encourage that vigilance with a "Water Guardian" tag, complete with lanyard, that adults can hand off to one another to emphasize the responsibility of supervising children in the water. They're available from her new foundation Levi's Legacy.
"It's another layer of protection," she said. "But the most important goal is just awareness."
If a drowning emergency should occur, "every second makes a difference," said Dr. Vinay Nadkarni, a critical care expert at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
His recommendations start with calling 911 immediately. Get the victim to a safe area "and assess for signs of life. If they're not breathing normally, start CPR."
For drowning victims, the American Heart Association recommends CPR with chest compressions and rescue breaths.
"Prevention is the best cure," but a devastating accident can still happen, Nadkarni said, which makes knowing CPR no less important than a good fence.
"If you do not know CPR," Nadkarni said, "you should not have a pool."
American Heart Association News covers heart and brain health. Not all views expressed in this story reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. If you have questions or comments about this story, please email editor@heart.org.
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FLASHBACK To 2001: Did Hillary Clinton Support RACIAL Profiling? [VIDEO]
Steve Guest Media Reporter
November 17, 2015 10:12 AM ET
Shortly after Sept. 11, 2001, Hillary Clinton refused to rule out any kind of profiling — including racial profiling — as a measure to stop terrorism.
The Weekly Standard notes that in an interview on ABC’s “This Week,” host Sam Donaldson asked then-Sen. Clinton, “What happens in the future from the standpoint of the question of security versus relaxation or giving up some of the freedoms that we’ve enjoyed in this country? How far do we go, for instance, on airline security?”
“Well, I think everyone recognizes we have to tighten security. We have to do whatever it takes to keep our people safe,” Clinton said.
Donaldson then asked, “Including profiling, Senator?”
Clinton replied: “Well I think we have to do whatever it takes, Sam. And I believe that, you know, Tuesday changed everything. Tuesday was a day that America has never, ever had to experience. And I hope to heaven that we never have to again. But we are in a war situation, and we’re going to have to do things people do in times of war.”
“I just heard your interview with the mayor, and I think he’s right to look at examples in history like the Battle of Britain. Many of us have been studying what others did to carry on. And we know that we have to make tradeoffs in convenience, in our freedom of movement, without undercutting or losing our way of life and our values, which I really want to make America special and great,” Clinton suggested. “And we can’t ever let anyone undermine that.”
Follow Steve on Twitter
Tags : elections 2016 hillary clinton racial profiling
Steve Guest
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Daily Fantasy NBA Preview – 7th March, 2019
Welcome to the 2018-19 NBA season!
To help you with your DFS lineups at PlayON, we’ll provide daily editions of our NBA Preview all season long here at Daily Fantasy Focus.
Your NBA fantasy teams have a budget of $100 million to spend on a seven-player team, with players ranging in price from $29 million to $5 million. You must pick one player from each of the five NBA positions – point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward and centre – with two final picks being at whichever position you like. With the need to squeeze in that much under budget, we need to look for the best value picks in each night’s game, at all positions.
Below is a breakdown of my picks at each price point for each position of my team for tonight’s mere two-game slate. Once you’ve seen who I like, be sure to lock in your line-ups and win some cash tonight.
Point guard – Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers: $22.6 million
It is probably high time that Lillard is considered to be every bit Kawhi Leonard’s equal. The two are very similar players, who play similar styles with similar numbers, with roughly similar strengths and weaknesses. Few can create shots and make impossible layups like Kyrie, but Lillard is one of the few that can. And so while he thrives in the relative security of the Blazers – tied for third seed in the West yet never much in the public discourse – Lillard’s own brilliance has come to be something we can rely upon. Over his last three games, he has averaged 42.7 fantasy points per game.
Shooting guard – Wesley Matthews, Indiana Pacers: $9.5 million
Matthews took a buyout from the Mavericks to join the Pacers on account of the fact that, in the twilight of his career, he wants to join a playoff team, maybe make a run at a title, and also find somewhere to better audition his talents as he heads into free agency for what conceivably could be the last time in his career. The aim was to do so on a team where he would receive a sizeable minute share, because otherwise it is not much of an audition. He has chosen well with the Pacers, then, where he can fill in in the starting line-up for the absent Victor Oladipo. The Pacers have done well in choosing Matthews, too, for he offers a tremendous consistency on the court. His last eight fantasy point guards for them have seen him record at least 20 fantasy points in each one, yielding an average of 23.5 per game in that time.
Shooting guard – Bojan Bogdanovic, Indiana Pacers: $14.0 million
While Matthews has taken a lot of Oladipo’s minutes in the rotation, he is not a featured offensive player, nor is he a player who creates offence for himself or for others. Nor is Bogdanovic, really, but by virtue of the opportunities and need opened up by Oladipo’s absence, he is bumped up the hierarchy by default. Over the last three games, Boj Bog has averaged 42.1 fantasy points in this expanded role, and, as with any Pacers pick tonight, the high pace the opposing Milwaukee Bucks play at may increase those numbers further.
Small forward – Mo Harkless, Portland Trail Blazers: $11.0 million
Harkless received an increased role in the rotation once Evan Turner went out due to injury, and although Turner has recovered from that, he is now out again due to personal reasons. This therefore bodes well for Harkless being able to continue his strong recent streak of games, one which has boosted his price quite a bit, but not enough to diminish his fantasy value too much. Over the last five games in this role, Harkless has averaged 32.6 fantasy points per game.
Power forward – Thaddeus Young, Indiana Pacers: $15.0 million
Perennially overlooked, Young is and always has been a very solid player. He is also quietly having his best season as a Pacer – while his minutes per game have gone down slightly from last season, his raw numbers in all categories other than steals have gone up, and his scoring efficiency has gone way up. All told, Young has got better throughout the season, and is currently further enjoying the absence due to injury of Domas Sabonis, which benefits the production and thus fantasy value of all Pacers front court players. In his last seven games, he has averaged 34.0 fantasy points per game.
Power forward – Nikola Mirotic, Milwaukee Bucks: $13.1 million
Given that he is now on a team with Giannis Antetokounmpo, it was inevitable that Mirotic’s role would be reduced with his new team. And with the reduced role comes less production, which invariably means less fantasy value. That said, due to his lengthy injury absence prior to the trade, Mirotic’s price had been deflated anyway. And so his 26.8 fantasy point average over his last six games still have some usage for us here.
Centre – Brook Lopez, Milwaukee Bucks: $13.6 million
It is very difficult to find a centre with any distinct value on tonight’s tiny slate. The Blazers and Pacers rank among the best rebounding teams in the league, thus likely stymieing the numbers of both Steven Adams and Jusuf Nurkic, while Myles Turner’s season splits against the Bucks thus far have not been favourable. Than then leaves Lopez, the ultimate stretch big, who never gets much in the way of rebounds but whose shooting and interior defensive talents are entirely commensurate with the league-leading Bucks’ style of play.
On any NBA slate of games, we need to be sure to avoid certain players each night. Here’s who you should steer clear of.
(Note that the NBA provides four different player injury classifications – ‘probable’ (meaning the player has a 75% chance of playing in the game), ‘questionable’ (50%), ‘doubtful’ (25%) and ‘out’ (0%). Such classifications are subject to change right up until game time; for the purposes of the below, we list anyone from ‘questionable’ on down as being picks to avoid.)
DO NOT PICK DUE TO INJURY/ABSENCE/SUSPENSION: Alize Johnson, Domantas Sabonis, Victor Oladipo (Indiana), Sterling Brown, George Hill (Milwaukee), Andre Roberson (Oklahoma City), Evan Turner (Portland)
That’s all for today’s analysis. Be sure to get your line-ups in, and check back every day during the season for our daily picks and advice!
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Rapper Nicki Minaj might have some apologizing to do over her song “Sorry.”
Minaj has been sued by folk singer Tracy Chapman for copyright infringement, relating to the song “Sorry,” which Chapman alleges incorporates the lyrics and vocal melody from her song “Baby, Can I Hold You” without permission.
In the suit, obtained by CNN, Chapman claims Minaj and her representatives began reaching out in June 2018 about using the song, but Chapman denied their request, which was made after Minaj had recorded the song for her album “Queen.”
“Sorry” was not included on “Queen,” which released in August.
According to Chapman’s suit, Minaj, however, provided a copy of the song to a popular New York DJ at HOT 97, a hip-hop radio station. Chapman claims the DJ subsequently promoted the song’s release on his social media channels and played it on air.
Minaj has not responded to the suit. But the suit does make mention of a now-deleted tweet from Minaj in which — prior to her album’s release — acknowledged struggling with whether or not to keep the song on her album, as doing so would have delayed “Queen’s” release.
Grammy-winner Chapman, who was a staple of the late ’80s and ’90s music scene, is best known for her songs “Fast Car” and “Give Me One Reason.”
Nicki Minaj and Tracy ChapmanShare0
Salah double helps Liverpool to win over Red Star
Cameroon meets international aviation security standards (ICAO)
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade welcome daughter
Re-election of Biya: Artists Prohibited from Staying in the Diaspora “See List” Learn more
South African rapper Jabulani ‘HHP’ Tsambo dies aged 38
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Comparison of the Water Quality, Fish and Macroinvertebrate Characteristics of Two Class A Trout Waters with other Impaired Streams
Alison McNett, Lycoming College
Mel Zimmerman, Lycoming CollegeFollow
Two class A trout streams, both named Hagerman’s Run (one a tributary of Lycoming Creek; the other a tributary of West Branch Susquehanna River) in Lycoming County were sampled for the last 5 years and will be compared to seven other streams from impaired sites. The Hagerman streams show high species diversity when it comes to the macroinvertebrates but low diversity of fish. In addition, one of these creeks is also showing some impairment due to erosion from gravel roads which may threaten its classification. The seven other streams are tributaries to or part of the Sugar Creek watershed which is a tributary to the North Branch of the Susquehanna River. All 7 of these streams had no trout, and showed low macroinvertebrate diversity. All of these streams were located near, or next to farms, and there is a high possibility that a lot of run off is occurring from these farms not using Best Management Practices. The fish diversity was higher compared to the two Hagerman’s Run streams. The water chemistry also showed higher concentrations of Phosphorous and Nitrogen. An attempt will be made to find correlations between the influence of chemistry, habitat and biota on these creeks.
Nov 21st, 8:00 PM Nov 21st, 10:00 PM
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Ford Chip Ganassi Racing to Start p1-2 at Road America
DMR August 5, 2017
• All-Ford GT front row as Dirk Müller, Ryan Briscoe lock out top spots
• Müller starts the No. 66 Ford GT at the front for the second year in a row at Road America
• 2-hour, 40-minute race to be shown at 2:30 p.m. ET Sunday on FOX Sports 1 (U.S.); IMSA.com (outside the U.S.)
ELKHART LAKE, Wisc. – The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar championship race at Road America will feature an all-Ford GT front row after Dirk Müller earned Ford Chip Ganassi Racing’s fifth pole award of the year on Saturday. Ryan Briscoe starts p2 in the No. 67 Ford GT.
It’s Müller’s third pole with Ford GT and the IMSA team’s fourth of the 2017 season (Rolex 24, Sebring, Watkins Glen, Road America). Ford CGR also started at the front at the FIA World Endurance Championship season-opener at Silverstone.
“After the bad luck of the last few races, it was time to turn it around,” said Müller, who started p1 at this event last year. “Joey (Hand) and I knew what we had to do and I don’t think we’ve made any changes to the car since we got here. That’s the strength of this team. This team is digging in every day and putting in a lot of effort and this was the payback for them. Taking the front row is absolutely brilliant. I’m still shaking.”
Briscoe clocked a 2:02.203 in the No. 67 Ford GT, behind Müller’s 2:01.422.
“I’m really pleased with the effort,” Briscoe said. “I was able to put together a good lap. Congratulations to Dirk, that was a heckuva lap he did there. I think we have a couple of really strong cars and we’ll try to execute tomorrow in the race.”
Last year, the No. 67 Ford GT just missed the podium after a mechanical failure in the closing seconds of the race. The team is eager to try again at the track they test at once a year to prepare for one of the season’s biggest races, the Le Mans 24 Hours.
“We had hoped we would be stronger here, just because of the nature of the track,” O’Gara said. “It’s a lot like Le Mans (the Circuit de la Sarthe). This car is built for low drag and high efficiency and a place like this really showcases that in the Ford GT. Right now we’re ahead of the field and hopefully we can stay up there tomorrow and have a good day for both of the cars.”
Ford Chip Ganassi Racing Makes Most of Fuel Economy of Ford GT as Team Finishes p5, 7 in Caution-Free Race
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Ford Prepared for Toughest Le Mans 24 Hours Yet
DMR Juni 5, 2018 Juni 6th, 2018
Four Ford GTs to take on the most competitive GTE Pro class to date
Ford Chip Ganassi Racing to fight for second Le Mans victory
The 2018 Le Mans 24 Hours gets underway at 15:00hrs CET on Saturday, June 16
The Ford Le Mans Livestream returns on fordperformance.tv!
DEARBORN, Mich., June 5, 2018 – When the 2018 Le Mans 24 Hours gets underway next week (June 16-17) the Ford Chip Ganassi Racing team will face its greatest challenge yet. The class in which the Ford GTs compete at Le Mans – ‘GTE Pro’ – now boasts 17 of the world’s best GT cars and 51 of the world’s fastest racing drivers, making it the fiercest contest the team has faced so far.
Now in the third year of its successful Ford GT race programme, which has seen Ford Chip Ganassi Racing win at Le Mans in 2016 and finish as runner-up in 2017, the team is ready to take on all challengers.
“It’s rewarding to see all four cars come together as one team every year at Le Mans,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Motorsport. “It shows the scale of the global effort we launched in 2016 and have been building on since.
“Le Mans is always the ultimate challenge but this year it has gone up a level through the sheer size of the opposition. We’re going up against the best that Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin, Corvette and BMW have to offer and we can’t wait. This is why we race.”
The Le Mans 24 Hours is always a highlight in Chip Ganassi’s racing calendar and he too is fully committed to shooting for another Ford victory in 2018.
“The Le Mans 24 Hours is one of those races that you have circled on the calendar,” Ganassi said. “It has everything. It’s on an historic track in France, it is an endurance race and it is one of the most spectacular events in the world. When you win a race like Le Mans, you know you have accomplished something. It is multiple drivers, crew members and the right manufacturer all coming together. I can’t wait to get back there to compete for another win.”
The #66 Ford GT crew of Stefan Mücke (GER), Olivier Pla (FRA) and Billy Johnson (USA) took their first victory in the opening round of the FIA World Endurance Championship at Spa in Belgium last month. Le Mans has been hard on them over the last two years so they hope the Spa win signals a change in their fortunes.
In the #67 Ford GT, Indycar star Tony Kanaan (BRA) joins last year’s runners-up, Andy Priaulx (GB) and Harry Tincknell (GB), and they all have their eye on the top step of the podium.
Already podium finishers in 2018, the drivers of the #68 Ford GT are the history-makers: the crew that took Ford’s first modern-day Le Mans win in 2016. Joey Hand (USA), Sébastien Bourdais (FRA) and Dirk Müller (GER) would love to do the double.
The drivers of the #69 Ford GT got their 2018 campaign off to the best possible start by winning the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Ryan Briscoe (AUS), Richard Westbrook (GB) and Scott Dixon (NZ) are more than ready for another 24-hour win.
All of the drivers of the Ford GTs know what they have to do at Le Mans. Here they reflect on the past two Le Mans and talk about their aspirations for the 2018 race.
#66 FORD GT: “The more you do it, the better you get at it!” (Olivier Pla)
The first year at Le Mans with Ford was tough for us in the #66 GT as we lost two laps in the pits, changing the light panel on the door,” said Olivier Pla. “We were on the same pace as the other Fords so for sure we missed out on a podium there. Year two was looking really good until around 1 a.m. when we had a rear suspension failure that sent me off at Indianapolis. That cost us around seven laps and that was that!
“Our goal for year three is the same as ever: we want to win! The GTE Pro field has never been so competitive so it would be incredible to win this year. We are a strong team with a strong car and good driving crews. Now we just need to make sure everything is perfect and that the luck goes our way. The more you do it, the better you get at it!”
#67 FORD GT: “You learn something new every time you do Le Mans.” (Andy Priaulx)
“The first Le Mans with Ford in 2016 was tough for us as we had a gearbox problem on the grid so our race was almost done before it started,” said Andy Priaulx. “The second one was great for us though, as we had a really good run and a bit of good fortune on the last lap, taking second place.
“This year’s race looks like it will be the toughest yet, but to win under circumstances like that is amazing. I’d love to stand on the top step at Le Mans; I’ve had a third and a second there and a few years ago I led the race for 23 of the 24 hours! There are another 16 GTE Pro cars, each with three drivers who are all saying the same thing, so it’s going to be a thriller! You learn something new every time you do Le Mans. It’s one of those events that you have to work out. This will be my fifth and every year it’s gets better as you have more experience, but it doesn’t get any easier!”
#68 FORD GT: “Ford has this incredible history at Le Mans and now we are part of it.” (Joey Hand)
“The first year stands out for me because we won. Ford has this incredible history at Le Mans and now we are part of it. We were able to write our own piece and lock ourselves down in the history books and, for me, that’s pretty cool. As I get older and I’m not driving any more, that’s something that’ll always be there. We weren’t able to race for the win last year so we want to do it this year. You never know how many times you’re going to race at Le Mans so you have to take advantage of every opportunity.
“Every year we get better and better as a team and as you get comfortable, you do better. We know more about this race now, from where we stay, the routine we have, knowing where everything is, knowing how scrutineering works. The more comfortable you are, the less you’re wondering what’s happening next. I’ve always said I think comfort produces results. Everything comes together to produce a result.”
#69 FORD GT: “I think Le Mans will always throw something at you that you’ve never seen before.” (Ryan Briscoe)
“Year one was incredible for us. We had a really strong race with a rookie team performing like absolute champions. To finish with two of our cars on the podium was surreal. I remember the second year we just didn’t have the performance to win the race, so now we want to win! We set the standards pretty high in year one so anything less isn’t a goal anymore. I think we’re off to a great start, winning the Daytona 24 and finishing second with the #66 car.
“It doesn’t really feel different to go to Le Mans in year three. I think on a personal level you never change your approach, no matter how many times you go. The prep work and everything that goes with it is the same. You can’t relax; you can’t feel like it’s year three and take it easy. I think Le Mans, like any big race, will always throw something at you that you’ve never seen before, and that’s what you have to be ready for. I do think year one was extra special. There was a lot about year one: the anticipation of it, the fact it was the 50-year anniversary since 1966, and Ford’s return for the first time since back in the 1960s, which made year one quite unique.”
Chip Ganassi Racing Ford Le Mans No Comments
Strong Strategy, Driving Put Ford Chip Ganassi Racing in Podium Contention at Mid-Ohio
Wohooo, big congrats boss so happy for you guys‼️What a great finish https://t.co/mFzAHTNAEI2 days ago
Wohooo, big congrats‼️ So happy for you guys awesome https://t.co/UgU5CNOACF2 days ago
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Media full of Newtown tragedy but far worse ignored
Action, All Posts, Atos, Benefits, disability hate crime, DLA, Independent Living, Politics, Welfare reforms 10 Responses »
14/12/2012 · by skwalker1964 · Bookmark the permalink. ·
This is a difficult post to write, but I think it has to be written. So please, don’t make the mistake of thinking what I’m about to say means my heart isn’t breaking at the tragic loss of lives in yet another US school shooting.
As I write, the news media are showing constant footage and updates about the terrible events in Newtown, Connecticut, where a gunman has entered a school armed with multiple weapons and killed, according to the latest report, at least 27 people, including 18 children, having already killed both of his parents and, so it’s reported, his brother.
It’s an awful, awful situation. I have three children, though now grown up, and one of them is a teacher, so my heart goes out to those affected. But at the same time as I’m appalled and shocked, I can’t help thinking ‘But what about…?’
You see, because of the things I write about, and the research I do for what I write, I’m aware that there are things which are just as bad – and on a much greater scale – going on constantly in this country. The news channels are devoting non-stop coverage of the events in Newtown, and it’s understandable. What isn’t understandable is why the events in this country – also horrific, and hurting far greater numbers of people – barely merit a mention in the news media, let alone saturation coverage.
Already, in the US, the pro-gun lobbies are mobilising to defend the ‘right’ to carry guns. Within minutes of the coverage beginning, I had already heard a commentator talk of how the ‘gun lobby’ was trotting out its well-worn claim: ‘Guns don’t kill people. People kill people‘, and is even trying to use the tragedy to call for more guns, arguing that fewer people would be killed by guns if more people had them ‘to defend themselves’, and that schoolteachers should carry guns to defend their pupils.
The mind boggles. But the thing is, they’re partly right. People do kill people – but guns allow them to kill others in far greater numbers than they could otherwise. Because people kill people, the more you can keep them away from guns, the more sense it makes. If you put guns in their hands, more people are going to die.
But we face a parallel situation here in the UK, and it’s what is causing those barely-mentioned and much larger tragedies I referred to above. Not because we put guns into people’s hands, but because we have power in the hands of people of ill will, stupidity, or both.
Power doesn’t kill people. People kill people. But power allows them to do so on a vast scale. Perhaps you think I’m crass to do anything but join in with the public show of horror and grief about the events in Connecticut – but let me tell you about some of those almost-hidden tragedies first, and then if you still think I’m crass, at least you’ll be making an informed judgment.
In Newtown, 29 people died in today’s shooting, plus the gunman, according to the latest news. It’s truly awful – but here are some other figures, which I hope will shock you commensurately. Because they should:
24,000 is the number of people who died in the UK last winter because of ‘fuel poverty’. That’s 24 thousand people who died because they couldn’t afford to heat their homes properly, and who died either of hypothermia, or of illnesses resulting from their inability to keep warm.
It’s truly a national scandal. And yet I can barely recall a mention of it on the news channels, and little more in the press. Certainly nothing like the coverage that we’re seeing now about the school shooting – or even the near-continuous coverage of the very sad death of Jacintha Saldanha. One royal-related death is big news, but 24,000 avoidable deaths, in a single winter and from a clearly identifiable, remediable cause, are apparently not. But then, the progress of the Olympic torch around the country was deemed worthy of mass coverage when the plan to privatise the NHS wasn’t, so maybe I shouldn’t be surprised.
Our government has the power to do something about fuel poverty, in order to prevent a repeat of this national shame. So what is it doing? In a time of steep rises in fuel costs that are expected to continue for the foreseeable future – it is capping benefit rises at 1%, well below the general rate of inflation and miles below the rate of increase in energy costs (13% up to October this year, and another 8% or so from January)
330,000 – or 1.9 million
I wrote a couple of months ago about the government’s planned change from Disability Living Allowance (DLA), which is currently paid (in varying amounts) to some 3.2 million people, to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Iain Duncan Smith’s Department of Work & Pensions devised the new payment with the specific goal of excluding at least 500,000 people from the new payment who currently qualify for DLA, as a cost-saving measure.
Basing my calculations on this figure, I showed that the change will push at least 85,000 people below the poverty line – but that figure is based on an extremely unlikely hypothetical scenario in which every single person excluded is single and has no dependents. On a more likely situation, the number of people pushed into poverty will number in the hundreds of thousands.
But it appears I was over-cautious. Yesterday, the Tory Minister for Disabled People, Esther McVey, told the House of Commons that, of the 560,000 people who will be assessed for the new benefit by 2015, 330,000 are expected to be excluded from the benefit. That’s an exclusion rate of 59%. 3.2 million people receive DLA, so if the same failure rate applies as they become due for reassessment, that means around 1.9 million disabled people who will lose crucial support. Using the same calculations as I applied to the 500,000 initially flagged to be excluded, it means almost a million people pushed below the poverty line.
Factor that into the death rate from energy poverty, and you’re looking at a situation where the 24,000 deaths last winter will look like nothing compared to what we’re going to see, let alone the 30 innocent deaths in Connecticut.
453 – and counting
That’s the number of additional suicides that happened last year, compared to before the financial crash. As growing numbers of people face financial catastrophe, more and more are seeing suicide as the only escape. The government’s response? To demonise the unemployed, disabled people and low earners who are forced to claim benefits – and then to cut those benefits and deepen the despair, while the rich get richer.
73 – a week
This, according to the campaign group DPAC, is the number of deaths (including suicides) among disabled people as a result of the government’s programme of Work Capability Assessments (WCAs), which is categorising people as fit for work when they are plainly not. 70% are eventually overturned on appeal – but the stress of the process and the fear of losing essential support are killing some and causing others to commit suicide. And the government is responding by capping benefits even for those who do pass the test – and closing Remploy, which provides suitable work for disabled people, while Iain Duncan Smith sneers at them and tells them ‘this is better’.
24,000. 330,000. 1.9 million. 453. 73 a week. All numbers at least as deserving of mass media attention as the 30 killed in Connecticut – and all conspicuous by their absence from the BBC and other news media.
Power doesn’t kill people. People kill people. But people with power can kill a lot of people – and this government is wreaking havoc among ordinary and vulnerable people.
The deaths of the 30 (as of now) innocents in Newtown will, rightly, bring people out onto the streets in the US – for prayer vigils, to lay flowers, to protest in favour of (and, insanely, against) gun control.
If the people of the UK became as aware, en masse, of what is taking place under the coalition government as they surely are now of what has happened in Connecticut, the streets would be packed with people protesting – and streaming to the polls in 2015 or earlier to get rid of those in power, killing people.
Which is, probably, why we’re not seeing those other numbers and many like them on our television screens.
With many thanks to Steve for agreeing to repost- please support this excellent blog-see more at http://skwalker1964.wordpress.com/2012/12/14/media-full-of-newtown-tragedy-but-far-worse-is-ignored/
Follow Steve on twitter : @skywalker 1964
Posted by admin at 15:38 Tagged with: Coalition, deaths. suicides, DLA, fuel poverty, McVey, Media, Newtown shootings, Skywalker, UK human rights, WCA
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July 30 - 31
Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009 12:53 AM
9:56 a.m. A wolf-like dog was loose near Birket Drive and Junction Creek Road.
Durango Police
1:22 a.m. Someone was setting off fireworks near Eighth Street and East Eighth Avenue.
1:34 a.m. A man passed out on the side of a business in the 900 block of Main Avenue.
2:01 a.m. A man threw a rock through a business window in the 600 block of Camino del Rio.
8:24 a.m. A woman's gate was kicked in in the east 100 block of 32nd Street.
11:20 a.m. A vehicle hit a motorcycle and drove off without stopping in the 600 block of Main Avenue.
11:46 a.m. A man's car was broken into near Seventh Street and East Seventh Avenue.
11:50 a.m. A maroon Oldsmobile and a gray Chevy were involved in a noninjury accident and were blocking traffic in the 1900 block of Main Avenue.
2:16 p.m. Rims and CDs were stolen from a vehicle in the 2800 block of Main Avenue.
2:54 p.m. A white truck and a Ford truck were involved in a noninjury accident and were blocking traffic near Ninth Street and Camino del Rio.
5:56 p.m. A 40-year-old man was passed out on the sidewalk in the west 100 block of Seventh Street.
6:28 p.m. There was loud construction noise in the 600 block of Animas View Drive.
9:35 p.m. An apartment was broken into in the 20200 block of U.S. Highway 160, in west Durango.
10:33 p.m. Two men and a woman were in an alley possibly drinking in the 600 block of East Third Avenue.
La Plata County Sheriff
1:23 p.m. The driver of a white pickup was speeding and almost hit another car in the 200 block of Valle Drive, near Elmore's Corner. The driver also was making obscene gestures.
7:16 p.m. A man and woman were arguing, and the man was refusing to leave a home in the 1700 block of County Road 121, northwest of Breen.
11:14 p.m. A man was refusing to leave a home in the 400 block of Mesa Drive in Forest Lakes subdivision north of Bayfield.
Bayfield Marshal
5:52 p.m. A small dog was loose and had a broken leg and no collar on Tamarack Drive.
Durango Fire & Rescue
4:27 p.m. There was a grass fire in the 500 block of County Road 302, south of Farmington Hill.
Most items in this column are taken from logs of calls made to authorities. Their accuracy may not have been verified by an official investigation.
Colorado candidates take aim at front-runners in presidential debate
March 12, 13
Iron Horse Bicycle Classic
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TAMUC – Sports
No. 1 Lions hit the road for first time in 2018 for a matchup at William Jewell.
COMMERCE – The No. 1 Texas A&M University-Commerce football team hits the road for the first time in the 2018 season to take on the William Jewell Cardinals. This is the second game of the season for the Lions, but the first for the Cardinals, whose opening contest against Drake was canceled due to lightning.
WHO: Texas A&M University-Commerce at William Jewell College
WHERE: Liberty, Mo. | Greene Stadium
WHEN: Noon on Saturday, September 8
RECORDS: The Lions are 1-0 overall and 1-0 in the Lone Star Conference after a 37-36 double-overtime win over Texas A&M-Kingsville. This is the first game of the season for William Jewell.
RANKINGS: Texas A&M-Commerce is ranked No. 1 in the AFCA Coaches’ Poll and No. 2 in the D2Football.com Media Poll. William Jewell is unranked.
LIVE AUDIO: Lion Sports Network — KETR 88.9 FM, Commerce (http://www.ketr.org)
LIVE VIDEO: http://www.glvcsn.com/jewell/
LIVE STATS: http://www.sidearmstats.com/jewell/football
TICKETS: https://jewell.simpletix.com/SimpleTixExpress/Events/EventSectionDetail.aspx?ShowId=36744&EventTimeId=86125
LIONS LOOK TO EXTEND STREAK
• With the 37-36 double-overtime win over A&M-Kingsville to claim the Chennault Cup for the seventh straight year, the Lions extended the nation’s longest active winning streak to 11 games.
• The Lions scored 37 points for the second straight game, having also scored 37 in the National Championship Game win over West Florida.
• The victory was the second consecutive one-point win in a season opener for the Lions, who defeated North Alabama 8-7 in the 2017 opener.
• This is A&M-Commerce’s seventh straight Chennault Cup win, tying A&M-Kingsville’s streak from 1992-99 as the longest winning streak in the 65-game series.
ALL-TIME AGAINST THE CARDINALS
• This is the second meeting between the two schools, with A&M-Commerce earning a 59-6 victory on CommUniverCity Day in 2017.
• A&M-Commerce is 3-0 against current Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) teams, with a pair of wins over Truman State in 1937 and 1938 and last year’s win over WJC.
SUCCESS AGAINST THE SHOW ME STATE
• The Lions are 6-0 all-time against schools from the state of Missouri, defeating Missouri Valley College 26-7 in the 1958 Tangerine Bowl, and taking both ends of a home-and-home series with Southwest Missouri State (now Missouri State) in 1967 and 1968.
• This is A&M-Commerce’s first game in the state of Missouri since the 37-15 win over SMSU in Springfield in 1967.
• The Lions’ home practice site during the 2017 National Championship preparations was Winnetonka High School in Kansas City.
CARTHEL PICKS UP WIN NUMBER 50
• Head coach Colby Carthel now ranks fifth in A&M-Commerce history in coaching wins with 50 wins.
• He is now only 13 wins behind Lion and LSC legend J.V. Sikes, who sits in fourth place with 63 wins.
1 Ernest Hawkins 1964-85 132-92-6
2 Eddie Vowell 1986-98 74-71-1
3 Bob Berry 1935-41, 46-50 72-34-8
4 J.V. Sikes 1954-63 63-34-4
5 Colby Carthel 2013-pres. 50-15
6 M.A. Smith 1951-53 30-2-1
SENIORS ON PACE TO SET SCHOOL RECORD
• The 2017 senior class established the school record for wins in a four-year period with the victory in the National Championship Game with 42 games won in a four-year span.
• The 2018 seniors are already in the top five groups in school history at 34-7 with a guarantee of 10 more games in the season.
Years Record
2014-17 42-10
1951-54 36-5-2
1957-60 34-7
1972-75 32-13-1
MARTINEZ PICKS UP LSC HONORS IN WEEK 1
• Kicker Kristov Martinez scored seven points in the opening game to earn LSC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
• The graduate student from Edinburg was 1-for-2 on field goal attempts and was 4-for-4 on PAT attempts,
• He is now 55-of-73 on field goal attempts in his career, which ranks 14th in Division II history. The Division II career record is 82 made field goals.
• Martinez is the Division II active career leader in made field goals, and ranks fourth in all NCAA divisions behind LSU’s Cole Tracy (72), Wisconsin’s Rafael Gaglianone (62) and Toledo’s Jameson Vest (58). Those four kickers are the only NCAA players through the first week of 2018 with more than 50 field goals to their credit.
• LSU’s Tracy is actually a Division II transfer from Assumption (Mass.), where he won the Fred Mitchell Award in 2017.
• Martinez is on the preseason watch list for the Mitchell Award.
• For his career, Martinez has made 180-of-187 PAT attempts and is the Division II active career leader. Oklahoma’s Austin Seibert is the all divisions active career leader with 231 made PATs. Martinez is fourth in all divisions behind Seibert, Ohio State’s Sean Nuernberger (188), and North Dakota State’s Cam Pederson (187).
• Martinez was named second-team All-Super Region Four by the Division II Conference Commissioner’s Association and Don Hansen’s Football Gazette.
• He has been named a second-team preseason All-American by Lindy’s.
• Martinez was also named LSC All-Academic and A&M-Commerce’s male LSC Scholar-Athlete for 2017-18.
WHEELER DEALS IN FIRST CAREER START
• Lion quarterback Preston Wheeler made his first career start in the Chennault Cup win over A&M-Kingsville, providing poise in the pocket to lead the blue and gold to victory in his first-ever extended action.
• The redshirt junior from Austin Bowie completed 23-of-48 passes for 298 yards with three touchdowns and an interception.
• Wheeler turned it on after halftime, completing 17-of-34 passes for 206 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions in the second half and the overtime periods.
• Wheeler completed passes to six different receivers, with four wide receivers, a tight end, and a running back each catching passes.
NEWCOMERS ON THE BOARD
• Two new Lions scored in their first games in the blue and gold.
• Redshirt freshman wide receiver Matt Childers (Henderson) caught a 17-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter for the Lions’ first points of the season.
• Junior quarterback Kane Wilson (New Orleans, La.) came into the game and scored on his first touch for the Lions with a 1-yard touchdown carry in the third quarter.
“BIG MIKE” MAKES BIG NOISE IN OPENER
• Michael Onuoha (pronounced uh-no-ha) was a menace in the backfield in the opening game.
• The senior from Edmond, Okla., had five total tackles with 3.5 tackles for losses of 16 yards, and 2.5 sacks for losses of 15 yards. He also had five quarterback hurries.
• Prior to the season, Onuoha received an honorable mention All-American and second-team All-Region pick by Don Hansen’s Football Gazette. He was also a first-team all-Lone Star Conference pick.
• “Big Mike” ranked seventh in the LSC with 12 tackles for loss and recorded 56 tackles on the season.
HARRIS AWARD NOMINEE IS TOP TACKLER
• The Lions’ leading tackler in senior Brucks Saathoff returns to lead the A&M-Commerce defense.
• The San Antonio native has led the Lions in tackles for the last two seasons.
• He was the overall leader in tackles for the Lions in the opener with eight stops against A&M-Kingsville.
• In 2017, Saathoff was the Lion leader with 101 tackles, averaging 6.7 stops per game.
• For his career, Saathoff has 217 tackles, which is the leading mark for the Lions.
SUCCESS ON FIELD AND IN CLASSROOM
• One of the Lions’ top defensive performers was also one of the nation’s top academic performers in 2017.
• Senior Garrett Blubaugh returns as the Lions’ second-leading tackler. Blubaugh made 84 stops in the National Championship season and excelled in the playoffs.
• The Keller product made four tackles in the opener against the Javelinas and had a key pass breakup on the goal line on a wide receiver pass.
• Blubaugh was the football winner of the NCAA Elite 90 Award, which recognizes the top grade point average at the national finals site.
• The biological sciences major was also a Lone Star Conference All-Academic selection.
LEAGUE’S TOP TIGHT END RETURNS FOR LIONS
• The “A” position in the Lion offense must display versatility as both a traditional tight end and a receiver.
• The 6-foot-3, 255-pound Vincent Hobbs did just that in 2017, earning multiple honors and making many highlights in the National Championship campaign.
• In the opener, the Mesquite native had six receptions for 47 yards and a 12-yard touchdown catch early in the fourth quarter.
• He has been selected as a first-team preseason All-American by Lindy’s and noted as a potential professional football candidate.
• He was a Don Hansen’s Football Gazette second team All-American and first team all-region selection, as well as an all-Lone Star Conference first team selection.
• He had 64 receptions for 785 yards and seven touchdowns in 2017.
WIMBERLY NEARS TOP OF RECEIVING CHARTS
• Wide receiver Marquis Wimberly made the highlight reel with the game-tying touchdown catch in the fourth quarter, but the senior’s consistency was key down the stretch.
• The Duarte, Calif., native had eight receptions for 99 yards and the OT score.
• The eight receptions is tied for the most catches in the Lone Star Conference in the opening week of the season, while his 99 yards is the third-most in the league
• In 2017, he had 64 catches for 794 yards and six touchdowns, with four games over 100 yards receiving. He had a season-best nine receptions for 120 yards in the regional semifinal win at Central Washington.
TRACK ALL-AMERICAN EXCELS IN MULTIPLE ASPECTS
• The Lions needed a boost in the third quarter of the win over A&M-Kingsville and cornerback Reggie Kincade provided that spark in multiple aspects of the game.
• The senior from Everman is now the LSC leader in kick return average as he had returns of 45 and 35 yards to set up short fields for the Lions with the 40.0-yard per return average.
• He then snagged a key interception on third down late in the fourth quarter, setting up the drive which would send the game to overtime.
• Kincade established himself as a big return threat in the National Championship Game, returning a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown.
• He has won All-American honors in the 4×100 meter relay twice in his career on the Lion track team and is part of three school record-holding relay teams.
Munguia scores early first and second-half goals, the Lions defeat Dallas Baptist 2-1.
DALLAS– The Texas A&M University-Commerce soccer team defeated Dallas Baptist 2-1 on Tuesday night. The Lions scored goals in the early minutes of each half to get the victory.
The win brings the Lions to 2-1-0 on the season and gives them another South Central Region win. The Patriots fall to 0-2-1 on the season.
The Lions return to action on Sunday as they travel to San Antonio to face St. Mary’s on Sunday. The game will be at Noon at Sigma Beta Chi Field.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
– Sabrina Munguia (Baytown – Sterling) scored both goals for the Lions, her first two goals of the season. She scored in the third minute of the first half and the first minute of the second half.
– Leslie Campuzano (Garland – Lakeview Centennial) assisted both goals, her first two assists of the year. She also had a shot on goal.
– Cora Welch (Plano) also had a shot on goal.
– DBU controlled the ball for much of the game, outshooting the Lions 20-6.
– The Lion defense made things tough on DBU, holding the Patriots to only 30 percent of their shots being on goal. The Lions had four shots on goal.
– Caitlin Duty (Crandall) made five saves on the day, while DBU had two saves.
The Lions got the scoring started quickly, scoring a goal in the third minute of the match. After a foul on DBU gave the Lions a free kick, Campuzano launched the ball over the DBU defense. Munguia was there and had a step on defense. She popped the ball over the keeper’s head from 15 feet away and got the Lions on the board.
DBU had two early shots, but both went wide of the goal. The Lions controlled the ball early in the match, keeping the ball away from the Patriots. The Lions also had two corner kicks in the game, but the Patriots prevented the Lions from finding space to fire shots at the goal.
The Patriots began to control the ball more starting in the 16th minute and had three chances to score in a matter of minutes. The first was on a spin around shot that was stopped by Duty on a dive. The second was a soft shot that was scooped up by Duty. A third chance came on a breakaway by a DBU player that momentarily got a half step on the Lion defense. However, the shot went high and out of play. Midway through the half, the Lions held a 1-0 lead.
The teams began to possess the ball more evenly once again for the remainder of the half. The Lions forced a corner kick in the 30th minute, and a well-kicked ball was issued, allowing a header attempt from Welch. However, the DBU keeper was in a position to make the save, keeping a goal off the board.
DBU another opportunity in the 37th minute. With the ball deep in the zone, a Patriot player crossed the ball perfectly to the feet of a teammate. After taking a quick shot, Duty made a diving stop to her right to keep the ball out of the net.
The Patriots did not stop their attack and were able to score a goal in the 40th minute. DBU’s Katelyn Havard received a pass from Summerlyn Heller and found a crease in the Lion defense to launch a shot that found the net. The teams went into the half tied at 1.
DBU outshot the Lions 10-2 in the first half, with five of their shots going on goal. Both of A&M-Commerce’s shots were on target.
The Lions scored within the first 10 seconds of the start of the second half. The Lions controlled possession and pushed the ball forward right away. Campuzano again found Munguia, who got a step on the defender. She dodged the goalkeeper who crept up and shot around her, squeezing the ball into the right side of the goal. The Lions took a 2-1 lead.
The Lions then survived a scare in the 49th minute as a good juke by a DBU forward left her with a view of the goal. Duty charged and made a diving stop 10 yards away from the target. The ball ricocheted back to DBU, and they took another shot. Duty presence forced the trajectory altercation, and the shooter fired the ball wide of the net.
It was a defensive battle throughout the second half, with neither squad being able to take a shot for the next 20 minutes. Both teams had a shot blocked in the 65th before the ball could find its way closer to the goal.
DBU had two shots go high in the next few minutes, with the Lion defense again making it hard to find space for a shot on goal. DBU kept possession of the ball however and had another chance go off target.
The Lions had a late shot on goal as Campuzano found some space in the 86th minute. However, the DBU keeper made the save to keep the game within one score. The Patriots had one final shot attempt in the last minute, but it went well full of the net, and the Lions ran out the clock to finish the one-goal win.
Chapron, Rutledge, and Fuentes sweep LSC Volleyball Players of the Week.
RICHARDSON–Texas A&M University-Commerce volleyball players Shelley Chapron, Savannah Rutledge and Rylie Fuentes have swept the Lone Star Conference Players of the Week awards. Chapron, a junior from Houston, was named Offensive Player of the Week. Rutledge, a junior from The Woodlands, was named Defensive Player of the Week. Fuentes, a junior from Robinson, repeated as Setter of the Week. The awards were announced Tuesday by the conference office.
Chapron (St. Pius X HS) hit .309 out of the middle with 31 kills against some of the top teams in the nation at the Colorado Premier Challenge. She had six kills and two blocks against No. 2 Concordia-St. Paul, in the Lions’ five-set win. She then hit .438 with eight kills and four blocks in a loss to Metro State. On Saturday, Chapron’s serving skills were also on display. She had three aces with ten kills and four blocks against No. 3 Lewis. She finished the day with three more aces and hit .583 with seven kills and six blocks against No. 10 Regis. After two weeks of action, Chapron leads the LSC with a .404 hitting average.
Rutledge (College Park HS) kept multiple points off the board with her defensive efforts last week, helping A&M-Commerce defeat three top-10 ranked teams at the Colorado Premier Challenge. She led the team with 73 digs, averaging better than four digs per set. She had 15 digs in the team’s five-set win over No. 2 Concordia-St. Paul. She had 18 digs in the Lions’ five-set win over No. 3 Lewis and added 24 digs in the team’s four-set win over No. 10 Regis. She also had two aces and 17 assists.
Fuentes (Robinson HS) again shined for A&M-Commerce with her play last week at the Colorado Premier Challenge. She had 100 assists in the team’s two-setter system and helped put the Lion hitters in right positions to win three matches against top-10 ranked opponents. She had 26 assists in the Lions’ five-set win over No. 2 Concordia-St. Paul. She added 22 assists in the team’s five-set win over No. 3 Lewis. She finished the tournament with a career-high 36 assists in the team’s four-set win over No. 10 Regis. Fuentes also had three aces and three kills during the tournament.
Chapron, Rutledge, Fuentes and the Lions are the No. 17-ranked team in the country, the first national ranking since 1989. A&M-Commerce defeated three top-10 ranked teams last week. The No. 17 Lions return to action on Thursday with their final non-conference match before the start of the conference season. A&M-Commerce will face Southern Arkansas on Thursday at 5:00 pm at the Burg Center on the campus of Dallas Baptist. The Lions will then travel to meet Angelo State on Friday at 7:00 pm and will face No. 24 Tarleton State on the road on Saturday at 2:00 pm to begin conference play.
LONE STAR CONFERENCE VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Aug. 28 – Madison Brabham, Texas A&M-Kingsville
Sept. 4 – Shelley Chapron, Texas A&M-Commerce
Aug. 28 – Sundara Chinn, Angelo State
Sept. 4 – Savannah Rutledge, Texas A&M-Commerce
Aug. 28 – Rylie Fuentes, Texas A&M-Commerce
Sept. 4 – Rylie Fuentes, Texas A&M-Commerce
Lion Volleyball ranked No. 17 in latest AVCA Poll, the first time in the poll since 1989.
COMMERCE– The Texas A&M University-Commerce volleyball team is now nationally ranked. The Lions the No. 17 team in the nation in the latest American Volleyball Coaches of America poll. For the first time since 1989, the Lions are nationally-ranked after Monday’s release.
The Lions made a big impression on voters after defeating three top-10 ranked teams last week at the Colorado Premier Challenge. A&M-Commerce defeated No. 2 Concordia-St. Paul, No. 3 Lewis (No. 5 in current ranking), and No. 10 Regis (No. 15 in current ranking). The Lions also have a win over Central Oklahoma, who is ranked No. 18 in the current poll.
“I’m proud of how our team has prepared for this year and their hard work so far,” said A&M-Commerce head coach Craig Case. “They truly earned this national ranking. Now, we have to get back to work and continue to get better. We have a long season ahead of us with some more great opponents. We have to be ready for that. We open up conference play against two teams as good as any we’ve played yet. So we can’t get too hung up on early season accomplishments and rankings. We’re going to be proud of the matches we have won and keep striving to improve.”
From 1986, the first year the AVCA poll was published, until 1989, the Lion volleyball team was ranked in 27 polls, including all 11 votes in both 1987 and 1988. The highest ranking the Lions have ever reached in the poll is No. 5, part of the 1987 season that saw A&M-Commerce ranked in the top-10 in 10 different polls during the year.
The Lions are the highest ranked team from the Lone Star Conference in the AVCA poll. Tarleton State, who the Lions will face on Saturday, is ranked No. 24.
The No. 17 Lions return to action on Thursday with their final non-conference match before the start of the conference season. A&M-Commerce will face Southern Arkansas on Thursday at 5 p.m. at the Burg Center on the campus of Dallas Baptist. The Lions will then travel to meet Angelo State on Friday at 7:00 pm and will face No. 24 Tarleton State on the road on Saturday at 2:00 pm to begin conference play.
2018 AVCA Division II Top 25 Coaches Poll – Sept . 1 (Week 2)
Rk School Points Record Previous
1 Nebraska-Kearney (26) 1142 8-0 5
2 Concordia – St. Paul (15) 1122 6-2 2
3 Northern State (6) 1080 8-0 7
4 Palm Beach Atlantic 919 8-0 11
5 Lewis 887 6-2 3
6 Minnesota Duluth (1) 850 6-2 1
7 Southwest Minnesota State 837 5-3 8
8 Rockhurst 816 7-1 6
9 Cal State San Bernardino 777 7-1 9
10 Central Missouri 731 6-2 14
11 West Florida 687 5-3 13
12 Western Washington 641 5-3 15
13 Ferris State 597 5-3 4
14 Wheeling Jesuit 537 6-2 12
15 Regis 470 4-4 10
16 Gannon 420 7-0 16
17 A&M-COMMERCE 404 6-2 NR
18 Central Oklahoma 381 7-2 19
19 Wayne State (Neb.) 310 7-1 20
20 Tampa 272 7-1 25
21 Florida Southern 236 5-3 23
22 Drury 210 6-2 NR
23 Northern Michigan 185 8-0 NR
24 Tarleton State 168 6-2 18
25 Missouri Western 149 5-3 21
Others receiving votes and listed on two or more ballots: Findlay 137; Cal State L. A. 119; Upper Iowa 119; Colorado School of Mines 87; Truman 83; Angelo State 75; Augustana (SD) 26; Alaska-Anchorage 20; Central Washington 17; West Texas A&M 10; Chaminade 8; Cal Poly Pomona 7; Michigan Tech 7; Wingate 7; Ashland 4
Lions stay atop national rankings in AFCA Coaches’ Poll after a 2-OT win.
WACO – Following an exciting 37-36 double-overtime victory in the season’s opening game, the Texas A&M University-Commerce football team is ranked No. 1 in the 2018 American Football Coaches Association Division II Coaches’ Poll, as released Monday.
The Lions held off an upset-minded Texas A&M-Kingsville team in the opening contest of the season for the 37-36 victory, earning a one-point win in the season opener for the second straight year. A&M-Commerce scored the final 16 points of regulation to force the game into overtime on a field goal by Lone Star Conference Special Teams Player of the Week Kristov Martinez (Edinburg). A touchdown pass from Preston Wheeler (Austin – Bowie) to Marquis Wimberly (Duarte, Calif.) tied the game in the second overtime, and Martinez’ extra point won the game.
Four Lion opponents for 2018 are in the top 25 or receiving votes. MSU Texas is ranked 1oth, Colorado State-Pueblo is ranked 12th, and Tarleton and Texas A&M-Kingsville are receiving votes.
A&M-Commerce has been ranked in 41 consecutive AFCA polls, dating back to the 2015 preseason poll. It is A&M-Commerce’s 47th all-time appearance in the AFCA poll since its inception in 2000.
In the polls recognized by Division II as the top rating system, the Lions have been identified as a nationally ranked team 96 times since joining Division II in 1981. It is the third consecutive poll with a Division II No. 1 ranking for the Lions.
The Lions are on the road for their next two contests, starting with this Saturday’s game at William Jewell (0-0). That game is set to kick off at noon in Liberty, Mo., at WJC’s Greene Stadium.
2018 American Football Coaches Association Division II Coaches’ Poll
Kristov Martinez named LSC Special Teams Player of the Week after clutch kicks help No. 1 Lions win the opener.
RICHARDSON– The Lone Star Conference Special Teams Player of the Week, as announced by the conference office on Monday, is Texas A&M University-Commerce senior Kristov Martinez.
Martinez – who is pursuing his Master’s of Education degree in Secondary Education – performed in the clutch when the Lions needed it most in the double-overtime win over A&M-Kingsville. He made a 34-yard field goal with 20 seconds remaining to tie the game at 23-all and send the contest to overtime. He was 4-for-4 on PAT attempts, including the game-winning point after the touchdown in the second overtime.
Martinez ranks fourth in career field goals made (55) and career PATs made (180) and fifth in kicking scoring (345 points) amongst active players in all divisions of the NCAA. He is the Division II leader in all three categories.
Martinez and the No. 1 Lions defeated A&M-Kingsville 37-36 in double overtime in the Lions’ season-opening game. A&M-Commerce is next in action on Saturday when they travel to Liberty, Mo. to face William Jewell. Kickoff is Noon at Greene Stadium.
LONE STAR CONFERENCE FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Sept. 3 – Layton Rabb, Midwestern State
Sept. 3 – Hunter Kyle, Angelo State
Sept. 3 – Kristov Martinez, Texas A&M-Commerce
Lions win a five-set battle against No. 3 Lewis, knocks out No. 10 Regis in four to take Bronze Bracket title at Colorado Premier.
DENVER– The Texas A&M University-Commerce volleyball team picked up two wins against top-10 teams in their second day at the Colorado Premier Challenge. The Lions defeated No. 3 Lewis in five sets earlier in the day (19-25, 25-20, 18-25, 25-22, 15-12), then defeated No. 10 Regis in four sets (20-25, 25-22, 25-20, 25-23) to win the bronze bracket.
The wins bring the Lions to 6-2 on the season. It is the second year in a row the Lions have defeated nationally ranked opponents in back-to-back days.
The Lions return to action on Thursday with their final non-conference match before the start of the conference season. The Lions will face Southern Arkansas on Thursday at 5:00 pm at the Burg Center on the campus of Dallas Baptist. The Lions will then travel to face Angelo State on Friday at 7:00 pm and will face Tarleton State on the road on Saturday at 2:00 pm to begin conference play.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE (No. 3 Lewis)
– It was the second day in a row the Lions defeated a top-3 AVCA ranked opponent. The Lions defeated No. 2 Concordia-St. Paul on Friday. CSP went on to claim the Colorado Premier Challenge overall championship.
– The Lions were outhit .118 to .163 and were blocked 15 times in the match. A&M-Commerce had a +14 advantage in kills and a +15 advantage in assists, however.
– Jaslyn Wacker (Austin – Vista Ridge) led the team with 13 kills and had two blocks. Bina Njikam (Keller) had 12 kills, hitting .381.
– Shelley Chapron (Houston – St. Pius X) had 10 kills, four blocks, and three aces. Madison Luther (Sealy) had nine kills, including four in the fifth set.
– Jaryn Wacker (Austin – Vista Ridge) had five kills and Nicole Gonelli (Round Rock – Stony Point) had three.
– Celeste Vela (Guadalajara, Mexico) had eight kills, 11 assists, and 10 digs. Rylie Fuentes (Robinson) led the team with 22 assists while Carolina Machado (Sao Paulo, Brazil) had 13.
– Savannah Rutledge (The Woodlands – College Park) led the team with 18 digs. Riley Davidson (Commerce) and Daniela Santos (Caracas, Venezuela) both added 16 digs.
The Flyers took the first three points of the match before the Lions got things going. Vela had two early kills as the Lions tied the match at four early. Njikam also had three consecutive kills as the Lions took an 12-10 advantage midway through the set. The teams continued to battle, with the score tied at 18 late. However, the Flyers scored seven of the final eight points to win the set 25-19. The Lions had a negative hitting percentage in the set with 12 attack errors.
The Lions got out to a quick start in the second set, winning five of the first seven points. Vela had three early kills in the set. Jaslyn Wacker also had two early kills as the Lions held a 13-8 advantage midway through the set. Rutledge had a service ace, pushing the Lions’ lead to eight points. Jaslyn Wacker had two more kills and the Lions pushed their lead to ten points. Lewis attempted a comeback but it fell short and A&M-Commerce won the second set 25-20.
The third set was evenly matched in the first half, with the teams tied at 12 midway through. Lewis then went on an 8-0 run to take control of the set. The Lions battled back to within four points but could not mount the comeback and fell 25-18 in the set.
The Flyers jumped out to an early lead in the fourth set, winning eight of the first 11 points. The Lions started to fight back, scoring 13 points in a row. Chapron had three aces in the rally and both Jaslyn Wacker and Njikam had two kills apiece in the rally that put the Lions up 16-8. The Lions held their lead at 22-14 before Lewis put up a fight, scoring eight of the next nine points to cut the Lion lead to just one point. The Lions finished out the set, however, with the Wacker sisters each recording a kill to win the set 25-22 and force a deciding fifth set.
The Lions scored six of the first seven points of the final set, with Luther recording two early kills. The Flyers battled back to tie the set at 11 apiece. The Lions closed out the set with back-to-back kills from Luther, winning the match in five.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE (No. 10 Regis)
– Jaslyn Wacker led the team with 11 kills and five blocks while Bina Njikam had 10 kills and six blocks.
– Celeste Vela had nine kills and six assists. Madison Luther also had nine kills.
– Daniela Santos and Shelley Chapron both had seven kills.
– Rylie Fuentes led the team with 36 assists while Carolina Machado had 11.
– Savannah Rutledge had a team-high 24 digs, Riley Davidson had 15 and Santos had 14.
Regis scored five of the first seven points of the match. The Lions battled back to cut the Ranger lead to one point. Regis went on two mini-runs to build their lead to five points and eventually led by six late. The Lions lost the first set 25-20.
The teams traded points early in the second set, with the teams tied at six. The Lions then went on a 6-1 run to establish a lead. The Lions built their lead up to six points before Regis went on a 6-1 run to tie the set at 20 late. The Lions answered the call, scoring five of the final seven points to win the second set 25-22.
With the third set all tied at three, the Lions went on a 7-1 run to take a lead in the third set. Santos had three kills in the rally, giving the Lions a 10-4 lead. The Lions built their lead to as many as eight in the set. A late comeback by the Rangers fell short and A&M-Commerce won the set 25-20.
Regis scored six of the first eight points of the fourth set. The Lions clawed their way back into the set, scoring seven points in a row to take a four-point lead. Fuentes had two aces in the rally and Njikam had two kills. The Lions pushed their lead to six before a late rally from Regis tied the set at 23-all. The Lions scored the final two points to seal the match.
Ward’s last-gasp goal gives Lions 2-1 double-overtime win over Westminster.
COMMERCE – The last-gasp goal gave the Texas A&M University-Commerce soccer team its first victory of the season, as the Lions picked up a 2-1 double-overtime win over Westminster College on Saturday.
The Lions move to 1-1 overall on the season, while the Griffins fall to 0-1. A&M-Commerce faces a quick turnaround, traveling to Dallas to take on the Patriots of Dallas Baptist on Tuesday at 7:00 pm.
– The Lions were outshot by the Griffins, 13-8, with Westminster putting seven shots on goal to A&M-Commerce’s five.
– Leslie Campuzano (Garland – Lakeview Centennial) scored her first goal of the season from long range on an assist from Delaney Bunselmeyer (Denton – Ryan).
– Izzy Ward (McKinney – Boyd) netted the game-winning goal.
– Caitlin Duty (Crandall) made six saves for the Lions.
The Lions controlled the run of play early in the game with multiple shots, but the timing on forwarding runs was marginally off, as A&M-Commerce was caught in offside positions four times in the opening 22 minutes.
Westminster took the lead in the 31st minute, as Ellie Echeverio put the ball in the back of the net on an assist from Gabriella Riche.
Only five minutes later, the Lions knotted the game at a goal apiece. Campuzano rocketed a shot to the top shelf from 23 yards out in the 37th minute after a lead pass from Bunselmeyer. Duty made two more saves down the stretch in the half and the game went to the halftime break tied at 1-all.
Duty and the Lion defense kept the guests at bay in the second half. The senior made a pair of saves in the period, but neither team was able to score. A&M-Commerce had the only shot on goal in the first overtime.
The game went end-to-end in the second overtime before the Lions scored at the death. Campuzano sent in a corner kick in the final 40 seconds. After the Westminster goalkeeper punched the ball away, it found the feet of Ward at the top of the penalty area. Ward looped the shot into the net from 20 yards out into the upper corner to end the game with the golden goal with nine seconds on the clock.
Previous LeTourneau University – Sports
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Rangers Lose, Pence Rehabs And Romo Scores Golf Win In Today’s Sports Update
Lynn Strikes Out 11 Astros For The Win In Today’s Sports Update
Former Baylor Player’s Sex Assault Conviction Overturned
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Parkrun 2017 newsletter – an inspiration
Posted on December 31, 2017 by emmawhweeler77
2017 has been the most wonderful and transformational year in the history of parkrun as our growth has continued unabated. I’m delighted that this year saw us start more events around the world in a single year than ever before.
Total global registrations passed four million, we recorded one million performances in a single calendar month for the first time, and Namibia, Swaziland, Norway, Finland and Germany joined the parkrun family. There are now over 1,300 parkruns across 19 countries, including more than 200 junior parkruns.
Behind the scenes, we developed new technology to make it even easier for volunteers to scan barcodes and time parkrunners, which importantly drives down the cost of starting new parkrun events in financially constrained parkrun territories. This has been a real focus and is a major achievement, as we look forward to the thousands of new events we will be starting in the next 10 years or so. Finding a way to be able to reduce the costs associated with starting an event is key to ensuring we can manage the ever increasing costs of maintaining such a huge global movement.
We also unveiled our new brand colours. It’s really important that our branding retains a modern contemporary feel and I’m really pleased that the changes represent just a subtle refresh of the brand which had largely remained the same for the past 10 years. We’ll all get to see more of this being rolled out in 2018.
Furthermore, we took great strides towards obtaining global charity status and developing a completely new website that will enable us to process in excess of one million results every weekend at 12,000 events across 25 countries by the early 2020s.
The greatest achievements however were behind these big numbers. More than ever before, 2017 was about the impact that parkrun is making around the world. Personally, I’ve really enjoyed visiting so many different new events in 2017 and hearing so many stories about how parkrun is having positive health and social benefits for real people. Of course we can now all see that this is not just on Saturday and Sunday mornings, but throughout the week as well. Every week on social media, in our newsletters and in the press I am overwhelmed to see how parkrun has played its part in helping people to improve their lives. We have welcomed more people to parkrun for whom physical activity was not the norm, and in doing so we are redefining what it means, and looks like, to be physically active.
We have always worked hard to break down the barriers to physical activity and volunteering for those who traditionally have been the least likely to be involved, but we are now in a position to proactively engage with sections of society that potentially have the most to gain from parkrun. Our PROVE (parkrun: Running or Volunteering for Everyone) project – which encourages people with disabilities and long term health conditions to participate at parkrun – now covers nine different conditions and has support groups with thousands of members.
Our Corporate Social Responsibility partnership with Warburtons has helped us to launch 36 junior parkruns in areas of deprivation in 2017, and we have fostered closer links with the NHS as more and more health professionals ‘prescribe’ parkrun to their patients.
And most recently, the launch of Black Combe parkrun – the first event inside a prison – was a watershed moment in showing that the parkrun model can be effective at reaching some of the most vulnerable people in our society. As a result of the success of this first event, a second prison parkrun will launch early in the New Year and we are confident that many more will follow.
Against the backdrop of these significant achievements is the reality that one thing hasn’t changed: in 2017 we have continued to operate on extremely limited resources. parkrun makes up two thirds of the UK’s running market and continues to grow faster than anyone else, but we are constantly working to secure long-term financial sustainability. Guaranteeing that parkrun is free, for everyone, forever, will always be our number one priority and as we grow at a faster and faster rate this challenge will always exist.
One of my biggest frustrations is the failure of the wider physical activity sector to give credit to the impact we are making and to listen to our learnings and insight around supporting people becoming more active. Over the last 13 years, parkrun has developed a scalable model of operating and we have used the power of positive celebration of everyone’s achievements and the focus on fun, social, free, local, egalitarian physical activity to encourage people to take part. I strongly feel that the patronising blame culture being adopted by a number of physical activity providers in an attempt to shame more people into activity has failed for a generation and it is frustrating to see it being blindly repeated.
Whilst we continue to voice our opinion that these outdated practices can’t and won’t work, hundreds of millions of pounds are being spent annually to try and increase activity levels, and yet our voice is still not being heard or taken seriously.
We have grown to become the world’s largest running event, the largest provider of free physical activity and quite possibly the largest provider of volunteering opportunities on the planet. We are a leading light in breaking down the barriers to participation, combatting inactivity, fostering diversity and inclusion and promoting social justice. We are driving the agenda in these areas and are the real benchmark in our industry.
When the government unveiled its Strategy for Sport in 2015 we were encouraged to see volunteers and young children at the heart of this new policy. We will continue to argue for a fair and reasonable funding contribution that recognises the impact parkrun is and will continue to make in these areas, and that appropriate investment would go a long way in securing the financial sustainability that constantly challenges us. I am really confident that we will be able to agree that funding in 2018 after a lengthy period of discussions and negotiations.
As parkrun continues to grow, as we embrace new technology and as we engage with more communities, the challenges we face also continue to grow. To this end, we must all sincerely thank our commercial partners and sponsors, whose contribution helps ensure that parkrun remains free for all.
This year we announced a landmark partnership with Health and Life insurer, Vitality, who became the first presenting partner of parkrun UK. We also welcomed Leeds Building Society and Exodus Travels, and continue to be supported by Intersport and Alzheimer’s Research UK, our official charity partner. It’s crucial for us to partner with organisations that share our values, and these partnerships support the continued growth of new parkrun events and the expansion of junior parkrun.
We must also pay tribute to Tribe Sports. As well as fulfilling their commitment to provide, for free, 100,000 milestone shirts, they also worked with us to expand the parkrun Apricot range in 2017. The sale of Apricot plays a significant role in ensuring the future of parkrun, and I would like to personally thank everyone who has purchased one of these items. No matter which parkrun I visit each week I am greeted with a sea of Apricot clothing.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to express my personal gratitude to more than 180,000 people who volunteered for parkrun this year. From the network of hundreds of ambassadors, to the people who set each course up on a Saturday or Sunday morning, to those who process the results and post the photos and run reports online afterwards. Every one of you plays an integral role and I am immensely proud of everyone who has pulled on the hi-vis this year.
parkrun wouldn’t happen each week without everybody who walks, jogs and runs. Nor would it be possible without the volunteers, our commercial partners and sponsors, the councils and landowners who provide permission every weekend for our events to take place, and our small but dedicated team of paid staff.
For parkrun to be successful it is critical that we remember that we are a community of equals where every single person shares the same value and where every single one of you plays a part. The continued commitment and support from each of you means that we move into 2018 in a stronger position than ever before. We are all parkrunners and we all make parkrun what it is.
No matter how much we evolve and how much more efficient we become as an organisation, what drives us more than anything is to keep the parkrun experience the same as it has been since those early events in 2004. As we enter our teenage years we are in a fantastic position to continue with our mission to help make the world a healthier and happier place.
Wishing you a happy and prosperous 2018.
This entry was posted in General Health and Fitness by emmawhweeler77. Bookmark the permalink.
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School Forced To Change Racist Mascot, Goes From ‘Warriors’ To ‘Wetbacks’
Posted on October 27, 2015 by Bob The Empire News Potato
SKOWHEGAN, Maine –
A small high school in Maine is fueling massive controversy after being forced to change their “racist” mascot name. The school, which has had the Warrior mascot for decades, decided to change the name after pressure from the community.
“This area of Maine has a high concentration of Native Americans, and the warrior name was extremely offensive,” said Skowhegan resident Joanne Fisher. “I was one of the ones who voted for the change, because I have some Native blood in me somewhere, and I was utterly offended when I moved to the area 2 months ago. I think the new name is a lot better. I’m not Mexican, so what do I care?”
The school chose to go with the new mascot, The Skowhegan Wetback, because they said that there are, in fact, no Wetbacks in the area.
“This area has a decent population of Indians, Jews, and we have some Wops and a couple Gooks, but they keep to themselves and don’t get involved in social issues anyway,” said school superintendent Joe Goldsmith. “I for one was fine with the Warrior name. I think it had more to do with spirit than with the red-skinned people around here, but whatever. The new name works, too.”
The school says that they will be abandoning the Warrior mascot at the end of the school year.
Posted in Education, Sports, WorldTagged gooks, indians, Maine, native americans, Racism, racist, school, Skowhegan, spics, warriors, wetbacks
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Sticky Business: Working to the highest standard
Joel Gross ’76 owns a vinyl graphics business in Conley, Georgia. He and his wife Karen are both EMU graduates, as are their son Conrad ’09 and daughter Amanda ’06, MA ’13 (counseling).
EVEN THOUGH he used to be a social worker in Atlanta, Joel Gross ’76 says his more recent decades as a business owner have “enabled me to do more for people than I ever did while working as a social worker.”
Both he and his wife Karen Kurtz Gross ’75 share an entrepreneurial spirit and community-oriented values. The couple met while in voluntary service in Durham, North Carolina, in 1970 and moved to Atlanta after graduation to work with Mennonite Central Committee.
In 1990, Karen co-founded a fair-trade retail business that eventually joined Ten Thousand Villages, raising more than $3 million to benefit global artisans by the time it closed in February 2018. Joel left his job with Atlanta’s Community Relations Commission in 1981 to start a graphics installation company that has grown into a thriving full-service graphics company.
Thirteen people, including several who have been with him for nearly 20 years, work with Gross from the Sticky Business headquarters in an industrial park near the Atlanta airport. There, he is able to “do more” by empowering his employees through on-the-job training and off-site educational opportunities, as well as offering mentorship and a community-oriented faith-filled support network.
“Our management team comes from diverse backgrounds but we all are believers,” he said. “We want to glorify Christ through the business; it’s the core and center of who we are.”
As he leads a tour through the multi-bay warehouse, Gross introduced each person by name, stopping to share a joke or two, but also to point out their expertise. The business, he knows, would not be successful without their shared dedication and skill.
Joel Gross, with two of his 13 employees, has been influential in creating professional, ethical and educational standards for the vinyl graphics industry. He has also provided leadership for the area business community and as a mentor in his church.
“This is not something everyone can do,” he said, stopping to admire a work in progress with an employee he joking calls “The Old Pro.”
“This is a craft. The conditions, the type of vinyl, the temperature – all these things change how the vinyl behaves, so this work requires someone who can adapt and adjust and has a good knowledge of just how far the material can be stretched. Ae [pronounced air] can do amazing things with vinyl, he’s been doing it so long. His signature is like calligraphy. Ae is also a musician, too, and an artist in what he does here.”
Clients look to Sticky Business for an astonishing range of products and applications. During the months surrounding Atlanta’s hosting of the 1996 Olympics, approximately 80 employees worked at Sticky Business, with 35 dedicated to installing special graphics on more than 1,500 buses.
His employees have designed, printed and installed vinyl graphics on boats, box trucks, cars, trucks, and trailers, as well as pianos, ATM machines, pedestrian bridges, roller coaster cars, Turner Stadium’s outfield walls and giant ceremonial baseballs.
Sticky Business prides itself on good customer service, a quality that Gross says has always set him apart. “I was a good old Mennonite boy,” he said, of his first days in the business. “I would tell people, ‘I am coming to your place on Tuesday,’ and I would show up on Tuesday and they thought I was a rock star because they were comparing me with people who would tell them they would be there on Tuesday but they wouldn’t tell them Tuesday of what month.”
An early advocate of professionalizing the industry, he is a founding member of the Professional United Application Standards Group, an association of 3M-certified installation companies. Members send their installers to complete training and testing at 3M’s headquarters to meet industry standards. It’s another opportunity for Gross to help his employees develop their skills and also provides opportunities for industry networking.
Gross would be the first to claim no special business skills – “You make many, many mistakes – and you hope they’re not fatal – until you are able to find and hire good people to do the things you can’t do,” he said.
Bending his attention towards leadership for the common good, however, comes naturally.
As past president of the Conley Area Business Association, he helped to launch a feasibility study that resulted in the new Greater Conley Industrial Community Improvement District. He now chairs the district’s volunteer board, which works to improve the area’s business environment by addressing safety and security concerns and infrastructure improvements through partnerships with the county, state and adjacent neighbor- hoods. The CID is funded by the area’s property owners through a voluntary tax levy.
Gross also volunteers as a mentor – and a mentor to the mentors – at North Point Community Ministries’ Buckhead Church, and he counts these relationships with men to be among his greatest rewards.
His independence as a “small” business owner undergirds all of these endeavors, Gross says. “If you want to do good things and make an impact, small business is where it’s at,” he said. Through Sticky Business, he can work to create beneficial situations in which his employees can be successful; their successes, in turn, motivate and free him.
“Lord knows, I’ve made mistakes and had to apologize,” he said. “We’re all imperfect, but we strive to represent our Lord to the best of who we are in what we do every day.”
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Business Management in Technology, subject area Electrical Engineering (Bachelor)
Detailed information about the degree programme
MAKE A NOTE OF STUDY COURSE
Degree Bachelor of Science (B. Sc.)
Department Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Institute of Business Administration & Engineering
Site Steinfurt
Intake Winter semester
Standard period of study 6 semesters
Semester fee €293.44 / semester
Admissions restrictions No local entrance restrictions
Pre-study placement No
Application The closing date for applications
is on 15.08.2019.
Access to higher education for applicants with qualifications in vocational education
Detailed description of the degree programme
Long-term business success requires integrated management. In technically oriented companies in particular, executives should therefore not only think and act with an eye to business – they should also have an understanding of their company’s core business. Our Bachelor programme in Business Management in Technology focusing on Electrical Engineering will equip you with the necessary cross-divisional knowledge.
Our degree programme combines business thinking with technical expertise. You will gain a sound knowledge of economics and engineering sciences, obtaining a combined qualification sought out by both business and industry. After completing your degree, you will be able to integrate multiple sectors: you will build bridges between the disciplines and establish valuable connections – not only in terms of content, but also between the different teams in the company.
Technically experienced specialists who also know how to assess interrelations across diverse areas are in high demand in the job market. As an industrial engineer, you will correspond exactly to this requirement profile. Your career prospects – and salary – will be better than average. Typical occupational fields include technical sales, product management, and production planning.
Content and course sequence
Our Bachelor programme is divided into different modules, enabling you to tailor your academic career individually. The degree programme consists of two different lines with regard to content. The business elements are provided by the Institute of Business Administration and Engineering (ITB); our department is responsible for the engineering elements. Both lines are closely linked from the beginning. In the first two semesters, you will acquire a basic knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering, as well as a fundamental knowledge of business administration.
At the beginning of the course, you will explore basic subjects on the engineering side including mathematics and physics, as well as electrical engineering, computer science and electronics. You will also learn the basics of business administration. For the third semester, you will choose one of our specialisations according to your interests:
Automation Technology: Automation Technology is the basis of contemporary industrial production. Using sensors, electric drives and smart control systems, this technology ensures that products are manufactured in a cost-effective, energy-efficient way. In this specialisation, you will deal with control engineering and the interconnection of plants via bus systems. With a high degree of practical relevance, you will programme the processes of a model factory and teach a robot how to recognise objects.
Renewable Energies: Renewable energies have developed to become a mainstay of our supply of energy. In this specialisation, you will learn about the structure of wind turbines and deal with energy storage devices. In the solar lab, you will examine solar modules and inverters, and plan photovoltaic systems. In order to ensure the energy generated will reach the customer, you will design energy grids of the future.
Embedded Engineering: How can hardware and software be synchronised in order to find the optimum solution for a given technical problem? Which chip is the most effective one for the software? Does the software know the CPU it runs on best? These are the questions tackled in Embedded Engineering. Gaining a sound knowledge of hardware-relevant subjects including bus systems, circuitry and computer architecture is therefore an equally important aim of the training as gaining expertise in software development.
Information Technology/Communications Engineering: Whether mobile technology, navigation or multimedia applications – all these topics are addressed in this specialisation. You will study the structure of contemporary communications systems, design electronic circuits, including the construction of circuit boards, programme microprocessors, and examine the characteristics of antennae.
According to our students, outstanding features of our department include:
Positive interaction between students and the teaching staff
Excellent organisation of studies
Wide range of support programmes in basic engineering subjects: preparatory courses, tutorials and mentors
Practice-oriented and high-quality equipment, from the current FPGA board to the industrial robot
A highly practical approach.
Download Degree Programme Information:
Faltblatt zum Bachelorstudiengang "Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen, Fachrichtung Elektrotechnik" (pdf, 309 KB)
Informationen zum Studiengang auf den Webseiten des Fachbereichs
Service Office for Students
Visitor's address:
Johann-Krane-Weg 25, rooms 201 - 208
48149 Muenster
Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 12 noon,
Monday to Wednesday 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursday 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Phone consultation hours:
Monday to Wednesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
Thursday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.,
Tel. +49 (0)251 / 83-64700
Fax +49 (0)251 / 83-64707
serviceofficefh-muensterde
International Applicants:
int-zulfh-muensterde
Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 12 noon,
Monday and Wednesday 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Service hours and contact
Service Office for Students in Steinfurt
Stegerwaldstr. 39, Room A 163n
(Next to the entrance to the cafeteria)
48565 Steinfurt
Tel. +49 (0)2551 / 9 62039
The Service Office for Students in Steinfurt wiil be closed until September 20.
Tuesday and Thursday 8 am to 12.30 pm
Tuesday and Thursday 13.30 pm to 3 pm
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Spenser (character)
(Redirected from Spenser (fictional detective))
Spenser—his first name is never officially revealed—is a fictional character in a series of detective novels initially by the American mystery writer Robert B. Parker and later by Ace Atkins.[1] He is also featured in a television series (Spenser: For Hire) and a series of TV movies based on the novels.
The Godwulf Manuscript (1973)
As written by Parker, Sixkill (2010); character is currently being written by Ace Atkins
Portrayed by
Joe Mantegna
Significant other
Susan Silverman
Paul Giacomin (adopted son, first appears in Early Autumn)
Sam Spenser (father), Cash (maternal uncle), Patrick (maternal uncle) revealed in Chasing the Bear
Fictional biographyEdit
Spenser was born and grew up in Laramie, Wyoming[2] and is a Boston private eye in the mold of Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe, a smart-mouthed tough guy with a heart of gold. Unlike Marlowe, Spenser maintains a committed relationship with one woman (Susan Silverman). Although he is an ex-boxer (who likes to remind readers that he once fought the former heavyweight champ Jersey Joe Walcott) and lifts weights to stay in shape, he also is quite well educated, cooks, and lives by a code of honor he and Susan discuss occasionally—though as infrequently as he can manage.
Spenser bears more than a passing resemblance to his creator, Robert B. Parker. Both are Bostonians, and both spent time in Korea with the U.S. Army. Spenser served as an infantryman in the 1st Infantry Division during the Korean War.[3]
Spenser is a former State trooper assigned to the Suffolk County DA's Office (although some novels state that he also worked out of the Middlesex County DA's Office; Walking Shadow and the pilot episode of Spenser: For Hire say he was a Boston Police detective), and regularly seeks help from (or sometimes butts heads with) Martin Quirk (originally a lieutenant, later a captain, and is now an assistant superintendent according to Little White Lies) of the Boston Police Department. Among his other police contacts are Sergeant Frank Belson and Detective Lee Farrell, both homicide investigators under Quirk's command; Healy, a captain of the Massachusetts State Police; and Mark Samuelson, an LAPD lieutenant (later promoted to captain, as mentioned in Back Story). In Massachusetts, each county District Attorney's office has a squad of State Police Detectives assigned to their office to conduct investigations of major crimes committed in their jurisdictions.
Scotch is Spenser's drink of celebration.[4] This is mostly having to do with an encounter with a bear while bird hunting in his teens. Spenser seems to agree with William Faulkner's assessment of scotch — "that brown liquor which not women, not boys and children, but only hunters drank."[5] He also frequently drinks Irish Whiskey, sometimes just as a nod to his ethnic heritage, saying “The thing I like about Irish whiskey is that the more you drink the smoother it goes down. Of course that's probably true of antifreeze as well, but illusion is nearly all we have.”
After his mother's death (which occurred prior to Spenser's birth — he was an emergency C-section), Spenser was raised by his father and two uncles (his mother's brothers), all of them carpenters, who do not appear in the series.[6] Spenser received a football scholarship to Holy Cross, where he played strong safety. Spenser injured his knee and dropped out because he didn't have the funds to complete his schooling. He took up boxing, and met Hawk and Henry Cimoli, the owner of a gym where Spenser and Hawk still work out. His family unit beyond his near-fraternal relationship with Hawk is essentially Susan Silverman, an unofficial foster son named Paul Giacomin, and a series of dogs all named Pearl after Spenser's childhood dog of the same breed, a German Shorthaired Pointer. (Author Parker has been photographed on the Spenser series dustjackets with a dog matching his description of the Pearls.) Silverman, originally a high school guidance counselor, continues to assist Spenser in his cases after becoming a Harvard-trained Ph.D. psychologist. Giacomin, initially an awkward, unsocialized teenager, becomes a professional actor/dancer.
HawkEdit
The other major character in the Spenser novels is his close friend Hawk, originally introduced in the fourth novel Promised Land. An African American, Hawk is an equally tough but somewhat shady echo of Spenser himself. Hawk served in the French Foreign Legion and in combat operations overseas.[7] Hawk is a "Gun for Hire" who lives by his own personal code. Spenser and Hawk met as boxing opponents during a preliminary bout in the Boston Arena (now known as Matthews Arena). Each man believes he was the victor.[8] Hawk may be modeled on the sidekick in Book Five of Edmund Spenser's The Faerie Queene; Artegal, the knight of justice, has a helper named Talus, an invincible man of iron.[citation needed] Spenser and Hawk respect each other and are friends who each understand the other's philosophy of how to conduct themselves in life.
Maternal mysteryEdit
One of the inconsistencies (or, more likely, of retroactive continuity) within the Spenser series surrounds his mother. In some of the early books he refers to his mother and, in 1981's A Savage Place, for example, he even quotes advice his mother gave him.[9] However, by the time of the novel Pastime, Spenser states that his mother died during labor and he was delivered via Caesarean section, i.e. "not of woman born" as Parker has Spenser put it; he was raised by his father and his two maternal uncles. Parker never explained the inconsistencies.[10]
Young SpenserEdit
Released in 2009, a young adult novel, Chasing the Bear, discusses some of Spenser's childhood, and further complicates the continuity issue with his family. At the end of the novel, Spenser leaves his father and uncles behind in Wyoming to attend college in Boston. No information was released as to whether this would commence a fourth regular series for Parker before his death in January 2010.
Spenser's firearmsEdit
In the 1970s and 1980s, Spenser usually carried a Smith & Wesson Model 36, .38 Special caliber, "Chief's Special" revolver. He would sometimes carry a .357 Magnum revolver that he usually kept in the top drawer of his office desk, for "just in case" situations. Spenser also had a small .32 caliber revolver that he carried as a "back up" weapon in the 1970s and early 1980s. In the novel The Widening Gyre, Spenser carried a .25 caliber semiautomatic as a back up, and had it in his hand when confronted with two assassins - killing both. In 1992, Spenser started regularly carrying a Browning Hi-Power 9mm semi-automatic pistol. In 2010, Spenser replaces the Browning with a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol. In 2012, he starts carrying the Chief's Special again while working, but also carries the .357 Magnum or the .40 caliber Smith & Wesson, in addition to the .38 Special, when anticipating a possible gunfight. On rare occasions, Spenser would use a rifle or shotgun when the situation required them. Spenser of the TV show carried a Beretta 92 9mm semi-automatic pistol.
By Robert B. Parker:
God Save the Child (1974)
Mortal Stakes (1975)
Promised Land (1976) (Edgar Award, 1977, Best Novel; adapted into pilot episode of Spenser: For Hire)
The Judas Goat (1978; adapted into Lifetime TV movie)
Looking for Rachel Wallace (1980)
Early Autumn (1981)
A Savage Place (1981; adapted into Lifetime TV movie)
Ceremony (1982; adapted into Lifetime TV movie)
The Widening Gyre (1983)
Valediction (1984)
A Catskill Eagle (1985)
Taming a Sea-Horse (1986)
Pale Kings and Princes (1987; adapted into Lifetime TV movie)
Crimson Joy (1988)
Playmates (1989)
Pastime (1991)
Double Deuce (1992)
Paper Doll (1993)
Walking Shadow (1994; adapted into A&E TV movie)
Thin Air (1995; adapted into A&E TV movie)
Small Vices (1997; adapted into A&E TV movie)
Sudden Mischief (1998)
Hush Money (1999)
Hugger Mugger (2000)
Potshot (2001)
Widow's Walk (2002)
Back Story (2003)
Bad Business (2004)
Cold Service (2005)
School Days (2005)
Hundred-Dollar Baby (2006)
Now and Then (2007)
Rough Weather (2008)
Chasing the Bear: A Young Spenser Novel (2009)
The Professional (2009)
Painted Ladies (2010)
Sixkill (2011)
By Ace Atkins
Wonderland (2013)
Cheap Shot (2014)
Kickback (2015)
Slow Burn (2016)
Old Black Magic (2018)
Angel Eyes (2019)
With Helen Brann
(Parker’s longtime literary agent)
AdaptationsEdit
The universe depicted in the TV episodes and movies diverges from that in the novels, though many of the filmed presentations are based on, and named after, novels in the series.
Spenser TV seriesEdit
Main articles: Spenser: For Hire and A Man Called Hawk
The Spenser books were the inspiration for the 1985-1988 ABC TV series Spenser: For Hire starring Robert Urich as Spenser, Barbara Stock as Susan, and Avery Brooks as Hawk. All three seasons of the series have been released on DVD by the Warner Archive Collection.
Avery Brooks starred in a spin-off series entitled A Man Called Hawk.
Spenser film seriesEdit
Main article: Spenser (film series)
Four made-for-TV movies based upon the series were produced by the Lifetime cable network between 1993 and 1995, again starring Robert Urich and Avery Brooks. The movies were based on four of Parker's novels: Ceremony, Pale Kings and Princes, The Judas Goat and A Savage Place. Parker and his wife Joan co-wrote the first two screenplays. Barbara Stock was replaced as Susan Silverman in the first two movies by Barbara Williams and in the last two by veteran actress Wendy Crewson (Air Force One). Frank Belson was played by J. Winston Carroll. Parker's son Daniel appears in all four movies as a waiter in Spenser's favorite restaurant. Unlike the series, which was filmed in Boston, the new movies were filmed in Toronto (to take advantage of lower production costs). The first two movies retained the novels' Boston setting (parts of Toronto passed for Boston), while the second two were re-written to take place in Toronto.
Beginning in 1999, Joe Mantegna played Spenser in three TV movies on the A&E cable network: Small Vices (1999), Thin Air (2000), Walking Shadow (2001). Marcia Gay Harden played Susan, while Shiek Mahmud-Bey and, later, Ernie Hudson played Hawk.
Spenser Netflix movieEdit
Main article: Wonderland (upcoming film)
Wonderland is an upcoming mystery film directed by Peter Berg and written by Sean O'Keefe. It is based on the 2013 Spenser novel by Ace Atkins. The film stars Mark Wahlberg as Spenser, Winston Duke as Hawk and Alan Arkin as Henry Cimoli. Post Malone, Iliza Shlesinger, Bokeem Woodbine and Donald Cerrone also appear. It will be distributed by Netflix and released in 2020.
Shared universeEdit
Spenser and Hawk live in the same Boston literary universe as Parker's other, newer series characters: private investigator Sunny Randall and small town police chief Jesse Stone, the former of whom was possibly mentioned in passing as a blonde jogging with an English bull terrier (named Rosie in the Randall novels) while the latter had a much larger role in Back Story. Susan Silverman is Sunny Randall's psychologist in Melancholy Baby.
The fictional Taft University, where Susan teaches, was also a primary setting for the Spenser novel Playmates and the non-Spenser novel Love and Glory.
^ "Parker's series live on" by Mark Shanahan & Meredith Goldstein, Boston Globe April 28, 2011
^ Parker, Robert B. (1985). A Catskill Eagle. Dell Publishing, p. 335. ISBN 0-440-11132-3
^ Robert B. Parker, The Godwulf Manuscript, Dell Books, 1987, page 163: "I looked at them obliquely as i'd learned to do a long time ago in Korea".
^ Parker, Robert B. (1991). Pastime. The Berkley Publishing Group, p. 20. ISBN 0-425-13293-5
^ Parker, Robert B. (1985). A Catskill Eagle. Dell Publishing, pp. 335-6. ISBN 0-440-11132-3
^ Robert B. Parker, A Catskill Eagle, Dell Books, 1986, page 210: "Did a little Foreign Legion".
^ Parker, Robert B. (1991). Pastime. The Berkley Publishing Group, pp. 133-35. ISBN 0-425-13293-5
^ Parker, Robert B. A Savage Place, page 153, 1984 Dell edition ISBN 0-440-18095-3
^ Research of many interviews by Parker has produced no explanation of this.
Official site of Robert B. Parker
Official site of Ace Atkins
The Thrilling Detective website’s page on Spenser — contains a list of Spenser novels, movies and TV episodes
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The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Raumer, Friedrich Ludwig Georg von
←Raum, Green Berry
Raumer, Friedrich Ludwig Georg von
Raumer, Karl Georg von→
Edition of 1920. See also Friedrich Ludwig Georg von Raumer on Wikipedia, and the disclaimer.
735759The Encyclopedia Americana — Raumer, Friedrich Ludwig Georg von
RAUMER, row'mĕr, Friedrich Ludwig Georg von, German historian: b. Wörlitz, near Dessau, Anhalt, 14 May 1781; d. Berlin, Germany, 14 June 1873. He studied law at Halle and Göttingen, and entered the Prussian state service in 1801. In 1811 he accepted the chair of political economy at Breslau, and in 1819 was called to Berlin. He was for some time secretary of the Berlin Academy, and at different times between 1816-55 traveled extensively through Europe and the United States. In 1848 he was elected to the Parliament of Frankfort, and was sent to Paris as Ambassador. He was a member of the House of Lords of Prussia from 1851 until his death. He founded and edited in 1830-67 ‘Historisches Taschenbuch.’ The first scientific historian to popularize history in German, Von Raumer wrote ‘Geschichte der Hohenstaufen und ihrer Zeit’ (1823-25); ‘Briefe aus Paris zur Erläuterung der Geschichte des 16 und 17 Jahrh’ (1831); ‘Ueber die geschichtlich Entwickelung der Begriffe von Recht, Staat und Politik’ (1832); ‘Geschichte Europas seit dem Ende des 15. Jahrhunderts’ (1832-50); ‘Beiträge zur Neuern Geschichte aus dem Brit. Museum, etc.’ (1836-39); ‘Die Vereinigten Staaten von Nordamerika’ (1845); ‘Handbuch zur Geschichte der Litteratur’ (1864-66), besides special works on ‘Prussian Municipal Law’ (1828); ‘England, 1835’ (1836); ‘England, 1841’ (1842), and ‘Italy’ (1840).
Retrieved from "https://en.wikisource.org/w/index.php?title=The_Encyclopedia_Americana_(1920)/Raumer,_Friedrich_Ludwig_Georg_von&oldid=2130913"
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^ Jump up to: a b c d Brosnan JT, da Silva RP, Brosnan ME (May 2011). "The metabolic burden of creatine synthesis". Amino Acids. 40 (5): 1325–31. doi:10.1007/s00726-011-0853-y. PMID 21387089. Creatinine loss averages approximately 2 g (14.6 mmol) for 70 kg males in the 20- to 39-year age group. ... Table 1 Comparison of rates of creatine synthesis in young adults with dietary intakes of the three precursor amino acids and with the whole body transmethylation flux
Eat 1.5–3 grams of carbs per pound of your body weight. As with fat, this amount can vary greatly, depending on your personal needs and preferences, so consider these numbers only a starting point. If you’re very skinny and feel that you handle carbs well (i.e. you can eat a lot of them without getting fat), go ahead and eat according to the higher end of the spectrum. The same applies if you’re desperate to gain weight—you should increase your carb intake. If you’re prone to weight gain or feel lethargic on higher carbs, you should eat fewer of them. Again, see our keto guide for more details and options.
Gains will differ from one individual to another depending on body size and level of experience in the gym. To make sure you're gaining muscle, not fat, don't just consider your scale weight. Instead, rely on what you see in the mirror and use a tape measure twice a month to keep track of your waist and hips (you don't want to gain there) as well as your biceps, chest and quads. Also, don't think that you have to gain a set amount of weight each and every week. "Your mass gain doesn't have to be uniform," Aceto explains. That means you can gain 1/2 pound one week and 1 1/2 the next, perhaps none the third week and still remain on course. "Expecting uniform gains ignores the intricate makeup of the body and the way it gains mass - or loses fat - which is by no means in linear fashion," adds Aceto.
It's OK to be a little sore. Your muscles might feel achy or tired the day after a tough training session thanks to DOMS, or delayed onset muscle soreness. When you strength train you're causing microscopic damage to the tissue that will be repaired, that's how you build stronger lean muscle. Speaking of repair and recovery, though, rest days are important. "If you constantly break down muscle without a recovery period, you won’t give the muscle fibers a chance to repair and build back stronger,” explains Davis.
A major benefit of the creatine pills is that they are much more convenient than the powder, so you can just throw a few in your bag without worrying about the mess of a powder spill or having to carry the entire tub around. Reviewers confirm that they’ve seen serious strength and muscle size gains since starting to take this supplement, even after just two weeks of use. One bottle of this creatine includes 90 capsules so you will be set for months of lifting sessions.
In summary, creatine salts have been show to be less stable than CM. However the addition of carbohydrates could increase their stability [62]. The potential advantages of creatine salts over CM include enhanced aqueous solubility and bioavailability which would reduce their possible gastrointestinal adverse effects [63]. The possibility for new additional formulation such as tablets or capsules is interesting for its therapeutic application due to its attributed better dissolution kinetics and oral absorption compared to CM [63]. However more complete in vivo pharmaceutical analysis of creatine salts are required to fully elucidate their potential advantages/disadvantages over the currently available supplement formulations.
Cornelissen, V. A., Defoor, J. G., Stevens, A., Schepers, D., Hespel, P., Decramer, M., Mortelmans, L., Dobbels, F., Vanhaecke, J., Fagard, R. H., and Vanhees, L. Effect of creatine supplementation as a potential adjuvant therapy to exercise training in cardiac patients: a randomized controlled trial. Clin.Rehabil. 2010;24(11):988-999. View abstract.
Whey, the liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained, is rapidly digested and absorbed and has a remarkable ability to stimulate muscle protein synthesis (Hayes & Cribb, 2008). Whey is available in three varieties — whey protein powder, whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate — and all provide high levels of the essential and branched chain amino acids, vitamins and minerals.
The body's pool of creatine can be replenished either from food (or supplements) or through synthesis from precursor amino acids. Dietary sources include beef, tuna, cod, salmon, herring, and pork [2]. The normal dietary intake of creatine is 1-2 g/day, although vegetarians may consume less [3,4]. Dietary creatine is absorbed from the intestines into the bloodstream. If the dietary supply is limited, creatine can be synthesized from the body stores of the amino acids glycine, arginine, and methionine. The kidneys use glycine and arginine to make guanidinoacetate, which the liver methylates to form creatine [1], which is transported to the muscle cells for storage. It is also stored in the kidneys, sperm cells, and brain tissue [5].
Jason Ferruggia is a highly sought after, world renowned strength & conditioning specialist and muscle building expert. Over the last 17 years he has personally trained more than 700 athletes from over 90 different NCAA, NFL, NHL and MLB organizations. He has also worked extensively with firefighters, police officers, military personnel, Hollywood stars and entertainers. Most importantly, Jason has helped over 53,000 skinny guys and hard gainers in 126 different countries build muscle and gain weight faster than they every thought possible.
Foundational supplements are often overlooked for building muscle, because they work behind the scenes. In actuality, foundational supplements are important to take for building muscle, because they assist with overall health and wellness and contribute to the effectiveness of other muscle building supplements.* Some of the top foundational supplements are:
One study demonstrated that daily supplementation with 5 g of creatine monohydrate increased the intracellular creatine and PCr content of quadriceps muscle in 17 human subjects. Those with the lowest initial total creatine content had the greatest increase. In addition, exercise enhanced creatine uptake in muscle. No adverse effects were reported [5].
Do a single set of repetitions. Theories on the best way to approach weight training abound, including countless repetitions and hours at the gym. But research shows that a single set of exercise with a weight that fatigues your muscle after about 12 to 15 repetitions can build muscle efficiently in most people and can be as effective as three sets of the same exercise.
This concept of timing has been applied to everything from fat burners, protein supplements, carbohydrates, and various other supplements. In some cases, you can see a difference based on when you take a product. But more often, the timing is based more on anecdotal evidence than any hard science. Recently, this nutrient timing aspect has even been extended to creatine, a product that is so effective that it’s worth the investigation of determining if there’s an element that can give you even greater benefits.
Gualano, B., de, Salles Painelli, V, Roschel, H., Lugaresi, R., Dorea, E., Artioli, G. G., Lima, F. R., da Silva, M. E., Cunha, M. R., Seguro, A. C., Shimizu, M. H., Otaduy, M. C., Sapienza, M. T., da Costa, Leite C., Bonfa, E., and Lancha Junior, A. H. Creatine supplementation does not impair kidney function in type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. Eur.J.Appl.Physiol 2011;111:749-756. View abstract.
Compound exercises work several muscle groups at once, and include movement around two or more joints. For example, in the leg press, movement occurs around the hip, knee and ankle joints. This exercise is primarily used to develop the quadriceps, but it also involves the hamstrings, glutes and calves. Compound exercises are generally similar to the ways that people naturally push, pull and lift objects, whereas isolation exercises often feel a little unnatural.
To succeed and thrive as a bodybuilder, it takes more than overwhelming muscular strength or athletic prowess. Judges select bodybuilding champions based on muscle mass, definition, proportion, symmetry, and an athlete’s stage presence. Given the criteria, it is no surprise that most serious bodybuilders consider supplementation to be an essential component of their training regimen.
You don’t have to, but you can. The typical creatine dose is 5 grams once or twice per day, but it’s sometimes suggested that one should “load” creatine by taking 20 to 25 grams per day for the first week of usage. This is then followed with 3 to 4 weeks of 5 grams per day, then a break for a week or two, then repeat. This may bring about more acute increases in strength and muscle size — creatine will “work” more quickly, in other words — but it’s not necessary.
Genetic deficiencies in the creatine biosynthetic pathway lead to various severe neurological defects.[26] Clinically, there are three distinct disorders of creatine metabolism. Deficiencies in the two synthesis enzymes can cause L-arginine:glycine amidinotransferase deficiency caused by variants in GATM and guanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency, caused by variants in GAMT. Both biosynthetic defects are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. A third defect, creatine transporter defect, is caused by mutations in SLC6A8 and inherited in a X-linked manner. This condition is related to the transport of creatine into the brain.[27]
Put simply, "strength training means using resistance to create work for your muscles," says Hannah Davis, C.S.C.S. and author of Operation Bikini Body. So even if your mind jumps straight to those hardcore machines and massive weights, there are a lot of ways to create this resistance that require minimal equipment (or none at all). Bodyweight workouts can be an incredibly effective way to strength train. Squats and push-ups FTW. You can also use tools like dumbbells, medicine balls, TRX bands, resistance bands, kettlebells, and slider disks, to help get the job done, explains Davis. But if that sounds like gibberish don't worry about it. Keep it simple and focus on equipment-free routines first. No matter what you do, the most important thing is to find something that challenges you, says Davis.
Homocyteine (normal serum range of 5-14µM) is known to adversely affect motor control in genetically susceptible people when their levels exceed 500µM, which is usually associated with genetically induced deficiencies of B12.[360][361] In these particular instances (assessed by rats fed homocysteine to increase serum levels to such a high level[362][363]) it appears that administration of 50mg/kg creatine (injections) to these rats can protect dysfunction in muscle metabolism (pyruvate kinase activity, Krebs cycle intermediates, and muscle cell viability) induced by homocysteine.[363]
Do standard/oblique crunches. Lie down on a mat and position both arms behind your head without locking the hands. Bend your knees so that your feet are flat on the ground. Pushing the small of your back into the ground, slowly roll your shoulders off the ground only a couple of inches (not to a full sitting position). Don't use your momentum to help you up; use slow, regulated movements. Repeat 3 x 20.
I learned from this to focus on the body weight exercises. I never understood why I could lift a lot of weight, but felt weak when it came to dips, pull ups, push ups etc. Normally I spend 2 hours in a gym: 20 min jogging, 80 min lifting, 20 min jogging, 5 days a week. After reading this I’m excited to incorporate HIIT training in addition to mobility training on my off days, because I think I was wasting a lot of time and effort. I can push way harder on lifting days without the jog beforehand, so I’ll also be able to make the most of 60 minutes…
If you have been struggling in the gym, getting over a plateau can seem very daunting. You are training hard, eating healthy, yet the results still aren’t coming. Creatine is a supplement which will help you gain strength, build muscle, lose fat, and give the energy you need to attack your workouts with an intensity that are guaranteed to give you results!
4. Focus on a full range of motion. Moving as far as anatomically possible – for example, in a squat, lowering as low as you can without breaking form – is critical to maximize muscle adaptation, rather than partials or cutting the range of motion short, according to a 2017 study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. And while partials do have their time and place, and can be part of a muscle-building plan, the majority of your exercises should still prioritize a full range of motion, Matheny says.
Kilduff, L. P., Georgiades, E., James, N., Minnion, R. H., Mitchell, M., Kingsmore, D., Hadjicharlambous, M., and Pitsiladis, Y. P. The effects of creatine supplementation on cardiovascular, metabolic, and thermoregulatory responses during exercise in the heat in endurance-trained humans. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2004;14(4):443-460. View abstract.
The creatine kinase system appears to be detectable in endothelial cells.[314][315] Under basal conditions, creatine itself is expressed at around 2.85+/-0.62μM[316] (three-fold higher than HUVEC cells[314]). When incubating the medium with 0.5mM creatine, endothelial cells can take up creatine via the creatine transporter (SLC6A8) and increase both creatine (almost doubling) and phosphocreatine (nearly 2.5-fold) concentrations.[316]
However, protein isn’t everything. Contrary to popular belief, carbohydrates and calories from fats are also important. To gain muscle, people who are slender or scrawny need to create a calorie surplus in order to bulk up. That means you need proteins and plenty of healthy carbs, vegetables and even some fats (think healthy fats like nuts, avocado, olive oil, etc.). Carbohydrates play a key role in building muscle. This macronutrient has gotten a bad rap for making people fat. However, if you work out properly, eating plenty of carbs is in your best interest. After training, it’s ideal to ingest some carbs in combination with protein to help replenish your muscles’ glycogen stores.
Vegetarians and other people who have lower total creatine levels when they start taking creatine supplements seem to get more benefit than people who start with a higher level of creatine. Skeletal muscle will only hold a certain amount of creatine; adding more won't raise levels any more. This "saturation point" is usually reached within the first few days of taking a "loading dose."
Mitochondrial myopathies are a subgroup of mitochondrial cytopathies in which the skeletal muscle is negatively influenced. They are characterized by weaknesses in muscular function and energy metabolism.[547] These particular myopathies are thought to benefit from creatine supplementation, since creatine can help with some of the dysregulated energy production.[548]
Heath suggests incorporating dropsets into your training routine by immediately decreasing the weight and repping out again to failure. “Dropsets overload the muscle with shorter rest periods and increasing volume which you need to grow,” says Heath. “That overload improves your body’s abilities to utilize more nutrients, natural growth hormone, and natural testosterone into those areas and makes the supplements you take more effective.” Heath’s favorite way to do dropsets is on a pin-loaded machine since it’s faster to switch weights.
Rheumatoid arthritis. Early research shows that taking creatine by mouth daily increases lean muscle mass and may improve muscle strength, but does not improve physical functioning in adults with rheumatoid arthritis. In children, taking a specific supplement containing creatine and fatty acids twice daily for 30 days might reduce pain and swelling. But the effects of creatine alone are not clear.
Other supplements could easily have been included here, but these are considered the most useful and effective for the majority of bodybuilders and athletes. Although food should always come first, supplements offer an effective alternative for getting nutrients that either aren't available in sufficient quantity in food or are in foods that you may not be eating.
Muscle imbalances are quite common among strength athletes and are arguably the most common cause of their injuries. Many times this is due to a “weak link” in the kinetic chain of muscles that activate during their activity. Identifying the “weak” muscle and being able to feel, isolate and contract that “weak” muscle makes correctional exercise and rehab much easier. Bodybuilding training, with its focus on “feel” rather than movement, helps to train and develop the mind to muscle connection. This comes in handy when you need to train a muscle imbalance with correctional exercise and, in the case of injury, for rehab.
I’m glad you found some good information from this article. For any of these supplements, I would suggest talking to your doctor and pharmacist. I would suggest thinking about why you are interested in taking testosterone. Are you looking to increase muscle size? Bulk up? Knowing your fitness goals will help you determine which products are appropriate for you.
*Always remember: weight loss results & health changes/improvements vary from individual to individual. Just because these studies cite certain data does not mean you will experience these results/outcomes. Always consult with your doctor before making decisions about your health. This is not medical advice – simply well-researched information and tips to sleep better. Thanks for reading!
Creatine supplementation appears to attenuate decreases in GLUT4 expression seen with immobility and may increase GLUT4 expression during exercise. While it seems capable of increasing GLUT4 during resting conditions, it has failed to reach significance, suggesting that creatine supplementation works best with some stimuli associated with exercise.
That said, many people experience stomach cramps when they consume creatine monohydrate and it’s possible that taking a creatine with a different pH — usually creatine hydrochloride — can have a different effect on stomach acid and make for a creatine that digests more easily. As far as we know, the easier digestion doesn’t necessarily mean it’s more effective or that you need less of it to achieve the desired result.
There you have it — our five favorite creatine products on the market. But when you’ve tried as many creatines as we have, there were a lot of others that we loved but didn’t make the very top of our list for the previous categories. That’s why we’ve also come up with a list of the best creatines for men, best creatines for women, best creatines for muscle growth, for bulking, for the brain, and the best micronized creatine. Keep reading for our favorite picks!
Kornblum, C., Schroder, R., Muller, K., Vorgerd, M., Eggers, J., Bogdanow, M., Papassotiropoulos, A., Fabian, K., Klockgether, T., and Zange, J. Creatine has no beneficial effect on skeletal muscle energy metabolism in patients with single mitochondrial DNA deletions: a placebo-controlled, double-blind 31P-MRS crossover study. Eur J Neurol 2005;12(4):300-309. View abstract.
In a study on Alpha-Lipoic Acid, 1,000mg of ALA paired with 100g sucrose and 20g creatine monohydrate was more effective in increasing muscular creatine levels relative to creatine alone and creatine combined with sucrose.[600] This apparent augmentation of creatine uptake into muscle cells was used alongside a loading period. Another study investigating a nutrient mixture (150g glucose, 20g creatine, 2g/kg bodyweight glycerol) on heat tolerance in trained athletes found that replacing one third (50g) of the glucose with 1g ALA resulted in no significant differences between groups (in regard to heat tolerance and cardiovascular performance) despite the reduction of 50g carbohydrate.[601]
The US FDA reports 50,000 health problems a year due to dietary supplements [14] and these often involve bodybuilding supplements.[15] For example, the "natural" best-seller Craze, 2012's "New Supplement of the Year" by bodybuilding.com, widely sold in stores such as Walmart and Amazon, was found to contain N,alpha-Diethylphenylethylamine, a methamphetamine analog.[16] Other products by Matt Cahill have contained dangerous substances causing blindness or liver damage, and experts say that Cahill is emblematic for the whole industry.[17]
Under most circumstances, sports drinks do not offer a physiological benefit over water during weight training.[18] However, high-intensity exercise for a continuous duration of at least one hour may require the replenishment of electrolytes which a sports drink may provide.[19] Some may maintain that energy drinks, such as Red Bull that contain caffeine, improve performance in weight training and other physical exercise, but in fact, these energy drinks can cause dehydration, tremors, heat stroke, and heart attack when consumed in excess.[20] 'Sports drinks' that contain simple carbohydrates & water do not cause ill effects, but are most likely unnecessary for the average trainee. More recently, people have been taking pre-workout before working out to increase performance. The main ingredients in these pre-workouts are: beta-alanine, creatine, BCAAs (branched chain amino acids) and caffeine.[21]
At the end of the day, you have to focus on how you feel. “Listen to your body,” says Davis. “It tells you when it needs a day off.” As a rule of thumb, take a rest day if your perceived pain is above a seven on a scale of 10, Davis advises. Or, focus on a different body part (say, if your legs are sore, focus on upper-body moves). Can't stop, won't stop—at least, till your next rest day.
How much weight? Start with a pair of light dumbbell hand weights (2 to 3 pounds for women and 5 to 8 pounds for men). If you can’t do 12 repetitions (or reps are the number of times you do the exercise) the weight is too heavy. If your muscles don’t feel tired after 12 reps, it’s too light. Adjustable weights that can be strapped to wrists or ankles may be convenient if you have arthritis in your hands. You can also use home or gym weight machines, or resistance bands.
The best way to know the real progress you’re making is by recording it on video or taking photos. “Photos mean everything because if you can take them in the same areas and in the same poses, you’ll see your strengths and weaknesses clearly,” says Heath. “Revise your training and diet programs to eliminate weaknesses.” Keep a file of your progress to see just how far you can take your fitness.
For example, a 2015 review published in the peer-reviewed journal Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism suggests that, for maximal muscle growth, people consume 25 to 35 grams of protein at breakfast, lunch and dinner. You'll find that amount of protein in a chicken breast, a cup of Greek yogurt with slivered almonds or about a three-quarter block of tofu.
If you’re satisfied with your athletic performance but seriously want to bulk up, we recommend these creatine pill supplements from Crazy Muscle. They're made of a blend of three of the most effective types of creatine, Creatine Monohydrate, Creatine Alpha-ketoglutarate and Creatine Pyruvate, instead of just one type like other supplement brands. The formula also promises faster recovery times between workouts so you can push yourself harder even after a big workout the day before.
XPI's Myotein is a premium protein blend that features Casein, Whey Protein Isolate and Whey Protein Concentrate. That makes 25 grams of protein per serving of the most advanced protein formula, engineered for fast absorption and utilization. Each scoop also contains 2 grams fat and 2 grams carbs, and additional digestive enzymes for increased bio-availability. With several creamy flavors to choose from, Myotein is rated one of the best tasting protein powders on the market. Keep Reading »
A meta-analysis of 16 studies conducted on creatine and its influence on power and strength,[368][369] (with or without exercise in all age groups above 16, but placebo controlled and without crossover[368]) compiled studies utilizing a 5-7 day loading period with continued maintenance thereafter and studies assessing 1-3 rep bench press strength in trained young men. Seven studies (four of which are online[370][371][372][373]) totaling 70 people using creatine and 73 people in placebo showed a 6.85kg increase in strength relative to placebo, the benefits of which peaked at 8 weeks.[368] This meta-analysis also quantified a significant increase in squat strength (9.76kg) yet failed to find a significant influence on peak bicep contraction power, which may have been influenced by the two null studies[374][375] being in elderly people while the positive study[376] was statistically outweighed, but noted an 1.8-fold increase in power associated with creatine over placebo. The other meta-analysis conducted the following year[369] calculated effect sizes for creatine supplementation and noted no significant differences between genders or when comparing trained and untrained individuals. The mean effect size of exercises lasting below 30s (those that use the creatine-phosphate system) was 0.24+/-0.02 and performed significantly better than placebo, where exercise increased performance by 4.2+/-0.6% while the addition of creatine enhanced this effect to 7.5+/-0.7%.[369]
The 1960s saw the gradual introduction of exercise machines into the still-rare strength training gyms of the time. Weight training became increasingly popular in the 1970s, following the release of the bodybuilding movie Pumping Iron, and the subsequent popularity of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Since the late 1990s increasing numbers of women have taken up weight training, influenced by programs like Body for Life; currently nearly one in five U.S. women engage in weight training on a regular basis.[4]
I get it. Bodybuilding is a subjective sport with judges that determine who wins based on the judges opinions. In the other resistance training sports you win objectively by outperforming your competitors. Bodybuilders also tend to work out differently with little concern for the weight being lifted, so long as the end result is a better-looking body. This can make bodybuilding type training seem narcissistic and shallow. That’s too bad because hard core resistance training athletes can learn a LOT from bodybuilders and how they train.
While most of these muscle building supplements can be taken at any time of the day, some are best to include in your pre-workout routine. Citrulline malate, in particular, is one that should be taken about an hour ahead of your workout. Because this supplement boosts performance, taking it ahead of your workout will maximize its effect, making sure you get the most out of the supplement.
In muscle cells, the creatine transporter is predominantly localized to the sarcolemmal membrane. Western blot analysis of creatine transporter expression revealed the presence of two distinc protein bands, migrating at 55kDa and 70kDa on reducing SDS-PAGE gels.[147][148] The 73kDa band has been reported to be the predominant band in humans, with no differences based on gender.[148] A more recent report demonstrated that the 55kDa creatine transporter variant is glycosylated, forming the 73 kDa protein. Therefore, the 55 and 75kDa protein bands are actually immature and mature/processed forms of the creatine transporter protein, respectively.[149]
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Land Rover ends Defender production
LONDON (Reuters) -- The last classic Land Rover Defender rolled off the production line in the UK on Friday, 68 years after output of the iconic offroader first began, the company said in a statement.
Designed originally for farming and agricultural use, the Defender became popular with celebrities including Beatles singer Paul McCartney and late actor Steve McQueen, selling over 2 million since 1948.
Tata Motors, which bought Jaguar and Land Rover in 2008, has been rapidly updating and expanding its upmarket Range Rover lineup, but will now turn its attention to the next-generation Defender.
"Any conventional vehicle would have been replaced many times over in the lifespan of Defender," a Jaguar Land Rover spokeswoman spokeswoman said. "We now have the technology, pioneering engineering capability and design expertise to evolve the Defender."
Jaguar Land Rover is tight-lipped about how the current Defender will be replaced but media reports have said the automaker is considering building a new generation at its new factory in Slovakia or outsourcing production to Magna Steyr in Austria.
It takes 56 hours to make the largely hand-built Defender at the firm's Solihull factory in central England, making it more expensive and time-consuming than many other vehicles which have a higher degree of machine assembly.
VIDEO: Defender being driven on and off-road
The first Defender prototype, built in 1948.
The offroader has become synonymous with the UK thanks to owners such as Queen Elizabeth II, who has been pictured riding and waving to crowds from the back of the Defender from as early as 1957 in London's Hyde Park and during a visit to Melbourne in 1977.
The first model was built in 1948, just three years after the end of World War Two, with rationing still in place and UK industry trying to recover from heavy bombardment.
Due to a lack of steel, lightweight aluminum was used for the body shells and the vehicle has undergone a series of engine and design updates over nearly seven decades.
Neil Watterson, deputy editor of Land Rover Owner International magazine, said the vehicle had remained successful over so long due to its broad appeal.
"It's always been a classless vehicle," he said.
"It could be driven by the gamekeeper on the estate or it could be driven by the landowner, or the garage-owner with the breakdown truck and the fire brigade."
Land Rover Defender production
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Rensselaer Anniversaries: Bridge to the Bicentennial
Tracey Leibach2014-10-09T21:28:45-04:00September 26, 2014|
As Rensselaer approaches its 200th year, the Institute is highlighting important milestones of how the world has been transformed by the achievements of Rensselaer people—past and present. Inside Rensselaer will showcase some of the remarkable achievements and anniversaries throughout the year, including notable milestones and alumni and alumnae accomplishments.
125th Anniversary: Founding of Chicago Bridge & Iron Company
George T. Horton
Chicago Bridge & Iron Company (CB&I) was founded in 1889 in Chicago, Ill., when Horace E. Horton, a bridge designer, agreed to merge business with the Kansas City Bridge and Iron Company.
While initially involved in bridge design and construction, CB&I turned its focus to bulk liquid storage in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coinciding with the western expansion of railroads across the United States and the discovery of oil in the Southwest.
George T. Horton developed the modern high-capacity elevated storage tank, common throughout the world.
George T. Horton, Class of 1893 and member of the Rensselaer Alumni Hall of Fame, followed his father as president of CB&I, 1912-1945, where he created and oversaw improved products for the company through the introduction of new designs and use of lighter, stronger materials. He developed the modern high-capacity elevated storage tank, common throughout the world.
His support established a welding laboratory at Rensselaer that led to the Institute’s international reputation in materials engineering. Horton established Chicago Bridge & Iron scholarships and fellowships at Rensselaer in 1937, designated for the children or descendants of employees of his company. Those scholarships, which provide full tuition, are still being awarded today.
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John Paulk: Proud to Be Ex-Ex-Gay
By Mike Airhart on May 3rd, 2014
Newsweek.com this week throws its spotlight upon former ex-gay John Paulk, who in the 1990s chaired the board of ex-gay network Exodus International while producing ex-gay propaganda in a full-time job for Focus on the Family. With the support of Exodus and Focus, Paulk and his wife, ex-gay activist Anne Paulk, wrote several books promoting the virtues of heterosexuality and conservative Christianity.
In 2000, Paulk’s reign atop the movement faltered when ex-gay movement critic Wayne Besen photographed Paulk’s private visit to Mr. P’s, a Washington, D.C., gay bar.
The gap between the life he advertised, and the one he actually lived, was growing. Paulk tells Newsweek:
“It’s funny, for those of us that worked in it, behind closed doors, we knew we hadn’t really changed,” he says. “Our situations had changed — we had gotten married, and some of us had children, so our roles had changed. I was a husband and father; that was my identity. And the homosexuality had been tamped down. But you can only push it down for so long, and it would eke its way out every so often.”
Ex-gay ideology is inherently self-destructive. It destroys the soul as well as the body.
The ideology mandates that one suppress hope for a life with romance, integrity, and grace — and replace that with a false hope in sexual denial, romantic repression, and theological correctness, all lived in fear of an ungracious and hypocritical church. Paulk recalls his final days in 2003 as a speaker on the ex-gay circuit:
“I would be in hotel rooms, and I would be on my face sobbing and crying on the bed,” he says. “I felt like a liar and a hypocrite. Having to go out and give hope to these people. I was in despair knowing that what I was telling them was not entirely honest. I couldn’t do it anymore.”
In the decade that followed, the world changed: Mr. P’s closed, to be replaced by a Moroccan restaurant called Marrakesh. Exodus shut down, although its global spinoff continues to support antigay persecution in the developing world. Focus on the Family’s fortunes plummeted. Marriage between people of the same gender became legal in 17 states. Facebook killed the weblog star. And Paulk became openly gay, and divorced from Anne.
In 2013, Oregon equality activist Roey Thorpe agreed with Besen that the time had come for Paulk to publicly repudiate the ex-gay movement. Thorpe told PQ Monthly:
“Thousands of young people have been forced into religious conversion programs, shamed into believing they are sinners. Families have been encouraged to reject their children, and queer kids end up on the streets or committing suicide. Others live silently, filled with shame. This is how the Paulk family has made their living. I have dear friends who have been through hell and are still exiled from their families because of John Paulk. It’s important for people to know who they are doing business with.”
Thorpe called upon Paulk to atone:
“I believe that people can change and that we need to recognize change when it occurs,” she said. “But even though John may be personally reconsidering his views, the fact that he has remained silent and not publicly renounced the ex-gay movement has allowed Anne to continue to earn a living as an ex-gay leader who lies about her family and her husband. It’s appalling that his silence perpetuates her lies and the direct damage to LGBT people and our families. It’s good that he wants to help the community, but it is meaningless until he speaks out and puts a stop to the bad things that are happening because of this lie.”
Paulk responded in PQ Monthly:
“Until recently, I have struggled all my life in feeling unloved and unaccepted,” Paulk said. “I have been on a journey during the last few years in trying to understand God, myself, and how I can best relate to others. During this journey I have made many mistakes and I have hurt many people including people who are close to me. I have also found a large number of people who accept me for who I am regardless of my past, any labels, or what I do.”
Paulk continued, “I no longer support the ex-gay movement or efforts to attempt to change individuals — especially teens who already feel insecure and alienated. I feel great sorrow over the pain that has been caused when my words were misconstrued. I have worked at giving generously to the gay community in Portland where I work and live. I am working hard to be authentic and genuine in all of my relationships.”
A year later, Paulk now tells Newsweek that he opposes any attempt to subject youths to sexual conversion therapy. But Paulk still defends the right of adults determine the course of their own therapy, even if that course is antigay.
Ex-wife Anne Paulk, now the spokesperson for the hardline ex-gay Restored Hope Network, responded to Paulk’s Newsweek feature on Facebook. The full text of that response appears below. Briefly:
Anne characterizes her ex-husband and her former ex-gay colleagues Darlene Bogle and John Smid as “a political movement based on misinformation.”
Anne falsely implies that reparative therapy is licensed and clinically reputable.
Anne sidesteps the core belief of reparative therapy: the false teaching that parents are to blame for homosexuality in their offspring.
Anne defends the use of sexual conversion therapies against youths.
Anne declines to address the specific therapeutic abuses cited by ex-gay survivors as evidence of the need to ban the use of such therapy against minors.
Anne compares conversion of one’s sexual orientation to the simple matter of weight loss.
Anne inaccurately describes homosexuality as a “life(style)” and imposes a false separation between sexual honesty and faith.
Anne blames former ex-gay Michael Bussee — now a critic of the movement — for bringing down Exodus simply by meeting with Exodus leader Alan Chambers.
Bussee tells Ex-Gay Watch that Anne should have checked her facts:
First of all, it hadn’t been a “very short time” that I “sought help”. I began trying not to be gay when I was about 9 or 10. Went to a variety of therapists about it before Exodus was even created. I spent years trying not to be gay. And I didn’t “leave the message”. I woke up to the fact that I wasn’t “changing” and neither was anyone else. They were becoming depressed, self-destructive and even suicidal. If I “left” anything, it was self-hatred.
And I didn’t have “many dinner meetings” with Alan Chambers. I met him only once, for lunch. And we had a very calm conversation. Chambers was already having serious doubts. Exodus was already imploding. He was fed up with NARTH. There were schisms among the Exodus leaders. There were internal conflicts over theology. Struggles for power. The horrible Ugandan “anti-gay” conference. His own admission that “99.9% don’t change their sexual orientation”. Survivors of “ex-gay” programs speaking out. Ex-gay leaders coming out.
She gives me way too much credit for “bringing the venerable organization down.”
Bussee also challenged Anne’s claim to support freedom of choice. “They want gay people to be able to ‘choose the direction of their life,’ but they refuse to condemn criminalizing and jailing them,” he said. “I give credit for Exodus’ demise to the courage of ‘ex-gay’ survivors and groups like Ex-Gay Watch (among others). The Lisa Ling special in 2013 just removed the last card that was holding the shaky mess up. What brought Exodus down? The fact is, it collapsed under the weight of truth.”
Restored Hope Network’s unedited response to Newsweek follows:
Friends, Newsweek just came out with an online article that I expected to be a hit piece and, indeed it is. I have several issues with the statements, beyond personal pain in reading my ex-husband’s comments.
Do understand that there is a political movement based on misinformation which is attempting to remove the option for kids and adults to resolve hurts in a way that is congruent with their Christian faith. Although attacking “reparative therapy,” rarely is reparative therapy explained. Also, various terms are used interchangeably that actually mean different things-conversion therapy, sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) are all being attacked.
Based out of deliberate concealment of meanings, an activist political movement began out of California and then moved on to New Jersey. These two states passed laws banning therapy for youths under 18 and are now under judicial review. Many other states have refused to pass these laws, including Illinois and Washington, when it became known that those testifying for the laws prohibiting care were making up outlandish stories.
As far as therapy, John Paulk never went through reparative therapy himself. Nor did Alan Chambers go through reparative therapy. Among many other problems, the Newsweek article stated: “Michael Bussee and Gary Cooper, two of the co-founders, left the movement in 1979 to be in a committed relationship with one another.” It is true that they left the message after a very short amount of time seeking help. Bussee had been a strong opponent since and perhaps it was through the many dinner meetings with Alan Chambers, former President of Exodus, that he was finally able to bring the venerable organization down.
According to the true founder–Frank Worthen, John Evans simply attended a support group meetings a few times, but was never a founder of Love in Action. There are many more things I could write, but most importantly, one must always consider the source of the information. If you hear weight loss programs don’t work from someone who has abandoned the goal of weight loss, you will hear a very skewed view. So it is here. If you really want to know about success in leaving the gay life and identity, seek out those who have done so.
Below is Restored Hope Network’s formal statement given to Newsweek:
“I think it is important to understand what reparative therapy is and is not. First, reparative therapy is talk therapy and is based on the belief that one’s past can impact the present. In particular, the understanding that traumatic events influence a person’s life choices later in life. Reparative therapy does not involve ice baths or electroshock therapy. It is talk therapy.
Also, who does clinical reparative therapy? Some licensed clinical therapists practice reparative therapy. Pastoral counseling groups, such as Exodus International or Restored Hope Network, are not reparative therapy organizations, but may have affiliated reparative therapists. John Paulk, Alan Chambers and I have never practiced reparative therapy since it is clinically trained talk therapy and none of us are clinically trained therapists. The term reparative therapy is a specific form of therapeutic counseling that is helpful, though the term has wrongfully been used to broadly label all care for those who have unwanted same-sex attraction.
What Restored Hope Network predominately has to offer is Christian discipleship, pastoral care counseling and referral to additional care with licensed Christian counselors for those with unwanted same-sex attraction who generally find those feelings in conflict with their Christian faith. We, at Restored Hope, are happy to continue to care for those who are seeking help in aligning their life with classical Christian sexual ethics. Although some choose to return to homosexuality, others who have chosen to leave that life and thrive. My life would be one example of the latter.
We, at Restored Hope Network, want to protect the right of the individual to choose care and the direction of their care, rather than take at face value the claims of those who do not wish to leave homosexuality. Each person should have the right to choose the direction of their life and not be prohibited from living congruently with their faith and/or ethics.”
John Paulkrestored hope network
— Mike Airhart
Mike Airhart was the founding editor of Ex-Gay Watch, until he left in 2007. He has returned as a contributing writer. He has written periodically for Truth Wins Out, and volunteered for Men Can Stop Rape, Whitman-Walker Clinic, WaterFire Providence, and the Providence Equality Action Committee. His background includes expertise in journalism, business news, content syndication, human rights, sexual harassment issues, and liberation theology.
Another Ex-Gay Therapist Arrested for Sexual Assault
Ex-Gay Poster Boy Paulk Caught Out Again
Restored Hope Network Releases Doctrinal Statement
Reparative Therapy: Restored Hope Network v Exodus International
Scott Amundsen says:
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.
Well said Michael.
Darlene Bogle says:
I am so proud of John for living his authetic life as a gay man. We are not a political movement, we are many former ex-gays who have come to grips with our lies and have decided to tell the truth! I am thrilled with the Newsweek article because it is way past time to speak truth and healing about who God created us to be before we were ever born.! Anne is so mired in her teaching, and invested in her message that she wouldn’t know Truth if it were spoken and lived out in front of her! Thanks for this article.
Peterson Toscano says:
In reflecting on this article, which basically declares the death the of Ex-Gay Movement in the USA, I see two issues do not get mentioned.
1. While gay conversion therapy and ex-gay ministries in the USA have declined dramatically in the last five years, anti-LGBTQ groups and ministers have successfully exported the toxic teachings abroad so they have gained much ground in Eastern Europe, Southern and Eastern Africa, Latin America, and beyond.
2. While groups like Exodus are officially shut down, after years of agressively pursuing straight Christian audiences–through Love Won Out conferences, presentations at local churches, books, newsletters, and media appearances–the dangerous and misguided teachings are still a staple of Christian counselors, youth pastors, and ministers throughout North America when “dealing with homosexuals.”
I wrote on my blog,
I love the work that Jeremy Marks, Darlene Bogle, and Michael Bussee have done for decades to help LGBTQ people with the trauma they faced from anti-gay church teachings. Today we already have lots of people who can connect with ex-gay survivors. What really needs to be done is for people like John Smid, John Paulk, and Alan Chambers to re-educate themselves (and talking to ex-gay survivors who are willing to mentor them would help them mightily.) Then with the same drive and passion they once pushed an ex-gay agenda, they can reach back into their databases and find creative and effective ways to reconnect with all those people they once misled. Instead of reaching forward to new audiences–like gay Christian–they have a moral obligation to reach back to their former audiences and help straighten them out.
mikesm says:
“a political movement based on misinformation” ?
The pot calling the kettle black.
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Who (not EU citizen) can apply for residence permit/visa from within Germany?
If my citizenship allows me to enter the Schengen Area for 90 days without a visa, can I apply for a residence permit/visa being inside the country (ex. Germany)
I ask because as a Colombian, I know I have to return to my country to apply for the permit, but from October 2015 the EU won't ask Colombians and Peruvians for visas anymore, does it mean that in 2016 I could come back to Germany or any other Schengen country and apply for the permit within that country?
visa germany schengen
Nicolás ArévaloNicolás Arévalo
No, whether you can directly apply for a residence permit from within the country is entirely up to each individual country and will not necessarily change after Colombian and Peruvian citizens are exempted from the Schengen visa requirement. There is no link between this and the Schengen regulations and no general rule that would apply in all Schengen countries.
In Germany and the Netherlands, some people can indeed directly apply for a residence permit based on their citizenship, even if they entered without visa with an eye towards residence. But the list of countries whose citizens can do that is much smaller than the list of countries whose citizens can visit the Schengen area without a visa. In both cases, it only covers a handful of high-income countries like the US, Japan, Canada, Australia or South Korea.
It turns out that the list of countries whose citizens benefit from this is almost the same in the Netherlands and Germany but I think that legally speaking it's mostly a coincidence. By contrast, in France, all third-country citizens must in principle first apply for a long-stay visa from outside the country and there is no exception based on citizenship.
There are always other exceptions as well, typically for refugees, sometimes also for people who qualify for a residence permit as of right (e.g. spouses) and in some other situations, so many details can make a difference.
So the most generic answer to your question is that you can't assume that anything will change or that it will become possible for Columbian citizens to switch from a short-stay to a long-stay status. But since you specifically mentioned Germany, I will go into a little more details about what I know about the rules there.
As explained in Switch from Schengen Visa to a Student Visa in Germany, citizens from 13 countries can in any case enter Germany without visa and apply for a student permit in the country. That list only includes one South American country (Brazil), even though most of them are already on the annex II list of country whose citizens do not need a visa to enter the Schengen area. Only citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, South-Korea, New Zealand und the USA can do the same for a work permit (i.e. citizens of Brazil and other countries that belong to the first but not the second set of countries can do it for a permit that does not give them the right to work but not for a work permit).
Both of these lists are defined in § 41 of the Aufenthaltsverordnung. The same act also provides for a few other exceptions that can in principle apply to citizens of any country in § 39. Point 3 in particular implies that it's possible to apply for a residence permit within in Germany if the conditions required to obtain it only became fulfilled after entering the country (say you marry and therefore become eligible for a spouse permit or something like that). But I don't know exactly in which cases this rule can or cannot be applied.
Finally, the stay of members from the family of an EU citizen is regulated by an entirely separate piece of legislation and they can in any case apply for a residence card (technically that's not called a “permit”) from within the country.
GalaGala
My goal is to apply to an artist visa, and I understand that I have to get an announcement in the bürgeramt but I won't get one unless I have a rent contract. How can I do both things if I'm not in the country? – Nicolás Arévalo Jul 14 '15 at 15:50
@NicolásArévalo I must admit that I have no idea about that. But do ask it as a separate question ;-) Hopefully, someone else will be able to answer! – Gala Jul 15 '15 at 7:52
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US-Libya compensation deal sealed
Filed under: Latest — Tags: Ahmed al-Fatroui, America, Benghazi, Berlin, Berlin disco, Bush, David Welch, diplomatic, diplomatic relations, Gaddafi, George W Bush, international Humanitarian Settlement Fund, Libya, Libyan, Lockerbie, Lockerbie bombing, Middle East, Mr Fatroui, Muammar Gaddaf, Pan Am Flight, Pan Am Flight 103, Relations, relationship, Scotland, Tripoli, US, US assistant secretary of state, US attacks, US President, US President George W Bush, US-Libya, Washington — expressyoureself @ 7:21 am
The signing comes after a long process of negotiation
The US and Libya are set to renew diplomatic relations after signing a deal to compensate all victims of bombings involving the two countries.
The agreement will fully compensate victims of the 1988 Lockerbie bombing, and of the bombing of a Berlin disco two years earlier.
It will also address Libyan claims arising from US attacks on the Libyan capital, Tripoli, and Benghazi in 1986.
The deal was signed in Tripoli by US and Libyan officials.
David Welch, US assistant secretary of state and Washington’s top Middle East diplomat, met Ahmed al-Fatroui, head of America affairs, in Libya’s foreign ministry to seal the agreement.
When fulfilled, the agreement will permit Libya and the US to develop their relations
US assistant secretary of state
Mr Fatroui told reporters it was “the crowning of a long process of exhausting negotiations”.
Mr Welch said it was a very important agreement that “turns a new page in our relationship”.
“Under this agreement each country’s citizens can receive fair compensation for past incidents. When fulfilled, the agreement will permit Libya and the US to develop their relations,” he said.
Libyan state media said US President George W Bush had sent a message to the Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi, saying he hoped relations between the two countries would continue to improve.
The agreement does not constitute an admission of fault by either party.
An international Humanitarian Settlement Fund will be set up in Libya to compensate all American and Libyan claimants.
Foreign companies and international institutions operating in Libya, which include some American companies, will contribute to the fund.
The deal also paves the way for a full restoration of relations, including the opening of a US embassy in Tripoli and direct US aid.
In all, there were 26 lawsuits filed by American citizens against Libya and three by Libyan citizens against the US.
The 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, killed 270 people and the 1986 bombing of a Berlin disco killed three people and wounded more than 200.
Libya says at least 40 people died in the US air strikes.
Relations between Libya and the US have improved dramatically since 2003, when Libya accepted responsibility for the Lockerbie bombing.
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‘I have a dream’
Filed under: Latest — Tags: 'I have a dream', a great American, America, American, American society, Atlanta, brotherhood, California, capital, cash, cheque, children, citizens, civil rights, Colorado, constitution, demonstration, dignity, eclaration of Independence, exile, force, freedom, Georgia, God, Happiness, hilltops, hilltops of New Hampshire, history, justice, justice a reality, land, liberty, life, Lincoln, Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther KingLincoln Memorial in Washington, meeting physical, Memorial, nation, Negro, Negro community, New Hampshire, New York, peaks of California, Pennsylvania, physical, pursuit of Happiness, racial injustice, reality, republic, security of justice, signing, slaves, society, Stone Mountain, Tennessee, time, Washington — expressyoureself @ 4:57 pm
On 28 August, 1963, Martin Luther King delivered his magnificent “I have a dream speech” on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. Below is the full text of his speech.
I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.
Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of captivity.
America has given the Negro people a bad cheque which has come back marked ‘insufficient funds’
But 100 years later, we must face the tragic fact that the Negro is still not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land.
And so we’ve come here today to dramatize an appalling condition. In a sense we’ve come to our nation’s capital to cash a cheque. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”
It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honouring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad cheque which has come back marked “insufficient funds.” But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we’ve come to cash this cheque – a cheque that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.
Sweltering summer… of discontent
We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children.
The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges
It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro’s legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. 1963 is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual.
There will be neither rest nor tranquillity in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.
But there is something that I must say to my people, who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice: in the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.
The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. They have come to realise that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall march ahead. We cannot turn back.
There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights: “When will you be satisfied?” We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro’s basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their selfhood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating “For Whites Only”. We cannot be satisfied and we will not be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave-owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood
I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.
Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed.
Let us not wallow in the valley of despair. I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed – we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave-owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama little black boys and little black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.
This is our hope. This is the faith that I will go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope.
With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.
This will be the day, this will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with a new meaning: “My country, ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim’s pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring.” And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true.
And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.
Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.
Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!
Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado.
Let freedom ring from the curvaceous peaks of California.
But not only that.
Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.
Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee.
Let freedom ring from every hill and every molehill of Mississippi, from every mountainside, let freedom ring!
And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: “Free at last! Free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”
Permission granted by Intellectual Properties Management, Atlanta, Georgia, as manager of the King Estate. Further to Dr King’s legacy by making community service a way of life, please visit the King Center’s website [under related links] to find a service opportunity in your neighbourhood.
Bush chides Beijing over rights
Filed under: Latest — Tags: America, Amnesty International, Asia, Bangkok, Beijing, Beijing Olympics, Britain, Burma, Burma refugees, Bush, camps, capital, chides, China, Christians, economy, education, eve, Games, George W Bush, health, human rights, International Olympic Committee, January, Kathmandu, labour, liberty, military, Mr Bush, Nepal, North Korea, office, Olympic stadium, Olympics, opposition, people, political, president bush, protesters, religious, rights, speech, Taiwan, Thai, Thailand, Tiananmen, Tiananmen Square, Tibet, US, US Christians, US policy, US President, Washington, Young — expressyoureself @ 9:40 am
US President George W Bush has expressed “deep concerns” over China’s human rights record in a speech on the eve of the Beijing Olympics.
“The US believes the people of China deserve the fundamental liberty that is the natural right of all human beings,” he said in the Thai capital Bangkok.
He praised China’s economy but said only respect for human rights would let it realise its full potential.
Mr Bush has been criticised by some campaigners for going to the Games.
He was due to fly to Beijing following the speech in Bangkok, a stop on his final trip to Asia before he leaves office in January.
The wide-ranging address, which included criticism of the regime in Burma, was more nuanced than Mr Bush’s past speeches on China.
It is unlikely to cause much offence in China, our correspondent says, and many people will see it more as a valedictory speech for Mr Bush’s record in Asia rather than an outline of future US policy.
‘Firm opposition’
President Bush said he was optimistic about China’s future and said change in China would arrive “on its own terms”.
Young people who grow up with the freedom to trade goods will ultimately demand the freedom to trade ideas…
But his criticisms of China’s human rights record were clear.
“America stands in firm opposition to China’s detention of political dissidents, human rights advocates and religious activists,” he said.
When it was controversially awarded the games in 2001 by the International Olympic Committee, Beijing promised to make improvements in human rights, media freedoms and the provision of health and education.
But campaigners, such as Amnesty International, say Chinese activists have been jailed, people made homeless, journalists detained and websites blocked, while there has been increased use of labour camps and prison beatings.
In March, China suppressed violent anti-government protests in Tibet. Beijing said rioters killed at least 19 people, but Tibetan exiles said security forces killed dozens of protesters in the worst unrest in Tibet for 20 years.
The Dalai Lama, Tibet’s exiled Buddhist leader, rejected Beijing’s claims he was behind the riots and said he expressed good wishes for the success of Games.
On Thursday, at least 1,500 Buddhists were holding a protest in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu against what they called China’s violation of religious freedom in Tibet. Correspondents say there have been scuffles with police.
In Beijing, police dragged away three US Christians who tried to demonstrate on Tiananmen Square in support of religious freedom.
Four pro-Tibet activists from Britain and the US were arrested and held briefly in the city on Wednesday after a protest close to the Olympic stadium.
Burma refugees
In his address, Mr Bush said the US recognised that the growth sparked by China’s free market reforms was “good for the Chinese people” and the country’s’ purchasing power was “good for the world”.
On foreign policy, he commended China’s “critical leadership role” in the negotiations to end North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme, and the “constructive relationship” between Beijing and Washington over Taiwan.
He also called for an end to what he described as tyranny in Thailand’s neighbour, Burma.
Friday’s Olympic opening ceremony coincides with the 20th anniversary of a democracy uprising in Burma, which was crushed by the military.
First lady Laura Bush flew to the Thai-Burmese border to spend the day at the Mae La refugee camp where about 35,000 refugees live, having fled their homes.
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Gaming – Politics – History
Equal Opportunity Gamer
About the Equal Opportunity Gamer
Destiny 2, and the Fall of Bungie
I remember the first time I came across Bungie. It was many years ago when I found Halo 2 at garage sale. That iconic cover art, with Master Chief holding his dual-wielding SMGs with burning city behind him and the Halo 2 title above him. It lured me into the franchise, and I fell in love with it after the first shootout. While it’s first-person shooter mechanics were amazing and revolutionary for the time, the main thing I quickly became a huge fan of was the story. This series is very famous for it’s compelling story, and rightfully so.
Right after finishing this masterpiece, I went to GameStop and bought a copy of Halo: Combat Evolved, and from then onward, I fell in love with the Halo Franchise. This series was made by developers who cared and who wanted to make a fantastic universe. Great writers, great composers, great programmers, and phenomenal artists. This company was on a highway to success, and I was proud to be a part of it. I’ve been a fan of Bungie for years, and I’ve seen them grow and develop with their titles. Then they left Microsoft, and everything changed.
When Destiny came out back in 2014, it was the first sign of trouble for Bungie. When the writer left the project early and several aspects of the story were missing. There was also the issue of there being no end game, and when they started wrapping things up with Destiny 1, there’s just no reason to continue playing. There were many problems with Destiny 1, and Destiny 2 was supposed to be the game that fixed everything. It was supposed to be the one game that made Destiny a better and brighter franchise, and it was supposed to the game that would bring everyone back.
It came out last year … and was somehow WORSE than Destiny 2. The story was worse, the writing was worse, mechanics from the first game were gone, Eververse became even more greedy than it was in D1, and much of the fantastic lore that was in D1 was practically retconned. It was a disaster, and as the DLC’s rolled out, it got worse, and worse. I’ve told you guys that I would be making my final post about Destiny 2 when the DLC II dropped, and that I would be giving my thoughts on it.
I was hoping to give you guys good news, but you and I both where this is unfortunately going. The DLC II was terrible, and Destiny 2 is no longer worth my time. I’m done with the Destiny Franchise. I’m done with Bungie, and this is my final goodbye to them.
That’s what this DLC was. It was a copy and paste of the shit that we’ve been seeing over and over again throughout the entire life cycle of Destiny 2. Same bullshit Hive that we’ve fought before, but this time, they’re covered in fucking snow. Wonderful. How original Bungie. Oh, wait hold on, there are new enemies there’s … Hive Knights that have a shield now … that you can break. Oh oh, and there’s Hive Acolytes with snipers … that are basically Hobgoblins from the Vex … oh, and … all the other “new enemies” are basically the same old Hive … just named differently.
Also, apparently this “species of Hive” is rare … and only exists on the Polar Ice Cap of Mars … for … some reason. This is never explained why. At least for not as far as I got before I gave up and deleted the game.
Another thing that’s copied & pasted is what I’d like to call “The Destiny Campaign Level Formula”, and it goes as follows. Step 1, player cut scene and briefly introduce characters and plot. Step 2, spawn player in visually breath taking environment. Step 3, when player spawns, play more dialogue that explains what the player needs to do. Step 4, after less than two minutes of walking down a boring path, introduce the players to the “new enemy” type by creating a combat scenario. Step 5, more dialogue after the combat scenario. Step 6, have the player face one/more than one big boss with many mobs the player has to defeat. Step 7, dialogue/cut scene before finishing mission. That was the entirety of the first mission, and it was fucking boring.
This has been every mission ever in every Destiny game … E V E R.
The “A C T I N G”
Sucks. It’s god awful. Whoever they hired to voice Anastasia Bray is the absolute worst at acting. She sounds like she’s fourteen using an iPhone 5 to record her lines. She doesn’t sound convincing in any words she says. The beginning part of this game actually made me quit. Nothing hooked me in. Which is the one thing you NEED to have with every story you write. You need to have a good HOOK, and Bungie, you fucked up bad on this one … again!
Zavala also is in this one … oof, his acting. His acting is similar to everyone else’s acting in the entire game … they’re all terrible. Nobody sounds convincing in any words they say or any actions they do. The only character I like (and everyone will agree) is Cayde-6. He at least sounds real in his words. The writing for his character is well done. However, everyone else sounds either cliché or forced in their dialogue.
Everything Wrong With Eververse
It’s greedy. It’s manipulative. There’s nothing more to be said. You wish to hear more about it, simply go look it up. The only real thing to discuss is the new system they added to make it more … “fair” for players who wish to play the game in order to earn rewards with paying money. I say “fair” in quotations because they can only earn one thing, once a week, and can only earn more … by spending more money. It’s fucking dumb.
Bungie Doesn’t Care Anymore
From what I’ve heard from many people still playing Destiny 2, this is just the same song and dance we’ve seen and heard before, but this time, with a different texture. At this point, I firmly believe that this company doesn’t care about Destiny, nor do they care about the fans who wanted to see this game grow and develop. It’s sad, but I’m afraid this is the reality. The Bungie I knew from my childhood would’ve NEVER allowed this kind of insanity to happen. They would’ve started from scratch again and again until they truly got it right.
I believe that many things happened after they left Microsoft. I believe several key developers left or were fired during the transition to Activision, and these new corporate folks came in and took over. When that happened, everything began on a quick and swift decline. The Destiny series went from bad to worse with Destiny 2, and instead of addressing the problem and being transparent with their consumers, Bungie continued doing sketchy stuff. Throttling XP gains, retconning the many great back stories of the Destiny Lore.
They don’t care anymore.
I’ve all but given up at this point. Destiny 2 has been on a slow decline ever since launch, and well deserved if you ask me. This is a complete repeat of what happened to Destiny 1, and we know what’s going to happen after DLC 2. There’s going to be a “massive DLC” that’ll “bring everybody back” and “fix everything”. I’m sorry, Bungie, but when Activision even considers you’re game a failure, I think it’s time to either start doing your job properly, or don’t do it at all. You’re running out of time, Bungie.
Gamers are moving on to bigger and better things. Warframe is a masterpiece compared to anything you’re doing, and Fortnite and PUBG have taken gaming by storm. There are better games out now. The only thing I’ll hold near and dear to my heart, is the Destiny Lore. The one thing that I loved about the series. Minus the lore of Destiny 2 … that … that lore was shit. So after giving them numerous chances, I’m finally done. This is my final goodbye to Destiny and to Bungie.
Of course, I will continue to observe this from afar and see what happens, but I will no longer interact Destiny with either of their games, because at this point, there is no longer any point to it.
Goodbye, Bungie. It was a good run, but you have truly fallen from grace.
EqualOpportunityGamer
May 14, 2018 December 9, 2018
Send Me Ideas!
Got stories/topics you want me to discuss? Send me an email at br4vo14@hotmail.com and I just might talk about it!
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Medical Record Release Authorization
Ikeda Optometry Inc
8751 Valley View St Ste A
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ikedaoptometry@gmail.com
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Please send records to: Ikeda Optometry Inc
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The 2015 Data Awards
Filed under 2015 Year In Review
Published Dec. 21, 2015
A very special ceremony, honoring the year’s most interesting people and stories from the world of data. Presented by What’s The Point‘s Jody Avirgan and the FiveThirtyEight staff.
Two-part podcast now available on iTunes, streaming online, or your favorite podcast app.
Illustrations by BILL ZINDEL
Most Insidious Manipulation of Data
Presented to VOLKSWAGEN
“The lesson here is just because it’s data doesn’t mean it’s reliable. Explore the provenance of your data.”
It’s been a dubious banner year for lies, damn lies and data. And it probably comes as little surprise that our award for Most Insidious Manipulation of Data goes to Volkswagen. The German car company installed illegal “defeat devices” on its vehicles to skirt regulations in both Europe and the U.S. These devices sensed when a vehicle was in emissions-testing mode and altered the car’s performance to keep emissions below allowable levels. They were, of course, caught, and the fallout has been as dramatic as the con. More than 8 million vehicles in Europe were recalled, and a fix could take up to 10 hours per car. It’ll cost Volkswagen upwards of $2 billion, and the company posted its first quarterly loss in more than a decade.
Honorable mention in this category goes to both DraftKings and FanDuel, the rival daily fantasy sports sites. Among other legal entanglements, both have been accused of being embroiled in a kind of insider trading in which company employees used proprietary data to gain an edge on civilian players. Many of the biggest winners on one of those sites were employed by the other site. — Oliver Roeder
More from FiveThirtyEight: The Volkswagen scandal led to a number of lawsuits.
The Stephen Colbert Memorial Award in Distinction of Truthiness
Presented to MICHAEL LACOUR
“I hope this creates a lesson for science. There’s no way you can replicate every study that’s published, but if there is a study that seems almost too heartwarming and too good to be true, maybe it is worth it to spend the time trying to replicate it.”
There were many contenders for the Stephen Colbert Memorial Award in Distinction of Truthiness (“memorial” because Colbert is now playing himself and not “Stephen Colbert”). But Michael LaCour won in a crowded field. The former UCLA graduate student made international headlines — and transformed political strategy — with his apparent finding that when gay people canvass on behalf of same-sex marriage, they can change people’s minds simply by talking to them. Turns out, though, that his study was fatally flawed — and possibly faked. (We contacted LaCour before granting him the award but haven’t heard back.) Does that mean science is fatally flawed? My colleague Christie Aschwanden doesn’t think so — and the LaCour episode shows why: David Broockman, who led the research that debunked LaCour, got universal acclaim for the work despite getting little encouragement to pursue it when he first sensed problems.
We also awarded a runner-up for the Colbert award. You’ll have to watch to learn who that was. (Hint: It’s a presidential candidate with an itchy Twitter trigger finger.) — Carl Bialik
More from FiveThirtyEight: How the LaCour scandal shows we’re all vulnerable to fake data.
The Defender of Data
(Elected Official Division)
Presented to JUSTIN TRUDEAU AND THE CANADIAN LIBERAL PARTY
“At a time when we are seeing so many attacks on government data, it was great to see a government stand up and try to get better data.”
In a year when Congress tried its best to slash funding to the U.S. Census Bureau, we had to look north to find an elected official standing up for the importance of government data. But newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is a worthy champion. For those who don’t follow the twists and turns of Canadian survey data, a quick recap: Back in 2010, then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper killed the country’s mandatory long-form census (which asked about topics such as income, education and employment) and replaced it with a voluntary survey. Response rates collapsed, and data quality went with them. But in one of its first acts upon taking power in November, Trudeau’s Liberal government reinstated the long-form census for next year. Data-lovers cheered. — Ben Casselman
More from FiveThirtyEight: Ben Casselman wrote about what happened when the Canadian long-form census became optional and discussed it on What’s The Point.
The Dumbest Data
(That We Definitely Needed)
Presented to “DEAR MONA”
“The premise they all fit into is the basic question, ‘Am I normal?’ ”
Many of our Data Awards recognize important, rigorous data sets or the academics and experienced analysts who worked to expose misleading data or enlighten us with good data. But sometimes we want answers to things we’re afraid to ask, the things only your Google search history would expose. Those are the things that bring us a little closer to understanding where we fit in this strange world. So this award goes to our former colleague Mona Chalabi, who during her time at FiveThirtyEight wrote the “Dear Mona” column, which answered those odd but telling questions. She answered 47 “Dear Mona” questions in all, but these three from the past year really stood out to me as the best examples of dumb data (that we definitely needed!).
What percentage of marriages in the U.S. are between first cousins?
What is the total number of faces and names an average person can remember?
Do hospitals experience a larger number of emergency room visits during full moons?
— Allison McCann
More from FiveThirtyEight: The complete archive of “Dear Mona” columns.
Best Data Collection the Government Isn’t Doing (Yet) but Should Be
Presented to THE WASHINGTON POST, THE GUARDIAN U.S. AND OTHERS
“What’s interesting about what The Guardian and The Washington Post were able to do is show that it’s maybe not that hard.”
More than 1,000 people have been killed by police officers in the United States this year, but you won’t see that figure in any official statistics — at least not for some time. Even though a 1994 law requires the federal government to track police use of force, the FBI’s method, which focuses on so-called justifiable homicides, significantly undercounts police killings. We know this because of the diligent work of two news organizations, The Guardian and The Washington Post. Each collected data on police killings and covered the topic intensely this year, giving the public a more accurate picture of who dies at the hands of police. Both efforts were built on earlier work by crowdsourced websites, Fatal Encounters and Killed By Police, and introduced further reporting and analysis. They even embarrassed the FBI into collecting better data: The agency now plans to expand its own database of police use of force. Its goal is to publish more reliable statistics by the end of next year. — Simone Landon
More from FiveThirtyEight: Samuel Sinyangwe of MappingPoliceViolence.org on What’s The Point. Donovan X. Ramsey on why it’s so hard to track police killings.
The Hack Most Likely to Be a Hollywood Movie Plot
Presented to THE SONY HACK
“If there’s a lesson here, it’s that if you’re going to make fun of somebody famous, do not do it in print.”
Although the hack and immediate fallout technically happened around this time last year, some of the more interesting and occasionally even positive repercussions of the hack went down in 2015. By far the biggest occurred when Jennifer Lawrence went public about her and her co-stars’ compensation for the film “American Hustle,” shedding light on Hollywood sexism in the process. Even though she was a household name after “Hunger Games” and was one of the most famous people in the film, Lawrence and her female co-stars were paid less than the guy who played Hawkeye. This prompted her to speak out about how women are poorly compensated in the industry, drawing attention to the problems of underrepresentation, poor availability of good roles, and wrongheaded ideas the industry has about gender and money. — Walt Hickey
Best Reminder That Science Is Hard
Presented to THE OPEN SCIENCE COLLABORATION REPRODUCIBILITY PROJECT
“There’s this growing worry that some of the results that are being published may not be as reliable as we thought.”
Science is hard. Even when studies are done by earnest researchers with the best intentions, they may not produce results that are replicable or definitive. In 2011, researchers at the Open Science Collaboration began a large-scale project to quantify the problem by testing the reproducibility of psychology research. Teams of researchers selected 100 studies published in three high-profile psychology journals during 2008 and, with guidance and input from the original authors, attempted to replicate these studies. The results, published this year, were sobering: Only 36 percent of the replication studies succeeded in reproducing the original results. Although the project clearly shows that psychology research has a reproducibility problem, it also took a first step toward addressing it by investigating the scope of the problem and identifying factors that contribute to it. The Open Science Collaboration has formed an open data network to help researchers conduct studies in a transparent way that will make it easier for other scientists to replicate and further other researchers’ findings. — Christie Aschwanden
More from FiveThirtyEight: Christie Aschwanden wrote about why “Science Isn’t Broken” and talked about it on What’s The Point.
The Bill de Blasio Award for Best Urban Planning Throwdown
Presented to UBER VS. THE CITY OF NEW YORK
“We dug through and found that Uber is adding tons and tons of pickups. But in the core of Manhattan, where this fight was about, they weren’t.”
Uber aggressively expanded in the New York City market in 2015, fueling fears that the ride-for-hire cars were causing urban gridlock and prompting Mayor Bill de Blasio to call for limits on the size of Uber’s fleet. But has Uber contributed to Manhattan congestion? The answer (with plenty of caveats) seems to be no. Data we received through a Freedom of Information Law request showed that Uber gained millions of pickups between 2014 and 2015, while taxis lost a near identical number. The city has backed off its regulation plans for now, but a new throwdown with Airbnb — another regulation-skirting Bay Area transplant — looms. — Reuben Fischer-Baum
More from FiveThirtyEight: Our series on how Uber is affecting taxis and traffic in New York City.
The Most Intriguing Sports Wearable, aka the Grossest Misapplication of NSA-Level Technology
Presented to RFID CHIPS IN THE NFL
“In the past, the guy keeping score on the sidelines would mark down events as best he could, but they weren’t tracking the essence of the game.”
2015 was the year that player-tracking technology crossed over into the mainstream of sports. NFL players were outfitted with RFID chips; every MLB ballpark provided a full season of Statcast’s radar and video data; and the NHL tested similar tracking equipment at its All-Star Game. (The NBA presumably mocked the latecomers and reminded them it was into video-tracking data before it was cool.) We wish we could split the award between all the leagues, but we ultimately chose the NFL because their tech was wearable and because of its potential to help reduce player concussions in practice. — Neil Paine
More from FiveThirtyEight: Hot Takedown — our sports podcast — discusses the arrival of RFID in the NFL.
The Data Set That Keeps On Giving
Presented to ASHLEY MADISON
“I myself am technically an Ashley Madison user.”
Ashley Madison — a dating website whose tagline is “Life is short. Have an affair.” — endured a massive data breach in July by hackers calling themselves the Impact Team. That breach resulted in a data dump that included tens of millions of email addresses and millions of transaction records, some including credit card numbers. The hackers made a point of noting that the company never actually scrubbed consumer information from its site even though it charged for the privilege of doing so.
Who was in the data set released by hackers (which was publicly posted and searchable)? There were actual users; people, like me, whose email addresses were in the set even though they weren’t users; 70,000 bots — or accounts with no human user on the backend — most designed to seem like women and, presumably, entice more men in; and 15,000 addresses with .mil or .gov government extensions. Ashley Madison and its parent company, meanwhile, are still alive. — Farai Chideya
More from FiveThirtyEight: Trying to understand Ashley Madison’s users.
Part 1 of the podcast available now on iTunes and other apps. Part 2 coming Dec. 24.
Jody Avirgan hosts and produces podcasts for FiveThirtyEight. @jodyavirgan
FiveThirtyEight Podcasts (608 posts) What's The Point (78) 2015 Year In Review (4)
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Scott Walker Wants To Cure His Party Of Its Weakness For Moderates
Jul. 13, 2015 , at 7:00 AM
By Harry Enten
Filed under 2016 Kickoff
Joel Plosz
Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin has a realistic shot at becoming the most conservative Republican nominee for president in a generation. Walker, who used a campaign video and a tweet to announce Monday morning that he is an official candidate, has been leading in Iowa polls since late January and has been consistently in the top tier in national and New Hampshire surveys. At FiveThirtyEight, we’ve had him in the top tier, with about a 25 percent chance to win the nomination, since February.
The question now is whether the Republican Party, which nominated unsuccessful moderate candidates in 2008 and 2012, will decide that 2016 is the year for a conservative.
Walker’s relatively high polling numbers so far have been built on his standing with conservative voters. They have given him the lead in Iowa, which for him is probably a must-win state. The most recent Quinnipiac poll there, for instance, has his favorable rating at 77 percent among very conservative Republicans, compared with just a 3 percent unfavorable rating. No other candidate is doing as well among this subgroup.
Walker has been so successful with the conservative base because of his actions as governor. He is best known for signing legislation in 2011 that limited the bargaining power of Wisconsin’s public-sector unions, which prompted a labor-led recall attempt in 2012. Walker won that vote and was re-elected in 2014. He also led the state’s rejection of Medicaid expansion under Obamacare — Wisconsin was the second-most-liberal state (based on presidential election results) to say no — and he helped pass a strict voter identification law and cut taxes.
Walker has doubled down on that conservatism during his presidential bid. He is about to sign a ban on abortions after 20 weeks, called for a constitutional amendment to allow states to ban same-sex marriage after the Supreme Court’s ruling legalizing it, and has withdrawn his earlier support for comprehensive immigration reform. Both of Walker’s most plausible rivals for the Republican nomination (Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio) did not call for a constitutional amendment on same-sex marriage and are in favor of immigration reform.
Voters seem to be noticing Walker’s conservative stances compared with the other candidates. Although our three-pronged ideological ratings — which look at congressional voting records (not applicable to Walker), donors and public statements — place Walker’s ideology near the middle of the pack, voters describe him as more conservative than most of the other Republicans. In an average of four YouGov surveys during June, in which 0 was the most liberal and 100 the most conservative, Walker was rated on average as a 70. Bush scored a 60, Rubio a 64.
AVERAGE IDEOLOGICAL SCORE (VOTER ASSIGNED)
George Pataki 50
John Kasich 54
Chris Christie 55
Jeb Bush 60
Lindsey Graham 61
Carly Fiorina 62
Rand Paul 63
Marco Rubio 64
Ben Carson 65
Bobby Jindal 67
Rick Perry 69
Scott Walker 70
Rick Santorum 70
Mike Huckabee 71
Ted Cruz 72
In fact, Walker’s score is 7 points more conservative than the average Republican candidate (63). To give you an idea of how big a difference that is, the difference between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders was only 2 points (25 vs. 23) during the same period. Walker’s score places him among candidates that most would generally regard as too bombastic or far-right to win the nomination, such as Ted Cruz, 2008 runner-up Mike Huckabee and 2012 runner-up Rick Santorum. Pat Buchanan, the last standing conservative alternative in 1996, scored a 73 in primary polls.1
Walker’s score clearly places him to the right of the Republican Party’s most recent nominees. The last three nominees without an incumbent Republican running were seen as relatively moderate in primary polls. On the same 0 to 100 scale that gave Buchanan a 73, George W. Bush scored an average 63 during the 2000 primary season, John McCain earned a 60 for 2008 and Mitt Romney took a 63 for 2012. (Bush’s score may seem to be at odds with his later record, but keep in mind that he was running as a compassionate reform conservative, just as his brother Jeb is doing now.)
Evidence from past primaries indicates that parties nominate candidates seen as more moderate the longer they have been out of office, because they want to win. Walker would clearly be a step in the opposite direction, and anyone who knows Republican primary voters understands that they would walk over hot coals while listening to a singing album from Eddie Murphy before they would allow Clinton to become president.
That doesn’t mean Walker couldn’t win the nomination, however. Bob Dole in 1996 and George H.W. Bush in 1988 each got a 67. Perhaps most importantly, Ronald Reagan was seen as very conservative in 1980 with a score of 76, and by the general election was considered the third-most-extreme non-incumbent nominee (barely behind George McGovern and Barry Goldwater) since World War II.
Moreover, Republican voters have become more conservative in recent years.2 Putting the General Social Survey on our 0 to 100 scale,3 the average self-identified Republican has shifted from a 57 in 1974 to a 71 in 2014, the most conservative ever. In the June YouGov polls, the average self-identified Republican ideology was also a 71.
In other words, the ideology of the average Republican voter now matches up nearly perfectly with the ideology voters have assigned to Walker. He isn’t too extreme for the party; the other candidates are more moderate than the average Republican voter.
So why did the party nominate more moderate candidates in 2008 and especially 2012, even as the party has become more conservative? We can’t be sure, of course, but electability probably has a lot to do with it. The most successful conservative challengers who emerged in recent years were probably seen as unelectable by party actors and voters. Huckabee and Santorum have made numerous inflammatory comments and had either never won in a swing or blue state or gotten trounced the last time they ran in one.
Meanwhile, other potential conservative alternatives (see Fred Thompson, Tim Pawlenty and even Rick Perry) who could have made a serious run for the nomination went nowhere because they flopped on the campaign trail. Walker could end up in this group, given that his campaign so far hasn’t been regarded as very strong, though it’s far too early to know whether he’ll ramp it up once he’s officially in the race.
Walker doesn’t have the electability problem of a Buchanan, a Huckabee or a Santorum. Like Reagan, Walker was actually elected governor of a swing state4 more than once. Walker was re-elected in 2014 even as almost all the voters saw him as conservative or very conservative. On our 0-to-100 ideological scale, he scored a 75 among likely Wisconsin voters in the final October 2014 Marquette University Law School poll. That gives him a talking point that recent conservative challengers didn’t have.
But the question remains whether Republican primary voters, weighing the chances in the general election, will balk at someone as conservative as Walker. Republican voters have plenty of other candidates to choose from who are more moderate and match up with the ideology of the last few nominees. Walker is clearly betting that the more conservative Republican Party of today will help him defy recent history. If he pulls it off, he’ll be the most conservative Republican to be nominated since Reagan in 1980.
Check out our live coverage of the second Republican debate.
This scale does not include voters who could not place the candidates on an ideological scale. The two most prominent scales for data before 2015 asked whether a candidate was liberal, moderate or conservative, or whether a candidate was very liberal, somewhat liberal, moderate, somewhat conservative or very conservative. In all these scales, the most liberal answer was given a 0 and the most conservative answer was given a 100.
Republican members of Congress have also become much more conservative, which matters for the endorsement primary.
Using the same conversion we used for the data above with the most conservative answer “extremely conservative” receiving a 100, moderate receiving a 50 and the most liberal answer “extremely liberal” receiving a 0.
Although it may be hard to believe now, California was a swing state during Reagan’s time as governor. Based on its presidential vote, it was either slightly more Democratic or Republican than the nation when Reagan was governor in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Harry Enten is a senior political writer and analyst for FiveThirtyEight. @forecasterenten
Polls (342 posts) 2016 Republican Primary (315) 2016 Presidential Election (148) Scott Walker (34) 2016 Kickoff (19)
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Influenced by Md
Musicians found
#location#
Instrument #instruments##instrumentsmore#
Genres #genres##genremore#
Influences #influences##influencesmore#
Expand your search a little.
If you know someone who should be listed here, invite them.
There was an error. Totally Fandalism's fault.
Do me a huge favor and email support@fandalism.com the following info so I can fix it:
{"influence":" MD","genre":"","country":"","latlon":"","radius":"50","age2":"","gender":"","zipcity":"","instrument":"","age1":"","src":"bio influence"}
'); } } })
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Powell Steps to the Plate
Posted on March 28, 2018 in Market Commentary
The Federal Open Market Committee met this Tuesday and Wednesday, the first under the Chairmanship of Jerome Powell. More than one pundit commented that this was to be one of the most momentous FOMC meetings in recent memory. The situation Powell has inherited – fiscal stimulus, volatile markets, questions of international trade – is substantially different than what Chair Janet Yellen had in her last press conference (though not last FOMC meeting) in December.
I appeared on CNBC in the hour before the Fed’s announcement and Chairman Powell’s press conference, and I said that his goal should be a non-event: he should strive to be very clear as to what the Fed has done, but he should also be clear that any future decisions will be made in light of future conditions. Powell’s task was to be clear so the path of monetary policy has as little ambiguity as possible; there is ambiguity enough in a $20 trillion economy.
In that respect, the opening of the Powell era was exactly the non-event that should soothe the markets, and especially the long term investor. As for actions, the Fed Funds rate was raised by one quarter of a percentage point, the sixth such incremental step in the gradual removal of policy accommodation since the end of the 2015. In his press conference Powell answered questions directly. Instead of deflecting questions about future policy steps, Powell answered clearly that future decisions will be made upon reflection of future conditions. He indicated the gradual path towards normalization will continue as long as current general economic trends continue.
Along with the press release, the Fed issues the Summary of Economic Projections, or SEP. The SEP compiles projections for key economic indicators for each Board member and Bank president. The SEP also compiles each individual’s assessments of projected monetary policy. It is poured over, parsed, and dissected as if the SEP were a Greek oracle with secrets of the future to be divined. The truth is, it is always worth looking at because the Federal Reserve employs very sharp economists who collect huge amounts of data to make their projections. This time around, the SEP revealed predictions for stronger economic growth (real GDP increase of 2.5-3.0%) and lower unemployment (3.6-4.0%) this year, while inflation is expected to remain low (core PCE of 1.8-2.1%). As to what the Fed members project as the appropriate path of interest rates, the median is for two more rate increases in 2018 for a total of three. However, in his press conference, Powell was clear: “We made one decision. The projections are forecasts and they will change over time.” In other words, no decisions about future increases have been made yet.
The market reaction was, in the end, muted. Initially, stocks went up as the press release and SEP were seen as more “dovish.” It seems many traders were betting on four rate increases this year, and so a projection of three may have led to some repositioning. As Powell’s press conference got underway, certain comments were interpreted as “hawkish”, meaning that the Fed may be inclined for more aggressive tightening. in response to such comments, the equity markets backed down from their highs. Yet by 3:30, the markets were almost exactly where they had been at midday: a non-event.
Jay Powell’s first time in the spotlight was a success: he said plainly “we are committed to communicating as clearly as possible.” He certainly did that. Looking forward, we remained concerned about the slow pace of wage increases, high asset prices, economic inequality, ballooning deficits, the potential for trade wars, and a flattening yield curve. However, surprises from the Fed are not on the menu just yet.
That interest rates are moving higher is clear. “Don’t fight the Fed” is among Wall Street’s most important adages. Our clear investment discipline and dogged research will continue to guide our investment process. Emotion is the enemy of the long-term investor.
Chairman Powell
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David Icke's Official Forums > Main Forums > Recommended Reading, Viewing and Audio
This set of solar eclipses repeat approximately every 177 days and 4 hours at alternating nodes of the moon's orbit...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_e...ember_23,_1965
http://youtu.be/Hy-maWYekKk
http://forum.davidicke.com/showpost....5&postcount=38
bush doctor
Location: Not A Million Miles Away
For The Wayseer Family
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPR3GlpQQJA:)
Last edited by bush doctor; 04-10-2011 at 10:13 PM.
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quietgirl
Location: In the Heart of the West Country
I was born in the Sixties too!
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That must mean we were born to bee wild...
Originally Posted by Wild
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMbAT...yer_detailpage
http://youtu.be/rMbATaj7Il8
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kappa_Alpha_Theta
The fraternity was founded June 22, 1844, in room number 12 Old South Hall, Yale College, New Haven, Connecticut. At this meeting, the Fraternity's secret and open Greek mottos were devised, as were the pin and secret handshake. The open motto is "Kerophen Philoi Aei" ("Friends from the Heart, Forever").
http://forum.davidicke.com/showpost....&postcount=162
lizzyking
Location: mittenville sector Z5-1
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thegatherer
Best quality start to a thread ever...big respect to Lightgiver!
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Originally Posted by thegatherer
The use of cannabis is believed to stretch back 4,000 years...Even Queen Victoria was given it by her doctor to relieve period pain and in the United States it could be bought freely in shops...
Meredith Curly Hunter (October 24, 1951 – December 6, 1969) was a male spectator at the Altamont Free Concert. During the performance by The Rolling Stones, after being punched by a Hells Angel serving as a security guard, Hunter pulled out a gun and was then stabbed to death by another Hells Angel serving as a security guard. The incident was caught on camera and became a central scene in the documentary Gimme Shelter...
The Hells Angels had been hired to provide security for the concert in a deal that was rumoured to include $500 worth of beer.[3] They stood directly in front of the bands in an effort to keep people off the unusually low stage...
Fueled by LSD and large amounts of amphetamines, the crowd had also become antagonistic and unpredictable, attacking each other, the Angels, and the performers. By the time the Rolling Stones took stage in the early evening, the mood had taken a decidedly ugly turn as numerous fights began to erupt between Angels and crowd members and within the crowd itself. Projectiles started being thrown at the stage. The Angels retaliated by hurling back full cans of beer from their stockpile and swinging sawed-off weighted pool cues and motorcycle chains to drive the crowd further back from the stage...
The film then shows Hells Angel Alan Passaro, armed with a knife, running at Hunter from the side, parrying the gun with his left hand and stabbing him with his right. The footage was shot by Eric Saarinen who was on stage taking pictures of the crowd. Saarinen was unaware of having caught the incident on film...
The footage was shot by Eric Saarinen who was on stage taking pictures of the crowd. Saarinen was unaware of having caught the incident on film. This was discovered more than a week later when rushes were screened in the New York offices of the Maysles Brothers...
http://forum.davidicke.com/showthrea...=151467&page=5
http://forum.davidicke.com/showthrea...155137&page=30
Rolling Stones-We Love You
The Gotthard Base Tunnel (GBT) is a new railway tunnel beneath the Alps in Switzerland which is expected to come into use in 2016. With a route length of 57 km (35.4 mi) and a total of 151.84 km (94.3 mi) of tunnels, shafts and passages, it is the world's longest rail tunnel, surpassing the undersea Seikan Tunnel in Japan...
Loop (Agony Point) on the DHR, India...1921
Y junction at multifunction station Faido...
Nice-Cuneo (Italy) has three spirals...
During the planning for Iron Mountain Road, there was a need to negotiate sudden elevation drops while preserving natural features for this scenic highway; the corkscrew design allowed for a spectacular - although expensive - solution to this problem...
http://forum.davidicke.com/showthrea...=12093&page=34
The two portals are near the villages of Erstfeld, Uri and Bodio, Ticino. Nearby are two other St. Gotthard Tunnels: the 1881 Gotthard Rail Tunnel and the 1980 Gotthard Road Tunnel...
Masaki Station (真幸駅 Masaki Eki?) is a Railway station of Hisatsu Line in Ebino, Miyazaki. The station opened in 1911...
Originally Posted by More Tea
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-dzf...eature=related
http://youtu.be/N-dzfI3L5ic
Memoirs...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tMVq...yer_detailpage
http://youtu.be/3tMVqL2gKt4
http://forum.davidicke.com/showpost....postcount=5669
Originally Posted by Grrrrr
Aleister Crowley (pronounced /ˈkroʊli/; 12 October 1875 – 1 December 1947), born Edward Alexander Crowley, and also known as both Frater Perdurabo and The Great Beast, was an influential English occultist, mystic and ceremonial magician, responsible for founding the religious philosophy of Thelema. He was also successful in various other fields, including mountaineering, chess and poetry, and it has also been alleged that he was a spy for the British government.
Born Edward Alexander Crowley 12 October 1875(1875-10-12)
Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, England
Died 1 December 1947(1947-12-01) (aged 72)
Hastings, East Sussex, England
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...orized.svg.png
Hastings Emblem Vectorized
The town is sometimes referred to as "the birthplace of television" since the pioneer of television, John Logie Baird, lived at 21 Linton Crescent from 1922 to 1924.
Hastings town centre postcard
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...e_postcard.jpg
The most important buildings from the late medieval period are the two churches in the Old Town, St Clement's (probably built after 1377) and All Saints (early 15th century). There is also a Muslim mosque, formerly "Mercatoria School" until purchased by the East Sussex Islamic Association. The former Ebenezer Particular Baptist Chapel in the Old Town dates from 1817 and is listed at Grade II
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi..._-_excerpt.jpg
1914 Railway Junction Diagram of Hastings area lines and stations; the Bexhill West branch and the West Marina station have since closed.
When passengers travelled between two stations on the same railway, using trains provided by the same company, that company was entitled to the whole of the fare. Similarly, when goods were consigned between two stations on the same railway, using wagons provided by the same company, that company was entitled to the whole of the fee.
Railways Act 1921
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...ent%29.svg.png
Typical Railway Junction Diagram produced by the RCH. This one shows the location of the RCH offices close to Euston Station.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...eet_RJD_84.jpg
Hastings funicular railway
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...ar_railway.jpg
Hastings has long been known as a retreat for artists and painters. For example, the pre-Raphaelite painters including Dante Gabriel Rossetti (who married in Hastings) and William Holman Hunt, who painted pictures of nearby cliffs at Fairlight, admired the town for its light and clear air...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hastings
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Categor...United_Kingdom
Satans Wail
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masaki_Station_(Miyazaki)
http://forum.davidicke.com/showthrea...62415&page=107
Last edited by lightgiver; 06-10-2011 at 01:55 AM.
G Bees
http://www.edgarlowen.com/ephesos-10280.jpg
http://youtu.be/dP-yuFpdVsc
http://youtu.be/weXLt-YtYt8
The Trolls
http://youtu.be/4lazdg-eqmQ
Under the...
The Galactic Center is the rotational center of the Milky Way galaxy...
It is believed that there is a supermassive black hole at the Galactic Center of the Milky Way...
The complex astronomical radio source Sagittarius A appears to be located almost exactly at the Galactic Center (approx. 18 hrs, -29 deg), and contains an intense compact radio source, Sagittarius A*, which coincides with a supermassive black hole at the center of our Galaxy...
In golf, a hole in one or hole-in-one (also known as an ace, mostly in American English) is when a player hits the ball directly from the tee into the cup with one shot...
Originally Posted by Tiger
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUxqw...yer_detailpage
http://youtu.be/E73RM9gS7bU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PcoM...yer_detailpage
http://youtu.be/5PcoMrwEa5o
http://forum.davidicke.com/showpost....76&postcount=5
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Roger Mickelson’s History Today (Start Of Our Revolutionary War & More)
American Revolutionary War: In 1775, the Battles ofLexington and Concord began. The American Revolution was an effort by 13 British colonies in North America (with help from France, Spain, and the Netherlands) to win their independence. Acting on orders from London to suppress the rebellious colonists, General Thomas Gage, recently appointed royal governor of Massachusetts, ordered his troops to seize the colonists’ military stores at Concord. En route from Boston, the British force of 700 men was met on Lexington Green by 77 local minutemen and others who had been forewarned of the raid by the colonists’ efficient lines of communication, including the rides of William Dawes and Paul Revere. It is unclear who fired the first shot. Resistance melted away at Lexington, and the British moved on to Concord. Most of the American military supplies had been hidden or destroyed before the British troops arrived. A British covering party at Concord’s North Bridge was finally confronted by 320 to 400 American patriots and forced to withdraw. The march back to Boston was a genuine ordeal for the British, with Americans continually firing on them from behind roadside houses, barns, trees, and stone walls. This experience established guerrilla warfare as the colonists’ best defense strategy against the British. Total losses were British 273, American 95.
English: thumb|rightThis is an image-enhanced detail from the image shown at right, showing British troops on their way back to Boston on April 19, 1775, during the Battles of Lexington and Concord. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
American Civil War: In 1861, President AbrahamLincoln authorized a blockade of Confederate ports.
World War II: In 1943, the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising,an act of resistance by Polish Jews under German Army occupation, began and wasquelled four weeks later, on May 16.
Korean War: In 1951, General of the Army DouglasMacArthur, who had been relieved of command by President Harry S.Truman, bade farewell in an address to Congress, quoting a line from an old ballad, “Old soldiers never die; they just fade away.”
In 1960, students in the Republic of Korea began an uprising that toppledthe government of President Syngman Rhee. Shortly thereafter, South Korean troops were redeployed from positions along the Demilitarized Zone for securityduties in Seoul. US forces were placed on high alert; I was ordered to “convert” my Field Artillery firing battery into a provisional Infantry platoon—a conversion that was both unexpected and relatively infeasible.
In 1975, Aryabhata, the first unmanned Earth satellite built by India, waslaunched from the Soviet Union by a Russian-made rocket.
In 1993, after a 51-day standoff with U.S. federal agents, some 80 membersof the millennialist Branch Davidian religious group perished in a fire at theircompound near Waco, Texas.
In 1995, a truck bomb nearly destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah FederalBuilding in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, killing 168 and injuring more than 500people.
Regards,Roger Mickelson
“The strongest reason for the people to retain theright to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.” Thomas Jefferson
The Man Who Fired The Shot Heard ‘Round The World
Road Trip To America’s Most Historic Destinations
April 19th – 1993 Waco Assault, 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing, 2013 Martial Law Boston – April 19 1775 Revolutionary War Begins… in Boston
Five myths about the start of the Revolutionary War
The Battle Of Lexington And Concord
Posted in History, Uncatergorized Tagged American Revolution, Boston, British Army, Concord, Lexington, Oklahoma City, South Korea, Soviet Union, Thomas Gage, WWII
Two Of God’s Miracles
Progressivism: Questions & Answers
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Gears of War 4 Update Adds Two New Maps And 280 Cards
Abdullah Raza
Gears of War 4 developers, The Coalition, have just released a brand new update for their third-person shooter. The update is now live for the Xbox One and PC, and it adds tons of content to the game.
The update has added two brand new maps to Gears of War 4, alongside 280 new cards for players to collect as part of the Series 2 package. The two maps being added to the game are Blood Drive and Clocktower.
Here Are December's Free Maps For Gears of War 4
These old maps are making a return. You might remember Blood Drive from Gears of War 3, now the map comes back to life in Gears of War 4. Clocktower is also an old map from the original Gears of War and Gears of War 3.
These maps are now available exclusively for Season Pass Holders in the game’s Developers Playlist. In addition to playing the new maps, the playlist also provides double XP and a 20 percent credit boost. Players who do not have a season pass will have to wait until January 17th to play the maps.
The update also adds 280 cards to the game. The new Series 2 Collection features 13 new characters, which include Armored Anya, V-Day Sam, and more. Alongside the new characters, 260 weapon skins have also been added to the game. These new weapons skins include the rare animated skins. You can view some of the new skins in the image above.
Gears of War 4 is developed by The Coalition and published by Microsoft Studios, and is available on the Xbox One and PC.
gears of war 4 Microsoft studios PC the coalition Xbox One
Batman Arkham Collection for PS4 and Xbox One listed on Amazon UK
Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth And Hacker’s Memory Coming To PC And Nintendo Switch
Xbox One users facing issues signing in, error code 0x87DD0006
Microsoft announces final Xbox One Backward Compatibility and Xbox One X Enhanced games list
Microsoft Flight Simulator Announced For 2020 Release On PC And Xbox One
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Published on Freedom House (https://freedomhouse.org)
Home > Mongolia
Freedom Status:
Political Rights:
Civil Liberties:
Aggregate Score:
Freedom Rating:
Prime Minister Norov Altankhuyag was ousted by members of his own ruling coalition in November 2014. He was replaced two weeks later by Chimed Saikhanbileg.
Mongolia continued to experience economic challenges in 2014 despite the continuation of moderate growth based on mineral wealth. Corruption, declining foreign investment, and public officials’ involvement with business interests remained key issues throughout the year.
Political Rights: 36 / 40 [Key]
A. Electoral Process: 11 / 12
Under the 1992 constitution, the president and the 76-member parliament (the State Great Khural) are both directly elected for four-year terms. The prime minister, who holds most executive power, is nominated by the party or coalition with the most seats in the parliament and approved by the parliament with the agreement of the president. The president is head of state and of the armed forces, and can veto legislation, subject to a two-thirds parliamentary override.
Parliamentary balloting in the past has been both by multimember and single-member districts. In 2012, 48 of parliament’s 76 seats were awarded through majoritarian voting in single-member districts, while the remaining 28 were allocated through a proportional system according to parties’ share of the national vote. The Democratic Party (DP) won 33 seats, the Mongolian People’s Party (MPP) captured 25, and the Justice Coalition—comprising the revived Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party (MPRP) and the Mongolian National Democratic Party (MNDP)—took 11, with 3 seats going to independents and 2 to the Civil Will–Green Party. Altankhuyag of the DP became prime minister, leading a coalition cabinet that consisted of the DP, the Justice Coalition, and the Civil Will–Green Party.
Altankhuyag was replaced as prime minister by Saikhanbileg in November 2014 after an internal revolt from DP members amid Mongolia’s continuing economic downturn. Saikhanbileg now leads a coalition of 73 out of 76 members of parliament; only the three independent members remain outside.
In the 2013 presidential election, DP-backed Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj won a second term, garnering just over 50 percent of the votes in the first round against two other candidates. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) monitored the 2013 presidential election, declaring it free and open despite administrative challenges with election officials and some criticism of politicization in news coverage.
In both 2012 and 2013, the General Election Commission introduced new practices, such as the release of voting statistics by time of day and age group, and free mobile-phone credits as a reward for voting.
B. Political Pluralism and Participation: 16 / 16
A vibrant multiparty system exists in Mongolia. The MPRP, which had ruled the country since the early 20th century, legalized opposition parties in 1990, and competitive elections have led to several peaceful transfers of power. In 2010, the MPRP rebranded itself as the MPP, but a faction led by former president Nambaryn Enkhbayar broke off the following year and formed a new MPRP.
While the DP and the MPP command a large share of votes and dominate the parliament, smaller parties continue to be represented and remain viable. Political parties are largely built around patronage networks rather than political ideologies. Representatives of large business groups play an important role in funding and directing the large parties. In 2014, the parliament discussed having some elected members serve as ministers. Some argued that this practice would undermine parliamentary rights by giving the cabinet too much power. Contention over the issue was a factor in the vote-of-no-confidence against Prime Minister Altankhuyag. Half of the Saikhanbileg cabinet is comprised of MPP members.
C. Functioning of Government: 9 / 12
Corruption remains a serious problem in Mongolia and is viewed as pervasive. The Independent Authority Against Corruption (IAAC) actively investigates corruption allegations. In May 2014, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development released a report containing several recommendations for reducing corruption corruption, including creating a new anticorruption strategy and strengthening and affirming the independence of the IAAC.
Although the government operates with limited transparency, some progress has been made in recent years. Citizens’ Halls, forums established in 2009 to encourage civic participation in the legislative process, were given budgetary authority for the first time in 2013 through the disbursement of Local Development Funds. This measure is intended to foster local participation in politics as well as to increase accountability regarding the spending of funds. In July 2014, the parliament approved the Budget Transparency Law, which obliges state bodies and state-funded organizations to publicly disclose budgetary information.
Civil Liberties: 50 / 60
D. Freedom of Expression and Belief: 15 / 16
While the government generally respects press freedom, many journalists and independent publications practice a degree of self-censorship to avoid legal action under libel laws that place the burden of proof on the defendant. Journalists have been charged in defamation suits by legislators and businesspeople; in many cases, the charges have been dropped.
There are hundreds of privately owned print and broadcast outlets, including several with online editions, and some international media operations have moved into the Mongolian market in recent years. However, the main source of news in the vast countryside is the state-owned Mongolian National Broadcaster. The government does not interfere with internet access.
Journalistic standards in Mongolia remain low, and media outlets tend to report rumors without confirmation. Political parties and their members have increasingly purchased media outlets, particularly television stations, in recent years. Although ownership of outlets is not routinely disclosed, most Mongolians are aware of the political positions of different media outlets. In August 2014, a blogger was found guilty of defaming a government official for comments made on social media and sentenced to three months in prison. The sentence, which was criticized by the OSCE, marked the first time Mongolia’s libel laws were extended to comments made on social media.
Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the constitution. The fall of communism led to an influx of Christian missionaries to Mongolia and a revival of the country’s traditional Buddhism and shamanism. Enforcement of protections for religious freedom varies across the country, as it is largely dependent on the practices of local governments; some Christian groups have reported registration obstacles and harassment by local authorities. The Kazakh Muslim minority generally enjoys freedom of religion. Academic freedom is respected, and private discussion is free and open.
E. Associational and Organizational Rights: 11 / 12
Freedoms of assembly and association are observed in law and in practice. Numerous environmental, human rights, and social welfare groups operate without government restriction. Trade unions are independent and active, and the government generally respects their rights. Collective bargaining is legal. However, labor rights are restricted for certain groups, such as foreign and temporary workers. Some employers unlawfully disrupted union activity in 2014.
F. Rule of Law: 12 / 16
The judiciary is independent, but corruption among judges persists. The police force has been accused of making arbitrary arrests and traffic stops, holding detainees for long periods, and beating prisoners. In 2014, the government continued to make regulatory and legislative changes to combat abuse by police and security forces, and there were no reported cases of torture or inhuman treatment during the year. Prison deaths continue to be reported, as insufficient nutrition, heat, and medical care remain problems. A moratorium on the death penalty has been in effect since 2010.
Antidiscrimination laws do not address sexual orientation or gender identity, and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) people face societal bias, cases of assault, and mistreatment by police. In May 2014, the government announced plans to review current antidiscrimination legislation, considering a draft proposal to strengthen measures for equality. Civil society organizations, criticizing the broadness of the draft’s language, urged the authorities to consider enacting specific measures against hate crimes and protections for the rights of LGBT people.
G. Personal Autonomy and Individual Rights: 12 / 16
While the law protects the freedom of both internal movement and foreign travel, foreign citizens require exit visas to leave Mongolia, which can be denied on various grounds, including involvement in commercial disputes or civil complaints. In 2014, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) accepted a claim against Mongolia lodged by a U.S. businessman who, along with two colleagues, had been denied exit since 2012 because of allegations of tax evasion. The exit ban had remained in place despite multiple court rulings that the allegations are not supported by sufficient evidence.
The rights to own property and to establish private businesses are legally protected but sometimes constrained by bureaucratic obstacles or weak enforcement of laws. In recent years, the government has simplified requirements and procedures for the establishment and operation of businesses.
The 2011 Law on Gender Equality was intended to increase the participation of women in the political, economic, and civic spheres. While women comprise 60 percent of all university students as well as 60 percent of all judges, they hold only 9 parliamentary seats despite a 20 percent quota on female candidates in the 2012 parliamentary elections. Spousal abuse is prohibited by law, but social and cultural norms continue to discourage victims from reporting such crimes, and the incidence—particularly in connection with alcohol abuse—remains high. In 2014, the government enacted a hotline to provide emergency assistance to victims of domestic abuse.
Mongolia is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children who are subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor. The government has continued efforts to eliminate trafficking, though funding for such programs has been inadequate.
Although Mongolia’s mineral-based mining boom has led to high economic growth since 2011, the country suffers from high levels of poverty, particularly in rural areas. Rural migrants to the capital have in recent years settled in the city’s outskirts, where there is often poor access to sanitation, employment, and education. Moreover, underdeveloped fiscal policies and the mismanagement of resource revenues have limited the impact of the economic boom on human development.
Scoring Key: X / Y (Z)
X = Score Received
Y = Best Possible Score
Z = Change from Previous Year
Full Methodology
Source URL: https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2015/mongolia
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FFI is in the business of real, lasting change that comes when people fundamentally reconsider how they think about their work and the world around them—as opposed to just tinkering with what they do. We’re changing how systems and communities understand and address some of our nation’s toughest challenges and seeing results across issues as diverse as poverty, housing, juvenile justice, domestic violence and child welfare.
Since 2009, FFI and a pioneering group of change leaders, systems, and community programs across the country have been demonstrating the promise of shifting attention from short‐term fixes that leave new challenges in their wake, to fostering wellbeing—the needs and experiences necessary for health and hope. We’re showing it’s not about new programs—it’s about reallocating existing resources and unleashing the potential that exists in families and communities.
We’ve seen the transformational power of this work for the last ten years, yet we know that we’ve just scratched the surface of what’s possible.
As we enter our second decade, demand, opportunity and need are increasing, and we have ambitious plans to grow our reach and impact. Over the next five years, FFI will:
Triple our demonstration partnerships, moving into new geographies and fields including healthcare;
Launch partnerships with extraordinary community change agents to bring this shift to over 50,000 people a year in neighborhoods across the country;
Increase our evaluation, communications and storytelling capabilities to bring attention to what’s possible when we foster wellbeing;
Build out tools and offerings so that far more people and communities can take first steps to shift from short-term fixes to fostering long-term wellbeing.
Investment from visionary philanthropists such as the Gunds is what we need to fulfill this vision. We’re deeply grateful for their support and excited for what lies ahead. Their game-changing challenge is an opportunity none of us can afford to let FFI miss.
To learn more about our plans for growth, and how to help us meet this $2 million challenge, please contact Matthew Leger-Small, Special Assistant to the CEO (matthew@fullframeinitiative.org or 413-522-4253).
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Kindo
Monday August 5, 2019 7:00pm
Happy However After Headline Tour
Sirintip, Adrian Bellue, Wakeview
Kindo (The Reign Of Kindo) has become one of the most unlikely phenomenons to infiltrate the modern music world. Almost ten years since their debut EP hit #5 on the Billboard Middle Atlantic Heatseekers chart in 2007, this band has only just begun to emerge from their decade-long journey from rags to… better rags with resumes. In an industry where big money and privilege can buy you radio play, Kindo managed to rack up over 3 million views on youtube, over 2.5 Million Spotify plays, & Sell over 30,000 records across the globe, all without the help of any major label. It has become evident, theirs is the sort of sound that so many music lovers are eager to discover and enjoy.
The band has become prolific in recent days; writing and producing a brand new song every month since late 2016. These efforts are made possible by a continually impressive showing of support from their most devoted fans on Patreon. (Patreon.com/thereignofkindo) Patrons receive a brand new song each month, at least a year before it is compiled onto an album to be released in the marketplace. They released their 4th full length, ‘Happy However After’ in April 2018. The new body of work is a continued exploration of neo-soul, post-rock, R&B as well as the next chapter in the story of their unique blend of sounds.
Every Kindo track since 2006 has been produced in-house by the band, engineered & mixed by frontman, Joey Secchiaroli. The music is made solely with the band & it’s fans in mind.
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Monday June 17, 2019 7:00pm
mc chris is rapper from the Libertyville, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. He was one of the first rappers to focus solely on nerd life, rapping about Star Wars, Harry Potter, ninjas and unrequited love. And he’s the only rapper that was ever an animator for Cartoon Network for five years.
mc was one of the pioneers of Adult Swim. He was writer, actor, songwriter and animator for shows like Sealab 2021, The Brak Show, Space Ghost Coast to Coast and Aqua Teen Hunger Force. He has voiced characters on several Adult Swim pilots such as Welcome to Eltingville, Cheyenne Cinnamon, Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell and Tight Bros. He was also a producer of on air content for over a year before leaving Williams Street in Atlanta to pursue a career in music.
mc has since released 18 albums and has crossed America countless times, touring as a headliner as well as opening for bands like Pinback, Reggie and the Full Effect and Ninja Sex Party. He’s collaborated with Talib Kweli, Andrew WK, Cee-Lo and Childish Gambino. He’s performed at SXSW, PAX, Fun Fun Fest, Bamboozle, Warped Tour, GwarBQ, The Gathering, Comicon, Dragoncon and countless others conventions. His music has been featured in Kevin Smith’s “Zak and Miri Make a Porno,” “Jay and Silent Bob’s Super Groovy Cartoon Movie” and he has composed several themes for Smith’s Smodcast podcast network. mc’s song “Hoodie Ninja” was featured in both a national Honda commercial and America’s Funniest Home Videos. Other songs have been featured in Comedy Central’s “Broad City” and Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance?”
mc raises money to fight Cystic Fibrosis. Inspired by his nephew who has CF, mc chris and his fans have raised over $150,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation through eBay sales and donations collected at live shows.
mc kickstarted “The mc chris Cartoon” an animated extension of the skit universe featured on his records. Thanks to donations from his fans, he raised over $60,000 and produced a six minute pilot presentation with the animation company Titmouse Inc. His ultimate goal is to make the cartoon and has moved to LA with his wife and four year old son to make it a reality.
His last album, “mc chris is good music” charted on Billboard, debuting at #2 in the comedy genre. A Marvel Album is expected in 2019 followed by a Middle Earth themed album in 2020.
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no-nonsense pr for the building industry
Fire doors must play central role
September 19, 2017 foundationpr
Even without the shocking and tragic events at Grenfell Tower in the equation, the amount of people dying in fire incidents in the UK is shocking.
5.5 people in every million people in England died in fires in 2015-16. That rises to a horrifying 19.5 in the over 80 age bracket. Yet still not every home in the country has a working smoke alarm.
Perhaps most shocking of all is that people living in shared and rented accommodation are 7 times more likely to die in a fire. A chilling statistic in the light of the events at Grenfell.
Fire Door Safety Week (25 Sep – 1 Oct 2017) aims to highlight the importance of fire doors in preventing the spread of fire, protecting escape routes and aiding fire fighters. The organisation, set up to train and certify qualified fire door inspectors, found that over 61% of the doors it inspected had fire or smoke seals either missing, installed incorrectly or not filling perimeter gaps correctly. Almost a fifth had unsuitable hinges. Over a third had excessive gaps between the door and its frame. And those figures don’t even include doors which had been wedged open illegally or whose closer had been disabled.
As the inquiry into the Grenfell disaster gets underway, it is vital to maintain pressure on Responsible Persons (under the RRO) to take the important role of fire doors seriously and to increase budgets for their specification, installation and maintenance.
Maybe I’m having a grumpy day. But these LinkedIn annoyances give me the rage
Yes it’s autumn. Yes the nights are drawing in. And I’m on a diet. And doing Septemperence. So there’s a teeny tiny chance I could be being a tad touchy today. But here’s 10 things that get on my last nerve on LinkedIn and put me off connecting or doing business with someone:
Hashtags. This isn’t Twitter. In fact, just don’t share every Twitter update on LinkedIn. Different platforms, different audiences, different messages. I know LinkedIn are keen to get us hashtagging. But I am resisting.
I don’t want to help you choose your profile picture – especially when it’s just an excuse to get compliments or show off your cleavage.
I don’t want to hear your political views on LinkedIn. Chances are I don’t want to hear them at all. Ever.
I don’t want God’s blessings or your religious views on LinkedIn either.
It’s. Its. There. Their. They’re. Accept. Except. Passed. Past. Get your grammar right. And your spelling while you’re at it!
Wacky job titles. You’re not a ‘Thought leader’ or a ‘Brand Evangelist’ or a ‘Marketing Rock Star’. You’re a consultant, brand manager or marketing manager. Don’t even start me on the gurus, ninjas and trailblazers. Apart from being totally eye roll-worthy, they will make you hard to find in LinkedIn searches. Unless someone is specifically looking for a Change Magician.
‘Inspirational’ quotes and memes. This isn’t facebook! Find out why I loathe these in particular https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/inspiration-schminspiration-helen-curry?published=t
Too much, too often. Once a day is pushing it. More than one update a day has me reaching for the “remove Connection” button.
Stop being proud. I don’t mean you shouldn’t be proud of your successes. Far from it. Pride is great. But starting every update with “Proud to be associated…” or “proud to be specified…” starts to grate.
Changed your profile picture? Added a first aid certificate you gained in 1987? Updating your A-Level grades? Lovely! I don’t need to know about every change you make to your profile. I’m happy to hear about big changes like a new job, but I don’t need to know when you correct a typo in your Summary.
So please, for the love of Pete, change your settings so I don’t see it. Here’s how: Privacy and settings –> Privacy –> Sharing Profile Edits –> Toggle the button to “no”.
Oh that feels better. Sometimes it’s good to get things off your chest isn’t it? Now, don’t say I didn’t tell you!
The prize that no architect wants to win
September 14, 2017 September 14, 2017 foundationpr
Very few things divide opinion more readily than architecture. Ask Prince Charles. The Carbuncle Cup, awarded (and only reluctantly accepted I’m sure) to the year’s ugliest building, is named after his famous comment about a proposed extension to the National Gallery being a “monstrous carbuncle”. It is awarded each year by architectural magazine Building Design to the building that is considered by a panel of experts to be “the ugliest building in the United Kingdom completed in the last 12 months”.
This year’s winning (losing?) carbuncle was announced last week. It is Nova Victoria, a mixed-use scheme in London’s Victoria designed by PLP Architecture. The design is based on a triangular arrangement which, as a non-architect myself, would seem to be a spectacularly awkward shape to work with and to work in. I certainly wouldn’t want the office on the top floor of the main red-clad fin like structure – it looks like it would be hardly wide enough to fit a desk in.
The design is based on a triangular arrangement which, as a non-architect myself, would seem to be a spectacularly awkward shape to work with and to work in.
Nova bagged this award against strong (weak?) opposition including a new entrance for Preston station that looks like it was designed by someone whose set square had gone wrong, and an extension to a beautiful brick-built period house that could pass muster as a nuclear bunker built of Lego bricks.
Of course, this criticism of contemporary architecture began long before the Carbuncle Cup was launched in 2006. The Eiffel tower – “that hideous tower” – was widely derided in the 19th century as ruining Haussmann’s elegant low-rise city vision. And Gaudi’s masterpiece la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona has been derided and criticised since building began on it in 1882. Doubtless Rome’s Colosseum and Athens’s Parthenon had their detractors when they were built. Fewer branches of the contemporary arts is as public – and therefore open to widespread criticism – as architecture. Much of architectural design is subjective and one person’s carbuncle is another’s beauty spot. So, while the Carbuncle Cup is perhaps meant in the slightly tongue-in-cheek tone that its title suggests, let’s hope it doesn’t deter architects – particularly young ones – from taking risks and building innovative new buildings.
Read more about the Carbuncle Cup here: Building Design Carbuncle Cup
Fire door lessons must be learned
August 23, 2017 foundationpr
The terrible tragedy of the fire at Grenfell Tower has once again highlighted the importance of fire prevention design and products in our buildings, both private and public.
My particular interest in this field is in fire doors. A correctly fitted and functioning fire door can help to suppress a fire by restricting the amount of oxygen available to it and will restrict the spread of fire – a closed fire-resisting door is designed to endure direct attack by fire for a specified period of time. This should slow and check the spread of fire through the building, gaining time for active fire protection resources to perform. It will also protect escape and continue to provide some protection for fire fighters entering the building.
In the immediate aftermath of the blaze, it has been reported that literally hundreds of fire doors are missing from tower blocks evacuated as a safety precaution in Camden alone.(http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/hundreds-of-fire-doors-were-missing-from-tower-blocks-evacuated-in-camden-a3573551.html). To be honest this doesn’t come as a surprise to me. Too often I see examples of fire doors which are either inappropriate or not fit for purpose, often as a result of lowest tender purchasing policies but often as a consequence of ignorance. And that doesn’t include the fire doors that are wedged and propped open that I see regularly on my travels.
It seems that the lessons of the last major fire in a social housing setting in London at Lakanal House in 2009 have not been learned. In that case – where six people tragically died in a blaze in a 14-story block – missing, faulty, ineffective and propped-open fire doors played a major role in the spread of the fire https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/feb/28/southwark-council-fined-570000-over-fatal-tower-block-fire
It seems that the lessons of the last major fire in a social housing setting in London at Lakanal House in 2009 have not been learned.
After the trial of Southwark Council in the aftermath of the Lakanal House fire, Dan Daly, LFB’s assistant commissioner for fire safety, said: “All landlords, including large housing providers, such as councils and housing associations, have a clear responsibility under the law that their premises meet all fire safety requirements and are effectively maintained to provide protection in the event of a fire and keep their residents safe. We want them to take the opportunity provided by this court case to remind themselves of exactly what their fire safety responsibilities are under the law and to ensure that everyone in their premises is safe from the risk of fire.”
Since 2006, responsibility for maintaining fire and escape doors has been placed firmly with the building owners and operators since the introduction of the RRO (Regulatory Reform Order) which came into effect in October of that year. The RRO – which applies to England and Wales – covers the fire safety duties required to protect the “relevant person” – visitors, residents, staff etc. Building owners must show that they have carried out a risk assessment on their premises – and this includes ensuring that fire and escape doors have been specced and fitted correctly and, importantly, appropriately maintained. They must also be able to produce the documentation to show that the products are suitable for their application, proving that all parties have exercised due diligence in fulfilling their duty of care.
As the enquiries into this terrible tragedy at Grenfell Tower progress, the role that fire doors did or did not play in the fire will doubtless emerge and the importance of correctly specified, installed and maintained fire doors in saving lives will, without question, once more become apparent.
Social Media Dos and Don’ts
Call Helen Curry on 07932 332331 or email helencurry@foundationpr.co.uk for more insights
Ten golden rules for your LinkedIn profile picture
(Or “You Don’t Get a Second Chance to Make a First Impression”)
Remember that old dandruff shampoo ad? The one about making a first impression? Well research shows that first time visitors to your LinkedIn profile page will spend 19% of their time looking at your picture. So make sure it does you and your professional image justice.
Here are 10 easy rules to make sure your picture says the right thousand words about you:
Actually have a picture. Nothing more off-putting than a half baked, half complete profile – especially one with the grey silhouette of doom. This is especially vital if your name is common. There are more than 50 Helen Currys on LinkedIn – I’d like to think you’ve got the one you were looking for!
Use a professional shot. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune but the difference that a photographer can make to how professional you look is immense. Plus, they will always get your best side!
Head and shoulders please (back to that dandruff shampoo!) – not just your eyes. Or so far away I can hardly see you. On LinkedIn I’m less interested in your six pack and more interested in being able to recognise you at a networking event.
Use a neutral background. You want to you be the star of this show, not the background.
Be in a professional setting – not the pub. Or the beach. Or your bathroom. That’s for dating sites and maybe Facebook, not a professional networking site
No selfies please! It’s not just my teenage daughters who find the selfie to be “soooo embarrassing!”
Be alone in your picture – not with your partner, or kids or dog. I don’t want to have to work out by a process of elimination which one is you!
Smile. Go on. You want to look approachable, friendly, and connectable.
Make it a picture of you – not a beach, or a building, or, worse still, an avatar. Your company logo won’t cut the mustard either. LinkedIn is about personal connections (unless it’s a company page of course!)
Make it current. Come on! Who are you kidding?
If you don’t believe me, have a scroll down your suggested LinkedIn connections. Take a long hard look at the pictures and ask yourself: is that a picture of a person I want to do business with? Then apply the same scrutiny to your own picture. If you don’t like what you see, change it!
If you want to help make you LinkedIn profile All-Star then call 01268 655541 and ask us how
If you want to talk to UK architects, you HAVE to be on Twitter
November 7, 2014 August 23, 2017 foundationpr
I remember that the first PR agency boss I ever worked for said that architects were among the three most sold-to professions in the UK – have a guess who he reckoned the other two are…more on that later.
If your business relies on talking to architects then nowadays you have to talk to them where they are hanging out – and that’s Twitter.
Many construction products companies I talk to are sceptical. “Isn’t twitter just full of footballers and pop stars?” they say. But that’s simply not the case. It’s not all about David Beckham and Taylor Swift. Twitter is the place to engage with architects in a positive and proactive way.
Architects have always been a tricky group to target and nobody is arguing that the more established ways of interacting with them should be abandoned. But in the same way that the traditional paper catalogue has largely been superseded by digital versions and web sites, it’s vital to move with the times and interact on social media.
Nowadays architects are all over social media – like a rash. Predominantly Twitter but Instagram is also popular. Su Butcher, perhaps one of the leading experts on social media in the construction industry, often quotes research which says that 44% of architects are using Twitter for work. Not, as Su points out AT work to check the latest on the Kardashians’ love lives, but FOR work. (Incidentally, if you are on Twitter yourself, you could do worse than follow Su @SuButcher).
44% of architects are using Twitter for work. Not, AT work, but FOR work.
Think of it this way. Twitter is only a different platform for doing things that you are already doing in your business. It is brilliant for:
Building your brand and getting it in front of the right people (PR)
Searching for and engaging with potential customers (prospecting)
Engaging with existing contacts (customer service)
Driving traffic to your businesses and its web sites (marketing)
So don’t dismiss Twitter if your business relies on talking to architects. It’s here to stay. Embrace it.
And for those of you interested in the other two highly marketed professions…my old boss said it was doctors and farmers but I’m not sure how much science there was behind that assertion!
To find out how you can get started on twitter and engage with architects and other key target markets, give me a call on 07932332331
Helen Curry, Director, Foundation Media
PR AND SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGNS THAT GET RESULTS
Foundation is a small, well-established PR and social media agency, specialising in b2b in the construction industry
Want to talk to architects? Head for Twitter
No brickies. And no bricks. How Brexit might affect building materials supplies
WHAT NOT TO POST ON LINKEDIN Or WHY I DON’T CARE WHETHER YOUR KIDS CAN DANCE
HARD TIMES FOR DOOR HARDWARE?
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Tag: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
African-American Firsts, Architecture, Commemorations, Community, Hair & Beauty, History, Home & Travel, Landmarks, U.S. December 21, 2017 December 22, 2017
Madam C.J. Walker’s “Villa Lewaro” Estate in New York Protected as National Treasure with Preservation Easement
Madame CJ Walker; Villa Lewaro, exterior and interior (photos: David Bohl; Walker Family Archives)
by Lori Lakin Hutcherson (@lakinhutcherson)
On the heels of launching the African-American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, the largest preservation campaign ever undertaken on behalf of African-American history, the National Trust for Historic Preservation announced a preservation easement on Madam C.J. Walker’s estate, Villa Lewaro. A powerful preservation tool, the easement prevents current and future owners from making adverse changes to or demolishing the estate’s historic, cultural and architectural features.
Madam C.J. Walker (December 23, 1867–May 25, 1919), America’s first self-made female millionaire, commissioned Villa Lewaro, her “Dream of Dreams,” at the height of her wealth and prominence as inventor and entrepreneur of haircare products for African-American women. Constructed in 1918, alongside the Hudson River in Irvington, New York, Madam Walker’s elegant residence was built to inspire African-Americans to reach their highest potential.
Designed by Vertner Tandy—the first African-American registered architect in the state of New York and one of the seven founders of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.—the 34-room mansion served as the intellectual gathering place for notable leaders of the Harlem Renaissance, such as W. E. B. Du Bois and Langston Hughes.
“On the 150th anniversary of her birth, we are delighted to have played a lead role in the lasting protection of Madam C.J. Walker’s tangible legacy,” said Brent Leggs, director of the National Trust’s African-American Cultural Heritage Action Fund. “The legal protection of irreplaceable historic sites like Villa Lewaro, one of the most significant places in women’s history, is essential in telling the full American story and inspiring future generations.”
Since designating the site as a National Treasure in 2014, the National Trust has worked with Villa Lewaro’s current owners and exceptional stewards, Ambassador and Mrs. Harold E. Doley, Jr., to recognize its architectural and historical significance and secure long-term protections before the property changes hands. The easement marks a successful culmination of those efforts.
Villa Lewaro stands as a living monument to Madam Walker’s entrepreneurial spirit and remains central to understanding her unprecedented achievement during an era when neither women nor African Americans were considered full citizens. Soon to be portrayed by award-winning actress Octavia Spencer in a series produced by LeBron James, Madam Walker’s story of persistence continues to inspire a growing number of African-American women taking leadership roles in business, politics, philanthropy, and other industries.
To learn more about the National Trust’s commitment to expand America’s view of history and bring attention to centuries of African-American activism and achievement, please visit: www.savingplaces.org/african-american-cultural-heritage
Filed under: African-American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, black architects, Brent Leggs, LeBron James, Madam C.J. Walker, National Treasure, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Octavia Spencer, Vertner Tandy, Villa Lewaro
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You are here: Home / E-Book News / Amazon Rapids ditches subscription model and is now free
Amazon Rapids ditches subscription model and is now free
August 2, 2018 By Michael Kozlowski 1 Comment
Amazon Rapids is an Android and iOS app that launched in 2016 and it features short stories for kids. All of the content is delivered in the style of an instant messaging app and are told through the lens of characters chatting with each other, one message at a time. Over the course of the past two years Amazon charged $2.99 per month for access, but they have just ditched the subscription model and the app is now completely free.
All of the stories available on Amazon Rapids are aimed at kids ages 5 to 12 and generally just silly and fun. They’re not meant to addict kids through the use of cliffhangers and timeouts, nor are they scary. Some of these stories will also be available to listen to through Alexa’s Storytime mode, which was launched last summer. All you need to do is install the skill and ask Alexa to read you a bedtime story.
Last Summer Amazon pushed out a big update to the Rapids app, called Signature Stories which brings new stories from children’s TV shows, Niko and the Sword of Light and Danger & Eggs, to the app. Kids can read along with some of their favorite characters and celebrity voice talent including Aidy Bryant in Danger & Eggs and Tom Kenny in Niko and the Sword of Light. These original stories are authored by the shows’ writers and give a glimpse into unique adventures that take place beyond the TV series storylines.
The future of Rapids might be in serious doubt. New content added to the platform is few and far between. Amazon initially launched the program to cash in on the growing popularity of chat based stories from Wattpad Tap and Hooked.
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Grizzly Peak Films' Blog and News
Covering news and events for a grass roots film company
Shadows and Light
Posted on September 27, 2010 by Fast Fish Productions
Scouting some locations for a film we were doing near Bodega Bay, my cinematographer turned to me and smiled as we walked away from this beautiful old boat, beached on the sand at the foot of the Northern California waterway. “This is going to be bloody brilliant”, he said. I just smiled back as I often did when he would have these outbursts without warning.
But that was just what Neil Lisk was.
Bloody brilliant.
On Wednesday, September 22, that brilliance joined the brilliance on the other side of “God’s Golden Shore” unexpectedly for all of us. But like all bright comets, a trail was left behind. And that trail was not only in his personal life with his family, including his wife Liz and their beautiful daughter Millie, as well as his friends, but in his unique profession as well; a Cinematographer.
As an actor, director and amateur photographer I shared his interests and passion with images, shadows and light. The puzzle of solving a particular sequence or orientation of the camera to tell a story in deeper ways than even the eye could see was part of our mutual joy of creating. Our short hand mode of communication about shooting developed quickly over three films, so much so that if there was a certain film or painting that I was trying to use as a blueprint for a given film or scene, he knew it. And if he didn’t, 24 hours later he did. He managed to balance out the need for expediency and yet maintain the level of perfection that we all strove for. And even in moments where I would see others’ goals of perfection wane, his never did.
The relationship between a director and cinematographer is one of the most constant and intense communication lived out on a set. For many years I used to feel the actor/director relationship was the most intimate but as I became more aware of the film making process I was participating in, I realized as strong as that relationship is, there was another more collaborative one.
As an actor I worked with Neil and my good friend, and his, Steven R. Monroe several times. From this actor’s vantage point I became aware of their process together and how from beginning to end it was a constant pulse of assembly and problem solving that involved not only the creative construction of the film but the mathematics of production efficiency. I noted this to myself so by the first time Neil and I stepped on set together as director and cinematographer on “God’s Ears” I knew we were going to be moving ahead together, shoulder to shoulder. I had very little money to offer him and very few days to get a respectable job done, but Neil grabbed the subject matter with both hands and dove in with me.
And though his ability as a technician and creative thinker are the easiest aspect of him to recall, it was his people skills that set him apart from many of the others in this very surprisingly non-people sensitive business, period. His receptiveness in connecting to the actors on and off set was better than most directors I have worked with. He made those feel comfortable in front of that large and threatening glass eyeball of the camera. My grandmother who at 86 years old had only to have faced the unobtrusive lens of a super 8mm camera when I was a child, was put at ease during the “God’s Ears” shoot, not by her grandson’s directorial skills, but rather the non threatening and jovial approach of his cameraman. His timing of when to make someone laugh and when to snap them to energetic attention was a gift. And one I appreciated more and more as we worked together.
I have appreciated the talents and knowledge of the cinematographer my whole life. As a director, I may know the look I want, I may know the mise-en scene I have staged in my head and I may understand that the only light I want filling the scene is the key coming in through the far window. But I’ll be damned if I know how to technically make it happen the way I see it. And somehow Neil heard what I said, even if he didn’t at times agree with it, and went out and made it happen.
While shooting under great constraints and duress in Wisconsin on our last movie together as director and cameraman, Fort McCoy, we were sitting alone on a hill overlooking a location we had found. We had just finished an extensive day together going over all the viable places to shoot effectively. The talent, writers and producers had still not arrived from Los Angeles and we were only a few days away from shooting. The pre-production over the last two weeks had almost been entirely just the two of us in a part of the world neither of us knew. The film was set during World War 2 and we were now surrounded by rolling hills of green and an unreal blue sky wrapping over our heads with only the chirp of crickets providing any sound.
Neil suddenly stood up and walked into this giant vast field of flowers and reeds before us. He bent down once he was a good 100 yards away and pulled up this unusual flower and brought it over to show me. “This is great, huh?”, he said.
I looked at him quizzically and asked, “did you see that all the way from here”?
He gave me that straight faced look that only he could and said, “you don’t have to see something to know it’s there”.
I feel that way about you now brother. I know you’re there. You always will be. As you have helped set the pace in my work and my life and for that I will be forever grateful.
All my love.
Lesbian News
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21 December 2014 21 December 2014 Guy CooksonBlue, Joan Anderson, Joni Mitchell, Kilauren Gibb, Little Green, Toronto
From Time:
In the summer of 1964, a willowy but pregnant 20-year-old singer named Joan Anderson arrived in Toronto from her native province of Saskatchewan to face a painful decision. Penniless and afraid to tell her parents, she gave birth as a charity patient at a local hospital to a blue-eyed baby girl she named Kelly Dale. The father, a student who had accompanied her to Toronto, was out of the picture, so Joni hastily married folk singer Chuck Mitchell, hoping to make a home for her baby. “I kept trying to find some kind of circumstance where I could stay with her,” she would later tell the Los Angeles Times. But when that relationship foundered, Mitchell reluctantly put the baby up for adoption.
Soon afterward she moved to New York City, where in the song Little Green, from her chart-topping album Blue, she memorialized the loss:
“Child with a child pretending / Weary of lies you are sending home / So you sign all the papers in the family name / You’re sad and you’re sorry but you’re not ashamed / Little green have a happy ending”
Thirty years later that wish came true. Last week Mitchell and her daughter, a former model and computer student named Kilauren Gibb, confirmed that they had found each other. Their reunion followed years of searching by both women–and put a new focus on the larger issue of access to adoption records.
Kilauren, who had had a happy childhood in a middle-class Toronto suburb, began her search in 1992, after her parents, both teachers, told her she was adopted. Asked in an interview with Toronto’s City TV why they waited so long, Kilauren said, “Because they loved me. They wanted me to be comfortable.” Pregnant with her own child, she filed an application with a public agency to find out who her birth mother was. Then she waited. And waited. Finally, this January she received a brief “nonidentifying” description of her mother. She was a folk singer born in the prairie town of Saskatoon, of Norwegian-Scottish descent, who suffered polio as a child. Encouraged by friends who had heard of Mitchell’s search and who thought that she resembled the singer, Gibb found a Joni Mitchell Website and began clicking off the biographical details she found there: blue eyes, blond hair, long limbs, Saskatchewan.
← Rick Rubin on the beginning of Def Jam
Holiday lights seen from space →
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Don’t Trust Your Gut
Eric Bonabeau
8.95 Buy Copies
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The Idea in Brief
Executives today are in a real bind: The choices facing us—and the data requiring our analysis—have multiplied, while time for decision-making has shrunk. One decision-making tool—intuition—seems to offer a reliable, faster alternative to painstaking data gathering and study. Indeed, 45% of executives rely more on instinct than facts and figures to run their businesses.
Intuition has its place in decision making. But detached from rigorous analysis, it’s fickle—leading to disaster as often as success. The more options you’re evaluating, and the more complex and unfamiliar your challenges, the less you should emphasize instinct over reason.
How to break the bind of too many choices, too little time? Use decision-support software to quickly sort through your many alternatives—and select the best ones.
The Idea in Practice
Our Untrustworthy Gut
Intuition—interpreting and reaching conclusions about phenomena without conscious thought—carries dangerous biases. We givedisproportionate weight to:
information confirming, not challenging,our assumptions;
conclusions justifying, not upending,the status quo; and
information we receive first—which distorts our interpretation of subsequent data.
Most troubling, we seek patterns in new situations even when they don’t exist. Interpretinga new threat by squeezing it into an old pattern, we miss what makes it different—and risk taking the wrong action. Pattern seeking also cuts off thinking when we should stay open to choices as long as possible before making final decisions.
Expanding the Mind
If we can’t rely on intuition—but lack time to analyze complex situations—how can we make the best choices? Consider these computer-based tools:
helps managers make decisions about problems with many interrelated but unpredictable elements—such as global markets, supply chains, and large organizations. A computer creates thousands of individual actors, then each makes decisions, simulating complex systems’ dynamics. Southwest Airlines used agent-based modeling to revamp its cargo-handling rules—saving $2 million on labor annually.
In, computers emulate nature—combining and mutating the best available options to create even better ones.
You run a factory and want to determine the production schedule that will maximize plant output. You randomly generate alternative schedules and feed them into your software—which evaluates each schedule, picks the few best, then randomly pairs them. The resulting set combines the prior generation’s characteristics while introducing random characteristics as mutations. The software continues mating rounds, generating increasingly better solutions.
In, people judge each generation of computer-generated alternatives. One automobile manufacturer employed artificial-evolution software to pump out new design iterations quickly—then designers used subjective aesthetic judgment to pick promising ones for new mating rounds.
In, software generates and sorts through potential solutions to business problems with unbounded options and ill-defined success criteria.
A petrochemical company uses open-ended searching to evaluate innumerable pricing-strategy options. The software breaks strategies into component parts and identifies rules; for example, “If volume is > 100, price = X” and “If winter is cold, price decreases.” The computer adds random rules, then additional rule combinations, to produce new strategies for testing.
Making high-stakes business decisions has always been hard. But in recent decades, as the complexities of global commerce have deepened, it’s become tougher than ever. The choices facing managers and the data requiring analysis have multiplied even as the time for analyzing them has shrunk.
One decision-making tool—human intuition—seems to offer a reliable alternative to painstaking fact gathering and analysis. Encouraged by scientific research on intuition, top managers feel increasingly confident that, when faced with complicated choices, they can just trust their gut. Indeed, a survey that was conducted in May 2002 by executive search firm Christian & Timbers reveals that fully 45% of corporate executives now rely more on instinct than on facts and figures in running their businesses. Decision-making consultant Gary Klein, in his book Intuition at Work, expresses the common wisdom when he says that intuition is “at the center of the decision-making process” and that analysis is, at best, “a supporting tool for making intuitive decisions.”
The trust in intuition is understandable. People have always sought to put their faith in mystical forces when confronted with earthly confusion. But it’s also dangerous. Intuition has its place in decision making—you should not ignore your instincts any more than you should ignore your conscience—but anyone who thinks that intuition is a substitute for reason is indulging in a risky delusion. Detached from rigorous analysis, intuition is a fickle and undependable guide—it is as likely to lead to disaster as to success. And while some have argued that intuition becomes more valuable in highly complex and changeable environments, the opposite is actually true. The more options you have to evaluate, the more data you have to weigh, and the more unprecedented the challenges you face, the less you should rely on instinct and the more on reason and analysis.
That brings us back to the essential conundrum facing today’s harried executive: How do you analyze more in less time? The answer may lie, it now appears, in technology. Powerful new decision-support tools can help executives quickly sort through vast numbers of alternatives and pick the best ones. When combined with the experience, insight, and analytical skills of a good management team, these tools offer companies a way to make consistently sound and rational choices even in the face of bewildering complexity—a capability that intuition will never match.
Intuition’s Allure
The stories are certainly seductive. Fred Smith has an insight into the transport business and, despite widespread skepticism, goes on to create Federal Express. Michael Eisner hears a pitch for an offbeat game show and, knowing in his heart it’s going to be a blockbuster, immediately commits millions to developing Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? George Soros senses in his bones a big shift in currency markets and, acting on that hunch, makes a billion-dollar killing. Robert Pittman has a vision of the future of on-line media while taking a shower and rushes to lead America Online in an entirely new direction.
The reason such tales (whether apocryphal or not) have become business legends is that we want to believe in the transformative power of intuition. For one thing, it’s romantic. It raises business above the drab world of spreadsheets and income statements and turns it into something of an art form. The executive office becomes a place of inspiration and vision rather than planning and number crunching. For another, it simplifies. It says that we needn’t worry if we can’t decipher complex challenges rationally—our subconscious mind will automatically deliver the right answer. We just need to relax, close our eyes, and let the magic happen.
Finally, it makes us feel special. Any idiot can run the numbers, but the gift of a good gut—that’s reserved for the true business elite. Two years ago in these pages, Johnson & Johnson CEO Ralph Larsen gave voice to this common, if unproven, assumption: “Very often, people will do a brilliant job up through the middle management levels, where it’s very heavily quantitative in terms of the decision-making. But then they reach senior management, where the problems get more complex and ambiguous, and we discover that their judgment or intuition is not what it should be.” What better way to justify a high status—and a huge salary—than to claim the superhuman power of exceptional instinct.
But our desire to believe in the wisdom of intuition blinds us to the less romantic realities of business decision making. We remember the examples of hunches that pay off but conveniently forget all the ones that turn out badly. FedEx’s Fred Smith also launched ZapMail, a proprietary network for fax transmissions that bombed. Michael Eisner was responsible for the debacle of the EuroDisney opening, not to mention recent box-office turkeys The Country Bears and Treasure Planet. George Soros lost a fortune speculating in Russian securities in the late 1990s and then promptly lost another one betting on tech stocks in 2000. And as for AOL’s Pittman, his instinctive belief that the company’s future lay in advertising rather than subscriptions now appears to be less a brilliant insight than a brilliant mistake—and one of the reasons he’s no longer employed at AOL. The unhappy fact that we’d prefer not to admit to ourselves is this: For every example of a great gut decision, there’s an equal and opposite example of a terrible one.
Critiques of intuition are complicated by the fact that “intuition” is such a slippery word. Its definition can be stretched to mean almost anything, from innate instinct to professional judgment to plain-old common sense. But people generally agree that intuition refers to the brain’s process of interpreting and reaching conclusions about phenomena without resorting to conscious thought. And further, it’s usually assumed that this process draws on the mind’s vast storehouse of memories. Bruce Henderson, founder of the Boston Consulting Group, may have put it best when, in 1977, he called intuition “the subconscious integration of all the experiences, conditioning, and knowledge of a lifetime, including the cultural and emotional biases of that lifetime.”
It’s certainly true that the mind is a marvelous processor of information—we would be lost in the world without its hidden stream of calculations. But it’s also true, as Henderson intimated, that it’s an imperfect processor. Scholars of human cognition have shown that our thinking is subject to all sorts of biases and flaws, most of which operate at a subconscious level—at the level, in other words, of intuition. We naturally give more weight to information that confirms our assumptions and prejudices, for example, while dismissing information that would call them into question. We’re also creatures of the status quo, drawn to conclusions that justify and perpetuate current conditions and repelled by anything that would roil the waters. And we’re irrationally influenced by the first information we receive on a particular subject—it becomes, as decision researchers put it, the “anchor” that determines and distorts how we process all subsequent data.
The most dangerous of these flaws, when it comes to intuition, is our deep-seated need to see patterns. The mind’s well-documented facility for pattern recognition seems to lie at the very core of intuition—it’s how the brain synthesizes information from the past and uses it to understand the present and anticipate the future. But it can get us into trouble. Researchers have shown that our unconscious desire to identify patterns is so strong that we routinely perceive them where they don’t in fact exist. When confronted with a new phenomenon, our brains try to categorize it based on our previous experiences, to fit it into one of the patterns stored in our memories. The problem is that, in making that fit, we inevitably filter out the very things that make the new phenomenon new—we rush to recycle the reactions and solutions from the past.
That instinct, seemingly hardwired into our thinking by evolution, is extremely useful in life-or-death situations where fine distinctions are irrelevant. If you were a caveman and had seen strange animals maul other cavemen in the past, then it would probably be wise for you to flee from any strange animal you happened to come across—even if you’d never seen the beast before. The benefit of a careful analysis of the situation would be far outweighed by the risk of inaction. But managers are not cavemen. In complex business situations, fine distinctions do matter—often, they’re precisely what separates success from failure. If you try to interpret a competitive threat or market upheaval by simply squeezing it into an old pattern, you’re likely to miss what makes it different—and take the wrong action. Intuition is a means not of assessing complexity but of ignoring it. That’s valuable if you’re a firefighter in a burning building or a soldier on a battlefield. It’s not valuable if you’re an executive faced with a pressing decision about investing millions in a new product for a rapidly changing market.
The more complex the situation, the more misleading intuition becomes. In a truly chaotic environment—where cause and effect no longer have a linear relationship—the last thing you want to do is try to apply patterns to it. The essence of such an environment is the lack of any discernible pattern in its evolution. In his McKinsey Quarterly article “On the Origin of Strategies,” consultant Eric Beinhocker put it this way: “The properties of complex adaptive systems present particular challenges to the development of business strategy because people have a natural tendency to look for patterns. Indeed, the human drive to find patterns is so strong that they are often read into perfectly random data. Moreover, human beings like to assume that cause directly precedes effect, which makes it difficult to anticipate the second-, third-, and fourth-order effects of path dependence.” If you make an intuitive decision that turns out well in such a situation, it’s because you’re lucky, not gifted. And sooner or later—probably sooner—your luck is going to run out. Just ask your average day trader.
The instinctive rush to apply a pattern to a phenomenon can also cut off or narrow an individual’s or a group’s thinking too quickly. Impatient with ambiguity, the mind naturally seeks closure—that seems, in fact, to be one of the main functions of intuition—but an intelligent decision-making process often requires the sustained exploration of many alternatives. You want to keep the process open as long as possible before converging on a final choice. That’s hard to do when your gut—or your boss’s gut—is giving you The Answer.
Intuition presents another, even more insidious problem: It masks me-too thinking. We like to assume that our intuition is uniquely our own, a distillation of our particular experiences and insights. But while that may have been true a century ago, when people led very different lives depending on where they lived and what they did, it’s no longer the case. In today’s global village, with its instantaneous and unceasing communications, human existence has become homogenized—we share the same experiences, the same opinions, even the same thoughts. We live in a vast echo chamber, and the voice of intuition we hear inside our heads is increasingly the same voice that speaks to everyone else. If, in making business decisions, we blindly follow its counsel, we’ll end up mimicking our competitors rather than creating strategies that distinguish us and bring us profits.
So, if we can’t rely on our intuition but have neither the time nor the mental capacity to carefully analyze all the facets of a complex situation, how in the world can we make smart choices? Technology may hold the key. Sophisticated computer programs are now being developed that can supplement and bolster people’s decision-making skills. Many of these new decision-support tools are still in the early stages of development and have yet to be applied to strategic business decisions. But they hold enormous potential for helping executives carry out the two key components of decision-making or problem-solving exercises: searching for possible solutions and evaluating those solutions in order to choose the best one or ones. The more complex and fast-changing the situation, the more challenging both search and evaluation become. By expanding the analytical as well as the intuitive capabilities of the mind, the new programs allow a much faster, a much fuller, and a much more rigorous exploration of the options. (See the sidebar “Search and Evaluate” for an overview of traditional and emerging decision-support tools.)
Search and Evaluate
Making a decision or solving a problem entails two tasks. First, you have to search for potential solutions (a task that includes framing the problem and establishing a set of working assumptions about it). Second, you have to evaluate the solutions and choose one. Each of these tasks is subject to varying levels of complexity. If, for example, a problem has only a few solutions but each solution has myriad consequences, the search will be relatively simple but the evaluation will be extremely complex. The small figure provides a simple, but useful, grid for categorizing problems according to the degree of complexity (for a human being) of the search and the evaluation tasks.
The more complex the search or the evaluation, the more difficult it becomes for a person to carry it out – the required computations outstrip the mind’s processing capabilities. In such cases, some people will mistakenly rely on their intuition to simplify their choices; they’ll narrow their options or make a choice based on their gut. But intuition is particularly unreliable in complex situations. A much better approach, when you’re faced with a complex search or evaluation, is to supplement the mind’s analytical and intuitive capabilities with a computational decision-support tool.
The large figure categorizes both traditional and emerging decision-support methods and tools in terms of how they apply to different situations. There are many such tools, ranging from real options to visualization software, in common use today. Most traditional tools (indicated by gray type) have limited applicability in highly complex situations; they’re best applied to problems that fall into or near the lower-left quadrant – those requiring relatively simple searches and evaluations. As we move outward on the complexity scale, we need to look to new, computer-based computational tools, such as open-ended search (when there are lots of potential solutions), agent-based modeling (when the consequences requiring evaluation are complex) or artificial evolution (when both search and evaluation are highly complex).
Decision Sciences.
The traditional tools of decision sciences—system dynamics, decision trees, real options, portfolio management, and so on—constitute an important class of rational decision-making techniques that can be invaluable when you’re faced with lots of options. They often lead to much more dependable decisions than does instinct alone. But they have their limits. Their workings are often so mysterious to executives that they can seem like black boxes. And in highly complex situations—when there are many dependencies among possible solutions or no clear way of measuring the solutions’ value—traditional tools become unwieldy and tend to provide unreliable answers.
To use decision trees in the pharmaceutical industry, for example, you have to assume you know a drug’s commercial value ten years before it hits the market. And decision trees and other decision-science tools can’t adequately account for emergent phenomena or chance events, such as the discovery that a drug developed for one disease can be used to treat another, very different disease.
Agent-Based Modeling.
Isaac Newton, after losing his savings in the South Sea Bubble of 1720, bemoaned the fact that “I can calculate the motions of the heavenly bodies, but not the madness of people.” Many managers today are in the same quandary as Newton was almost 300 years ago. They have to make decisions about complex systems with many interrelated, yet unpredictable, elements. Global markets, large organizations, supply chains, technology networks—all can seem impenetrable to traditional forms of analysis.
But agent-based modeling can shed light on the workings and evolution of such systems. In an agent-based simulation, a computer creates thousands, even millions, of individual actors; each of these virtual agents makes decisions, providing an accurate model of a complex system’s dynamics. Agent-based modeling allows you, literally, to do what Newton couldn’t: predict the madness of crowds. (For more on agent-based modeling, see my HBR article “Predicting the Unpredictable,” March 2002.)
The best system ever devised for making choices from an almost infinite set of alternatives is evolution itself.
Southwest Airlines is using an agent-based model to revamp its rules for handling cargo, reaping $2 million in annual labor savings in the process. Eli Lilly is using one to model early-phase drug development, leading to the creation of organizational forms that promise to boost productivity and enhance speed. Pacific Gas and Electric is using an agent-based model to better manage the flow of electrons through its vast power grid, saving money and avoiding service disruptions.
In the coming years, agent-based models will no doubt be used to generate scenarios for the evolution of markets and competition, the dynamics of which hinge on the decisions made by many players. These scenarios can become the basis for evaluating a multitude of strategic and tactical options—and they can be used to put executives’ intuitive choices to the test.
Artificial Evolution.
The best system ever devised for making choices from an almost infinite set of alternatives is evolution itself. The basic process of evolution—taking the best-available options and then combining and mutating them to create even better ones—is now being incorporated into a type of analytical software known as artificial evolution, or evolutionary computation. This technology uses the computational power of computers to both search out a vast number of solutions and evaluate them.
To see how it works, imagine that you run a factory and have to determine the production schedule that will maximize the plant’s output within a given period. You start by randomly generating some alternative schedules—their quality makes no difference at this point—and feeding them into artificial-evolution software. The software evaluates how well each schedule performs in maximizing output, picks the few that perform best, and randomly pairs them for “mating.” The resulting large set of alternative schedules combines the characteristics of the prior generation while introducing some random characteristics as mutations. It searches out, in other words, a large new set of possible solutions. The software evaluates the solutions, and the ones that perform best in maximizing output are selected for another round of mating. As more and more generations go by—and computers can crank through the process in minutes—the resulting schedules become better and better. John Deere already uses this kind of system to help optimize its manufacturing operations, and Mexican cement producer Cemex uses a similar system to route its trucks.
Interactive Evolution.
In the plant-scheduling example, alternatives could be judged with an objective measure—factory output. As decisions become more strategic, however, the criteria for success become more complex and subjective. You can’t just run the numbers; you have to incorporate the expertise, judgment, and, yes, intuition of seasoned professionals. You have to bring people into the evaluation stage of the decision-making process. That can be accomplished with interactive evolution, a variation of artificial evolution. The basic difference is that a person or group of people, rather than a computer, judges each generation of alternatives.
One major automobile manufacturer is using interactive evolution to aid in new-car design. That process is highly complex because car designers have to satisfy hundreds of technical constraints, such as wheelbase length, windshield angle, and engine compartment size, while also being creative in both engineering and aesthetics. When designers have to do this without the help of technology, it is extraordinarily time consuming. They have to test every decision against all sorts of variables, and as a result they can consider only a small set of options. But interactive-evolution software can pump out iterations of new designs very quickly. The designers examine each set of alternatives and, using subjective aesthetic judgments in addition to the computer’s objective measures, choose the best ones for the next round of mating.
Other companies, like Procter & Gamble and Pepsi-Cola North America, are using interactive evolution to create new product and packaging designs—but they’re using customers rather than employees to pick out the best options from each generation. One can easily imagine a similar process for high-level strategic decisions that leverages the insights of an executive team to continuously refine plans.
Open-Ended Search.
Artificial and interactive evolution are both optimization processes. Alternative designs are generated by varying a small set of parameters, and those designs are evaluated against a set of criteria—objective, subjective, or both. But sometimes you don’t know which parameters to use to generate alternatives, or the number of parameters is so large that it’s impossible to reliably sample the entire set of possible solutions. In such cases, another new computational technique—open-ended search, or evolutionary design—can be applied to sort through and to generate options. As its name implies, open-ended search focuses on the initial search for options rather than on their subsequent evaluation. It has enormous potential for helping managers make decisions in highly complex situations because it offers a way to generate options that would be invisible to even the most capacious mind.
Stanford professor John Koza has developed a type of open-ended search, called genetic programming, for use in creating electronic circuits. The number of possible circuits is huge, and it’s impossible to characterize all of them with just a few parameters. Using a small number of parameters (which is all the mind can handle) restricts the search to a tiny, predefined subset of circuits, precluding truly creative solutions from emerging. Genetic programming, by contrast, “dis-integrates” circuits into their component building blocks—diodes, amplifiers, resistors, and so forth—then uses a computer to breed alternative circuits by combining and recombining the components.
The process has generated radically new designs—ones that would never have been discovered by simply judging complete circuits against traditional performance criteria. Koza and his colleagues at Genetic Programming in Los Altos, California, have recently been using the technique to create circuits that replicate the functionality of other circuits without infringing on existing patents—a development that could, for better or worse, revolutionize the microchip industry.
My firm, Icosystem, has begun helping a major petrochemical company use open-ended search to evaluate pricing strategies for one of its most important products. The product’s pricing has to take into account many factors. These include upstream commodity prices, downstream finished-product prices, demand at various stages in the value chain, currency fluctuations, and competitor prices, all of which can change rapidly and unpredictably. As with the electronic-circuit example, the open-ended design begins with the disaggregation of an initial group of pricing strategies (which the company collects from various pricing experts) into their component parts. In this particular case, the parts take the form of pricing rules, as follows: “If volume is > 100, then price = x,” for instance; or, “If winter is cold, price decreases.”
To this primordial soup are added random rules—some of which directly contradict the experts’ rules—to add greater genetic diversity to the mix. A computer creates random combinations of the rules to produce a new set of strategies for testing. In this way, the computer can quickly explore millions of combinations, producing innovative strategies that go well beyond anything that might have come out of the conscious or subconscious minds of even the savviest marketers. And, again, it’s easy to see how open-ended search could be applied to complex strategic challenges that have many possible solutions. Just as with interactive evolution, people can aid in the evaluation of the options generated by open-ended search. The technique offers a rational way for managers to approach the most difficult business problems: those that have unbounded options with no well-defined criteria for success.
Beyond Intuition
These new decision-support tools don’t eliminate human intuition; they harness its power while remedying its most pernicious flaws. The instincts of smart executives and other professionals are incorporated into the process—they’re used either to generate initial options or to aid in judging computer-generated ones. But these instincts are subjected to the rigors of analysis and at the same time freed from the brain’s constraints in imagining possible solutions. Computers impose left-brain discipline on right-brain hunches—in a way that’s well beyond the computational capacity of the human mind. Intuition is thus allowed to inform decision making without short-circuiting or otherwise constraining it.
But there’s more to it than that. Ultimately, computers may not just amplify the mind’s analytical capabilities; they may expand its creative potential as well. And they may allow us to break through the interpretation barrier—our demand that our creations be intelligible to us.
Think about it. When we create designs, whether for products or strategies, we are limited by our ability to understand those designs—their workings must be transparent to us. But if we look at nature, we quickly find that some of its greatest creations are opaque—they lie beyond our understanding. That’s true of the human mind itself, perhaps the greatest creation of all. We don’t know how it works; we just know that it works extraordinarily well. Techniques like artificial evolution and open-ended design can also generate designs that we can’t explain but that produce results beyond even the limits of our imaginations. They offer, it might be said, the true fulfillment of the promise of human intuition.
Alden M. Hayashi’s “When to Trust Your Gut” (HBR, February 2001, Reprint R0102C) provides a lucid overview of current thinking on how intuition works.
David G. Myer’s Intuition: Its Powers and Perils (Yale University Press, 2002) offers a lively and thorough review of the powers and pitfalls of gut instinct.
For a good introduction to the unconscious biases in our thinking, see John S. Hammond III, Ralph L. Keeney, and Howard Raiffa’s “The Hidden Traps in Decision Making” (HBR, September–October 1998, Reprint 98505).
A version of this article appeared in the May 2003 issue of Harvard Business Review.
Eric Bonabeau (eric@icosystem.com) is the chairman of Icosystem, a strategy-consulting firm in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
This article is about DECISION MAKING
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Big price increase for TB drug set aside after outrage
A huge overnight price increase for an important tuberculosis drug has been rescinded after the company that acquired the drug gave it back to its previous owner.New York Times | September 24, 2015, 04:41 IST
Infectious disease specialists, who have protested the price increase, question the need for new drugs for toxoplasmosis and say that if Turing wants to develop such drugs, it should use money from investors. They say the price increase will raise the cost of treating some adult patients with toxoplasmosis to hundreds of thousands of dollars a year.
POLITICAL INTERVENTION
Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who is also vying for the Democratic presidential nomination, sent Turing a letter on Monday demanding information on the price increase.
"Without fast access to this drug, used to treat a very serious parasitic infection, patients may experience organ failure, blindness or death," Sanders said in a written statement issued with Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md. The two lawmakers have been investigating sharp price increases in drugs, many of them old generics.
SALE STRATEGIES
Rodelis, which increased the price of the tuberculosis drug, said last week it needed to invest to make sure the supply of the drug remained reliable. Rodelis reveals almost no information about itself, such as the names of its executives, directors or investors, on its Web page.
Cycloserine, which went on sale in 1955 and is also known by the brand name Seromycin, was long produced by Eli Lilly, which around 2000 decided to drop the drug, in part because the company was getting out of antibiotics.
Starting in 2003, as part of a philanthropic initiative on TB, Lilly transferred rights and manufacturing skill to generic drug companies in India, China, South Africa and elsewhere to supply the regions most affected. In 2007 it gave the rights for the United States and Canada to the Chao Center for Industrial Pharmacy and Contract Manufacturing, which is under the auspices of the Purdue Research Foundation. The drug made by generic companies abroad costs only about $20 for 100 capsules.
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Tags : Pharma, Twitter, Purdue University, Martin Shkreli, Elijah Cummings, Daraprim, Bernie Sanders
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Film Review: THE HEAT'S ON (1943)
THE HEAT'S ON (1943 Columbia) Starring Mae West, Victor Moore, William Gaxton, Lloyd Bridges, Hazel Scott, Lester Allen, Joan Thorson, Xavier Cugat. Directed by Gregory Ratoff.
Broadway producer Gaxton schemes to get free publicity for his show, and star West, by having Moore's "Decency" Foundation get his show temporarily closed for content. Unfortunately the plan backfires as West takes advantage of the opportunity to move to another theatre and Gaxton's show ends up permanently closed. It's back to the drawing board for the producer as he now tries to concoct a way to lure West back into the fold.
It's fitting that Mae West--a pre-Production Code icon if there ever was one--is the star of a satire on the effect of censorship on the entertainment industy in general. Unfortunately, THE HEAT'S ON turns out to be toothless. By having Moore's organization focused on cleaning up Broadway instead of Hollywood, an opportunity is missed for West to get digs in at the Code and the Hays Office. To be fair, it probably would have been impossible to get THE HEAT'S ON past the film censors in 1943 if it had that kind of bite.
In addition to her typical post-Code problems, West wasn't given her usual creative input on THE HEAT'S ON, which certainly would have helped. Mae's dialogue lacks the zing her fans will be accustomed to (its akin with watching Groucho deliver his lines during ROOM SERVICE) and she's onscreen for less than one-third of the film's 79 minutes. All in all, not enough Mae, and as a result, probably the weakest of her starring vehicles--until the Seventies, that is.
Hazel Scott at the piano
THE HEAT'S ON was one of only five feature film appearances for legendary jazz pianist Hazel Scott, and she is dazzling, undoubtedly the picture's musical highlight. Scott's second scene resulted in her famous confrontation with Columbia studio head Harry Cohn. Protesting the intention to show the sweethearts and wives of African-American soldiers sending their men off to war wearing unkempt hair and ragged clothes, Scott went on a three day strike and effectively shut down production. Scott got her way--the costumes were changed (see photo above)--but Cohn told her she'd "never work in this town again". Regardless, Scott was right, and she was dynamite in both of her scenes. You can read more about Hazel Scott here. Suffice to say it's our loss she wasn't onscreen more often.
Victor Moore (right); dude was a pre-Viagra playa, ya'll!
Veteran character actor Moore adds quite a few laughs doing the rumba with West (and fighting a losing battle to keep his toupee on). Hey, Moore, then 66, might not have looked virile enough for Mae West, but don't judge the book by the cover--his real life wife at the time was 22! (They stayed together until his death in 1962, too.) A young Lloyd Bridges is also in the supporting cast.
It's too easy to say The Heat's Off, and also unfair--the picture has a few bright spots. Just not nearly enough of them. Mae West completists will certainly want to check it out, but to everyone else, I'd recommend sticking with MY LITTLE CHICKADEE, SHE DONE HIM WRONG and I'M NO ANGEL.
DVD Availability?
Yes, on demand through Amazon.
Labels: Film Reviews, Hazel Scott, Mae West
grandoldmovies said...
The film really does belong to Hazel Scott -- poor Mae looks bored through it all, as if knowing it was a waste for her. Moore himself seems to be a world unto himself in the film, just doing his own shtick. They really done Mae wrong in this one.
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