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NEW RELEASE FROM ELAINE COUGLER
November 15, 2016 P. C. Zick New Release Announcements, Ramblings of a Writer 7 comments
Today, I welcome Elaine Cougler back to my blog. This post marks her fifth appearance since 2013 when she introduced the first of her Loyalist books. Amazing!
Elaine and I set this date a few months back to coincide with the release of her third book in her Loyalist trilogy. The Loyalist Legacy continues the saga of a little-known part of Canadian and U.S. history.
It really is a coincidence that I’m publishing this post today, one week after the presidential election in the United States where loyalties are being questioned, and some folks talk about moving to Canada. Elaine takes us back to the time of the Revolutionary War when not everyone wished to leave the British Empire. The parallels are stunning. Here’s Elaine Cougler to explain:
Who Were the Loyalists in the American Revolutionary War?
The phenomenon of Loyalists—those loyal to a certain person or cause—is definitely not new, but during the American Revolutionary War it took on a special significance. Many of the settlers in the Thirteen Colonies did not want their government to separate from the British even though they, too, experienced the bitter taste of the Stamp Act and other debilitating measures.
Today, Britain, the United States, and Canada are great allies so it is hard to believe that two hundred years ago such was not the case. My trilogy follows the story of how the Loyalists came to be and their difficult journey to what is Canada today.
These Loyalists chose to escape from the Colonies rather than be harried and hounded for their beliefs as the Patriots grew ever more powerful. Many (about half of those who left the Thirteen Colonies) went to the new land that came to be called Canada.
The British government chose to reward their choice by giving them land and the bare necessities needed to start anew but also went on to allow these Loyalists to use the initials U.E. after their names. Unity of the Empire is the strict legal meaning although today U.E.L. is often used. This is translated to United Empire Loyalist in the vernacular.
Many people wonder why these people chose as they did, a question I’ve used in my trilogy to explain John’s decision to join Butler’s Rangers (in the first book, The Loyalist’s Wife) and fight for the British. By this third book, he has not fully explained his reasons, and on his deathbed whispers the story of his youth, which caused his loyalty to remain through all the trials he and his family have withstood. Lucy and two of his grown sons are with him as he begins to tell of a certain British officer who saved his young life.
Here is part of John’s story from The Loyalist Legacy:
He followed a long line of prisoners up the gangplank and along the deck where he could see heads bobbing down into the hold; if they didn’t move smartly a sailor smacked them with a club.
“Stay by me, boy,” the harlot twisted around to whisper. “I’ll see no harm comes to ye.”
He didn’t answer. The harlot stepped into the hatch. Just as his bare foot slipped on the treacherous decking, a hand clapped onto his shoulder and stopped him. The harlot jerked to a stop also as they were still chained together. She wheeled around. “What trick is that, boy?” She gnashed her blackened teeth at him.
“Hush, woman.” A soft voice from behind John silenced her. He righted himself on the slippery decking. “Come. All of you.” He indicated the two behind still connected to their snaking line.
“Hold!” Three muskets jabbed toward the prisoners who stopped like the pawns they were in this elaborate game that had been playing forever. “Release ‘em!” Beside John the musket jabbed into his friend’s British red chest.
“I want the boy!”
“You’ll not get ‘im.” The guard pushed John toward the gaping hole and into the harlot who had stepped back up to the deck. The weight of the chain on the other two kept them both from careening down into the depths of the ship. This was hopeless, John thought, but just as he resigned himself to entering that foul hold his friend spoke again.
“Cut the chains.” He dangled a cloth purse bulging and clinking in front of the man’s eyes, suddenly glinting from more than the morning sun.
“I can’t cut ‘em. Take all four or none. Yer pick.” From behind, shouts and shoving added urgency to the situation. John had a time keeping his footing but he wasn’t going below.
With a quick glance at the angry mob the redcoat thrust the purse into the guard’s eager hand and pulled his charges out of line. No one noticed the uniformed soldier who marched the four prisoners off the ship again and along a tightly packed alley surely full of pickpockets and all manner of the underbelly life of the great city of London. Suddenly John’s feet no longer hurt, the chains didn’t chafe, and the chamber pots being emptied up and down the alley couldn’t touch him.
At a hole-in-the-wall shop with its sign—Shoemaker—barely hanging on one rusted bolt his friend stopped and dragged them all inside. “Cut these chains off,” his soldier said.
The weight of the shackles gone, John dared to hope again.
The man sent the other prisoners on their way and hauled John out the door after them but not before grabbing a pair of shoes for him to wear. He threw coins on the counter in front of the astonished shoemaker and did not wait for anything else in return.
“Put those on.” He stopped for just a moment. “Come.” He pulled John to another ship and suddenly his newly shod feet halted on the slippery cobblestones. What was this? Was he saved only to go on a different ship?
When the War of 1812 is finally over William and Catherine Garner flee the desolation of Niagara and find, in the wild heart of Upper Canada, their two hundred acres straddling the Thames River. On this valuable land, dense forests, wild beasts, disgruntled Natives, and pesky neighbors daily challenge them. The political atmosphere laced with greed and corruption threatens to undermine all of the new settlers’ hopes and plans. William cannot take his family back to Niagara, but he longs to check on his parents from whom he has heard nothing for two years. Leaving Catherine and the children, he hurries along the Governor’s Road toward the turn-off to Fort Erie, hoping to return in time for spring planting.
With realistic insights into the challenging lives of Ontario’s early settlers, Elaine Cougler once again draws readers into the Loyalists’ struggles to build homes, roads, and relationships, and their growing dissension as they move ever closer to another war. The Loyalist Legacy shows us the trials faced by ordinary people who conquer unbelievable hardships and become extraordinary in the process.
BUY THE BOOK LINK
Elaine Cougler’s Website
Find Elaine Cougler on social media:
And read about Elaine from previous posts on my website:
AUTHOR WEDNESDAY – ELAINE COUGLER (Guest Post, 11-18-2015)
Author Wednesday – Elaine Cougler (The Loyalist’s Luck, 11-5-2014)
Author Wednesday – Elaine Cougler (The Loyalist’s Wife, 10-02-2013)
American Revolutionary WarBritish EmpireCanadaElaine Couglerhistorical fictionLoyalistPatroitspresidential electionStamp ActThirteen Colonies
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What an honor to be guesting again on your lovely site, Patricia! We’ve been on this writing journey for some time now and I’m always delighted to see each new book you publish and market. May the journey continue! Love your opening comments relating the past to the present. So true. Thanks so much for having me and my Loyalist trilogy on your blog today!
I wish you great success, Elaine! I think you might be in the top five contenders for the number of times on my blog. Congratulations.
Aha! And the prize is being there, Patricia. Thanks so much!
I think we would all be well-served to review our history! Thanks for showcasing this book. 🙂
Yes, I agree, Lorna. It’s also a way to escape reality for a bit.
Pingback: How The Loyalist Legacy Launch Affects You! – Elaine Cougler | Author of The Loyalist Trilogy
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June - July 2019 | Issue 2630 - 2631
Trump and Bolton are breaking what nuclear order there is
Where XR and the climate movement need to go now (Feature)
XR: The dangers of apocalyptic organising (Feature)
XR: The Plan (Feature)
XR: The 3.5 percent rule (Feature)
Climate general strike called for 20 September (News)
Making people’s actual lives central to our campaigns for change (Comment)
Remember... (News)
Breaking the media silence on nuclear threats (News)
Changing it up (News)
Summer Camp 2020? (News)
The US attacks press freedom, threatens Julian Assange and jails Chelsea Manning again (News)
Unions and NGOs block Saudi arms ship (News)
Protesters block public and private land – at the same time (News)
Extinction Rebellion in court (News)
CO Day (News)
Climate: Wales must do better (News)
Kurdish man in critical state (News)
Councils say no to nuclear waste dumps (News)
Trump’s threats against Iran (Feature)
Sign up or salute the troops (Feature)
From Greenham to the Bar (Feature)
The human guinea pigs (Feature)
Poynted remarks (Comment)
Bruce Kent: As I please (Comment)
Diary: 'In court, we wait' (Comment)
Speaking truth to thugs (Comment)
Remember Hiroshima (Feature)
Radical Music: 'Turn! Turn! Turn!' (Comment)
David Wallace-Wells, The Uninhabitable Earth: A Story of the Future (Review)
Nathan Stoltzfus, Hitler’s Compromises: coercion and consensus in Nazi Germany (Review)
Nick Estes, Our History is The Future: Standing Rock versus the Dakota Access Pipeline, and the Long Tradition of Indigenous Resistance (Review)
Sundari Anitha and Ruth Pearson, Striking Women: Struggles and strategies of South Asian women workers from Grunwick to Gate Gourmet (Review)
Antony Lerman, ed, Do I Belong? Reflections from Europe (Review)
Case study: United States 1987 – 1989 (Comment)
Roouminations (Cartoon)
Stonewall: 50th Anniversary (Feature)
News in Brief (8)
News by Kate Hudson
International peace movements must defend treaties restrain production, deployment and potential use of nuclear weapons
Soviet general secretary Mikhail Gorbachev and US president Ronald Reagan signing the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty in the East Room of the White House, Washington DC, US, on 8 December 1987.Photo: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
It’s 10 years now since US president Barack Obama made his famous Prague speech, committing to a nuclear weapons-free world. I remember hearing his words broadcast, amid the tumultuous cheers of the crowd in Hradčany Square, as if it were yesterday.
I stood with peace activists in glorious spring sunshine outside the ‘No to NATO’ counter-summit in Strasbourg and our speculations ran riot. US nukes out of Europe? An end to Britain’s Trident system as part of a global disarmament deal? What heady days those were, what days of hope.
Then as president Dmitry Medvedev of Russia added his voice to the call, hopes were high that real progress would be made towards that goal.
Those were truly inspiring moments, and although, over the year that followed, there were times when I felt hope was receding, finally words were turned into actions.
The New START treaty was signed, which made significant reductions to US and Russian nuclear weapons, limiting their deployed strategic nuclear warheads to a combined total of 1,550. It wasn’t everything we wanted, but it was a step in the right direction.
How far away those days seem now. It’s not just that moves towards arms reduction and disarmament have stalled – they have actually gone into reverse.
INF finished
Since Donald Trump entered the White House, there have been sustained attacks on the treaty architecture that underpins the rules-based system that most countries struggle to uphold and extend. The whole principle of multilateralism has faced successive onslaughts, and with John Bolton at Trump’s right hand as US national security adviser, non-proliferation and disarmament treaties are not long for this world.
The Trump administration is doing its very best to destroy the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, while also banging the drums of war. Its withdrawal from the ‘Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action’ and its attempts to reintroduce sanctions on Iran can only lead to greater instability in the Middle East and increase the likelihood of more countries in the region pursuing nuclear weapons.
This move by Trump is not a popular one: all the other signatories to the Iran nuclear deal are trying to uphold it – including Britain – but it’s not clear how long this will be sustainable.
And now president Trump has announced that the US will withdraw from the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Force (INF) treaty with Russia. Russia has since done the same.
This treaty has been a cornerstone of nuclear arms control since the Cold War, having eliminated thousands of nuclear missiles in Europe, playing a crucial role in ensuring that US missiles are not situated on our continent.
There are many possible dangers as a result of its cancellation: a new nuclear arms race, US missiles back in Europe – and that includes Britain – trained on Russia, US missiles in Okinawa trained on China, nuclear war.
As if it can’t get much worse, US withdrawal from the INF treaty also calls into question whether Washington will work with Moscow to renew Obama and Medvedev’s New START treaty in 2021, when it is due to expire. If Bolton has his way, once the treaty expires there will be no restraints on nuclear weapons left. A grim prospect indeed.
Cheering Trump
In Britain’s parliament, our house of commons defence committee has recently unveiled its report into the breakdown of the INF treaty.* As this is so vital to peace in Europe and beyond, it was disappointing to find this report a most unedifying read.
Indeed, it turns the committee into a cheerleader for president Trump – far from the actual role designated to it, which is essentially scrutiny and accountability. The parliament website describes it thus: ‘The Defence Committee is appointed by the House of Commons to examine the expenditure, administration, and policy of the Ministry of Defence and its associated public bodies.’
Instead, it produced a disappointing and unbalanced report which fails both to address the reality of a US president who is abandoning the international rules-based system, and to consider what this means for Britain – particularly in light of the so-called special relationship.
The report sweeps aside any US responsibility for the breakdown of the INF treaty, despite Trump initiating US withdrawal, stating in its summary that ‘if the Treaty fails, the sole responsibility for its failure will lie with Russia’.
Trump’s withdrawal from the universally-applauded Iran nuclear deal was perhaps the clearest sign of his dangerous new approach to international legal norms, but the report doesn’t deem it relevant even to mention it.
The report also fails to point out how US withdrawal from the INF treaty will effectively legalise the activities for which Russia stands accused by president Trump, and removes the framework through which they could be investigated and resolved.
The truth is, both Russia and the US had concerns about each other’s compliance with the treaty – but how will these concerns be addressed when the treaty is gone?
This failure of critical thought by the defence committee is all the more disappointing because the committee has, in the past, played a valuable and objective role in scrutinising government actions.
In 2006, when the Blair government was trying to press ahead with Trident replacement without a full public and parliamentary debate, it was the defence committee which initiated a series of inquiries into Britain’s nuclear weapons that were probably the most in-depth and serious to date. That independence of thought now seems lacking and this is particularly dangerous.
Whereas the UK government seems to be vigorously supporting Trump on this issue, elsewhere in Europe deep reservations have been expressed.
Other European leaders seem to have a clearer recognition of the dangers that may ensue – a new nuclear arms race and the acceleration of a new cold war. Of course, it’s not just Europe that will be affected – China is being brought into the frame here, as with all US foreign and military policy.
It is necessary for the peace movement internationally to defend the treaties that restrain arms production, deployment and potential use. Without this security framework, we face a much more dangerous world.
* Missile Misdemeanours, the defence committee report of 4 April, can be found here: www.tinyurl.com/peacenews3262
Kate Hudson is general secretary of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. Founded in 1958, CND campaigns for British nuclear disarmament and for a global ban on nuclear weapons: www.cnduk.org
Topics: Nuclear Weapons
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Home » Caitlín Eilís Barrett
Caitlín Eilís Barrett
Goldwin Smith Hall, Room G23
ceb329@cornell.edu
Academia.edu page
The Casa della Regina Carolina Project at Pompeii
Drawing on both archaeological and textual evidence, Caitlín Barrett's research investigates cultural, religious, and trade connections between Egypt and the rest of the ancient Mediterranean world; the archaeology of religion and ritual; and the material culture of ancient households. Her first monograph, Egyptianizing Figurines from Delos: A Study in Hellenistic Religion (Leiden: Brill, 2011), investigated religious change and cultural hybridization in the household through a study of locally-made "Egyptianizing" terracotta figurines from the Hellenistic trading port of Delos. Her second monograph, Domesticating Empire: Egyptian Landscapes in Pompeian Gardens (Oxford University Press, 2019), is the first contextually-oriented monograph on Egyptian imagery from Roman domestic contexts. She was also a collaborating editor for Figurines grecques en contexte: Presence muette dans le sanctuaire, la tombe et la maison (Villeneuve d'Ascq: Septentrion, 2015), an edited volume on the contextual analysis of Greek terracotta figurines.
Prof. Barrett's work has received national and international grants from the Fulbright Foundation, the American Philosophical Society, the Rust Family Foundation, the American Research Center in Egypt, and Sigma Xi, among other sources; and at Cornell, her work has been supported by the Classics Department, the Cornell Institute for Archaeology and Material Studies (CIAMS), the Einaudi Center, the Grants Program for Digital Collections in Arts and Sciences, the Midas-Croesus Fund, the President’s Council of Cornell Women, the Provost's Special Research Fund, and the Society for the Humanities. In 2014, she received the Robert A. and Donna B. Paul Award for Excellence in Advising in the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell. She has excavated and surveyed at a range of Bronze Age through early modern sites in Egypt, Greece, and the United States.
Prof. Barrett teaches a range of graduate and undergraduate courses on topics related to Classical archaeology and culture; ancient Greek religion and ritual; the archaeology of the Hellenistic Eastern Mediterranean; Egypt in the Greco-Roman world; Greco-Roman receptions of Egyptian culture; Greeks and "others"; and the ancient Egyptian language and hieroglyphic script. She welcomes applications from graduate students in Classics, Archaeology, Anthropology, and Near Eastern Studies.
For further information about Prof. Barrett's research, see also:
Academia.edu page: https://cornell.academia.edu/Caitl%C3%ADnEBarrett
Home page for the Casa della Regina Carolina Project at Pompeii: http://blogs.cornell.edu/crcpompeii/introduction/the-site/
Classical archaeology, Egyptian archaeology, Greco-Roman Egypt, Hellenistic period, archaeology of religion and ritual, household archaeology, household cult, long-distance exchange, coroplastic studies, Egyptian language, Delos, Campania, Pompeii, Kharga Oasis
Graduate Fields
Near Eastern Studies
Religious Studies Program
Jewish Studies Program
Domesticating Empire: Egyptian Landscapes in Pompeian Gardens (under contract; anticipated publication 2018). Oxford/New York: Oxford University Press.
Egyptianizing Figurines from Delos: A Study in Hellenistic Religion (2011). Columbia Studies in the Classical Tradition 36. Leiden/Boston: Brill. [731 pp. + 80 plates]
EDITED VOLUMES
Figurines grecques en contexte: Présence muette dans le sanctuaire, la tombe et la maison (2015), eds. S. Huysecom-Haxhi and A. Muller (editors-in-chief) and C. Aubry, C. Barrett, C. Blume, and T. Kopestonsky (collaborating editors). Archaiologia. Villeneuve d'Ascq: Presses Universitaires du Septentrion. [534 pp.]
PEER-REVIEWED ARTICLES AND CHAPTERS
"Magical Gems as Material Texts" (forthcoming). In Textual Archaeology of the Ancient Near East: Are We Doing It Wrong?, ed. Y. Heffron. Cambridge: McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research.
"The Valuation of Terracotta Figurines in Domestic Contexts: Reconsidering the Gap between Material and Ritual" (forthcoming). In Stuff of the Gods: The Material Aspects of Religion in Ancient Greece, eds. M. Haysom, M. Mili, and J. Wallensten. Athens: Swedish Institute at Athens.
"Egypt in Roman Visual and Material Culture" (in press). In G. Williams (ed.), Oxford Handbooks Online in Classical Studies. Oxford/New York: Oxford University Press.
"Archaeology of Ancient Religions" (in press). In Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Religion, eds. J. Barton et al. Oxford/New York: Oxford University Press.
"Avant-propos" (with C. Aubry, C. Blume, S. Huysecom-Haxhi, T. Kopestonsky, and A. Muller) (2015). In Figurines grecques en contexte: Présence muette dans le sanctuaire, la tombe et la maison, eds. S. Huysecom-Haxhi et al., 7-9. Archaiologia. Villeneuve d'Ascq: Presses Universitaires du Septentrion. [3 pp.]
"Terracotta Figurines and the Archaeology of Ritual: Domestic Cult in Greco-Roman Egypt" (2015). In Figurines grecques en contexte: Présence muette dans le sanctuaire, la tombe et la maison, eds. S. Huysecom-Haxhi et al., 401-420. Archaiologia. Villeneuve d'Ascq: Presses Universitaires du Septentrion. [20 pp.]
"Harpocrates on Rheneia: Two Egyptian Figurines from the Necropolis of Delos" (2015). In Figurines de terre cuite en Méditerranée orientale grecque et romaine. II: Iconographie et contextes, eds. E. Laflı and A. Muller, 187-200. Villeneuve d'Ascq: Presses Universitaires du Septentrion.
"Material Evidence for Ancient Greek Religion" (2015). In Oxford Handbook of Ancient Greek Religion, eds. E. Eidinow and J. Kindt, 113-130. Oxford: Oxford University Press. [18 pp.]
"Hellenistic and Roman Egypt" (2015). In D.L. Clayman (ed.), Oxford Bibliographies in Classics. New York: Oxford University Press. [87 pp.]
"The Perceived Value of Minoan and Minoanizing Pottery in Egypt" (2009). Journal of Mediterranean Archaeology 22.2: 211-234. [24 pp.]
"Was Dust Their Food and Clay Their Bread? Grave Goods, the Mesopotamian Afterlife, and the Liminal Role of Inana/Ishtar" (2007). Journal of Ancient Near Eastern Religions 7: 7-65. [59 pp.]
OTHER ARTICLES, BRIEF ENCYCLOPEDIA ENTRIES, AND ENTRIES IN MUSEUM CATALOGS
"Figurines" (with E. Darby) (2016). In The Routledge Encyclopedia of Ancient Mediterranean Religions, ed. E. Orlin, 344-346. New York: Routledge. [3 pp.]
"Harpokrates" (2016). In The Routledge Encyclopedia of Ancient Mediterranean Religions, ed. E. Orlin, 388. New York: Routledge. [1 p.]
"Gems" (with V. Platt) (2015). In Cornell Collection of Antiquities, ed. A. Alexandridis and V. Platt (http://antiquities.stg.library.cornell.edu/gems). [3 pp.]
"Plaster Perspectives on 'Magical Gems': Rethinking the Meaning of 'Magic' in Cornell's Dactyliotheca" (2015). In Cornell Collection of Antiquities, ed. A. Alexandridis and V. Platt (http://antiquities.stg.library.cornell.edu/gems/plaster-perspectives-on-magical-gems).
"Terracotta Figurines of Harpocrates from Greco-Roman Egypt" (2013). In C.M. Manassa (ed.), Echoes of Egypt: Conjuring the Land of the Pharaohs (http://echoesofegypt.peabody.yale.edu/overview/harpocrates-figurines). Online exhibit catalog for a 2013-2014 exhibition at the Yale Peabody Museum. [4 pp.]
"'Campana' Relief with Roman Nilotic Landscape" (2013). In C.M. Manassa (ed.), Echoes of Egypt: Conjuring the Land of the Pharaohs (http://echoesofegypt.peabody.yale.edu/overview/campana-relief-roman-nilotic-landscape). Online exhibit catalog for a 2013-2014 exhibition at the Yale Peabody Museum. [3 pp.]
"Egyptianizing Graeco-Roman Objects" (with C.M. Manassa) (2013). In C.M. Manassa (ed.), Echoes of Egypt: Conjuring the Land of the Pharaohs, pp. 15-16 [print edition]. New Haven: Yale Peabody Museum. Exhibit catalog for a 2013-2014 exhibition at the Yale Peabody Museum. [2 pp.]
INVITED BOOK REVIEWS
Review (2013) of M. Trümper, Die 'Agora des Italiens' in Delos: Baugeschichte, Architektur, Ausstattung und Funktion einer späthellenistischen Porticus-Anlage. Journal of Hellenic Studies 133: 116-117. [2 pp.]
Review (2012) of B. Rabe, Zwischen Entwurf und Produkt: Die griechisch-römischen Gipsformen aus Ägypten im Museum August Kestner, Hannover. Coroplastic Studies Interest Group Book Reviews (http://www.coroplasticstudies.org/reviews-rabe.html).
NOTES, RESEARCH REPORTS, AND BRIEF COMMUNICATIONS
"Nilotic Scenes, Egyptian Religion, and Roman Perceptions" (2013). Journal of Ancient Egyptian Interconnections 5: 3-5. [3 pp.]
"Recent Research in Greco-Egyptian Interactions" (2012). Journal of Ancient Egyptian Interconnections 4:4. [1 p.]
"Egyptian Imagery in Hellenistic Bulgaria: Lamps from the Thracian City of Seuthopolis" (2010). CSIG News: Newsletter of the Coroplastic Studies Interest Group 4: 17. [1 p.]
"Religious Syncretism in Egyptianizing Terracotta Figurines from Delos" (2009). CSIG News: Annual Newsletter of the Coroplastic Studies Interest Group 1: 10. [1 p.]
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London Real
Fascinating People Tech Fitness Brian Rose Society London Real
London Real « »
MICHAEL "VENOM" PAGE - KNOCKOUT ARTIST: The Evolution of An MMA Fighter | TRAILER
2M ago 1:43
By Brian Rose. Discovered by Player FM and our community — copyright is owned by the publisher, not Player FM, and audio is streamed directly from their servers. Hit the Subscribe button to track updates in Player FM, or paste the feed URL into other podcast apps.
Watch the full episode for free here: https://londonreal.tv/e/michael-venom-page-knockout-artist-the-evolution-of-an-mma-fighter/
Michael ‘Venom’ Page is the British professional MMA fighter, entrepreneur, and flagship star of Bellator.
He is known for an array of highlight-reel knockouts his unorthodox ‘hands down’ fighting style, due to his background as a karate “point fighter”.
Inside the cage, Michael Page is a natural showman, known for taunting opponents, walk-away knockouts, in-fight selfies, and post-fight Pokemon ball-rolls.
He recently defeated Richard Kiley by flying knee knockout and is next scheduled to fight Giovanni Melillo at Wembley Arena here in London.
Michael "Venom" Page: Twitter; https://twitter.com/Michaelpage247 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themichaelvenompage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelvenompage/
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Will the ERC and DOE Remake Themselves as a result of the Supreme Court Ruling on Meralco CSP? (Part 3)
David Celestra Tan, MSK
In the ongoing saga of the MVP Group’s money making schemes to also monopolize power generation and charge Meralco customers self-negotiated sweetheart electric rates for the next 20 years, the cause oriented group Alyansa Para Sa BagongPilipinas (ABP) had petitioned and the Supreme Court had spoken that ERC’s extension of the date for the effectivity of the CSP policy is beyond its authority and therefore illegal. Consequently all power supply contracts that were applied with the ERC after November 7, 2015 should undergo competitive selection process or bidding.The biggest lot of those is Meralco’s seven (7) PSA totaling 3,551mw with a guaranteed 28 Billion kwh a year sales for 20 years, fully 80% of the energy needs of the National Capital Region.
In its ruling GR 227670 the Supreme Court not only ruled on that issue but also reiterated enlightening provisions of the Constitution on other aspects of jurisdiction, governance, and autonomy related to ERC that the regulatory agency had been ignoring for a long time. If heeded, these constitutional reminders would have long term implications on the ERC and DOE as oversight institutions for the public interest.
Here are some excerpts of the Supreme Court Decision:
On Page 2 on unfair competition and protection of public interest
Section 19, Article XII of the 1987 Constitution provides: “The State shall regulate or prohibit monopolies when the public interest so requires. No combinations in restraint of trade or unfair competition shall be allowed.”
The State grants electricity distribution utilities, through legislative franchises, a regulated monopoly within their respective franchise areas. Competitors are legally barred within the franchise areas of distribution utilities. Facing no competition, distribution utilities can easily dictate the price of electricity that they charge consumers. To protect the consuming public from exorbitant or unconscionable charges by distribution utilities, the State regulates the acquisition cost of electricity that distribution utilities can pass on to consumers.
As part of its regulation of this monopoly, the State requires distribution utilities to subject to competitive public bidding their purchases of electricity from power generating companies. Competitive public bidding is essential since the power cost purchased by distribution utilities is entirely passed on to consumers, along with other operating expenses of distribution utilities. Competitive public bidding is the most efficient, transparent, and effective guarantee that there will be no price gouging by distribution utilities.
Section 6, Article XII of the 1987 Constitution provides: “The use of property bears a social function, and all economic agents shall contribute to the common good. Individuals and private groups, including corporations, cooperatives, and similar collective organizations, shall have the right to own, establish, and operate economic enterprises, subject to the duty of the State to promote distributive justice and to intervene when the common good so demands.”
Indisputably, the use of electricity bears a vital social function. The State, in requiring competitive public bidding in the purchase of power by distribution utilities, has exercised its constitutional “duty x xx to intervene when the common good so demands. “
Page 16 Functions of DOE and ERC
Thus, the very first mandate of the ERC under its charter, the EPIRA, is to “enforce the implementing rules and regulations” of the EPIRA as formulated and adopted by DOE. Clearly, under the EPIRA, it is the DOE that formulates the policies, and issues the rules and regulations, to implement the EPIRA. The function of the ERC is to enforce and implement the policies formulated, as well as the rules and regulations issued, by the DOE. The ERC has no power whatsoever to amend the implementing rules and regulations of the EPIRA as issued by the DOE. The ERC is further mandated under EPIRA to ensure that the “pass through of bulk purchase cost by distributors is transparent [and] non-discriminatory. “
Page 20 Independent Power of the ERC
In the present case, where there is no exercise of the ERC’s quasi-judicial powers, the ERC is legally bound to enforce the rules and regulations of the DOE as authorized under the EPIRA. The ERC has no independence or discretion to ignore, waive, amend, postpone, or revoke the rules and regulations of the DOE pursuant to the EPIRA, as it is horn book doctrine that rules and regulations issued pursuant to law by administrative agencies, like the DOE, have the force and effect of the law. In fact, the first duty and function of the ERC under its charter is to “enforce the implementing rules and regulations” of the EPIRA as issued by the DOE. Certainly, the ERC has no power to ignore, waive, amend, postpone, or revoke the policies, rules, regulations, and circulars issued by the DOE pursuant to the EPIRA.
In any event, even in quasi-judicial cases, the ERC is bound to apply the policies, rules, regulations, and circulars issued by the DOE as the ERC has no power to ignore, waive, amend, postpone, or revoke the policies, rules, regulations, and circulars issued by the DOE pursuant to the EPIRA. To repeat, the DOE’s rules, regulations, and circulars issued pursuant to the DOE’s rule-making power under the EPIRA have the force and effect of law which the ERC is legally bound to follow, whether the ERC is exercising executive, quasi-legislative, or quasi-judicial powers.
(Emphasis are ours)
Considering that the legality of the Meralco power supply contract applications have delayed the power development of the country by 3 years, the compelling question is what will the affected institutions, ERC, Meralco and its 5 partners, and DOE, do? Will they continue fighting the legal issue, protract the impasse, and not care about the delay in the nation’s power supply? Will the consumers be held hostage again and will the government passively watch as Luzon’s power supply deteriorate?
The new ERC will be tested on what they hold important, Self-interest or public service? Will they continue fighting for their domain over the power sector and put self-empowerment first over focusing on averting a power crisis by starting in earnest to making enough of the Meralco projects comply with legitimate CSP?
a. Jurisdiction, power, and autonomy of ERC
Is the ERC willing to temporarily loosen its grip on its empire?
Almost from the beginning, the series of trapo politicians that were made Chairmen of this supposed public interest agency from 2003 to 2018, worked hard at protecting its power and jurisdiction over the power industry domain. As politicians steeped in the culture in Congress, they evidently wanted absolute power over a sector that the private entrepreneurs and oligarchs discovered they can profit handsomely, especially if they capture the regulators. The seasoned politicians effectively kept at bay past attempts by the DOE, Congress, and the Courts to influence the regulatory agency’s power by arguing they are an independent body and stigmatized any input from other government agencies as “meddling”.
This assertion by ERC of absolute power led to the regulatory agency’s total disregard for power policies set by the Department of Energy, the mandated policy making body under the EPIRA law. ERC routinely tries to appear to be in synch with the policies set by the DOE but in the process of implementation, they exercise so much privilege that they often violate if the not the word but the spirit of the DOE policies.
In fact, on the ruling by the Supreme Court years ago that Meralco as a public utility should be entitled to only a 12% annual return on their investment, the ERC evidently felt they were above the Supreme Court when they adopted the rate setting methodology PBR that effectively deregulated the profits of Meralco who is now making officially 25% return on equity. Asked in a hearing on PBR, two senior commissioners declared in open court that they did not have to follow because the Supreme Court ruling was “no longer applicable when ERC changed the methodology to PBR and that the 12% return is no longer valid because “economic conditions had changed”. (Who brainwashed them?)
It is under this kind of hubris that the ERC evidently felt they can get away with fooling around with the implementation of the CSP policy from November 7, 2015 to April 30, 2016, despite them turning down Meralco’s request as late as January 2016 to be allowed to do swiss challenge type CSP.
What happened in February 2016 that made ERC change its mind and incongruously “clarified the implementation date of the CSP to April 30, 2016, a full 176 days after the original date? Most Filipinos can guess correctly on this one.
b. ERC’s mandate under the Epira Law
RA 9136 or the EPIRA Law of June 2001 indeed gave ERC a lot of power, many of them even motuproprio and all for the purpose of protecting the public interest. The most important of which is insuring the fair and reasonableness of the rates. It is true that previous ERC’s invoked those other non-rate setting powers like Section 43 sub-sections f,o,r, whenever convenient but rarely in the genuine intent to serve the public interest.
Now the Supreme Court is saying they must implement only the policies laid down by the Department of Energy which had the effect of law. And we interpret that to mean not to exceed or contradict one whenever a policy had been established by the DOE.
A current case in point, the DOE had issued in February 2018 a Guideline for the procurement of power supply for the Distribution Utilities. And the ERC has been working on coming up with its own implementing guidelines of such policy. It is now in its 3rd draft and interestingly, while the DOE circular and expressed clarifications did not provide for unsolicited proposals or swiss challenge type biddings, ERC’s guidelines is devoting fully 1/3 of its pages to rules on unsolicited proposals and swiss challenge.
So the question is will the new ERC now respect the authority of the DOE to set policies and rules and not freelance and exercise privileges with their own implementation rules?
c. Will there an advent of a New DOE?
DOE is the reverse of ERC. They were given a clear mandate by the law to insure that there would be sufficient supply and least cost power with broad policy powers. For many years they seem to have accepted that their job is to formulate and issue policy. And be contented that the implementation is left up to the discretion of the ERC, NEA, NPC, PSALM, come hell or high water. One recent Secretary of Energy lamented that they don’t have enforcement capability, a sad perspective.
For the last 15 years one reality has been hitting DOE and that is when things are going wrong in the power sector, regardless of privatization and deregulation, it is the DOE that the people and the legislators are holding responsible.
Yellow and Red Alerts
In the recent case, yellow and red alerts started lighting up in the Luzon grid, and the JCPC called the power players to hearings. It was admirable that the DOE officials were trying to explain except they really could not provide the answers and solutions to the mysterious coincident downtimes of the power generators in Luzon. The reason is it is really Meralco, to whom those power plants are contracted to, who is capable of ensuring the performance of these power plants and shepherding their downtime schedules.
It is evident they themselves feel it is DOE’s responsibility to make sure there is enough power supply and reserves and that the prices do not skyrocket. But they must stop thinking that their job is passive and only persuasive in making things happen.
Now the Supreme Court had clearly spoken. It is the job of the DOE to establish policies and guidelines and those will have the effect of law. ERC’s job is to implement the policies set by the DOE.
It is true that in the past the ERC was forced to write more implementing guidelines to executive the vague and motherhood guidelines set by the DOE or where the later had not written one. For example, the implementation of Section 45 of the Epira law on limiting the market share of the owners of Meralco to only 50% of the power utility’s demand and energy needs. Some people managed to dilute the Epira law by writing a different way of implementation under Rule 11 of the Epira IRR in 2004. This has been paving the way for the MVP Group that controls Meralco to covet 100% of the contracts of Meralco’s power supply….. because they could.
But since the DOE had evidently not even recognized the illegality of Rule 11 through the years, the ERC had been implementing it in their own way and in their own time.
Now the DOE needs to step up and provide clear guidelines, monitor their implementation, and take proactive action if say power supply is not materializing on time.
This will require DOE to remake itself from a passive issuer of policies and rules and gatherer of statistics on evolving power development, to a proactive enforcer and pursuer of power development objectives if the private sector is not getting it done on time or the right way. The people is expecting that from the government and DOE.
The Supreme Court message is clear…..but will the ERC and DOE heed the call?
We will see soon enough in the rest of the year.
MatuwidnaSingilsaKuryente Consumer Alliance Inc.
matuwid.org
david.mskorg@yahoo.com.ph
davidcelestratan
Department of Energy (DOE), Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Matuwid na Singil sa Kuryente (MSK)
David Celestra Tan, Department of Energy (DOE), Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), matuwid.org, MatuwidnaSingilsaKuryente Consumer Alliance Inc. (MSK)
The Supreme Court Decision was supposed to be a Consumer’s Checkmate on Meralco’s 7 Midnight PSAs….It Turned Out to be a Stalemate! Bummer! (Part 1)
Consumers and Cause Oriented Groups were overjoyed when the Supreme Court issued a decision last 17 May 2019 granting the petition of Alyansa Para saBagongPilipinas (ABP)to declare the extension of the CSP policy by ERC from November 7, 2015 to April 30, 2016 to be beyond its authority and therefore illegal and null and void. We all felt it is a major consumer victory and checkmate of the monopolizing Meralco. Alas, Meralco power supply contracts will be subjected to true competitive selection process or bidding.No more negotiated contracts between sister companies! It is going to be a wonderful world for consumers! So we thought!
Sorry Aya, Sorry Noel, Sorry Neri, Sorry Meralco consumers. I think we are wrong! When we read the full SC decision in GR No. 227670, there were odd things about it. Parts of it are out of tune. It is like listening to the victory song in Les Miserables and hearing the enemy marching in the background. Did the Supreme Court make a mistake? We asked a retired Justice. He said we may disagree with the decision, but the SC rarely makes a mistake in writing its decisions. It means whatever they wrote and the words they used are intended to be there. Just to repeat, the SC doesn’t make a mistake in writing decisions. Whatever is there is intended to be there.
Having said that, Lets talk first about the Great Things about the Supreme Court Decision.
1. It reiterated the constitutional obligation of the government agencies, particularly the DOE and ERC in protecting the consumers and promoting true competition.
As part of its regulation of this monopoly, the State requires distribution utilities to subject to competitive public bidding their purchases of electricity from power generating companies. Competitive public bidding is essential since the power cost purchased by distribution utilities is entirely passed on to consumers, along with other operating expenses of distribution utilities.
Competitive public bidding is the most efficient, transparent, and effective guarantee that there will be no price gouging by distribution utilities”.
It is a breath of fresh air!
2. It clarified that the function of the ERC is to enforce and implement the policies formulated, as well as the rules and regulations issued by the DOE.
This is an important reminder because since the tenure of the 3rd ERC Chair, the ERC has been arrogating its stature as an independent body, creating its kingdom, co-equal even to the courts, and free to write its own guidelines based on its own interpretation of the law. Many of those are contrary to the policies handed down by the DOE.
It is this mind-set that apparently emboldened the ERC to ignore the Supreme Court ruling in 2005 that public service utilities should only be allowed a 12% return on their investment. They still adopted the PBR rate setting methodology that essentially deregulated the profits of distribution utilities which in Meralco’s case has been reaching 25% per year, double what the Supreme Court ruled was the limit. Never mind that the Epira Law of 2001 clearly says the Distribution Sector is regulated.
We hope with this new Supreme Court ruling on the limits of its discretion, the ERC can be more sanguine and usher in an era where both the DOE and ERC are pulling in the same direction.
At the same time we hope it will serve as a reminder to the DOE that they have a big responsibility to see that their own policies are actually implemented.
There are however Curious omissions and additions in the written decision of the Supreme Court
These are the things that are odd and sticking out like sore thumbs in such a wonderful and enlightened interpretation of the law.
Next: The omission and addition to the Supreme Court decision that would stalemate the DOE and the Consumers.
Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Matuwid na Singil sa Kuryente (MSK), Meralco
Alyansa Para SaBagongPilipinasInc (ABP), David Celestra Tan, Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), epira law of 2001, matuwid.org, MatuwidnaSingilsaKuryente Consumer Alliance Inc. (MSK)
Wake Up Calls For All of Us On Power Yellow Alerts…Whose Job is it Anyway?
The Yellow and Red alerts of power shortages should wake up all of us towards the reality that a power crisis can be upon us and can have devastating impact our economic boom years. The blame game is going wild so let us take stack and see who should be waking up and for what reality.
1. You, I, and the Public
We the consumers have a lot of waking up to do. It is quite scary that in the face of a power crisis we the consumers would lose however it is resolved.
If the power crises happens we will be down on our knees begging for electricity at any price, by any method, and no matter how dirty. To avert these blackouts, new power plants will need to be built. And guess whose new power projects are being rammed through our throats? 4,005mw of MeralcoPowerGen’s all coal projects no less….and counting.
In case you have not heard, seven of these contracts totaling 3,551mw are stuck in legal controversy since 2016 brought about by ERC itself. The Prices and terms that will be charged to you and I were just negotiated between Meralco and its sister companies. One called Atimonan One with 1,200mw has a published rate with ERC at P3.75 per kwh but if updated to current exchange rate, inflation, and coal fuel, is actually now P5.65 per kwh. And who knows what else are hidden in the secret provisions that they asked not to be disclosed to the public? In short, if those MeralcoPowerGen contracts are approved as we, the ERC, and the DOE, and probably the Supreme Court are being manipulated to agree to, we the consumers are screwed and stuck with sweetheart prices and terms for 20 years. And those pass on charges are not small. PowerGen is cornering 80% of the energy needs of Meralco.
That happened in April 2016, three (3) years ago. Since then, no new power projects were announced, either by Meralco, Aboitiz, and their cartel partners. The power development of the country is at a standstill and it seems everything is being bet on those Meralco contracts. Meralco by the way as the largest distribution utility is exerting its market control since no major power project will happen without them agreeing to be a buyer. And they will not agree unless….you know the rest of the story.
It is depressing to wake up to the reality that we as consumers are screwed either way. If it were a game of chess, “mate natayo” even before we realize there is even a game going on. And what is worse is the feeling that no one is truly protecting us in this country of ours. Sure we hear all these government officials saying they are doing things to protect the public, to assure supply. So does Meralco using that line in vain.
MSK as your advocacy group has been trying to point out regulatory flaws but the regulators especially the last batch were evidently apathetic to public interest. We hope we have a better one in the new batch but so far it is not encouraging if we go by the guideline for power supply procurement that they are drafting. Loopholes for circumvention of true CSP are evidently being built into it. Hayy.
( See our article Who is to Blame for the Delays of the 1,200mw Atimonan One and 600mw Redondo Power Coal Projects? Meralco, Consumer Groups, or ERC? Matuwid.org June 5, 2018)
At this stage though it is no longer what Meralco and ERC did but how do we move forward with new power projects. And Meralco, the new DOE, the new ERC, and the Chairmen of the Energy Committees of Congress and the Senate, the JCPC, the Supreme Court, and even the President of the Philippines, could have taken proactive moves to break the impasse and get the country moving so a power crises is prevented…..while there is still time to prevent it.
Eerily, no one is moving. Sadly, when something happens, we the consumers are disadvantaged. And no one is protecting us. Why are we always in a lose-lose situation….and they the vested interests are always in a win-win position?
2. Your beloved Distribution Utility Meralco
The first move should have been coming from Meralco, the distribution utility itself. It is them who have the contractual mandate with the consumers by virtue of their public service franchise to assure the provision of adequate power supply in the least cost manner.
But they will not move because they are conflicted and protecting their power generation interest. Meralco clearly is putting higher priority to being the sister company of their MeralcoPowerGen instead of being the public service provider to the consumers. And they appear to be willing to push the country to the brink of power crisis so that they can get their way.
But “we are looking after the public interest”Meralco would argue. That is why they want all seven (7) of our power supply contracts approved by the ERC starting with their 1,200mw Atimonan One and the 600mw Redondo Power in Subic. Why can’t they initiate a happy compromise (front door or backdoor) where they get to implement their earlier projects for commissioning in 2020 and 2021 and subject to true CSP the balance those that are needed for 2022 to 2025? Should it really be all or nothing? Their way or no way?
Meralco should act like your distribution utility looking after the public interest.
3. The new Department of Energy
We are calling them new because the Meralco deals were done in April 2016, a month before the last Presidential elections and before President Duterte is able to appoint his own Energy Secretary. (That’s another reason those contracts became known as “midnight”)
Under the EPIRA Law of 2001, the Department of Energy has the specific tasks of assuring there is adequate supply of power through enabling policy and proactive promotion of investments in power and energy.
They could have been excused from proactively getting involved in resolving the effective freeze in power generation projects in 2017 as they try to learn the ropes but by 2018 alarm bells should be ringing. The country is on its way to a power crisis and the DOE needs to do something and make things happen.
Why not be the catalyst for a national consensusfor a solution? The Alyansa Para saBagongPilipinas and the Bayan Muna,the cause oriented groups that filed the cases in the Office of the Ombudsman and the Supreme Court against ERC and the seven (7) Meralco contracts, should not be above participating in a national resolution if it is to the public interest.
Then if not resolving the legally questionable Meralco contracts, why not the DOE push for new tenders for power supply under true CSP rules. Why not hold tenders for LNG power plants? If the Meralco cartel members are not willing to participate there are many highly qualified and proven power generators who can participate. Such truly competitive biddings will have the added benefit of answering for the country the question of which is better for the consumers, negotiated or openly tendered power supply?
Are there factions within the DOE that are participating in allowing the country to slide to the brink and helping create an environment where the public will be so scared of a blackouts that they will not care if the power supplies were anomalous and overpriced and violative of its own CSP policy?
4. The Supreme Court
The ERC, DOE, and Meralco are all pointing at the Supreme Court for their collective inability to resolve Meralco’s seven power supply projects. And the longer the highest court of the land takes to make a ruling on whether ERC has the legal right to extend the deadline for the CSP, the closer the country is pushed to the brink of the power crisis.
Our Honorable Justices will need to wake up to this reality. The ruling of the Supreme Court is now part of the problem instead of a solution.People believe that there is really no major constitutional divide on the issue. Most people predict anyway that the Supreme Court will rule that the ERC had the legal authority to extend the implementation of the CSP but will leave it up to the office of the Ombudsman on whether the previous batch of ERC Commissioners abused that authority.
5. The Country’s Conglomerates and Economic Powerhouses
Let us wake up to the reality that Meralco’s cartel oligopoly are also the major business conglomerates that are having a field day in the current consumer driven economic boom. They are in real estate, construction, retailing, telecommunications, banking, tourism, water, roads, and media. Their market caps are soaring.
Count on them to exploit opportunity and profit from the people’s adversity. Meralco is happily negotiating emergency power supply contracts “to protect the consumers” with the same people whose power plants are conveniently shutting down.
Predictably, media is exploiting the hysteria over the yellow alerts and putting pressure is on for ERC and DOE to approve the Meralco contracts. They are blaming the ERC for being “indecisive”. Two illustrious columnists in the major daily controlled by the Meralco group, called out DOE Usec Fuentebella for inaccurately assuring the public of no power shortage. Then she went for it.
“What we need are new power plants.Some of the country’s power plants are so old, some as old as dirty old men. It’s not surprising that, perhaps, just like these men, these plants conk out too every now and then. Clearly, there’s an urgent need for new power plants, but the private sector’s investments have been hampered by regulatory challenges.”
Another one asked “who is minding the store” and taking to task the Department of Energy for the impending power crisis.
It could also be a wake up call to these diversified conglomerates that the customers they abuse in power, water, toll roads, telephones and internet, are the same people who provide the market for their shopping malls, condominiums, and travel.And it is the same economy that if thrown into a power crisis will sabotage the whole economy and the market for the rest of their empires.
6. President Rodrigo R. Duterte
Many of these conglomerates are having a heyday because they have the blessings of the President for their projects and many are enjoying the profits from the economic boom that the Presidents leadership is bringing about.
But maybe the President can also wake up to the reality that this same people that he is helping are also willing to push the country to the brink of a power crisis to serve their selfish interest and in the process sabotage a good legacy of progress for the people that his Presidency has been working so hard to create. So much for gratitude and true friendships. Or are those relationships co-terminus with the President’s term?
7. “Whose Job Is It, Anyway?”
Our impending power situation reminds us of a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have.
And how was your holy week!
For private comments send to email david.mskorg@yahoo.com.ph
For public comments please send below.
Department of Energy (DOE), Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Matuwid na Singil sa Kuryente (MSK), Meralco
David Celestra Tan, Department of Energy (DOE), Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), matuwid na singil sa kuryente consumer alliance inc., matuwid.org, Meralco PowerGen, MSK
Yellow and Red Power Alert, Things to Ponder, The Outdated and Onerous Genco Contracts, and Permanent Solutions (Part 2)
4. The Onerous Guaranteed Payments for Downtimes in the PSA in Main Grid
These power plants will predictably blame technical reasons for the outages. These are however the “effects” and not the “root causes”.
It might surprise many people but the solution to these Power Plant shutdowns are not technical but contractual and financial.To explain, the PSA’s in place now and new ones being signed are still the old 1990’s era, BOT type contracts where the IPP is guaranteed his full capacity fees and fixed costs even if his power plant is down for maintenance and not available to deliver power.
These are in the form of maintenance downtime provisions in the PSA where the IPP is excused from delivering power. Typically 45 to 60 days per year for coal plants. There is nothing wrong with legally excusing them from delivering power when their power plant have technical problems or need to be shutdown for preventive maintenance.
What is wrong is continuing to pay them full capacity fees and fixed costs during the shutdown period. And these payments are passed on to the consumers as part of AGRA, the new name of the old reviled Purchased Power Adjustment (PPA).
These give financial incentives to IPP’s for being down or expressed another way, there is no financial benefit to them to AVOIDing and minimizing downtimes. If these IPP’s are not paid during their downtimes and only paid when they are actually providing a service to the consumers, their financial dynamics will change, giving them the incentive to make investments in making their power plants reliable.
Still another way of expressing this guaranteed payments whether down or not, is that electric consumers are being charged for 12 months of service but only getting power from the IPP for 10 months, especially for base-load plants. This is so onerous to the Filipino consumers.
Even for those power plants with “Reserve power contracts” and providing “ancillary services”, they should be paid capacity fees and fixed costs only when they are validated to be on line and available to provide the power if called. Not when they are down.
Downtime allowances in PSA’s should only be an excuse from delivering the service but not for guarantee of continuing capacity payments even if they are not performing a service. We are now in the Build Operate and OWN era, no longer BOT, where at the end of the contract, the power plant is Transferred to the distribution utility.
Ironically these onerous guaranteed payments for downtime allowances are still in the seven (7) midnight Meralco PSA’s signed with subsidiary MeralcoPowerGen. And even in the 460mw expansion of Mauban coal plant with partner EGAT. We suspect that this contract provision is among those trade secrets that Meralco had petition to keep confidential from the public and ERC is agreeing to be hidden from public scrutiny.
These onerous provisions must be prohibited in the Guidelines for procurement being drafted by the DOE, ERC, and NEA for being patently anti-consumer.
Until this is cured, there will always be downtime anomalies because there are financial incentives to being down or no financial benefit to avoiding downtimes.
(see our Article on Outdated PSA Provisions Need to be Updated, matuwid.org December 6, 2018)
5. The Onerous Guaranteed Payments for Downtimes in the PSA in the Off-Grid
In the Off-Grid areas these guaranteed payments during downtimes similarly cause brownoutsand also the bloating of the missionary subsidies in hundreds of millions. In the Island of Palawan, President Duterte no less complained about the brownouts and the Electric Coop was blamed. It turned out 35% of the brownouts resulted from a power supply contractor whose temporary generators have been unreliable and another 35% resulting from outdated and incompleted transmission lines service of Napocor that have failed to keep up with the demand of the fast growing tourist island.
What is aggravating the brownouts are also contractual in nature. The Electric Coop agreed to pay a power provider for 6mw reserve capacity but it can only be used by the power provider when his regular engines are down for maintenance. The Coop is paying P5 million a month extra or P60 million a year but if the Palawan grid is short of power it cannot call this unit into service because it is only to back-up the contractors own units. So why is the Coop and why is missionary subsidy being paid for 6mw that can only be used by the contractor to meet his 20mw contractual guarantee and cannot be called by the Coop for his own use? And ERC had approved this contract provision.
On the subject of off-grid areas, the Philippine Grid Code and the Small Grid Code issued by the DMC of ERC, do not provide for maximum size of units to be installed in the island as a % percent of total demand. The maximum size of each generator determines the amount of reserve capacity that the island needs to have. Ideally technical studies and small grid experience show that this should be limited to about 10% of system demand. In a 50mw island, the maximum generator size should be about 5mw. For reserve capacity known as N-1 and N-2 is based on the extra units equivalent to the size of the largest unit. Hence the larger the disproportionate sized generator, the larger the reserve units that the consumers will pay for.
In a 50mw island N-1 reserve will be 5mw and n-2 would be only 10mw.
If the largest unit is undefined and allowed to be say 8mw or 15mw coal boiler, the reserve unit will be equivalent to 15mw and not 5mw at higher costs to the consumers.
6. Long Term Solutions
a. Obviously, guaranteed payments during downtimes must be prohibited from PSA’s. In fairness to consumers,payments must be provided only for delivered service. There must be a disincentive to being down and a financial incentive to make their power plants reliable with minimum downtime.
This is the root cause of the downtimes and Alerts especially those occurring during inopportune times like summer. This can be incorporated in the government guidelines for procurement and made part of the CSP template.
b. Distribution Utilities like Meralco who are the contracting parties to the Power Supply Agreements, must be required to have continuing Generating Capacity Management Coordination and Monitoring. It is their duty to their consumers.
c. The DOE can have a permanent monitoring and coordinating function for the synchronization of maintenance downtime schedules specially avoiding the critical months of summer and Christmas season.
d. The technical terms of the bidding for future supply under CSP must include a prescription on the maximum sizes of the generating units that can be offered. This must be in the Small Grid Code, in the NEA Guidelines, and in the DOE and ERC Guidelines. This is Not only for reasonable size and cost of reserve capacity but also for better systems adjustments for load variations in these off-grid islands.
In many islands, the load variation is only 5% of peak demand. In a 50mw island, the load variation is 2 to 2.5mw. It is hard and uneconomical for an 8mw reserve engine to fill this in without disrupting the other smaller engines synchronized to the island grid.
Yellow and Red alerts will recur in the country unless we take steps to address their real causes. Of course Meralco and their cartel members would like us all to believe that the solution is more supply. And that to address our fears of brownouts we must forget about the anomalous terms of their seven (7) midnight contracts and have it approved.
There needs to be a compromise in the national interest. The matter has been allowed to drag on for so long and we are playing into the hands of the involved proponents.
We agree that some resolution are now urgently needed but Meralco needs to also compromise. Their negotiated rates need to be made reasonable and the terms of the PSA cannot be onerous. The ERC needs to see that. Better half of it is converted to LNG. Given the urgency of the power supply, we wonder why the Supreme Court does not see that it is to the national interest to decide on the legality of the ERC extension of the CSP implementation, one way or the other.
Why should the electric consumers be always on the losing end? We pay when they are down, we suffer when there is a power shortage, and we still pay for the consequent spikes in the WESM prices. When will we have a savior?
A Blessed Holy Week and Happy Easter to Everyone!
For private Comments send to david.mskorg@yahoo.com.ph
Public comments submit below.
David Celestra Tan, Department of Energy (DOE), Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), matuwid na singil sa kuryente consumer alliance inc., MSK, National Electrification Administration (NEA), power supply agreement
Everyone is again scrambling on what to do in the face of the power shortage alerts. It is yellow, it is red, WESM prices spike, and the always inevitable fears of collusion. Of course there is the predictable, which is “we told you so, we need our new power projects”despite the legal and negotiated rate and terms issues. A supposed “group of consumer welfare advocates” are even incongruously chiming in by blaming ERC for its “indecisiveness” evidently on approval of Meralco’s 7 midnight contracts.
Anyway, let us ponder some aspects of this yellow and red alerts.
1. Whose Power Plants are down now?
According to newspaper reports, the following power plants have been mentioned. Sual Unit 1, SW Luzon Masinloc Unit 2 344mw, Pagbilao Unit 3 382mw, SLTEC Unit 1 150mw, Calaca 2 of DMCI 100mw, Malaya 2 350mw. A total of approximately 1,500mw.
a. Things to Ponder No. 1
The power plants in question (except Malaya) are owned by Aboitiz Group, San Miguel, EGAT of Thailand, DMCI, all members of the Meralco chosen 5 and partners of MeralcoPowerGen that controlled all the project companies in the seven (7) midnight contracts that the Meralco power oligopoly is trying to ram through the system.
b. Things to Ponder No. 2
Meralco’s power suppliers using coal have mind boggling rates from September to December 2018. AES in Masinloc charged P16.4591 per kwh in September, P13.7889 in October, P10.3589 in November, P8.7697 in December, and 6.9598 in January. It is now partly owned by Meralco Mauban partner EGAT of Thailand.
The Aboitiz owned Pagbilao charged P7.0179 per kwh in September, P7.04 in October, P6.7847 in November, and P7.5231 in December.
San Miguel Sual charged P7.8325 per kwh in September, P9.7960 in October, P8.0332 in December, and 7.4205 in January.
For February 2019, Masinloc rate was 11.51, Quezon Mauban of EGAT 7.76, SMEC Sual 6.91, and Aboitiz Pagbilao 6.33.
Comparatively, other coal generator rates were only P5.50 per kwh and natural gas plants approximately P5.28 per kwh during these periods.
(see matuwid.org website)
The reasons for these high coal generators rates were not because of high coal rates but evidently due to the guaranteed capacity payments to these power generators even if they were not generating full power. That means they have been down for maintenance for those months of September to December 2018 and some in January and February. So why are they still down for maintenance now that consumers needed their power during these summer months of March to May 2019?
(By the way, your organization MSK had filed a petition with ERC asking that these high rates from September to December 2018 be investigated. We have yet to hear from them).
2. Collusion
There could be collusion but it is unlikely that the government can pin anyone down. Power plant operators know what they are doing…and they are sisters with one of the supposed victims, Meralco. (Other one is the consumers)
Even when there are market evidence, our regulatory and justice system will be such that anyone found guilty will not even pay the penalty. Remember the market failure of 2013 when WESM went up to P62 per kwh and resulted to a P4.15 per kwh jump of 80% in generation costs? And even if they pay, it is only a total of P500 million compared to the damage to the consumers of P9 billion.
It is the motuproprio job of the ERC to investigate and penalize but so far they have been quiet.
We cannot expect too much from the Philippine Competition Commission who by their young lawyers’ mindsets will not call harmful “cartel” or “oligopoly” and “collusion” even if they are staring them in the eyes, unless they get the perpetrators to sign a document of admission. (good luck with that!) The young PCC seems have yet to find itself as a watchdog for the consumers and an institution to install preventive and preemptive rules against collusion, market monopoly, and etc. Too early to expect much consumer protection from them.
3. DOE’s Decisive Action
A shining armor in this dark times is the decisive action of the Department of Energy in containing further damage to the community and consumers. Beyond the predictable call for extensive investigation, per media reports they have been actively meeting with electric power industry participants for a concerted remedial solutions. They activated the “interruptible load program” that mobilizes the self-generators. It may only be 200mw but it helps in rotating brownouts.
The terms and conditions of the power supply agreements between these Genco’s and Meralco are being looked into specially their outage allowances, replacement power. Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi is quoted to say “the DOE recognizes that short-term answers are not enough. We are taking a holistic approach that focuses on the establishment of institutional solutions that would benefit consumers in the long term. The DOE fully intends to pursue policy directions to create permanent solutions to the otherwise temporary yet recurring challenge of red alerts.”
These are good take charge responses to avert a possibly disastrous power situation. However, the country needs a permanent monitoring of the plant availability performance of these IPP’s and a proactive management and coordination of power plant maintenance schedules specially during critical seasons like summer and Christmas holidays. The Department of Energy can make this maintenance scheduling part of the tasks of its Electric Power Industry Monitoring Board, instead of just passively tallying the power generation projects being pursued by the private sector.
The Senate Energy Committee under Sen Sherwin Gatchalian is expected to similarly try to conduct an investigation and let us hope they do and get to the bottom of these power shortages. More importantly, let us hope those investigations will result to change in rules for permanent solutions.
Actually it should be the job of Meralco if they are truly looking after the interest of their customers to manage and synchronize the scheduling of the downtimes of their contracted power suppliers. We don’t hear them doing this proactive scheduling that not only can avoid surprise brownouts but also to protect their customers from the price spikes that are consequences of power shortages.
Next: The Onerous Power Supply Contract Provisions and Permanent Solutions
David Celestra Tan, Department of Energy (DOE), Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), gencos, Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), matuwid.org, MatuwidnaSingilsaKuryente Consumer Alliance Inc. (MSK), Meralco PowerGen, Sherwin T. Gatchalian, Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM)
Rethinking the ERC plan to shift to “fixed price”generation rates…And the “30% of Project Cost” Exemption from CSP!!
The new ERC has been hard at work on a new guideline or template for the contracting of power generation supply agreements. Without exaggeration this guideline would be one of the big signals to consumers on the regulatory soul of the new ERC Commissioners as a group.
In the 3rd version, one of the new rules under Section 13.2(e) is the shifting to fixed price generation rates including fuel as opposed to the current regime of variable costs and pass on charges.
Just like other utility economists, i am shocked to my core. Whhatt! This may be well intended but we hope the ERC will rethink this.
It is true that the current pricing formula of pass on charges for changes on fuel price and forex rate variations had been resulting to a yoyo effect on generate rates and gives electric consumers reason to complain every time it happens.
And every time it goes up Meralco, ERC, and DOE have the inconvenience of explaining to the public what’s going on.
Addressing this regular complaining seems to be the only reason the new ERC is considering this fixed price regime. And if consumers no longer complain then the ERC has come up with a good solution?
But Fixed Rate pricing is not necessarily good for nor protective of the consumers. Pacifying the consumers this way is a lot like addressing the crying of a child but not really the cause of his crying. Yes poor baby, let’s give him cough syrup to induce him to sleep, pain killers for his pain, or downers!
This is eerie dejavu! During the finalization of the EPIRA Law in 2001, there were clear efforts to change Meralco’s rate setting from RORB or return on rate base on which consumer advocates became very adept and had been raising a lot of questions and inconveniences for both ERC and Meralco. That opened the door for a change to a new rate setting methodology called PBR or performance base rate setting. People are so confused by this PBR and no one is able to question them a lot. Na set-up ang consumers and worse, the fruit of the pudding is Meralco started making 25% per year return on investment, double the 12% determined by the Supreme Court for the distribution monopoly. And in your organizations petition to change or modify the PBR, the previous set of commissioners were apathetic to correcting the injustice.
The current variable costing vs fixed pricing
Under our current generation rate formula, inflation indices, currency variations, and fuel price changes are factored in every month and it is resulting to the rising and falling of the generation rate. Thus the yoyo effect.
In regulatory economics this is also called “sharing of risks between generators and consumers”. And the principle has merits.
1. Generators do not need to increase their rates to cover forex and fuel fluctuation risks. And those are big financial risks. We estimate a “risk factor” can add 10 to 20% to a fixed rate. Ironically, the generators would be happily keeping the profits when fuel is down but when they have to lose a lot of money when fuel goes excessively high, they will shut down their plants for some alibi. Consumers lose.
2. The adjustment factors of inflation, forex, fuel price are at least transparent and use independent reference prices not influenced by either party. Changes in Forex by the Central Bank published rates and fuel by MOPS of Singapore.
3. While it penalizes consumers when fuel prices go up, lower prices are also passed on when it comes down.
The bigger yoyo problems that need to be addressed by ERC are the nontransparent price adjustments that really hurt the consumers. These are the ones that warrant regulatory safeguards that can be part of ERCs new guidelines on PSAs
1. Non transparent fuel procurement.
Since the cost of fuel is a pass on charge to consumers, consumers need some safeguard. However, neither the ERC nor Meralco have Safeguards to insure that fuel prices that are passed on to consumers are truly competitive and not overpriced.
When MSK intervened in the application of Meralco for p0.90 per kwh increase due to Malampaya shutdown, it became clear that neither Meralco nor ERC bother to check if there is no manipulation. Meralco rate computation managers were taking whatever price the generators declared and pass them on. And we were talking about p9 billion worth of distillate fuel. Similarly, the buying of coal is not truly competitive with no safeguards!
2. Equally big is the exploitive and non transparent adjustments to the generation rate or AGRA as approved by the ERC itself. (Yes it’s a reincarnation of the reviled PPA or purchased power adjustments that wrecked havoc on consumers in the 2000’s.)
Built into those adjustments were the sweetheart downtime allowances where generators are paid regardless of whether they are down or not.This range from 45 to 60 days per year. This in effect encourages shutdowns and are the reasons Meralcos coal suppliers charge p10 to p18 per kwh on many months. Not because of coal prices but by guaranteed capacity payments during downtimes.
This “downtime allowances with guaranteed capacity payments” is a BOT era contract provision that needs to be updated…by the ERC or DOE because DUs will not do it on their own. We are now in the BOO era where the power plant will never be transferred to the DU and hence there is no reason to support the financing of the plant with guaranteed monthly revenues regardless of whether it is running or not. And when the PSA is between two sister companies, who is to check whether the plant downtime had actually exceeded the contracted limit.
Expressed another way, with generous and non-transparent downtime allowances, the consumers are actually paying 12 months of capacity payments for 10 months actual generation service. Depending on the size of the plant that means hundreds of millions and even billions a month. Anak talaga sila ng Dios!
“Downtime allowances” must only be provided to allow the generator time to do preventive or corrective maintenance during which he is excused from delivering the contracted capacity and energy. But not to guarantee him continuing capacity payments while his plant is down, or in power industry parlance “not available”.
A scary thought for consumers
What is scary in the new ERC draft is it is evident that the subtle insertions that are being made are so esoteric to the power industry to exploit the fact that newbie lawyer Commissioners will not really know the deeper implications of what is being proposed. Are foreign consultants involved in this? Or the hand of the vested interests are playing big again behind the scenes? Pinapalusutan ba ang mga bagong commissioners.
Efforts to Trick Consumers and evade again the True CSP
The ERC’s 3rd draft provides under Article XII a section called “CIRCUMSTANCES EXEMPT OF CONDUCT OF CSP”. Under Section 42 “Exemptions” is “a” ‘The DU may be allowed to infuse internally generated funds provided that the amount shared by the DU shall not exceed 30% of the project cost” !!!!!
Pare, “30% of the project cost” is actually the full equity investment of an owner in a power project. The 70% of the project cost is the portion financed by the banks. So kung makalusot ito, it means power projects that are wholly owned by Meralco and to a minor extent by Aboitiz by putting “30% of project cost”, WOULD BE EXEMPTED FROM UNDERGOING A CSP! Pwede na uli negotiated!
Ano ba yan, harapan! Sana naman nagkamali lang sila…o pati document encoder me agenda?
Your organization MSK actually pointed this out in our comments to the ERC on the draft and we hope the new Commissioners will look into it.
We pray for their discernment.
Matuwid na Singil sa Kuryente Consumers Alliance Inc.
For private comments send to david.mskorg@yahoo.com. For public comments please post below.
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Cebu Pacific aircraft catches wheel fire
A Cebu Pacific Air propeller-type aircraft (Cebgo Flight DG6577) bound for Tacloban City caught fire while waiting to take off at the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) at 7:04 p.m. on Monday, September 26.
All 67 passengers and crew were safely evacuated, but one passenger suffered a minor injury, the airlines said in an advisory.
The Cebu-Tacloban bound aircraft aborted take off due to a fluctuating oil indication on one of its engines. While taxing after aborting take off, the aircart encountered a wheel fire and the crew initiated an immediate evacuation of passengers, the airline added.
#CEBAdvisory on DG6577 Cebu-Tacloban as of September 26, 2016; 10:40PM
Cebgo flight DG6577 Cebu – Tacloban aborted take-off earlier this evening. While taxiing back to the terminal, the aircraft encountered fire in the wheel well which was then contained. The crew initiated an immediate evacuation of the passengers following standard emergency procedures.
All passengers and crew were safely evacuated. CEB is providing medical assistance to one of the passengers who sustained a minor injury during the evacuation process, and is attending to the needs of all other passengers on the flight.
CEB arranged for hotel accommodations, and provided meals and transfers to the affected passengers. The airline also mounted recovery flights for tomorrow, September 27, 2016 (Tuesday), for the passengers’ re-accommodation.
The aircraft involved in the incident is an ATR 72-500 turboprop. CEB’s maintenance team is conducting initial inspection of the aircraft, and has reported the incident to aircraft manufacturer ATR.
CEB has also notified and is fully cooperating with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) with regard to the incident.
CEB commends the flight crew of DG6577 for their quick action in successfully evacuating all passengers.
LIST: Cancelled flights on September 31, October 1, 2018
List of cancelled flights on September 16, 17, 2018 – Philippine Airlines (PAL), Cebu Pacific
LIST: PAL, Cebu Pacific cancelled flights on September 14 and 15, 2018 due to Typhoon Ompong
Tags: Cebu Pacific
Blogger BryanBoy drew flak over anti-Duterte tweet
#WalangPasok: Class suspensions for Wednesday, September 28, 2016
2018 Year-End Bonus and Cash Gift Guidelines and Date of Release
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DOLE issues pay rules for Holy Week 2017 holidays
in Business and Money
The Department of Labor and Employment issued pay rules for Holy Week 2017 holidays.
The labor deparment urged private companies and employers to observe the correct pay rules and general occupational safety and health labor standards for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Black Saturday.
The following pay rules for Holy Week 2017 shall apply to all private workers:
For the regular holidays on April 13 (Maundy Thursday) and April 14 (Good Friday):
If the employee did not work, he/she shall be paid 100 percent of his/her salary for that day computed at [(Daily Rate + COLA) x 100%];
For work done during the regular holiday, the employee shall be paid 200 percent of his/her regular salary for that day for the first eight hours computed at [(Daily Rate + COLA) x 200%];
For work done in excess of eight hours (overtime work), he/she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of his/her hourly rate on said day. Computation: [Hourly rate of the basic daily wage x 200% x 130% x number of hours worked];
For work done during a regular holiday that also falls on a rest day, he/she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of his/her daily rate of 200 percent. Computation: [(Daily Rate + COLA) x 200%] + [30% (Daily rate x 200%)]; and
For work done in excess of eight hours (overtime work) during a regular holiday that also falls on his/her rest day, he/she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of his/her hourly rate on said day. Computation: [Hourly rate of the basic daily wage x 200% x 130% x 130% x number of hours worked].
For the special (non-working) day on April 15 (Black Saturday):
If the employee did not work, the “no-work, no-pay” principle shall apply unless there is a favorable company policy, practice, or collective bargaining agreement (CBA) granting payment on a special day;
For work done during the special (non-working) day, he/she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of his/her daily rate on the first eight hours of work. Computation: [(Daily Rate x 130%) + COLA];
For work done in excess of eight hours (overtime work), he/she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of his/her hourly rate on said day. Computation: (Hourly rate of the basic daily wage X 130% x 130% x number of hours worked);
For work done during a special day that also falls his/her rest day, he/she shall be paid an additional 50 percent of his/her daily rate on the first eight hours of work. Computation: [(Daily Rate x 150%) + COLA]; and
For work done in excess of eight hours (overtime work) during a special day that also falls on his/her rest day, he/she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of the his/her hourly rate on said day. Computation: (Hourly rate of the basic daily wage x 150% x 130% x number of hours worked).
For comments and concerns, contact the DOLE hotline 1349.
Tags: DOLE Holy Week 2017 Pay RulesDOLE Pay Rules Holy Week 2017Holy Week 2017
Ayala Malls announces Holy Week 2017 mall hours, schedule
Magnitude 6 earthquake rocks Davao City, Cagayan de Oro and nearby provinces
Saudi Ministry of Health needs 1000 specialist nurses
BDO ATM, Online and Mobile Banking experience system downtime on October 6, 2018
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Celebrity Branding
Integrative Physician, John Parks Trowbridge, M.D., Featured on A&E
John Parks Trowbridge, M.D., Integrative Physician, was recently seen on Bravo and A&E in major markets coast to coast as a guest on Hollywood Live.
Humble, TX – March 29, 2018 – John Parks Trowbridge, M.D., Integrative Physician, was recently a featured guest on Hollywood Live. The show, which filmed at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, California by an Emmy Award winning crew, was hosted by Jack Canfield, Best-Selling Author® and co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul. The show included guests from around the country who shared their expertise and stories of their success. John was one of the guests on the show, discussing his expertise in the Integrative medical field.
Hollywood Live, filmed in Los Angeles, is produced by The Dicks and Nanton Celebrity Branding Agency®. The episode featuring Trowbridge recently aired on Bravo and A&E in major markets coast to coast.
Watch Dr. Trowbridge’s appearance on Hollywood Live here: http://healthchoicesnow.com/25627/hollywood-live/
About John Parks Trowbridge, M.D.:
“Dr. T” – as he’s affectionately been known for 39 years – claims he’s “just getting started,” now asking better questions and finding superior answers for healing your body.
An Eagle Scout, National Merit and California State Scholar, he concentrated on immunology and molecular biology at Stanford University. From day one, he fell in love with operating and later trained in general then urological surgery (at the celebrated Texas Medical Center). Plans changed: Dr. T realized that his superb medical training, coupled with a singular commitment to patient outcomes, meant he often irritated other doctors by “revising” their care plans, so having an independent general medical practice would be essential.
An advanced degree in nutritional medicine launched him on a journey with extraordinary state-of-the-art tools to repair illness and promote health. Dr. T prowled around and stumbled on obscure toxic heavy metals (pollution!), becoming a preeminent educator in chelation therapy, the exclusive FDA-approved treatment that has been found to improve heart and blood vessel conditions, including stroke, macular degeneration, and leg artery diseases in many people.
Further: unrecognized devastation by internal yeast, creating discomforts and diseases in 40% of Americans. Innovative treatments in his 1986 bestseller The Yeast Syndrome are acclaimed around the world. More recently, his investigations have shown surprising improvements in treating newly-discovered Deep Blood Fungus in patients suffering with various autoimmune illnesses, serious skin disorders, worsening diabetes, sudden kidney failure, even problems with leukemia and other cancers.
Dr. T has gained extensive experience in reversing many chronic pain syndromes, especially arthritis and sports injuries, by administering youthful umbilical cord blood cells carefully prepared by a federally-regulated tissue bank. The unique preparation has shown long-term results in most of the patients who were frustrated and desperate.
Enthusiastic for patients to get exceptional care, Dr. T often lectures across the country, in Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, Brazil. His predictable success with complicated illness patients is endorsed in over 5 dozen volumes of Who’s Who – and by a Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award from the International College of Integrative Medicine. Dr. T’s CDs, DVDs, books, articles, and lectures have opened eyes to healing beyond drugs and surgery.
The catchphrase for Life Celebrating Health in Houston has long been “When life is your choice, failure is not an option.” Trowbridge proclaims that every patient deserves leading-edge breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment: “Find it now – fix it right!”
If you would like to learn more about John Parks Trowbridge and his services, or connect with him at: www.healthCHOICESnow.com
Christine Enberg
Dicks and Nanton Celebrity Branding Agency®
Christine@dnagency.com
'); }); } }); $('.share'). ShareLink({ title: 'Integrative Physician, John Parks Trowbridge, M.D., Featured on A&E', // title for share message //text: '<p><strong style="color: black;">Humble, TX – March 29, 2018 – </strong><span style="color: black;">John Parks Trowbridge, M.D., Integrative Physician, was recently a featured guest on </span><em style="color: black;">Hollywood Live</em><span style="color: black;">. The show, which filmed at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, California by an Emmy Award winning crew, was hosted by Jack Canfield, Best-Selling Author® and co-creator of</span><em style="color: black;"> Chicken Soup for the Soul</em><span style="color: black;">. The show included guests from around the country who shared their expertise and stories of their success. John was one of the guests on the show, discussing his expertise in the Integrative medical field.</span></p><p><span style="color: black;"> </span></p><p><em style="color: black;">Hollywood Live,</em><span style="color: black;"> filmed in Los Angeles, is produced by The Dicks and Nanton Celebrity Branding Agency</span><sup style="color: black;">®</sup><span style="color: black;">. The episode featuring Trowbridge recently aired on Bravo and A&E in major markets coast to coast.</span></p><p><span style="color: black;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: black;">Watch Dr. Trowbridge’s appearance on </span><em style="color: black;">Hollywood Live</em><span style="color: black;"> here: </span><a href="http://healthchoicesnow.com/25627/hollywood-live/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">http://healthchoicesnow.com/25627/hollywood-live/</a></p><p><br></p><p><strong style="color: black;">About John Parks Trowbridge, M.D.:</strong></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: black;">“Dr. T” – as he’s affectionately been known for 39 years – claims he’s “just getting started,” now asking better questions and finding superior answers for healing your body.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: black;">An Eagle Scout, National Merit and California State Scholar, he concentrated on immunology and molecular biology at Stanford University. From day one, he fell in love with operating and later trained in general then urological surgery (at the celebrated Texas Medical Center). Plans changed: Dr. T realized that his superb medical training, coupled with a singular commitment to patient outcomes, meant he often irritated other doctors by “revising” their care plans, so having an independent general medical practice would be essential.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: black;">An advanced degree in nutritional medicine launched him on a journey with extraordinary state-of-the-art tools to repair illness and promote health. Dr. T prowled around and stumbled on </span><em style="color: black;">obscure</em><span style="color: black;"> toxic heavy metals (pollution!), becoming a preeminent educator in chelation therapy, the exclusive FDA-approved treatment that has been found to improve heart and blood vessel conditions, including stroke, macular degeneration, and leg artery diseases in many people.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: black;">Further: </span><em style="color: black;">unrecognized</em><span style="color: black;"> devastation by internal yeast, creating discomforts and diseases in 40% of Americans. Innovative treatments in his 1986 bestseller </span><strong style="color: black;">The Yeast Syndrome</strong><span style="color: black;"> are acclaimed around the world. More recently, his investigations have shown surprising improvements in treating newly-discovered Deep Blood Fungus in patients suffering with various autoimmune illnesses, serious skin disorders, worsening diabetes, sudden kidney failure, even problems with leukemia and other cancers.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: black;">Dr. T has gained extensive experience in reversing many chronic pain syndromes, especially arthritis and sports injuries, by administering youthful umbilical cord blood cells carefully prepared by a federally-regulated tissue bank. The unique preparation has shown long-term results in most of the patients who were frustrated and desperate.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: black;">Enthusiastic for patients to get exceptional care, Dr. T often lectures across the country, in Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, Brazil. His predictable success with complicated illness patients is endorsed in over 5 dozen volumes of </span><strong style="color: black;">Who’s Who</strong><span style="color: black;"> – and by a Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award from the International College of Integrative Medicine. Dr. T’s CDs, DVDs, books, articles, and lectures have opened eyes to healing beyond drugs and surgery.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: black;">The catchphrase for Life Celebrating Health in Houston has long been “When life is your choice, failure is not an option.” Trowbridge proclaims that every patient deserves leading-edge breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment: “</span><strong style="color: black;">Find it <em>now</em> – fix it <em>right!</em></strong><span style="color: black;">”</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: black;">If you would like to learn more about John Parks Trowbridge and his services, or connect with him at: </span><a href="http://www.healthchoicesnow.com/" target="_blank" style="color: black;">www.healthCHOICESnow.com</a></p><p><span style="color: black;"><span class="ql-cursor"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: black;">###</span></p><p><span style="color: black;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: black;">Contact:</span></p><p><span style="color: black;">Christine Enberg</span></p><p><span style="color: black;">Dicks and Nanton Celebrity Branding Agency®</span></p><p><span style="color: black;">Christine@dnagency.com</span></p>', // text for share message image: 'https://process.filestackapi.com/AQ3PpSmlXTBOc0a3JxUlmz/rotate=exif:true/https://cdn.filestackcontent.com/yrFYUvohT1ayfHXbpWsn', // optional image for share message (not for all networks) url: 'https://pitchengine.com/celebritybranding/2018/03/29/integrative-physician-john-parks-trowbridge-m/002518799676962165116', // link on shared page width: 400, // optional popup initial width height: 340 // optional popup initial height }); });
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PARTIES & TEAM BUILDING
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Armada Croatia festival 2016
Ørjan Nilsen
Gareth Emery / Ben Gold
Omnia / Khomha
Papaya club, Zrce beach, Island of Pag, Croatia
► TICKETS & PACKAGE PRESALE: - Starts 09.10.2015.
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Beautiful Croatia became a new center of the European summer clubbing scene. The famous beach Zrce has been the country's most popular party destination for the last decade and in the last few years it's also gaining more and more respect and attention from party-lovers and festival-followers around the world.
Sun, sea, refreshing cocktails and world famous DJs that will make you dance to all day and all night - sounds like a place to be, doesn’t it?
Croatia's #1 club Papaya is happy to announce another edition of Armada Croatia festival; it will take place from 18th to 21st of July 2016. Croatia's clubbing scene will be taken over by prestigious artists from Armin van Buuren's label Armada Music.
In past few years Papaya club hosted a lot of famous Djs from trance scene like: Armin van Buuren, Tiesto , Paul van Dyk, Above and Beyond, Markus Schulz, Ferry Corsten, W&W, Orjan Nilsen, Andrew Rayel, Omnia, Aly & Fila, First State, Arty, Gareth Emery, Marlo, Cosmic Gate and many more.
18.07. ANDREW RAYEL
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He’s the modern day Mozart, today’s leading talent in the ever-growing trance scene. He’s the pride of Moldova, known for his unique and very own sound. He is Andrei Rata, better known as Andrew Rayel.
Dedicated, hardworking, and energetic – three words that is probably the best attempt to briefly describe what the Norwegian hot-shot Ørjan Nilsen is about. In the last few years he has been wow’ing audiences across the planet with his take on what a 21st century DJ and producer should be about.
Gareth Emery (born 18 July 1980) is an English electronic dance music producer and DJ. Since 2006, he has been ranked in DJ Magazine`s annual Top 100 poll, peaking at #7 in 2010.
With an explosive forthcoming single, 'Interstate' already igniting dance floors around the globe, a blistering guest mix on 'The Sound of Garuda: 2009 - 2015, and upcoming collaborations with several of the hottest names in trance music, Ben Gold is wasting no time in further cementing himself as one of the most forward thinking and unique trance producers in the world.
Without doubt the most exciting and fast rising name to emerge from the progressive & trance scenes this past 18 months is young Ukrainian DJ / producer Omnia who recently jumped into the Top 50 in the prestigious DJ Magazine Top 100 DJs poll at #48.
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JP5213876B2 - Beam forming system and method - Google Patents
Beam forming system and method Download PDF
JP5213876B2 JP2009542231A JP2009542231A JP5213876B2 JP 5213876 B2 JP5213876 B2 JP 5213876B2 JP 2009542231 A JP2009542231 A JP 2009542231A JP 2009542231 A JP2009542231 A JP 2009542231A JP 5213876 B2 JP5213876 B2 JP 5213876B2
beam forming
JP2010514311A (en
アンドリュー・マーク・ビショップ
アストリウム・リミテッド
2006-12-20 Priority to EP06270108 priority Critical
2006-12-20 Priority to EP06270108.1 priority
2007-12-17 Application filed by アストリウム・リミテッド filed Critical アストリウム・リミテッド
2007-12-17 Priority to PCT/GB2007/050763 priority patent/WO2008075099A1/en
H04B—TRANSMISSION
H04B7/00—Radio transmission systems, i.e. using radiation field
H04B7/14—Relay systems
H04B7/15—Active relay systems
H04B7/185—Space-based or airborne stations; Stations for satellite systems
H04B7/1851—Systems using a satellite or space-based relay
H04B7/18515—Transmission equipment in satellites or space-based relays
H04B7/02—Diversity systems; Multi-antenna system, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas
H04B7/04—Diversity systems; Multi-antenna system, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas
H04B7/06—Diversity systems; Multi-antenna system, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas at the transmitting station
H04B7/0613—Diversity systems; Multi-antenna system, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas at the transmitting station using simultaneous transmission
H04B7/0615—Diversity systems; Multi-antenna system, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas at the transmitting station using simultaneous transmission of weighted versions of same signal
H04B7/0617—Diversity systems; Multi-antenna system, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas at the transmitting station using simultaneous transmission of weighted versions of same signal for beam forming
H04B7/08—Diversity systems; Multi-antenna system, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas at the receiving station
H04B7/0837—Diversity systems; Multi-antenna system, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas at the receiving station using pre-detection combining
H04B7/0842—Weighted combining
The present invention relates to a beam forming technique, and more particularly to a beam forming technique used in a satellite communication system.
Various communication systems, such as mobile phones, cable TV, the Internet, and military communications, transfer signals using satellites that orbit the earth. The satellite uplink communication signal is transmitted from one or more ground stations to the satellite and then retransmitted by the satellite as a downlink communication signal to another satellite or to the earth. This covers a desired reception area according to a specific application. Typically, uplink and downlink signals are transmitted on different frequencies.
Satellite communication systems can incorporate multi-beam array antennas that use beamforming techniques. Such an array antenna is very useful for forming multiple simultaneous beams covering a wide angle. Receive beamforming is a process by which signals received from several different antenna elements are combined to enhance the desired signal and attenuate or reduce the unwanted signal. As shown in FIG. 1a, a plurality of input signals from the antenna elements 1 to n (not shown) to the reception beam forming unit respectively have continuous values synthesized by applying a series of weighting factors w1 to wn. Have. As a result, each beamformer output generates a signal representing a potentially different vector that combines the input signals. By adjusting a series of weighting factors w1-wn applied to the input signal, the beamformer can dynamically change the direction and content of some or all of the beams generated by the antenna array. . Due to the directivity of the output beam, most of the spatially separate beams from a series of receive antenna elements can reuse the same frequency spectrum. Thus, beamforming techniques allow a substantial increase in the number of users supported by a given satellite throughout a given service area.
Similarly, as shown in FIG. 1b, transmit beamforming is performed on the transmit signal for each element 1-n of the antenna array to control the direction and content of some or all of the beams transmitted by the antenna array. With application of weighting factors w1-wn.
The weighting factor may be based on any of a variety of known techniques used for beamforming and can be applied to the incoming signal using any suitable analog or digital means. Analog RF beamforming systems adjust the phase and / or amplitude of the signal at the RF or intermediate frequency (IF) stage of the transmitter and / or receiver chain associated with the antenna. On the other hand, a digital beam forming system digitally adjusts the phase and / or amplitude of a signal. In a digital beamforming receiver, the signal is processed after analog-to-digital conversion. In a digital beamforming transmitter, the signal is processed before digital-to-analog conversion. In particular, digital beamforming is advantageous because of the reproducibility of digital signals and processing and the common and stable nature of digital processing systems for beamforming signal weighting operations.
In satellite communication systems, constant efforts are being made to reduce the overall computational complexity and increase efficiency. Typically, the antenna array used in such a system consists of a myriad of individual array elements. Since conventional beamforming techniques require the application of different weighting functions to signals sent to or received from every element of the array, the amount of processing requirements that arise increases in proportion to the size of the array. .
In many array systems, the majority of the beam formed uses only a portion of the antenna array elements due to the nature of the antenna system. In an array fed reflector (AFR) antenna, the beam is formed after reflecting the signal from the large antenna, even if the feed array is not directed to the target beam position. The effect of the large reflector is to increase the apparent size of the feed array and improve the spatial resolution of the beam forming process. In some configurations, this means that each individual element in the array is responsible for a portion of the overall coverage area of the antenna system. In such a system, unused array elements are typically assigned a weighting function of 0 in the beamforming process, but the system structure receives input from each of the individual element beams of the array. It is configured to receive and process. Thus, apart from the redundancy problem of many array elements, such systems still have unnecessary complexity.
In order to reduce the number of inputs to the digital processor, it is known to divide the array into predefined subarrays and combine a plurality of physical antenna elements using analog techniques. This has the advantage of increasing the number of antenna elements for the same number of digital processor inputs or reducing the number of digital processor inputs for the same number of elements.
Typically, receive and transmit beamforming are performed separately. Usually this is done by operating the same functional block in the opposite direction (ie by making all signal flows bidirectional and selecting one or the other depending on the mode). . Of course, it is also advantageous to provide a beamforming block that is unidirectional in nature, but that only performs either receive or transmit beamforming with the required minimum fitness. Can not.
One object of the present invention is to reduce the complexity and processing requirements associated with beamforming techniques used in satellite communication systems.
Another object of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of the beam forming structure used in the active antenna system. In this case, not all of the antenna elements are responsible for each beam.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a single DSP design with both transmit and receive beamforming functions.
In a first aspect, the present invention belongs to a beamforming system, which system is configured to process uplink signal channelization means and both transmit and receive uplink channel signals. And means for recombining a plurality of downlink channel signals. Since the same beamforming system can be used for both receive and transmit beamforming, a single DSP design with both transmit and receive beamforming functions can be realized. At this time, the same input and output interfaces exist and the same data flow exists. The number of inputs and outputs depends on the type of beamforming (receive or transmit), but the DSP structure is the same. Thus, a single DSP device can change either type of beamforming by changing only the number of inputs and outputs (or by enabling the required number of inputs and outputs from a larger set). Can also be used.
According to a second aspect, the present invention belongs to a beamforming system, which inputs means for receiving samples of a plurality of signals and all sample signals associated with the same beamformed frequency band. Switching means for sending to a predetermined processing block; means for sequentially selecting a predetermined number of transmitted sample signals according to a predetermined criterion; and a signal selected with a predetermined fixed number of weighting factors Weighting means for applying to, a means for accumulating a plurality of weighted signals to form a composite signal, and means for selecting a plurality of signals from the composite signal and sending them to the appropriate output It has. Each sample includes one band of a plurality of frequencies.
The system can be used for receive beamforming, where the received sample is a composite signal from multiple beams received at each of the multiple antenna elements, and the transmitted sample signal is the source of the signal. It is selected according to the beam. Alternatively, the system can be used for transmit beamforming, where the received samples are signals from multiple beams transmitted on each of multiple antenna elements, and the transmitted sample signal is the signal Are selected according to the antenna element to be transmitted.
The beam forming technique of the present invention selects a signal that is related to the signal transmitted to each beam or to each element, with different distinct weighting functions conventionally required for each individual element of the antenna array. Replace with configured switching function. A smaller fixed number of weighting functions are then applied to the selected signal, and processing for a single frequency is performed on the same processing block for all of the elements. This substantially reduces the computational complexity of the beam forming process and facilitates frequency reuse. It also makes it easier to use more effective algorithms. Furthermore, the combination of switching functions facilitates maximum resilience to the selection of any part of the array antenna elements for subsequent beamforming processes.
The present invention also belongs to a beamforming method, the method comprising: (a) receiving a plurality of signal samples; and (b) predetermining all sample signals associated with the same beamformed frequency band. Sending to the processing block, (c) sequentially selecting a predetermined number of transmitted sample signals according to a predetermined criterion, and (d) a signal with a predetermined determined number of weighting factors selected. (E) accumulating a plurality of weighted signals to form a composite signal, (c) repeating steps (c) to (e) a predetermined number of times, and (f) a signal from the composite signal Selecting and sending to the appropriate output. Each sample includes one band of a plurality of frequencies. The method can be used for receive beamforming, wherein step (a) comprises receiving a sample of the composite signal from a plurality of signals received at each of a plurality of antenna elements, and step (c) Comprises selecting a signal according to the beam from which the transmitted sample signal is derived. Alternatively, the method can be used for transmit beamforming, wherein step (a) comprises receiving samples of signals from a plurality of beams transmitted at each of a plurality of antenna elements, and c) comprises selecting a signal according to the antenna element to which the transmitted sample signal is transmitted.
The present invention also belongs to a receive beamforming system, which has input means for receiving samples of a composite signal from a plurality of beams received by each of a plurality of antenna elements, and the same beamformed frequency. Switching means for sending all band-related sample signals to a given processing block; means for sequentially selecting a given number of sent sample signals according to the beam from which the signal originated; Weighting means for applying a predetermined and determined number of weighting factors to the selected signal, means for accumulating a plurality of weighted signals to form a composite signal, and selecting a signal from the composite signal And means for sending to an appropriate output. Each sample includes one band of a plurality of frequencies.
In accordance with another aspect, the present invention belongs to a transmit beamforming system, the system comprising: an input means for receiving signal samples from a plurality of beams transmitted by each of a plurality of antenna elements; Switching means for sending all sample signals associated with the formed frequency band to a given processing block, and for selecting a given number of sent sample signals in order according to the antenna element to which the signals are transmitted Means for applying a predetermined and determined number of weighting factors to the selected signal, means for accumulating a plurality of weighted signals to form a composite signal, and a composite signal Means for selecting a signal from and sending it to an appropriate output. Each sample includes one band of a plurality of frequencies.
FIG. 2 is a simplified representation of a known receive and transmit beamforming system. FIG. 2 is a simplified representation of a known receive and transmit beamforming system. It is a block diagram showing the receiver system used with a satellite by this invention. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating a preferred embodiment of the digital receive beamforming system shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a transmission system with a beamforming system of the type shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a beamforming system of the type shown in FIG. 3 that can be used for both a receiving system and a transmitting system. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a modified embodiment of the present invention, showing a receive beamforming system in which each of the inputs to the beamforming system comes from two antenna elements. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of the present invention comprising a plurality of receive beamforming systems, each of which is shown in FIG. 3, but not combined with the same input and output frame switch. It has the same core processor function. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of the present invention comprising a plurality of receive beamforming systems, each beamforming system being used to process signals associated with a subset of antenna elements.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described for purposes of illustration with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The following description of an embodiment of the present invention directed to a satellite antenna system is not intended to limit the invention, but illustrates its application or use.
FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a satellite receiver system 20 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Although the configuration diagram describes a satellite, the present system can also be applied to a base station or a radar system receiver. As shown in FIG. 2, the RF front end includes N antenna elements 22 1 to 22 N , and receives a plurality of transmitted RF signals. Each element is connected to a low noise amplifier (LNA) (not shown) as is known, and the received RF signal is amplified. The amplified element signals are sent to the down conversion mixer 24. The conversion to the intermediate frequency (IF) is performed using respective signals from a local oscillator (not shown). Next, the IF signal is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 26 and sent to the digital channelizer 28.
Digital channelizer 28 implements a channel filter bank to divide the downconverted composite digital signal containing individual signals from each element of the antenna array into a predetermined number N of digital channel signals. The digital channelizer 28 can be considered as an analysis digital filter bank with each filter having a predetermined bandwidth. The digital channelizer 28 comprises a series of convolutional digital filters and a fast Fourier transform (FFT) processor. A convolutional digital filter uses multirate digital filter techniques such as multiplexing and summing, or polyphasing, to group multiple samples of a downconverted signal together, multiply the sample group by a convolution function, and then Efficiently implement a digital filter bank by sending samples to the FFT for conversion to N individual channel signals. Of course, however, the filter bank may be implemented using any of several different techniques.
Thus, the channelizer 28 has the function of dividing the input bandwidth including individual IF signals independent of each other in frequency, phase and electrical amplitude into a plurality of time-parallel frequency output channels. In other words, the channelizer frequency splits or sorts the various frequencies within the combined IF bandwidth into fixed channel widths or ranges numbered 1 to N within the frequency. Of course, conversion to IF is not required for this process, and the channelizer may operate directly on the RF input bandwidth.
In this embodiment, the N inputs from the channelizer 28 to the beamformer 30 can be considered as time division multiplexing (TDM) of multiple samples. TDM means that individual data signals are transmitted continuously in time following the same signal path so that one signal path can be shared among a plurality of signals. Thus, for multiple frequencies, each TDM includes samples from one of antenna elements 22 1 to 22 N , and the timing of the samples in the various TDMs on the input is the same frequency band or the same The elements 22 1 to 22 N are selected so that they do not appear at more than one input at the same time. However, of course, the execution of TDM is not essential and various other transmission schemes can be envisaged.
The configuration and operation of the beam forming unit 30 in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. The beam forming unit 30 includes an input frame switch 32. The input frame switch 32 receives N input signals corresponding to N different antenna elements 22 1 to 22 N. Different frequencies in the received element signal represent that all signals in a single time have different frequencies at different times during the TDM frame period L TDM over a set of inputs. The input frame switch 32 is such that signals of the same beamformed frequency from all antenna elements 22 1 to 22 N are directed to a particular one of the F core processing blocks 34 1 to 34 F. The route of the signal from the array antennas 22 1 to 22 N is determined. Of course, the frequency in this case means a single frequency band from the channelizer 28. Each TDM sample input to the input frame switch is subjected to a different switching function and up to F signals of N inputs are sent to different core processors 34 1 to 34 F at each sample time, respectively. It is done. At a given sample time, the number of inputs routed may be less than F, but never exceeds F. If F <N, not all frequencies are used for beamforming, so only some channels are switched. If all frequencies are used for beamforming, the value of F must be at least equal to N. The switching operation is repeated in each frame so that the same switching function is applied to the same time slot in all frames. For each time slot in the TDM frame, each output signal is a duplicate of one of the multiple signals present at one of the N inputs.
Within each core processing block 34 1 -34 F , each signal sample routed at a particular frequency processed by that processing block is duplicated into a plurality of TDM signals routed to time switches 36 1 -36 M. The Here, the number M of switches is a parameter determined in advance according to the average of the number of elements 22 1 to 22 N to be beam-formed and the number of elements used for each beam. The functions of the time switches 36 1 to 36 M allow the signals output from the frame switch 32 to be rearranged in an arbitrary time slot order required for subsequent processing, and a plurality of input samples can be overlapped at different times. Each of the time switches 36 1 to 36 M stores the entire contents of the input TDM frame in a table. The data is then read from the table at program time to perform the required time ordering.
Beam forming is accomplished by selecting items from this table in a programmable order, as well as being performed individually in each of the frequency bands, as described below. Thereby, all the individual elements 22 1 to 22 N associated with a particular beam are selected and processed as described. The complete beam formed for a single frequency will probably use all of the antenna elements 22 1 to 22 N , so all of the element signals for this single frequency are required for multiple elements. Need to be processed together so that all combinations can be formed.
Initially, M at the same time are sequentially selected on each TDM frame slot L TDM so that all of the element signals for the first beam provide sufficient data to form the first beam. The The outputs of the time switches 36 1 to 36 M for the first beam are sent to a series of multipliers 38 1 to 38 M , and a programmable weighting factor is applied to each signal. Since the time switches 36 1 to 36 M for the first beam independently select samples, the signals on each multiplier 38 1 to 38 M at a particular time are not replicated. As described above, each weighting factor applies an appropriate phase and amplitude weight to the signal. By adjusting a series of weighting factors applied to each of the M input signals, the direction and content of the output beam can be dynamically changed. The outputs of the multipliers 38 1 to 38 M in the core processors 34 1 to 34 F are added together by an adder 40 to form a single value for each TDM sample.
Next, all of the element signals for the second beam are selected sequentially by time switches 36 1 -36 M and weighted as they are selected. The calculation results for the second beam are added together and output after adding the signals for the last element 22 associated with the beam. This process is repeated for the total number of beams formed.
If the number of element signals required to form the beam is greater than the number M of multiplexing operations performed on each TDM frame slot L TDM , an additional accumulation stage is performed in the accumulator 42. This accumulation occurs over successive feedback in time slot A of each frame so that a total of M × A signal samples are selected and a plurality of weighted element signals are accumulated. The value of A is programmable and depends on the number of element signals required to form the beam. The value of A can be determined dynamically according to traffic to some extent. Since the total TDM frame length is fixed, the majority of samples can reduce the number of different outputs that can be formed. Changing the value of A does not change the amount of hardware required. On the other hand, changing the value of M changes the number of time switches and multipliers required.
If M × A sufficient element signal samples to form a beam having the desired characteristics are weighted, the addition result is passed to the output time switch 44. The output time switch 44 is configured to rearrange a plurality of beam signals in the TDM. The main purpose of the output time switch 44 is to select only useful signals by the multiply / add function and to output those signals simultaneously. Thereby, those signals can be delivered to the required destination. A plurality of output signals from the output time switch 44 are sent to the output frame switch 46. And then they are sent to the appropriate channel combiner 44 (shown in the figure) to form the output signal from the beamforming processor.
As shown in FIG. 3, the beam forming unit includes F core processors, each of which generates a series of beams of a specific frequency. The value of M is fixed for each processing block, but does not have to be the same in all of the F core processors. Further, A is programmable and may be different for all core processors. For example, the global beam covers the entire satellite coverage area typically used by satellite operators for signaling to terminals for call initiation and termination. That the beam covers all of the coverage area means that there is overlap and interference between them, so that the frequency used for that beam cannot be reused for other beams. Typically, this will use the same frequency for many beams, for every few elements, or for every few (sometimes just one) beam using many or all elements. In such a case, if the TDM length is smaller than the number of elements, M = 1 is satisfied. However, the value of A must be much larger because more elements are used for the processing block that forms the global beam. A large amount of frequency reuse tends to use few elements per beam, so A is smaller for the same M. For a small amount of frequency reuse, more elements are used and A must be large.
The use of a fixed number of weighting functions for a single frequency makes the process considerably easier so that the complexity associated with sharing resources (multiple operations) between two or more frequencies is avoided. . Of course, a fixed number of weighting functions can be shared between a small number of frequencies, or multiple fixed numbers can be used for a single frequency. By maintaining a fixed number, many such functions can be performed without the required interconnections, avoiding complexity.
Following the channelizer 28 and beamformer 30, the demodulator demodulates the digital signal, and then the demodulated signal bits are converted into data packets and sent to the appropriate destination. The destination may be another subscriber link, a cross link, or a feeder link. Data packets are routed and then the downlink process described above occurs. The downlink process varies depending on what type of link (eg, subscriber, cross, or feeder link) is used.
As explained above, the present invention allows the use of a fixed number of weighting functions for each frequency. This can use a large number of beams with a small number of elements associated with each beam, or a small number of beams with a large number or all elements associated with each beam. Not all elements contribute to all beam coverage areas, but in many cases one beam uses all elements. Also, as described above, since the global beam covers all of the coverage area, the frequency used for the beam cannot be reused for multiple beams due to overlap and interference between them. Typically, this results in a small number of elements using a large number of beams using the same frequency, or a small number (sometimes only one) of using many or all elements.
In order to illustrate the computational complexity reduction achieved by the system of the present invention, an example is given below.
The satellite has an antenna with 120 (N) elements and forms a total of 30 beams in each of the 20 frequency bands. In a conventional digital beam forming unit in which beam weighting is applied to all elements, the total number of weighting operations is as follows.
120 × 30 × 20 = 72,000
In the beam forming unit of the present invention, if each beam is formed by only 24 elements, the number of weighting operations is given by the following equation.
24 × 30 × 20 = 14,440
This is the TDM length L TDM of 24 (A × M) elements per beam, 20 (F) frequency channels (one per frequency), and 180 (30 beams × A = TDM length). Can be implemented by a beamformer with M = 4 time switches that select samples over A = 6 first time slots of each frame.
FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a subscriber unit transmitter system 50 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The transmitter system includes a down conversion mixer 52. Here, conversion of the RF transmission signal to an intermediate frequency (IF) is performed using each signal from a local oscillator (not shown). The IF signal is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 54 and sent to the channelizer combiner 56, and then sent to the beam forming unit 58. After beam forming, the beam is sent to a respective digital channel combiner, where the combined digital signal containing the individual signals transmitted by each element of the antenna array is divided into a predetermined number N of digital channel signals. . These channel signals are converted to analog signals by a D / A converter and up-converted to RF before being transmitted by the respective elements 60 1 to 60 N of the antenna 60.
The transmit beamforming according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference again to FIG. As described above, transmit beamforming involves the application of weighting factors to the transmit signal for each element of the array. The input to the beam forming unit 30 is various channel signals to be transmitted, and all channel signals having a single frequency band at the array element outputs 60 1 to 60 N are transmitted through the input frame switch 32 to a predetermined core It is sent to the processing block 34 1 ~34 F.
Within the appropriate processing blocks 34 1 -34 F , the delivered signal is replicated with a number of time switches 36 1 -36 M in a manner similar to that described above for the receive beamformer 30. In this case, the number of switches M is a parameter corresponding to the number of beams formed on a single frequency from each element. In addition, the signals are reordered as described above with respect to receive beamforming.
Each TDM samples, all the signals from the time switch 36 1 ~ 36 M associated with the first antenna element 60 1, along with selected sequentially, is sent to a series of multipliers 38 1 to 38 DEG M. The signals are then weighted there and then added together by an adder 40. This is then repeated for signals relating to each of the individual antenna elements 60 2 to 60 N. In this case, the addition of the weighted signal for each element facilitates the reuse of the frequency compared to the combination of elements as in the case of the reception beam forming described above.
If the number of beams on one frequency for transmitting to each element 60 1 to 60 N exceeds the number of multiplication operations M performed on each TDM frame slot L TDM , a total of A × M weighted Accumulation over A sample periods is required so that the element signal is accumulated. The value of A is not only a programmable, determined by the number of beams transmitted by each element 60 1 to 60 N. The output of this second stage accumulation is a TDM that contains the transmitted signals for all of the array elements 60 1 to 60 N. The combined TDM is sent to an output time switch 44 that is configured to reorder the beam signals within the TDM. In this case, the reordering of the signals ensures that the frequency signals are delivered to the appropriate elements 60 1 to 60 N , so that each element and each frequency does not repeat within any TDM frame slot. An output signal from the output time switch stage 44 is sent to the output frame switch 46. There, the signal is then delivered to the appropriate channel combiner to form the output signal from the beamforming processor.
Since the beam forming unit has the same beam forming for both reception and transmission, for example, a single DSP design having both transmission and reception beam forming functions as shown in FIG. 5 can be realized. is there. The number of inputs and outputs depends on the type of beamforming (receive or transmit), but the DSP structure is the same. Thus, a portion of the DSP device can be used for either type of beamforming only by changing the number of inputs and outputs (or by enabling the required number of inputs and outputs from a larger set). it can. However, this single DSP can only be realized if the beamformer has the same input and output interfaces and operates with the same data flow for both reception and transmission.
Of course, a DSP may use both transmit and receive beamforming simultaneously. Some inputs are from the antenna array, and some inputs are from the feeder uplink. At the same time, some outputs are to the antenna array and some outputs are to the feeder downlink. In this case, the single beam forming unit can be used to simultaneously perform reception beam formation from the antenna array to the feeder link and transmission beam formation from the feeder link to the antenna array. However, beamforming does not occur at all inputs and outputs, and there is no connection from the beamformed input to the beamformed output. Some of the F core processing blocks are used for reception and some are used for transmission.
A modified embodiment of the present invention for receiving beam formation will now be described. This is used when the TDM frame length is greater than the number of time slots A increased by the number of beams. Each core processing block is configured to process signals for two or more frequency bands. In contrast to the previous example, it is assumed that the TDM frame length is 180 (A × 30 (the number of beams on the same frequency)), and only one frequency can be used. Assume that the TDM frame length is 360 and two frequency bands are shared by one core processor. One of the two frequencies is used for the first part of the TDM frame and the other is used for the second part. In this case, each time slot on multiple inputs to the input frame switch 32 must not contain the same frequency as other inputs delivered to the same core processor.
For transmit beamforming, the equivalent condition is that the TDM frame length is greater than the number of time slots A increased by the number of elements. Each core processing block can then be used to generate element signals in more than one frequency band. Of course, any suitable number of frequencies can be processed by a single core processor depending on system parameters. In this case, each time slot on multiple outputs from the output frame switch 46 should not contain the same frequency.
Also, for receive beamforming, if the TDM frame length is smaller than the number of time slots required for a single frequency, for example 90 instead of 180, each beam uses A = 6 TDM time slots. Therefore, time is insufficient to form a total of 30 beams in the frame. Given that the same input signal is sent to two core processors, each processor can form half of the beam for the entire element. No additional weighting operations are required, the only difference being that the operations are shared among multiple core processors. For transmit beamforming, the transmitted set of beam signals is replicated to the two core processors. Each processor generates an entire beam for half of the elements. Of course, any suitable number of core processors can be used to process a single frequency, depending on the system parameters.
Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Here, a single beam former is used. For receive beamforming, each of the N inputs to the input frame switch 32 is input from two elements rather than from a single element, as shown in FIGS. Signals from the two elements are sent to the dual channelizer. Thus, the various frequencies within those IF bandwidths are frequency divided into fixed channel widths or capacities with frequencies numbered from 1 to N. This configuration changes the TDM condition on the signal at the input frame switch, but the processing at the beam forming unit is the same. Instead of including the same frequency from the same element, each time slot on multiple inputs must now not include the same frequency from any of the element groups connected to the same input. This is a combination of an input source and a core processor and should appear only once for every N inputs per time slot. In the illustrated embodiment, two elements are used for each input to the input frame switch, but it should be understood that any suitable number of elements can be used for each input. For transmit beamforming, the beamformer output is delivered to a group of elements rather than to a single element.
With reference to FIG. 7, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, multiple beamformers, each of the type shown in FIG. 3, are provided, but a set of core processor functions are not combined in the same input and output frame switch. For receive beamforming, each channelizer must deliver some of its signals to each of the beamformers, but on the beamformer output they do not require any interconnection. For transmit beamforming, the input to the beamformer can be input from individual sources, but the outputs must be coupled to the same channel combiner. Although only two beam formers are shown in FIG. 7, it will be appreciated that any number of beam formers appropriate to the system parameters can be used to process a set of channels. This implementation is used when the requested amount of computation (multiplication and accumulation stages) and storage (time switch stage) cannot be physically contained within a single physical block (one integrated circuit). . Thus, multiple ICs can be used, each IC processing a beamformed frequency fragment.
A further embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. Here, multiple beam formers are provided, each beam former being used to process signals associated with a subset of elements. If the beamformer's throughput is insufficient to process an array with a certain number of elements (eg, due to a lack of physical inputs), they will have multiple elements per beamformer input. Apply.
For receive beamforming, in this case, the N inputs to the frame switch 32 correspond to N different groups of antenna elements that share a common processing means. In the above example of a satellite having an antenna with 120 elements that form a total of 30 beams in each of the 20 frequency bands, half of the elements are transmitted to the first beam former for each beam. At the same time, the other half is transmitted to the second beam forming unit. Each beam forming unit executes 12 (maximum number of elements per beam) × 30 (number of beams) instead of executing 720 times of weighting for each frequency. The outputs of the two beamformers are then summed, and using the same number of weights and a minimum amount of external hardware, the result is numerically identical to the original beamformer. This requires an additional processing stage to combine multiple beamformer functions to process all elements. This embodiment requires repetition of all beamformer components, not just the core processing block. Each complete beamformer is configured to process signals for half of the plurality of antenna elements, and the only combination required is addition, not weighting, which is more complex to implement. For transmit beamforming, the input signal is replicated in two beamformers, and each beamformer processes all the beams for half of the elements. Addition at the output is supplemented by duplication at the input.
Of course, while the time switch operation used to continuously select the element signal for each beam formed supplements the rest of the process, there are many other ways in which this operation can be performed. For example, instead of TDM and time switches, crossbar (or other) switches can perform channel relocation. In this case, the rearrangement is performed between a plurality of different outputs, not between a plurality of different time slots during the same output. This arrangement is suitable for analog mounting due to problems in forming an analog TDM.
In the above embodiment, a digital beam forming system is used, but it should be understood that the present invention is applicable to an analog beam forming system as well. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to a sonar system using a frequency other than RF, for example, an audio frequency.
22 1 , 22 N antenna elements 24 1 , 24 N down conversion mixers 26 1 , 26 N A / D converters 28 1 , 28 N digital channelizer 30 beam forming unit 32 input frame switch 34 1 , 34 F core processing block 36 1 , 36 M input time switch 38 1 , 38 M multiplier 40 adder 42 accumulator 44 output time switch 46 output frame switch
A beam forming system,
Input means for receiving a plurality of signal samples;
And switching means for sending all the sample signal containing the same frequency band formed bicycloalkyl over beam to a predetermined processing block of each
Means for sequentially selecting a predetermined number of transmitted sample signals according to a predetermined criterion;
Weighting means for applying a predetermined determined number of weighting factors to the selected signal;
Means for accumulating a plurality of weighted signals to form a composite signal;
Means for selecting the composite signal and sending the composite signal to an appropriate output;
A beam forming system, wherein each sample includes a band of a plurality of frequencies.
The received sample is a composite signal from multiple beams received by multiple antenna elements,
The beam forming system according to claim 1, wherein the transmitted sample signal is selected according to the beam from which the signal was derived.
The received samples are signals from multiple beams transmitted by multiple antenna elements,
The beamforming system according to claim 1, wherein the transmitted sample signal is selected according to the antenna element to which the signal is transmitted.
The means for sequentially selecting a predetermined number of transmitted sample signals is configured to perform a selection whose number of times depends on the number of antenna elements and the number of elements per beam. The beam forming system according to claim 2.
Means for sequentially selecting a predetermined number of transmitted sample signals are configured to perform a selection that is determined by the number of beams formed on a single frequency from each antenna element . The beam forming system according to claim 3.
The selection of a predetermined number M of signal samples is repeated a predetermined number of times A,
Multiple sets of M signal samples are selected by repeatedly in A times, beamforming system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a different signal samples from each other.
7. The beam forming system according to claim 6, wherein the number of times the selection of the signal is repeated depends on the number of basic signals required to form the beam.
7. The beam forming system according to claim 6, wherein the number of times the selection of the signal is repeated depends on the number of beams transmitted at each element 60 1 to 60 N.
Beamforming system according to claim 1, 2, 4 or 7, and further comprising a plurality of processing blocks which respectively generate a series of beams for each of the frequency bands.
A plurality of processing blocks for generating a series of antenna element signals for each of the frequency bands of the sample signal sent to the processing block, respectively. 9. The beam forming system according to 6 or 8.
And characterized in that the means for sequential selecting a predetermined number of transmitted sample signal, is configured to perform a selection that different from each other in two or more processing blocks of the plurality of processing blocks The beam forming system according to claim 9 or 10.
Weighting coefficient number the is predetermined, determined to be applied to the selected signal, claim 9, characterized in that are different from each other in two or more processing blocks of the plurality of processing blocks, or The beam forming system according to claim 11.
The input means is configured to receive a stream of TDM frames of signal samples;
The beam forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the switching means is configured to apply a different switching function to each time slot of each TDM frame.
14. The beam forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the switching means is configured to send all sample signals associated with a plurality of frequency bands to the same processing block.
Switching means is configured to send all sample signal containing the same frequency band formed bicycloalkyl over beam into a plurality of processing blocks,
14. Each of a plurality of subsets constituting all sample signals including the same beamformed frequency is sent to one processing block of the plurality of processing blocks . 2. The beam forming system according to item 1.
A system in which a plurality of beam forming systems according to any one of claims 1 to 15 are combined,
Each beamforming system processes a portion of a set of beamformed frequency bands,
Consequently, the entire beamformed frequency band is processed by a complete beamforming system.
A system according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, and 9, and a combination of a plurality of beam forming systems according to any one of claims 11 to 15 , or a system according to claim 16 ,
The input means of each beam forming system is configured to receive sample signals from a plurality of beams received by a predetermined number of antenna elements of the plurality of antenna elements;
The system further comprising means for combining the outputs of each beamforming system.
A system comprising a combination of a plurality of beamforming systems according to any one of claims 1, 3, 5, 6, and 8, and 10 to 15 , or a system according to claim 16 ,
The input means of each beamforming system is configured to receive the same sample of signals for multiple beams for each beamforming system ;
A system, wherein each beam forming system is configured to process a beam transmitted by some of the plurality of elements.
19. A beam forming system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beam forming system is configured to process both transmit and receive channel signals with a single digital processor.
Beamforming system according to claim 19, characterized in that the act of processing the operation and the reception channel signal for processing the transmission channel signal by a single digital processor are simultaneously performed.
A beam forming method comprising:
(A) receiving a plurality of signal samples;
(B) the steps of sending all the sample signal containing the same frequency band that is bi over beam formed to a predetermined processing block of each
(C) sequentially selecting a predetermined number of transmitted sample signals according to a predetermined criterion;
(D) applying a predetermined determined number of weighting factors to the selected signal;
(E) accumulating a plurality of weighted signals to form a composite signal;
Repeating steps (c) to (e) a predetermined number of times to form a plurality of combined signals;
(F) selecting a synthesized signal from the plurality of synthesized signals and sending the selected synthesized signal to an appropriate output;
A beam forming method, wherein each sample includes one band of a plurality of frequencies.
Step (a) comprises receiving a sample of the composite signal from a plurality of beams received by a plurality of antenna elements;
The beamforming method according to claim 21, wherein step (c) comprises selecting a signal according to the beam from which the transmitted sample signal is derived.
Stage (a) comprises receiving samples of signals from a plurality of beams transmitted by a plurality of antenna elements;
22. The beamforming method according to claim 21, wherein step (c) comprises selecting a signal according to an antenna element through which the transmitted sample signal is transmitted.
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TWI393148B - Secure co-processing memory controller integrated into an embedded memory subsystem and method of optimizing processor utilization and creating a heightened level of security - Google Patents
Secure co-processing memory controller integrated into an embedded memory subsystem and method of optimizing processor utilization and creating a heightened level of security Download PDF
TWI393148B
TWI393148B TW96141323A TW96141323A TWI393148B TW I393148 B TWI393148 B TW I393148B TW 96141323 A TW96141323 A TW 96141323A TW 96141323 A TW96141323 A TW 96141323A TW I393148 B TWI393148 B TW I393148B
TW96141323A
TW200832438A (en
Jeremy Isaac Nathaniel Werner
Venkat Natarajan
Willy Obereiner
Joe Yuen Tom
George Minassian
Russell Barck
Spansion Llc
2007-11-02 Application filed by Spansion Llc filed Critical Spansion Llc
2008-08-01 Publication of TW200832438A publication Critical patent/TW200832438A/en
2013-04-11 Publication of TWI393148B publication Critical patent/TWI393148B/en
230000015654 memory Effects 0 title 2
G06F12/00—Accessing, addressing or allocating within memory systems or architectures
G06F12/14—Protection against unauthorised use of memory or access to memory
G06F12/1416—Protection against unauthorised use of memory or access to memory by checking the object accessibility, e.g. type of access defined by the memory independently of subject rights
G06F12/1425—Protection against unauthorised use of memory or access to memory by checking the object accessibility, e.g. type of access defined by the memory independently of subject rights the protection being physical, e.g. cell, word, block
G06F12/1433—Protection against unauthorised use of memory or access to memory by checking the object accessibility, e.g. type of access defined by the memory independently of subject rights the protection being physical, e.g. cell, word, block for a module or a part of a module
G06F12/1458—Protection against unauthorised use of memory or access to memory by checking the subject access rights
G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
G06F21/70—Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer
G06F21/71—Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer to assure secure computing or processing of information
G06F21/72—Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer to assure secure computing or processing of information in cryptographic circuits
G06F2212/00—Indexing scheme relating to accessing, addressing or allocation within memory systems or architectures
G06F2212/20—Employing a main memory using a specific memory technology
G06F2212/202—Non-volatile memory
G06F2212/2022—Flash memory
A secure common processing memory controller integrated into the built-in memory subsystem and a method of optimizing processor utilization and generating an enhanced security level
The present invention relates to a secure common processing memory controller integrated into a built-in memory subsystem.
For network-based systems (especially for applications that handle sensitive information), robust security is important to prevent unauthorized media (unauthorized agents) ) Intercept, destroy or publish sensitive information. Appropriate information security systems must be implemented in a manner that minimizes disruption to the user to ensure that authorized users are not mistakenly denied access or their obligations are unduly restricted.
To complicate matters, there are specific limitations in this environment that affect the ability to integrate security measures into the system. The host used in this environment, regardless of the length of the code and the existing memory in which the code is executed, may have low processing power and limited resource capabilities. Moreover, due to the aforementioned processing limitations, it is not possible for many security programs to have extensive computations.
Another major common problem with security-based systems is that the security functionality is vulnerable. The compromise of the security function can lead to system failure. This is a major consideration because attackers who use sophisticated techniques have cracked a variety of existing systems, resulting in the interception, destruction, and disclosure of sensitive data. Therefore, it is important to include adequate security mechanisms to protect such systems.
In order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention, a simplified summary is presented below. This summary is not an extensive overview, and is not intended to identify key or essential elements or the scope of the present invention. It is only intended to present some concepts in a simplified form. The preface to the description.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, includes a memory module that facilitates integrated security capabilities. The memory module includes a non-volatile memory storing security software, and a security processor that accesses the security software from the non-volatile memory and implements a security function based on the stored security software. Thus, the security processor controls the non-volatile memory and monitors all traffic entering and leaving the non-volatile memory.
In addition, the main processor located outside the memory module arbitrates the security processor to access the non-volatile memory. The security processor is adapted to simultaneously process a security protocol while the host processor is performing a general function to mitigate the host processor from having to perform an interrupt associated with the security function. The security processor is positioned in series with the main processor and the non-volatile memory. In addition, the memory module also includes volatile memory for use in primary storage in communication with the host processor. The memory module in communication with the host processor establishes an enhanced level of security that can be utilized for authentication services and secure channel communication.
In another aspect of the subject matter of the present invention, the secure processor and flash memory system are integrated into a single integrated circuit/germant wafer. The secure soft system is directly embedded in the flash memory for use by the secure processor to provide integrated security capabilities at the wafer level. The security processor accesses the security software from the flash memory and implements security functions based on the stored particular security software. The security processor also arbitrates the host processor to control access to the flash memory. Additionally, both the secure processor and the host processor coordinate read/write access to the flash memory to optimize processor/memory utilization while ensuring an enhanced level of security. Alternatively, the security software can be built into another flash memory located in series with the integrated security processor and flash memory. The integrated security processor then accesses the separate flash memory and arbitrates the host processor to control access to the separate flash memory and coordinate read/write to the separate flash memory Access.
In order to achieve the above and related objects, the following description of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these aspects are indicative of a variety of ways in which the principles disclosed herein may be employed, and all such aspects and their equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Other advantages and features of the invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description and consideration of the drawings.
The invention is described below with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to refer to the like elements. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth However, it is apparent that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in the form of block diagrams to facilitate the description.
The terms "component", "handler", "model", "system", and the like, as used in this application, are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, Whether it is a combination of hardware, hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to, a program running on a processor, a processor, a hard disk drive, a multiple storage drive (of optical and/or magnetic storage media), Object, executable, thread of execution, program, and/or computer. By way of illustration, both the application system running on the server and the server can be components. One or more components can be located in a program and/or thread, and components can be placed on a computer and/or distributed between two or more computers.
In addition, these components can be executed from a variety of computer readable media having different data structures stored therein. Such components may be based, for example, on signals having one or more data packets (eg, from a regional system, a distribution system, and/or a traversing network (such as the Internet via the signal and other systems) The data of one component of another component interaction) communicates via regional and/or remote programs. The computer component can be stored on, for example, a computer readable medium according to the object of the request, the computer readable medium containing (not limited to) an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), a CD (disc), a DVD (digital video) Disc), ROM (read only memory), floppy disk, hard disk, EEPROM (electrically erasable stylized read-only memory), memory stick, and flash device.
The terms "to infer" and "inference" as used herein generally refer to an understanding or inference system, environment, and/or from a set of observations (as obtained by events and/or materials). Or the condition of the user. Inferred conclusions can be used to confirm a particular context or action, or can, for example, produce a probability distribution of states. Inferring conclusions can be possible—that is, operations based on the likelihood distribution of important states of data and event considerations. Inferred conclusions can also refer to techniques used to compose higher-level events from a set of events and/or data. This inferred conclusion results in the creation of a new event or action from a set of observed events and/or stored event data, whether or not the event is associated with a close temporary proximity, and regardless of the event and Whether the data comes from one or several events and sources of information.
For network-based systems (especially for applications that handle sensitive information), robust security is important to prevent unauthorized media (in hardware and/or software) from intercepting, Destroy or publish sensitive information. As mentioned above, an appropriate information security system must be implemented in a manner that minimizes disruption to the user to ensure that the authorized user is not mistakenly denied access or that his obligations are not properly Land restrictions. Therefore, the following targets optimize the utilization of the processor and create an enhanced level of security in the user application system.
A memory module that promotes integrated security capabilities is disclosed. The memory module arbitrates a main processor located outside the memory module to access the non-volatile memory. Optionally, the non-volatile memory can be used as a shadow memory for faster execution, or a large scratch pad can be provided for operation. The security processor provides a security protocol that can be processed simultaneously when the host processor performs general functions to mitigate the host processor from having to perform interrupts associated with the security function. The memory module in communication with the host processor establishes an enhanced level of security that can be used for authentication services and secure channel communication.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a memory module 100 that facilitates integrated security in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The memory module is a multi-chip or integrated circuit package in which one integrated circuit contains a security processor 104 and the other integrated circuit contains a non-volatile memory 102. The integrated circuits are then coupled together to form the memory module 100. In addition, the non-volatile memory 102 of the memory module 100 stores the security software used by the security processor 104. The non-volatile memory 102 is typically a flash memory, but can be of any type of non-volatile memory that is typically used for secondary storage, or long-term persistent storage. Additionally, one or more non-volatile memory 102 can be included in the memory module 100. If more than one non-volatile memory 102 is included, the non-volatile memory 102 need not be of the same type and/or density.
All or part of the security software includes password authentication software, shared key authentication software, public key infrastructure (PKI) authentication software, and integrity verification software (integrity). Check software), encryption/decryption software, anti-virus software, anti-spyware software, secure communication software, and any other types of existing security software . All or a portion of the security software is directly built into the non-volatile memory 102 to provide integrated security capabilities in the memory module 100. The security processor 104 accesses the security software from the non-volatile memory 102 and implements a security function based on the stored specific security software. The security processor 104 controls the entire non-volatile memory storage and monitors all traffic entering and leaving the non-volatile memory component 102.
In another implementation illustrated in FIG. 2, the memory module 200 communicates with an external or host processor 206 via separate or shared busses (eg, NOR and NAND busbars) to facilitate The integrated security capabilities. If more than one bus is used, the two can be used in a side-by-side manner. The main processor 206 is a typical application processor that handles communication and running applications. The main processor 206 can be a baseband for a mobile handset, a personal data assistant (PDA), an automotive industrial control, a set-top box, and the like. A baseband processor or an application system processor. As described above, the memory module 200 includes a non-volatile or flash memory 202 storing security software, and a security processor 204 that accesses the security software and implements security functions based on the stored specific security software. Accordingly, the security processor 204 is positioned in series with the main processor 206 and the flash memory 202.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the memory module 200 also includes a volatile memory or random access memory (RAM) 208 that is used as a main memory for communicating with the main processor 206. . Thus, the security processor 204 controls the entire flash memory storage and monitors traffic entering and exiting the flash memory component 202. Additionally, the security processor provides a security protocol that can be processed simultaneously when the host processor 206 performs general functions. However, handling a security agreement does not mean that the processed material is secure or unsafe. Allowing the security processor 204 to control the security function of the flash memory 202 can alleviate the host processor 206 from having to perform an interrupt associated with the security function. Thus, both the security processor 204 and the host processor 206 coordinate read/write accesses to the flash memory 202 to optimize processor/memory utilization while ensuring enhanced security. grade.
In more detail, FIG. 3 illustrates components of the security processor 300. The security processor 300 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 302 or any other type of application system processor. The CPU 302 in the secure processor 300 can manage the flash memory (not shown) and provide a secure environment to implement the authentication algorithm and security software. The security processor 300 also includes a Joint Test Action Group (JTAG) 埠 304 (which avoids damage and/or a mechanism to remove the system error), a voltage detector 306 (which indicates the security processor) The voltage level of 300), as well as the internal oscillator 308 (which provides the clock for the safety processor 300). However, other mechanisms (not shown) can be provided to help prevent damage. For example, temperature detection, metal coverage (for concealing signals), and scrambling of signals are additional methods that can be utilized in the security processor 300. The main memory interface (I/F) 310 handles all of the flash memory transactions with the host processor (not shown). In particular, the main memory I/F 310 manages the signaling and therefore conforms to the interface definition of the flash memory. The primary memory I/F 310 also manages the interpretation or differentiation between secure and unsecure requests, as well as monitoring requests by enforcing access rights and permissions.
The main buffer 312 holds the data for secure transactions to and from the main processor. The main buffer 312 can enable processing of the page upon receiving the next page. The buffer 312 also serves as a mailbox between the CPU 302 and the main processor, wherein the interpretation of the message is performed by the CPU 302. A cryptographic accelerator 314 implements all of the cryptographic algorithms required for the system, symmetric and asymmetric. The CPU 302 configures the cryptographic accelerator 314 and can control the flow of data through the secure processor 300. The CPU 302 interfaces the system bus 320 and the secure application system running on the CPU 302 to arbitrate the main processor. A flash buffer 316 grasps the data entering and exiting the flash memory. The flash buffer 316 can process the page upon receiving the next page. The flash memory I/F 318 handles all transactions (such as signaling and interpretation) into and out of the flash memory and the security processor 300.
System bus 320 allows the CPU 302 to communicate with different components of the secure processor 300. The system bus 320 is a very high level representation of the internal bus, and not all components need to be directly connected to the same bus. The CPU ROM/RAMs 322 and 324 contain the code and data used by the CPU 302. The ROM 322 stores the CPU boot loader (not shown). In addition, a resident code and a code overlay are executed from the integrated CPU RAM 324. In operation, the host processor communicates with the secure processor 300 and accesses the flash memory directly via a bypass route 326. Alternatively, the host processor can communicate via a memory manager (not shown) running on the secure processor 300 and access the flash memory via communication with the memory manager. In either case, the access rights are enforced by the security processor 300 in accordance with security software built into the flash memory.
In another embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 4, the integrated circuit/germanium wafer 400 facilitates integrated security capabilities in accordance with innovative aspects. The integrated circuit 400 includes a non-volatile or flash memory 402 and a security processor 404. The flash memory 402 stores the security software used by the security processor 404. As mentioned above, the security software includes password authentication software, shared key confirmation software, PKI authentication software, integrity verification software, encryption/decryption software, anti-virus software, anti-spyware software, secure communication software, and any other All or part of the type of existing security software. All or a portion of the security software is built directly into the flash memory 402 to provide integrated security at the wafer level.
The security processor 404 accesses the security software from the flash memory 402 and performs security functions based on the stored specific security software. The security processor 404 controls the entire flash memory storage and monitors all traffic entering and exiting the flash memory component 402. The security processor 404 also arbitrates the main processor 406 to control access to the flash memory 402. Additionally, the security processor 404 and flash memory 402 are closely coupled together on a single integrated circuit 400 to allow security software to be built into the flash memory 402 at the wafer level.
The safety function is built directly into the flash memory 402, which is coupled to the security processor 404 on a single integrated circuit 400, to provide a security function that is less susceptible to degradation and/or damage. Thus, the security processor 404 provides a security protocol that can be processed simultaneously when the main processor 406 performs general functions. This simultaneous processing by the security processor 404 mitigates the main processor 406 from having to perform an interrupt associated with the security function. Additionally, both the security processor 404 and the main processor 406 coordinate read/write accesses to the flash memory 402 to optimize processor/memory utilization but can also determine enhanced security levels. . Alternatively, the security software can also be built into another flash memory in series with the integrated security processor 404 and flash memory 402. The integrated security processor 404 then accesses the separate flash memory and arbitrates the host processor 406 to control access to the separate flash memory and to mediate the reading of the separate flash memory. / write access. Additionally, an additional flash memory device can be coupled to the flash memory 402 built into the integrated circuit 400 via a flash interface (similar to the interface of FIG. 2).
The memory module of the system promotes integrated security capabilities. While in operation. The security software is built directly into the flash memory. The security processor then controls the entire flash memory and monitors all channels entering and exiting the flash memory component. In addition, the security processor provides a security protocol that can be co-processed when the host processor performs general functions. Allowing the security processor to control the security function of the flash memory can alleviate the host processor from having to perform an interrupt associated with the security function. Thus, both the security processor and the host processor coordinate access to the flash memory to optimize utilization of the processor and/or memory while determining an enhanced level of security.
In addition, the memory module provides authentication services and secure channel communication based on the enhanced security level it has built. Authentication services and secure channel communications can be leveraged in a wide variety of applications to create a secure environment. For example, the memory module can be provided for secure partitions, secure boot, virus rollback, firmware over the air update (FOTA), near field communication ( Near field communication, NFC) secure payment, digital right management, enterprise remote data management, and mobile TV broadcasting.
For example, FIG. 5 illustrates the secure memory partitioning area 500 of the flash memory space. Security partitioning is used to protect important data and code, to make sensitive information secure, and to allow easy access to common publicly available materials. Security partitioning allows for different partitioning data (which can be based on users, service providers, original equipment manufacturing (OEM), enterprise authentication, or other types of existing authentication) ) There are separate access controls. In particular, as illustrated in Figure 5, the memory space is divided into a plurality of partitions with associated access rights. This access distinguishes between read and write (or erase) permissions. The access rights also include the ability to change access rights when the license is recognized and/or rejected, so that multiple users who have access to the shared partition can access the shared partition.
In addition, the access rights support different levels of authentication security. Therefore, some items can take advantage of higher levels of protection than other items. For example, the partition that stores the operating system is more securely protected than the partition that stores the downloaded game. This access also supports remote users who cannot assume that the host is a trusted remote. Even if the host is untrustworthy, the remote user's authentication must still function correctly. In addition to the access rights, the partition is made inaccessible when the associated mobile phone is not in a trusted state.
As shown in Figure 5, the flash memory space is divided into eight segments. The flash memory space is divided into a number of segments depending on the requirements, and is limited to software or hardware. Each partition contains a specific read/write (or erase) access, as shown on the right side of Figure 5. Each partition also contains a "who" to change the read/write (erase) access.
Specifically, the early boot and emergency code 502 contains access rights so that read accesses are allowed, but write (or erase) accesses are only authenticated in the PKI. After 518 will be allowed. The operating system 504 allows read access only after an authorized boot confirmation, and allows write (or erase) access only after the PKI authentication 520. The operator and OEM trusted code and data 506 only allows read access after being authenticated by the boot, and only allows writes after PKI authentication 522 (or Erase) access. The third party trusted code 508 only allows read access after being authenticated by the authorized boot, and is only allowed to be written after the User Password Permission 524 (or Erase) access. The secure and encrypted user profile 510 allows read/write (or erase) access only after the user password license is received 526.
The plain user data and suspicious code 512 allows read/write (or erase) access without any security restrictions 528. The secure device key 514 only allows the secure processor (not shown) to read access without allowing write (or erase) access 530. The security credential and key store 516 only allows the secure processor to read access and only allows write (or erase) access after proper authentication 532. The read and write (or erase) security restrictions disclosed in FIG. 5 are only some of the security restrictions applicable to the secure memory partition of the flash memory space, and any security restrictions may be followed. This secure access is required and/or required to be applied to the partition. In addition, the life-cycle phase can also control the access to the secure function. The lifecycle phase includes (but is not limited to) the manufacturing phase, the development phase, the vendor stage, and the service provider phase. Stage), safety (end user) stage, and returned material stage. For example, the lifecycle phase can exhibit a one-way flow in which anything completed in the previous phase is fixed when the phase transition occurs. In addition, the primary purpose of having a lifecycle phase is to provide the resilience required for the pre-user phase, while at the same time forcing the security necessary for the end-user phase.
Figures 6 through 10 illustrate methods for promoting integrated security capabilities in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. For the purpose of simplifying the explanation, although one or more of the methods shown herein (for example, in the form of a flowchart or a flow chart) are shown and described as a series of acts, it should be appreciated and appreciated that the invention The order of the actions is not limited, as some actions may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other actions shown and described herein in accordance with the present invention. For example, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that the methods can be alternately presented as a series of interrelated states or events, such as a state diagram presentation. In addition, not all illustrated acts may be required to practice a method in accordance with the present invention.
Referring to Figure 6, a method of optimizing the utilization and manufacturing of an enhanced security level is illustrated. At step 600, the secure processor and the flash memory system are disposed in the memory module. The memory module is a package of a plurality of wafers or integrated circuits, wherein one integrated circuit contains the security processor and the other integrated circuit contains the flash memory. The integrated circuits are then coupled together to form the memory module. Alternatively, the secure processor and the flash memory can be integrated into a single wafer or integrated circuit. In addition, other components may also be included in the memory module, such as volatile memory (or RAM), near field communication (NFC) components, and the like. At step 602, the secure soft system is built into the flash memory. The security software includes password authentication software, shared key authentication software, PKI authentication software, integrity verification software, encryption/decryption software, anti-virus software, anti-spyware software, and so on. It will thus be appreciated that any suitable security software and algorithms are contemplated and fall within the scope of the appended claims.
At step 604, the security function is implemented by the built-in security software. At step 606, the host processor is configured to communicate with the memory module. The security processor of the memory module is in series with the main processor and the flash memory. At step 608, the security processor arbitrates the host processor to access the flash memory. The security processor manages the flash memory and provides a secure environment for implementing authentication algorithms and security software stored in the flash memory. At step 610, the security processor controls the entire flash memory storage and monitors all traffic entering and exiting the flash memory component and forcing access rights associated with the memory partition.
At step 612, the security processor provides a security protocol that can operate in conjunction with the execution of the general functions by the host processor. The security processor is allowed to control the security function of the flash memory, alleviating the host processor from having to perform an interrupt associated with the security function. At step 614, the memory module in communication with the host processor establishes an enhanced level of security that can be utilized for authentication services and secure channel communications. Thus, both the security processor and the host processor coordinate read/write accesses to the flash memory to optimize processor/memory utilization but can also determine an enhanced level of security.
Referring to Figure 7, a method of providing a secure storage and execution environment is illustrated. At step 700, the secure soft system is built into the flash memory of the memory module. The security software is typically any security software that protects an asset (such as a device key) and can be specific to the value. At step 702, the flash memory communicates with a key handling hardware to provide a secure storage device for the device key. At step 704, the application system code containing content handling and rights object handling communicates with the host processor and the security processor of the memory module.
Specifically, at step 706, the content handling application of the application system code executes in a less secure environment and communicates directly with the host processor. The content handling application system is a non-secure part of the application system and does not need to be executed in the secure environment and thus can communicate directly with the host processor. At step 708, the rights handling application in the application system code executes in a secure environment and communicates directly with the secure processor. The rights object handling application system is a secure part of the application system and is thus implemented in the secure environment provided by the memory module.
In contrast, conventional systems perform both a content handling application and a rights handling application in a less secure environment, wherein the content handling and rights handling application are all in direct communication with the host processor. Performing content handling and rights object handling in a less secure environment would allow the rights object handling application to be compromised by malicious software attacks. However, at step 710, because the rights handling application system is executed in a secure environment created by the memory module, the malicious software can be prevented from accessing the device key of the system.
The memory module of the system promotes integrated security capabilities. As described above, the memory module includes non-volatile or flash memory that stores security software used by the security processor. The security processor accesses the security software from the flash memory and performs a security function based on the stored specific security software. Thus, the security processor controls the entire flash memory and monitors all traffic entering and exiting the flash memory component. This build optimizes the enhanced security level utilized by the processor/memory. Using this enhanced level of security, the memory module provides authentication services and secure channel communication.
The authentication service used by the memory module includes password authentication, shared key authentication, and PKI authentication. These authentication services are used according to the types of three types of authentication. The first type is the user who authenticates to the secure flash memory, the second type is the main processor that authenticates to the secure flash memory, and the third type is the authentication to the secure flash. The server of the memory. In addition, in addition to authentication, the application system may require secure channel communication. The memory module provides two types of secure channel communication for use in accordance with the authentication service. The first type establishes a secure channel for communication from the host processor to the flash memory, and the second type establishes a secure channel for communication from the back end server to the flash memory. .
These authentication services and/or secure channels can be used in a wide variety of applications to create a secure environment. For example, the memory module provides security for secure partitioning, secure boot, virus replies, FOTA, NFC secure payments, digital rights management, enterprise remote data management, and mobile TV broadcasts.
For example, Figure 8 illustrates a method (first type of confirmation) for authenticating to a user of the secure flash memory. At step 800, the user logs in credentials to the memory module by the mobile phone. At step 802, the input is forwarded to the security processor of the memory module. At step 804, the input matches the signature maintained in the secure processor partition. If the signature and input match each other, then at step 806, the user is in effect and the user is given appropriate flash privilege for a particular period of time. And at step 808, the user accesses the security information from the flash memory. If the signature and input do not match each other, then at step 810, the user is given a certain number of retries. If the user continues to log in to the unmatched input, then at step 812, the user is disabled, the flash memory privilege is denied, and the user is locked-out for a particular period of time.
Referring to Figure 9, a method for identifying a host processor to the secure flash memory (a second type of authentication) is illustrated. At step 900, the main processor generates a random number and a symmetric key "K", the main processor encrypts "K" with the public key of the security processor, and the main processor itself The private key signs the entire string. At step 902, the main processor sends the string and signature to the secure processor. At step 904, the security processor identifies the signature and verifies the ID of the string, decrypts the "K", and generates a hash and signs the entire string. At step 906, the security processor sends the string and signature to the host processor. At step 908, the main processor recognizes the signature and verifies the hashed digit string and ID and signs the string. At step 910, the host processor recognizes the signature and checks the validity of the string. At step 912, the security processor identifies the signature and verifies the validity of the string. At step 914, both the secure processor and the host processor utilize the generated, common encryption/decryption key "K" if secure channel communication is required.
After authentication, a secure channel (the first type of secure channel) can then be established between the host processor and the flash memory. After the authentication, at step 916, the generated encryption/decryption key "K" is utilized, and the security device encrypts and identifies the data with the encryption/decryption key "K". At step 918, the security device then sends the data to the host processor. At step 920, the primary processor decrypts the data with the encryption/decryption key "K" and checks for integrity. At step 922, the primary processor processes the information and encrypts and authenticates the new data with the encryption/decryption key "K." At step 924, the host processor then sends the new data to the security server. And, at step 926, the host processor decrypts the new data with the encryption/decryption key "K" and checks the integrity of the data. After the integrity is recognized, at step 928 the secure channel is derived by using the encryption/decryption key "K" for exchanging data between the host processor and the security server. This with the authentication of the encryption provides this necessary security. Once the secure channel is established, the read/write access to the host processor is acknowledged at step 930 to prevent the malicious software/media from performing read and/or write access.
Referring to Fig. 10, a method for identifying a server to the secure flash memory (a third type of authentication) is illustrated. At step 1000, the server sends a server credential to the mobile phone. At step 1002, the secure processor of the mobile phone communicates with the flash memory containing the built-in security software for the mobile phone. At step 1004, the security server identifies the server credentials against the public key. If the server credentials are correct, then at step 1006 the security server sends the device credentials to the server. At step 1008, the server identifies the device credentials against the public key. And if the device credentials are identified as being correct, then at step 1010, mutual authentication between the server and the security device is initiated.
After the authentication, at step 1012, a secure channel (a second type of secure channel) is then established between the server and the flash memory. After the authentication, at step 1014, an encryption/decryption key is generated, and the security device encrypts and authenticates the data with the encryption/decryption key. At step 1016, the security server then sends the data to the server. At step 1018, the server decrypts the data with the encryption/decryption key and checks for integrity. At step 1020, the server processes the information and encrypts and authenticates the new data with the encryption/decryption key. At step 1022, the server then sends the new data to the security office. And, at step 1024, the security processor decrypts the new data with the encryption/decryption key and verifies the integrity of the data. Once the integrity is recognized as correct, at step 1026, the secure channel is derived by using the encryption/decryption key for exchanging data between the server and the secure processor. This authentication with authentication provides this necessary security. Once the secure channel is established, at step 1028, read/write access to the server is acknowledged, preventing malware/media from reading and/or writing access.
Referring to Figure 11, a block diagram of a computer operable to perform the disclosed memory module architecture is illustrated. In order to provide additional content for various aspects of the present invention, FIG. 11 and the following discussion are intended to provide a concise and general view of a suitable computing environment 1100 that can be used to implement various aspects of the present invention. Narrative. Although the above describes executable computer instructions that can be run on one or more computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention can also be combined with other programming modules and/or as hard. The combination of body or soft body is implemented.
In general, a program module contains routines, programs, components, data structures, etc. that implement special tasks or implement special abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will recognize that the method of the present invention can be implemented in other computer configurations (including a single processor or multiple processor computer systems, minicomputers, large computers, and like personal computers, handhelds). The computing device, the use of a microprocessor or a programmable consumer electronic product, and the like, each of which can be operatively coupled to one or more related devices, can be practiced.
The described aspects of the present invention can also be practiced in a distributed computer environment in which a particular task is implemented by a remote processing device that is linked through a communications network. In a distributed computer environment, program modules can be placed in regional and remote memory storage devices.
Computers generally contain different kinds of computer readable media. The computer readable medium can be any existing media that can be accessed by the computer and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. For example (but not limited to this), computer readable media may include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media contains volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable methods or techniques used to store information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other materials. media. Computer storage media includes (but is not limited to) RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital video disc (DVD) or other optical disc storage (optical disk) Storage), magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device, or can be used to store the desired information and be accessible by the computer Any other media.
Referring again to FIG. 11, an exemplary environment 1100 for implementing various aspects includes a computer 1102 that includes a processing unit 1104, a system memory 1106, and a system bus 1108. The system bus 1108 couples system components including, but not limited to, the system memory 1106 to the processing unit 1104. The processing unit 1104 can be any of a variety of processors available on the market. Dual microprocessors and other multi-processor architectures can also be employed as the processing unit 1104.
The system bus 1108 can be an interconnectable memory bus structure (with or without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and an area using any commercially available bus bar architecture. Any of several types of bus bars of a local bus. The system memory 1106 includes a read only memory (ROM) 1110 and a random access memory (RAM) 1112. The basic input/output system (BIOS) is stored in non-volatile memory 1110 (such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM), and the BIOS contains information to help transfer components in the computer 1102 (such as during startup (start) -up)) The routine. The RAM 1112 also contains a high-speed RAM such as a static RAM for caching data.
The computer 1102 includes an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 1114 (for example, EIDE, SATA), and the internal hard disk 1114 can also be externally used in a suitable chassis or magnetic floppy disk (floppy disk drive). , FDD) 1116 (eg, read from or written to a removable diskette 1118), and a magneto-optical machine (eg, reading a CD-ROM disc 1122, or from other high-capacity optics) The media is read or written to the media as a DVD. The hard disk 1114, the magnetic disk 1116, and the optical disk drive 1120 are respectively connected by a hard disk interface 1124, a magnetic drive interface 1126, and an optical drive interface 1128. The system bus 1108. The interface 1124 for external disk drive implementation includes at least one or both of a universal serial bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 technology. Other external drive connection techniques are also contemplated by the present invention.
The disk drives and their associated computer readable media provide non-volatile memory data, data structures, computer executable instructions, and the like. For the computer 1102, the drives and media accommodate any material of the storage in a suitable digital format. Although the computer readable medium described above refers to HDDs, removable magnetic disks, and removable optical media such as CDs or DVDs, those skilled in the art should recognize that they can be read by a computer. Other types of media (eg, zip drive, floppy disk, flash memory card, cartridges, and the like) can be used in the exemplary operating environment, and any such media can be included Computer executable instructions for implementing the method of the disclosed innovation.
Some program modules can be stored in the disks and RAM 1112. The program modules include an operating system 1130, one or more applications 1132, other program modules 1134, and program data 1136. All or a portion of the operating system, applications, modules, and/or materials may be cached in RAM 1112. It should be appreciated that the present invention can be implemented in a combination of different operating systems or operating systems available on the market.
The user logs in commands and information to the computer 1102 via one or more wired/wireless input devices (eg, a keyboard 1138 and a pointing device, such as the mouse 1140). Other input devices (not shown) may include a microphone, an IR remote control, a joystick, a game pad, a stylus pen, a touch screen ( Touch screen) and so on. These or other input devices are typically coupled to the processing unit 1104 via an input device interface 1142 (which is coupled to the system bus 1108), but may be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, IEEE1394 serial port, game port, USB port, IR port, etc.
A monitor 1444 or other type of display device is also coupled to the system bus 1108 via an interface, such as a video adapter 1146. In addition to the monitor 1144, the computer typically also includes other peripheral output devices such as speakers, printers, and the like.
The computer 1102 can operate in a networked environment via wired or wireless communication to one or more remote computers (e.g., remote computer 1148) using a logical connection. The remote computer 1148 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, a personal computer, a portable computer, a microprocessor-based entertainment device, a peer device, or other common network node, and Many and all of the elements described in relation to the computer 1102 are typically included, although for simplicity, only the illustrated memory/storage device 1150 is shown. The illustrated logical connection includes a wired/wireless connection to a local area network (LAN) 1152 and/or a larger network (eg, a wide area network). This kind of network-based network with regional or wide-area networks is commonplace in offices and companies, and can promote enterprise-wide computer networks (like internal networks), all of which are all Can be connected to a global communication internet (such as the Internet).
When used in an environment where a network is established over a LAN, the computer 1102 is connected to the regional network 1152 via a wired and/or wireless communication network interface or adapter 1156. The adapter 1156 can facilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 1152, which can also include a wireless access point disposed thereon for communicating with the wireless adapter 1156.
When used in an environment where a network is established over a WAN, the computer 1102 can include a data machine 1158, or a communication server connected to the WAN 1154, or have other mechanisms for establishing communications on the WAN 1154. (Like via the Internet). The modem 1158 is coupled to the system bus 1108 by the serial port interface 1142, and the data machine 1158 can be internal or external and can be wired or wireless. In a networked environment, program modules associated with the computer 1102 or a portion of the computer can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 1150. It should be appreciated that the network connection shown is exemplary only and can be used by other agencies that establish communication links between such computers.
The computer 1102 is operatively communicable with any wireless device or entity operatively disposed in wireless communication (eg, a printer, a scanner, a desktop and/or portable computer, a portable data assistant, communications satellite, and a wireless tag detectable formula (wirelessly detectable tag) associated with the devices and locations (e.g. kiosks, newspaper stands trafficking, WC) of the member, and telephone. this includes at least Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (Bluetooth TM) wireless Technology, therefore, the communication can be a preset structure with a conventional network or only a specific ad hoc communication between at least two devices.
Wi-Fi (or Wireless Fidelity) allows you to connect to your Internet from your home sofa, bed in a hotel room, or at work, without the need for wiring. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology similar to that used in mobile phones, which enables a device such as a computer to transmit and receive data indoors and outdoors from anywhere within the base station. technology. Wi-Fi networks use a radio technology called IEEE 802.11 (eg, a, b, g, etc.) to provide secure, reliable, and fast wireless connectivity. Wi-Fi networks can be used to connect computers to each other, to connect computers to the Internet, and to wired networks (which use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operate in unlicensed 2.4 and 5 MHz radio bands with data rates of 11 Mbps (802.11a) or 54 Mbps (802.11b), for example, or in products with dual bands, so The network provides real-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernet used in many offices.
Referring now to Figure 12, there is shown a schematic block diagram of an exemplary computer environment 1200 in accordance with another aspect. The system 1200 includes one and more clients 1202. The client 1202 can be hardware and/or software (eg, threads, programs, computing devices). The client 1202 can cover cookies and/or related contextual information by employing the innovation of the subject matter.
The system 1200 also includes one or more servers 1204. The server 1204 can also be hardware and/or software (eg, threads, programs, computing devices). The server 1204 can contain, for example, by employing the present invention to implement the transformation. One possible communication between client 1202 and server 1204 may be in the form of a data packet adapted to be transmitted between two or more computer programs. The data packet may contain, for example, a cookie file and/or associated contextual information. The system 1200 includes a communication framework 1206 (e.g., a global communication network like the Internet) that can be used to facilitate communication between the client 1202 and the server 1204.
Communication can be facilitated by wired (including fiber optic) and/or wireless technologies. The client 1202 is operatively coupled to one or more client data stores 1208, the client data store 1208 can be used to store the client 1202 (eg, a cookie file and/or associated contextual information) Partial information. Similarly, the server 1204 is operatively coupled to one or more server data stores 1210 for storing information local to the server 1204.
The above description contains examples of the subject matter of the claims of the present invention. Of course, it is not possible to describe a combination of components and methods for describing the objectives of the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many other combinations and permutations of the subject matter are It is possible. Therefore, the present invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and variations in the spirit and scope of the appended claims. In addition, the term "include" is used in the context of the detailed description or the scope of the patent application, and is intended to be similar to the term "comprising" as a transition to the scope of the patent application. The way in which the vocabulary is interpreted is included.
The apparatus, structures, and methods of the present invention are used in the field of semiconductor processing and fabrication. For example, the present invention can be used to promote the security capabilities of integration. Providing a memory module, including a non-volatile memory storing security software, and a security processor, the security processor accessing the security software from the non-volatile memory, and implementing a security function based on the stored security software .
100, 200. . . Memory module
102. . . Non-volatile memory, non-volatile memory components
104, 204, 300, 404. . . Security processor
202, 402. . . Flash memory, flash memory components, non-volatile memory
206, 406. . . Main processor
208. . . Volatile memory, or random access memory
302. . . CPU, central processing unit
304. . . JTAG埠, debugging
306. . . Voltage detector
308. . . Internal oscillator
310. . . Main memory interface, main memory I/F
312. . . Main buffer, buffer
314. . . Password accelerator
316. . . Flash buffer
318. . . Flash memory I/F
320, 1108. . . System bus
322. . . ROM, CPU ROM
324. . . CPU RAM
326. . . Bypass route
400. . . Integrated circuit, integrated circuit/矽 chip, memory module
500. . . Secure memory partition
502. . . Early startup and emergency code
504. . . working system
506. . . Code and data trusted by the operator and OEM
508. . . Third party trusted code
510. . . Secure and encrypted user profile
512. . . General user profile and suspicion code
514. . . Security device key
516. . . Security credential and key storage
518, 520, 522, 524, 526, 528, 530, 532. . . Read/write status
600, 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, 612, 614. . . step
700, 702, 704, 706, 708, 710. . . step
800, 802, 804, 806, 808, 810, 812. . . step
900, 902, 904, 906, 908, 910, 912, 914, 916, 918, 920, 922, 924, 926, 928, 930. . . step
1000, 1002, 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012, 1014, 1016, 1018, 1020, 1022, 1024, 1026, 1028. . . step
1100. . . Computing environment, environment
1102. . . computer
1104. . . Processing unit
1106. . . System memory
1110. . . Read only memory, ROM, non-volatile memory
1112. . . Random access memory, RAM
1114. . . Hard drive, internal hard drive
1116. . . Disk floppy disk, magnetic disk
1118. . . Removable disk
1120. . . CD player
1122. . . CD-ROM disc
1124. . . Hard drive interface, interface
1126. . . Disk drive interface
1128. . . CD player interface
1130. . . working system
1132. . . application
1134. . . Program module
1136. . . Program data
1138. . . keyboard
1140. . . mouse
1142. . . Input device interface, serial port interface
1144. . . Monitor
1146. . . Video adapter
1148. . . Remote computer
1150. . . Memory/storage device
1152. . . Regional network, LAN
1154. . . WAN
1156. . . Adapter, wireless adapter
1158. . . Data machine
1200. . . Exemplary computer environment, system
1202. . . Client
1204. . . server
1206. . . Communication framework
1208. . . Client data store
1210. . . Server data storage
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a memory module.
Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of the memory module in which the host processor is in communication with the memory module.
Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of the security processor of the memory module.
Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of a memory module integrated into a single integrated circuit.
Figure 5 illustrates a block diagram of the divided flash memory of the memory module.
Figure 6 illustrates a flow chart of a method of creating an enhanced level of security by the memory module.
Figure 7 illustrates a flow diagram of a method of providing a secure storage and execution environment by the memory module.
Figure 8 illustrates a flow chart of a method of authenticating to a user of the secure flash memory.
Figure 9 illustrates a flow diagram of a method of authenticating to the main processor of the secure flash memory.
Figure 10 illustrates a flow diagram of a method of authenticating to a server of the secure flash memory.
Figure 11 illustrates a block diagram of a computer operable to perform the disclosed memory module architecture.
Figure 12 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an exemplary computing environment for use with the memory module.
100. . . Memory module
102. . . Non-volatile memory
104. . . Security processor
A memory module (100, 200, 400) for facilitating integrated security, comprising: non-volatile memory (102, 202, 402), storage security software; and security processor (104, 204, 300, 404), accessed from the non-volatile memory (102, 202, 402) The security software implements a security function based on the stored security software, controls the non-volatile memory (102, 202, 402) and monitors traffic entering and leaving the non-volatile memory (102, 202, 402), specifically performing an interrupt associated with the security software. a cryptographic accelerator that controls encryption and decryption of supporting data, coordinates read/write access of the non-volatile memory by the main processor, and executes a rights handling application system in an increased security environment, and the main processor The content handling application system is simultaneously executed in a relaxed security environment, wherein the first integrated circuit includes the security processor, and the second integrated circuit includes the main processing.
The memory module (100, 200, 400) of claim 1, wherein the main processor (206, 406) arbitrates the security processor (104, 204, 300, 404) to access the non-volatile memory (102, 202, 402), and wherein the security processing The device (104, 204, 300, 404) is positioned in series with the main processor (206, 406) and the non-volatile memory (102, 202, 402).
The memory module (100, 200, 400) of claim 2, including the volatile memory (208), is used with the main processor (206,406) The main memory for direct communication.
The memory module (100, 200, 400) of claim 2, wherein the main processor (104, 204, 300, 404) includes the cryptographic accelerator (314) supported by the main processor (206, 406) and the non-volatile memory ( Encryption and decryption of data between 102, 202, 402), the cryptographic accelerator (314) enables the non-volatile memory (102, 202, 402) to become an encrypted storage device; the flash buffer is to grasp the data entering and leaving the non-volatile memory In order to receive the second page, the first page can be processed; the joint test activity group is a mechanism for preventing damage and acting as an error to remove the security processor; and a central processing unit (CPU) (302) A data flow through the security processor (104, 204, 300, 404) is controlled.
The memory module (100, 200, 400) of claim 4, wherein the non-volatile memory (102, 202, 402, 500) is divided into a plurality of divided areas of different sizes and access rights, and wherein the access rights are based on The security requirements established in each partition are assigned to those partitions.
A method of optimizing processor utilization and generating an enhanced level of security, comprising: providing (600) a security processor and a flash memory within a memory module, wherein the security processor performs a security function associated with All interrupts are located in the first integrated circuit; directly built-in (602) security functions into the flash memory; (604) security functions are implemented by the built-in security function; Providing (606) a main processor located in the second integrated circuit and communicating with the memory module; providing volatile memory in communication with the main processor; arbitrating (608) the security processor and the main processor Accessing the flash memory; monitoring (610) traffic entering and exiting the flash memory and forcing access; and establishing (614) an enhanced security level for authenticating service and secure channel communications, The enhanced security level is used for authentication services and secure channel communication, while the lower level security environment is used to simultaneously execute content handling applications.
The method of claim 6, further comprising coordinating read/write access to the flash memory between the secure processor and the host processor.
The method of claim 6, wherein the use of the authentication service is associated with authenticating (806) the user of the flash memory, authenticating (912) the flash memory. The main processor, and the server that authenticates (1010) the flash memory.
The method of claim 8, wherein the secure channel communication comprises establishing (928) a secure communication channel between the main processor and the flash memory and the server and the flash memory. At least one of the secure communication channels (1026) is built.
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EB embarrasses her brother on the street after he loses a bet
Did you know my brother and I have a podcast? It started as a very Redskins-centric podcast, but then we realized it was more fun to talk about everything- our lives, pop culture, sibling debates, and yes- football.
We do a pick'em bet... every episode we pick one game, and each pick a team to win. If our team wins, we get a point. At the end of the season, I had way more points than him, so he had to walk along the street wearing whatever I chose, holding whatever sign I made for him.
Years ago I made a Twitter Bird costume that seemed perfect for the occasion... with the addition of a rainbow tutu because ain't nobody need to be seeing a brother in tights. Things need to be covered. He got dressed, held a to-the-point sign, and hung out on the sidewalk for a while so people could take pics, ask questions, and hopefully post it on their story or something.
BTW, you should check out this week's new episode! We're covering:
Why I feel like my life is all downhill now
What is "menu peeping" and why do people think it's wrong?
What about dating in the office? Is THAT wrong? We both do it....
Drinking seltzers at football tailgates and what it says about the drinker
Everything someone needs to know about the Redskins at the end of preseason
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pull up a chair
a few favorite chairs
the chair lady
the kitchen table
the lazy susan
the new book: Motherprayer
the newest book: The Blessings of Motherprayer
the book: Slowing Time
where wisdom gathers, poetry unfolds and divine light is sparked…
Category: saving old newspaper stories
lost in the cobwebs…almost.
it’s been one of those weeks that’s found me sifting through drawers, sifting through history, following threads hither and yon.
there’s a particular drawer, in the old pine writing table across the way from here where i sit, and it might as well be my holy of holies. it’s where i stash particular love letters, and every mass card from every funeral of someone i’ve loved. it’s where, apparently, i’ve stashed the polaroid snapshots of my firstborn lying bruised and bloodied in a hospital bed in the children’s hospital ICU, the day after he flew from his bike and broke his neck. and where i’ve tucked the recording of my then-little one’s long-ago phone machine greeting, a delectable slur of words that always left callers confounded — and me charmed, beyond words.
it’s been one of those weeks where threads seem to be pulling me this way, then that. one question leads to a search. another leads to the creaky old stairs that unfold from the attic.
i’ve been discovering shards and treasures all week. i’ve bumped into more questions than answers. why, oh why, do i have a silver coin from 1909, one with abe lincoln’s bu st on the front, and on the back the words, “for merit in an essay on abraham lincoln”? who won this, and where is this prize-winning essay? and how did the coin come to be in my drawer? might it be from my grandmama mae, the irish school teacher who bore my sweet papa? might my love of words flow directly through her bloodline? and might my boys’ love of abe be their genetic inheritance?
these are the questions that keep me awake. and won’t let me rest till i unearth the answers.
long long ago, standing in the kitchen of the house where i grew up, i remember leaning into my father’s shoulder (he was wearing the navy velour pullover he so often wore, and i can conjure the nub of that cloth even today — 36 years after the moment), and my father spoke these words that have echoed ever since: “you have a real sense of history.” it was one of those moments when suddenly something you’d not known appears as the most obvious truth in your life. my father died less than two months later. so the words became prophetic. the words have become my divining rod. i follow history. i sift through old letters and artifacts. i study old photos, the ones now faded. i try to make sense.
and i can’t bear to let history — to let story or love, for that’s what so much of a history is — crumble to dust in a drawer or the attic.
which is why i was a bit frazzled this week when i realized that years of my old newspaper stories are all but lost in the cobwebs. it’s intricately complicated, i found out, to pluck certain stories from the digital archives. without a date and precise headline, it’s nearly impossible. which means a good 20 years of bylines might never again be unearthed. which, mostly, won’t matter. but among those two decades there are stories that poured straight from my heart, and i can’t bear the thought that they’re never to be pulled to daylight again. they were, each one, a love song to or about someone or something that mattered. they were moments in my story that i’m not ready to bury.
which is why i decided that, every once in a while, when i find one, i’m going to lovingly paste it here, a digital scrapbook of bylines gone by.
this is the first, a love letter, really, to the very fine soul who picked up his hammer and built the nooks and crannies of this old house and the one before it, a construction of love beyond what we’d dreamed.
Being graced by the hand — and soul — of Jim
January 04, 2004|By Barbara Mahany, Tribune staff reporter.
At my house, his name is Jim.
I still remember the first time he walked in, walked in to talk about taking down walls, putting up a dormer. One minute, I’d never seen him before, the next minute, I’d known him all my life.
I still remember standing out by the sidewalk, watching the roof come off our old house, leaning against the wrought-iron gate next door, and he told me, in the most matter-of-fact way, “My dad always said to leave behind a footprint wherever you go.”
Jim leaves footprints. In the form of a box-bay window the architects hadn’t drawn, but that he knew was just what we wanted, to make the trees feel like they stretched right into our room, or, rather, to sweep the window seat right out into the limbs, making a treehouse of what might have been simply a room for a bed.
In the form of drawers that glide in and out as if on Rollerblades, making me feel elegant every time I reached inside for a lumpy old sweater.
In the form of bookshelves that wrapped around me in my little room, making me feel hugged and safe and home — very much at home.
It didn’t take long for all of us to fall in love with Jim & Co. The whole summer they were at our house — Jim and Tom and Bri, the musketeers three — my husband couldn’t wait to vault out of bed and dash over to the Dunkin’ Donuts, where he’d return with a box dripping with sugar and round puffy blobs. My little boy took to sitting on the stairs, watching. He had a big red tool kit that he started lugging around. He put on his safety goggles and he built things in the back yard. Boats. A race car. Bigger boats.
That was at our old house.
I didn’t want to leave it behind because I couldn’t bear to leave behind the magic that Jim had pounded into its walls, its windows, its tucked-away secrets.
Jim, you see, is indispensable, and not just because he wields a mean hammer. Jim is indispensable because what he builds goes far beyond the blue lines you see in the drawings. Jim is indispensable because he knows, without words, the poetry of walls and windows and doors, and all they hold for those of us who hatch our dreams at home like eggs in a nest.
So when we moved, it was pretty simple: We brought Jim with us.
In fact, we bought a house that I could see only through the lens of Jim and all that he could do. I saw right past the ugly tile in the kitchen, the tile someone loved so much they glued it right up the wall once they ran out of the floor. I saw right through the bathrooms with the vanities that looked as if they took three oak trees to build them, they were so big and bulky and in the way.
That was almost a year ago. And in that year, slowly, patiently, whenever he had a minute in between building other people’s houses, he’s been pounding magic into this house, as if it really mattered.
And the point here is: It does matter.
Every single day, most likely for the rest of my life, this house, these walls, these windows, will be the ones that shape my every day. It is within these rooms that I will take in my first waking breath each day and every other breath that forms my every word. It is through these windows that I will look out at the world and drink in the fuel of my dreams. These are the nooks I will curl up in. These are the stairs I will climb, every time it really matters, and plenty of times when it really doesn’t.
But the point is, because his hand is here, everywhere I look I feel his soul, and the soul of something much bigger that speaks to me in a soft still voice, in every room.
Where once upon a time there was a single-car garage, and where after that, just before we moved in, there was brown-striped vinyl wallpaper and nubby carpeting all shredded by a yappy dog, there are now floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall bookcases, and two window seats that stretch out beneath the windows. It is nearly a re-creation of the little tiny room of my dreams I had to leave behind in the house that is no longer ours.
Only this one is better, because I get to stay here forever, and because Jim & Crew pretty much built it from memory, trying to mend the heart that got wrenched in the move.
By the time we’re finished, pretty much every room is going to be graced by the hand of Jim. He’s building a corner cabinet for all the books my little boy has yet to read, and I have visions of us curled up for hours there, for years and years to come. He’s already built a wall of bookshelves for my husband, a wall that could only be called majestic, so elegant and mighty as its fine-honed pilasters reach for the ceiling, and hold my husband’s anchor in the world, his library of books about all the ideas he treasures most.
My 2-year-old, who picked out shoes at the shoe store because they look just like Jim’s, took on a refrain this summer that pretty much echoed the truth in all our hearts. He walked around the house, and whenever he noticed anything amiss, he proclaimed matter-of-factly: “Jim fix it.”
Jim, he fixes everything. And not just with his hammer.
and, now, that one is saved, tucked away in my treasure box, here at the table…..
have you ever discovered — in the nick of time — that some treasure of yours was nearly lost? and if so, how did you save it?
the book for the soul that almost got left behind….
undulations of the everyday
prayer beads for a new year
something of a christmas-y diary (and a book for the soul)
making room for the hallowed
a year in cambridge
antidotes to madness
art of listening
back from college
books for the soul
caretaking the world
chapter ends
comfort cooking
comfort making
comforts of home
cooking for company
cooking memories
dispatch from the 02139 front
end of high school
father died too soon
finding courage
gift of darkness
growing up too fast
hanging onto hope
home from college
housekeeping. comfort sounds
joy of cleaning
joy of learning
joy of reading
joy of writing
laughing at myself
lessons from the garden
living love
longest night
love of words
mac n cheese
mama nature
man i married
mother ache
motherache
motherprayer
mustering strength
ode to a food
off to college
other people's children
overcrazed calendars
pausing
power of cooking
pressure of high school
quotidian wonder
restorative powers
rites and ritual
sacred garden
saving old newspaper stories
savoring moments
season change
seeking hope
seeking tranquility
simple joys
Slowing Time
storybook garden
the art of waiting
the people who keep our house in one piece
unlocking the sacred
weather change
weather's wrath
wonder of darkness
world weary
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Use a circuit to multiply two resistances
Given two resistors of unknown resistances and an infinite supply of wires and other resistors, create a circuit using multiple series and parallel combinations such that the effective resistance of the circuit is equal to the product of the two unknown resistances.
Mathematically (for those who don't want to bother about the physics),
$$s(a,b)=a+b$$ $$p(a,b)=\frac{ab}{a+b}$$
Using the two functions given above, two variables $x$ and $y$ and any other numbers, write a mathematical expression that evaluates to give $xy$. You cannot use any other operators or functions, not even division.
Your score is given by the number of times a function appears in the expression, so try to minimize this score.
Example: $s(s(x,p(y,2)),p(3.5,1))$ is a valid expression with a score of 4.
P.S. I'm not 100% sure this is even possible, if not please try giving a proof for the same.
mathematics optimization physics
ghosts_in_the_code
ghosts_in_the_codeghosts_in_the_code
$\begingroup$ Your example uses the resistor 'y' twice. $\endgroup$ – Chris Taylor Apr 6 '16 at 15:18
$\begingroup$ @ChrisTaylor I was unsure whether to allow that or not, anyways now I have disallowed it. Thanks for spotting anyways. $\endgroup$ – ghosts_in_the_code Apr 6 '16 at 15:22
$\begingroup$ Perhaps this might be useful: $p(a,b)=\frac{1}{s(1/a,1/b)}$ $\endgroup$ – Dragonemperor42 Apr 6 '16 at 15:44
$\begingroup$ s and p both have units of $\Omega$. No nested set of one inside the other will result in units of $\Omega^2$. $\endgroup$ – user1717828 Apr 7 '16 at 0:44
$\begingroup$ This makes no sense dimensionally. The product of two resistances is not a resistance! $\endgroup$ – hmakholm left over Monica Apr 7 '16 at 11:14
Another proof that it is impossible.
Consider the case that resistor $x$ has zero resistance. Then the complete circuit must also have zero resistance, so there must be a path with zero resistance; either this path has no resistors or it has only resistor $x$.
If there are no resistors on the path, the circuit will always have a resistance of zero, which is obviously wrong. If the path has only $x$, then the maximum possible resistance of the circuit is $x$, so it can't be correct if $x\ne0$ and $y>1$. Therefore such a circuit is impossible.
Alternatively:
Note that for positive $a$ and $b$, $p(a,b)\le s(a,b)=a+b$, so the total resistance is at most the sum of all the resistances in the circuit. In particular, the sum of all the fixed resistances must be at least $xy-x-y$. However, this value increases without bound as $x$ and $y$ increase, so the circuit is impossible.
f''f''
$\begingroup$ Why must the complete circuit have 0 resistance if $x$ has 0 resistance? $\endgroup$ – Shuri2060 Apr 6 '16 at 17:53
$\begingroup$ @QuestionAsker Because then the product of $x$ and $y$ is zero. $\endgroup$ – f'' Apr 6 '16 at 17:58
$\begingroup$ @RyanO'Hara The same circuit has to work if $x=0$ and also if $x\ne0$. I have shown that if it works for $x=0$, then it does not work for $x\ne0$. $\endgroup$ – f'' Apr 6 '16 at 18:47
I think it is impossible.
Consider the degrees of the expressions which you can use: $x$ and $y$ have a degree of 1. You are also allowed to use constants which have a degree of 0.
Let the function $\deg(A)$ calculate the degree of the expression $A$.
Then under the restrictions of $a$ and $b$ given in the question:
$$\deg(s(a,b))=\max(\deg(a),\deg(b))$$
(The $=$ can be used rather than $≤$ since $x$ and $y$ can only be used once overall)
$$\deg(p(a,b))=\deg(a)+\deg(b)-\deg(s(a,b))$$
Function $s$ will always have a degree equal to 1 if you use either or both of the variables $x$ or $y$ as the parameters. Otherwise, it'll have a degree of 0 if only constants are used in the parameters.
This still leaves you with expressions of degree 0 or 1 to use.
Function $p$ will always give an expression of degree 0 or 1 if the parameters have degrees 0 or 1.
Hence it is impossible to reach the expression $xy$ which has degree 2.
Shuri2060Shuri2060
$\begingroup$ Well, it's more fundamental than that. "A resistance of xy" is undefined — it's like cutting a piece of rope with a length of 2 ft². $\endgroup$ – Peregrine Rook Apr 6 '16 at 15:59
$\begingroup$ @PeregrineRook: What you're calling "units" is basically what Question Asker is calling the "degree". His argument is basically that the two operations $p$ and $s$ never change the degree of their inputs (assuming that their inputs are both of degree 1); but this is basically the same as saying that if $x$ and $y$ are both in Ohms, then $p(x,y)$ and $s(x,y)$ are also both in Ohms. $\endgroup$ – Michael Seifert Apr 6 '16 at 16:06
$\begingroup$ @ Question Asker: Yes. We know that we can map the math onto the circuit and back. If an expression for xy existed, the same expression would fail to multiply resistances measured in a different unit (e.g. deci-ohms). But the expressions p and s give the right physical answers regardless of the choice of unit. $\endgroup$ – jsocolar Apr 6 '16 at 16:13
$\begingroup$ @QuestionAsker: My argument is pretty similar to your argument, except it says, not that it's impossible to achieve the desired result, but that there is no such thing. For example, if x = 2 ohm and y = 3 ohm, is xy = 6 ohm? But x = 2,000,000 µohm and y = 3,000,000 µohm, and 6,000,000,000,000 µohm = 6,000,000 ohm. MichaelSeifert: I disagree (pun not intended). QA is using "degree" to mean dimensionality. Inch, foot, mile, cm and km are all the same dimensionality — acre and ft² are a different dimensionality. $\endgroup$ – Peregrine Rook Apr 6 '16 at 16:16
$\begingroup$ Give unknown resistors of resistance $x$ ohms and $y$ ohms, it makes sense to ask for a circuit of resistance $xy$ ohms. This is how I interpreted the question (this interpretation is consistent with the purely mathematical formulation of the question). $\endgroup$ – Julian Rosen Apr 6 '16 at 17:12
If we have multiple copies of each of the unknown resistors (so we can use the variables $x$ and $y$ more than once in the mathematical formulation), and we allow complex-valued resistors, then this is possible.
We can build the following operators: $$a(x):=s(p(s(x,-1),1),-1)=\frac{-1}{x},$$ $$ b(x):=a(s(a(s(a(s(x,i)),-i)),i))=-x, \hspace{5mm}\text{where $i$ is the imaginary unit}, $$ $$ c(x):=s(b(p(x,s(b(x),1))),x)=x^2, $$ $$ d(x):=a(s(a(s(a(s(x,-\sqrt{2})),-1/\sqrt{2})),-\sqrt{2}))=\frac{x}{2}. $$ Finally, we have $$ d(s(s(c(s(x,y)),b(c(x))),b(c(y))))=xy. $$
Julian RosenJulian Rosen
$\begingroup$ I wonder if it's possible to use only negative-valued resistors and avoid the complex ones. $\endgroup$ – Julian Rosen Apr 6 '16 at 21:38
$\begingroup$ Negative resistances are generally harder to construct than imaginary ones in any case - all the latter need are inductors and capacitors. $\endgroup$ – Zandar Apr 6 '16 at 21:48
$\begingroup$ You can simplify $d(x)=p(x,x)$. $\endgroup$ – 2012rcampion Apr 7 '16 at 0:39
$\begingroup$ @2012rcampion Indeed, that's much easier! $\endgroup$ – Julian Rosen Apr 7 '16 at 0:41
Here is a purely mathematical version of f''’s answer.
First note that the functions $s(x,y)$ and $p(x,y)$ always take non-negative inputs to positive outputs; hence, so does any operation build up from them. (To make this argument fully rigorous, it’s probably most natural to consider them as total binary operations on the extended non-negative real line $\{ x \in \mathbb{R}\ |\ x \geq 0 \} \cup \{\infty\}$, with $p(x,\infty)$ and $p(\infty,x)$ defined to be $x$; or, even better, on the projective line $\mathbb{P}^1(\mathbb{R}_{>0})$. But I won’t quite be that formal here.)
Now I claim: for any function $f(x,y)$ built up from the operations $s$ and $p$ together with non-negative constants, if $f(0,y) = 0$ for all $y$, then $f(x,y) = 0$ for all $x,y$.
Suppose this failed. Then there would be some minimal counterexample $f(x,y)$ — that is, minimal in its complexity as a formula built from $s$ and $p$, not necessarily minimal in its numerical output values.
It can’t be a constant, so it’s either of the form $s(g(x,y),h(x,y))$ or $p(g(x,y),h(x,y))$, where $g$ and $h$ are simpler expressions, so in particular are not counterexamples to the claim.
First case: $f(x,y) = s(g(x,y),h(x,y))$. So $g(0,y) + h(0,y) = 0$ for all $y$. So, since everything involved is non-negative, $g(0,y) = h(0,y) = 0$, for all $y$; so since $g$ and $h$ were not counterexamples to the claim, $g(x,y) = h(x,y) = 0$ for all $x,y$. So $f(x,y) = 0$ always — contradicting the choice of it as a counterexample!
Second case: $f(x,y) = p(g(x,y),h(x,y))$. (This case gets a bit mathematically involved.) Now $p(a,b) = 0$ exactly if at least one of $a,b$ is 0. So we know that for all $y$, at least one of $g(0,y)$ and $h(0,y)$ is $0$. So either $g(0,y)$ is zero for a dense set of $y$, or $h(0,y)$ is zero on some non-empty open set of $y$’s. But these are rational functions — and if a rational function is 0 either on a dense set or on a non-empty open set, then it must be zero everywhere. So either $g(0,y)$ is always zero, or $h(0,y)$ is. Since $g$ and $h$ aren’t counterexamples, this means that either $g(x,y)$ is always zero, or $h(x,y)$ is. But either of these means that $f(x,y)$ is always zero. Contradiction again!
So no such function is possible.
Peter LeFanu LumsdainePeter LeFanu Lumsdaine
$\begingroup$ This proof is missing f(x,y) = x $\endgroup$ – ffao Apr 6 '16 at 19:01
$\begingroup$ @ffao: good point — and that is a counterexample to the claim as stated (and so are constant multiples of it). So this doesn’t work as given. Hopefully it can be fixed — f''’s argument sounds very convincing physically, so it should be possible to state it mathematically! $\endgroup$ – Peter LeFanu Lumsdaine Apr 6 '16 at 19:17
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For years I’ve pondered a cultural and social paradox that diminishes the vitality and diversity of the American arts. This cultural conundrum also reveals the intellectual retreat and creative inertia of American religious life. Stated simply, the paradox is that, although Roman Catholicism constitutes the largest religious and cultural group in the United States, Catholicism currently enjoys almost no positive presence in the American fine arts—not in literature, music, sculpture or painting. This situation not only represents a demographic paradox. It also marks a major historical change—an impoverishment, indeed even a disfigurement—for Catholicism, which has for two millennia played a…
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Why Flutter is a future of cross-platform development?
Posted on January 9, 2020 by Elena Kvitkovska
Today cross-platform technologies become a game-changer in building mobile applications. The recent and most promising toolkit is Google Flutter.
In GitHub’s 2019 State of the Octoverse report, Dart and Flutter ranked #1 and #2 for the fastest-growing language and open source projects. Flutter is now one of the ten most starred software repositories on their site.
In a recent analysis by LinkedIn, Flutter is described as “the fastest-growing skill among software engineers”.
What is Flutter and how does it work?
Flutter is based on the DART programming language. It offers a wide range of widgets and tools that give developers an easy way to build and deploy attractive, fast desktop and mobile apps for Android & iOS.
Flutter is all about widgets. These are easy and simple visual components that make up the graphical interface. Flutter offers a rich set of customizable built-in UI components.
Working with Flutter means you will have everything required for mobile apps development. It has its own high-performance rendering engine to draw widgets. It also implements such systems such as animation, gesture, and widgets in Dart programing language. Flutter is developing rapidly and now has a lot of libraries helping to speed up the development of complex UI components.
There are two sets of widgets in Flutter – Material design widgets (Android) and Cupertino (IOS-style) widgets that will make your app look platform-specific.
Dart programming language
Dart is a cross-platform and open-source language that is available with a BSD license. Dart supports most of the object-oriented concepts, providing inheritance, interfaces and optional typing features. It’s easy to learn since Dart provides rich documentation.
Hot reload
Flutter allows us to experiment, add new features and correct the errors during the development. Although it doesn’t have a UI builder, the Hot reload feature saves changes applied to the code on emulators, simulators and equipment for iOS and Android. The changed code reloads in less than a second, so the developers can continue from where they stopped.
Flutter in 2019-2020
Recently Flutter Interact has arrived and it has introduced a number of improvements to the Framework with Flutter 1.12. You can check the cutting-edge apps created using Flutter on their official Showcase webpage.
The adoption rate of Flutter is firmly increasing. At first, most developers only created prototype apps with Flutter. Now, some of the famous companies have started using Flutter in their applications. With constant efforts, changes and rich widgets, Flutter is ready to set high standards for cross-platform development in 2020.
Improvements in 2019
On December 11, 2019, the Flutter team announced version 1.12, the latest Flutter release. This is the fifth stable release since December 2018. It brings some nice advancements:
Improved web & desktop support
Up to this version, Flutter was a mobile-specific framework that posed limitations to the developers. However, Google is continuously improving Flutter, and this is one more step to making it a fully-functional cross-platform technology
iOS 13 support
The new version of Flutter boasts with a visual refresh of supporting iOS 13, including Dark Mode and several Cupertino widgets. Now, the Flutter-built iOS application will look nearly as a native one.
Dart 2.7
Along with Flutter 1.12, Google announced the release of Dart 2.7 with additional capabilities. From now on, Dart supports the extension methods, has enhanced security functions and the new DartPad.
Add-to-app
Google developers have updated the Add-to-App feature of integrating Flutter into an existing Android or iOS application. They stabilized the APIs for platform integration in Java, Kotlin, Objective-C and Swift, including new APIs for Android.
Multi-device debugging
The latest Flutter update provides the opportunity of Multi-Session debugging in Visual code and works both with physical and virtual devices.
Layout explorer
Writing the code, you come across the issues, and Flutter gives you an opportunity to track and fix them with the help of Layout Inspector. It visualizes the widgets of your running application and lets you make to interactively change the layout options.
Hot UI
By installing Flutter on your machine, you get the opportunity of direct editing of UI, and the applied changes will go right into your code.
Google revealed an even grander plan to evolve Flutter into “a portable toolkit for building beautiful experiences wherever you might want to paint pixels on the screen.” This will include new form factors like televisions, smartwatches, and other wearables, and smart displays like the Google Nest Hub. Google calls this vision “ambient computing.”
Adobe today is announcing support for Flutter in its Creative Cloud via a plug-in that exports Adobe XD designs into the Flutter project. The XD to Flutter plugin will be available as open-source early next year, Google says, but you can sign-up for early access now on Adobe’s website.
How much does it cost to build a chat app with Flutter?
When you are a contract mobile application developer, the average app development cost may extend somewhere in the range of $15,100 to $50,000 to up to $120,000. The cost of building an application depends on its functionality and the team’s hourly rate.
Flutter is a free open-source platform. The app developers can reuse the code. A single code-base can fix most of the issues. The app development requires only one language, Dart. So, the time and the required amount of money for building a chat application reduce.
Basic chat app features
Authentication in chat apps can be implemented in different ways: via phone number, email, or social media profiles. Most chat apps require registration by phone number. This means an application sends a verification code, allowing users to register.
To implement registration by number, the server will need to send SMS messages to the provided phone number. In turn, mobile clients, having received this SMS-message, have to transfer the confirmation code back to the server.
Development Time: 50-55 hours.
Real-time messaging
XMPP (eXtensible Messaging and Presence Protocol) enables message delivery. Messaging feature is now a standard, which can be one on one chat or a multi-user chat.
Real-time messaging is popular for chat apps, because message delivery happens promptly and immediately, without any distance barriers, allowing users to feel closer to each other.
When users go offline, they can receive all the messages they miss as soon as they get back online. Also, messages can have statuses (delivered / failed / seen / edited).
Development time: 210-220 hours (for frontend and backend part)
Voice & Video Calling
Using Voice & Video calling feature, the parties can communicate in real-time. This can be implemented using VoIP and WebRTC integration. These are the most difficult functions to implement.
Development time: 180-220 hours each
Multimedia sharing
Users enjoy sharing various types of multimedia, such as photos, videos, files, GIFS, and stickers. Providing a synchronization service with common cloud services (e.g. Dropbox, Google Drive, Evernote) will boost app efficiency.
Development time: 40-50 Hours
Settings Column
Users can create their own profile where they can add or change their details and a profile picture. They can edit their profile picture or profile name, manage blocked contacts, delete their accounts, change status, change numbers, customize profile settings like chat notifications, etc.
Development time: 110-120 hours
This is a small, but very useful feature. For many users, it is really very convenient when the most important contacts are always at hand. There is no need to go into the application and look for the person you need. Simply import contacts from the mobile’s address book.
Location sharing
Location sharing allows sharing geolocation data in real-time over a specific time with participants in an individual or group chat. It is possible to create geo-chats – group conversations with other people who are not far from the user.
This is an important feature for engaging and keeping users active in the app. It informs users about a new message arrived. To add Notifications to the app developers use Google Cloud Messaging or Apple Push Notifications.
Using QuickBlox SDK for building a chat app
Business needs fast and affordable solutions. So, QuickBlox is happy to announce the release of Flutter SDK. Our powerful and flexible toolkit enables companies to launch cross-platform chat and messaging apps with minimum effort and maximum effect. With its help, it is possible to implement all the above-mentioned features in a fully-functional chat app.
It allows developers to build a world-class conversational experience, customized to your app quickly and with minimum budget.
QuickBlox ensures reliable management services with the SDK.
The Flutter apps are a perfect choice for tech businesses, startups, and eCommerce entrepreneurs to build an application with greater user experience to satisfy clients. It does not just lessen the whole technique development but also reduces the expense. Designers and developers can benefit from Flutter, as it makes the coding process more compatible, efficient and faster.
If you are looking to turn a brilliant mobile app idea into reality, choose our Flutter SDK and start getting benefits. Contact us for a more detailed consultation.
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Posts Tagged ‘Glynn Scott’
Frank’s Fazz…
Posted: October 24, 2019 in Fotos, Sports Racers
Tags: 1968 Surfers Paradise 6 Hour, Australian Motor Racing History, Ferrari 250LM, Ferrari 275 GTB/C, Ferrari 275 GTB/C #07545, Frank Gardner, Frank Matich, Glynn Scott, Leo Geoghegan, Matich SR3 Repco, Pete Geoghegan
(unattributed)
The Frank Matich/Glynn Scott Matich SR3 Repco (DNF) homes in on the Phil West/George Reynolds Scuderia Veloce Ferrari 275 GTB Competizione Clienti during the 1 September 1968 Surfers Paradise 6 Hour…
As usual, the race was won by the SV Ferrari 250LM, that year driven by the brothers Geoghegan, click on this link for an article about that car inclusive of Surfers wins; https://primotipo.com/2014/07/03/pete-geoghegan-ferrari-250lm-6321-bathurst-easter-68/
In a race a bit light on entries- and reduced from twelve to six hours, the Geoghegans won having covered 249 laps from the Bill Gates/Jim Bertram Lotus Elan, 237 and Doug Whiteford/John Roxburgh/Frank Coad Datsun 2000 on 230. Other than David McKay’s ‘Old Red Lady’ 250LM the other fancied sports-racers all retired- the Matich/Scott Matich SR3 Repco, Palmer/Brown Ferrari P4/Can-Am350 and O’Sullivan/Baltzer/Bassett Lola T70 Chev.
I hadn’t realised the significance of this Ferrari 275 GTB as one of three RHD ‘Competizione Clienti’ specification 275’s of a total 1965 production run of ten. The addition to the nose of the car appears to be a camera- I would love to see the footage if it exists?
Chassis #07545, the seventh of the ten cars, was ordered by Britain’s Maranello Concessionaires, it was intended as their Le Mans reserve car- their entries that year comprised a P2 raced by Jo Bonnier and David Piper and a 250LM steered by Mauro Bianchi and Mike Salmon, both cars failed to finish.
The GTB wasn’t completed in time for the 24 hour classic but starred as an exhibit at the 42nd International IAA Motor Show in Frankfurt that September. Maranello sold it in October 1965 to Paddy McNally, then a respected journalist later to make a motza as an equity-holder in Allsport Ltd along with Bernie The Unbelievable (Ecclestone).
SV 250LM goes under its stablemate at Surfers (unattributed)
Frank Gardner circa 1966, probably in Australia during the Tasman. Where folks? (Repco Collection)
The GTB featured in an Autosport feature, McNally waxed lyrical about driving the car on the fast uncluttered roads of Europe inclusive of the Col des Mosses in Switzerland. ‘Even at close to 6000 pounds…the Ferrari represents excellent value and it is quite the best car that i have ever driven.’ McNally’s enthusiasm for these machines was genuine, he later acquired #09027 and raced it at Montlhery in the Paris 1000km.
Ford race team boss Alan Mann was the next owner two years hence, along the way he returned it to the factory where the bumpers were removed and big fog-lights installed and then sold it to one of his stars- Frank Gardner.
FG used the car to commute to his race commitments across the UK and Europe- these were many and varied inclusive of Touring Cars, World Manufacturers Championship Prototypes and Sportscars, F2 and the occasional F1 event. It would be intiguing to know just how many km’s the ultra fast GT did in Frank’s short ownership.
The Australian International then brought the car to Australia in the summer of 1967/8 to take up his usual Tasman drive with Alec Mildren, that year he raced the Brabham BT23D Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 2.5 V8. He sold it to Gallaher International, a British cigarette company- sponsor of the 500 mile Bathurst enduro in 1966 and 1967, who used it as a promotional tool.
Scuderia Veloce team driver Bill Brown bought it next, it was during his ownership that Phil West/George Reynolds raced it to eighth outright and first in class (the only car in the class) at Surfers in 1968. It seems this was the machines only race in period.
Melbourne motor racing entrepreneur/hill-climber Jim Abbott was the next owner, I dare say he gave it a run up Lakeland once or twice on the way to its garage at home- after his death it passed to Daryl Rigg and then to Ray Delaney who owned it for seven or so years using the car extensively. So too did Max Lane including contesting Targa Tasmania in 1993- the car left Australia many years ago as the global investment grade commodity it is.
#07545 in recent years (Talacrest)
Competizione 275 GTB’s…
The competition variants of one of Ferrari’s most sought after Grand Turismo’s was born of Enzo’s swifty in attempting to homologate his 1963 250P sports-prototype ‘in drag’- the 250LM as a GT car to replace the revered GTO. The FIA could see the 3.3 litre LM- a larger capacity 250P with a roof for what it was and refused to homologate it.
Even as a GT the 250LM won Le Mans of course. Masten Gregory and Jochen Rindt flogged their NART entry to death- but not quite and won in 1965 after the more fancied Ferrari P2 and Ford GT40 Mk2 prototypes fell by the wayside with all manner of problems.
As a consequence, needing a GT racer, Ferrari set to modifying the just released in 1964 GTB whose baseline specifications included a sophisticated ‘Tipo 563’ chassis, independent suspension front and rear, aerodynamic bodywork, four-wheel disc brakes, five-speed rear mounted transaxle and the well proven ‘Tipo 213’ Colombo V12- in this car SOHC, two-valve and 3.3 litres (3286cc- 77 x 58.8mm bore and stroke) in capacity.
275GTB prototype and first car built #06003 during the 1966 Monte Carlo Rally crewed by Giorgio Pianta and Roberto Lippi, DNF driveline (unattributed)
Depending upon your source there are either three or four distinct series or phases of build of competition 275’s.
The first are the relatively mild modifications to chassis #06003 and #06021.
#06003 is the prototype, very first 275GTB built in 1964, it was retained by the factory for testing purposes throughout 1965, then modified and entered in the 1966 Monte Carlo Rally. #06021- is ‘the third GTB built and the prototype for the 1965 customer competition cars’ according to Peter Sachs who owned it twice. Its first custodian was a Roman, Antonio Maglione who contested at least four Hillclimb events in it in June/July 1965 having acquired it that April.
The second group of three works cars (plus a fourth built to this spec in 1966) designated ‘Competition Speciale’ were extensively modified by a team led by Mauro Forghieri with lightweight tube frames based on the standard Tipo 563 chassis.
The motors were six-Weber carb, dry-sumped Tipo 213 engines to 250LM spec giving 290-305 bhp and had 330 LM Berlinetta style noses with an air-scoop atop the long bonnets.
Other modifications included holes in interior panels, plexiglass windows and the use of magnesium castings for some engine and transmission parts. These cars, also designated 275 GTB/C Speciale, the bodies of which were of course designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti are said by some to be the most direct successors to the 250GTO.
After a DNF at Targa and third in class at the Nürburgring 1000km #06885 was sold by Scuderia Ferrari to Ecurie Francorchamps who raced it at Le Mans in 1965 achieving first in class and third outright- stunning for a GT. The reputation of these ‘275 GTB/C’s was underway.
Ferrari 275 GTB cutaway, specifications as per text (unattributed)
Scuderia Veloce line up before the 1968 Surfers 6 hour with Pete Geoghegan’s stout frame back to us. The #17 Ferrari Can-Am 350 DNF in the hands of Jim Palmer and Bill Brown. The West/Reynolds GTB is alongside and victorious Leo and Pete Geoghegan 250LM to the left (Rod MacKenzie)
Gardner’s #07545 was one of ten cars designated 275 ‘Competizione Clienti’ or ‘GTB/C Series 1′, which were built as dual purpose customer road/racers between May and August 1965- they were constructed in parallel with the works cars mentioned above and delivered only to privateers.
The specifications of this batch, very close to production cars included short nose bodies and six Weber DCN3 carbs, rather than the standard three, feeding essentially a standard wet sump Tipo 213 engine. The fuel tank was 140 litres rather than the standard 94 litre jobbie, the spare sat vertically aft of the tank. A higher rear shelf is a visual difference with three air vents in each rear guard a signal of menace. No two cars were identical but most had lightweight alloy bodies.
The final run of twelve cars, the ‘9000 series chassis’ were super-trick, schmick jiggers and are variously described as ‘275 GTB Berlinetta Competizione’ or ‘275 GTB/C’.
They have lightweight long-nose bodies built by Scaglietti which were half the thickness of the 250GTO’s and a specially designed steel and aluminium Tipo 590A chassis which was lighter and stiffer than the standard unit. The suspension and hubs were reinforced, clutch upgraded and a different steering box fitted.
The dry sumped Tipo 213 V12- which allowed the engine to be mounted lower in the frame, was tuned to 250LM specifications with some Electron components incorporated- sump, cam cover, timing chain casing and bell-housing- power was circa 275-282bhp @ 7700rpm. The three big Weber 40 DF13 carbs were a design unique to the car and fitted due to a clerical stuff up by Ferrari who had not homologated the six-carb Weber option.
Out and out racers, these were the only cars referred to by the factory as 275 GTB/C and were the last competition GT’s fettled in Maranello- the Daytona GTB/4 racers were modified in Modena.
Le Mans Esses 1967. The second placed Ferrari P4 of Scarfiotti/Parkes ahead of eleventh placed and first in class Filipinetti Ferrari 275GTB/C #09079 driven by Steinemann/Spoerry (LAT)
Ray Delaney in GTB #07545 at Amaroo Park, Sydney in 1981
Jaguar Magazine, Repco Collection via Nigel Tait, Rod MacKenzie, Ray Delaney, Talacrest, barchetta.cc, LAT, Stephen Dalton
Tailpiece: 1968 Surfers 6 Hour…
Borrani’s at the front and Campagnolo’s up the back, ain’t she sweet…
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Posts Tagged ‘Stick Men’
Posted in Art Rock, Canterbury Scene, Essay, Folk, Fusion, Jazz-Rock, Math Rock, Post-Rock, Progressive Rock, Psychedelic, RIO/Avant, Rock Progressivo Italiano (RPI), Space Rock, Symphonic, Zeuhl, tagged a.P.A.t.T., Afenginn, Alex's Hand, Amoeba Split, Ampledeed, Bent Knee, Bob Drake, Bubu, Chromb!, Corima, David Bowie, Deus Ex Machina, Disen Gage, Edensong, Emmett Elvin, Factor Burzaco, Finnegan Shanahan, Fractal Mirror, Free Salamander Exhibit, French TV, Gösta Berlings Saga, Goat, Gong, Griot, Half Past Four, Herd of Instinct, Horse Lords, iamthemorning, Il Rumore Bianco, Ill Wicker, iNFiNiEN. Axon/Neuron, Iron Mountain, Jack O'The Clock, Jeremy Flower, Knifeworld, Luz de Riada, Macroscream, Mad Fellaz, Mamma Non Piangere, Marbin, Matthew Parmenter, Mike Kershaw, Mothertongue, Moulettes, N.Y.X., Nicotina Es Primavera, North Sea Radio Orchestra, Panzerpappa, Pluck & Rail, Psychoyogi, Richard Pinhas & Barry Cleveland, Savoldelli/Casarano/Bardoscia, Seven Impale, Shamblemaths, Simon McKechnie, Sonus Umbra, Sparkle in Grey, Sternpost, Stick Men, Syndone, Thank You Scientist, The Mercury Tree, The Observatory, The Sea Nymphs, The Stargazer's Assistant, The Winstons, Three Trapped Tigers, Tiles, Ukandanz, Ulver, Vaults of Zin, Vespero, Violeta de Outono, Yawning Man, Yugen, Za!, Zhongyu on January 15, 2017| 19 Comments »
I hope my readers will forgive me if this post is somewhat less detailed than the ones I wrote in the past, as up to the very last moment I was not sure I felt up to writing my usual “Best of the Year” piece. However, I have tried my best to comment on the many highlights of a year that – while utterly dismal in terms of global events – was definitely a bumper year for interesting progressive music.
In my native Italy, leap years are considered unlucky, and 2016 did nothing to dispel this myth, crammed as it was with global turmoil and high-profile deaths. For prog fans, this year will go down in history for the double whammy of Keith Emerson and Greg Lake’s loss, as well as David Bowie’s passing a couple of days after the release of his Blackstar album. On the other and, while many of the protagonists of prog’s heyday have started leaving this planet, the younger generations – though faced with a world increasingly uncaring about music as an art form – have been forging a path ahead for the progressive genre, often displaying the barest of affiliations to the modes of the past. A few of the names that will appear in this post, as well as in many fans’ lists, have received warm accolades in the “mainstream” press, and are therefore getting exposed to more diverse audiences. In many ways, these artists resemble the original prog generation in their desire to explore and experiment, rather than stick to a tried-and-tested formula as the “retro” acts do.
Even if lately my reviewing activity has been almost non-existent, I have kept in touch with new releases through my regular participation in DPRP’s Something for the Weekend? feature. On the other hand, a lot of highly rated 2016 albums have flown directly under my radar, so anyone who wishes to read further should take the absence of a rather large number of prog fans’ favourites into account – as the title of this post makes it quite clear. As usual, I have not had either the time or the inclination (or both) to listen to many of the albums that are prominently featured in many people’s Top 10 (or 20, or 50…) lists, because the amount of music released during the past 12 months under the increasingly broad “progressive” label was nothing short of staggering. And then, in all honesty, my tastes have been steadily drifting away from the traditional prog still enthusiastically embraced by both artists and fans. While I still have a lot of time for the classics, I am constantly on the lookout for modern music that will redefine the prog label without sounding derivative. In this respect, 2016 was like a 12-month Christmas.
For this edition, I have decided to adopt a similar format to the one used by my esteemed friend and fellow reviewer, Roger Trenwith, on his excellent Astounded by Sound! blog. In this way, I will still avoid the dreaded (though popular) numbered list, and at the same time make it somewhat easier for my readers to pick out albums. Although the order of appearance may partly reflect my own preferences, all the albums briefly described in the following paragraphs are well worth checking out. I have tried to include all those albums that have impressed me during the past 12 months, (many of which have already been recommended by me or my fellow reviewers on Something for the Weekend?) though obviously there are bound to be omissions for which I apologize beforehand. Links to Bandcamp or other streaming services are provided whenever available.
And here we go…
Knifeworld – Bottled Out of Eden (UK) – A real joy from start to finish, as intricate and eclectic as the best vintage prog, Knifeworld’s third release is yet another winner from prog’s other busiest man, the one and only Kavus Torabi.
North Sea Radio Orchestra – Dronne (UK) – Another Cardiacs-related effort, the fourth album by the ensemble led by Craig Fortnam is pure class, brimming with ethereal beauty and sterling performances.
Bent Knee – Say So (USA) – The third full-length release from the Boston crew led by charismatic vocalist Courtney Swain boasts interesting songwriting and an almost punky edge, tempered by a sort of confessional vibe.
Gong – Rejoice! I’m Dead! (Multi-national) – Though Daevid Allen may be gone from this earthly plane, he left his beloved creature in the trusty hands of Kavus Torabi (again!), who gives the album a modern edge while paying homage to the band’s decades-long history.
Gösta Berlings Saga – Sersophane (Sweden) – Released just two weeks before the end of the year, the long-awaited fourth album from the magnificent Swedes (augmented, as usual, by Mattias Olsson) brings 2016 to a close with a bang. 40 minutes of stunningly hypnotic instrumental music by one of the finest bands in the business.
Deus Ex Machina – Devoto (Italy) – Another highly awaited comeback from one of Italy’s most distinctive bands, chock full of energy, melody and outstanding performances – though without any Latin in sight.
Yugen – Death by Water (Italy) – The iconic Milan-based ensemble led by guitarist Francesco Zago is back with a dense, austere album that demands a lot from the listener. Modern Avant-Prog at its finest.
Zhongyu – Zhongyu (USA) – Seamlessly blending jazz-rock, Avant-Prog, Far Eastern music and improvisation, the debut album by Jon Davis’ Seattle-based quintet (featuring three members of Moraine) is a must-listen for lovers of cutting-edge instrumental prog.
Richard Pinhas & Barry Cleveland – Mu (Multi-national) – Beautifully atmospheric music performed by a quartet of extremely gifted musicians – guitarists Pinhas and Cleveland plus the extraordinary rhythm section of Michael Manring and Celso Alberti.
Mamma Non Piangere – N.3 (Italy) – The triumphant return of the veteran Italian RIO/Avant outfit will put a smile on your face,even if you do not understand the language. Stunning vocal performance from Laura Agostinelli of Garamond.
Jeremy Flower – The Real Me (USA) – Carla Kihlstedt lends her vocals and violin to this lovely album from a gifted Boston-based musician. Top-class, surprisingly accessible chamber pop.
Finnegan Shanahan – The Two Halves (USA) – A charming, chamber prog-meets-Celtic folk debut for a talented young musician.
The Winstons – The Winstons (Italy) – Three established indie musicians from Italy pay homage to early Soft Machine inone of the very few unabashedly retro efforts that actually works.
Panzerpappa – Pestrottedans (Norway) – Avant-Prog that will not scare first-timers away with a distinct new-Canterbury flavour from one of Norway’s most reliable bands
Corima – Amaterasu (USA) – Magma meets punk in the highly anticipated sophomore release of California’s electrifying Zeuhl-ers.
Chromb! – 1000 (France) – The Lyon scene is a real treasure trove of great bands exploring the many facets of the Avant universe – as illustrated by Chromb!’s outstanding third album.
Ukandanz – Awo (France) – What would happen if you crossed traditional Ethiopian music with RIO/Avant? The answer is Ukandanz –another winner from the seemingly inexhaustible Lyon scene.
Herd of Instinct – Manifestation (USA) – Intense and mysterious, yet pervasively melodic, the Texas band’s third album displays a stronger influence from their Djam Karet mentors than their previous releases.
Emmett Elvin – Assault on the Tyranny of Reason (UK) – Proudly eclectic (and unexpectedly fun) effort from the man behind the keyboards of modern prog giants Knifeworld, Guapo and Chrome Hoof.
French TV – Ambassadors of Health and Clean Living (USA) – Mike Sary’s veteran project’s comeback, recorded with the members of Japanese instrumental band TEE, offers a challenging blend of RIO/Avant and jazz-rock.
Jack O’ The Clock – Repetitions Of The Old City I (USA) – The latest effort from Damon Waitkus’ crew confirms their status as purveyors of unique-sounding chamber rock.
Ampledeed – BYOB (USA) – The second album from the Californian band brings more top-notch art rock with plenty of diverse influences
Luz de Riada – Cuentos y Fabulas 3 (Mexico) – Ramsés Luna’s collective sounds like almost nothing else, though of course fans of Cabezas de Cera will found a lot to love in this album.
Nicotina Es Primavera – Animal Cerámico (Argentina) – From the thriving Argentinian scene, sophisticated yet accessible Avant-Prog from an excellent new band.
Amoeba Split – Second Split (Spain) – The Canterbury sound gets a 21-st century makeover in this outstanding instrumental album
Half Past Four – Land of the Blind (Canada) – The irrepressible Canadians pack more into an EP than many bands in 80 minutes. Quirky, elegant and fun modern prog.
Ulver – ATGCLVLSSCAP (Norway) – The mighty Norwegians’ homage to vintage Krautrock is pristinely beautiful.
a.P.A.t.T. – Fun With Music (UK) – Just what the title says. Everything-but-the-kitchen-sink eclecticism rules!
Ill Wicker – Untamed (Sweden) – Dark, haunting acid-folk inspired by Comus and other Seventies cult bands.
Vespero – Lique Mekwas (Russia) – Russia’s answer to Ozric Tentacles deploy their whole arsenal of psych/space rock with intriguing world music touches.
Psychoyogi – Shrine (UK) – Short but sweet 2016 release from one of the UK scene’s hidden treasures – a must for “new Canterbury” fans.
Simon McKechnie – From My Head to My Feet (UK) – Another lesson on how to add interest and progressive quotient to the song format from one of the genre’s unsung heroes.
David Bowie – Blackstar (UK) – Released just before his unexpected passing, Bowie’s swan song is a riveting testimony to his undimmed creative spirit.
N.y.X. – The News (Italy) – Darkly Crimsonian vibes abound in the northern Italian trio’s second album.
Axon/Neuron – Metamorphosis (USA) – An eclectic double CD for an excellent female-fronted band in the MoeTar vein.
iNFiNiEN – Light at the Endless Tunnel (USA) – Third album for another MoeTar-inspired band, with artwork from Tarik Ragab himself.
The Stargazer’s Assistant – Remoteness of Light – Mesmerizing, multilayered soundscapes from Guapo drummer David J. Smith.
Sternpost – Statues Asleep (Sweden) – Ethereal, sophisticated chamber-pop reminiscent of Robert Wyatt.
Yawning Man – Historical Graffiti (USA) – A stunning instrumental “desert rock” album recorded in Argentina from an excellent southern California outfit.
Iron Mountain – Unum (Ireland) – Post-rock meets folk-metal in this intriguing instrumental album.
Vaults of Zin – Kadath (USA) – HP Lovecraft-inspired Avant-Zeuhl-Metal.
Thank You Scientist – Stranger Heads Prevail (USA) – Energetic prog-pop from New Jersey’s wrecking crew.
The Mercury Tree – Permutations (USA) – Intricate, guitar-based modern prog from a band in constant development.
Edensong – Years in the Garden of Years (USA) – The long-awaited second album from the New Jersey band will not disappoint fans of hard-edged prog.
Shamblemaths – Shamblemaths (Norway) – Ambitious debut from another promising Norwegian outfit – eclectic prog at its finest.
Seven Impale – Contrapasso (Norway) – A darker, more intense follow-up to their highly praised debut.
Disen Gage – Snapshots (Russia) – Eclectic, guitar-based instrumental prog with a playful edge.
Factor Burzaco – 3.76 (Argentina) – New versions of older material from Argentina’s leading Avant-Prog outfit.
Bubu – Resplandor (Argentina) – A short but highly satisfying comeback from a band that fully deserves its cult status.
Griot – Gerald (Portugal) – The concept album reinterpreted in modern art-rock terms.
Mothertongue – <em>Unsongs (UK) – Exhilarating, brass-led progressive pop.
Afenginn – Opus (Sweden) – Haunting Scandinavian prog-folk.
Violeta de Outono – Spaces (Brazil) – Psych-space meets Canterbury with a South American flavour.
The Observatory – <em>August Is the Cruellest (Singapore) – Moody, melancholy post-rock inspired by T.S. Eliot’s poetry.
Macroscream – Macroscream (Italy) – The second album of this Roman six-piece hovers between tradition and quirkiness.
Il Rumore Bianco – Antropocene (Italy) – RPI with an edge for the full-length debut of this band from Verona.
Syndone – Eros e Thanatos (Italy) – Cinematic RPI with echoes of Van Der Graaf.
Mad Fellaz – II (Italy) – For fans of the jazzier, funkier side of Italian prog.
Alex’s Hand – Künstler Sch***e (USA) – Another Avant-punk opus from the Seattle crew.
Horse Lords – Interventions (USA) – African-inspired polyrhythms and a saxophone that sounds just like a guitar. Oh my!
Za! – Loloismo (Spain) – A percussion-driven mix of styles with an almost tribal flair.
Goat – Requiem (Sweden) – African rhythms (again!) meet psychedelic rock with interesting results.
Sparkle in Grey – Brahim Izdag (Italy) – A celebration of multiculturalism through rock, electronics and a lot more.
Savoldelli/Casarano/Bardoscia – The Great Jazz Gig in the Sky (Italy) – One of the most brilliant ideas ever for a tribute album. Jazz and Dark Side of the Moon are a match made in heaven!
Pluck & Rail – Trigger (USA) – A fine roots/folk album featuring Frogg Café’s Andrew Sussman
Tiles – Pretending 2 Run (USA) – The ambitious return of the Detroit heavy proggers is a double CD package put together with the utmost care.
Sonus Umbra – Beyond the Panopticon (USA) – Heavy yet melodic, atmospheric comeback from the Chicago-based septet led by Luis Nasser.
Mike Kershaw – What Lies Beneath (UK) – Melancholy, atmospheric song-based progressive rock
Matthew Parmenter – All Our Yesterdays (USA) – A collection of classy, deeply emotional songs from Discipline’s mainman.
Fractal Mirror – Slow Burn 1 (The Netherlands) – Another laid-back album of song-based modern art rock
iamthemorning – Lighthouse (Russia) – Ethereal and delicate offering from the highly-regarded Russian duo.
Marbin – Goat Man and the House of the Dead (USA) – Eclectic, high-energy fusion from one of the progressive scene’s busiest bands.
Though as a rule I generally mention albums I have heard in their entirety, this year I will make an exception for a handful of interesting albums that – for some reason or another – I have managed to listen to only partially:
Stick Men – Prog Noir (Multi-national) – Waiting for King Crimson to release some new material, here is a feast for lovers of touch guitars and intricate polyrhythms.
Moulettes – Preternatural (UK) – Mythical creatures inspire this slice of exciting, hyper-eclectic “wonky pop”.
The Sea Nymphs – On the Dry Land (UK) – The second of the “lost” albums by Cardiacs’ spin-off trio is elegiac and whimsical.
Bob Drake – Arx Pilosa (USA/France) – A collection of bite-sized Avant-Pop songs from one of Thinking Plague’s founders.
Free Salamander Exhibit – Undestroyed (USA) – The much-anticipated return of some former members of Sleepytime Gorilla Museum hits all the right buttons.
Three Trapped Tigers – Silent Earthling (UK) – Hypnotic yet surprisingly melodic take on math-rock.
Although, as I pointed out in the introduction, in my list there are quite a few of what the average prog fan would consider glaring omissions, I believe that the majority of the music mentioned above has the potential to appeal to anyone but the most hidebound listeners. It might not be “your father’s prog”, but it is definitely worth a try if you want to expand your musical horizons – and support a bunch of highly deserving artists (and the independent labels that keep up the good work in spite of all the setbacks) in the process.
Before I bring this rather lengthy post to a close, I would like to spend a few words on the question of reviews, or lack thereof. As much as I would love to start reviewing again on a regular basis, I do not see myself resuming that activity – which was of great comfort to me in difficult times – on the scale of the earlier years of this decade. In a person’s life there is probably a time for everything, and my career as a reviewer was probably fated to be a short (though intense) one. I will keep this blog alive on behalf of the many bands and artists whom I wrote about in the past few years, and for publishing the occasional piece like this one. However, I believe it is time to pass the torch to other reviewers, who are much more prolific and reliable than I have been since 2013 or so. I will keep up my contributions to Something for the Weekend? as a means of spreading the word about new music, as well as occasionally adding some band to the ProgArchives database. In the meantime, while we wait for the first 2017 releases, I hope my readers will discover at least one new band or solo artist by browsing my suggestions. Happy listening, and a great 2017 to everyone!
Live Review: Stick Men at Jammin’ Java (Vienna, VA) – April 27, 2012
Posted in Concert, Progressive Rock, Review, tagged Jammin' Java, King Crimson, Markus Reuter, Pat Mastelotto, Robert Fripp, Stick Men, Tony Levin on April 29, 2012| 7 Comments »
Slowglide
Open Pt. 3
Larks’ Tongues in Aspic Pt. II
Firebird Suite Pt. 1-4
Indiscipline
Jammin’ Java, the quaint coffee house/bar doubling up as music venue located in the charming neighbourhood of Vienna, in the Washington DC metro area, seems to have become a firm favourite with Tony Levin and his Stick Men bandmates, Pat Mastelotto and Markus Reuter – even though the Boston-born bass/Chapman stick wizard must be used to much larger, flashier venues. Judging by his happy demeanour, Levin seems to have a soft spot for the place (as does his friend and former King Crimson partner, Adrian Belew) – even when, as in this case, the gig involves some considerable juggling. Indeed, the April 27 date (following the triumphant, sold-out appearance by Two of a Perfect Trio in September 2011) had been rather oddly sandwiched between a date in Connecticut and one in upstate New York – forcing the band to cut their show rather shorter than usual to allow them to hit the road in good time.
The screen at the back of the stage proudly displayed the banner of the DC Society of Art Rock (DC-SOAR), a group that for the past few years has been quite active in promoting progressive music in the Washington/Baltimore area . Unfortunately, attendance was not what such a relatively high-profile outfit would usually command, and the long, dimly lit space before the stage was nowhere as crowded as it might have been in different circumstances. Indeed, having a concert start at 7.30 on a Friday night in a high-traffic area is quite likely to keep away quite a few prospective attendees. Though all of the 25 VIP tickets had been sold, they were not really worth the extra $15, as the only advantage they gave was to be able to get inside early and listen to the soundcheck while partaking of food or drink in the Lobby Bar. The VIP seating area was also quite cramped, while the tables and seats that had been arranged in the general admission area were much more comfortable, and allowed a great view of the stage. Luckily, as I observed in my review of the Two of a Perfect Trio gig, the ear-shattering volume that had characterized my first two visits to the venue in 2009 has been toned down, so that people will not find themselves stunned by the sheer impact of an almost physical wall of sound.
For those who are still pining about the demise of King Crimson (at least in terms of live performances), bands like Stick Men are a godsend, as they retain all the energy and complexity of the original, coupled with a much more open, friendly attitude towards their audience. Although I have never seen Mr Fripp in action, I am well aware of his inflexible stance about taking pictures during concerts – which was replicated by Eddie Jobson’s Ultimate Zero Project at NEARfest 2010 (much to the dismay of the audience). Seeing Levin, Mastelotto and Reuter smile and wave at the fans, take pictures of the audience at the end of the concert, take some time to chat with the fans, and generally enjoy themselves on stage – all the while retaining a thoroughly professional attitude – was incredibly refreshing, and a boon to everyone who had bought a ticket in spite of the inconvenient scheduling of the gig.
In spite of the time constraints, Stick Men produced a richly satisfying setlist, expanded from their September performance, and including enough King Crimson material to please the more nostalgic component of the crowd. However, their own compositions definitely stand up to comparisons with the “mother band”, following in its footsteps while avoiding the clone-like feel that occasionally mars the output of celebrated acts’ side projects. While highly proficient in the technical department, Stick Men’s music is powerful, muscular and strikingly modern – the endless range of expressive possibilities offered by two polyphonic instruments such as the Chapman stick and Reuter’s custom-made touch guitar (a glossy red number deceptively looking like a traditional guitar) supported by Mastelotto’s rhythmic powerhouse.
In spite of their extensive touring schedule, Stich Men are busy working on their new album, which is slated for a fall release. In the meantime, they have been writing other material: Levin jokingly stated that they had written an album last Friday, and the audience was treated to one of those new pieces, titled “Open Pt. 3”. All the original compositions were very strong, ranging from the evenly paced, atmospheric “Slowglide” (featuring Levin on vocals, and an entrancing, effects-laden middle section) to the aptly titled “Relentless”, a hard-hitting piece reminiscent of King Crimson’s late ‘90s incarnation.
As could be expected, however, it was the King Crimson stuff that drew the most applause. Classics like “Red” and “Larks’ Tongues in Aspic Pt II” were rendered in a heavier, though perhaps less subtle fashion, proving once again the essential role played by King Crimson in the development of progressive metal. Reuter filled Fripp’s role with aplomb, and Levin’s Chapman stick was all over the place, aided and abetted by Mastelotto’s unflagging beat. A particularly intense version of “Indiscipline”, with a slo-mo, drawn-out introduction and Levin doing a decent Belew impersonation, was one of the undisputed highlights of the show, together with the stunning “Firebird Suite (Pt. 1-4)”. Mastelotto’s imperious drumming paralleled Stravinsky’s trademark percussive firepower, while Levin and Reuter seamlessly worked their way through the intricate orchestral arrangements, debunking the myth that banks of keyboards are indispensable to any reinterpretation of great classical music.
In a few months, those who missed out on Friday’s gig will be able to see Stick Men perform again with Adrian Belew’s Power Trio (under the handle of Crimson ProjecKct), when they open for Dream Theater on their Washington DC date (July 13, Warner Theatre). Levin’s former partnership with John Petrucci, Mike Portnoy and Jordan Rudess in Liquid Tension Experiment should be enough to explain this apparently odd pairing. It is to be hoped that this slot on a much longer and higher-profile tour will create more interest in Stick Men’s own original material, which deserves all the exposure it can get.
http://www.papabear.com/
http://www.dc-soar.org/
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Thioredoxin family active site signature and domain profile
Thioredoxins [1,2,3,4] are small proteins of approximately one hundred amino-acid residues which participate in various redox reactions via the reversible oxidation of an active center disulfide bond. They exist in either a reduced form or an oxidized form where the two cysteine residues are linked in an intramolecular disulfide bond. Thioredoxin is present in prokaryotes and eukaryotes and the sequence around the redox-active disulfide bond is well conserved. Bacteriophage T4 also encodes for a thioredoxin but its primary structure is not homologous to bacterial, plant and vertebrate thioredoxins.
A number of eukaryotic proteins contain domains evolutionary related to thioredoxin, most of them are protein disulfide isomerases (PDI). PDI (EC 5.3.4.1) [5,6,7] is an endoplasmic reticulum enzyme that catalyzes the rearrangement of disulfide bonds in various proteins. The various forms of PDI which are currently known are:
PDI major isozyme; a multifunctional protein that also function as the β subunit of prolyl 4-hydroxylase (EC 1.14.11.2), as a component of oligosaccharyl transferase (EC 2.4.1.119), as thyroxine deiodinase (EC 3.8. 1.4), as glutathione-insulin transhydrogenase (EC 1.8.4.2) and as a thyroid hormone-binding protein !
ERp60 (ER-60; 58 Kd microsomal protein). ERp60 was originally thought to be a phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C isozyme and later to be a protease.
ERp72.
P5.
All PDI contains two or three (ERp72) copies of the thioredoxin domain.
Bacterial proteins that act as thiol:disulfide interchange proteins that allows disulfide bond formation in some periplasmic proteins also contain a thioredoxin domain. These proteins are:
Escherichia coli dsbA (or prfA) and its orthologs in Vibrio cholerae (tcpG) and Haemophilus influenzae (por).
Escherichia coli dsbC (or xpRA) and its orthologs in Erwinia chrysanthemi and Haemophilus influenzae.
Escherichia coli dsbD (or dipZ) and its Haemophilus influenzae ortholog.
Escherichia coli dsbE (or ccmG) and orthologs in Haemophilus influenzae, Rhodobacter capsulatus (helX), Rhiziobiacae (cycY and tlpA).
The pattern we developed is directed against the two cysteines that form the redox-active bond. We also developed a profile that covers the whole domain.
December 2007 / Profile added and text revised.
THIOREDOXIN_1, PS00194; Thioredoxin family active site (PATTERN)
[LIVMF]-[LIVMSTA]-x-[LIVMFYC]-[FYWSTHE]-x(2)-[FYWGTN]-C- [GATPLVE]-[PHYWSTA]-C-{I}-x-{A}-x(3)-[LIVMFYWT]
undetected by PS00194: 176 (171 false negatives and 5 'partials')
Matching PDB structures: 1A23 1A24 1A2J 1A2L ... [ALL]
THIOREDOXIN_2, PS51352; Thioredoxin domain profile (MATRIX)
undetected by PS51352: 76 (71 false negatives and 5 'partials')
1 unknown.
Title Thioredoxin.
Source Annu. Rev. Biochem. 54:237-271(1985).
DOI 10.1146/annurev.bi.54.070185.001321
4 Authors Eklund H. Gleason F.K. Holmgren A.
Title Structural and functional relations among thioredoxins of different species.
Source Proteins 11:13-28(1991).
5 Authors Freedman R.B. Hawkins H.C. Murant S.J. Reid L.
Title Protein disulphide-isomerase: a homologue of thioredoxin implicated in the biosynthesis of secretory proteins.
6 Authors Kivirikko K.I. Myllyla R. Pihlajaniemi T.
Title Protein hydroxylation: prolyl 4-hydroxylase, an enzyme with four cosubstrates and a multifunctional subunit.
Source FASEB J. 3:1609-1617(1989).
7 Authors Freedman R.B. Hirst T.R. Tuite M.F.
Title Protein disulphide isomerase: building bridges in protein folding.
Source Trends Biochem. Sci. 19:331-336(1994).
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Bold Opportunities for Foundation Professors and New Visitor Series
Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students:
Summer — as defined by the academic year and not, unfortunately, as defined by 100-degree days — is almost over. Whether you’ve been sticking close to campus or travelling for research or pleasure, I hope you’ve had an enjoyable break.
My travels this summer included some valued family time as well as conferences with peers, and I also spent a day visiting with Jayhawks in the heart of K-State territory as part of the KU Alumni Association’s Hawk Days of Summer. What a great experience to visit with KU alumni and supporters in Wamego, Manhattan, and Washington!
For all of us in leadership positions, visiting with the community and receiving input about KU’s goals and trajectory is very important. As we approach the start of the fall semester, I’m seeking your input on a pair of major opportunities regarding our four strategic initiative themes. With your nominations of outstanding individuals, each will play an important role in realizing the goals of our strategic plan Bold Aspirations.
Bold Aspirations Visitor and Lecture Series
First, we are asking your help in identifying scholars for the Bold Aspirations Visitor and Lecture Series, which will highlight eminent visitors and KU scholars related to the strategic initiative themes. Participants in the series will meet with the KU community and give a public lecture. The visits could range from 1–2 days to an entire semester or longer.
Earlier this month, for example, Prof. Peter Pecora of the University of Washington gave a workshop for faculty in the School of Social Welfare on “Future Research and Funding Priorities in Child Welfare.” On September 13–14, we are planning for a visit from noted mathematician and computer scientist Prof. Vladimir Vapnik of Columbia University, the Royal Hollaway in London, and NEC Laboratories.
Please submit names of similar outstanding individuals for the Bold Aspirations series by forwarding names, bios, and brief rationale to me at provost@ku.edu. The series is a great opportunity to expose visitors to interesting work at KU, build collaborations, and perhaps recruit stellar individuals to KU.
Recruiting 12 new Foundation Professors
Recruiting stellar faculty members is the goal of the second opportunity I am requesting nominations for, and it will be supported directly by the State of Kansas. This past legislative session, with support from Governor Brownback, the legislature allocated to KU $3 million per year for the hiring of 12 Foundation Professors.
These professors will be scholars of the highest caliber internationally who, working together with our current outstanding faculty, will bolster KU's status as an AAU institution. The title “Foundation Professor” reflects the pivotal role each will play in advancing our strategic initiative themes and building worldwide visibility for KU. These high-profile individuals will be supported by additional faculty hires from new and replacement positions within the university, and provided with substantial research and start-up funds via our comprehensive capital campaign.
In September, we will be launching a nationwide campaign highlighting this new opportunity and the strong support it is receiving. I encourage you to submit nominations of outstanding scholars for Foundation Professor positions.
Again, please send nominations to provost@ku.edu. Each nomination should include a statement that identifies the potential contribution to one of the strategic initiative themes and how that contribution will enhance current KU research efforts and visibility. All nominations for Foundation Professors will be thoroughly vetted with stakeholders.
foundation.ku.edu
Thanks in advance for your ideas and participation. They are key to help us build a pool of outstanding innovators who will enhance our vibrant KU community and contribute to realizing our bold aspirations. Your expertise and connections among your peers will ensure that both of these opportunities position KU as a national leader.
I look forward to receiving your nominations and to a successful 2012–2013 academic year.
Provost's Message Signature:
Rock Chalk!
-- Jeff
Jeffrey S. Vitter
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
Roy A. Roberts Distinguished Professor
This issue of Provost eNews as well as past ones can be found on the Provost eNews web page.
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Home » Penn State Blue Band by Thomas E. Range
Penn State Blue Band
Thomas E. Range
Published August 3rd 1999
From the Preface:A hush falls over the 95,000 people in attendance as drum taps measure the seconds in the middle of the field. A whistle blows once, then four times rapidly, and suddenly the drums thunder in a staccato fury. Up from the depths ofMoreFrom the Preface:A hush falls over the 95,000 people in attendance as drum taps measure the seconds in the middle of the field. A whistle blows once, then four times rapidly, and suddenly the drums thunder in a staccato fury. Up from the depths of Beaver Stadium storm the 275 members of The Pennsylvania State University Marching Blue Band as they triple-time onto the field. The only thing louder than the fight song they play is the roar of thousands of football fans cheering them on.The excitement, the pride, and the tradition of the Blue Band have been experienced by generations of Nittany Lion fans for 100 years. . . . As the band finishes its first century, those memories, stories, and traditions must be preserved for future generations to enjoy. This book attempts to do just that.This history opens with the story of how marching bands came to be so popular in America, from their early nineteenth-century beginnings at West Point to the tremendous growth of their appeal into the present day. The story continues by explaining how that popularity and the importance of music in student military training at Penn State eventually led to establishment of the Cadet Bugle Corps, the Blue Bands precursor, in 1899.Ten chapters follow, each devoted to a single decade covering the major events in the bands development over the next hundred years, such as the adoption of the name Blue Band in 1923. Interspersed throughout are biographies of its five past and present directors, as well as Spotlights that focus on special aspects of the band, including fight songs, marching style, majorettes, silks, flipping drum majors, and various band traditions. Also included is a comparison with other prominent collegiate marching bands today. Illustrations from the bands early history to the present enrich the story throughout.
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الفتاة الإيطالية
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Sheng-Nan Wu
Institute of Basic Medical Sciences
Emailsnwu@mail.ncku.edu.tw
Bisoprolol, known to be a selective β 1 -receptor antagonist, differentially but directly suppresses i K(M) and i K(erg) in pituitary cells and hippocampal neurons
So, E. C., Foo, N. P., Ko, S. Y. & Wu, S. N., 2019 Feb 2, In : International journal of molecular sciences. 20, 3, 657.
Depolarization
Characterization of Perturbing Actions by Verteporfin, a Benzoporphyrin Photosensitizer, on Membrane Ionic Currents
Huang, M. H., Liu, P. Y. & Wu, S. N., 2019 Aug 22, In : Frontiers in Chemistry. 7, 566.
Photosensitizing Agents
Concerted suppression of I h and activation of I K(M) by ivabradine, an HCN-channel inhibitor, in pituitary cells and hippocampal neurons
Hsiao, H. T., Liu, Y. C., Liu, P. Y. & Wu, S. N., 2019 Jul, In : Brain Research Bulletin. 149, p. 11-20 10 p.
ivabradine
linopirdine
Endocrine Cells
Differential suppression of delayed-rectifier and inwardly rectifier K+ currents by a group of ent-kaurane-type diterpenoids from Croton tonkinensis, in microglial cells
Hsiao, H. T., Lee, Y. C., Liu, Y. C., Kuo, P. C. & Wu, S. N., 2019 Aug 5, In : European Journal of Pharmacology. 856, 172414.
Kaurane Diterpenes
Diterpenes
Effectiveness of nalbuphine, a κ-opioid receptor agonist and μ-opioid receptor antagonist, in the inhibition of INa, IK(M), and IK(erg) unlinked to interaction with opioid receptors
Liu, Y. Y., Hsiao, H. T., Wang, J. C. F., Liu, Y. C. & Wu, S. N., 2019 Sep 1, In : Drug Development Research. 80, 6, p. 846-856 11 p.
Narcotic Antagonists
Opioid Receptors
Inhibitory Concentration 50
Evidence for effective inhibitory actions on hyperpolarization-activated cation current caused by ganoderma triterpenoids, the main active constitutents of ganoderma spores
Chang, W. T., Gao, Z. H., Lo, Y. C. & Wu, S. N., 2019 Nov 22, In : Molecules. 24, 23, 4256.
Cations
Evidence for effective multiple K+current inhibitions by Tolvaptan, a non-peptide antagonist of vasopressin V2 receptor
Lu, T. L., Chang, W. T., Chan, C. H. & Wu, S. N., 2019 Jan 1, In : Frontiers in Pharmacology. 10, FEB, 76.
Vasopressin Receptors
Inappropriate ADH Syndrome
Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels
Neuroendocrine Cells
Evidence for the capability of roxadustat (FG-4592), an oral HIF prolyl-hydroxylase inhibitor, to perturb membrane ionic currents: An unidentified yet important action
Chang, W. T., Lo, Y. C., Gao, Z. H. & Wu, S. N., 2019 Dec 1, In : International journal of molecular sciences. 20, 23, 6027.
Prolyl-Hydroxylase Inhibitors
Prolyl Hydroxylases
High effectiveness in actions of carfilzomib on delayed-rectifier K+ current and on spontaneous action potentials
So, E. C., Liu, P. Y., Lee, C. C. & Wu, S. N., 2019 Jan 1, In : Frontiers in Pharmacology. 10, 1163.
Vascular Smooth Muscle
Smooth Muscle Myocytes
Proteasome Inhibitors
MST3 is involved in ENaC-mediated hypertension
Lu, T. J., Kan, W. C., Yang, S. S., Jiang, S. T., Wu, S. N., Ling, P., Bao, B. Y., Lin, C. Y., Yang, Z. Y., Weng, Y. P., Chan, C. H. & Lu, T. L., 2019 Jan 1, In : American Journal of Physiology - Renal Physiology. 317, 7, p. F30-F42
Epithelial Sodium Channels
Parecoxib, a selective blocker of cyclooxygenase-2, directly inhibits neuronal delayed-rectifier K+ current, M-type K+ current and Na+ current
Liu, Y. Y., Hsiao, H-T., Wang, J. C. F., Liu, Y-C. & Wu, S-N., 2019 Feb 5, In : European Journal of Pharmacology. 844, p. 95-101 7 p.
parecoxib
Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors
The biochemical and electrophysiological profiles of amniotic fluid-derived stem cells following Wnt signaling modulation cardiac differentiation
Liu, Y. W., Fang, Y. H., Su, C. T., Hwang, S. M., Liu, P. Y. & Wu, S. N., 2019 Dec 1, In : Cell Death Discovery. 5, 1, 59.
Cardiac Myocytes
Myosin Light Chains
The Novel Direct Modulatory Effects of Perampanel, an Antagonist of AMPA Receptors, on Voltage-Gated Sodium and M-type Potassium Currents
Lai, M. C., Tzeng, R. C., Huang, C. W. & Wu, S. N., 2019 Oct 22, In : Biomolecules. 9, 10
AMPA Receptors
The Protective Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-Gamma in Seizure and Neuronal Excitotoxicity
Hung, T. Y., Chu, F. L., Wu, D. C., Wu, S. N. & Huang, C. W., 2019 Aug 15, In : Molecular Neurobiology. 56, 8, p. 5497-5506 10 p.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors
PPAR gamma
Activation of voltage-gated sodium current and inhibition of erg-mediated potassium current caused by telmisartan, an antagonist of angiotensin II type-1 receptor, in HL-1 atrial cardiomyocytes
Chang, W. T. & Wu, S. N., 2018 Aug, In : Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology. 45, 8, p. 797-807 11 p.
Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers
Defective trafficking of Kv2.1 channels in MPTP-induced nigrostriatal degeneration
Chao, R. Y., Cheng, C. H., Wu, S-N. & Chen, P., 2018 Feb 1, In : Journal of Neurochemistry. 144, 4, p. 483-497 15 p.
1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine
Dopaminergic Neurons
Protein Transport
Differential regulation of tefluthrin and telmisartan on the gating charges of INa activation and inactivation as well as on resurgent and persistent INa in a pituitary cell line (GH3)
So, E. C., Wu, S-N., Lo, Y. C. & Su, K., 2018 Mar 15, In : Toxicology Letters. 285, p. 104-112 9 p.
Monoterpenes
Evidence of Decreased Activity in Intermediate-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels During Retinoic Acid–Induced Differentiation in Motor Neuron–Like NSC-34 Cells
Chen, P., Ruan, J. & Wu, S., 2018 Jan 1, In : Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry. 48, 6, p. 2374-2388
Huntington mice demonstrate diminished pain response in inflammatory pain model
Lin, Y. C., Hsiao, H. T., Wu, S-N. & Liu, Y-C., 2018 Jan 1, In : Anesthesia and analgesia. 126, 2, p. 661-669 9 p.
Huntington Disease
Spinal Ganglia
Multiple Actions of Rotenone, an Inhibitor of Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain, on Ionic Currents and Miniature End-Plate Potential in Mouse Hippocampal (mHippoE-14) Neurons
Huang, C-W., Lin, K. M., Hung, T. Y., Chuang, Y. C. & Wu, S-N., 2018 Jun 1, In : Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry. 47, 1, p. 330-343 14 p.
Miniature Postsynaptic Potentials
Rotenone
Niflumic Acid
Multiple regulatory actions of 2-guanidine-4-methylquinazoline (GMQ), an agonist of acid-sensing ion channel type 3, on ionic currents in pituitary GH3 cells and in olfactory sensory (Rolf B1.T) neurons
So, E. C., Wang, Y., Yang, L. Q., So, K. H., Lo, Y. C. & Wu, S. N., 2018 May, In : Biochemical Pharmacology. 151, p. 79-88 10 p.
Acid Sensing Ion Channels
Pioglitazone, a PPAR-γ activator, stimulates BK Ca but suppresses IK M in hippocampal neurons
Chen, T. S., Lai, M. C., Hung, T. Y., Lin, K. M., Huang, C. W. & Wu, S. N., 2018 Aug 29, In : Frontiers in Pharmacology. 9, AUG, 977.
Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels
Apamin
Sodium Metabisulfite: Effects on Ionic Currents and Excitotoxicity
Lai, M. C., Hung, T. Y., Lin, K. M., Sung, P-S., Wu, S. J., Yang, C. S., Wu, Y-J., Tsai, J. J., Wu, S-N. & Huang, C-W., 2018 Jul 1, In : Neurotoxicity Research. 34, 1
Stimulatory action of telmisartan, an antagonist of angiotensin II receptor, on voltage-gated Na + current: Experimental and theoretical studies
Chang, T. T., Yang, C. J., Lee, Y. C. & Wu, S-N., 2018 Jan 1, In : Chinese Journal of Physiology. 61, 1, p. 1-13 13 p.
Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists
The comprehensive electrophysiological study of curcuminoids on delayed-rectifier K+ currents in insulin-secreting cells
Kuo, P-C., Yang, C. J., Lee, Y. C., Chen, P., Liu, Y-C. & Wu, S-N., 2018 Jan 15, In : European Journal of Pharmacology. 819, p. 233-241 9 p.
Insulin-Secreting Cells
Membrane Potentials
Nicorandil
The Novel Effect of Immunomodulator-Glatiramer Acetate on Epileptogenesis and Epileptic Seizures
Lai, M. C., Lin, K. M., Yeh, P. S., Wu, S-N. & Huang, C-W., 2018 Oct 1, In : Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry. 50, 1, p. 169-178 10 p.
Immunologic Factors
WWOX phosphorylation, signaling, and role in neurodegeneration
Liu, C. C., Ho, P. C., Lee, I. T., Chen, Y. A., Chu, C. H., Teng, C. C., Wu, S. N., Sze, C. I., Chiang, M. F. & Chang, N. S., 2018 Aug 15, In : Frontiers in Neuroscience. 12, AUG, 563.
Genetic Suppression
Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3
Important modifications by sugammadex, a modified γ-cyclodextrin, of ion currents in differentiated NSC-34 neuronal cells
Hsu, H. T., Lo, Y. C., Huang, Y. M., Tseng, Y. T. & Wu, S. N., 2017 Jan 3, In : BMC Neuroscience. 18, 1, 6.
Sugammadex
Neuromuscular Blocking Agents
Stimulatory actions of a novel thiourea derivative on large-conductance, calcium-activated potassium channels
Wu, S-N., Chern, J. H., Shen, S., Chen, H. H., Hsu, Y. T., Lee, C. C., Chan, M. H., Lai, M. C. & Shie, F. S., 2017 Dec 1, In : Journal of Cellular Physiology. 232, 12, p. 3409-3421 13 p.
Synergistic inhibition of delayed rectifier K + and voltage-gated Na + currents by artemisinin in pituitary tumor (GH 3 ) cells
So, E. C., Wu, S-N., Wu, P-C., Chen, H. Z. & Yang, C. J., 2017 Jun 1, In : Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry. 41, 5, p. 2053-2066 14 p.
Pituitary Neoplasms
Estrogen ameliorates microglial activation by inhibiting the Kir2.1 inward-rectifier K+ channel
Wu, S. Y., Chen, Y. W., Tsai, S. F., Wu, S. N., Shih, Y. H., Jiang-Shieh, Y. F., Yang, T. T. & Kuo, Y. M., 2016 Mar 10, In : Scientific reports. 6, 22864.
Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channel
Evidence for the Inhibition by Temozolomide, an Imidazotetrazine Family Alkylator, of Intermediate-Conductance Ca 2+ -Activated K + Channels in Glioma Cells
Yeh, P. S., Wu, S. J., Hung, T. Y., Huang, Y. M., Hsu, C. W., Sze, C-I., Hsieh, Y. J., Huang, C-W. & Wu, S-N., 2016 Jan 1, In : Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry. 38, 5, p. 1727-1742 16 p.
Alkylating Agents
Chlorzoxazone
Resveratrol attenuates cortical neuron activity: Roles of large conductance calcium-activated potassium channels and voltage-gated sodium channels
Wang, Y. J., Chan, M. H., Chen, L., Wu, S-N. & Chen, H. H., 2016 May 21, In : Journal of biomedical science. 23, 1, 47.
Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels
Actions of KMUP-1, a xanthine and piperazine derivative, on voltage-gated Na+ and Ca2+-activated K+ currents in GH3 pituitary tumour cells
Lo, Y. C., Tseng, Y. T., Liu, C. M., Wu, B. N. & Wu, S. N., 2015 Nov 1, In : British Journal of Pharmacology. 172, 21, p. 5110-5122 13 p.
Xanthine
Architectural Accessibility
Arecoline inhibits intermediate-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels in human glioblastoma cell lines
So, E. C., Huang, Y. M., Hsing, C. H., Liao, Y. K. & Wu, S-N., 2015 Jul 5, In : European Journal of Pharmacology. 758, p. 177-187 11 p.
Intermediate-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels
Arecoline
Defined MicroRNAs Induce Aspects of Maturation in Mouse and Human Embryonic-Stem-Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes
Lee, D. S., Chen, J. H., Lundy, D. J., Liu, C. H., Hwang, S. M., Pabon, L., Shieh, R. C., Chen, C. C., Wu, S. N., Yan, Y. T., Lee, S. T., Chiang, P. M., Chien, S., Murry, C. E. & Hsieh, P. C. H., 2015 Sep 29, In : Cell Reports. 12, 12, p. 1960-1967 8 p.
Evaluation of microvasculature at the auditory midbrain-the benefits of sectioning at a tangential angle
So, E. C., Lu, H. P., Hsing, C. H., Wu, S. N., Chang, Y. K. & Poon, P. W. F., 2015 Jan 1, In : Microscopy Research and Technique. 78, 1, p. 105-110 6 p.
Inferior Colliculi
Mesencephalon
Microvessels
Inhibitory actions by ibandronate sodium, a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, on calcium-activated potassium channels in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells
Wu, S-N., Chen, H. Z., Chou, Y. H., Huang, Y. M. & Lo, Y. C., 2015 Aug 1, In : Toxicology Reports. 2, p. 1182-1193 12 p.
Madin Darby Canine Kidney Cells
Diphosphonates
ibandronic acid
Investigations on contribution of glial inwardly-rectifying K+ current to membrane potential and ion flux: An experimental and theoretical study
Wu, S-N., Huang, Y. M., Kao, C. A., Chen, B. S. & Lo, Y. C., 2015 Jan 1, In : Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences. 31, 1, p. 9-17 9 p.
Response to Letter to the Editor: Reversal by Ranolazine of Doxorubicin-Induced Prolongation in the Inactivation of Late Sodium Current in Rat Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons
Wu, S-N., So, E. C., Liao, Y. K. & Huang, Y. M., 2015 May 1, In : Pain Medicine (United States). 16, 5, 1 p.
Reversal by Ranolazine of Doxorubicin-Induced Prolongation in the Inactivation of Late Sodium Current in Rat Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons
Wu, S. N., So, E. C., Liao, Y. K. & Huang, Y. M., 2015 May 1, In : Pain Medicine (United States). 16, 5, p. 1032-1034 3 p.
The inhibition by oxaliplatin, a platinum-based anti-neoplastic agent, of the activity of intermediate-conductance Ca 2+ -Activated K + channels in human glioma cells
Huang, M. H., Huang, Y. M. & Wu, S-N., 2015 Oct 5, In : Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry. 37, 4, p. 1390-1406 17 p.
oxaliplatin
The inhibitory actions by lacosamide, a functionalized amino acid, on voltage-gated Na+ currents
Huang, C-W., Hung, T. Y. & Wu, S-N., 2015 Feb 6, In : Neuroscience. 287, p. 125-136 12 p.
lacosamide
Convulsants
The potent activation of Ca2+-activated K+ current by NVP-AUY922 in the human pancreatic duct cell line (PANC-1) possibly independent of heat shock protein 90 inhibition
Chiang, N. J., Wu, S. N. & Chen, L. T., 2015 Jan 1, In : Journal of Pharmacological Sciences. 127, 4, p. 404-413 10 p.
HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins
Fluids and Secretions
Ability of naringenin, a bioflavonoid, to activate M-type potassium current in motor neuron-like cells and to increase BKCa-channel activity in HEK293T cells transfected with α-hSlo subunit
Hsu, H. T., Tseng, Y. T., Lo, Y. C. & Wu, S-N., 2014 Dec 24, In : BMC Neuroscience. 15, 1, 135.
Motor Neurons
Effects of Ibandronate Sodium, a Nitrogen-Containing Bisphosphonate, on Intermediate-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels in Osteoclast Precursor Cells (RAW 264.7)
Wu, S. N., Huang, Y. M. & Liao, Y. K., 2014 Jan 1, In : Journal of Membrane Biology. 248, 1, p. 103-115 13 p.
Osteoclasts
Effects of midazolam on ion currents and membrane potential in differentiated motor neuron-like NSC-34 and NG108-15 cells
So, E. C., Wu, K. C., Kao, F. C. & Wu, S. N., 2014 Feb 5, In : European Journal of Pharmacology. 724, 1, p. 152-160 9 p.
High effectiveness of triptolide, an active diterpenoid triepoxide, in suppressing Kir-channel currents from human glioma cells
Cheung So, E., Lo, Y. C., Chen, L. T., Kao, C. A. & Wu, S. N., 2014 Sep 5, In : European Journal of Pharmacology. 738, p. 332-341 10 p.
triptolide
Stimulation of electroporation-induced inward currents in glioblastoma cell lines by the heat shock protein inhibitor AUY922
Chiang, N. J., Wu, S-N., Kao, C. A., Huang, Y. M. & Chen, L. T., 2014 Oct 1, In : Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology. 41, 10, p. 830-837 8 p.
Heat-Shock Proteins
Identification of minuscule inward currents as precursors to membrane electroporation-induced currents: Real-time prediction of pore appearance
So, E. C., Tsai, K. L., Wu, F. T., Hsu, M. C., Wu, K. C. & Wu, S. N., 2013 Sep, In : Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry. 32, 2, p. 402-416 15 p.
Principal Component Analysis
Contact Sheng-Nan Wu
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MenuAboutArtistsCurationsPressNews
Erwin Olaf
Apr 19 - Jun 02, 2007
Installation ViewsPress ReleaseArtists in ExhibitionPress
Caroline, 2008
Hasted Hunt is pleased to announce new work by Dutch photographer and filmmaker, Erwin Olaf in an exhibition titled, Grief, from April 19th to June 2, 2007. This is Erwin Olaf’s second show with Hasted Hunt following his successful debut Rain and Hope.
Grief is the third and final installment of Erwin Olaf's trilogy. These are enigmatic narratives and portraits, mostly of women, caught in private moments. The décor, the hairstyles, the clothes, and the affect all reference the early 1960’s in the US. The color palette further underscores this.
Like Olaf's earlier work, these images are carefully staged in studio settings. This is not reportage. Grief is the last episode in the series following Rain and Hope which were called "mysterious and touching" by Ken Johnson writing for The New York Times.
The models in Olaf's series seem caught in intensely private moments of reflection or indecision. Up close it appears that some of them have been crying. The reason for these tears is never explicit. Similarly the colors are slightly drained. The images almost seem intended for a slick lifestyle editorial portfolio, but instead they are unexpectedly moody and haunting. The impact is unsettling.
Erwin Olaf has been influenced by the styles of the early years of the John F. Kennedy White House and inspired by the social change of the 60’s. A specific inspiration was a well-known 1961 Mark Shaw portrait of Jackie Kennedy. Although a small child in the 1960’s, Olaf has a powerful early memory of both Kennedys. Erwin Olaf is now struck by the seeming globalization of the world, the rise of feminism and the middle class, and in particular, the pervasive influence of TV. A video accompanies the exhibition.
In the past year Erwin Olaf has had solo shows in Antwerp, Utrecht, Prague, Brisbane, Milan, and New York, and been part of group shows from Montreal to Seoul, Beijing and Paris. Olaf is unique: funny, inventive, ironic, sensual, and often shocking. Olaf manages to combine his artistic and commercial careers simultaneously, bringing a contemporary imagination and technical ingenuity to a range of projects. In the past year, Erwin Olaf has created two surreal editorial portfolios for The New York Times Magazine that brought him to the attention of an American audience and a similarly startling Christmas fashion spread in the UK for The London Sunday Times.
Erwin Olaf lives and works in The Netherlands.
There will be a reception for the artist on Thursday, April 26th from 6 to 8 PM.
The exhibition Grief by Erwin Olaf is supported by the Consulate General of The Netherlands and the Mondriaan Foundation.
For visuals or more information contact the gallery at 212 627-0006 or info@hastedhunt.com.
Artists in Exhibition
Blouin ARTINFO
ERWIN OLAF AT NY'S HASTED HUNT
Anxiety Attack
Erwin Olaf : Grief
INFO@SARAHHASTED.COM
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Home Channels Here are 4 Reasons why DJ Zinhle and AKA have broken up
Here are 4 Reasons why DJ Zinhle and AKA have broken up
Sources have come out to reveal (or rather confirm) speculation surrounding DJ Zinhle and AKA‘s relationship status.
For weeks the rumour mill has been on the topic of DJ Zinhle and AKA’s relationship. Fans have been taking to social media to voice their concerns and to ask questions; with many noticing a few “changes”.
On the 30th of December was Zinhle’s birthday and of course, fans were anticipating a sweet birthday message from AKA to the Umlilo hitmaker, but all she got (on social media at least) was a measly “Happy Birthday”. No emoji, no “I love you” or anything of the sort – plus, he later deleted that post.
This got fans speculating that there may be trouble in paradise, especially after others also noticed that the two were not following each other on Instagram. But, our sources have come out to tell us that they, in fact, have not been following each other for a very long time.
Anyway, most recently, Sunday World reported that their sources have revealed that Kairo’s parents have indeed broken up.
Here are the reasons, according to the moles:
There were too many people meddling in their relationship, particularly Zinhle’s friends; Pearl Thusi and Moozlie
AKA felt disrespected when Zinhle was partying with Cassper at a club in Cape Town
Zinhle has been using the fact that she is older than AKA to control him
AKA’s mother, Lynn Forbes, always takes Zinhle’s side when the two fight
It is reported that the couple is on a break, but they talk.
Do you believe it is really over?
Source : Online
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Lira Gets Barbie Doll Made In Her Image
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HomeNEWSNNPC Partners Customs To Curb Smuggling Of Petroleum Products
NNPC Partners Customs To Curb Smuggling Of Petroleum Products
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is seeking collaboration with the Nigeria Custom Services (NCS) to put to an end smuggling and diversion of petroleum products out of the country through the borders.
Dr Maikanti Baru, the Group General Manger of the Corporation disclosed this while on a courtesy visit to the Comptroller General of NCS, retired Col. Hammed Ali, on Friday in Abuja.
“My mission today is to sensitise your top management on the issues relating to smuggling of Petroleum products, particularly the regulated one which is the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly known as Petrol.
“We have seen a lot of volumes being smuggled out of the country, we have seen volumes been evacuated in very high quantities.
“ I want to bring to your attention that there is a huge differential between Nigeria’s sells price of petrol and that of our neighboring countries.
According to Baru, because of the regulation of the price, government is under recovering a lot of cost base on landing cost and exchange rate of the product in the country.
He said that currently it had been observed that the marketers sell the products between N170 to N185 per litre.
These challenge, he said had made marketers to stop importing and left NNPC with the sole importation of the products.
He said special market for Nigerian product were been created in the various neighbouring countries to sell these smuggled products.
He added that the arbitrage opportunities in the neighbouring countries had pushed daily National consumption from less than 35 million litres per day to over 55 million litres per day.
The GMD said that in Benin, Togo and Ghana PMS was sold at N292.8, N308 and N311.10 per litre respectively while in Niger, Chad and Cameroon it was also sold at N367,N326.35 and N400 respectively.
“During the recent PMS supply and distribution challenge, it was observed that unpatriotic marketers are exploiting both land and coastal borders to smuggle out petroleum products to other west African countries.
“This is because of sheer greed and lack of national Patroitisim,’’ he said
He said that the smuggling of the these products in trucks, cars, Motorcycles, drums from filling station in the borders was very worrisome.
He noted that continued smuggling of the product would deny Nigerians the federal government benevolence of fixing retail price at N145 per litre.
Commenting on the economic impact of the act, he said that diversion and smuggling of the products constitutes serious threat to economic stability in the country.
He said that situation had heightened consumption growth from less than 30 million litres per day in August 2017 to average of over 50 million litres per day with a peak of 84.2 million litres on Dec. 8, 2017.
“This high consumption volume indicates hoarding, diversion and possible smuggling to neighbouring countries,’’ he said
On rehabilitation of the refineries, Baru urged the service to continue its support to ensure fast and easy clearance of spare parts need for the work.
“This will help us to met the target given to us by the president to ensure that the refineries starts operation by 2019,’’ he said
Responding, Ali commended that Corporation for sharing such huge information and pledged that the service would support the drive to put to an end smuggling of all sort in the country.
He said that there was the need to review the Petroleum Products price policy to help manage the price differentials that help to promote diversion and smuggling of product to neighboring countries.
The Comptroller expressed fear that even when the price of product was to be increased, marketers would still find a way to thwart government effort.
He challenged that Department of Petroleum Resource (DPR) to ensure stringent measures were taken to punish any defaulter of the law.
He called for total removal of the subsidy to allow market forces to control the price of the product since sustaining it remained a challenge.
He assured the corporation of its readiness to collaborate especially on information and intelligence sharing.
Col. Hammed Ali
Dr Maikanti Baru
Nigeria Custom Services
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation
NNPC Partners Red Cross On Disaster Management
NNPC Proposes Increase in Oil Royalty, Scraping of Investment Tax Credit in PSC
NNPC Denies Colluding With Banks To Run Hidden Accounts
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911 Tape Released Of Woman’s Rescue After Days In Sierra
Filed Under:Paula Lane
HOPE VALLEY (CBS13) – The 911 call made to emergency dispatchers reporting a woman who had been missing for days in the Sierra had been found alive has been released by officials.
An employee of Sorensen’s Resort in Hope Valley made the call when the brother of Paula Lane brought her to the resort after finding her walking through the snow near Highway 88.
Lane’s brother Gary and family friend Brian Roff found Paula on a closed lake road near Hope Valley.
Lane and her boyfriend had not been seen since leaving Citrus Heights on Nov. 29. Lane was not found until Dec. 5. The man who called 911 said she was suffering from hypothermia when her rescuers brought her into Sorensen’s.
He told the dispatcher they had her wrapped in a blanket by the fire and that she was alert. He also informed the dispatcher that the missing “male had passed away.”
PAULA LANE 911 CALL
Lane was rushed to Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center in Carson City where she is still recovering.
The day after Lane’s rescue, Roff spoke to CBS13 about when they found her crawling through the snow.
“That girl was crawling through it. Tell me that ain’t heart. Bless her heart,” said Roff. “I jumped out and went down and grabbed her and Gary jumped out and they hugged and kissed.”
The Alpine County Sheriff’s Office said 44-year-old Roderick Clifton was found dead in an area of heavy snow nearby when searchers on snowmobiles went out to look for him after Lane was rescued.
The couple’s Jeep Cherokee became stuck in the snow while driving on Burnside Lake Road near Highways 88 and 89 on Nov. 29. The Alpine County Sheriff’s Office said the road had been closed and they drove around a gate to access it.
The couple, dating since summer, hadn’t been seen since leaving Citrus Heights on Nov. 29 on the way to Lane’s home in Gardnerville. Family and friends last saw the couple at a Citrus Heights 7-Eleven filling up their tank. They were on the road right before a storm hit.
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Sacred Cow Chips
Tag Archives: Tyler Richards
Regulation, Crowding Out, and Malformed Capital
19 Saturday Oct 2019
Posted by pnuetz in Big Government, Regulation
Bentley Coffey, Compliance Costs, Congressional Budget Office, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Conversable Economist, crowding out, Gold Plating, James Whitford, Kieth Carlson, Mandated Investment, Mercatus Center, Patrick A. McLaughlin, Pietro Peretto, Real Clear Markets, Regulatory Burden, Regulatory State, Return on Capital, Robert Higgs, Roger Spencer, Susan E. Dudley, Timothy Taylor, Tyler Richards, Wayne Brough, Zero-Sum Economics
Expanding regulation of the private sector is perhaps the most pernicious manifestation of “crowding out”, a euphemism for the displacement of private activity by government activity. The idea that government “crowds out” private action, or that government budget deficits “crowd out” private investment, has been debated for many years: government borrowing competes with private demand to fund investment projects, bidding interest rates and the cost of capital upward, thus reducing business investment, capital intensity, and the economy’s productive capacity. Taxes certainly discourage capital investment as well. That is the traditional fiscal analysis of the problem.
The more fundamental point is that as government competes for resources and absorbs more resources, whether financed by borrowing or taxation, fewer resources remain available for private activity, particularly if government is less price-sensitive than private-sector buyers.
Is It In the Data?
Is crowding out really an issue? Private net fixed investment spending, which represents the dollar value of additions to the physical stock of private capital (and excludes investments that merely replace worn out capital), has declined relative to GDP over many decades, as the first chart below shows. The second chart shows that meanwhile, the share of GDP dedicated to government spending (at all levels) has grown, but with less consistency: it backtracked in the 1990s, rebounded during the early years of the Bush Administration, and jumped significantly during the Great Recession before settling at roughly the highs of the 1980s and early 1990s. The short term fluctuations in both of these series can be described as cyclical, but there is certainly an inverse association in both the short-term fluctuations and the long-term trends in the two charts. That is suggestive but far from dispositive.
Timothy Taylor noted several years ago that the magnitude of crowding out from budget deficits could be substantial, based on a report from the Congressional Budget Office. That is consistent with many of the short-term and long-term co-movements in the charts above, but the explanation may be incomplete.
Regulatory Crowding Out
Regulatory dislocation is not the mechanism traditionally discussed in the context of crowding out, but it probably exacerbates the phenomenon and changes its complexion. To the extent that growth in government is associated with increased regulation, this form of crowding out discourages private capital formation for wholly different reasons than in the traditional analysis. It also encourages malformation — either non-productive or misallocated capital deployment.
I acknowledge that regulation may be necessary in some areas, and it is reasonable to assert that voters demand regulation of certain activities. However, the regulatory state has assumed such huge proportions that it often seems beyond the reach of higher authorities within the executive branch, not to mention other branches of government. Regulations typically grow well beyond their original legislative mandates, and challenges by parties to regulatory actions are handled in a separate judicial system by administrative law judges employed by the very regulatory agencies under challenge!
Measures of regulation and the regulatory burden have generally increased over the years with few interruptions. As a budgetary matter, regulation itself is costly. Robert Higgs says that not only has regulation been expanding for many years, the growth of government spending and regulation have frequently had common drivers, such as major wars, the Great Depression of the 1930s, and the financial crisis and Great Recession of the 2000s. In all of these cases, the size of government ratcheted upward in tandem with major new regulatory programs, but the regulatory programs never seem to ratchet downward.
While government competes with the private sector for financial capital, its regulatory actions reduce the expected rewards associated with private investment projects. In other words, intrusive regulation may reduce the private demand for financial capital. Assuming there is no change in the taxation of suppliers of financing, we have a “coincidence” between an increase in the demand for capital by government and a decrease in the demand for capital by business owing to regulatory intrusions. The impact on interest rates is ambiguous, but the long-run impact on the economy’s growth is negative, as in the traditional case. In addition, there may be a reallocation of the capital remaining available from more regulated to less regulated firms.
The Costs of Regulation
Regulation imposes all sorts of compliance costs on consumers and businesses, infringing on many erstwhile private areas of decision-making. The Mercatus Center, a think tank on regulatory matters based at George Mason University, issued a 2016 report on “The Cumulative Cost of Regulations“, by Bentley Coffey, Patrick A. McLaughlin, and Pietro Peretto. It concluded in part:
“… the effect of government intervention on economic growth is not simply the sum of static costs associated with individual interventions. Instead, the deterrent effect that intervention can have on knowledge growth and accumulation can induce considerable deceleration to an economy’s growth rate. Our results suggest that regulation has been a considerable drag on economic growth in the United States, on the order of 0.8 percentage points per year. Our counterfactual simulation predicts that the economy would have been about 25 percent larger than it was in 2012 if regulations had been frozen at levels observed in 1980. The difference between observed and counterfactually simulated GDP in 2012 is about $4 trillion, or $13,000 per capita.”
In another Mercatus Center post, Tyler Richards discusses the link between declining “business dynamism” and growth in regulation and lobbying activity. Richards measures dynamism by the rate of entry into industries with relatively high profit potential. This is consistent with the notion that regulation diminishes the rewards and demand for private capital, thus crowding out productive investment.
Regulation, Rent Seeking, and Misallocation
Some forms of regulation entail mandates or incentives for more private investment in specific forms of physical capital. Of course, that’s no consolation if those investments happen to be less productive than projects that would have been chosen freely in the pursuit of profit. This often characterizes mandates for alternative energy sources, for example, and mandated investments in worker safety that deliver negligible reductions in workplace injuries. Some forms of regulation attempt to assure a particular rate of return to the regulated firm, but this may encourage non-productive investment by incenting managers to “gold plate” facilities to capture additional cash flows.
Regulations may, of course, benefit the regulated in certain ways, such as burdening weaker competitors. If this makes the economy less competitive by driving weak firms out of existence, surviving firms may have less incentive to invest in their physical capital. But far worse is the incentive created by the regulatory state to invest in political and administrative influence. That’s the thrust of an essay by Wayne Brough in Real Clear Markets: “Political Entrepreneurs Are Crowding Out the Entrepreneurs“. The possibility of garnering regulations favorable to a firm reinforces the destructive focus on zero-sum outcomes, as I’ve gone to pains to point out on this blog.
Crowding out takes still other forms: the growth of the welfare state and regulatory burdens tend to displace private institutions traditionally seeking to improve the lives of the poor and disenfranchised. It also disrupts incentives to work and to seek help through those private aid organizations. That is a subject addressed by James Whitford in “Crowding Out Compassion“.
Just Stop It!
President Trump has made some progress in slowing the regulatory trend. One example of the Administration’s efforts is the two-year-old Trump executive order demanding that two regulatory rules be eliminated for each new rule. Thus far, many of the discarded regulations had become obsolete for one reason or another, so this is a clean-up long overdue. Other inventive efforts at reform include moving certain agency offices out of the Washington DC area to locales more central to their “constituencies”, which inevitably would mean attrition from the ranks of agency employees and with any luck, less rule-making. The judicial branch may also play a role in defanging the bureaucracy, like this case involving the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau now before the Supreme Court. Unfortunately, tariffs represent taxation of consumers and firms who use foreign goods as inputs, so Trump’s actions on the regulatory front aren’t all positive.
The traditional macroeconomic view of crowding out involves competition for funds between government and private borrowers, higher borrowing costs, and reduced private investment in productive capital. The phenomenon can be couched more broadly in terms of competition for a wide variety of goods and services, including labor, leaving less available for private production and consumption. The growth of the regulatory state provides another piece of the crowding-out puzzle. Regulation imposes significant costs on private parties, including small businesses that can ill-afford compliance. The web of rules and reporting requirements can destroy the return on private capital investment. To the extent that regulation reduces the demand for financing, interest rates might not come under much upward pressure, as the traditional view would hold. But either way, it’s bad news, especially when the regulatory state seems increasingly unaccountable to the normal checks and balances enshrined in our Constitution.
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Sadie Girl Press
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Raquel Reyes-Lopez
Authors and Artists of Incandescent Mind: Issue Two, Winter 2017
Anthology Contributors, Daniel McGinn, Esmeralda Villalobos, JL Martindale, Kelsey Bryan-Zwick, Larry Duncan, Nancy Lynée Woo, Raquel Reyes-Lopez, Sarah Thursday
64 authors and artists contributed to Incandescent Mind: Issue Two, Winter 2017. Read through their bios and learn more about them.
Adrian Ernesto Cepeda is an LA Poet who is a recent graduate of MFA program at Antioch University in Los Angeles where he lives with his wife and their cat Woody Gold. His poetry has been featured in The Yellow Chair Review, Thick With Conviction, Silver Birch Press and one of his poems was named the winner of Subterranean Blue Poetry’s 2016 “The Children of Orpheus” Anthology Contest. You can connect with Adrian on his website: adrianernestocepeda.com
Alex Diffin is a Long Beach artist. She focuses on pop contemporary abstract portraiture; running with the themes of bright chaotic color accented with a detailed emotive portrait. Alex gets her inspiration from the wild abstractness of life, and how stunning it can be despite its unpredictability. Life is messy, life is beautiful. Alexdiffin.com IG: alex_diffin Facebook: alexandradiffin
Alexis Rhone Fancher is the author of How I Lost My Virginity To Michael Cohen and
other heart stab poems, (2014), State of Grace: The Joshua Elegies, (2015), and Enter Here, (March, 2017). She is published in Best American Poetry, 2016, Rattle, Slipstream, Wide Awake: Poets of Los Angeles, Hobart, Cleaver, and elsewhere. Her photos are published worldwide, including a spread in River Styx, and the covers of Witness, Heyday, and the Chiron Review. Since 2013 Alexis has been nominated for 11 Pushcart Prizes and 4 Best of the Net awards. She is Poetry Editor of Cultural Weekly and the monthly photo essay, “The Poet’s Eye.” www.alexisrhonefancher.com
Alise Brillault is a spoken word poet, writer, and student finally finishing up her degree in Integrated Social Sciences. She is from Long Beach, California but is currently living in Barcelona, Spain. She also likes to host open mic nights and has done so both in Long Beach and in Barcelona. Her influences mostly include hip-hop music as well as moments from her personal life. When she’s not writing, performing, or studying, Alise loves practicing her Spanish, doing yoga, dancing, and traveling.
Amanda Mathews is a painter and artist exploring new ideas in Montclair, New Jersey. She strives to produce work that challenges the traditional media standards of beauty. Her work has been featured on the cover of Mahogany L. Browne’s book Swag and at MH Gallery in Chelsea. She once took an awfully long walk through the Chelsea galleries with Jerry Saltz. She prefers pie over cake and tries to start each morning with a hearty “Hell yes”. You can find more of her work at Facebook.com/AmandaMathewsArtist and society6.com/AmandaMathews
Betsy Mars is a Connecticut-born, mostly Southern California raised, formerly lapsed poet. She has returned to the fold after too long of an absence. She is a mother, educator, and animal lover with a severe case of travel fever. Having spent part of her childhood abroad, she has always had an interest in language and its nuances. With a social worker mother and psychologist grandmother, it was inevitable that she would be an overthinker and prone to bouts of depression. Her work has been published by Silver Birch Press, the California Quarterly, as well as in several anthologies.
Boris Salvador Ingles was born and raised in Los Angeles, in the small community of Boyle Heights. He combines poetry and photography, as means for visual and emotional expression. A mixture of humor, rawness, vulnerability and a sense for dark street realism. His poems have appeared in Spectrum, Spectrum 2, Cadence Collective: Year Two Anthology, Then & Now: Conversations with Old Friends and most recently, The Coiled Serpent anthology.
Brandon Dumais is a Los Angeles-born writer and zine-maker. He received his BA in creative writing and English literature from CSULB in 2013 and is the co-editor of Remedial Art Class. His work has been published by Sadie Girl Press, Bank Heavy Press, Spectrum, Sap, and The Men’s Heartbreak Anthology.
Chestina Craig, an intersectional feminist, poet, and scientist in training, lives in Long Beach, CA with her cat. Currently a student at CSULB studying Marine Biology, she spends her free time in the ocean, taking photos, and petting sharks. Her other talents include eating whole pizzas and falling in love with 7pm tangerine sunlight. She hopes to one day only be required to wear gauzy long dresses and swim in the ocean.
Daniel McGinn‘s poems have appeared numerous anthologies and publications. Daniel has an MFA in writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. He and his wife, poet Lori McGinn, are natives of Whittier, California.
Donald Illich has published poetry in journals such as The Iowa Review, Sixth Finch, Nimrod, and Columbia (Online). He was a finalist for the Washington Writers Publishing House poetry book contest. He has been named a nominee for the Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net awards. He lives in Maryland.
Donna Hilbert’s latest book is The Congress of Luminous Bodies, from Aortic Books. The Green Season, World Parade Books, a collection of poetry and prose, is available in an expanded second edition. The work about the death of her husband appears in Transforming Matter, and in Traveler in Paradise: New and Selected Poems, from PEARL Editions. Her work is widely anthologized, including Boomer Girls, A New Geography of Poets, Solace in So Many Words, most recently in The Widows’ Handbook, Kent State University Press and The Doll Collection, Terrapin Books. She lives in Long Beach, California. More at www.donnahilbert.com
Dr. Donny Jackson is a clinical psychologist, documentary television producer, and poet. He lives in Los Angeles, California. scriptdoctord@aol.com donnyjacksonpoetry.tumblr.com
E. Amato is a digital nomad, published poet, award-winning screenwriter, and established performer, with three poetry collections released by Zesty Pubs: Swimming Through Amber, 5, & Will Travel. Recently featured in KCET’s LA Letters as one of five emerging female writers, her poetry is included in Tia Chucha Press’ The Coiled Serpent: Poets Arising from the Cultural Quakes & Shifts of Los Angeles, and she was commissioned to create text for City Speaks III, an audio installation for the city of Pasadena. She edits the Zestyverse, and has been a contributor to The Body Is Not an Apology. http://www.eamato.com
Elder Zamora is a writer residing in Southern California. He holds a degree in English and is a curator of the San Gabriel Valley Literary Festival. His work has been published in various journals including Left Hook, Barnstorm, Soundings Review, Libertad and others.
Ellen Stone teaches at Community High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Her poems have appeared recently in Passages North, The Collagist, The Citron Review and Fifth Wednesday. Ellen’s poetry has recently been nominated for a Pushcart prize and Best of the Net. Her poetry collection, The Solid Living World, won the 2013 Michigan Writers Cooperative Press chapbook contest.
Eric Morago is the author of What We Ache For (Moon Tide Press, 2010) and Feasting on Sky (Paper Plane Pilots, 2016), and is an associate editor for the online literary journal, FreezeRay Poetry. He has an MFA in Creative Writing from California State University, Long Beach, and currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two dogs.
Esmeralda Villalobos is an artist from Guadalajara, Mexico, currently living in Southern California. As far as her painting style is concerned, she feels that experimenting with different forms—surrealism, abstract expressionism, realism—is one of the greatest freedoms an artist has. She has an art book called Artwork by Esmeralda Villalobos available through Sadie Girl Press.
Faith Gobeli is a sporadic writer of poetry and a celebrator of all things creative. In addition to poetry, she has dabbled in many mediums of writing, including screenplays, novels, short stories, and, most recently, a web series. Some of her favorite poets are Pablo Neruda, Rainer Maria Rilke, Stephen Crane, and Sharon Olds.
Fernando Gallegos is a Long Beach artist born and raised. He is heavily inspired by the human form and always searching to evoke the feeling of movement and emotion. He loves the power of the brain, to take a simple stroke of color on paper and piece it together to an image with depth and feeling. He has illustrated many projects for Sadie Girl Press. Find more info and keep updated at: facebook\fernando.gallegos.lbc and instagram\@fgraphix.
George Hammons is currently a student at California State University San Bernardino, where he has had poems published in, the CSUSB publication, The Pacific Review. George has also had poems published online at Cadence Collective and will have several poems published in the upcoming volume of American Mustard.
HERFJERF is a newly sprouted SoCal artist whose conquest is to open portals in the minds of the modern human. HERFJERF has recently completed his first collection called Cave Paintings, which premiered at Stan Lee’s Comikaze (2015). HERFJERF is currently developing a collection of clay figurines called The Creatures of Bad Thoughts, as well as another group of paintings that explores the regions of the human body through the subtle body. Thank you.
Jackie Joice is a writer and photographer based in Long Beach and is author of the poetry and prose collection entitled Green Grapes Black Hands. She is currently working on a new collection of poems entitled “Touched.”
Jeffrey Alfier’s collection of Southwest poems, Idyll for a Vanishing River, won the 2014 Kithara Book Prize. His latest chapbooks are Bleak Music — a photograph and poetry collaboration with Larry D. Thomas, Southbound Express to Bay Head: New Jersey Poems and The Red Stag at Carrbridge: Scotland Poems. Anthem for Pacific Avenue, a collection of California poems, is due out in early 2017. Recent credits include Cold Mountain Review, Southern Poetry Review and Hotel Amerika. In 2008, he founded Blue Horse Press and San Pedro River Review.
Nominated for a Pushcart Prize way too long ago, Jeri Thompson keeps busy playing or napping with two cats who always seem ready for inspiration. You can find her work in Chiron Review, Red Light Lit, and Yellow Chair Review. Soon in Clockwise Cat (Jan. 2017) issue.
JL Martindale writes stuff. Sometimes it’s stuff about bootleg theft, motherhood or peanut butter. Sometimes she isn’t sure what she’s writing about. She’s honored to have poetry published with Cadence Collective, Bank Heavy Press, Lucid Moose Press, A Poet is a Poet anthologies and more.
Karina Lutz is a writer, editor, teacher, and lifelong activist. In 2013, she received honorable mention from Homebound Publications Poetry Prize. Her poetry and links can be found at karinalutz.wordpress.com.
Keayva Mitchell is a twenty-four year old poet currently living in Long Beach, California. Some of her favorite poets include Terrence Hayes, Cristin O’Keefe-Aptowicz, and Rachel McKibbens. You can find her work in Cadence Collective: Year Two Anthology, Like a Girl: Perspectives on Feminine Identity, and Wherewithal Lit. She thinks you’re cool.
Kelsey Bryan-Zwick dreams big (writes and draws) in Long Beach, California. She is a graduate of UCSC, with a B.A. in Literature/Creative Writing-Poetry, and a Pushcart Prize nominee. Her art has featured on Cadence Collective, and is published in Like a Girl: Perspectives on Feminine Identity and Then & Now: Conversations with Old Friends. Kelsey’s poetry can be found in East Jasmine Review, Storm Cycle 2015: The Best of Kind of a Hurricane Press, Lummox 5, Short Poems Ain’t Got Nobody to Love, and in her chapbook, Watermarked (Sadie Girl Press), which intermixes both poetry and artwork in bold tones.
Kevin Ridgeway is from South Whittier, California. His work has been published widely in the small press; recent poems can be found in the pages of Chiron Review, Big Hammer, Nerve Cowboy, Cultural Weekly, San Pedro River Review and Spillway, among many others. He has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net, and is the author of six chapbooks of poetry, including On the Burning Shore (Arroyo Seco Press) and Contents Under Pressure (Crisis Chronicles Press).
Kim Sharp is a writer, editor, and educator from Seattle. Her writing has been featured in several publications including the first issue of Incandescent Mind, the Carolina Quarterly and Clamor. Kim holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Oregon State University. Learn more about Kim and her work at www.travelswithqueeerness.com
Larry Duncan currently lives in Redondo Beach, CA. His poetry has appeared in Juked, The Mas Tequila Review, Emerge Literary Journal and the Free State Review. He is the author of two chapbooks, Crossroads of Stars and White Lightning and Drunk on Ophelia. To learn more about Larry and his writing, visit at larrydunc.wix.com/larry-duncan.
Lauri Langston has been a closet writer since she was twelve, sharing for the last nine years, primarily via spoken word at open mic events. She has two chapbooks, Reflections and Ready for the Storm and is currently working on a third. She can be found on Facebook and WordPress.com.
LeAnne Hunt lives with her whirlwind daughter and a hyper cat. She is a regular at the Ugly Mug reading in Orange and at the Poetry Lab workshop in Long Beach. She has poems published in LUMMOX Three, Gutters & Alleyways: Perspectives on Poverty and Struggle and Cadence Collective.
Linda Singer is a local poet and actress. She performs regularly with Stop Senior Scams and has featured at several So Cal poetry venues including Last Sunday and Poetry Matters. She had two plays produced in Dallas and sold a script to the TV series, Evening Shade. Linda has been published in a variety of poetry journals including Lummox, Directions, Spring Harvest and The Moment. She is currently working on a book of poetry about Death and Dying which she hopes will bring solace to those who might need it.
Lynn Azali aims to express her learning of mixing human figure, layers, composition and color through Paint Illustration. Born and raised in San Fernando Valley, California, Lynn studied Architecture at California Polytechnic University, in San Luis Obispo (2000-2005) and Scandinavian Design at Denmark International Study, in Copenhagen (2003-2004). She currently resides in Long Beach, California, and works fulltime as an Architectural Designer. Lynn’s showing experience includes: galleries, retail boutiques, cafes and night life events. Please feel free to contact or share thoughts via email at lynnazali@yahoo.com or find her on Facebook and Instagram.
Lynne Viti is a senior lecturer in the Writing Program at Wellesley College. She received her B.A. cum laude in English Literature from Barnard College, and her Ph.D. and J.D. from Boston College, where she was a university fellow in English. She has published poetry and fiction in both online and print journals, most recently, Amuse-Bouche, The Paterson Review, The Little Patuxent Review, Drunk Monkeys, Cultured Vultures, Irish Literary Review, A New Ulster, Mountain Gazette, and Right Hand Pointing. She won an Honorable Mention in the 2015 Allen Ginsberg Poetry Contest, and the summer 2015 poetry contest at The Song Is.
Mariano Zaro is the author of four bilingual books of poetry: Where From/Desde Donde, Poems of Erosion/Poemas de la erosión, The House of Mae Rim/La casa de Mae Rim and Tres letras/Three Letters. His poems have been included in the anthologies Monster Verse (Penguin Random House), Wide Awake (Beyond Baroque), The Coiled Serpent (Tía Chucha Press) and in several magazines in Spain, Mexico and the United States. He conducts a series of video interviews with prominent California poets as part of the literary project Poetry.LA (www.Poetry.LA) Mariano Zaro is a Spanish professor at Rio Hondo College. More information at www.marianozaro.com
Mark Smith-Soto has authored three prize-winning chapbooks and three full-length poetry collections: Our Lives Are Rivers (University Press of Florida, 2003), Any Second Now (Main Street Rag Publishing Co., 2006) and Time Pieces (Main Street Rag Publishing Co., 2015). His work has appeared in Antioch Review, Kenyon Review, Literary Review, Nimrod, Rattle, The Sun and many other publications. Nominated several times for a Pushcart Prize, and he recognized in 2006 with an NEA Fellowship in Creative Writing. His Fever Season: Selected Poetry of Ana Istarú (2010) and his lyrical memoir Berkeley Prelude (2013) were both published by Unicorn Press.
Michele Rene is a local Long Beach painter and musician. One of four daughters, her parents always encouraged her artistic endeavors. She is self-taught and has shown at numerous galleries in Orange County and Long Beach. Recently, Michele has also donated art work to local charity auctions Comprehensive Childhood Development and Heels for Hearts at Long Beach Memorial. She is active in the community as Secretary to the East Village Association and sings in parlor jazz trio The Funny Valentines. http://www.michelerene.com
Born and raised in NY, Michele Vavonese has been traveling, making, selling and teaching art for over 20 years. Michele Vavonese Studio opened its doors in 2006. Here original works made revolve around everything from politics to struggles of the internal psyche to the plights of agribusiness. It reflects the human condition and the culture we live in.
Since the opening of his 2009 Art Unexpected exhibition, Mick Victor‘s portrait photography, the continuing Art Unexpected Series and his recent mixed media work have gained a commercial and private following not only in Southern California but in cities as far away as London where a one of his portrait works represents the current “Song of Luthien” performance tour for the London Symphony Orchestra. Exhibited and sold in the US, Canada and Western Europe, five of his master portraits featured at the Los Angeles Museum of Latin American Art are now a part of the museum’s permanent collection.
Nancy Correro holds an MFA from McNeese State University, and is pursuing a PhD at Georgia State University. She resides near the Chattahoochee Watershed in Roswell, GA and finds inspiration while hiking the Big Creek trails. She is the recipient of the Joy Scantlebury Poetry Award, and her work has appeared or is forthcoming in such publications as I-70 Review, Rougarou, Bird’s Thumb, and other journals.
Nancy Lynée Woo is a 2015 PEN Center USA Emerging Voices Fellow, the founding editor of Lucid Moose Lit, a social justice-focused press, and a Pushcart-nominated poet. She has published two chapbooks of poetry, Bearing the Juice of It All (Finishing Line Press, 2016) and Rampant (Sadie Girl Press, 2014), with poems in numerous journals. Often caught cavorting around Long Beach, CA, this poet can also be found at nancylyneewoo.com.
Natalie Morales uses her poetry as an outlet for the anxiety and depression she’s faced since childhood. Her work has been published in Conceit Magazine, Chiron Review, and Cornell University’s Rainy Day literary magazine, among many others. She is currently compiling a visual chapbook of found poetry.
Raquel Reyes-Lopez currently resides in Oceanside, CA with her husband. Her poetry can be found in Rattle, Cadence Collective: Long Beach Poets, Long Beach Live, and various other magazines. Her debut chapbook Born to Electrify was published with Sadie Girl Press and is available to purchase through their website. Keep in touch with her at contactraquel.wordpress.com for future publications.
Ricardo Vidana is 30-year-old writer and photographer. He lives and works in Long Beach California and is attending Long Beach City College. He has been a photographer and writer for over 10 years now and both his poetry and photographs have been published online and in various small press publications. He has two self-published chapbooks: A Whiskey Séance to Communicate with the Dead or Dying and A Trunk Full of Wallpaper, both of which can be ordered through him. His contact information is vidana_15@hotmail.com facebook: facebook.com/TheArtistAndMe
Robert Hoffman splits his time between Lakewood and the Salton Sea, California. He received a dual concentration MFA from the Northwest Institute of Literary Art in Fiction and Poetry, as well as having assistant editing duties with Soundings magazine and webmaster for the student website. Bob is the creator of the “15 Series” chapbook poems, which currently includes 15 Salton Sea Poems and a Lament, and 15 Shady Poems and a Love Sonnet, and the soon to be released, 15 Paramour Poems and the Backdoor. The “15 Shady Poems” Facebook page boasts over 12,000 followers to his nearly daily postings. He’s also published with Sharkreef.org and Cordite Review.
Robin Dawn Hudechek has an MFA in creative writing, poetry from UCI. Her poems have appeared in Caliban, Cream City Review, Chiron Review, Poemeleon, The Hummingbird Review, Cadence Collective, Inlandia: A Literary Journey, Verse-Virtual and elsewhere. She has two chapbooks: Ghost Walk, (the Inevitable Press, 1997) and Ice Angels, published in IDES: A Collection of Poetry Chapbooks (Silver Birch Press, October, 2015). Robin lives in Laguna Beach with her husband, Manny and two beautiful cats.
Robin Steere Axworthy is a native Californian who wandered off in search of adventure for many years before landing in Southern California in 1983 to marry a musician. She has been writing since childhood among the interstices of growing up, jobs, marriage, child rearing, teaching, and dancing. She is currently working on poetry and some fiction. She plans to spend more time on both now that she has retired from full-time teaching
Rose Mary Neff, born and raised in Southern California, is a self-taught artist inspired by the people and world around her, always believing we are all both the artist, and the artwork. She has featured with Encinitas First Friday Megaphone First Thursdays, and Expressions of Spirituality, Centro cultural de la raza, as well as cover artist for Like a Girl: Perspectives on Feminine Identity, Lucid Moose Lit.
Sarah Lim began taking photographs in 2011 with a hand me down first generation iPhone. Her early work was mostly food, as she is also a Farm to Table Chef. She became passionate about photography and began to explore other subjects such as flowers, people, and most recently, the local music, poetry, and art scene in Long Beach and LA. Sarah seeks to capture moments of beauty, clarity, and most of all, love, in her work. Follow her photography, SOL Shots on Facebook and on Instagram: @slimhappy65.
Sharon Elliott has been a poet activist especially in multicultural women’s issues over several decades beginning in the anti-war and civil rights movements in the 1960s and 70s, and four years in the Peace Corps in Nicaragua and Ecuador. She is a Moderator of Poets Responding to SB1070. Her work has appeared in her book Jaguar Unfinished and in several other publications. Her poem “Border Crossing” appears in the anthology: Poetry of Resistance: Voices for Social Justice that received the 2016 Arizona/New Mexico book award.
Stephanie Barbé Hammer has published fiction, poetry and nonfiction in the Bellevue Literary Review, Pearl, CRATE, Gravel, Bacopa Literary Review, Cafe Irreal, and Hayden’s Ferry Review among other places. She is the author of three scholarly books as well as a prose poem chapbook, a poetry collection, and a novel. She is working on a new novel project involving a fan girl, a right-to-life activist, three suicides, and a sailor. She is also writing about being a New Yorker who tries to deal with nature. She lives in Coupeville, WA but escapes to Los Angeles as often as she can.
Steven Hendrix received his BA in Comparative Literature and his MA in English Literature from California State University, Long Beach. His work has been published in Cadence Collective, Chiron Review, Askew, and others. He is grateful for the people in his life and whatever time he can find to write.
Tami Hattis has a B. A. in Communicative Disorders and Creative Writing from the University of Redlands in California, where she also did her graduate work in Communicative Disorders. Her poetry has been published in The Sand Canyon Review and Ghost Town Literary Magazine. She has performed and participated in writing workshops and readings throughout California and in El Rito, New Mexico. Hattis has also written and performed an autobiographical play titled Staring Back. She has recently ventured into the visual arts by collaborating with her lovebird. She integrates paper that her lovebird shreds into her multimedia collages. See more on her Facebook page: Tamara Hattis Art.
Terri Niccum is a former journalist and special education teacher. She lives in Southern California where she continues to advocate for children with special needs. She was selected as a semi-finalist for the 2014 Pablo Neruda Prize for Poetry. Her chapbook, Looking Snow in the Eye, was released in 2015 by Finishing Line Press. Recently, her poems have appeared in Nimrod International Journal; The Poeming Pigeon: Poems About Food; Literary Orphans; Cadence Collective; River Poets Journal; Angel City Review, and Pretty Owl Poetry.
Inspired by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Tiffany Dawn Hasse makes it a point to prolifically articulate her experience of having OCD coupled with a tic disorder, through her words. “I want to make an impact on people respectfully through being a true authentic artisan. I want my poetry to reflect a quick-witted mind of substance, of reckless truth with the human experience. I want my art to move people, to allow them to identify with the pain within themselves, so that this pain can be transmuted into their most grandeur asset: Self-empowerment.”
Tony Gloeggler a lifelong resident of NYC and work managing group homes in Brooklyn. My poetry has recently appeared in The Raleigh Review, Rattle, Paterson Literary Review, Nerve Cowboy, and Chiron Review. Until The Last Light Leaves was put out by NYQ Books at the end of 2015 and was a finalist for the 2016 Binghamton University Milt Kessler Poetry Book Award. That same year, Bittersweet Editions published Tony Come Back August, a collaboration with the photographer Marco North.
torrin a. greathouse is a genderqueer, schizophrenic, cripple-punk from Southern California. They are the Editor and Co-Founder of Black Napkin Press. Their work has been published or is forthcoming in Assaracus, Crab Fat Magazine, Heavy Feather Review, Glass: A Journal of Poetry, Polychrome Ink, Rabbit Catastrophe Review, Calamus Journal, Emerge Literary Journal, & The Feminist Wire. torrin’s work was nominated for the Pushcart Prize by Rust + Moth. When they are not writing or editing poetry, they are trying to survive in America long enough to earn a degree.
Valentina Thompson is a student at California State University, Long Beach. Currently studying English, Creative Writing with a minor in Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies, she’s also a queer writer who uses her poetry as a vehicle to share her personal experiences exploring love and intimacy. Her habits include always smiling at strangers, over-consuming hot chocolate, and trying to make herself proud.
Yeggi Kaela Watts has spent 15 years working with children with special needs and has been drawing and writing from an early age. She’s always had a love for art, poetry and music but never had the confidence nor was in a place to pursue it. Only now, after experiencing the greatest joys and pains in life has she been able to pursue her art wholeheartedly. Her hope is to continue sharing her art, poems and songs to connect with people in many walks of life.
January 15, 2017 August 6, 2018 Sarah Thursday Tagged Adrian Ernesto Cepeda, Alex Diffin, Alexis Rhone Fancher, Alise Brillault, Amanda Mathews, art, Betsy Mars, Boris Ingles, Brandon Dumais, Chestina Craig, Daniel McGinn, Donald Illich, Donna Hilbert, Donny Jackson, E. Amato, Elder Zamora, Ellen Stone, Eric Morago, Esmeralda Villalobos, Faith Gobeli, Fernando Gallegos, George Hammons, HERFJERF, Incandescent Mind, Jackie Joice, Jeffrey Alfier, Jeri Thompson, JL Martindale, Karina Lutz, Keayva Mitchell, Kelsey Bryan-Zwick, Kevin Ridgeway, Kim Sharp, Larry Duncan, Lauri Langston, LeAnne Hunt, Linda Singer, Lynn Azali, Lynne Viti, Mariano Zaro, Mark Smith-Soto, Michele Rene, Michele Vavonese, Mick Victor, Nancy Correro, Nancy Lynée Woo, Natalie Morales, Poetry, Poetry Collections, Raquel Reyes-Lopez, Ricardo Vidana, Robert Hoffman, Robin Dawn Hudecheck, Robin Steere Axworthy, Rose Mary Neff, Sadie Girl Press, Sarah Lim, Sarah Thursday, Sharon Elliott, Stephanie Barbe Hammer, Steven Hendrix, Tami Hattis, Terri Niccum, Tiffany Dawn Hasse, Tony Gloeggler, Torrin A. Greathouse, Valentina Thompson, Victor Gulvan, Yeggi Kaela Watts Leave a comment
Incandescent Mind: Issue Two
Art and Poetry Anthologies, Daniel McGinn, Esmeralda Villalobos, JL Martindale, Kelsey Bryan-Zwick, Larry Duncan, Nancy Lynée Woo, Raquel Reyes-Lopez, Sarah Thursday, Terry Ann Wright
Incandescent Mind: Issue Two, Winter 2017 is a full-color, 8.5 x 11″ journal of poetry, prose, and art focused on mental and emotional health. From mental illness, physical ailments, death, and loss, to PTSD, body image issues, family dysfunction, and more, 64 authors and artists share their light on what fuels their internal fires. Edited by Sarah Thursday and with additional editorial support from Raquel Reyes-Lopez, Robin Axworthy, Jeri Thompson, Frank Kearns, Clifton Snider, Terry Wright, and Karie McNeley. Available through Sadie Girl Press Bookstore and MADE by Millworks in Long Beach.
“Incandescent Mind: Issue Two, Winter 2017 explores the beauty and grit of the human psyche and what it takes to deal with adversity, to survive, to sometimes admit defeat, to thrive, to heal. This is a collection of joy, sorrow, confusion, and love, but most importantly it is a collection of life, the persistence to exist, and express brightly in a world that often tries to keep the lights dim.” —Karie McNeley, Editor of Bank Heavy Press
“Here, deftly chronicled in poetry, prose, photography, and art, is a stunningly self-aware exposition of our humanity—our fears and failings, broken places, lost loves. Memory and regret. Fragility, and the strength that is its counterpoint. How we feel when life crashes into us, opens its mouth and swallows our dreams. The things we cannot bear, but do. There is commonality and comfort in these pages, the universal balm of shared experience. Hold their insights like a mirror to your life. Open them and find light breaking through.” —Ricki Mandeville
“There is beauty in strength, in fragility, in having the courage to face one’s darkest fears and speak them aloud. Even as thoughts plague us, we construct a paper-thin veneer of normalcy that occasionally catches fire when the mind, furiously incandescent, burns too brightly. Those of us who have felt those flames, those who have fanned or ignited them, realize how precious it is when everything burns away, leaving nothing but truth. This second volume of Incandescent Mind fuses art with words which, together, burn more brightly.” —Sander Roscoe Wolff, Author of Musings of a Dunderhead
Authors and Artists include: Adrian Ernesto Cepeda, Alex Diffin, Alexis Rhone Fancher, Alise Brillault, Amanda Mathews, Betsy Mars, Boris Ingles, Brandon Dumais, Chestina Craig, Daniel McGinn, Donald Illich, Donna Hilbert, Donny Jackson, E. Amato, Elder Zamora, Ellen Stone, Eric Morago, Esmeralda Villalobos, Faith Gobeli, Fernando Gallegos, George Hammons, HERFJERF, Jackie Joice, Jeffrey Alfier, Jeri Thompson, JL Martindale, Karina Lutz, Keayva Mitchell, Kelsey Bryan-Zwick, Kevin Ridgeway, Kim Sharp, Larry Duncan, Lauri Langston, LeAnne Hunt, Linda Singer, Lynn Azali, Lynne Viti, Mariano Zaro, Mark Smith-Soto, Michele Rene, Michele Vavonese, Mick Victor, Nancy Correro, Nancy Lynée Woo, Natalie Morales, Raquel Reyes-Lopez, Ricardo Vidana, Robert Hoffman, Robin Dawn Hudecheck, Robin Steere Axworthy, Rose Mary Neff, Sarah Lim, Sarah Thursday, Sharon Elliott, Stephanie Barbé Hammer, Steven Hendrix, Tami Hattis, Terri Niccum, Tiffany Dawn Hasse, Tony Gloeggler, Torrin A. Greathouse, Valentina Thompson, Victor Gulvan, and Yeggi Kaela Watts.
January 1, 2017 September 8, 2017 Sarah Thursday Tagged Adrian Ernesto Cepeda, Alex Diffen, Alex Diffin, Alexis Rhone Fancher, Alise Brillault, Amanda Mathews, Betsy Mars, Boris Ingles, Brandon Dumais, Chestina Craig, Daniel McGinn, Donald Illich, Donna Hilbert, Donny Jackson, E. Amato, Elder Zamora, Ellen Stone, Eric Morago, Esmeralda Villalobos, Faith Gobeli, Fernando Gallegos, George Hammons, HERFJERF, Jackie Joice, Jeffrey Alfier, Jeri Thompson, JL Martindale, Karina Lutz, Keayva Mitchell, Kelsey Bryan-Zwick, Kevin Ridgeway, Kim Sharp, Larry Duncan, Lauri Langston, LeAnne Hunt, Linda Singer, Lynn Azali, Lynne Viti, Mariano Zaro, Mark Smith-Soto, Michele Rene, Michele Vavonese, Mick Victor, Nancy Correro, Nancy Lynée Woo, Natalie Morales, Raquel Reyes-Lopez, Ricardo Vidana, Robert Hoffman, Robin Dawn Hudecheck, Robin Steere Axworthy, Rose Mary Neff, Sarah Lim, Sarah Thursday, Sharon Elliott, Stephanie Barbe Hammer, Steven Hendrix, Tami Hattis, Terri Niccum, Tiffany Dawn Hasse, Tony Gloeggler, Torrin A. Greathouse, Valentina Thompson, Victor Gulvan, Yeggi Kaela Watts 2 Comments
SGP launches at MADE by Millworks
Daniel McGinn, Elmast Kozloyan, Esmeralda Villalobos, Events, Graham Smith, JL Martindale, Kelsey Bryan-Zwick, Ken Oddist Jones, Larry Duncan, Nancy Lynée Woo, Press News!, Raquel Reyes-Lopez, Sarah Thursday, Terry Ann Wright
Sadie Girl Press is pleased to announce the launch of our new partnership with MADE by Millworks. MADE is a lovely store located in downtown Long Beach at 240 Pine Ave, that focuses on locally made products. They have graciously agreed to provide space to sell our Sadie Girl Press books. To celebrate this new location, we are having a special Sadie Girl Press reading, as well as meet the authors and artists!
Readings by:
Nancy Lynée Woo
Terry Ann Wright
Larry Duncan
JL Martindale
Kelsey Bryan-Zwick
Elmast Kozloyan
Daniel McGinn
Lynn Azali
Ricardo Vidana
Ken Oddist Jones
Fernando Gallegos
and live art by Esmeralda Villalobos
Additional features to be announced!
Feel free to arrive early and browse the amazing products in the store by local vendors. There is free two-hour parking in the parking structure on 3rd St.
MADEbymillworks.com
October 29, 2016 October 29, 2016 Sarah Thursday Tagged art, artist, Daniel McGinn, Elmast Kozloyan, Esmeralda Villalobos, Fernando Gallegos, Graham Smith, JL Martindale, Kelsey Bryan-Zwick, Ken Oddist Jones, Larry Duncan, Long Beach, Lynn Azali, Made by Millworks, Nancy Lynée Woo, Poetry, Raquel Reyes-Lopez, Ricardo Vidana, Sadie Girl Press, Sarah Thursday, Terry Ann Wright Leave a comment
Preview video of Incandescent Mind: Issue One
Preview the inside of Incandescent Mind: Issue One, Summer 2016 in this short video:
Available at the Sadie Girl Press Bookstore and on Amazon.com.
July 27, 2016 Sarah Thursday Tagged Incandescent Mind, Long Beach, Poetry, Raquel Reyes-Lopez, Sadie Girl Press, Sarah Thursday 1 Comment
Incandescent Mind: Issue One, Summer 2016
Art and Poetry Anthologies, Available Now, Raquel Reyes-Lopez, Sarah Thursday
Cover art by Ricardo Vidana
Incandescent Mind: Issue One, Summer 2016 is a full-color, 8.5 x 11″ journal of poetry, prose, and art focused on mental and emotional health. From mental illness, physical ailments, death, and loss, to PTSD, body image issues, family dysfunction, and more, 48 authors and 23 artists share their light on what fuels their internal fires. Edited by Sarah Thursday and co-edited by Raquel Reyes-Lopez, with additional support from Robin Axworthy, Jeri Thompson, Frank Kearns, Clifton Snider, and Keri McNeley. Available through Sadie Girl Press Bookstore and MADE by Millworks in Long Beach.
Authors and artists included in Issue One: A. Riding, Adrian Cepeda, Aja Beech, Alexis Rhone Fancher, Amanda Martin, Amanda Mathews, Andrew Brown, Anna Szilagyi, Boris Ingles, Brandi Conder, Brandon Dumais, Cat Brendel, Daniel McGinn, Darcy Smith, Donald Illich, E. Laura Golberg, E. Amato, Ed Baines, Elder Zamora, Ellen Stone, Erika Ayón, Garrett Hoffman, Jackie Joice, Jane Roe, John Guzlowski, Joy Shannon, K. Andrew Turner, Kara Dennison, Ken Oddist Jones, Kerfe Roig, Kevin Ridgeway, Kim Sharp, Kit Couter, Kristina England, Laura Saint Martin, Lauri Langston, Leah Mueller, Lynn Azali, Lynne Viti, Mariano Zaro, Mark Smith-Soto, Mary McCarthy, Michael Cantin, Michele Rene, Nancy Correro, Natalie Hirt, Natalie Morales, Nina Bannett, Nina Johnson, Ola Faleti, Ricardo Vidana, Robert Hoffman, Robin Axworthy, Roopa Dudley, Sander Wolff, Sarah Davis, Sarah Lim, Serena Solin, Sharon Elliott, Stephanie Barbe Hammer, Stephen Linsteadt, Steve Lossing, Susan Solomon, Taylor Flynn, TC Boyd, Tim Perez, Tobi Alfier, Tony Gloeggler, Torrin Greathouse, Victoria Griffin, and Yeggi Kaela Watts.
July 15, 2016 September 8, 2017 Sarah Thursday Tagged A. Riding, Adrian Cepeda, Aja Beech, Alexis Rhone Fancher, Amanda Martin, Amanda Matthews, Andrew Brown, Anna Szilagyi, Anthony Gloeggler, Boris Ingles, Brandi Conder, Brandon Dumais, Cat Brendel, Clifton Snider, Daniel McGinn, Darcy Smith, Donald Illich, E Laura Golberg, E. Amato, Ed Baines, Elder Zamora, Ellen Stone, emotional health, Erika Ayon, Frank Kearns, Garrett Hoffman, Jackie Joice, Jane Roe, Jeri Thompson, John Guzlowski, Joy Shannon, K. Andrew Turner, Kara Dennison, Ken Oddist Jones, Kerfe Roig, Keri McNeley., Kevin Ridgeway, Kim Sharp, Kit Couter, Kristina England, Laura Saint Martin, Lauri Langston, Leah Mueller, Lynn Azali, Lynne Viti, Mariano Zaro, Mark Smith-Soto, Mary McCarthy, Mental illness, Michael Cantin, Michele Rene, Nancy Correro, Natalie Hirt, Natalie Morales, Nina Bannett, Nina Johnson, Ola Faleti, Raquel Reyes-Lopez, Ricardo Vidana, Robert Hoffman, Robin Axworthy, Roopa Dudley, Sadie Girl Press, Sander Wolff, Sarah Davis, Sarah Lim, Sarah Thursday, Serena Solin, Sharon Elliott, Stephanie Barbe Hammer, Stephen Linsteadt, Steve Lossing, Susan Solomon, Taylor Flynn, TC Boyd, Tim Perez, Tobi Alfier, Torrin Greathouse, Victoria Griffin, Yeggi Kaela Watts 6 Comments
Sadie Girl Press is going to AWP!
Daniel McGinn, JL Martindale, Nancy Lynée Woo, Press News!, Raquel Reyes-Lopez, Sarah Thursday
We’re going to AWP!! This year the Association of Writers & Writing Programs is having its annual conference in downtown LA. Together with our sister press, Lucid Moose Lit, we will be stationed at booth 857 at the conference mega Book Fair on Thursday, March 31st through Saturday, April 2nd. We will have books, author signings, and more. SGP authors Raquel Reyes-Lopez, JL Martindale, and Daniel McGinn will be joining myself, Sarah Thursday, and Nancy Lynée Woo, with additional guests, such as K. Andrew Turner and Beth McIlvaine. This is a huge event that requires paid admission, but if you are one of the over 12,000 people attending, we’d love to have you come by and say hello!
Here’s a little snippet of what is AWP from their website:
“The AWP Conference & Bookfair is an essential annual destination for writers, teachers, students, editors, and publishers. Each year more than 12,000 attendees join our community for four days of insightful dialogue, networking, and unrivaled access to the organizations and opinion-makers that matter most in contemporary literature. The 2015 conference featured over 2,000 presenters and 550 readings, panels, and craft lectures. The bookfair hosted over 800 presses, journals, and literary organizations from around the world. AWP’s is now the largest literary conference in North America. Join us in Los Angeles in 2016 to celebrate the best of what contemporary literature has to offer.”
March 17, 2016 Sarah Thursday Tagged Association of Writers & Writing Programs, AWP, Beth McIlvaine, Daniel McGinn, JL Martindale, K. Andrew Turner, Lucid Moose Lit, Nancy Lynée Woo, Raquel Reyes-Lopez, Sadie Girl Press, Sarah Thursday Leave a comment
SGP at the San Gabriel Valley Literary Festival
Larry Duncan, Press News!, Raquel Reyes-Lopez, Sarah Thursday, Terry Ann Wright
The 4th Annual San Gabriel Valley Literary Festival will take place on Saturday, February 20th and Sunday, February 21st. Each day of the festival is packed with authors of poetry and prose from noon to nine. Sadie Girl Press has been given a full slot to showcase some of our talented poets, Terry Ann Wright, Raquel Reyes-Lopez, Larry Duncan, and myself, Sarah Thursday. What’s even more exciting is that we’ll be joined by special guests, BobKat, who’ll be backing our readings with acoustic music. Join us on Saturday, February 20th, from 4 to 5:15 pm at the dA Center for the Arts in Pomona. Better yet, stay all day to hear non-stop literary goodness! RSVP on Facebook
The dA Center for the Arts 252 S Main St, Pomona, California 91766
See the full lineup and more details about the entire weekend festivities on the SGVLitFest event page!
February 2, 2016 January 31, 2016 Sarah Thursday Tagged BobKat, dA Center for the Arts, Larry Duncan, Poetry, Raquel Reyes-Lopez, Sadie Girl Press, San Gabriel Valley Literary Festival, Sarah Thursday, Terry Ann Wright Leave a comment
Pushcart Nominations 2015
It’s been a wonderful and productive year at Sadie Girl Press! In the last 12 months, we have published 2 anthologies, 1 full-length collection, 6 chapbooks, 1 art book, and 1 limited edition CD/chapbook. We have 2 more chapbooks in production and a special new project on the horizon for 2016.
To recognize the incredible talent that have made this incredible year, we have selected the following poems for a Pushcart Nomination:
JL Martindale’s “Rewrite My Sorrow” from The Bottle & the Boot
Daniel McGinn’s “The Eye Sees What It Wants to See” from The Bottle & the Boot
JD Isip’s “How to Cook with Government Cheese” from Pocketing Feathers
Robin Steere Axworthy’s “Mother 2” from Then & Now: Conversations with Old Friends
Terry Ann Wright’s “Nature Studies” from Nature Studies
Raquel Reyes-Lopez’s “No Era La Misma de Antes” from The Language I Was Broken In
The Pushcart Prize is awarded to work published and nominated by small presses and journals in 2015. We wish all of the nominees the best of luck and are honored to have published your work. Thank you to everyone who contributed to all of our projects this year, be it poetry, art, or even just support.
November 29, 2015 Sarah Thursday Tagged Daniel McGinn, J.D. Isip, JL Martindale, Nature Studies, Pocketing Feathers, Poetry, Pushcart Press, Raquel Reyes-Lopez, Robin Steere Axworthy, Terry Ann Wright, The Bottle & The Boot, The Language I Was Broken In, Then & Now: Conversations with Old Friends 2 Comments
Like a Girl: Perspectives on Feminine Identity
Art and Poetry Anthologies, Available Now, Daniel McGinn, Esmeralda Villalobos, JL Martindale, Kelsey Bryan-Zwick, Nancy Lynée Woo, Raquel Reyes-Lopez, Sarah Thursday, Terry Ann Wright
From our sister press, Lucid Moose Lit, Like a Girl: Perspectives on Feminine Identity is a 184-page anthology of poetry, prose, and art with over 90 contributors that honor a multiplicity of feminine identities and spark conversation about women’s issues. Edited by Nancy Lynée Woo, Sarah Thursday, and Terry Ann Wright. Available through Sadie Girl Press Bookstore and MADE by Millworks in Long Beach.
November 1, 2015 September 8, 2017 Sarah Thursday Tagged Daniel McGinn, Esmeralda Villalobos, Feminism, Fernando Gallegos, Half Off Books, JL Martindale, Kelsey Bryan-Zwick, Like a Girl, Like a Girl: The Pre-Show!, Lucid Moose Lit, Nancy Lynée Woo, Poetry, Poetry Collections, Raquel Reyes-Lopez, Ricki Mandeville, Sarah Thursday, Terry Ann Wright, Women in art 11 Comments
Cadence Collective: Year Two Anthology
Art and Poetry Anthologies, Available Now
Full length collection Cadence Collective: Year Two Anthology covers the best poetry featured on the website, CadenceCollective.net, between August 2014 and July 2015. Like Year One, all the poets in this anthology are connected to the Greater Long Beach, California area. 27 opinionated readers selected the 147 poems from the 71 different poets. Edited by Sarah Thursday and assistant editors, Raquel Reyes-Lopez and Terry Ann Wright. Includes artwork by Esmeralda Villalobos and yearbook portraits by Fernando Gallegos. Available through Sadie Girl Press Bookstore and MADE by Millworks in Long Beach.
August 15, 2015 September 8, 2017 Sarah Thursday Tagged Cadence Collective, Esmeralda Villalobos, Fernando Gallegos, Gatsby Books, Half Off Books, Long Beach, Poetry, Poetry Collections, Raquel Reyes-Lopez, Sarah Thursday, Terry Ann Wright 16 Comments
Long Beach Poetry Book Fair
Jennifer Takahashi
Conversations with Gravel
Long Beach Small Presses at 4th Fridays on 4th Street
Long Beach Press Telegram
liz gonzalez dances… on Long Beach Poetry Book Fa…
Sarah Thursday on Jennifer Takahashi
Jennifer Takahashi… on Incandescent Mind: Selfish…
Elmast Kozloyan… on Doe Eyed Venus
Terry Ann Wright… on Nature Studies
Chestina Craig
Esmeralda Villalobos
J.D. Isip
Poetry Recordings
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Bisa Raja Bollywood
PELUANG berlakon di samping aktor berkarisma, Shah Rukh Khan mampu menjadikan karier seorang pelakon baru bergemerlapan di Bollywood.
Tumpuan terhadap aktres itu sama seperti ketika filem baru James Bond diumum. Masyarakat pasti akan tertanya-tanya siapa gadis baru Bond. Senario sama turut berlaku apabila heroin muda diumum bergandingan dengan Shah Rukh.
Perbualan tertumpu terhadap isu sama ada gadis baru ini sangat cantik atau memiliki bakat besar untuk menyaingi karisma Shah Rukh dan akhirnya sama ada beliau mampu atau tidak menjadi bintang di Bollywood.
Model yang beralih ke dunia lakonan, Anushka Sharma, 21, adalah aktres muda yang meniti jalan untuk bergelar bintang Bollywood selepas muncul di samping Shah Rukh dalam filem yang dinantikan, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.
Karier Anushka akan ditentukan penerimaan masyarakat terhadap filem itu, selain tanggapan masyarakat terhadap mutu lakonannya. Apapun, beliau dianggap bernasib baik berpeluang berlakon di samping Shah Rukh.
Berikut adalah penilaian terhadap pelakon yang memulakan karier mereka berlakon di samping aktor pujaan Bollywood itu.
Gadis tinggi lampai yang memiliki tubuh seksi ini berlakon sebagai pelakon pembantu di samping Shah Rukh dalam filem Baazigar.
Filem itu diminati ramai dan Shilpa berpeluang berlakon dalam beberapa filem box office lain.
Shilpa melakukan pembedahan hidung dan mengekalkan kecantikannya yang menyebabkan beliau menjadi perbualan masyarakat, sekali gus membantunya ditawar berlakon dalam beberapa filem popular.
Namun tanpa disangka, beliau menjadi bintang antarabangsa dalam sekelip mata apabila muncul juara rancangan realiti, Celebrity Big Brother yang disiar rangkaian televisyen Britain.
Tahun lalu, mutu lakonannya dalam Life in a… Metro mendapat pujian dan kemudian berlakon di samping Shah Rukh dalam filem Om Shanti Om.
Khabar angin hangat mendakwa Shilpa akan berkahwin dengan ahli perniagaan, Raja Mundra dan berhenti berlakon, tapi apapun karier lakonannya sudahpun menarik.
Suchitra Krishnamurthy
Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa yang menggandingkan Suchitra dengan Shah Rukh dianggap yang terbaik buat aktor itu daripada segi komersial mahupun kritik.
Bagaimanapun, beliau kemudian beralih angin ke bidang nyanyian dan mengahwini Shekar Kapur, pengarah filem yang dicalon untuk anugerah Oscar, Elizabeth.
Baru-baru ini, Suchitra berpisah dengan Shekar dan kembali berlakon di samping Anil Kapoor dalam filem My Wife’s Murder.
Selepas namanya dijulang, Suchitra tidak ambil peluang untuk mengorak langkah lebih jauh di Bollywood.
Mandira Bedi
Mandira berlakon sebagai pelakon pembantu dalam filem box office, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge. Meskipun tumpuan diberi kepada Shah Rukh dan Kajol, wajah Mandira yang comel dan lakonannya yang mantap memikat hati ramai peminat.
Namun, permulaan memberangsangkan itu tidak menjadi titik tolak karier yang lebih mantap, sebaliknya namanya semakin terkenal apabila menjadi pengacara sebuah rancangan ketika Piala Dunia Kriket 1999.
Seluruh negara terpikat dengan kecantikan dan ketrampilannya yang menawan. Meskipun namanya dalam dunia lakonan tetap sama, selepas itu beliau menjadi tumpuan umum.
Nama Mahima dijulang hasil lakonan mantap dalam filem Pardes. Ramai percaya beliau memiliki potensi untuk menggantikan Madhuri Dixit sebagai ratu baru Bollywood.
Namun, dengan bakat, kecantikan dan filem besar, Mahima melakukan kesilapan apabila menjalin hubungan dengan pemain tenis, Leander Paes dan terlepas peluang berlakon dalam beberapa filem besar.
Selepas berpisah, Mahima cuba kembali tapi gagal. Beliau kemudian berkahwin dan menjadi ibu sepenuh masa. Kariernya bermula dengan cerah, tapi kesilapan dalam hidup peribadinya melenyapkan peluang di Bollywood.
Preity berlakon sebagai pelakon pembantu dalam filem Dil Se di samping Shah Rukh. Meskipun filem itu gagal, mutu lakonan dan ketrampilan segar Preity berjaya memikat penonton.
Beliau kemudian berlakon dalam beberapa filem box office dan menerima pelbagai anugerah hasil lakonan mantapnya.
Jalinan lakonan antara Preity dan Shah Rukh antara yang terbaik di kalangan pelakon baru yang pernah berlakon di samping aktor itu.
Kal Ho Na Ho, Veer-Zara dan Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna antara filem box office Preity dan dia aktres paling berjaya dalam senarai yang pernah berlakon disisi Shah Rukh.
Gayathri Joshi
Gayathri memulakan kariernya sebagai model iklan televisyen. Namanya menjadi sebutan hasil lakonan mantap dalam filem Swades arahan Ashutosh Gowariker.
Meskipun masih baru, lakonan mantap Gayathri dalam filem itu mengagumkan ramai peminat.
Umum menjangkakan beliau mampu pergi jauh dalam industri, tapi Gayathri sebaliknya memutuskan untuk meninggalkan dunia perfileman dan berkahwin.
Filem debut, Om Shanti Om menjulang nama Deepika. Gadis tinggi lampai yang tegap ini berjaya membawa dua watak dalam filem ini dengan berkesan dan mencipta sejarah apabila kutipan tiket Om Shanti Om diumum yang tertinggi dalam sejarah Bollywood.
Tidak mengejutkan jika Deepika meraih semua anugerah Pelakon Baru Terbaik dalam semua majlis anugerah di India tahun ini.
Filem kedua, Bachna Ae Haseeno bersama teman lelakinya, Ranbir Kapoor turut mendapat sambutan dan beliau kini menjalani penggambaran di samping aktor Akshay Kumar dalam filem Chandni Chowk To China.
Deepika turut akan membintangi filem Biloo Barber di samping Shah Rukh dan beberapa projek mega lain. Hakikatnya, nama Deepika bakal lama di Bollywood.
Seperti Deepika, Anushka adalah model yang bertugas di Bangalore. Tahun lalu, kemunculannya di Minggu Fesyen India Lakme membuatkan dirinya menjadi buah mulut umum.
Beliau terpilih membintangi Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi di samping Shah Rukh kerana penerbit percaya Anushka memiliki wajah cantik yang ringkas dan kualiti diperlukan untuk menjiwai watak itu.
“Saya kagum dengan keyakinan Anushka. Persembahannya menyebabkan saya bekerja lebih keras lagi,” kata Shah Rukh, memuji Anushka yang bakal menjadi titik tolak buat karier aktres muda itu.
Tidak mustahil beliau mampu mencuri tumpuan ramai terhadap Shah Rukh, tapi tidak dapat dipastikan lagi apakah keajaiban Shah Rukh akan kekal dan dapat melonjakkan nama pelakon muda yang jelita ini.
Categories Kajol, Madhuri Dixit, Preity Zinta, Shah Rukh Khan
A Smile Just Got Dearer
A good smile is a great asset. It comes to play when you are proffering a lame excuse to the boss or when you are trying to woo the hard-to-get beauty. It can even get you a discount from an otherwise dour trader.ῠ Not everybody can have the 1,000-watt smile of Madhuri Dixit or the dimpled smile of Shah Rukh Khan, but you can get close enough if you have the money.ῠ And on Smile week, experts agree that acquiring a great smile tops the priority list of youngsters.
“They are very conscious about the way they look and smile,” says Dr Venkateswara Reddy, a maxillo facial prosthodontist of Dental Avenue. He adds that in the past five years there has been almost a 100 per cent increase in the number of people visiting clinics to get the perfect smile.ῠ Of course, most people want to “smile like Aishwarya Rai, Sushmita Sen, Shah Rukh Khan or Tom Cruise”.ῠ “They are the brand ambassadors of the smile, so to say,” says Dr Kishore Moturi, consultant maxillo facial surgeon of Poulomi Hospital. “Youngsters tell us that they want to smile like these actors. They are not hesitant to spend money or go for dental procedures, including surgeries.”
The most common request that doctors face, is the one for a ‘white smile’. “People believe that a perfect smile is a white smile,” says Dr Reddy. “There are two methods for this. One is the non-invasive method where teeth are polished in the routine manner. The second one is an invasive method, which makes use of chemical substances to bleach the teeth.”ῠ The latter procedure costs almost five times more than the former, but many people want to go for it. “I would recommend the non-invasive method,” says Dr Reddy.ῠ People are also willing to undergo surgery for the right smile. “A gummy smile doesn’t look too good, so people undergo orthognathic surgery to ensure that the gums are not too visible,” says Dr Ranjit Manne of Gums and Teeth Dental Hospital.
Some also opt for lip surgery to enhance their smile. “The common procedures are shortening and thinning of the lower lip and a jaw surgery to lengthen the upper lip,” says Dr Moturi.ῠ It is mostly young people aged from 18 to 29 who visit dentists to get a great smile. They do not mind spending Rs 50,000 or Rs 80,000 to get the smile they want.ῠ But the battle is only half won if you get the best teeth and facial structure. You should also know when to smile and how to smile.ῠ “Every situation demands a different type of smile,” says grooming expert, Ms Naina Chandani. “In an interview, don’t smile showing all your teeth. It should be a formal smile but convey warmth. Also, eye-contact and smiles should go hand in hand.”
BAH gets a good opening
After seven flops, Yash Raj Movies is finally breaking the jinx and hoping for a hit. Their latest production Bachna Ae haseeno, has reportedly had a better opening than Chak De. The Shah Rukh Khan starrer was the last hit movie from Yash Raj stable, making people wonder if the production house should only bank on Shah Rukh’s magic for a hit.
But Ranbir Kapoor seems to be their new saviour. shaking a leg to his dad Rishi’s all time hit number Bachna Ae Haseeno, this Kapoor scion’s simple charms seem to have gone down well with the audience, especially the younger lot.
The movie is running to a full house in the city. The long weekend coupled with a dearth of good movies has augured well for Yash Raj banner.
Theatres were booked in advance for the weekend. Krishnamoorthy Kishan, manager marketing and PR of Imax, says, “The opening has been very good. It was a well hyped movie and the fact that it’s the second movie of both Ranbir and Deepike has worked in favour of the movie. We are expecting the success of the movie to continue in the coming weeks.”
Multiplexes have been pretty impressed with the response so far. Ranjan Singh, general manager, marketing and sales, PVR Cinemas, says, “The movie has had a very promising first day. The holiday weekend has been one of the reasons behind the movie running houseful. The music has done very well too and is drawing a large audience to the theatres. Apart from that, the chemistry between Ranbir and Deepika has also managed to touch the right note with fans.”
However, Taran Adarsh, trade analyst, feels it’s too early to assume that Bachna will be a runaway hit. “The movie has a great cast, great chemistry amongst actors, great locations and some great moments. But all these factors combined together don’t make a great film. The script has been a let down,” says Adarsh.
According to Adarsh, the hype built around the movie has got the film a good opening but beyond that it will not be able to sustain the initial brush with success. It will peter out.
Kids go on high-end breaks
Every summer, a handful of students from Hyderabad pack their bags and head off to another country – usually Switzerland or Australia. They come back richer in experiences and in friends from across the world. That’s not all, some even pick up a new sport or a foreign language. These high-end holidays have become a hot favourite with city kids.
The most popular location with locals is Switzerland, but there are many other trips as well – ranging in location from Australia to Germany, England, Spain, Paris, and Italy.
Each place has its own perks. In Switzerland, the children learn many new sports. “We went bridge swinging, skiing, paragliding, mountain biking and mountain hiking. That’s not all, we went to a water park too,” explained 13-year-old Amit Yerramilli, who went on the trip to Switzerland last summer and hit Australia the summer before that.
Since the camp organises sports that Indian students would not otherwise be able to participate in, they get an opportunity to widen their horizons. “I liked the skiing part of it the most. It’s not an activity we’d get to do in India,” explains Hari Chandana, a 12-year-old who went on the trip to Switzerland.
During the trips, the students live with other children from across the country. “There were only seven of us from Hyderabad, but from other places, there were more people. The best part was to meet many other people from India and to make so many new friends,” says Hari. Amit agrees that living with people from all over the country was very exciting. “It was really nice, I stayed with people from Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, Kolkata,” he says.
sports aren’t all. They can learn basic phrases in a language French, German, or Spanish -and try out their skills when they’re out shopping. Additionally, they are taken sightseeing to add to the cross-cultural experience.
Politics gets glamorous
Many top actresses of yesteryear are trying to test their luck in the political arena. Rumours are that superstar Chiranjeevi is trying to persuade Suhasini Maniratnam to lead the women’s wing of his party.
Jayasudha recently met the Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, and is believed to have discussed politics. In other words showed interest in joining the Congress party. It may happen anytime from now. “What’s wrong if actresses want to join politics. We are as efficient as any other politician,” she said when asked if actresses were aware about politics at all.
It is a win-win proposition for them. Political parties can give a touch of glamour to their meetings and the actresses, who have lost out to younger rivals in films, can launch another promising career.
Roja, who was once a top star in Telugu and Tamil movies, is heading the women’s wing of the Telugu Desam now. Jeevitha Rajasekhar recently joined the Congress along with her husband.
It is rumoured that Vijayashanti, who started her own party, is planning to disband it and rejoin the BJP.
Political parties are enthusiastic about female stars campaigning for them. This takes care of the aspect of crowd pulling – the audience delighted at seeing a screen goddess, may even stay back to hear a politician’s speech.
Jayaprada, Hema Malini, Shabana Azmi, Jaya Bachchan, Nagma, Rambha have all managed to be crowd pullers at public meets. The actresses say because the people easily identify with them and listen to them, political parties give them key posts.
“People have been watching us on screen and we can have a big impact on them,” says Jeevitha.
And, what’s amazing is that many of these actresses want to continue their film career parallel to their political life. “Cinema is our profession,” says Jeevitha. “I have no plans to leave it completely for politics.”
Though Roja is in the thick of action, she also keeps her options open. “After the elections if I am offered good roles, I would love to act in one or two movies” says she, adding, that other political parties were trying to rope in actresses since they are wary of her charisma.
She has a point. Political observers too say that if one party appoints an actress as head of the women’s wing, others have to do the same.
“Most political parties consider the women’s wing not as a movement but as vote bank, and they make the best use of actresses on their side,” says Mr K. Nageshwar, a political analyst. “It seems we are going to see a glamour war in the next polls.
It Took a Villain to Save Our Marriage
Here are three truths: Intimacy isn’t always sweet. The suburbs can be lonely. And, as the writer Mary Cantwell said: “Marriages, at least in the beginning, take three people. The third provides the glue.”
Anthony and I were in year six of our marriage, not the beginning, but we needed glue. We lived in a suburb, the kind where everyone is friendly but no one seems to be a friend. Our house was on a short street at the top of a hill. We lived at one end of a cul-de-sac, and a man named Gary lived at the other end, six houses down.
Everyone on our street had big, heavy doors; who knows what happened behind them? What happened behind ours was erosion. There was trouble, but we pretended there wasn’t. We didn’t talk. As a result we were angry, and our anger was mounting.
We needed an outlet, and we picked Gary but didn’t use his name. We called him “Sidewalk Blocker” instead, and then just “Blocker”. He parked his car on the sidewalk – big deal. But minor drama is the lifeblood of suburbs. He was an opportunity, and Anthony and I seized it; we needed glue desperately that year.
Blocker had a two-car garage and full driveway but preferred to park his black SUV across the sidewalk. Anyone who wanted to use the sidewalk in front of Gary’s house had to walk into the street to get by. The other thing, though, was that Blocker wasn’t one of us. He lived among us without children or a wife.
That Gary had the audacity to live in our neighborhood was enough to irk some, and besides, it was illegal to park on the sidewalk. We had the law on our side.
I had already profiled him, deemed him a jerk, and here he was without charm (never mind the lack of my own).
Anthony explained the situation. He can be diplomatic. He told Blocker how we all walked down the hill, and that if he would just pull into his driveway a little, we would all appreciate it, thanks.
“No,” Blocker said, flat but with menace. “I have to park where it’s level or my dog can’t get out.” Saul Bellow, in “Herzog,” wrote that there’s joy in indignation, and it’s true. The sidewalk became our obsession. Who did this guy think he was? Anthony called the city to complain, and an officer wrote a ticket for Blocker. It was the start of our dance.
Blocker’s response was prompt. He banged on our door, and I answered. He didn’t bother with pleasantries. “If you have a problem,” he said, “deal with it to my face.” This was the year I felt trapped like Rapunzel at the top of the hill, lonely and invisible, until a man came to the door, looked me right in the eyes and called me a name. And Anthony rose up, strong and fierce, to my defense.
There was a perverse comfort in it. Anthony and I had something to share again; we were united in battle. We had passion in our lives, if not quite the conventional kind. Some couples take out personal ads and bring home swingers; we provoked the nut down the road. I craved the attention and Anthony craved the release. It improved things between us, briefly.
This went on for months, then toward the end of the year we bought a house in another town. We wondered aloud what Blocker thought when our “For Sale” sign went up. Would he think it was because of him? So when the “Open House” signs we had posted around the neighbourhood began to disappear, Anthony and I assumed Blocker had taken them. One night during this time Anthony went silently to bed. We were in the worst kind of fight, the kind you walk away from seething. I fumed and drank too much wine. I stomped down the street in the dark to Blocker’s house and pounded on his door.
He opened it, shirtless and calm; it unnerved me. I’m sure I looked crazed. I felt my face puff up. “Stop taking our signs!” I said.
But Blocker didn’t say anything mean. He didn’t seem angry, as he should have been, that I had bothered him late at night; he didn’t threaten to call the police. We stood close, inches away. There was an intimacy in our strange hate.
“I didn’t take them,” he said. “Seriously. The city picks them up sometimes. I know where they put them. I could check if you want.”
No, I didn’t want. But I thanked him, and walked home both shaken and comforted, and thinking Anthony would kill me if he knew I had crossed enemy lines like that, alone. I didn’t tell him.
There was one more encounter. Blocker drove by me in his car. He slowed and rolled down his window, and instead of grunting or sneering, he said, “Did you find your signs?” “No. I didn’t look.”
We exchanged a few more words – about the weather, his dogs – but it was quick. He drove off, and a few weeks later we moved.
Afterward I heard stories about him. Some were awful: an accident he had caused taunting a woman on a bike, yelling matches with neighbors, loud parties, police cars. Anthony and I wondered if he ever thought of us. We thought of him frequently; he haunted us.
Anthony and I moved without saying anything, and a year later I got a phone call from an old friend, Julie. “I have kind of weird news,” she said, and paused. Pauses are never good. “Gary’s dead. He hung himself.” My heart seemed to stop, and I couldn’t breathe. It was impossible – Blocker wouldn’t do that. He was Teflon. He was something that couldn’t break; he was stronger than all of us.
I struggled to sound calm, but not shattered. After all, I wasn’t supposed to care about him; we were enemies.
Then I remembered his face that first time at our door. How it was dripping with hate and anger, and I thought maybe that was the only thing he could do. It was a violent, profane tirade against all of us – against life, as it turned out. And it broke my heart.
3 ways to Fight Civilly
Fighting is a normal and natural part of any relationship, but the truth is that the faster a fight is over with, the better it is for everyone. There are some ways to keep arguments short – if not sweet – while still dealing with the issue at hand.ῠ If you tend to get into fights that drag on and on, making your life miserable all the while, read on to find out how to patch things up. ῠ See her side: Listen to what she has to say because, as they say, there are two sides to every story. You don’t need to bow down in order to hear what she has to say; just make sure that while you’re making your point, you’re also hearing hers. If you don’t, she might give in because she sees she’s not getting anywhere, but she’ll still be angry and the issue won’t be resolved. Don’t let your anger cloud your hearing, and when she says something, respond to it.
Don’t blame unnecessarily: No matter what your conflict is about, it is easy to justify your part in it so that you feel entirely innocent. This is dangerous because a high-and-mighty mindset can cause you to be more insulting than you should be. Just remember that, regardless of how a fight started, it usually takes more than one person to keep it going. This means that you’re not entirely innocent. Some things are nobody’s fault, and some things are your fault. Assigning or accepting blame usually won’t get you any closer to a resolution. Instead, talk about what’s wrong and what can be done to fix it.
Swallow your pride: Fights can sometimes go on and on because neither person will back down. Nobody wants a fight to continue, but in the heat of the moment, many people don’t realise that just making a nice, understanding comment or gesture can sometimes be the answer. This doesn’t mean giving in to the other’s point of view; it simply means that one person needs to be the one to take it down a notch. This can require apologising. Chances are that if you chill out, the whole fight will take on a new tone and it will be easier to fix things up.
‘Money is not everything’
How often have you heard of a practising advocate who is also an author and public speaker? Meet 33-year-old Aditya Sondhi, an alumnus of Bishop Cottons Boys’ School, Bengaluru and National Law School of India University, who also holds a Master’s degree in Political Science. He is the Secretary of the Karnataka State Unit of the Indian Law Institute and Convenor of the General Thimayya Memorial Lectures.
After passing out of law school, Aditya enrolled as an advocate with the Karnataka State Bar Council and joined the Chambers of Mr Udaya Holla (present Advocate General of Karnataka) where he worked for six years. Side by side, he also authored Unfinished Symphony which was published by Penguin in 2003. Sheer love for his 143-year-old school and the fact that not enough had been done to document the history of its distinguished alumni, some of whom are Dr Raja Ramanna, Nandan Nilekani, General K. S. Thimayya and Colin Cowdrey, inspired Aditya to write the book. “It took me two whole years to put the book together. The title Unfinished Symphony is because the tradition of students’ achievements will continue through the years and will require to be documented from time to time” says Aditya, who was school captain in 1993 and among the top achievers in academics throughout.
At a time when most law students prefer corporate jobs as they are initially high-paying, Aditya decided to set up an independent law practice in 2004 in Corporate and Constitutional law. As a first generation lawyer he had to struggle to build a clientele and generate a steady stream of revenue, but has several high profile corporate and individual clients today. He also represents many welfare/civic groups in public interest matters relating to roads, town planning and other public interest litigation.
“Setting up an independent practice from scratch without any backing requires one to be well informed, well prepared and a risk-taker. It comes from a vision of achieving a greater objective than just providing for one’s immediate needs” says Aditya.
He maintains a rigorous 9 am to 9 pm schedule daily and often works seven days a week along with three other lawyers and three support staff who work for him. He hopes to build up his practice in the Supreme Court in the near future.
How does he manage to pack in so much everyday? “It’s all about prioritising one’s work and working fast, that makes the difference in how much one can accomplish in 24 hours” said Aditya. Why did he not join his father’s retail business? “I was always encouraged to do what I loved most and there was absolutely no pressure for me to join Dad’s business” said Aditya.
To unwind, he reads biographies and military history, attends talks on eclectic topics unrelated to law, teaches Constitutional Law and Arbitration at National Law School, and speaks at forums.
His mantra for success is: Compete with yourself alone and let your conscience be your judge. “I am especially grateful to Dr Iqbal Ahmed, my Hindi Master from school for teaching me the meaning of integrity and encouraging the spirit of knowledge and sacrifice in me” he said.
His advice to Gen Y: Seek a career that challenges your faculties and helps you realise your full potential. As far as possible, lean towards public life and try and serve the national interest. Money is not everything, it is ancillary.
Insure and be secure
I don’t need insurance. I don’t think anything will happen to me. Isn’t this what one feels when that irritating insurance advisor contacts one with offers for products ranging from life insurance to medical insurance to insuring one’s homes? The insurance company will probably come up with an insurance solution for anything you hold dear.
Let’s talk of life and medical and travel insurance here. Many financial experts consider insurance as a cornerstone of sound financial planning citing some of the following reasons for purchasing life insurance – (1) Insurance creates a source of savings. (2) It replaces income for dependents if the main bread-winner dies. (3) Life insurance can pay the insured person’s funeral and burial costs, probate and other estate administration costs, debts and medical expenses not covered by health insurance. (4) Insurance helps create an inheritance for heirs. (5) It can help make charitable contributions by making a charitable organisation a beneficiary of the life insurance policy/ies.(6) Most life insurance policies help in tax planning within certain limits and conditions, and (7) in case of a ‘quasi-government’ company such as LIC, the premiums that one pays help in nation building – LIC lends the money to companies and national and state governments.
In India, healthcare is expensive, medical insurance can help in reducing the financial burden. Tax benefits are also available within specified limits and conditions for premiums paid. Medical expenses are higher if one falls sick abroad – travel insurance can be availed of at very low cost – a few hundred rupees for periods as low 14 days and sum insured (SI) amounts of US $100,000 and more. Consult your insurance advisor.
-The writer is a qualified insurance and financial advisor. Reach him at tarachand.w@gmail.com
Megamart finds a fine fit
Behind the swish of the skirt or the rustle of the silk, there is a lot of technology. Not just in design, but also in helping garments reach the stores on time, predicting trends and streamlining other business processes.
So when textile maker Arvind’s retail venture Megamart wanted to expand its value apparel stores, it needed an enterprise resource planning solution that could provide it with a backbone – a scalable platform to manage its processes, from supply-chain to stores. There were several vendors to choose from. After evaluations, the firm gave the thumbs up to Oracle Retail. This solution, Megamart believes, can support its plans to establish more than 250 large and small format stores across the country over the next four years. The solution has cost the company Rs 15 crore and will be implemented in several phases over the next 24 months.
In a way, the partnership is a big deal for both the firms. While the solution will ensure that Megamart’s customers ultimately find the right brand, style and size in time, perhaps makes the firm more profitable, Oracle also gains a big Indian name in the retail space – globally, the firm is already big in the sector – it counts the world’s top 20 retailers as its customers.The retail chain found Oracle attractive on many counts. First was its merchandise management module that would now allow Megamart to spot trends in customer behaviour, price points, buying habits and any regional bias among other trends.
Second was a pricing module that helps in tracking profitability and an inventory module that would aid the retailer in gaining stock visibility, besides efficient warehouse management. The chain’s officials were impressed by an in-store unit meant for better customer experience as well as a planning suite for demand forecasting. In short, with this deployment, Megamart may now increase its inventory turns, improve forecast accuracy, enable shorter replenishment lead times while boosting service levels.
Outsourcing educated pardesis
The education system in the city is gaining a lot of attention with many colleges being granted autonomous, even deemed university status. The city has attracted a huge number of foreign students in the past and the numbers are rising every year. So what makes the city stand out amongst the other cities in the country as far as education is concerned? Why do expats prefer Bengaluru for higher education?
According to Rinzin Lhan, a Bhutanese Management student from CMR College, “The simplistic and disciplined education system along with the moderate climate of the city blends well for expats. This makes Garden City a hot destination for higher education. Also, some of the best colleges in India are located here.”
The city’s education system is considered to be one of the best in the country. This is an important factor which attracts expats to the Silicon Valley of India for higher education.
“We have highly educated teachers and lots of facilities are provided in our college to help students excel in studies. We don’t have these luxuries back in Bhutan,” adds Rinzin
Some expats prefer the tutelage in the city because quality education is much cheaper here when compared to their own countries. The education standard too has remained consistent over the years, says students.
Kato Keneth Lukaija, a Tanzanian student in the city says, “Quality education in Bengaluru costs much less than in Tanzania. I pay $ US 800 as the fee for my entire course here, where as the same education back home would cost me more than $ US 1200. Also, the Indian education system is much more advanced than the one followed in Africa.”
One of the major reasons foreign students come to the city is their zeal to learn English. Also, Bengaluru’s education system holds an edge over the others in terms of interactive studies and discipline. “Many Africans including me, prefer to study in Bengaluru because we are well exposed to English language here. Also, the education system follows the interactive classroom mode which is very important for overall development of the student,” adds Kato, who is presently completing his BA, Psychology course from Christ College.
For many, Bengaluru is also the place where one can get quality education without missing out on socialising and partying.
“When I came to the city two years ago, the social life in the city was great. There were lots of options for clubbing and partying, which appealed to me greatly. I also found the city relatively safer than other cities and was amazed by the fact that some of the top colleges in the country are located here. This was the main reason why I choose Bengaluru for my higher education,” says Thousif Yaseem, a student in the city who hails from Muscat, Oman.
Namma Bengaluru attracts a huge number of foreign students every year. But, now after the serial blasts and ban on live music and partying in the city, will the scenario remain the same? We will simply have to wait and see.
Alone in India
To say I traveled alone is not accurate. One is rarely alone in India, a nation with a population that tops 1 billion. Travelling around the nation’s southern horn, with stops at Mysore, Kochi, Alleppey, Kottayam, Madurai, Mahabalipuram, Chennai and Pondicherry, I was a magnet not only for the ubiquitous hawkers and “guides”, but also for students who wanted to practice their English, mothers who wanted me to take pictures of their babies and flocks of school children. At times I felt like the pied piper, but never was I lonely.
The homestay arrangements turned out to be a good way to meet Indian families and fellow travellers. The hosts equip rooms in their homes for tourists and provide meals. The ones in which I stayed were comfortable and welcoming. The homestay hosts also arrange group activities for guests.
In Kochi, I took a sunset backwater tour in shrimp-fishing waters with a British couple. A group of us took a guided hike through a spice forest in the spectacular region of the Western Ghats. In Alleppey, our host introduced me and a German tourist to a toddy shop; we agreed that fermented coconut juice was not our drink of choice.
To travel an Indian highway is to watch an endless pageant. I saw funeral processions, friendships and fist fights. Women spread laundry alongside the road, and people sold mats, potatoes, shoes, beverages and bananas. I learned that, when we drove over branches spread along the roads, we were helping to harvest mustard seeds by knocking them out of their pods.
People feel free to strike up conversations anywhere. An Indian clergywoman who had studied in Ohio stopped by to talk on the overnight train. A Muslim man, who sold jewellery at a seaside resort, offered tea and talked on and on about his dream of going to Iraq and fighting Americans. A smiling woman at a temple told me proudly about her nursing studies.
India receives more European tourists than Americans. The people I met were pleased to have a guest from the US and delighted to talk about their country, their families, their education, their hopes and dreams.
At night, I tried to recapture the conversations and experiences in my notebook. But travel is about encounters and surprises, and going it alone encourages a good deal of both. Not once did I regret bashing on.
fun at fusion lounge
Namgay Tenzin Student
I love to spend my free time on Brigade Road. It’s the happening place in the city.ῠ We often go to the Fusion Lounge in Wednesdays, especially when they organise Bhutanese nights. We get to meet a lot of fellow Bhutanese students and professionals. Though these days, because of the ban on dancing, we don’t have as much fun as we used to, but still we get to interact a lot with others. I also love the oriental nights at the Fusion Lounge. I often go shopping in Brigade Road. My favourite shopping destinations are Nike, Reebok, Adidas, Levi’s, Lee and Benetton.
Charity dos are a rage now
Trushna and Ashwin Tibrewala organised a special charity screening of Bachna Aye Haseeno at PVR. The entire P3 crowd was spotted at the event. What better way to celebrate Independence Day, people were heard quipping, though not many were sure what charity they were supporting. Those who were not invited were left to sit sulking at home, as Friday was a dry day are all the pubs were shut.
Another party everyone hopes to get invited to is Bisket Srikant’s b’day bash at FBar on Monday. Last year the man made news when Salman Khan wished him and partied with him at Touch. The special star guest this year is a close guardedῠ secret, sources reveal.
Ladies in the news
DJ Sharon has been missing in action in the city for sometime now. She is on an India Tour, hopping from one city to another and has just completed the North India belt. Her current favourite though is the Waltair Club at Vizag, where over 700 loyal patrons gather to make any bash a huge success.
Another girl who is in news in the party circuit is ITC PRO Nitya Iyengar. A pleasant face, Nitya adds life to any party with her charming demeanour. However, it’s the grace with which she slips into mini skirts and saris with equal ease is what leaves everyone stunned.
Categories Madhuri Dixit, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan
March Of The Bachelorette Brigade
By Narayani Basu
In just the last one decade, the Indian woman has come of age. She now toasts her freedom, revels in her sensuality, commands her finances, chooses her wines, lives life on her own terms, and flaunts her singlehood.ῠ When Sex and the City premiered on television back in the 90s, everyone sat up and took notice – particularly women. The series tackled topics like sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), safe sex, multiple partners and dozens of other issues that helped women emerge out of the shadows and into the light of changing societal traditions. And when the series came to India, it met with mixed reactions. There were groups who waved the flag of women’s independence and individuality. And yet, underneath it all, the old stereotypes were, and are, still alive and kicking.ῠ
There is, more so in Indian society, a tremendous pressure to find a man and settle down. Despite progress in nearly every sphere, there is still a belief that without a man, nothing can be achieved or accomplished. You’ve made it if you marry into a good family. However, a closer look shows that even though the change is slow, it is steady. The new Indian woman is all about exploring the various facets of her personality. She isn’t just able to afford holidays to London, or own designer clothes, but she’s able to actually make decisions about her life – when, what, and how – all without the help of a man. The change isn’t only restricted to the younger generation either. Women in their late 30s and early 40s are breaking out of the conventional mould into which they were so carefully sculpted – all with the support of the dreaded ‘traditional Indian family’.ῠ
As a result, men have had to force themselves to change as well. It’s no longer enough to be a man – you need to be proficient on both the professional, as well as the domestic front, especially if you’re married to today’s modern career woman. As a result, divorce rates all over the country are shooting up. According to the Tribune, there was a 150 percent rise in the divorce rates in conservative states like Punjab and Haryana in 2007, while in New Delhi there were 8000-9000 cases in the same year.ῠ
So it’s obvious that marriage is no longer the low-risk option that it once was for a daughter. Take the case of Anita Sahgal (name withheld on condition of anonymity). Sahgal, who was married for 15 years before she got a divorce, manages her own media consultancy. Though she started her company while she was married, Sahgal says that her job did not mean much to her husband. “I was working out of home initially, but as my job gained momentum and there was hardly any support from my husband, I had to think of a way out.”
The only way out was a divorce and Sahgal admits that it was the most painful decision she had to make. By this time she had two children and the going was hardly easy. Besides, at this time, Sahgal had entered what she calls a “professional plateau”. She was hardly paying attention to her work as a result of trying to manage her personal front and it was taking its toll on her. “It took me 15 years to come around to the decision,” she says, “but the kids were grown up by this time, and though it was very hard, I decided to go ahead with it.”
The good thing about it all? “Undoubtedly, my kids and my family. My kids were completely non-judgmental and my whole family gave their support unconditionally,” she says, “My work is now back on track and so is my life. In fact, I’m taking a break and going abroad for a holiday with my mother and daughter.”
However, being a single woman isn’t all happiness and light. Consider, for instance, the fact that you have bills and there isn’t anyone to settle them but yourself. Sunita Jain, 56, a former employee with the Bank of Tokyo, who now works as a freelance investment consultant-cum-lecturer, agrees, “Being single at any age for any woman in Indian society is difficult, but you need to accept the situation as you find it and adjust accordingly. If you can do that and take each day as it comes, you’ll be fine.”ῠ
Jain, who comes from an orthodox Jain family, was married and divorced at an early age. That, she says, surprisingly wasn’t a problem. “I, along with everyone else, was a critic of divorce back then, but it wasn’t something I could prevent, and surprisingly, when I told my family of my decision, they were behind me all the way,” she says. “I knew life would be better without him and no one in my family would have had me believe otherwise. A divorced woman used to be ill regarded and divorce was a stigma, but my family, especially my sister, showed me off as proudly as they would a single daughter. Whether it was at parties or family gatherings, I was never left alone for a minute. I can’t thank them enough for that.”
But what about financial support? Though Jain was working at the time of her marriage, her husband wanted her to give up the job. She remained adamant on the issue, but when the divorce came through, she was left to fend for herself. Here again, her family turned up trumps. “My father and my brother were more experienced than I was back then,” she admits, “and they guided me wonderfully. I began to learn more from the job I was in, and invested my savings wisely. Now I can stand on my feet, financially and otherwise.” The issue of companionship is another monster that often rears its head. Some women may worry about being alone for the rest of their lives. Jain says that that is just a question of one’s state of mind.
“I have plenty of friends, male and female,” she says, “Life doesn’t stop because you’re a single woman, nor should you expect it to. And if it boils down to the issue of sex, then it all depends on how you play.” Radhika Sachdev, 40, who works with a publishing house, quenched her need for companionship in another way. She adopted a child, Aarzoo. “I would have adopted even if I had been married,” she says, “It was a decision I had been working towards as I grew older. I don’t feel the need for a man, just to have kids. Kids aren’t the only basis of a relationship.”
Sachdev wasn’t worried about raising any eyebrows either. “All that mattered to me was that my parents would accept my decision and my child. Luckily for me, they did without any questions. They helped me set up the infrastructure that I needed to get Aarzoo into my life.” But hurdles presented themselves in the form of schools. “Most schools that I applied to were biased because I was a single mother and because she was adopted,” says Sachdev. “It was a very tough period for me, because I don’t believe that you discriminate against children who are adopted or women who are raising them single-handed. It’s not anyone’s fault,” she says. Innumerable rounds, and a letter from Sheila Dikshit later, Aarzoo was accepted into Somerville School. “I’m happy that they accepted her,” says Sachdev, “It’s a good school and she’s very happy there. That’s all I want.”
Being single isn’t exactly a joyride. There are ups and downs to every side of life, but that comes even if you are married or in a relationship. For now, most Indian women, be they young or old, are embracing a lifestyle that, while it is independent, in no way cramps their style. An online blog post says it all: “Then there’s the deep contentment of turning the key in your own front door on a Friday night, slamming it behind you, pouring a glass of wine and settling down to watch a favourite movie with no one else commandeering the remote control and channel-flicking during the breaks.”
Bipasha Basu When in a relationship for a long time, it feels like you are already married, because you are leading your lives as married couples would – sharing responsibilities and being together. What matters is whether you can maintain your identity even after marriage. There are couples who’ve been together for 10 years and then decided to tie the knot. And what happens? Soon after they get married, they split.ῠ They say, people’s expectations change.ῠ Although I do want to get married eventually, I would want to be independent.
Advaita Kala (writer) For me, per se, there is no set guideline. I think it’s really about being with someone who gives you the space to grow and evolve. I read once a long time back, and in fact used it in my book as well, that, “Marriage is like one long conversation.” I agree with that. To be with someone who mentally invigorates you and keeps you aware and invested is great. I think when and if I do decide to marry, it will hopefully be to someone who is not afraid of change, is kind and cares about the world we live in.
Sushmita Sen: The idea behind marriage is age-old – to find happiness, a sense of security given the norms of the society then. Of course society and the times have changed now. Is it then right to carry these age-old traditions and beliefs forward? Why is it so bad for a girl who is 30-something to not be married? I have girls writing to me saying families, usually distant family, get on their nerves, hounding them about marriage. Why can’t we just let people be? I want to know how many married people are truly happy? If marriage doesn’t guarantee happiness, is there even a point discussing this?
Brides who showed the door to grooms
By Amita Verma
Four young girls in Uttar Pradesh proved this month that it doesn’t take education or financial strength to stand up for women’s emancipation – it just takes mettle, and the strength to put one’s foot down. Meera, Soni, Raman and Renu are young semi-educated girls, belonging to the lower middle-class. They have never met each other, yet these girls created a furor this month when they stood up for their rights and refused to bow to social pressures.
Meera, who lives in Badaun district, sent her groom back because he did not bring a band with the wedding procession. “If the girl’s family is made to spend money in decorating the venue, why can’t the groom spend money on the band?” she demands. Soni, in Farukkhabad district, refused to marry when she learnt that the groom lisped and stammered. “The boy’s parents hid his speech disability and it was this that made me revolt,” she says in protest. In Mahoba district, Raman found that her groom was a middle-aged man and not the boy she had been shown earlier. She stormed out of the mandap and refused to go through the marriage rituals. In Maharajganj district, Renu found the groom groping around with his hands and discovered that he was partially blind. She stood up and told the elders in the family that she would not marry the groom. The baraat had to return without the bride.
Sway to the rhythm divine
By Neha Rathi
Letting your body sway to the rhythm of musical beats isn’t just pleasure. It also helps relieve physical ailments, fosters mental peace and gives rise to a feeling of contentment. Throughout the ages and across cultures, dance has been a medium to express a plethora of powerful emotions. Some dance in celebration, some to let go of bottled feelings, some for fun while some dance in devotion. Dance is energy in motion, and when infused with devotion, it becomes a way to reach out to God.
Indian mythology reserves a special place for dance. Shiva’s Tandava Nritya, the most famous dance in the pantheon of Hindu deities, is considered to be the source of the cycle of creation, preservation and dissolution. The dance of Krishna with gopis, known as Raas Leela, is symbolic of the harmony and bliss of love. The dervishes swirled and swayed in an ecstatic love of God. The bauls of Bengal strummed their dotara, tapped their feet and twirled in praise of the Almighty.
Besides expressing joy and devotion, dance can also bring the mind, body and soul in perfect harmony. Dance therapy is a treatment in which choreographed movements of body are used to treat social, emotional, cognitive and physical problems. With the premise that emotional anxiety results in muscle tension and constrained movement, the therapy works towards healing in a rhythmic manner. Conceived as a marriage of sorts between modern dance and psychiatry, the therapy was pioneered by Marian Chace, a dance instructor who established her own studio in the US in the 1930s. Since Chase’s dance classes provided unique opportunities for self-expression, communication and group interaction, psychiatrists began sending patients to her. Later she founded the American Dance Therapy Association and became its president.
Dance therapy treats patients suffering from diabetes, stress, hypertension, cervical spondylitis and migraine headache using the communion of the body-mind factor. Says A.V. Sathyanarayana, a Bangalore-based dance therapist who has founded the Shristi Institute of Dance Therapy, “Dance therapy is founded on the premise that the body and mind are interrelated entities and the state of the body affects the mental and emotional wellbeing of a person in diverse ways. It helps bring out the inner feelings of the participants and helps them develop a healthy personality. The joyful rhythm invokes positive emotions and visualisations of the beauty of nature.”
About the benefits of the therapy, he adds, “This therapy benefits performers without them even realising it. All types of classical and folk dances, right from Bharatnatyam to the Gujarati folk dance Dandiya, have body movements that can be used in this therapy.” The music is a blend of Carnatic, Hindustani, jazz and folk, focusing on specific beats. And the dance steps include Bharatnatyam steps, snake and peacock movements. “We try to show the participant the positive aspect of a creature or an object. He or she should be proud of enacting the creature, like the curvaceous body of a snake or the beauty of a peacock. The snake dance in particular helps in curing respiratory problems,” he says.
If you do something, go the whole way
Commitment brings energy. If one wants to live an intense life, full of energy and power, one needs deep commitment. If you are not committed, the energy is not challenged. Everything is just okay, so-so; one continues in a lukewarm way, and one lives just on the periphery. So make this insight a tacit understanding in you. Life is a commitment, because only those who commit themselves, live. Others simply drag. They are born and die but they never live. Only people of commitment rise to high peaks of energy, rise to their climaxes.ῠ
Each moment has to be a commitment Then the energy will flare up and will become a bigger and bigger flame everyday. The more you bring it out, the more it will become available to you, and deeper and higher will be the sources that are available to you. Man can have as much energy as he needs. But if you don’t need it, there is no point in having it. If you have decided to crawl on the earth, it is up to you. If you want to fly in the sky, that too is for you to decide. Your energy is already ready to do what you want to do, but the first thing is that you have to want to do it.
Experience everything fully Whenever you want to experience something, do something, go the whole way. Either it is useless and you understand it, or it is useful; then too you have an understanding of it. Either way you are profited, benefited. Make this a rule for everything; let it be a golden rule. If you love a woman, then love. Go all the way so that you can come to an understanding of whether love is worth-while or just foolishness. And whatsoever the conclusion, it will be good for you. If you come to realise that it is a very significant experience, then you can open many doors. There is no other way than experience.
Love unconditionally Ordinarily love is a relationship, and when love is a relationship you breathe only towards a certain person. You breathe him or her, but the passage is very narrow. The universe is so vast and love gives so much; why make it so narrow? Let it expand and be unconditional, because whenever there is a condition, love becomes ruined. When it is unconditional, it becomes divine. And love is never satisfied unless it becomes divine because that is the deepest urge in every human being: to be so full of love that whatsoever the condition, the love goes on showering.
Courtesy Osho International Foundation/www.osho.com
At home with ghosts
By Veenu Sandal
Critics cite instances of some so-called paranormal groups that mimic the methodology of a traditional ghost/demon hunting team. However, their primary goal is to frighten the homeowner/client into a belief that they are in danger and that immediate action to cleanse the home is imperative. These groups will act quickly to confuse the homeowner/client by pointing to certain items in the home as being “possessed” and will then offer to remove said items to make the home safe. Typically, these items are antiques, relics, or family heirlooms that will later be put on display in a paranormal museum hosted by the said group where a charge is incurred for admission to view such articles.
Yet, despite criticism, the fact remains that ghost-hunting groups around the world are swelling with members – their popularity fuelled by television shows, the Internet and the increasing availability of high-tech equipment and detailed books like Ghost Hunting: How to Investigate the Paranormal. A common sense approach toῠ investigating ghostly happenings, including apparitions, hauntings and poltergeists are avidly read by many ghost-hunters. This particular book, written by Loyd Auerbach, director of the Office of Paranormal Investigations, covers the investigative process from the initial call and assessment to the on-site investigative techniques and technology.
ῠIt explains how to come up with solutions and resolutions and ways to get rid of the phenomena and goes on to discuss fraudulent cases besides looking at other non-ghostly happenings with paranormal explanations. The book also includes use of technology and the use of psychics in paranormal investigations and explores if anyone can prove the existence of ghosts. Finally, the book covers information resources and organisations that the new ghost-hunter and the person who encounters a ghost can find to learn more about the subject and for help with cases they’re investigating or phenomena they’re experiencing. For obvious reasons, new ghost-hunters find this a very useful book.
According to encyclopeadic sources, individuals engaged in ghost-hunting and paranormal investigation have varying motives for their activities.ῠ
* Some ghost-hunters consider themselves hobbyists whose primary motivation is the excitement of the hunt and the thrill of possibly experiencing something supernatural. Many of these individuals enjoy spending significant time pursuing their hobby.
* Others consider themselves serious researchers who follow a number of scientific protocols and share documentation of their research with other groups in an effort to discover proof that ghosts exist. They often go about their pursuit in a prescribed manner in order to gather evidence of paranormal activity at a given location, or debunk false positive reports of hauntings. Many established groups fall into this category.
* Still others consider themselves to be providing a service, and focus their investigation on offering comfort and assistance to individuals who feel they are experiencing unexplained or paranormal activity at a home or other location. These investigators approach a location with the goal of alleviating the fear and discomfort of the occupants by listening to their experiences and providing advice and reassurance.
Generally, ghost-hunting groups are a mix of several differing outlooks and motives. These days, most advertise their services online, but the majority do not charge for investigations in hopes of finding new and interesting places to explore. Summarised by other groups, there are four basic classifications of ghost-hunters, though many groups can fall into one or more categories. 1. Scientific, generally out to either prove or disprove paranormal phenomena such as ghosts through the use of scientific protocols. 2. Interactive, using both science and practiced beliefs to form an answer about phenomena. This group can include students of crptozoology, UFOs and conspiracies. 3. Chasers/Busters, avid believers out to prove by any means that a phenomenon does exist, even regardless of evidence. 4. Religious/Spiritual believers who specialise in religious beliefs or occult beliefs and who fight against the practices of negative forces, such as demons and evil presences. There are other groups too such as those who have an open mind about the existence or non-existence of ghosts. The starting point for this group seems to be the innumerable ghost stories that have been published down the years and told by word of mouth “surely they can’t all be fiction”. Then there is the group of die-hard ghost believers who were once die-hard critics or skeptics and were converted by actual, first hand encounters with ghosts or ghostly happenings at haunted places or other very personal paranormal experiences. Read about their fascinating, gripping experiences in the next column.ῠ
Learning through seeing
By Ranjan Kamath
Whenever a student enrols for speech and drama training, I can anticipate the parent introduce the youngster saying, “My child just doesn’t read it is cartoons, cartoons all the time!” The refrain has become so distressingly constant that it persuaded me to understand my own cultivation of the reading habit to suggest solutions.
The Calcutta I grew up in was a paradise for the poet, artist, book-lover and the cineaste. but in the ’70s, aged under ten, I was none of these and certainly no cineaste. The famous Metro Cinema held morning shows on Sunday, for which my father took me zealously. Whether it was 101 Dalmations, Cat Ballou, or Hatari – at the sound of the first bark or, gunshot I was under the seat, looking askance at a censored vertical frame from between Dad’s legs.
On Thursdays – our weekly school holiday -we were shown films at school. Tom and Jerry always preceded the main attraction, which included Flipper the Dolphin, John Wayne’s westerns, Lawrence of Arabia and Sergei Bondarchuk’s War and Peace. During the scary bits, ‘under the seat’ was not an option in the company of peers, so eyes were kept shut.ῠ Pa never explained why he persisted in taking me to the movies when I made his life utterly miserable but with those faltering beginnings, my future transformation into a filmmaker confounded us both. To add to his misery I insisted he read the same fire-engine story at bedtime (ad nauseum). Every night a new ‘film’ premiered in my imagination, with the variations Pa brought to the story.
It took me four decades to realise that my dad and my school had unknowingly initiated me into visual literacy, expanding the visual vocabulary of my imagination. While reading 101 Great Lives, Enid Blyton, Conan Doyle and Alistair MacLean, my imagination was assisted by the visual imagery of the movies. I conveyed the movie contagion to my children, exciting them with films about flying like Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines and Battle of Britain. Films aroused a curiosity about Montgolfier’s balloon and Supermarine Spitfires which hooked them onto reading.
Rounding off the story-telling experience, I had preserved my fire engine storybook that I read to my sons at bed-time. Inspired by Pa, I too adopted circuitous narrative routes to realise that they too were enthralled more by the story-telling than the story.
In retrospect, I had not realised the importance of visual imagery in encouraging reading, till I began teaching speech and drama. When reading poetry or prose, words remained text on a page; not triggering cinema in the imagination. Reading was associated with the tedium of studying rather than the enjoyment of learning.
If we want our children to read, we have to read stories to them; read with them. Television, cinema and the internet are resources that complement the reading habit, not marginalise it. To view programmes or a film together with our children fortifies them against the subliminal shock and awe of visual bombardment – creating the curiosity to ‘find out more’ through reading. Every weekend, my children and I travel across continents and centuries from the Rome of Ben Hur to the Japan of the Last Samurai; from Lawrence of Arabia to Saving Private Ryan on the Normandy beaches. In two hours a lesson in history, geography, art and culture has been accomplished offsetting a lacklustre school syllabus.
In a world abounding in knowledge resources, it is tragic to hear a young mind say, “I am bored!”ῠῠ Wouldn’t it be gratifying if we inspired the young mind to curl up in a bean bag at the library, consumed by the ‘cinema paradiso’ of his imagination, lost in a book?
ranjan.kamath@gmail.com
Sexual seduction comes back to haunt you
By Ayush Maheshwari
Iῠ want to thank all my readers for sharing their experiences with me. It has been an unbelievable learning process. Recently, one of you shared with me your experience of being sexually abused as a child repeatedly and the immensely negative impact it has had on your life. My heart goes out to you and I can completely relate with you: You are not alone. I was sexually abused as a child as well and till date, it haunts me.ῠ Hearing your story has given me the courage to talk about mine. I know while I am writing this week’s column, some child somewhere in this world is getting abused. and it just has to STOP.
Here is what happened: I was around 13 years old when I visited my aunt’s house during my summer vacation for two months. My aunt lived in a joint family. My uncle’s younger brother, Ravi, who was in his late 20s at that time, was always very friendly with me. Touching me, holding me, and making me feel very special. He gave me a lot of attention which I normally wasn’t used to. Being an overweight child people would often make fun of me. So here I am getting all this super star treatment from an adult. It felt nice. My aunt had a big house and we all had our own rooms to stay in. One weekend, however, she had some guests over and Ravi had to move into my room.
I remember every moment of that night. Talking about it till date (this was 18 years ago) shakes me up. It was the darkest night of my life. I was lying on the bed when Ravi came in. He closed the door and said that he does not want anyone to see the surprise gift he is going to give me. But before that I need to sing him a song. Ravi said, “Ayush, can you please sing Chura liya hai tumne jo dil ko” (he knew I loved singing.) I started singing. Slowly he came closer to me and started kissing me. I immediately stopped singing. He said, “You are so sweet, keep going, don’t stop.” He said, “Everyone calls you fat and ugly but I think you are the most beautiful person I have ever seen. I just want to be close to you. Nobody loves you Ayush, but I love you.”
What followed is something I would rather not talk about right now even thinking about it is very painful. This incident was not an exception. It happened over and over again in that trip. Since then for years to come, I would look for this false affirmation to know that I was ‘good enough.’
Then why didn’t I tell someone? Why didn’t I try to stop it? Didn’t I know that I was being wronged? Looking back, I did not understand what was going on. It was all very confusing. At that time, it made me feel wanted and cared for. But the reality is – it made almost permanent damages to my self-esteem. The closest I have come to understanding what was going on is when I heard Oprah talking about child abuse on some of her shows. She calls it ‘sexual seduction’ rather than sexual abuse. As a child, you don’t know any better. children who are abused are often seduced to believing that they are being ‘loved’.
The thought of this fact of my life is like a hen which keeps pecking at my soul. With time and a lot of healing, this pecking has become less frequent. Next week we will discuss more in detail the multiple techniques I adopted to start my healing process. It started with the realisation that even though I am not responsible for what happened, it’s my responsibility to heal my soul. I cannot help but wonder if there is anything more powerful than empowering the self.
You can email your experiences to ayush@bigindian.inῠῠ
Ayush Maheshwari, more popularly known as ‘Big Indian’. He is an IT wizard, motivational expert, pop singer, TV performer and a social worker.
‘Those 3 magic words’
By Samantha Brett
Je t’aime. Ti amo. Ani Ohev Otah. I love you.
When the famous Polish pianist Arthur Rubinstein mused that we should “love life and life will love you back… love people and they will love you back”, he was obviously unfamiliar with the modern dating game. Tell the object of your affection those three magic words and you run the risk of the quizzical stare, the nonchalant “er … thanks” (without any sign of reciprocation), or worse – them explaining to you that they’re enjoying the no-strings-attached casual liaison ‘wayyy’ too much to shift gears into mushy couple territory. “Why ruin a good thing?” they muse while your heart crumbles.ῠ Back in high school, I found myself making the crucial mistake of declaring my love a little too prematurely for comfort. “Love? Pfft! You don’t even know the meaning of the word,” scoffed my boyfriend at the time before giving me the flick – via a text message nonetheless.
“Love is complicated,”ῠ he wrote. “I just don’t think I’m ready for the words.” (He certainly seemed ready when I caught him canoodling with his ex-girlfriend the following weekend, but that’s a whole different column.)ῠ I suspect a similar gut-wrenching experience is to blame for the fact that so many of my fellow singletons stick to the mantra that the ‘L’ word is not something to be uttered unless the question has been popped, the rock’s been purchased and both parties are fully aware of each other’s bathroom, belching and belittling habits.
“Unless I know he’s right for me and that I’m prepared to accept his ways -foibles and all – only then will I proclaim I love him,” says one single femme, vociferously opposed to any lovespeak until there’s a ring, a white dress and a picket fence firmly in sight. “Even when he says it to me, I gush ‘thank you baby’ and then quickly change the subject. And I stick with ‘luv’ or ‘loving you’ in texts or emails.”
E! News presenter Giuliana Depandi (http://www.giulianadepandi.com) says she’s doing just the right thing to lure in a bloke for good. In tip #47 in her tome titled Think Like A Guy: How To Get A Guy By Thinking Like One, she jettisons the idea that women should never say the “L” word first, let alone initiate the kids, marriage and move-in-together conversation. (Oops!)
Male portal AskMen.com advises its male readers similarly, chastising any bloke who declares his true feelings for a woman. It says those three magic words are “evil words that have brought generations of clueless men worldwide to their demise”. Ouch!
But I wonder this: in a time of mass communication with more gadgets, gizmos and whiz-bang widgets that enable us to tell someone we love them in more ways than ever before, surely it’s time we were able to express our feelings freely? Be unafraid to open up our hearts?
Or are we simply too afraid of rejection to take the plunge… even if it means getting the “L” word in reply
The writer is an author, columnist & dating expert
(You can mail your responses toῠ asksambrett@gmail.com)
Vernacular rock on a roll
By Debarun Borthakur
If you are a die-hard rock music fan and are cribbing why Led Zeppelin didn’t sing in Hindi, don’t worry; the times are changing. Bridging the linguistic gap to popularise rock among desi music lovers are a bunch of rockers who swear by distorted guitar riffs, and are determined to express their thoughts in their mother tongue. Though “hind-rockers” (singing in Hindi) are common in the country, vernacular rock is what’s sweeping the Indian janta off their feet. Today one will find many Indian rock outfits singing in regional languages, and are slowly but steadily gaining ground in the contemporary Indian music scene.ῠ “If you ask me, music doesn’t have any language. Whether it is Tamil, Kannada, Bengali or any other language, the priority for a musician is to put across the right message, even if it is in some African language,” says singer Usha Uthup.
There are a number of names in contemporary Indian music scene who follow the same ideology. They believe music to be a universal unifier, and don’t consider language as a barrier in this context. “Just like any other college-goer, initially, I too started singing in English.
But eventually I realised how difficult it is to connect my people to it. Singing in one’sῠ mother language helps a singerῠ connect to his roots which I feel is a very important factor to put across the desired message to your audience,” says Raghu Dixit, who recently launched his multi-lingual debut album in English, Hindi and Kannada. So, why did he choose to sing in different languages, is that a rational decision or is it something that came naturally to him? “It was in Belgium where I first sang a few of my own compositions, and you won’t believe the audience there went crazy. Their overwhelming response instigated me to come back to India and be a musician. In fact, the whole experience changed me as a human being,” says Raghu, who has also composed for a Kannada movie Psycho.
Punjabi rocker Rabbi Shergill too believes that music doesn’t have any language. “Composers generally depend on what comes naturally to them. I think in Punjabi, so I prefer penningῠ my thoughts in the same language. It’s about presenting the right expressions to the audience,” adds Rabbi.ῠ
So, how do the record label companies respond to this? Do they consider promoting vernacular music a safe bet in Indian contemporary music scenario? Says Raghu, “Not really. I got lucky because Vishal (of the composer duo Vishal-Shekhar) appreciated my compositions and asked me to come up with an album under their banner. However, everybody is not that lucky. Market is the first priority for established record labels. They are hardly concerned about the sensitivity of music. Though I won’t name any label, many of them turned me down saying I am not good-looking enough for them to promote my music.” Rabbi, however, thinks vernacular music has a great future in India. Though he restrained from commenting anything on the record labels, he believes vernacular music will bring about a new wave in the Indian music market.
So, if you are trying to figure out which language you should choose to pen your thoughts in, don’t think. Just write down your thoughts in any language as it’s not the language that will make your music a hit, but the perfect blend of music and expression.
By Naresh Sadhwani and Deepak Jhangiani
A guide to what’s new in the audio, video world
The channel slugfest is on My programmes are better in quality, in content, in the stars that we attract, etc. These are the claims being bandied about by all the channels tom-tomming about their superiority over the other channels. The sad truth is that there is still no clear winner and the discerning Indian viewer is asking for more and the channels are scrambling to find that ‘new’ niche which will attract more eyeballs. From bigger and better the new claim is International, so while UTV World Movies features international movies with English subtitles, NDTV is working on their own world cinema channel, NDTV Lumiere. Now Indian viewers will be able to see cinema from as many as 160 countries. Now globalisation of the Indian viewer’s sensibilities.
Viacom18’s GEC Colors has been launched amidst much fanfare and controversy surrounding the much-heralded Khatron Ke Khiladi, the Indian version of the Fear Factor on AXN. The channel is eager to be unlike the others and is calling its content strategy “disruptive and differentiated”. Whether this will work or not, only the third “d” i.e. demand will tell. ῠ From Oil to Air? Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL), the country’s second largest oil marketing company, plans to diversify into the already crowded DTH business. With crude oil prices putting a dent in their bottom lines the company is now looking to the other avenues to make it good. BPCL has always been a distribution major. Earlier it was oil, now it will be TV programming.ῠ ῠ Question of the week Everyone is talking of 3G mobile phones. What is that?
Presently wireless technology used in India and most other countries for mobile phones is GSM and CDMA which are still evolving. they fall under the 2G or 2nd generation technologies. however, newer technologies are now being employed which are faster and can add on more utilities. 3G therefore, is the generic term covering the range of these future technologies namely: cdma2000, UMTS, GPRS, WCDMA and EDGE. The new I-phone 3G from the Apple farm which has been creating sales history in the USA delivers the best of the 3G world namely these advanced technologies which in layman’s language this means faster speeds, wider bandwidths resulting in better reproduction of sound and picture.
Readers are invited to email theirῠ queries/suggestions/comments toῠ sadhwanis@vsnl.com
My hasty decisions have been my failing: Zayed
As I watch Zayed Khan getting ready to play a rich, spoilt brat on the sets of Subhash Ghai’s Yuvraaj in Film City, I can’t help but think aloud, “You seem to slip into this character quite easily!” to which he laughs and says, “Yeah, I identify with the character, Danny Yuvraaj Singh. He’s like Main Hoon Na’s Lucky on steroids. His life is a big party, having everything money can buy. Danny’s got this whole vanity-insanity groove going on.” The young actor has worked with Shah Rukh Khan in Main Hoon Na earlier and now, with Salman Khan in Yuvraaj. His eyes light up as he says, “It was a dream come true to work with SRK so early in my career. He came across as an institution to me and I’ll never forget what he’s done for me. Salman is like an elder brother and I always knew I would have a great time working with him. He’s the ultimate cowboy and I admire his supreme confidence. Both of them are fantastic human beings.” Even though Mission Istaanbul, where he played the role of a journalist, hasn’t exactly set the bar for successes to come, his optimism is unfazed. “I’ve learnt over a period of time that you must take what’s yours. Never be too subservient because you never know when the rug might be pulled from under your feet. After Main Hoon Na, Mission Istaanbul was my big one. I worked very hard on it last year and I am very proud of the film,” says Zayed. Do you regret any career decisions? “I have taken hasty decisions in the past which has been my biggest mistake. Also, I have realised that working with good directors makes all the difference. I don’t really have regrets regarding what I have done. But I think my hastiness and inexperience has been my failing and that is something I have rectified now. I am going to be more careful from here on. A film’s success has got a lot to do with the right team, with people who can extract the best from you. Film is a director’s medium, you have to get along with the director to pull off the character – otherwise you can always be Zayed Khan. In fact, I have been partying more on screen than off screen now,” he says, but not before adding, “But parties follow me wherever I go. I reckon it’s my charm! But it’s my son Zidaan whom I like to spend most of my free time with. In fact my wife Malaika and he accompanied me to my Bahamas outdoor for my film Blue. It was such a joy to have him around.” The new daddy is going the whole hog – feeding and changing diapers and acting silly around his baby. “There are plenty of bloopers too like when he barfed all over my tee shirt at the airport and I got all messy. Zidaan can stare for hours without blinking, expressionless, and I find that amazing. I want to support his personality when he grows up rather than force mine on him,” he says. When asked about brother-in-law Hrithik Roshan, he says, “Hrithik is a perfectionist. When we get together, we work out as we both love to exercise. We talk about our kids. Sometimes he talks about my film performances and I talk about his. I share a warm relationship with him and I am proud to have this wonderful guy in my family,” he says.
Mads back to Mumbai soon
Madhuri Dixit who is a part of the Unforgettable Tour for the US leg, will soon be returning to India according to sources. No, she has not finally said ‘yes’ to another Yash Raj film that Yash Chopra has been insisting her to do. She will be in India to launch a clothing line for a major international brand that is coming to India. The brand will be catering to the working Indian woman and the styling is modeled over Mads’ jackets and pin striped pants wearing character in Aaja Nachle. Mads has also been busy with the designing team in the US, personally looking into the designs and giving inputs for clothes that she thinks would cater to an Indian market.
It is also said that she will stay in Mumbai for three months after the round of shows to promote the brand and she is putting her kids in a nursery school in Mumbai. With Mads all set, the city can’t wait to welcome its favourite aamchi mulgi, and needless to say neither can Bollywood.
Jiah Khan vs Aamir Khan
Jiah Khan is one unhappy lady. After having finished shooting for Aamir Khan’s remake of Ghajini, she isn’t too excited with the final cut. From what we hear, her role has been extensively chopped from the first narration of the film that she has seen and Jiah is feeling disillusioned about it and has addressed her grievances to Aamir. But what has got this sassy actress most upset is the fact that her voice has been dubbed for the film. Aamir wasn’t too happy with her heavily accented dialogue delivery and has dubbed it in spite of Jiah’s requests to let it remain. She defends that if her voice wasn’t a problem in Nishabd, why should it be now. But perfectionist Aamir is having none of it and asked Jiah to stay nishabd on the subject. But knowing fiery Jiah, she won’t keep mum and there could be another Khan vs. Khan battle on the cards. Shiney seeks divine help
Once touted as the next big superstar, Shiney Ahuja has found the going tough with no backing in the industry. He is currently banking on Har Pal with Preity Zinta and Hijack to bring him back into the horizon. And it looks like even Shiney knows he needs divine intervention to bail him out of his bad phase. Shiney is currently not signing films apparently at the behest of a family guru, who has asked him to go on a pilgrimage to seek blessings before taking up new work. Taking the guru’s word to heart, Shiney set out on a temple tourism expedition, a la the Bachchans. He has been seen hopping from one temple to another across the country. But Shiney has also managed to be discreet about the fact that he is fretting over his current box-office status. Even his wife Anu has kept away from the holy tour at the pretext that she’s looking after their baby daughter, but according to close friends, she doesn’t believe in all this and despite Shiney’s insistence, has preferred to stay at home. But the industry believes that if Shiney sorts out his attitude problems, it would be the answer to half his problems. Priyanka to turn producer
Priyanka Chopra is soon turning producer like many other actresses who are taking the baton in their hands. After Vidya Balan and Katrina Kaif, it is Priyanka’s turn to start producing films she believes in.ῠ Priyanka was apparently having long discussions with friend Karan Johar on the sets of soon-to-release Dostana about the nitty gritties of producing films and Karan has promised his complete support to her new ventures.
Although the thought is still in its nascent stages, Priyanka has started hunting for a suitable location for the office of her upcoming company. She is equally enthusiastic about a couple of scripts that were narrated to her but didn’t find any takers with producers in the past. She has summoned those young directors and writers to bring their projects out of the bins and start adding finishing touches to them.ῠ Her friends however, hope Priyanka is moving in the right direction, because post Love Story 2050, she sure needs damage control.
it’s all about work, chance and luck
By Vikram Bhatt
So Shah rukh Khan and Salman Khan have had a fight, well at least at the time of writing this piece and by the time you read it they might have even kissed and made up. but as I write this there is a war going on. The media loves it and the people love it.ῠ What better than two super stars slugging it out? One magazine even called me and asked me how this would affect the film industry. I thought for a moment and then could not think of one single way that it could.
They are not doing films together or are in business together. They have their own set of directors and banners. So where was the conflict? Sorry, no tragedy here and no loss to filmdom. It might be sad that they fought and all that but there is nothing that the collective will suffer for here.ῠ Tragedy is when great productive teams break up. That is a great loss.
Salman’s father Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar ruled the film industry with their gritty writing. They were the ones who put writers on a pedestal and rightfully so. Sholay, Deewar, Trishul to name just a few was surely part of cinema history and yet they parted ways. No one knows the real reason except for a few, I suppose, and yet this was a tragedy.
Not that they did not do good work after they parted ways. Salim Khan had Naam and Javed Akhtar had Betaab, Arjun and Dacait to name a few of their films but yet it was no Salim-Javed. More recently music composers Jatin and Lalit who I had worked with on my films Fareb and Ghulam parted ways.
Lalit worked with me on Life mein Kabhie Kabhiee and I did try to ask him once what went wrong between the brothers and what I got was a really lukewarm excuse of an answer, certainly not the true story but again such talent and such tragedy. This place is filled with such examples – people who do great work together and then go their separate ways for reasons best known to them or some that we may guess. I remember the time that Laxmikant-Pyarelal almost broke up their team. It was all over the media and the industry mourned and yet if I remember correctly it was Subhash Ghai who brought them together within days and did not allow the split. The industry owes him a huge one for that.
What makes these teams go their separate ways? It would be silly of me to guess because they might all have their reasons but the most common reason that I have seen is success.ῠ It might sound odd but success has one problem and the problem is called, a part of my homemade theory book, spotlight theory. The spotlight theory is that people feel that there is only place for one under the spotlight.
After the spotlight hits you, you want to elbow out the other person to be in that glow alone. I don’t mean to say that the teams I have mentioned here are a victim to this theory but I have seen enough here that are. I remember this one incident very clearly. I have mentioned Waman Bhonsle in a previous article. He was the most brilliant editor I have met. He was the editor to Gulzar, Boney Kapoor, Shekhar Kapur, Mukul Anand, Raj Khosla. The list is endless.
Prolific and brilliant, he worked in a team with his editor partner Guru Dutt Shirale and it was always Waman-Guru. Everyone in the industry saw Wamansaab, as I call him, toil away more than Guru.ῠ One day someone asked him if he felt like breaking away from Guru since he did all the work at which he smiled and said, “who knows, it might be my work and Guru’s luck!” I can never forget that because in a place where it is all about talent and chance, work and luck, we will never know who the top gun is really!
The Young Turks of cyberspace
ONCE YOU’RE LUCKY, TWICE YOU’RE GOOD:
The Rebirth of Silicon Valley and the Rise of Web 2.0 By Sarah Lacy, Gotham Books, $26, pp 294
The drumroll leading up to the publication of Sarah Lacy’s book about the 20-something entrepreneurs who brought us such familiar websites as Facebook was certainly impressive. For months, Lacy demurred when asked to reveal the title yet talked up her project at every opportunity, causing the prepublication buzz in Silicon Valley to build. By golly, it was as if the author herself had created the next YouTube.
With the stance of an insider given unparalleled access to her subjects, the starry-eyed Lacy tells the stories of a half-dozen or so young entrepreneurs who started websites like Facebook and YouTube, all driven by user-generated content. Together, those sites created a post-Google version of the “participatory” Web known as Web 2.0. Lacy has chosen to include, among others, Mark Zuckerberg, the 24-year-old founder of Facebook, the wildly popular social-networking site; and Max Levchin, 33, a co-founder of PayPal, the online payment system that eBay bought in 2002.
This disjointed grab bag of gossip has its elucidating moments, but as the definitive tale of the rise of Web 2.0, Once You’re Lucky, Twice You’re Good serves as a reminder that the latter-day equivalent of Tracy Kidder’s 1981 book, The Soul of a New Machine, the gold standard for technology nonfiction, has yet to be written. The title promises an incisive, illuminating examination of just what it is that engenders serial success. Indeed, Lacy delivers on that promise with her profile of Marc Andreessen, who helped build one of the first Web browsers and made millions with Netscape, the browser company. He then started a software company, which Hewlett-Packard bought last year for $1.6 billion. Now 37, he has Ning, a social-networking company for which he has high hopes. Lacy draws a fascinating portrait of Andreessen and his need not just to best himself but to equal the successes of his mentor, Jim Clark, the Silicon Valley entrepreneur who financed Netscape.
Otherwise, the title seems to bear little relevance to the book. For Lacy’s other subjects, repeated success has yet to be determined. For example, it is unclear whether Levchin’s new company, Slide, which makes “widgets” – small, single-purpose applications for websites like Facebook and MySpace – will end up making him more millions. And Mark Zuckerberg is still firmly entrenched in his first company. Yet Lacy seems hesitant to dwell on these points.
The writing is, at best, informal. For instance, the last time I checked the American Heritage Dictionary, in spite of how computer trade journalists might choose to use the word, “architect” was not recognised as a verb, to say nothing of “rearchitect.” And Lacy’s fifth-grade teacher would no doubt wince at the profusion of incomplete sentences. (“Probably a good thing few women work there.” And “The time Jay and Marc were chatting when Sumner Redstone sauntered up.”) Then again, everything happens so quickly in Silicon Valley that perhaps there is no time to write a proper sentence.
Some of the reporting is impressive in its sheer detail. Lacy obviously spent a great deal of time with these celebrated entrepreneurs. Her descriptions of their business meetings come complete with snatches of you-are-there dialogue, † la Bob Woodward. The reader also learns who wears boxers, who cuts his hair in a hip style and who shucked his nerd-wear in favour of jeans and Pumas.
But the details don’t add up to much. The reader hears a great deal about Levchin’s fear of swimming but surprisingly little about what has driven Levchin, who is from the former Soviet Union, to start companies. And rather than following a straight narrative arc, Lacy jumps from one story to another, then doubles back again – to confusing effect. Paradoxically, it is when Lacy gets impersonal, and dispenses with her name-dropping tone (she refers to Zuckerberg throughout as merely “Zuck”), that she is at her best. Her explanation of how venture capital works is instructive and clear, perhaps one of the best yet written for a general readership.
And she skilfully describes a tension intrinsic to the Web 2.0 world: thanks to low start-up costs, the newest entrepreneurs don’t need venture capitalists, and even view them with disdain for the role they play in diluting individual wealth. Yet Lacy offers vivid descriptions of meetings between entrepreneurs who eventually wind up strapped for cash and of the venture capitalists with the means to help.
A columnist for BusinessWeek.com and a co-host of Tech Ticker on Yahoo Finance, Lacy has a tendency to throw out numbers in too cavalier a fashion. For instance, she describes “the mighty $195 billion Google juggernaut” that bought YouTube in 2006.
Lacy’s book is an outgrowth of an article she wrote for Business Week in 2006. The unfortunate headline on the cover – “How This Kid Made $60 Million in 18 Months” – proved an embarrassment to the magazine. The cover photograph was of a young man sporting headphones, a T-shirt and a 5 o’clock shadow, smiling broadly and giving two thumbs up to the camera. It was Kevin Rose, who would become one of Lacy’s principal subjects in this book. Rose, 31, is a co-founder of Digg, a website that allows its users to collectively decide which news accounts on the Internet deserve top billing.
As it turns out, the $60 million referred to the estimated value of Rose’s stake in the company. He didn’t make 60 million of anything, and until the company is sold or goes public, the $60 million in question is as good as Monopoly money. One of these days, perhaps by the time Kevin Rose does indeed become wealthy, someone will write a richly textured book that chronicles with insight and acumen the rise of the most recent crop of entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley. Sarah Lacy’s Once You’re Lucky, Twice You’re Good is not that book.
‘I prefer reading intellectual books’
By Milind Soman
I am not a very devoted reader, but I read whenever I have time. Though my reading habit is totally dependent on free time, I manage to read almost 600 pages a week. I like reading fantasies or science fiction. I also like to read historical stuff. But I prefer reading books that are intellectual and stimulate me from within. Reading gives me a lot of perspective and insight into various aspects of life. It also gives me a general perception about the people I meet and a certain vision to approach them. Sometimes an experience attained by reading a book helps me take major decisions as well.ῠ Though I don’t have any favourite book in particular, Of Human Bondage by William Somerset Maugham is one of the books I like the most. It’s a fantastic book and very realistic in its approach.
My favourite authors are John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, Iain Menzies Banks, Isaac Asimov and Edgar Rice Burroughs. I like their writing because of their unbridled imagination. They have a certain understanding of human emotions. They also have a deep knowledge of social psychology. Being humane and practical in their approach, they have written masterpieces of literature. Reading these authors gives me immense satisfaction.
Worthy additions you will cherish
By Sunil K. Poolani
Since talking and cribbing about the foggy world of publishing week after week, I thought I should take a break – and, yes, you readers, too, would get a respite. So, this week I thought it is better to discuss some good books that haveῠ hit Indian bookstores recently. So here they go:
With the Tiger One who grew up with classic storytellers like Somerset Maugham, this impressive volume leads you on a trip down nostalgia lanes. For, With the Tiger (Harper Collins; Rs 295) is a graceful retelling of Maugham’s classic The Razor’s Edge. Where Baranay succeeds is the way she intersperses Maugham’s characters in Indian context with such brave and unwavering way, without losing the girth and grip of the narrative, cogitative most of the times. Baranay, as she admits, has followed Maugham’s structure exactly and named her characters for his. Brief: The charming young Larry (along with a host of other characters) returns as Australians; his life-altering occurrence is not as an underage enlistee in WWI, but during a teenage backpacking trip to India, where he converts himself into a mysterious hermit. A racy read, this is a worthy addition to your literary vocabulary.
Guardian of the Dawn Unlike any other year, the last two years have seen a gamut of historical novels set in India. After Rimi B. Chatterjee’s The City of Love, here comes Richard Zimler’s Guardian of the Dawn (Penguin Books; Rs 350), equally rich in talking about the atrocities and vengeance of colonial India. Zimler, nevertheless, takes a daring turn: he vivifies the Catholic Inquisition in Goa (we Indians, fearfully, never discussed this before, to remain politically correct), and how Hindus or immigrant Jews were strangled by executioners or burnt alive in public. Zimler presents a wide canvas of devotion and discrimination, peppered with lots of historical research and passion.
A veritable treat (the beginning may put many readers off, but as the novel progresses it becomes unputdownable), this novel is an enchanting and authoritative retelling of Othello. Zimler, an internationally-acclaimed author, has absolute command over the language which drags the readers into the realms of a barbaric system that we conveniently try to forget. Impressive.
Devil May Care: A James Bond Novel After Ian Fleming’s death, and when Hollywood is still regurgitating the Bond movies to charm the secret agent’s aficionados, Sebastian Faulks comes as a saviour to millions of Bond admirers across the world. Faulks, you will realise, is the best person, as you savour Devil May Care (Penguin India; Rs 395), to recreate the magic created by Fleming. One may argue why Faulks set the story of the present-day Bond (in this post 9/11 terror attack days) in the former USSR days. In this page-turner’s case the plot unfolds in the Cold War days.
But, as you would know most of the old Bond stories were set in the fifties, sixties and seventies – and Faulks, too, follows suit. Hello, there is nothing wrong in it, as one should realise Bond is not an evergreen hero, let alone immortal. To be frank, after a long time Devil May Care is one book that hooked me from page one. Seriously. And I get a feeling that Faulks, if he hones his skills further, which I am sure he will, can be a better writer than Fleming. Blasphemous it may sound, but it is the truth.
The writer is the publisher and managing editor, Frog Books, an imprint of Leadstart Publishing Pvt Ltd, Mumbai. Write to him at poolani@gmail.com
Sun, wine and dance in Auckland
Celeb Travel: Saif Ali Khan
Iῠ think when you are young you want to travel to the more happening places, the ones your friends tell you about or where all the buzz is. And I also think the meaning of travel changes at different times. If it means exploring the worldῠ in your youth, as you start growing up you understand yourself better during travels. That’s what my recent travels have done for me, and although I do visit all the happening and trendy places for film shoots and shows, there is always a place that calls out to you because you find yourself there. And for me that place is Auckland, a dream holiday destination as it has everything for everybody and yet, it is underrated as far as tourists are concerned, which in a way helps preserve its natural charm, and untainted beauty.
Auckland is a one of its kind geographical miracle, as the city is situated around 50 volcanoes, which are of course extinct but lend character to the city. Most people go to Auckland only when they have relatives living there or if they are in Australia and go to Auckland for the weekend or something. But I like going there for at least a week at a stretch if I have time. I usually rent a car for that duration and that is the best way to see the city, because it is not really known for its public transport and most locals have their own cars. Also it is a vast city and if you want to walk to the important sites, you end up losing a lot of time. Instead of hiring cars from rental services, look for locals renting out their cars during the season as that works out cheaper.
Auckland is an interesting mix of the old and the new world. The ancient Maori culture is preserved by the locals – try saying, ‘Kia Ora’, which means good day to a local and see their face light up. They instantly warm up to you.ῠ Waitakere ranges are the hidden treasure of Auckland, you just don’t expect to visit such beautiful ranges with stunning waterfalls, rugged treks in the heart of a big city. Not very far is Potiki, the area where you can get a taste of the Maori traditions, the war dance you see the Black caps perform before rugby matches can be seen done by kids in the neighbourhood. But it is advisable to have a local or a guide with you when you get into this district because the locals here might tend to keep a distance from you. If you are an adventure lover, take a jump from the sky tower and feel the adrenaline rush.
Everyone talks about the wine that the French or the Italians make. But try wine made here and take a ferry to Waiheke island close by. Spend the day soaking in the sun, and walking through the wineries, tasting some of the best wines in the world. A good evening can also be spent at the Caluzzi bar, where you can have a seven course meal while you watch floorshow and award winning acrobats perform Of course no trip to Auckland is complete without a ride up the imposing sky tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world. The view of the city from there is spectacular if you can be patient or beat the queues to get up there. If you are travelling with family, there are a few entertainment parks, which the kids will enjoy, or you could take them to the aquarium.
There are underwater tunnels, where you can see sharks swimming around you. If you have the time, take a trip to the museums, but do not miss the Saturday flea market. Also visit Made, the one of its kind supermall in the world that houses practically every clothing brand you can imagine, along with the couture of some of the local talents. The prices might be high but it’s worth every penny.ῠ But remember, do respect the traditions of the locals and don’t do or say anything inappropriate that might hurt someone.”
Echoes of Dharamsala
By Christine Pemberton
Last August, as I weepily counted down the days till my first fledgling flew the family nest, to go off to university in England, we received a message from a friend who works in Dharmsala. His Holiness the Dalai Lama would be in residence during the first three days of September. If we could be there during those exact days, we would be almost certain to get a few minutes alone with His Holiness.
There wasn’t even a moment’s hesitation. I stopped crying. Hari stopped excitedly packing, and the four of us drove all the way to Dharamsala through the fag end of the rains. As we drove up through the picturesque Kangra Valley, spirits soared, as we saw the famous railway, the picturesque station, and the ridiculously perfect views over lush valleys. Even the rains couldn’t dampen our spirits and we arrived in Dharamsala, feeling refreshed. The little town was damp and wreathed in cool mist, and crowded with Tibetans and foreigners alike, who had gathered to hear His Holiness preach.
We explored the main sights of Dharamsala, including the cemetery of St. John in the Wilderness, where the second British Viceroy, Lord Elgin, is buried. We wandered up and down the narrow, crowded streets, which were full of pilgrims who had come to attend the Dalai Lama’s sermons.
We went through several efficient, but extremely courteous and friendly security checks, and suddenly there we were, inside the compound. We would meet His Holiness just for a short time, we were told, when he walked from his home back to the hall where he was giving his discourses. Despite the friendliness of everyone around us, we all admitted later to feeling a little nervous. There were the four of us, two Singaporean Chinese and a young French man who was hitch-hiking around the world. Thrilled to hear us speaking French, the young man asked me to take a photo of him with His Holiness. Yes, I replied, just so long as you take ours. Avec plaisir, Ludovic agreed.
His Holiness’ ADC came to meet and brief us. We were to stand here, Ludovic was to stand there, and the two Singaporeans over there. His Holiness would stop and talk to us first, then Ludovic, and then the Singaporeans, who were busy lighting incense sticks. Suddenly there was a frisson of excitement, and a small group of people walked down the path towards us. First came armed policemen, looking rather incongruous amidst all the Buddhist robes; then a group of monks; then the tall, elegant ADC, and there was His Holiness, instantly recognisable and with his trademark beaming smile.
The Dalai Lama greeted us with the same huge smile that you see on every picture of him.ῠ The ADC explained who we were, and then we chatted for a few, precious moments. I told him I had just come back from Tibet and His Holiness asked what I had thought about his country. Beautiful, I replied, and was rewarded with another beaming smile. He then held my hand for the photo, and after a last smile, moved on down the receiving line.
We compared notes afterwards, and everyone – cynical teenagers included – said they were on a high, and we all agreed when my husband said that there was most definitely an aura surrounding His Holiness. The joy and euphoria of those few precious moments stayed with us during the long drive back to Delhi. Hours into the long wet drive back to Delhi, my daughter said “Mum, I still feel all happy and excited inside.”
Those few minutes of peace and blessing were beyond special. They were inspirational.ῠ And if you have to let your child fly the family nest, what better way than with the blessings of the Dalai Lama?
Categories Aamir Khan, Bipasha Basu, Hrithik Roshan, Madhuri Dixit, Preity Zinta, Priyanka Chopra, Recommended Post, Saif Ali Khan, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan
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Co-Champions Crowned at 2018 Rotary Primary School Spelling Bee
Basseterre, St. Kitts – For the first time in the 14-year history of the Rotary Club of Liamuiga Primary School Spelling Bee competition co-champions were crowned. Emerging victorious were Alisha Jalim of Saddlers Primary School and Hannah Williams of the St. Kitts Seventh-Day Adventist Primary School.
Before the spelling battle ensued, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, The Honourable Shawn K Richards, highlighted the importance of spelling to reading and literacy overall. He encouraged the teachers, parents and guardians to continue to inculcate the spirit of spelling and reading in their youths and applauded the student spellers for being their respective schools’ representatives.
“The ultimate victory in a competition is derived from the inner satisfaction of knowing that you have done your best and got the most out of what you have performed,” said Ms Natasha St. Juste, President of the Rotary Club of Liamuiga, in her opening remarks. “Hence, every participant here is a winner irrespective of any result.”
This year 22 of the 23 primary schools on St. Kitts participated in the competition and were supported by a cheering audience of over 400 persons at the ECCB Sir Cecil Jacobs Auditorium. Following 5 rounds of great spelling to select the top ten spellers, it was adjudged that all 22 spellers had made it to the Elimination Rounds; another first for the competition.
As the Elimination Rounds progressed Alisha and Hannah remained. Following 20 rounds of spelling, they were declared co-champions, as per the competition rules. As the audience cheered, the co-champs could be seen hugging and congratulating each other in an amazing display of comradery and respect.
The two Spelling Bee champs received a lovely trophy, EC$750, Seven Seas, Sun Top and Milo products (compliments RAM’s), cases of Dasani water (compliments KOSCAB), cases of Smalta (compliments Carib Brewery) and Harper’s Office Depot gift vouchers. The winning schools and teachers who assisted the spellers with their preparations also received cash awards. The third place speller Mr D’Jaaden Dunrod of Cayon Primary School also received cash and in-kind prizes. All spellers received Rotary Club of Liamuiga certificates of participation, refreshments and goodie bags compliments of RAM’S Supermarket, and gifts compliments of Massy United Insurance and Harper’s Office Depot.
The Rotary Club of Liamuiga sincerely thanks its partners in service: RAM'S - Seven Seas, Sun Top and Milo, KOSCAB - Dasani, Harper's Office Depot, Carib Brewery - Smalta, Massy United Insurance, Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank, CIBC First Caribbean International Bank, Royal Bank of Canada, St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board, TDC Limited, Sol EC Limited (St. Kitts and Nevis), Modern Elegance Photography, Warner’s One Stop, Freedom 106.5 FM, ZIZ Broadcasting Corporation, Scott Tyson Tours and Vanguard Media Dznyz for their tremendous contributions. The Rotary Club of Liamuiga also extends gratitude to the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, Ministry of Education, Principals and Teachers of the 22 participating primary schools, and members of the community who with their assistance and support made this youth service event a huge success.
Upcoming Club projects include pre-school reading activities and the Club’s Annual Christmas Hamper distribution to the less fortunate and book distribution initiative. The Club will close out the calendar year with its largest annual fundraiser, its New Year’s Charity Ball on December 31st at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.
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How Hillary Clinton's Private Email Setup Continues to Shield Her From Scrutiny
Federal judge says he has no FOIA authority over Clinton's private email system.
Peter Suderman | 10.8.2015 11:49 AM
Hillary Clinton / Twitter
Hillary Clinton's defenders have argued that her exclusive use of a private email system while serving as Secretary of State was in no way intended to protect her correspondence from FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests—and indeed, couldn't.
In July, for example, journalist Kurt Eichenwald wrote in Newsweek that "Using a private account would not, in any way, shield Clinton's correspondence from congressional or FOIA requests," because anything a State Department "official writes as part of the job—whether by email, telegraph or handwritten on personal stationery—is subject to a FOIA request."
Tell that to the federal judge overseeing a court case about Clinton's emails.
District Judge Reggie Walton ruled yesterday that he could not force Clinton to search for and hand over copies of the roughly 31,000 messages on her personal email server that she did not turn over to the State Department for review and record-keeping, because they were not under the State Department's authority, The Hill reports:
The fact that Clinton used only her personal property in setting up the private email system — and not any devices issued by the State Department — means the issue is beyond the scope of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Walton said.
"I just don't see what my authority under FOIA would be," he said during a hearing in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
"It seems to me, having not used State Department devices … it would be difficult … for me to conclude… that the information contained on her private server … is information that the State Department possessed."
Clinton's defenders might protest that the messages that weren't turned over were personal in nature. After all, in August, Clinton signed a document certifying that she had turned over all work-related emails. Shouldn't we trust her?
Probably not, given that the State Department confirmed last month that multiple work-related emails had been found that had not been turned over, despite Clinton's shockingly-not-entirely-true certification to the contrary.
Indeed, Clinton has repeatedly delivered excuses that quickly proved dubious, misleading, or totally false as the email story has developed, enough so that at this point, there's no reason to assume that she's telling the truth about this matter.
Anyway, this isn't the first time that Clinton's unusual private email setup has made her communications unavailable to FOIA requests. Back in 2013, a Gawker reporter asked the State Department for all of Clinton's correspondence with Sidney Blumenthal, a close Clinton-family confidante, but State responded there were no such records.
We now know that Clinton corresponded extensively with Blumenthal, a shady loyalist who was blocked from an official job with Clinton at State by the Obama administration. But the State Department couldn't provide any documents responsive to Gawker's original request because State didn't have any of Clinton's email. It was all in her private possession.
Whatever the intention behind Clinton's private email setup, the remarkably convenient practical effect is clear: She's been protected from scrutiny and investigation, and with the ruling yesterday, it now appears that she's managed to shield herself from at least some legally mandated transparency too.
NEXT: American Justice: Five Years Prison for Changing a Headline
Peter Suderman is features editor at Reason.
Hillary Clinton Election 2016 Internet
Rasilio
I think this very scenario is the self evident intention of using a private email server
And why doing so was made illegal by the Federal Records Act.
This is exactly why she did it. It hides her many failures and her auctioning off of U.S. foreign policy with Bill’s help.
Regardless of whether the State Department had the records at the time the emails were sent, they FBI certainly has them now. So the judge doesn’t need to force Clinton to look through the emails. He can just tell the government to do it.
So do the Russians, Chinese, Israelis, and anyone else who cared to see them.
Mazakon
Which is anybody who has the means and has an interest in a Clinton presidency.
Timon 19
The Israelis are almost certain to have hacked her account, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they were behind one of the “detected attempts” attributed to another country. They’re really, really good at spying.
They were probably insulted at how easy it was to collect all her information.
Troglodyte Rex
Well her password is FuckYouMonicaWithACigar
Illocust
Amazing how having hostiles directly on your border who actually are trying to kill you makes you good at these sort of things.
Yeah, but they turn most of their spying on the US government and especially US-based industrial companies and military contractors. Believe me.
Not our precious democratic allies! They would never do that!
jamesuiytr
Yes . see my comments below
Almanian - just Almanian
OT: El Chappo puts a bounty on The Donald. But it’s not UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE (in The Donald’s circles, anyway).
http://www.mediaite.com/online…..ald-trump/
Solution:101 million dollar bounty on El Chappo!
Florida Man – The Problem Solver!
*waves tiny American flag*
Look, if you want simple easy solutions that won’t work, I’m your man.
*puts down Rusty Woodchipper drink, picks up ANOTHER tiny American flag and waves it vigorously*
Sevo
Are you running for an office where I can vote?
Florida Man is an unelected position.
You have to earn it with a lifetime of impulsive, trashy behavior.
Attaining Florida-Manhood is kind of like attaining sainthood, except the opposite of that.
You have to stop 3 miracles?
Almanian's Rusty Woodchipper
Three abortions would suffice for that, I think – SO YOU’RE IN!
3 miracles have to stop you from doing what you do.
All i’m saying is, St. Francis never handed his beer to one of his disciples and then said “Now watch this!”
Sometimes I think about running for office and then I just smash my penis with a hammer instead.
You should never have gotten snipped. Now you’re going to have to get really creative to get those 3 abortions…
I’ve got loads of coat hangers.
This would actually be funny if it weren’t so appalling. Talk about rule of man and not being one of the little people.
Hugh Akston
The funny part is how the things Hillary does in her mad, sad, pathetic scramble for power and prestige in the elite circles end up costing her the power and glory she seeks.
The sad part is the pile of corpses and ruined lives she leaves heedlessly in her wake.
The darkness drops again but now I know
That twenty centuries of stony sleep
Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle,
And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,
Hopkins? Thomas?
Yeats.
Interesting take. I heard Penn Jillette saying basically the same thing when discussing Trump. He was talking about people going on the Apprentice and cheating to win on a stupid, meaningless game show. He said the sad part wasn’t cheating, and it wasn’t that they wanted so badly to win a game show judged by Trump… what was truly sad was cheating and losing.
But in Hillary’s defense, they’ve already won. After Bill’s time was up, all they needed was for her eventual election to the presidency to seem probable, or even just plausible. This is the lever that pried all of those millions from corporate coffers and the wallets of the uber-rich. It certainly isn’t her personal charm or their intense, burning desire to see her policy goals finally implemented. So whether she wins or not, she’s gotten more from the process than any candidate in history. And since there isn’t a serious challenger on the D side, she’s got almost another full year to milk the sycophants who want a seat at the Clinton administration food trough, even if she loses.
PapayaSF
And if she withdraws or doesn’t get the nomination, she can legally keep all those campaign donations. Not personally, of course, but she can donate them to, say, a favorite non-profit organization that employs her and her family and cronies….
Which isn’t hypothetical. Their foundation has hundreds of millions in pledges that revolved around nuclear materials. We’ve all seen the critiques of a foundation that takes in hundreds of millions tax exempt and spends effectively zero on charitable activities.
There’s a great website for spreading FUD in support of Hillary. Correct the Record compiles a huge list of highly questionable donations and then “debunks” them by basically saying: everybody does it, it was perfectly legal, the people making the donations say there’s no quid pro quo, they were making donations before we helped them out, they were not making donations until after we helped them out, they made donations to lots of other people too…. great debunking!
Yeah, not terribly convincing….
Speaking of, this is a letter sent by Trey Gowdy to Elijah Cummings on the subject. Is it just me, or does this indicate that Sidney Blumenthal was running the war “kinetic action” on Libya? In order to enrich himself? I mean, we basically knew that already, but this is interesting.
I found and OCRed the beginning of the interesting part:
IV. Sidney Blumenthal’s motivation revealed – money
Beyond the pure politics that were occurring at this time, perhaps more disturbing is that at the same time Blumenthal was pushing Secretary Clinton to war in Libya, he was privately pushing a business interest of his own in Libya that stood to profit from contracts with the new Libyan government?a government that would exist only after a successful U.S. intervention in Libya that deposed Qaddafi. This business venture was one he shared with Tyler Drumheller and Cody Shearer, the authors of the information sent to Secretary Clinton. It is therefore unsurprising that somebody who knew so little about Libya would suddenly become so interested in Libya and push an old friend in a powerful place to action?for personal profit.
While Blumenthal and Drumheller have both acknowledged a personal stake in the business venture, known as Osprey Global Solutions, they have downplayed their involvement to the Committee. New documents received by the Committee, however, indicate more extensive involvement than previously known.
To the point: oh, so NOW a Federal judge decides he doesn’t have authority to render a decision on X matter.
How conveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeenient.
/Church Lady
Could Reggie Walton be … I don’t know ……. SATAN?!
swillfredo pareto
[I]n August, Clinton signed a document certifying that she had turned over all work-related emails.
[T]he State Department confirmed last month that multiple work-related emails had been found that had not been turned over,
If this was a peon or a shiton at what point would perjury charges become likely?
It depends…..
Does the administration want what the peon had in his email turned over to the department or not?
Leaks that the White House doesn’t like will get you prosecuted for espionage. Leaks that the White House does like will get you promoted.
It probably works the same way for emails.
I’m hearing it less, but still hearing it:
‘When will the Republicans stop pestering her about her emails?!’
Speaking of Hillary and incompetence, is anyone familiar with her son-in-law’s hedge fund? It lost a shitload of money betting the wrong way on Greece.
How fucking pathetic is that? His mother-in-law is Secretary of State, and all of her and Bill’s buddies invested in this fund that undoubtedly had inside information. And they still managed to lose millions.
The fund lost 3.8 percent at a time when similar funds earned over 5 percent. Oh, and every single one of the “investors” is a Clinton crony.
The Clintons seem to be the most successful losers I’ve ever seen. They are talentless, vicious hacks who somehow keep not losing. How do they do it? Pure tenacity? A deal with Satan? They have a pet genie? I don’t get it.
I think they make up for it on sheer volume. They have so many crooked things going on that one of them is bound to succeed.
Yeah, but for normal people, having so many crooked things going on would be basically a guarantee of getting busted, not a guarantee of success. They’re like idiot savants of crookedness.
“I’m a very good criminal. Dad lets me grift in the driveway. But not on Mondays, definitely not on Mondays.”
I think that Bill Clinton repeatedly getting away with rape might have somehow convinced them that they’re above the law.
And they would be right.
Diversification is key to any evil portfolio.
“Now we’re cooking with evil gas!”
The cattle futures scam worked well.
Bottle Imp.
http://gaslight.mtroyal.ab.ca/bottlimp.htm
SoCal Deathmarch
Don’t worry, they’ll make up for the losses buying cattle futures.
If a Hindu gang doesn’t beat them to death. I blame Zuckerberg
/Dalmia
“His mother-in-law is Secretary of State, and all of her and Bill’s buddies invested in this fund that undoubtedly had inside information.”
Greek inside info? If they say short, go long.
Right, that’s what I’m getting at. She, as Secretary of State, had access to inside information. She had the US government’s entire intelligence portfolio at her disposal. And yet they lost millions in spite of this.
That’s how incompetent she is.
Depends who was onother side of the trades.
People without access to inside information, presumably. I’m one of those people.
If you’d scored higher on that “Are you privileged”, you’d be getting the emails every day.
“It lost a shitload of money betting the wrong way on Greece.”
How can one bet the wrong way on Greece? Slip and check the wrong box? Betting on Greece is a complete no-brainer.
Are you certain they lost money? Their own money?
*scratches head*
Did the cronies have to pay a fee to the Clintons for the privilege of investing? A finder’s fee of some kind? They had to make money off of it somehow.
Holy shit, if you got ripped off investing in Greece you have to be among the dumbestest people to have ever lived.
*looks at EU*
HAHA, SUCKERS1!!
“I just don’t see what my authority under FOIA would be,” he said during a hearing in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
This is why God made Special Prosecutors.
I crack myself up.
Now this is a first. Workers are filing discrimination suits alleging that they are being discriminated against because they ARE US Citizens…
What’s being challenged in sum is the job replacement system created by the H-1B program. US IT workers as a condition for their severance are being made to train H-1B visa-holding contractor replacements to take over their jobs
While I don’t generally agree with anti discrimination law and think this is a rather spurrious expansion of what that law means I can’t say I am entirely unsympathetic to what they are alleging. Basically the H1B program creates a group of second class workers that are legally cheaper to employ than the native citizens and green card holders putting those individuals at a serious disadvantage in the labor market
It’s a good point on how the regs are killing their jobs, but the precedent that would be set if this made it anywhere would be terrifying. They would essentially be saying you can’t discriminate based upon pay. The guy being paid $90,000 must be considered equal to the guy being paid $60,000. That is just a whole bunch of no.
This is one of the things that’s helped turn me largely anti-immigration. I used to think that there could be no objection to skilled workers, but it turns out there are massive abuses of H-1B visas. It’s hard to take the “furriners takin’ our jerbs!!” mockery seriously when companies are firing American workers so that they can hire H-1Bs, who are often underpaid and exploited.
KDN
That’s an argument against the immigration regs, not against immigration itself.
It’s hard to take the “furriners takin’ our jerbs!!” mockery seriously when companies are firing American workers so that they can hire H-1Bs, who are often underpaid and exploited.
Has even a single company succeeded in obtaining useable work product from these “underpaid and exploited” workers? Lamenting about this seems strange to me. These companies are digging their own graves.
Sure, you can get usable results. A large team of H-1Bs run by a few effective project and product managers can crank out a lot of good, useful, and maintainable code (for example), but inevitably, there are downsides even then.
One firm I know of cranks out CRM addons for a number of verticals, and the product is pretty good; they manage their team acknowledging the transient nature of the individuals, and all their documentation is written by well-qualified, well-paid, long-term staff, and the engagement managers run a tight ship. From what I understand though, they bring in a lot on temporary/educational visas and those who don’t meet the criteria don’t get an H-1B filed for them. Those that do get H-1Bs are often put thru’ some intensive in-house coaching. So, when you add up the cost of such inefficiencies, the whole proposition might not be as cost effective as you might think.
But it’s still a bit like a factory farm.
I think there are conflicting narratives here. On the one hand, companies are “firing American workers and replacing them with H-1Bs”; on the other hand, companies are employing H-1Bs in specifically tailored and carefully orchestrated efforts. The two don’t match up. It seems to me that squaring this circle leads to two observations: one is that “the American worker” is a political term that hasn’t got a lot of meaning in practice, and the other is that the “H-1B visa holder” is not really replacing Americans so much as supplementing them.
In other words, the H-1B situation represents the intersection of all the dysfunctions of law and policy in areas of labor, immigration, and education.
Brett L
It is self-evident that the H1B visa is the worst of all possible solutions (for workers). However, companies can pay less and have indentured servitude and it provides ample opportunity for graft.
The Most Transparent Person in History? should make public *all* her correspondence.
How better to get to know the real Hillary by seeing her yoga schedule and iced tea preference?
*than by*
And I’m sure she has a plausible explanation for the two-month gap in her emails.
“Oh, *that*. Well, Charlotte was starting to *teethe*, and we all know how that goes!”
Weasel Kennedy at DOS is begging her lawyers to find them, after being turned down stone cold by the FBI. He, Sullivan, and the lady lawyer could be in big do – do themselves. The irony in all this is that feminist proto – ideologue Hillary looks like a walking talking argument against women’s suffrage!
Actually her campaign rather lamely tried to turn it to their advantage. Unfortunately “Stammerin Jen” Palmieri is also something of a walking talking argument against women’s suffrage!
Can’t we just ask the NSA for her emails?
Seems like everybody in the world has access to the Secretary of State’s emails–except the American people.
That’s a can of worms unless FBI determines the server hacked by foreign govt entities.
“It seems to me, having not used State Department devices … it would be difficult … for me to conclude… that the information contained on her private server … is information that the State Department possessed.”
It isn’t difficult you fuckwit. The FOIA isnt about government property. It is about transparency for officials performing their duties. It doesn’t matter if she corresponded by writing on a napkin with lipstick, if she was acting in her official capacity the records are subject.
He is covering her ass.
Gentlemen, start your woodchippers.
Those of us in the know with good taste prefer the allegedly painless guillotine
Nobody’s doing anything to Hillary until after it’s clear that she either won’t be the President or won’t horsetrade her way into a cabinet position–like she did last time–and thus have the tacit support of the President.
Another way of saying this is that Hillary won’t drop out of the race until the bitter end.
That said, even if she does drop out, there’s a good chance that if a Democrat wins, they’ll pull back on an investigation. A Republican President will be reluctant to go after her, too. He’ll be accused of being vindictive and going on a witch hunt.
I think the best we can do is expose her as a lying liar whose lies about her lying are a bunch of lying lies.
In the law enforcement sector, it’d be called “professional courtesy”.
I still think Barry is going to drop the hammer once Biden takes a lead in the polls
Me too. She’s dead meat.
You know what? I’m okay with a vindictive witch-hunt. We let them go in 2000. Let’s nail her ass to a wall as a distinct warning to others that although we can be lax about enforcement, we do have a limit on graft. If you’re gonna be crooked, you have to retire after a while or get smacked down.
Yeah. Sign me up for a good old fashion witch hunt. It’s time.
Unless it’s Trump! He might let Judicial Watch run his DOJ!
Federal judge says he has no FOIA authority over Clinton’s private email system.
Huh? He’s got fucking subpoena power over it!
Not really for the sake of a FOIA request.
Wow, so they got to him. Well played, Hillary, well played.
The judge can’t act against precedent establishing 4th amendment privacy protections
Alan@.4
Re Clinton’s supposedly private emails, the following comes to mind re their allegedly protected nature. To the extent that they dealt with “government business”, and were done on Public Time, Clinton’s claims to the effect that they were “private communications”, outside the reach of FOIA, are ridiculous on their face.
Exactly. The FBI will uncover innumerable emails reassigned as business, NOT PERSONAL INFORMATION. The judge is working on the operable assumption that all emails not in the hands of DOS are personal. The FBI will find otherwise.
All her emails will become documents in evidence for the FBI investigation and will thus become public records amenable to FOIA requests eventually. The judge is aware of this.
List of indictable offenses explained : http://dailycaller.com/2015/09…..-breaking/
Guilty of perjury. http://www.ijreview.com/2015/0…..1443701355
Clinton criminal defense not likely to be cogent : http://www.nationalreview.com/…..le-defense
Menu of statutes violated : http://thefederalist.com/2015/…..formation/
Indictable now : http://nypost.com/2015/09/27/y…..e-the-law/
” I was the official responsible ” vs ” I had nothing to do with it ” Pick yer hilrey
” Evil is the absence of seriousness. ” ~ Joan Didion
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Jamie Johnson #2: Shoot to Win
by Dan Freedman (author)
Suitable for 8 - 12 years
This item has 4 stars of a maximum 5
Rated 4/5 from 3 ratings
More books for 8 - 12 year olds
Fiction > Contemporary Fiction
Sports > Football
Jamie Johnson can’t believe his luck. He’s playing for Kingfield School in the Cup semi-final. Even better, scouts from his favourite club – Hawkstone United – are coming to watch! This is Jamie’s big chance. He’s got to make his mark. But as the biggest game of his life approaches, Jamie is horrified to find himself taken off the team. Just when he has everything to play for, is he going to miss his chance to score?
True-to-the-game footie fiction – now a hit TV series!
Dan Freedman is a former FA official writer and editor
He toured with the England team during two World Cups
“If you like football, this book’s for you” – Frank Lampard
Jamie Johnson (book 2)
AR book level: 4.9; Middle years; 3.0 points
Dan Freedman
I was born in London in 1977 but my early writing career got off to a pretty rocky start. At my nursery school I used to write my words so close together that they got all jumbled up and no one could read them.
To be honest, my football career didn’t kick off brilliantly either. My parents were divorced when I was very young so my dad thought that, when he saw me, taking me to football matches would be a good idea. But I was only about four or five. It was quite scary and I didn’t like it at all. I used to plead with him to take me home so I could watch Buck Rogers on TV. But we both persevered and that’s where the football seeds were sewn. These days it’s me that drags him up from Brighton so we can watch games together.
By the time I joined school, football was pretty much the centre of my life. I never thought I was obsessed – I just liked it a lot – but those around me thought I was.
But I wanted to prove that I could be successful and still focus on football. So, during school and university I started to build a pretty decent CV for myself. I did work experience at, among other places, Arsenal FC, Radio Five LIVE, Carlton TV, The Mail on Sunday and Sky Sports. I’d worked out that if I wanted to get a job in football, I’d have to prove my ambition to people. Otherwise, I’d just sound like every other football mad kid: “I want to work in football.” You have to stand out from the crowd in some way if you can.
My CV came in handy when, in 2000, after I’d graduated and gone travelling around Australia and New Zealand, I wrote to The FA to see if they had any vacancies. They called within a couple of days and said they were actually recruiting for graduates at that very time. What luck!
I was so nervous for the interview but I gave it everything. I didn’t want them to think that I didn’t want it enough.
Thankfully I got the job and it has lead to some unbelievable experiences. As Editor of The FA my job around the England Team is bring to life for the public what goes on behind the scenes and to give the players and coaches the platform to talk directly to the fans. The most important thing is getting the players to trust you, to understand you’re on their side.
It was when I wanted to buy a present for an 11 year-old football mad boy that the idea to write this book actually struck. There didn’t seem to be a football novel for kids. I couldn’t understand it. I know that if someone had given me one when I was 11, I probably would have read it in two days flat.
I also knew that writing about football was something that I could do. So I did it.
Jamie Johnson wallpaper
Kick Off cover picture
Football Academy: Free Kick
Football Academy: Reading the Game
Mal Peet Trio
Football Academy Pack x 6
Barrington Stoke Fiction: Alan Gibbons Football Pack x 4
Bali Rai: Soccer Squad Pack x 4
Barrington Stoke Fiction: Home Ground
The Mighty Dynamo
Rewards/RRP: €8.74
Freestylers Football Factor: Safe Keeping
Girls F.C. Pack x 4
Jamie Johnson #3: Golden Goal
What kids think
Nashdasher
This book has inspired my to play even better football brill
dashernasher
every footbal fan must read this. it makes you want to go outside and play.brill
Nat888
An amazing book. If you crave football it is definitly for you!
Andyireland
on 4 August 2008
This book is brilliant ! Hope that there are loads more books about Jamie Johnson soon
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Press Release: Energy Optimizers, USA and E2 Host ‘Clean Energy at a Crossroads’ event in Ohio
By Send2Press Newswire on December 11, 2019 in Business, Construction and Building, Environment and Ecology, HVAC Heating and Cooling, Press Releases
DAYTON, Ohio, Dec. 11, 2019 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Recently, Energy Optimizers, USA co-hosted the E2 “Clean Energy at a Crossroads” event in Dayton, Ohio. In true energy-optimized fashion, the event was held at a renovated former steam energy plant in downtown Dayton. Energy Optimizers, USA founder and E2 Midwest Chapter Director, Greg Smith and staff […]
Press Release: Partnering Together to Preserve the Western Colorado Experience
By Send2Press Newswire on November 26, 2019 in Business, Environment and Ecology, GRAND JUNCTION, Colo., Press Releases, Reports and Studies
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo., Nov. 26, 2019 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Four distinct Western Slope Land Trust organizations have formed an alliance to help preserve our western Colorado natural resources and open space. West Slope Conservation Partners is a new collective group, spanning the southwestern corner of Colorado that includes conservation efforts from the following organizations: Colorado […]
Press Release: RYPOS Expands Product Coverage to Refrigerated Container Transport
By Send2Press Newswire on November 19, 2019 in Business, Environment and Ecology, Press Releases, Transportation
FRANKLIN, Mass., Nov. 19, 2019 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — RYPOS, Inc., developer and manufacturer of advanced, exhaust filtration systems that reduce harmful emissions from diesel engines, have shipped their 600th clip-on generator set filter system to a large global integrated container shipment company. These retrofit exhaust filtration kits for diesel powered portable generator sets bring older […]
Press Release: Haibu partners with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs on ‘Zoohackathon’
By Send2Press Newswire on November 1, 2019 in Business, Education, Entertainment, Environment and Ecology, Government, HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Press Releases, Product Launches
HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Nov. 1, 2019 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Haibu is an award-winning series of books, films, cartoons and video games that promotes wildlife conservation around the world. Haibu has partnered with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) on Zoohackathon, a global competition to develop new and […]
Press Release: Coastal restoration and education high priority topics at upcoming USGBC Louisiana’s FORWARD Symposium on Sustainability in New Orleans
By Send2Press Newswire on September 19, 2019 in Business, Environment and Ecology, NEW ORLEANS, La., Press Releases, Regional Events
NEW ORLEANS, La., Sept. 19, 2019 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — On Friday, October 18, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Louisiana Chapter will host its fourth annual FORWARD Symposium on Sustainability at Tulane University’s Lavin-Bernick Center, 29 McAlister Drive New Orleans from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This year’s theme, Building a Stronger Louisiana by Nurturing […]
Press Release: Greenspot Partners with Empire Clean Cities on Shared Electric Vehicle Project for Low-Income Families in the South Bronx
By Send2Press Newswire on June 14, 2019 in Alliances and Partnerships, Business, Environment and Ecology, Press Releases, Technology
SOUTH BRONX, N.Y., June 14, 2019 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Greenspot has partnered with Empire Clean Cities, New York City’s designated Clean Cities Coalition, to propose a research-driven integration of an advanced electric mobility platform in the South Bronx. The proposed project consists of a network of dual-port, zero-emission publicly accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging hubs […]
Press Release: Spodak Dental Group Spends 43rd Anniversary At Their Ninth Annual Beach Cleanup Event
By Send2Press Newswire on June 5, 2019 in Business, DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Dentistry, Environment and Ecology, Press Releases
DELRAY BEACH, Fla., June 5, 2019 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Spodak Dental Group celebrated the company’s 43rd Anniversary by giving back to their community and cleaning up the Delray’s beach. The Ninth Annual SDG Beach Cleanup was held Sunday, June 2 at the Delray Beach South End, South Tower 5, and more than 60 pounds of […]
Press Release: Simplifile Joins the Arbor Day Foundation’s Time for Trees Initiative
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PROVO, Utah, May 9, 2019 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Simplifile, a leading provider of real estate document collaboration and recording technologies for lenders, settlement agents and counties, today announced that it is joining the Arbor Day Foundation for the launch of its Time for Trees initiative, a commitment to plant 100 million trees in forests and […]
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STATE COLLEGE, Pa., May 1, 2019 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — EnergyCAP, Inc. (ECI) is pleased to announce that its EnergyCAP Enterprise software-based solution is now in full production use by The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (CoPA). CoPA will rely on EnergyCAP to track, audit, and analyze more than 10,000 Commonwealth utility accounts, with an annual utility spend […]
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LIVERMORE VALLEY, Calif., April 22, 2019 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In honor of today’s Earth Day 2019, Wente Vineyards is proud to share an updated series of green initiatives and programming, all of which reflect the winery’s longstanding (136 years and counting!) and ongoing commitment to sustainable winegrowing.
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Join the camp now
Discover, Write and Express : A journey to powerful creative writing
Dr Jem Poster, University of Cambridge
Dr Sarah Burton, University of Cambridge
Students will be encouraged to develop their powers of expression through a series of workshop exercises which will flex their ‘writing muscles’. We’ll explore the interplay between memory and imagination and how we can use this to inspire powerful writing. We’ll discover how to create three-dimensional and believable characters.
An expedition into the medieval city centre will help stimulate students to make use of environment imaginatively and create new narratives inspired by real historical people and events. If you like writing, you’ll love this experience; if this is new territory it may prove a revelation!
Astronomy and Civilizations: Searching our Origins
A lecture and stargazing event
Dr Eleni Chatzichristou, University Paris-Diderot
Astronomy, Cosmology, the science of the Cosmos, it is as old as humankind. A joint enterprise of science, philosophy and theology, that seeks to gain understanding of the universe and a sense to the existence of living beings. Humans have asked themselves the same questions over the centuries and millennia: Where does the World come from, when did it begin and when is it going to end? How “big” is the World, where does it end and what is there beyond the visible Universe? What is the fate of the Universe and in essence, what is the fate of life ?
Astronomy formed the basis for many cosmological ideas and thoughts, expressed through early science, literature, art and architecture, since the early civilizations up to nowadays. In particular, the past century has been a revolutionary epoch for the sciences of the cosmos, as we were able for the first time to address the fundamental questions of cosmology. We were able to go beyond the apparent and plunge into the deepest realms of the Universe. Astronomy is the archeology of the Universe. During our lectures we will attempt to travel back in time to review the human history which is inextricably linked to the history of the cosmos. We will then attempt to establish our own personal link to the sky, through a stargazing event.
This session features a stargazing event, where students will be taken to the observatory to observe the sky and stars at night.
Language and Cultural interaction in ancient Mediterranean: Did the ancient Greeks speak foreign languages?
Dr Spyros Syropoulos, University of Aegean
The ancient Mediterranean is a notion associated with boundaries. An enclosed sea with many islands, poor areas that cannot sustain an agricultural economy and many peoples and nations that live around this sea like “frogs around a pond”, as Plato described it in one of his works, Phaedrus.
The present lecture aims to: a) Explain the geographical particularities of the Mediterranean and associate them with the expansion of the Greeks in the Mediterranean, especially through colonization between 750-550 B.C; b) Explain the interaction of the Greeks with other cultures and the linguistic abilities of the Greeks to understand or learn foreign languages; c) Explain the nature of “Ancient Greek Language”, the plurality of dialects within this language, the evolution of the language and the relation of Greeks with the language of their ancestors and particular areas or spoken language (i.e. ancient Greek theater); d) Address the issue of language today. The position of Greek language within Greece, within Europe and within a globalized concept of language which is determined by technology and the globalization of social media.
Rhodes of the Bronze Sun
Rhodes of the Hellenistic period has been famous for one of the least known of the seven wonders of the ancient world: the Colossus of Rhodes. So far, we are at a loss regarding the question of the statue’s location, posture and ultimate fate. The aim of this class is to investigate the historical and political background of the construction of the colossal statue. The technique of its construction will be analysed and there will be offered a suggestion with regards to the political importance of the construction.
As it will be evident, reasons far more important than impression, made the construction of the Colossus of Rhodes vital for the faltering economy of the island and helped reinforce its status and economic growth during the Hellenistic period.
Rivival of History and Myths at the ancient stadium and temple of Apollo
The site of the acropolis of Rhodes is unique. The students will have the chance to experience a three-dimensional tour in the past. The history of the island will reveal itself through a walk on the street that leads to the area of donations, the well-preserved musical theatre and the stadium (which includes one of the best preserved starting mechanisms for the athletes. Finally, the descent to the remains of the temple of Apollo will reveal a miracle, both archaeological and political.
Greek Philosophy and Ethics
Mr Manos Hatzimalonas, Boston College
Big philosophical ideas have marked the fates of people, cultures and times. Their stories and the thinkers who articulated them are not just philosophy, but the history of human intellect itself.
Through ordinary language, logic, thought experiments and interactive exercises, lessons on Greek Philosophy and Ethics will explore the ideas and great conversations that gave rise to the Western Civilisation.
Coupled with the process of thinking, philosophical concepts and related historical events will be approached from an experiential basis, thus offering students a relevant, comprehensive and memorable lesson. Indicatively, elements include ideas that relate to self-care, well-being, meaning of life, excellence, success, friendship and citizenship.
The overarching purpose of teaching lessons through Greek Philosophy is to arm students with timeless practical wisdom against the challenges faced by youth in most modern societies. Therefore, content will be departing from facts and concepts, involving more narrative and interactive activities with an aim to stimulate philosophizing, controversy and dialogue on the big ideas that have shaped and continue to shape ourselves and the world.
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Sheep's Head Food Company
How to kill a mackerel and other stories…
A few words about The Sheep’s Head Company
Lost on trains
Posted on March 29, 2016 by Ralph Bullivant
There is a horror story by Clive Barker about the terrible things that befall a man stuck on a subway train late at night. He finds that he can’t get off the train as it rumbles on to some unknown destination and as he waits in his seat he is beset by strange apparitions dripping blood and other such things.
There were times last night as we tried to navigate the myriad complexities of the Sydney urban transit system when it felt as if we would never got off.
We are now staying closer to the city centre in an area called Newtown round the corner from King Street which was described to us as being the longest shopping precinct in the world. We had a bit of a walk down it yesterday and had lunch in a place called Buzzzbar where we could have felt out of place for a lack of tattoos, black leather and a same sex relationship. As it was we felt quite at home tucking into our burgers and chips. We could have been in Brighton.
King Street was a long row of interesting shops and places to eat. Both sides of the street were covered in awning. I assume that these are to help give some shade to the pavement but yesterday they helped to keep out the rain. Hopefully we shall have another chance to wander down it.
In the evening we had to make out way back to Campsie to help make up the audience for a nationalisation ceremony. We gave ourselves plenty of time to navigate the vagaries of the train system but this was not enough. We had been warned off the express trains that would bypass the station you needed before dumping you at some obscure destination in the suburbs. As we tried to avoid these we were distracted by tannoy announcements for trains to Liverpool via Sefton. Hadn’t we just travelled round the world to get away from there.
Then the tannoy was telling us that the train on the tracks in front of the platform we were on would somehow take us to Campsie despite it being one of the warned about express trains heading for an obscure destination. Putting our trust in the tannoy we got on.
It turns out that an express train in Sydney rarely raises itself above a trundle. And so we puttered out slowly to some obscure destination in the suburbs as night came down. Urgent texts passed between us and those going through the nationalisation ceremony but it became clear we were going to miss it as the train drew to a halt outside a station and the driver announced that we were going to have to stay there a while to allow the trains in front to clear.
Once we got to a station and jumped onto the platform frantic to find the train that would take us to Campsie. Two minutes later we were back on the same train as it started its slow trundle back into the the city. That trundle then drew to a halt and there we sat still for ten minutes . The driver was good enough to announce that she was keeping her fingers crossed that we would get going to soon.
Two hours after having started off we made it Campsie. Wehad missed the ceremony but were compensated by a meal in a Japanese restaurant. Plates of food off a sushi train and a bowl of sustaining udon noodles in broth with breaded chicken.
We then made the slow trundle back home to our beds.
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July 8, 2019 Akshay Dhama
Ellyse Perry Dominated England Women By Her First 7 Wickets Haul
Australia Women team has won the 3rd ODI against England Women. Australia is showing its best ever performance. Ellyse Perry, one of the best all-rounders in the world powered Australian team to win that match by 194 runs. Perry took 7 wickets in her 2 exceptional overs. It is the first ever 7 wickets haul for any Australian Women Cricketer. Ellyse has always given her best whenever her team needed.
A horribly one-sided affair to conclude the one-day series. The fifties from Healy and Lanning powered Australia to an above-par score. Chasing a stiff target, the World Champions got off to a horror start losing Jones in the very first over. The English team has a lot of quality players who can score big. Danielle Wyatt, Tammy Beaumont and Heather Knight who were their best players were knocked out on a single digit score by Australian Attack.
Things only got worse as Perry ran riot with the new ball. She picked five wickets in five overs and reduced the hosts to 21-6 in the ninth over. Her new ball partner picked two wickets and Perry came back for a second spell to finish with the best bowling figures by an Australian female cricketer – 7/22. The final pair – Kate Cross and Marsh – batted for 63 balls, but that only delayed the inevitable.
A dominating performance from Australia to cap off the ODI series. England has to win all their remaining matches – one Test and three T20Is – to regain the Ashes. It’s a Herculean task for the hosts at this Australian side under Meg Lanning is top-notch. It was thrill experience for the English campaign as they lost this match by 194 runs.
Three T20s will be the chance for England women to bounce back in action.
Subscribe us and Stay Tuned for more updates.
Ellyse Perry
Published by Akshay Dhama
View all posts by Akshay Dhama
Previous Ghosts of 1992 continue to carry on Pakistan, Knocked Afghanistan Out
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The Top Five DC Comics Movies That Were Never Made
ScreenCrush Staff
In the tradition of ScreenCrush series like You Think You Know Movies and You Think You Know TV comes a new YouTube series: Top Five! Every month (or so; we’ve got a lot of other stuff going on), ScreenCrush editor and critic Matt Singer will count down a particular topic from the world of movies (and probably write these introductory posts in the third person).
On our new episode, we’ve got Wonder Woman on the brain. After more than 75 years in the world of comics, Diana finally made the leap to movies - which got us thinking about all the DC Comics properties that almost became films over the years. We’ve previously done an episode of Top Five all about the various Bat-sequels that never happened (watch it below) but this month we’re looking at the many non-Batman DC movies that fell through. Some of these sound amazing. Some of these make it very clear why they were canceled from the premise alone.
Top Five is a ScreenCrush original series that ranks all kinds of cool stuff from the world of movies. This is our 27th episode, so check out some of our past episodes below. Plus, we want your feedback, so be sure to let us know what Top Fives you want to see in future episodes! And don’t forget to subscribe to the ScreenCrush YouTube channel below to catch all our future episodes. Until next time, remember: Jack Black almost played Green Lantern. And if he can be Green Lantern, anyone can be anything.
The 25 Best Superhero Movies
Filed Under: Arrow, DC Comics, Green Lantern, Jack Black, Justice League, Nicolas Cage, Tim Burton, Wonder Woman
The Best Movie Trilogies Ever Made
ScreenCrush Network
2020 ScreenCrush is part of the ScreenCrush Network, Townsquare Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
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About Uniform Language for Testimony and Reports (ULTRs)
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Leave a comment Posted on April 30, 2018 April 30, 2018 Shootings
Forensic science — FBI Bullet-Lead Technique Dead Wrong — Intel Today
Forensic science — FBI Bullet-Lead Technique Dead Wrong
Posted on April 29, 2018by L
“For over thirty years, FBI experts testified about comparative bullet lead analysis (CBLA), a technique that was first used in the investigation into President Kennedy’s assassination. CBLA compares trace chemicals found in bullets at crime scenes with ammunition found in the possession of a suspect. (…) Although the FBI eventually ceased using CBLA, the Bureau’s conduct in first employing the technique and then defending it after it was challenged provides an insight into how forensic science sometimes works.”
Paul C. Giannelli
“We cannot afford to be misleading to a jury. We plan to discourage prosecutors from using our previous results in future prosecutions.”
Letter from Dwight E. Adams — then FBI lab Director — to FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III
Since the 1960s, testimony by representatives of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in thousands of criminal cases has relied on evidence from Compositional Analysis of Bullet Lead (CABL), a forensic technique that compares the elemental composition of bullets found at a crime scene to the elemental composition of bullets found in a suspect’s possession. Different from ballistics techniques that compare striations on the barrel of a gun to those on a recovered bullet, CABL is used when no gun is recovered or when bullets are too small or mangled to observe striations. Follow us on Twitter: @Intel_Today
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A True Story — In 1995, former Baltimore police Sgt. James A. Kulbicki was convicted of first-degree murder. The prosecutor convinced the jury that, in 1993, Kulbicki had killed his mistress — 22-year-old Gina Nueslein– with his off duty .38-caliber revolver.
The scientific evidence was “irrefutable”. The bullets recovered from the victim’s body and from the crime scene had been fired by his gun.
“I wonder what it felt like, Mr. Kulbicki, to have taken this gun, pressed it to the skull of that young woman and pulled the trigger, that cold steel,” the prosecutor asked rhetorically during closing arguments.
Forensic Science — In order to move along a stable straight trajectory, a bullet must spin on itself. To achieve such spin, spiralling “grooves” are machined in the inside of the weapon barrel.
The size of these “grooves” as well as the “lands”, the angle of the grooves, their number per length and the direction of rotation — clockwise or anticlockwise — generally permit to identify a type of weapon. For instance, Colt traditionally uses a left-hand twist while Smith & Wesson uses a right hand twist.
Moreover, specific imperfections of a barrel may allow in some case to match one bullet to a particular weapon. In the best-case scenario, two bullets fired by the same gun will not look alike but they are likely to show areas of resemblance.
When such test is not conclusive or not possible — because the bullets fragments are too small or because the gun is not recovered — it is still possible to analyze the lead content of the fragments and compare it to bullets known to belong to a suspect.
The Scientific Evidence Against Kulbicki
Maryland’s top firearms expert told the jury that the size of the bullet was compatible with Kulbicki’s gun and that he had cleaned the gun.
He added that he had not been able to identify the marks from the barrel.
Last, he testified that the lead content of the bullet that killed his mistress was identical to the content of bullets from a box belonging to Kulbicki.
“Out of the billions of bullets in the world, is this just a coincidence that this bullet ended up in the defendant’s off-duty weapon,” a prosecutor asked.
A prosecutor told the Jury that the evidence presented by the forensic experts was “a significant piece of evidence” and a “major link” to establish Kulbicki’s guilt.
The jurors agreed. Kulbicki was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
False Testimony
Joseph Kopera, one of the forensic experts who testified at the trial, presented the formal reports to the defense.
But his working notes were not given to them either at the trial, or at the appeal, which Kulbicki lost.
These notes conflict with the report on all grounds.
Kopera testified that the fragments were consistent with a large-caliber, probably a .38.
His notes tell that the first fragment came from a medium caliber and that the origin of the second fragment could not be determined.
Kopera testified that the gun had been cleaned. His notes read, “Residue in barrel: Yes. Bore condition: Dirty.”
Kopera testified that he could not identify the grooves and lands on the fragments. His notes reveal that the fragment’s land width was 0.072 inches and its groove width was 0.083 inches.
Bullets fired from Kulbicki’s Smith & Wesson revolver had a land width of 0.100 inches and a groove width of 0.113 inches.
The difference is significant enough to state beyond doubts that Kulbicki’s gun did not fire the bullet that killed his mistress.
Kopera testified that he could not identify the twist. His notes indicate that he had detected a “slight left twist” while Kulbicki’s off-duty weapon makes right-twist markings.
Kopera testified that the lead content of the bullets were identical. It was not.
The amount of arsenic in the fragments significantly differed from the one contained in the bullets belonging to Kulbicki.
No Degree — At the trial, Kopera testified that he had an engineering degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology and a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Maryland. Neither institution has ever heard of him.
A Widely Used Technique
“Every critical part of Kopera’s testimony was false, misleading, based on improper assumptions or ignored exculpatory information,” Suzanne K. Drouet, a former Justice Department lawyer, told the judge in her recent motion seeking a new trial for Kulbicki.
“If this could happen to my client, who was a cop who worked within this justice system, what does it say about defendants who know far less about the process and may have far fewer resources to uncover evidence of their innocence that may have been withheld by the prosecution or their scientific experts?”
Following a 2004 National Academy of Sciences report that sharply criticized the FBI’s bullet-lead technique, the agency no longer relies on this method.
After retiring from the firearms section of the Maryland State Police, Kopera committed suicide.
For more than 30 years, his expertise has helped secure countless convictions.
Nationwide, it has been estimated that the method has been used in more than 2,000 cases over four decades.
Several former FBI employees believe that a review of all cases where the CBLA method was used in testimony should be urgently conducted.
“It troubles me that anyone would be in prison for any reason that wasn’t justified. And that’s why these reviews should be done in order to determine whether or not our testimony led to the conviction of a wrongly accused individual,” said Adams, the former FBI lab director.
The second in command agree.
“I don’t believe that we can testify about how many bullets may have come from the same melt and our estimate may be totally misleading,” declared deputy lab director Marc LeBeau in a May 12, 2005, e-mail.
So far, the FBI has rejected such reviews on the basis that it would be very expensive. A sum of US$70,000 was mentioned.
Since 2005, the nonpartisan Forensic Justice Project, run by former FBI lab whistle-blower Frederic Whitehurst, has tried to force the bureau to release a list of bullet-lead cases under the Freedom of Information Act.
In academic circles, some experts have not hidden their anger toward the program and what seems to be an attempt to cover-up decades of fraudulent forensic sciences.
Clifford Spiegelman is a statistician at Texas A&M University. He reviewed the FBI’s statistical methods for the science academy.
“They said the FBI agents who went after Al Capone were the untouchables, and I say the FBI experts who gave this bullet-lead testimony are the unbelievables.”
Several lessons can be gleaned from the CBLA experience. In the conclusion of his excellent paper on the subject, Paul Giannelli wrote:
First, the failure to publish the empirical data that supports scientific conclusions is unacceptable. Scientists “are generally expected to exchange research data as well as unique research materials that are essential to the replication or extension of reported findings.”
Second, defense attorneys were unable to successfully challenge the evidence until William Tobin, the retired FBI expert, became a defense witness. This is not surprising because no defendant, no matter how rich, can conduct extensive empirical studies. A defense expert in a particular case can critique the bases of a prosecution expert’s opinion but can rarely replicate the research upon which that opinion rests.
Forensic Science: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
Forensic science used in criminal trials can be surprisingly unscientific. Maybe a new television procedural could help change the public perception.
Comparative Bullet lead Analysis: A Retrospective — Paul C. Giannelli
Comparative bullet-lead analysis – Wikipedia
“For over thirty years, FBI experts testified about comparative bullet lead analysis (CBLA), a technique that was first used in the investigation into President Kennedy’s assassination. CBLA compares trace chemicals found in bullets at crime scenes with ammunition found in the possession of a suspect. (…) Although the FBI eventually ceased using CBLA, the Bureau’s […]
via Forensic science — FBI Bullet-Lead Technique Dead Wrong — Intel Today
cbla cia criminal defense Education evidence collection evidence technician FBI forensic forensic science forensics garda investigation justice lead evidence polica Police prosecution prosecutorial
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Vampire Blues
Smells Like Records
Vintage Deadstock
Books, Zines, Etc.
Turning Lead into Gold with The High Confessions
The High Confessions
Code: SYR44
THE HIGH CONFESSIONS, the highly-anticipated new group featuring Chris Connelly (MINSTRY, REVCO.), Steve Shelley (SONIC YOUTH), Sanford Parker (MINSK) and Jeremy Lemos (WHITE/LIGHT), unveil their first-ever recording 'Turning Lead into Gold with The High Confessions.' 'Turning Lead into Gold…' sees these multi-faceted musicians bring forth a swirling, ominous, droning post-rock that vacillates between a wide-range of textures and moods. Sometimes trance-inducing, sometimes uplifting, this is an evocative post-rock record that draws on the diverse and engaging musical heritage that the band’s personal histories would suggest.
Vinyl is a limited edition 2xLP that is pressed on colored vinyl and includes a MP3 download code.
1. Mistaken For Cops
2. Along Came The Dogs
3. The Listener
4. Dead Tenements
5. Chlorine And Crystal
THE HIGH CONFESSIONS, the highly-anticipated new group featuring Chris Connelly (MINSTRY, REVCO.), Steve Shelley (SONIC YOUTH), Sanford Parker (MINSK) and Jeremy Lemos (WHITE/LIGHT), unveil their first-ever recording 'Turning Lead into Gold with The High Confessions.' 'Turning Lead into Gold…' sees these multi-faceted musicians bring forth a swirling, ominous, droning post-rock that vacillates between a wide-range of textures and moods. Sometimes trance-inducing, sometimes uplifting, this is an evocative post-rock record that draws on the diverse and engaging musical heritage that the band’s personal histories would suggest. Vinyl is a limited edition 2xLP that is pressed on colored vinyl and includes a MP3 download code. Track Listing: 1. Mistaken For Cops 2. Along Came The Dogs 3. The Listener 4. Dead Tenements 5. Chlorine And Crystal
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Oxlade-Chamberlain: It's like Champions League triumph didn't happen for Liverpool
By Sports Desk August 22, 2019
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain says it is like Liverpool's Champions League success did not happen as the team are so hungry for more trophies.
Jurgen Klopp's side triumphed against Premier League rivals Tottenham to be crowned kings of Europe for the sixth time in the club's glittering history.
Oxlade-Chamberlain missed the vast majority of the 2018-19 season due to a serious knee injury but he signed a new long-term deal, reported to run to 2023, on Thursday.
The England midfielder feels the desire for further silverware is fuelling Liverpool, who have won their opening two Premier League fixtures as well as clinching UEFA Super Cup glory against Chelsea.
"I think it is obvious to see the team is progressing. Even when we're not playing well, we still manage to grind out results and that's a really positive thing," Oxlade-Chamberlain told Liverpool's official website.
"In times when we are playing well, it sort of speaks for itself, we thrive and we have the ability to steamroll teams. From the outside, it would look like a really good time to sign – and I can speak even more from the inside about how good the group of lads is.
"It is a really, really good group of players, not only talent but characters and how much everyone respects each other. The manager and the coaches, the backroom staff, they're all a massive part of it. The whole set-up, the structure, is perfect at the moment.
"Last year was the first sign of that going in the right direction with the Champions League. Now, in a weird way, it is almost like it didn't happen, but I think that's credit to everyone around the building – everyone is hungry for the next thing and what's next.
"That's the right attitude to have to go on and be more successful and go on to win more things. That's the plan, hopefully we can follow it through and win some more things."
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is similarly thrilled to have Oxlade-Chamberlain commit his future to Anfield.
"When I heard Ox had signed his new contract with us, I am sure my emotions were the same as every Liverpool fan hearing the news tonight – absolutely delighted," Klopp said.
"This is because an absolutely outstanding player and person has shown his belief and commitment to our project here and it's a deal I think makes sense on both sides.
"I think Ox has said himself it feels to him like he has been here a lot longer than he actually has and that is something I would agree with. I think that's down to his personality around the place here at Melwood.
"I have said in the past, one of the best things about him is what an outstanding human being he is, one of the nicest guys you will meet. Of course, he is also an outstandingly talented footballer, too."
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
« Champions League draw offers tough groups Haaland ready to face Liverpool, Salzburg boss confirms »
West Ham flop Roberto joins Alaves on loan
West Ham goalkeeper Roberto has signed for Deportivo Alaves on loan for the rest of the season after a disappointing first six months in the Premier League.
The 33-year-old was brought to London Stadium on a free transfer at the end of May as a back-up to established number one Lukasz Fabianski, signing a two-year deal.
But an early hip injury for Fabianski handed Roberto his opportunity in the first team.
The Spaniard played eight times in the league but was at fault for a number of goals during a slump in form and was eventually replaced by David Martin.
Fabianski suffered another injury earlier this month, yet West Ham have brought back Darren Randolph from Middlesbrough in a reported £4million transfer.
Roberto has subsequently been allowed to return to LaLiga on a temporary deal.
BREAKING NEWS: Real Madrid sign Reinier from Flamengo
Real Madrid have completed the signing of Brazilian teenager Reinier Jesus from Flamengo.
The attacker has long been linked with a €30million switch to Madrid, with reports previously suggesting he would sign after turning 18 on January 19.
Reinier's arrival was subsequently confirmed on Monday, agreeing a six-and-a-half-year deal at the Santiago Bernabeu.
He scored six goals in 14 appearances for Flamengo in Brazil's Serie A last year.
Lacazette right to say Arsenal should be nastier, says Arteta
Mikel Arteta agrees with Alexandre Lacazette's assessment that Arsenal need to be a nastier team ahead of a must-win encounter against Chelsea.
A 1-1 draw at home to Sheffield United on Saturday left the Gunners 10 points adrift of the top four and Lacazette urged his team-mates to become "nastier", branding the team "naive".
Ahead of Tuesday's key Premier League contest away to rivals Chelsea, head coach Arteta was asked if he agreed with the striker.
"Yes, I think it's part of the game management," he said of Lacazette's comments at his pre-match news conference.
"I think there were things we could have done better to put more pressure on the opponent, to bring the ball into certain areas where we could rest with the ball and control the game better.
"That will come. It's a good process for us to learn about those situations."
Arteta, whose side lost 2-1 to Chelsea at Emirates Stadium last month, agreed Arsenal needed a victory to keep their top-four hopes alive, adding: "It's very important if we want to have the aim to fight for that.
"The game at home could have made a big difference as well and we were very close to it, so Tuesday, we need a win."
The 37-year-old insisted his players were buying into his methods as he responded to a question asking if it was proving difficult to convince the squad about progress while results remained disappointing, Arsenal having won just two of his first six games in charge.
Arteta said: "I don't have that feeling. The feedback I'm getting from them is very positive, they know when we haven't won the reasons why and there are many different aspects to that.
"Some aspects we can influence, some we cannot influence, but they are there, and they are very aware of that.
"A lot of things have happened, and it feels longer than a month to be fair. The amount of games, the amount we've trained, the amount of things that happened.
"Yes, a lot of things changed, a lot of positives in terms of reactions and the things they are taking on board, the way we have managed to change the energy, atmosphere, relationship and chemistry with our fans was massively important for us.
"So yes, in terms of results it could have been a little bit different. I think we have been very unlucky and other aspects have influenced that."
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Kiwanis Club of Spring Hill/Thompson’s Station Presents Scholarships to Summit High School Key Club Students
April 23, 2016 March 6, 2018 Spring Hill Fresh SHF Features, The Scoop
The Kiwanis Club of Spring Hill and Thompson’s Station presented three members of the Summit High School Key Club with scholarships this past week. The Key Club is a student service branch of the Kiwanis Club.
The Summit High School Key Club is in its fourth year and has been making a wonderful and positive impact in the Spring Hill & Thompson’s Station communities. The Kiwanis Club offers scholarships annually to students in the club and this year they choose three recipients who demonstrated exceptional ‘service before self’ and personal development. The following students were selected for the 2015-2016 school year.
Neely Robinson- $1,000.00 scholarship
Neely, a senior at Summit has been a Key Club member for three years and has been very dedicated to see the club grow and develop as a positive force inξ the school and our community. Neely stated, “This year we have had a wonderful turn out as well as an advisor with a passion for the club. We have been a part of some great things this year including the Leadership Conference at Belmont.” In addition, Neely has an active and faithful supporter of the Kiwanis Club local events and causes for the past three years. The Kiwanis Club members are certain Neely will have an amazing impact on this world and wish her all the best in her endeavors.
Gil Horner- $750.00 scholarship
Gil has been a Key Club member for three years, and is presently serving as President of the club this year.ξ Gill shared, “I did not want Summit High School Key Club to be the so very usual, so expected, canned service organization, I wanted the best! So the following three years I did everything in my power to ensure it became such.”ξ Through Gil’s leadership and dedication, the club has grown from a small group to an very active and positive force in our community. The Key Club has worked with The Well Outreach food pantry, Relay For Life, and the Tennessee Children’s Home. To add to this list of service, they will be also volunteer their time to help with the Spring Hill Pay It Forward Festival and The Kiwanis Bike Ride fundraiser this summer! Gil is a creative and dedicated leader who is destined to make a difference in all he does!
Delany Tiedt- $500.00 scholarship
Delany is another outstanding Key Club student who created and developed a program to organize Summit High students to go weekly to Allendale Elementary and tutor students who needed help with their school work. Delany was very devoted to the success of this program and being a good leader to elementary students in the program.ξ She is a senior and this is her second year in the Key Club. She will be attending Mississippi State University in August and will major in Secondary Education. Delany is a doer and will create a lot good in this world and in education!
Key Club Kiwanis Club of Spring Hill Thompsonä's Station Scholarships students Summit High School
Kiwanis Key Club at Summit High School Assembles 40 Shoes for Sole Hope Project
Bethesda Elementary School Announces 5th Grade 4-H Club Winners
Next: ‘Homestead in Bloom’ Festival Kicks off Thompson’s Station Farmer’s Market 2016 Season
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Soccer and Flag Football in Spring Hill
Categories Select Category Holiday Promotions Holiday Shop Local LiveCast SHF Features The Scoop Uncategorized
Crossings Circle North Bridge opens Dec. 6
Rippavilla hosts Candlelight Tour to commemorate the Battle of Spring Hill
Maury County Schools Announces District Supervisor
UT Promise-first wide-scale program for free college
Mayor supports partnership with Maury County to build bridge, school access road
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Analyst Explains Why Merkel's 'European Spirit' is Less Powerful Than Macron's
© AP Photo / Michael Sohn
https://sputniknews.com/analysis/201804221063795749-macron-merkel-eu-integration/
Addressing German Chancellor Angela Merkel's careful stance on Berlin and Paris jointly clinching a road map to reform the EU, Patrick Martin-Genier of the French Institute of Political Studies, a think tank, told Sputnik France that Merkel's positon can be explained by a range of factors, including Berlin's pragmatic approach.
French political analyst Patrick Martin-Genier pointed out that "Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron have different approaches to European integration."
"They belong to different cultures. I think that Germany does not always welcome the creation of new structures, in particular financial ones, such as the European Monetary Fund," Martin-Genier said.
READ MORE: Berlin Fears a Devastating Wave of Migrants Amid EU Reform Plans — Reports
He added that "Germany is much more pragmatic than France" and that it had repeatedly proposes to create new structures, institutions and funds.
"The Germans, who have different mentality, prefer to use existing tools to strengthen, in particular, so-called financial solidarity," according to him.
Germany's Pragmatic Position
Martin-Genier recalled that "Angela Merkel always said that before restructuring Europe, EU countries should first of all deal with their own restructuring to show that they are trying to keep their state debt and budgets under control."
"In other words, a raft of restrictions are imposed on financial solidarity in a form which is perceived by other countries in Southern Europe and which is upheld by France," Martin-Genier noted.
READ MORE: Merkel Praises the ‘European Passion’ in Macron’s EU Speech, Calls for Discourse
He also recalled that former German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble "was very hesitant" when it came to helping Southern European countries, in particular Greece, who found themselves in a difficult situation.
Merkel's Political Weakness
Martin-Genier warned that the German Chancellor, who he said is "not as welcoming as she was before," should be very careful about major European projects if she wants to preserve the political stability of her coalition.
"As Merkel said, after the October 2017 elections, she no longer has the same freedom of action. She is under right-wing pressure and she had to make a spate of important compromises within her coalition, which can be explained by the German government's right-wing shift under the influence of the Bavarian branch of the CDU [Christian Democratic Union]," Martin-Genier said.
According to him, since Social Democrats signed an agreement with the government, they are obliged to comply with this deal, which means that "now they are less inclined to support the initiatives put forward by Emmanuel Macron."
Is Macron too pro-European for Merkel?
Martin-Genier doubted speculation that Macron's stance is more pro-European than that of Merkel, given that "she had always been focused on Europe.
"However, they have different concepts of European integration and different approaches to European institutions. Angela Merkel never had the power that the French President currently possesses. Why? Because she has to reckon with the government coalition," he pointed out.
Martin-Genier believes that Merkel's "European spirit" is less powerful than that of Macron, who "became French President only a year ago and who showed that he has serious European ambitions," something that Martin-Genier said was confirmed by Macron's speeches in the Sorbonne and Athens last year.
READ MORE: Off to Berlin! What Points in EU Leadership Macron Can Debate With Merkel
Meeting Macron in Berlin earlier this week to discuss a road map on reforming the EU, Merkel made it clear that one should be prepared to reach compromises when dealing with the matter.
In an address to the 2018 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland in January, Macron said that the EU needs to reform itself this year to be able to compete with big powers like China and the United States, and that "the less ambitious [countries in the EU] should not block the more ambitious in the room."
© REUTERS / Christian Hartmann
EU Needs to Reform Itself to Compete With Big Powers - Macron
In a speech in Athens in early September 2017, Macron pledged to lead the EU's "rebuilding" process, claiming that the bloc's "sovereignty, democracy and trust are in danger."
Speaking at the Sorbonne University in Paris later that month, the French President offered an array of initiatives to overhaul the EU, including the creation of a "military intervention force" and a common military budget by 2020, as well as a European agency to deal with "radical' economic innovations.
The views and opinions expressed by Patrick Martin-Genier are those of the analyst and do not necessarily reflect those of Sputnik.
German FM Calls EU Reform Condition for SPD, CDU/CSU Coalition Talks
EU Leaders Agree to Reform Bloc: Specific Plans and Projects to Follow – Macron
Macron Proposes to Reform EU, Create New Eurozone Parliament
debt, projects, solidarity, tools, creation, integration, EU, Emmanuel Macron, Angela Merkel, France, Germany
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Reverse Discrimination? Blonde Bashers Denigrate Swedes in Their Own Country
© Flickr / Sara Löwgren
Major Migrant Crisis in Europe (1819)
https://sputniknews.com/art_living/201609271045752185-swedish-blonde-women-discrimination/
Sweden, along with the other Nordic nations, is commonly associated with blond people. Despite the fact that this stereotype is in fact well justified, blond Swedes, who constitute the majority, often find themselves discriminated against in a country that likes to characterize itself as a crusader of human rights and equality.
© Flickr / Xu-Gong
Sweden to Throw the Book at Rapists to Increase Convictions
According to Ann Heberlein, a freelance writer, author and lecturer in ethics at Lund University, blond Swedes find themselves habitually harassed and sneered at in their own country, despite the Swedish authorities' relentless campaign against discrimination.
In her debate article on the website Ledarsidorna, Helberlein recalled an incident when a middle-aged woman and her teenage daughter (both blondes) were coarsely insulted by a passing driver, simply because of the color of their hair. By her own admission, Helberlein has herself experienced various insults of that kind from "people with non-European appearances," which is why she decided to share this painful experience on Facebook. It turned out that many of her fellow blonde Swedes were able to personally relate to this degrading treatment.
However, in the ensuing debate in the commentaries, Helberlein's experience was questioned and belittled by people who profiled themselves as anti-racists. Helberlein was told to 'keep quiet' and 'stop whining' and was accused of 'thriving in the role of a victim.'
© Flickr / News Oresund
Nordic Facelift: Scandinavian Population Changes Ethnicity
When Helberlein argued that all people, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and political opinion have the same right to respect, equal rights and public safety, she was informed that she actually had no say due to belonging to the ‘privileged' race that supposedly possessed all the 'power.'
"This train of thought is obviously unreasonable. Racism is reprehensible no matter who is the victim," Helberlein wrote, stating that ethnic Swedes are not spared from racism.
© AFP 2019 / JONATHAN NACKSTRAND
Norwegian Employers Sidestepping Natives in Favor of Low-Paid Immigrants
Although ethnic Swedes officially only represent one percent of all reported hate crimes, a huge number goes unreported for fear of social stigma of the same kind Helberlein was exposed to. Besides, the Swedish public is simply not accustomed to the idea that racism may be directed against the "privileged" ethnic majority.
For this reason, Swedish police are unable to deal with this type of crime. Heinous killer Abraham Ukbagabir, who slew a 53-year-old woman and her son in the notorious IKEA murder, cited the Swedish appearance of his victims as the primary motive, yet the prosecution failed to classify the murder as a hate crime.
By Ann Heberlein's own admission, she would gladly collect her own and fellow blondes' experiences in a book similar to Fanna Ndow Norrby's "Black Woman," where black women talk about the prejudice, insults and racist attacks they've had to suffer.
På #TeaterHalland med #FannaNdowNorrby boksamtal #Svartkvinna Diskriminering👎🏼allas vårt ansvar! pic.twitter.com/Gz0Q4RLo8G
— Eunice Vidals (@EuniceVidals) 23 апреля 2016 г.
Refugee Women Shut Themselves Away to Avoid Harassment in Sweden
Gender Equality Meets Muslim Handshake Morality Issue in Sensitive Sweden
Enlisted Men (and Women): Sweden Hopes Gender Perspective Makes a Better Army
You're in the Army Now! Sweden Considers Gender-Neutral Draft
Wife for Rent: Domestic Swedish Prostitution Competes With Foreign Traffickers
racial slurs, racial discrimination, Scandinavia, Sweden
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Z6_OAA613C0J0D610A4LERDED1GT7 /wps/portal/hermitage/explore/buildings/exhibition-center Exhibition Center en ltr /Hermitage/Explore/Buildings and Rooms of the Hermitage/Exhibition Center
Z7_OAA613C0J0D610A4LERDED1GJ2 ltr en Web Content Viewer
Hermitage Exhibition Centres
The Hermitage-Amsterdam Exhibition Centre
Façade of the Amstelhof Building (1673), Hermitage-Amsterdam Centre
Façade of the Centre Building from Amstel Street
Atrium of the Centre Building
Atrium of the Centre Building and the Restaurant
View of the Amstel River
Exhibition Matisse to Malevich, 2010
The Opening of the Exhibition Expedition Silk Road, Treasures from the Hermitage, 2014. By Evert Elzinga
Exhibition Expedition Silk Road, Treasures from the Hermitage, 2014. By Evert Elzinga
Cultural and exhibition centre Hermitage-Amsterdam was established in 2004; since 2009 it is located in the Amstelhof building of 1673 which was opened to the public after it was restored and transformed into museum. The space occupied by the modern museum complex of the Hermitage-Amsterdam centre is 12 846 square meters; it includes display areas, lecture halls and information rooms, children’s education centre, café-restaurant and museum shops.
Amstel 51, Amsterdam, Amsterdam
mail@hermitage.nl
http://www.hermitage.nl
Daily from 10.00 till 17.00
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Aleph Society
Rabbi Adin-Even-Israel Steinsaltz
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23rd of Tevet, 5780
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Parashat Vaera - 25 January 2020
Latest Daf Yomi
Nidda 73a: Completing the Talmud Bavli
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Nidda 69a-b: Questions Posed by the Alexandrians
Glossary Search
י״ד בסיון ה׳תשע״ד (June 12, 2014)
Rosh HaShana 35a-b: Fulfilling the Obligation of Amida
When recited in the synagogue, both shaharit and minha (the morning and afternoon prayer services) include the Amida prayer, first recited by each individual congregant, and then followed by an out-loud repetition by the ḥazzan. This tradition has its source in the last Mishna in Massekhet Rosh HaShana (33b) where the Mishna teaches that both the individual and the ḥazzan are obligated to recite the prayer. Rabban Gamliel argues that the community can listen to the recitation of the ḥazzan, who represents the community (his title, in fact, is shaliah zibbur – the congregation’s messenger), and fulfill their obligation without reciting it themselves.
According to the Shulhan Arukh (Orah Hayyim 124:1), a person who is not familiar with the prayers can listen to the ḥazzan and fulfill his obligation on the condition that he remain silent throughout the repetition and pay close attention to every word recited from beginning to end. Such a person should treat this as he would his own Amida – he should take three steps back at the end, etc. The Shulhan Aruch HaRav rules that it is essential that he understand at least the first berakha; otherwise he would be better off saying the Amida in a language that he understands.
This is all true for someone who is not expert enough to pray on his own. If someone is a baki – an expert in the prayers – it is not clear whether we follow Rabban Gamliel’s ruling. The Magen Avraham, for example, rules that a baki cannot fulfill his obligation in prayer by simply listening to the repetition of the ḥazzan.
Although there are arguments as to whether we accept Rabban Gamilel’s position all year round, the clear conclusion of the Gemara is that on Rosh HaShana we follow his opinion mishum de-avshi berakhot – because the extra blessings in the Rosh HaShana prayers are long and unfamiliar. The Rosh suggests that the expression, “mishum de-avshi berakhot” refers to the noise in the synagogue during Rosh HaShana prayers. Unlike regular days, when most people are familiar with the prayers and say them quietly, on Rosh HaShana people are more likely to say them aloud, making it difficult to concentrate. Thus, on Rosh HaShana everyone can fulfill the obligation of tefillah by listening to the ḥazzan.
This essay is based upon the insights and chidushim of Rabbi Steinsaltz, as published in the English version of the Koren Talmud Bavli with Commentary by Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, and edited and adapted by Rabbi Shalom Berger.
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Massekhet Ta'anit: Introduction to the Tractate
Tractate Ta'anit, as its name indicates, focuses mainly on the halakhot and themes of fast days, covering both communal fasts…
Rosh HaShana 34a-b: The Sounds of the Shofar
Anyone who has heard the shofar blown in the synagogue on Rosh HaShana recognizes its unique sound - a single…
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#YEMENEditor's choice 19.11.2019 - 2,155 views
Yemen’s Houthis Seized ‘Suspected Ship’ In Red Sea 5 out of 5 based on 6 ratings. 6 user reviews.
Yemen’s Houthis Seized ‘Suspected Ship’ In Red Sea
Forces of Yemen’s Houthis have seized a ‘suspected ship’ off the western coasts of the country in the Red Sea, Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, the Chairman of the Supreme Revolutionary Committee of Yemen, said.
According to him, Houthi forces will release it once it proves to belong to South Korea after completing legal procedures, a top Houthi official says.
“Yemeni coast guards… are checking to see whether (the ship) belongs to the countries of aggression or to South Korea, in which case it will be released after completing legal procedures. The crews are being well treated,” he said.
Earlier, the Saudi-led coalition announced that the Houthis had captured a ship that had been towing a South Korean drilling rig. The incident allegedly took place on November 17.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
Military Situation In Yemen On November 16, 2019 (Map Update)
Military Situation In Afghanistan On January 20, 2020 (Map Update)
gehstur nope
Suspicious ship
Pave Way IV
Crews released a few hours ago after Houthis verified details, ships leave in a few hours. From KBS World Radio:
“The Foreign Ministry said 16 people on three vessels seized by the insurgent group earlier this week, including the two Koreans, were all released around 12:40 a.m. Wednesday.
The ministry said that the crew members and the vessels will depart Yemen at noon Wednesday and are scheduled to reach Saudi Arabia’s Jizan port after two days.
The vessels were captured by Houthi rebels in waters off Yemen at around 3:50 a.m. Monday while en route to Somalia from Saudi Arabia.
The South Korean firm Woongjin Development owns two of the vessels that were seized — a tugboat and a drilling rig — while the third vessel, another tugboat, is of Saudi Arabian ownership.”
Houthis say the ships/rig crossed into Yemeni waters for some reason. Strange that they would return to Jizan today rather than continue to their original destination in Somalia. The drilling rig may actually have been a dredge for coastal construction – that’s one of Woongjin’s businesses.
I wonder if the Saudi bastards were trying to build something on the big Hanish Island. They took it over from the Houthis in 2015 (stole it), but the islands are part of Yemen and inside Yemen territorial waters. Shipping lanes go around the islands. No idea if related, but sort of odd for Houthis to pick on a tug/dredge or for it to have wandered into Yemeni waters.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9806215d152cadcea67643f1537cabfc9457b420a25eac4f8fcaa937af5d4915.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/07cb2097707e48198d473163e0a3b025f0e81fba52ba188f855b32674a2864c5.jpg
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The Sabbath School Quarterly with Nathan Brown — Adventist Voices
Alexander Carpenter
Nathan Brown is a writer and book editor at Signs Publishing Company, based near Melbourne, Australia. He has collaborated with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) on “The Least of These” Sabbath School Quarterly project over a period of almost 10 years.
Nathan is author/editor of 16 books, including two this year — Of Falafels and Following Jesus and For the Least of These (companion book to the third quarter Sabbath school lessons). He has completed two master’s degrees, in professional writing, and theology and justice, respectively.
In this episode we discuss his work on the quarterly, what’s just about Adventism, and how he lives the writing life.
Listen to this new Adventist Voices podcast episode on iTunes, Stitcher, and Simplecast, or below.
We hope you enjoyed this episode of Adventist Voices! Remember to subscribe on iTunes!
For those living in the United States, a free copy of For the Least of These (plus $3 shipping) is available through ADRA. More information here. (The book is also available for purchase on Amazon in paperback and Kindle.)
Read a book review of Nathan Brown’s For the Least of These by SpectrumMagazine.org managing editor Alisa Williams, available here.
Adventist Peace Radio, the podcast of the Adventist Peace Fellowship, has a special series of episodes for this Sabbath School Quarter. Co-hosts Nathan Brown and Lisa Diller join Jeff Boyd in leading the series in weekly conversation with a number of guests. For more information and to listen click here.
For an article by Linda Edorsson on the Adventist Record website about how the South Pacific Division is leading the Church on this quarter’s conversation, click here.
For information about this quarter’s lessons, including suggested Bible readings, discussion questions, 13 videos produced by ADRA South Pacific and more, visit their website by clicking here.
Alexander Carpenter is a board member of Adventist Forum, the organization that publishes Spectrum.
Image credit: SpectrumMagazine.org
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Mixing Desk
The Word on the Streets
Is the new album from English rapper Mike Skinner any good?
By Jody Rosen
The Streets The Hardest Way To Make an Easy Living
When a pop star starts making records about how hard it is to be a pop star, it’s usually a sign of creeping decadence and creative stagnation. But Mike Skinner, the Birmingham, England, rapper who records under the moniker the Streets, has made a great album about fame and its discontents. Skinner’s third CD, just released in the U.K. (it’s out in the United States on April 21), turns the stock scenes of rock-star excess—coke snorting, hotel-room trashing, groupie shagging—into tragicomic farce, in part by owning up to the tawdry banality of it all. “The iron has been on in my house for four fucking weeks,” he cries in ” Pranging Out,” a song about cocaine-fueled paranoia. “These headaches are getting unbearably nasty … / The rock ’n’ roll cliché walks in and then smacks me.”
Skinner is a specialist in self-deprecation and in brisk, punch-line-punctuated narratives. On his previous albums, Original Pirate Material (2002) and the amazing A Grand Don’t Come for Free (2004), he set his songs in grimy chip-shops and nightclubs. The atmosphere has become decidedly more rarified—once he lusted after local girls at the disco; now he details an affair with an unnamed MTV starlet. But Skinner remains a chronicler of the small and the sordid: The Hardest Way is a deeply demythologizing glimpse of pop stardom. The title track depicts the workaday grind of record promotion, detailing how Skinner burns through his promotional budget (“Got two-fifty grand in the budget to go/ Subtract five for a good video/ Fifteen for a dud video”). Even “When You Wasn’t Famous,” the song about the starlet, is deflating, with an ennui-tinged chorus (“When you are a famous boy, it gets really easy to get girls/ It’s all so easy, you get a bit spoilt/ So when you try to pull a girl/ Who is also famous too/ It feels just like when you wasn’t famous”) and Skinner’s confession that the girl never really liked him much anyway: “I know that I got a bit close to you/ And that you found it fucking boring.”
As usual, Skinner delivers his rhymes in a thick Midlands deadpan—not the most compelling rapper’s voice but an effective comic instrument. He produces his own records, and on The Hardest Way To Make an Easy Living, the music takes a slightly sour turn, with lots of minor-key synth arpeggios (a bit reminiscent of Eminem’s recent records) and an unimaginative use of the clattery beats that predominate U.K. hip-hop. But Skinner’s songs entrance anyway. He’s a wit and an aphorist (“Two great European narcotics: alcohol and Christianity. I know which one I prefer”), and he can turn on the pathos. “Never Went to Church“is a surprisingly melodic elegy for his late father that ends with lines typical of Skinner’s knack for tightly rhymed everyday epiphanies: “Everytime I interrupt someone like you used to/ When I do something like you, you’ll be on my mind all through/ Cos’ I forgot you left me behind to remind me of you.” But Skinner spends most of his time pondering dilemmas peculiar to the rich, famous, and drug-addled. “See, the thing that’s got it all fucked-up now is camera phones,” he cries at one point. “How the hell am I supposed to be able to do a line in front of complete strangers when I know they’ve all got cameras?”
Eagles of Death Metal Death by Sexy
The Eagles of Death Metal are a one-joke band. Luckily, it’s a good joke. Co-founded in 2004 by Jesse Hughes and Josh Homme, the lead singer of Queens of the Stone Age, the Eagles send up (and celebrate) the richly sleazy brand of ‘70s guitar music that might be called scuzz rock. The musical reference points are garage and glam and ZZ Top; the spiritual touchstones include biker bars, drooping walrusine mustaches, and statutory rape. On their latest (second) album, the Eagles capture the sound, and evoke the seediness, with spooky precision. The sludgy guitar riffs and caterwauling falsetto vocals are period perfect, and their ear for macho-man lyrical absurdities are dead-on. In “Eagles Goth,” Hughes sings:
It should be clear, I’m a cold hard killer
With sophistication and a touch of high class
A heartbreaker bringing death by sexy
A ladykiller, momma, in a rock ’n’ roll band
Though I am a black hearted devil, honey
I must admit you’re really under my skin
The Eagles’ act is a bit risky. Comedians have been playing “rawk” clichés for yuks since at least 1983 (when This Is Spinal Tap came out), and the line between affectionate spoof and Saturday Night Live routine gone wrong is perilously thin. (Cf. the Darkness, England’s lamentable hair metal revivalists.) It helps a lot that the Eagles—Hughes, Homme, and a rotating cast of pals, including joke-rocker supreme Jack Black—are fine musicians and songwriters; plenty of earnest power-poppers would pay good money for the melodies that the Eagles audibly toss off. (Death by Sexy was reportedly written and recorded in just eight days.) But the real triumph is one of taste: They’ve got great taste in tasteless music. It’s hard to go wrong with a great big slab of blues-boogie like “I Want You So Hard (Boy’s Bad News).” This is music worth reviving, an antidote to the aching seriousness of emo and post-grunge, and a reminder that rock ’n’ roll can be terrific dance music. The Eagles might do well to quit while they’re ahead—by album No. 3 this shtick may no longer have legs. For now, though, the band offers something unique: comedy you can shake your booty to.
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The St. Marys Independent
St. Marys Ontario News
AgricultureAgricultural news for St. Marys and area.
SportsWhat is going on in St. Marys Sports.
Music and ArtsMusic and Art news for St. Marys and area.
OPP NewsNews from the OPP in St. Marys and area.
St. Marys Radio
County Council approves surplus farmhouse amendment, St. Marys Cement haul road
Agriculture, NewsBy Indy November 4, 2016
By Dan Rankin On Thursday at Perth County Council there was a major and – for many Perth South farmers at least – pleasing development in the long saga of Perth County farmers seeking permission to sever off farmhouses that were surplus to their needs as a result of farm consolidation. According to Director of…
Features, Letters to the EditorBy Indy November 4, 2016
An open letter to the citizens of St. Marys This letter is to alert the residents of St. Marys that a Big City Developer is trying to impose a Big City Development onto our small town, by applying for an Official Plan Amendment (OPA) and Zoning By-law Amendment for the development of the former Arthur…
SMCP’s Steel Magnolias salutes the everyday courage of moms, wives and widows
Music and Arts, NewsBy Indy November 4, 2016
By Dan Rankin If you heard about a play with a cast full of heroes, where might you expect it to be set? On a battlefield? At a police station or a fire hall? How about a small town Louisiana hair salon? That’s exactly where Robert Harling’s play “Steel Magnolias,” the latest production by the…
Today is Random Act of Kindness Day in St. Marys and around Perth County
Community, NewsBy Indy November 4, 2016
Since 2008, Random Act of Kindness Day has brought together Canadian communities by engaging citizens in small acts of kindness and generosity. The message is simple; do something nice for someone and ask nothing in return other than they do something nice for someone else. “Part of the beauty of the initiative is that it…
Lincs can’t hold lead against Chatham, fall 6-4 Friday
News, SportsBy Indy November 4, 2016
By Dan Rankin The St. Marys Lincolns (5-12-0-0) looked pretty sharp last Friday in their special pink jerseys, which were auctioned off after the game to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society. They looked equally sharp in the first period against Chatham (12-4-0-0), their opponents for the ‘Pink in the Rink’ night, as some…
St. Marys Community Players cut the ribbon on newly renovated Town Hall Theatre
By Dan Rankin The St. Marys Community Players took some time last Friday before the opening night performance of their latest production, “Steel Magnolias,” to hold a commemorative ribbon cutting ceremony, acknowledging the completion of major renovations to the historic Town Hall Theatre and thanking the organizations who contributed to make the improvements possible. Gary…
Friend, Neighbour, Co-Worker and Living Kidney Donor
On Oct. 28, Matt Adams donated a kidney to his friend, neighbour and co-worker Steven Hurst. In March, Steve was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure and discovered he would need a kidney transplant. His pregnant wife, Ashley gave birth to their first child Mason the day they heard the diagnosis. This summer, Ashley created a…
St. Marys teen enjoying Rotary Exchange in Croatia
The following correspondence was written by Angelica Pearce, 17, of St. Marys, who is currently on Rotary Exchange in Croatia, sponsored by the Rotary Club of St. Marys: Hello everyone! By now I have been here almost two months and have been having the time of my life. I left Pearson Airport Aug. 27 for…
An interview with Town CAO Brent Kittmer
Busy and interesting first year on the job One of the most important positions in St. Marys is being the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the Town of St. Marys. Brent Kittmer holds this position and since he has been on the job for just over a year, we sat down with him to find…
Legion, Army and Navy and Town planning local Remembrance Day events
As Remembrance Day approaches, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 236, Army, Navy and Airforce Veterans Unit 265 and Town of St. Marys plan to honour our veterans with three special events. On Saturday, Nov. 5 between 9:00 am and 12:30 pm, the Town has arranged for miniature Canadian flags to be available at the St.…
Copyright © St. Marys Independent Newspaper
Website by Gorton Media
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Par John Sturges
Age: G
Durée: 2h 9min
Réalisateur: John Sturges
Société de production: Frankovich Productions
Prix iTunes: USD 12.99
They are trapped in a spaceship with no power. Outside there is no air and no heat. Earth spins 200 miles below. Three astronauts face a desperate situation in this spellbinding science fiction cliffhanger. After completing a daring mission in space, the three-man spaceship Ironman One orbits Earth preparing for re-entry. But a retro-rocket misfires, and the crew commander Jim Pruett (Richard Crenna), scientist/astronaut Clayton Stone (James Franciscus) and pilot Buzz Lloyd (Academy Award(r) Winner Gene Hackman Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Unforgiven, 1992; and Best Actor in a Leading Role, The French Connection, 1971) are marooned in space. Back on Earth, Charles Keith (Academy Award(r) Winner Gregory Peck Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, 1968; and Best Actor in a Leading Role, To Kill a Mocking Bird, 1962), chief of the manned space program, and senior astronaut Ted Dougherty (David Janssen) plan an incredible rescue while the whole world anxiously awaits.
Films par John Sturges
John Sturges
Ice Station Zebra
Henry King & John Sturges
Joe Kidd
Bad Day At Black Rock
Gunfight At the O.K. Corral
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How Advancing Location Tech Can Help Revitalize Retail
May 19, 2017 by Joao-Pierre Ruth
Digital is not the enemy of brick-and-mortar businesses. That was a key message in a Street Fight webinar Thursday, which featured inMarket and the Integer Group.
Despite fears of the disruption that new business models and technology bring, these are can be opportunities for brands to better understand and engage with consumers, said Cameron Peebles, CMO for inMarket. He shared his company’s insights during the webinar alongside The Integer Group’s group media director, M.K. Woltz. InMarket and The Integer Group are leaders in the online-to-offline segment, and Woltz and Peebles discussed effective brand strategies for digital-to-physical conversions.
For example, inMarket recently launched a “lapsed-shopper reactivation” program, which targets consumers who at one point frequented specific stores but then got out of their regular shopping patterns.
During the talk, Peebles outlined a strategy for planning, deploying, optimizing and calculating ROI for mobile campaign in retail sales. An essential part of that planning means seeing digital as an asset rather than as the enemy. In years past, Peebles said, it was predicted that digital would kill off the entire music industry. The changes digital brought to the music world cannot be denied — consumers can now access media through mobile devices almost anywhere. But rather than digital portending doom for all music, streaming revenue increased by 8.1 percent in 2016, he said: “This is from the likes of Spotify and other groups applying digital strategies to a legacy industry — causing a resurgence that is expected to grow into the future.”
He noted that a comparable prediction was made about movies as high quality video made its way to personal devices. Again, the expectation was that the public would stop going out and stay home instead to consume all their media. But instead of being the final curtain on theaters, Peebles said online purchases of movie tickets actually helped increase box office sales by 4.3 percent in 2016.
Another prediction about digital casts companies such as Amazon as devourers of the retail landscape, taking more and more market share. It is hard to dismiss the growing reach that e-tailers wield, however that does not necessarily spell doom for all stores. “The secret to surviving in a digital-first world is embracing digital strategies rather than fighting them,” Peebles said.
This is true, he said for brick-and-mortar retail or any vertical where people make purchases in the real world. A significant part of turning digital into an asset is mapping to the customer acquisition funnel. Peebles said many people equate mobile advertising with broad programmatic buys that spray-and-pray dollars to increase brand awareness or the campaign depends on users looking at their devices while in a target area at a certain time.
Those notions overlook what a more comprehensive approach that mobile and digital offer, he said, that better matches each part of the funnel. “The fact that it has the ability to influence both, increase awareness and drive purchase intent, is the power of mobile,” Peebles said.
It is not just about figuring out where to connect with consumers. Woltz said The Integer Group uses data and cultural insights to help brands understand their customers and potentially accelerate the pace of transactions for purchases. The Integer Group works with clients such as Starbucks, retail stores, and brands such as Kellogg’s, Procter & Gamble, Mars, and Wrigley. “Mobile is part of almost every plan we are doing,” Woltz said. “We look at mobile as a way to get brands in consideration before consumers go into stores.”
That can include driving awareness about the brands or offers that are available at that moment, she said.
As trends in digital continue to spread and evolve, plenty of location data providers may offer their services — but finding the right fit for a brand’s needs will take some investigation. Peebles said companies who are choosing such a vendor should weigh carefully whether or not they offer first-party, verified GPS, wifi, and beacon data; have trusted sources of inventory that consumers rely on; as well as have the scale to reach multiple types of consumers. “If you are working with a data partner, they should be very transparent about their data sources and their data strategy,” he said.
Joao-Pierre Ruth is a Street Fight contributor.
Join inMarket and hundreds of other top local companies and brands at The Best Street Fight Summit Ever — a three-day extravaganza in Brooklyn on June 12-14. Click here to register now!
Tags: Beacons Cameron Peebles inMarket MK Woltz
Street Fight Daily: Facebook Boosts Brick-and-Mortar, Native Google Assistant Integration Coming to Autos
Raise Report: Cuebiq, Social Native, Territory Pick Up New Funding
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Sowore: Amnesty Int’l, SERAP, Others Hold Press Briefing In Abuja Monday
December 8, 2019 Political Editor Top Stories 0
By Hamed Shobiye
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – Following last Friday’s “desecration” of the Federal High Court, Abuja, by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Amnesty International and other concerned groups will on Monday hold a press conference to further press home the demand for the unconditional release of convener of the #RevolutionNow protest movement, Omoyele Sowore and his co-defendant, Olawale Bakare, by the secret police.
Aside the Amnesty International, other conveners of the media briefing slated for Dennis Hotel, Abuja, are the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Concerned Nigerians, Enough is Enough (EiE), Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), People’s Alternative Front, Socio-Economic Right and Accountability Project (SERAP), Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) and Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC).
Sowore, who was arrested in August for organizing a protest march against perceived misrule by the present administration, is standing trial for treasonable felony charges alongside Bakare.
The duo were released on Thursday on the order of Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu who ordered the secret police to release the defendants within 24 hours. But they were whisked back to custody a few hours after their release by the DSS operatives who stormed the court in a commando-style and forced everybody including the judge to scamper to safety.
Sowore’s co-defendant, Bakare, speaks out from hideout
Revealed: How Nigeria Lost $42bn To Crude Oil Theft In 10 Years – NEITI
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Stop Lying Up And Down, Fatoyinbo Fires At Busola Dakolo
September 10, 2019 Admin News 0
Abuja – Pastor Fatoyinbo has asked Busola Dakolo, wife of Timi Dakolo to stop lying about her rape case.
Senior Pastor of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, Biodun Fatoyinbo, has taken to his social media page to respond to recent reports alleging that a Federal High Court, in a writ of summons dated September 6 and served on Fatoyinbo, had ordered the accused to appear before it within 14 days of the service or judgment may be given in his absence.
It read, “You are hereby commanded that within fourteen (14) days after the service of this writ on you, inclusive of the day of such service you do cause an appearance to be entered for you,
in an action of Mrs. Busola Dakolo.“And take notice that in default, the claimant may proceed, and judgment may be given in your absence.” But Fatoyinbo responded in a terse official statement on his Instagram page on Monday evening, which read,
“We have heard the latest report. We have not received any court document and if we do, we would respond accordingly because we have utmost respect for the law.” In addition, the COZA pastor captioned the statement, saying, “I normally would not respond to news. But will do so only this time. Allow me to respond in Pidgin English: ‘Stop lying up an dan.’” Busola, through her lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi & Co., is seeking the order of the court to compel Fatoyinbo to publish a clearly worded apology to Busola on the front page of at least two (2) national newspapers and two national televisions for seven days running consecutively. Busola had, two months ago,
made a shocking revelation in a detailed interview with Chude Jideonwo, a lawyer and journalist, of how the Abuja-based cleric raped her as a teenager.
She claimed that Fatoyinbo had sexual intercourse with her on September 23 and 26, 2002, caused her continuous emotional distress amounting to intentional infliction of emotional distress. The viral video had set social media and other online platforms on fire, evoking shock, backlash and criticisms from Nigerians, especially the Christian community.
It will be recalled that Pastor Fatoyinbo was detained during interrogation over the rape allegation at the Force Headquarters in Abuja in August. He was eventually released on bail. He had earlier boycotted the panel set up by the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria to investigate the rape allegation against him, claiming that he was advised by his lawyers not to appear.
Social Media, Top Priority For Photographers – Kashope
Shocking! Man Commits Suicide In Imo Just 3 Days After Welcoming A Baby With His Wife
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Beginner Slopes
Dry Slopes
Gallery/ Roofing
Goods Cable Lift
3D Planning & VR Presentation
Ski School Aids
Snow plow help
V Assistant
V Ride
Figures & Slope design
Speaking Animals
Toucans & arches
Snow Fun Park
Sit and relax
Safety on the mountain
Solux Galery
The track design
The rail system
The toboggan
The brake system
The mountain transport
Ski Lift Tracks
Kart Track
Indoor Tubing
Trains and modules for existing rides
Waterpark Conveyor
Production of spare parts and component assemblies
Download Tests
Career at Sunkid
You are here: » 2015-04 Wood'n'Fun: Experience ornithology in a fun way » 2015 » Projects » Home
Wood'n'Fun:
Experience ornithology in a fun way
Bellamonte/Val di Fiemme (Italy): Sunkid along with partners Kerschdorfer (landscaping) and Almholz (wood structures) plans and implements a two-phase summer project focusing on the "bird" theme in the middle of the Alpe di Lusia (ski) resort.
Right next to the top station of the 4-seat Fassane chair lift at an altitude of 5,740 ft (1,750m), a play area focusing on the Giro d'Ali theme has been designed where kids of all ages can have fun. As the name Giro d'Ali already reveals, the topic of (bird) wings runs like a common thread through the particular play stations. Yet there’s also room to learn about the fauna and flora of the surrounding environment. The project is divided into two areas.
The first area leads through a meadow used as a ski slope in winter. A small (artificially created) stream crosses it. This educational course can be best described as “barefoot in the stream.” Stretching over several hundred meters alongside the trail are small waterfalls, stone steps set underwater, small suspended bridges, wood play equipment and even an exciting gold panning station, as well as small rafts shaped like the typical birds found in the Fleimstal valley: eagles and hawks, bullfinches, sparrows and robins...
The meadow next to the stream is also great to play on and to have fun discovering the mysteries of nature. There, the youngest children will find interactive play stations with materials from the forest for their enjoyment. All play equipment is planned, built and assembled such that they can be easily removed after the summer season, so that the meadow can once again be used as a ski slope in the winter. The circular trail alongside the stream was designed to make it easy to access with baby carriages and strollers.
The second part of the project, described as the “bird trail” is made up of six stations located alongside the slope at the edge of the woods. A major contribution to the successful implementation of the project was made by Mr. Harald Kaneider as representative of Sunkid Italia. He had played a significant role in the planning and designed a turnkey concept along with both partners Kerschdorfer (landscaping) and Almholz (wood structures) and also coordinated construction work for the customers as the sole contact person.
Surface Lifts
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Archaeologists Find Remains of Pompeii’s Unluckiest Victim
Way back in elementary school, we had to read a certain number of books each week and it seemed that all the good reads were always checked out. That’s when I took some initiative and meandered over to the non-fiction section and happened upon a book on historic natural disasters.
This NERF Blaster Can Cast Floating “Holographic” Spells
Doctor Strange definitely needs this NERF blaster – a gun that generates animated spells out of thin air. This truly is wizardry. This cool hack comes from a Japanese cosplayer, and it is able to achieve the effect by using a spinning LED wand.
Fallout 76 Teaser Trailer: The Official Vault of the Tricentennial
This is the best news I’ve heard all day. A new Fallout game is coming! It all started with a livestream on Twitch that was a video of a Vault Boy bobblehead in front of a screen that featured Fallout’s “Please Stand By” alert.
Makita Coffee Maker Runs on Power Tool Batteries
Back in the day, there were a couple of summers I worked construction with a family friend. What I remember about those summers was miserable Texas heat and how many of the guys on the crew drank piping hot coffee even when it was literally 110-degrees outside.
Dad Tries to Convince Son Why Harrison Ford is the Real Solo
Growing up in the ’80s meant each Christmas I asked for “all the Star Wars toys”… and sadly that never happened. Still, I had lots of that Star Wars stuff down to the sheets, comforter, and curtains in my room.
Rick and Morty Creator Selling Customized Legend of Zelda 3DS
Rick and Morty fans will probably recall the episode called “Total Rickall.” During one scene, Rick hatches a plan to buy limited-edition Legend of Zelda 3DS consoles from Walmart for $149, then get a $50 gift card, and sell them for $230 to get rich.
Thor’s Stormbreaker Gets Real
In Avengers: Infinity War, Thor had the world’s littlest giant forge him a one of a kind Thanos-killing weapon named Stormbreaker. Now humans have gone and built one in real life. Man At Arms: Reforged has brought the weapon to life, and it looks pretty impressive. Instead of just casting the replica, they decided to forge it.
Millennium Falcon Picnic Blanket May Not Look Like Much
The sun is out and you’re hungry. It’s a great day for a picnic. But something is missing. The Millennium Falcon is what you need. Forget the Kessel Run. Head to a nearby park with this Millennium Falcon Picnic Blanket and enjoy the day. This picnic blanket is a replica of the ship that fans know and love.
The Straw That Broke the Camel’s Bank Account
These days, there are luxury versions of everything. And such schmancy products usually come in rose gold color, which has been popular with the well-heeled for a little while now. Well, it looks like the rose gold craziness may have officially jumped the shark with this rose gold vermeil crazy straw from Tiffany & Co’s Everyday Objects collection.
Insane Mod: Motorcycle Engine in a Barbie Power Wheels Car
Look at this brilliant and brave, yet insane man. This guy and his buddies took the engine off a Honda CRF230 dirt bike and figured out a way to graft that thing into a Barbie Power Wheels Mustang.
The Frisbee Has Been “Reinvented”, and We’re Not Sure That’s a Good Thing
61 years ago, the Frisbee was born. That was when Wham-O Inc. acquired the rights to the flying disc and officially named it. Now, the company says it’s reinvented the Frisbee. This new version looks wobbly and warped.
These Tiny Cinder Blocks Let You Construct Buildings at Your Desk
Has work got you down? Is it too boring sitting at your cubicle, banging that keyboard and clicking that mouse all day long? I hear ya. Time to take a break and get creative. Mini Materials’ miniature cinder block building set is all you need to get a miniature construction site going at your desk. These are the real deal, handmade from actual cement.
Breath of the Wild Bow and Arrow Replica Set: A Link to Your Wallet
It’s safe to say that Nintendo’s Switch has been a wild success, and one of the games that they can thank for that is Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This is probably one of the biggest and most popular Legend of Zelda games ever.
World’s Smallest House Is Invisible to the Naked Eye
Look at this house. It looks a bit old and dilapidated, but it is the world’s smallest house. It measures a scant 300 x 300 micrometers, which means it’s too tiny for even a dust mite to make it into the door. It was built by the nanorobotics team from the Femto-ST Institute in Besancon, France.
Scuf Vantage PS4 Controller Lets Players Customize to Their Heart’s Content
The PlayStation 4 is getting a new officially-licensed controller, with a shape is closer to an Xbox One controller rather than the familiar DualShock that fans know. The Vantage controller from Scuf Gaming offers many customization possibilities, and looks like a great option for PS4 players looking to get more out of their joysticks. Among its capabilities, the new controller features adjustable triggers with extenders and stops, customizable thumbsticks, a paddle system and other features that give players an edge in all of their favorite games.
Kids In Transformers Costumes Are More Than Meets The Eye
Kids love to dress up in costumes, and there’s no better outfit for the little ones than some giant transforming mechs. Check out these three kids showing off their adorable Transformers costumes, which look awesome. There’s Optimus Prime, Starscream and Bumblebee.
Deals in The Technabob Shop
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Posts Tagged 'beijing'
China allows access to English Wikipedia
Published April 7, 2008 censorship , news , technology Leave a Comment
Tags: access, beijing, china, internet, wiki, wikipedia
Chinese authorities appeared to have lifted a block on the English-language version of online encyclopedia Wikipedia, but politically sensitive topics such as Tibet and Tiananmen Square are still off limits.
Internet users in Beijing and Shanghai confirmed on Saturday that they could access the English-language version of one of the world’s most popular websites, but the Chinese language version was still restricted.
While searches of random topics such as “Johann Sebastian Bach” and “dim sum” brought up English-language articles, sensitive words such as Tibet were met with a message that the browser was unable to connect to the Internet.
The move comes after International Olympic Committee (IOC) inspectors told Beijing organisers that the Internet must be open for the duration of the 2008 Olympics and that blocking it “would reflect very poorly” on the host country. (link)
China tightening grip on Internet cafes
Published March 13, 2008 censorship , news , technology 1 Comment
Tags: beijing, cafes, china, internet, logging, login, name, photo, real, system, xicheng
When I registered at my local gym (Cheetah Gym Bucktown represent!), the folks behind the counter took a photo of me that would show up every time I signed in. This, presumably, is to prevent me from letting my friends abuse my gym membership. Other places do it too, including discount membership stores like Costco and Sam’s Club. Businesses like Internet cafes, on the other hand, aren’t usually known for demanding ID—customers can waltz in and be almost as anonymous there as they are on the Internet. But if you’re an Internet café user in Beijing, China, you will soon be required to register with your real name and a photo before logging on.
53 Internet cafés in Beijing’s Xicheng District will be fitted with a new login system by the end of this month, according to the district’s Culture Administration Enforcement Team. Additionally, all eight urban districts of Beijing will require Internet cafés to adopt real-name registration by June of this year, and all eight suburban districts will need to install the new system before 2009. The new system will include new management and supervisory capabilities, which Xicheng’s District Culture Commission says will “provide a database for supervision decision-making.” (link)
iPhone creating huge gray market
Published February 15, 2008 apple , iphone , news , technology Leave a Comment
Tags: apple, beijing, clone, fake, gray, iphone, market, phone
Encamped along the aisles of the massive Zhongguancun Kemao Electronics Market in Beijing are many people like Li Zhongxin, of the Beijing Xinyu Lianhe Telecom Equipment Co. Li sits atop a plastic stool in front of his open-air stall on the third floor, scanning the throngs of shoppers for would-be customers. There’s no sign of Apple’s iPhone among the thicket of cell phones, handset covers, and other accessories hung on shelves and inside the waist-high glass display case, but he’ll be glad to show you one. In exchange for an up-front payment, “you can buy as many as you’d like,” Li says.
The assertion may seem misplaced in a country where Apple has yet to introduce the iPhone. The device is officially on sale only in the U.S., Britain, France, and Germany, where Apple has signed exclusive contracts with cellular carriers including AT&T. Yet Li’s booming business is the very real byproduct of pent-up demand for a much-hyped device made by a company that places strict limits on where and how it’s sold. (link)
Downloading of dirty version get’s Lust fans infected with virus
Published November 20, 2007 censorship , copyright , news , porn , technology 1 Comment
Tags: ang, beijing, caution, china, download, lee, lust, sex, virus
Lust seems to be prevailing over caution for computer users in China who download certain unauthorized copies of Ang Lee’s latest film: some of them are receiving dozens of viruses instead.
Because ” Lust, Caution ” was released in China with about 30 minutes of footage censored by the local film overseer — almost all of it depicting graphic sex — movie audiences here are turning to unauthorized downloads of the film to see what they missed.
However, hackers are replacing what appear to be copies of the film with software that infects end users’ computers, according to a warning from antivirus software maker Beijing Rising International Software. (link)
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Charges and booking
Education programmes
Whole School INSET
BHEE
Martyn Comley
While the Nature Reserve most obviously lends itself to the Science, Geography or History curriculum, it can equally well serve as a stimulus for writing, Art, Maths or Music. Possible themes could be Habitats, Adaptation, Settlements, the Changing Coastline, Birds, Camber Castle, Pond Life.
Feel free to contact Nature Reserve Staff to discuss your requirements.
Visits are appropriate for Key stages 1-4 and A-level.
The Rye Harbour Nature Reserve Key Stage 1 and 2 programmes (66KB)
Ticks & Lyme Disease
Children must remain under teachers’ control at all times and teachers remain responsible for the children during a visit. Teachers are also responsible for all First Aid arrangements and must carry the necessary First Aid Kits and a mobile telephone. We require a ratio of one adult to ten or fewer children (not including any Nature Reserve helpers).
Visiting schools must have public liability insurance to cover their own potential liabilities.
A Risk Assessment is available before your visit.
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve has insurance, covering its potential liabilities.
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is situated two miles south of Rye, East Sussex.
The main entrance to the Nature Reserve is in the village of Rye Harbour near the public car park and Martello Tower.
High vehicles such as coaches can not enter the car park but can park adjacent to it.
View a map of the area
Please contact us for more details.
The Nature Reserve can also be accessed from Brede Lock near Rye (for Camber Castle) or the village of Winchelsea Beach
Become a Member of the Sussex Wildlife Trust
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Ordenar los resultados por "Julia Gibson"
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Engagement with India
Global Leaders Program
Official visits
Home / Engage with us / Global engagement / Engagement with India
Collaborating for impact
We are committed to deeper engagement with India by investing in research and collaborating with industry partners, while supporting education for students to achieve their full potential.
At the University of Sydney, we build strategic global partnerships that change lives through high‑impact collaborations, leadership in research, teaching and international experiences. We provide opportunities for our staff and students to exchange ideas with the brightest minds around the world, and offer scholarships for students who are Indian citizens.
We partner our students with leading corporate, community and government organisations to create solutions to authentic issues. Our students bring fresh insights to organisations and gain invaluable practical experience.
Our partnerships cross research, industry, business, government and education
Our collaboration in action
Collaborating on research, contributing to professional services and licensing our intellectual property are just three of the ways we work with industry, business and government.
Examples of this collaboration include:
60 academic research partnerships with India
partnerships in India in the fields of health, medicine, environmental sciences and agriculture
appointment of the inaugural University of Sydney Visiting Chair in Contemporary India, Professor Meena Gopal from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences.
Our goal is to work with industry partners who recognise the value of our technologies, ideas and expertise. We hope that our partnerships fuel greater research and development and generate products, systems and services that benefit the global community.
Our multidisciplinary research
Our unique research centres are focused on tackling problems from all angles, addressing major social challenges and specialist interest areas.
We're home to 10 multidisciplinary initiatives that bring together talented researchers across diverse disciplines to advance teaching and research objectives in a collaborative environment. These include the Brain and Mind Centre; Cancer Research Network; Charles Perkins Centre; Centre for Translational Data Science; Marie Bashir Institute; Sydney Environment Institute; Sydney Nano; Australian Centre for Field Robotics; Sydney Policy Lab; and Sydney Southeast Asia Centre.
Other important partnerships
The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute are co‑funding research by Professor Richard Trethowan from the Faculty of Science on molecular wheat breeding.
As part of our commitment to increasing engagement with India, our Global Executive MBA has a residential block that is undertaken in Bangalore each year.
We have signed an agreement with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences for an Industry and Community Project Unit to commence in February 2020.
Our welcoming community makes new Indian students feel right at home
Once Indian students join our friendly community, we offer plenty of support to make their transition to life in Sydney as easy as possible. With a vibrant community of more than 200 clubs and societies, we have something for everyone.
We host an array of subcontinental food, cultural activities and events on campus. The City of Sydney celebrates festivals such as Diwali, Holi Mahotsav and Parramasala, and we host the oldest cricket club in Australia, with a range of teams suited to all player levels.
Our subcontinental clubs and societies include the Ekansh Indian Cultural Society and the Sydney University Sikh Society.
Milestone moments in our partnerships with India
Flagship public talks program heads to India
The University of Sydney has taken its flagship public talks program, Sydney Ideas, to Delhi and Mumbai. It is the first time Sydney Ideas has been taken overseas.
Working with India to address human impact of climate change
The University of Sydney has signed an MOU research agreement with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai to work on collaborative research focused on the consequences of climate change.
Cementing Sydney's relationship with India
The University of Sydney will send its largest ever international delegation to India, travelling across the country to meet with institutional and industry partners.
First Sydney Scholars India winners
Undergraduate students Madhullikaa Singh from Mumbai and Aryan Bhatia from Delhi are the inaugural recipients of the two major scholarships offered under the Sydney Scholars India Scholarship program, valued at up to AU$200,000 (INR 10,000,000) each.
Partnering with Tech Mahindra's research arm Makers Lab
The University of Sydney is partnering with Tech Mahindra's research and development arm, Makers Lab, to provide students with real-world experience through the newly developed Industry and Community Projects Units (ICPU).
Prestigious new scholarships for students from India
For the first time the University establishes a A$500,000 country-specific scholarship scheme to help discover India's next leaders.
Partnering with India's premier institutions
The University of Sydney is strengthening its partnerships with two of India's leading universities to give students experience studying and working abroad.
Collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay is working with researchers from our Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies on quantum dots for sensing and diagnosing diseases, as well as targeted drug delivery and efficient elimination of cancer cells.
Partnership signed with Tech Mahindra
The University finalises an historic partnership with Tech Mahindra for collaborative research and experiential learning opportunities to students.
Partnership with Indian Institute of Technology Madras
The University signs a five-year agreement worth A$500,000 that will help develop medical interventions using modern engineering approaches to address health and medical issues.
Contact our engagement team
University fast facts
1st in Australia and 4th in the world for graduate employability
Top 50 in world university rankings
Contact us (external engagement)
engage.team@sydney.edu.au
Contact us (research partnerships)
amanda.sayan@sydney.edu.au
Contact us (industry partnerships)
Education Enterprise and Engagement
danielle.godbier@sydney.edu.au
Contact us (student enquiries)
Global Student Recruitment and Mobility
india.info@sydney.edu.au
Our partners in other regions
Europe, the birthplace of the modern university, is our leading source of research collaborations.
Our partnerships with American and Canadian universities put us in touch with some of the world’s best researchers and educators.
The rise of Asia’s universities has been a dominant trend in international higher education. The University is at the forefront of building partnerships with our closest neighbours in the Asia-Pacific region.
Scholarships for India's next visionary leaders
For the first time in the University of Sydney's history, a country-specific scholarship scheme will be established to help discover India's next leaders.
Three finalists in India Australia Business and Community Awards
The India Australia Business and Community Awards celebrate the Australia-India relationship and honour entrepreneurship and community leadership.
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HomePerspectiveNo Election Fraud or Election Fraud Everywhere? – Part 2
The Texas 2018 Mid-Term Elections
December 11, 2018 Andrew Piziali Perspective, Politics 0
In part 1 of this article I examined the evidence for and against election fraud across these United States, concluding that to dismiss it is foolish. On the other hand, the occurrence of fraud is so minute in the Union as a whole that we can be skeptical of claims of rampant election fraud. Nevertheless, closer to home, what fraud was perpetrated during our recently concluded Texas mid-term elections?
Poll Workers Encourage Voter Fraud
As reported in the article “Project Veritas Undercover Video: Texas Election Official Admits ‘Tons of Non-Citizens’ Voting,” the video they released on election day—
—documents election officers Deborah Brooks and Pam Nash advising a journalist posing as a voter to violate the Texas Election Code. In the video, the journalist asks Brooks if her DREAMer boyfriend can vote, since he is registered and has a drivers license. She answers: “If he has his ID, that’s all he needs. If he’s registered.” When the journalist asks if it matters whether or not he is a citizen, Brooks answers “No. Don’t pay any attention to that. Bring him up here.”
Texas Election Code section 63.012 states: “An election officer commits an offense if the officer knowingly: (1) permits an ineligible voter to vote, other than as provided by Section 63.011; …” Section 63.011 is the allowance for provisional ballots. Texas law states that to be eligible to vote, you must be a U.S. citizen, one of six requirements.
Vote Counting Center Irregularities
ES & S ballot scanner, Creative Commons CC0 1.0
Another kind of election fraud may have been perpetrated at a central vote counting center in Dallas County. In a recent article published by “American Free Press,” “Allegations of Voter Fraud Ring Out Across America,” Mark Anderson reports that nine Texans were arrested for voter fraud because they allegedly falsified their identity or engaged in other fraud when they cast their ballots. According to Anderson, “Three affidavits have been filed with the Texas Attorney General, Ken Paxton, alleging ballot counting discrepancies in the March 6, 2018 Dallas County Democratic Primary elections.” Anderson details the irregularities:
According to Texas vote-integrity activist Dr. Laura Pressley, founder of True Texas Elections LLC, official vote watchers who oversaw the midterm elections at the central vote-counting facility in Dallas County found “multiple issues” during the tabulations of early-voting data.
[They included] the presence of wireless and Bluetooth Internet connections in the Central Counting Station where votes are downloaded and tabulated; a voting system computer, seen as having Internet-connection capability, directly observed communicating over the Internet; and emails were observed being sent from a voting system computer—by a Central Counting Station election officer—meaning email software had been loaded onto that computer.
The latter observations violate the Texas Election Code governing electronic voting equipment.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, photo by Alice Linahan, Voices Empower, Creative Commons CC0 1.0
Voters Fraudulently Sway Democratic Primary Propositions
Now, to our final exhibit of election fraud. On November 1 “The New American” reported in the article “Texas Citizens Request Vote Fraud Investigation” that, following the March 6, 2018 Dallas County Democratic primary election, Texans filed three affidavits with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, alleging ballot counting discrepancies. Reporter Kurt Hyde elaborates:
For instance, in six precincts a combined total of approximately 393 ballots were cast on ballot propositions, but in those same precincts zero votes appear to have been cast for any of the candidates seeking Democratic nominations.
Conversely, in four precincts apparently no ballots whatsoever were cast for any of the propositions, yet approximately 239 ballots were cast for candidates seeking Democratic nominations. Such contradictory results appear to be statistical impossibilities.
The first case—and likely the second—indicate an attempt to stuff the ballot box to influence the outcome of propositions, based upon precinct demographic biases.
Each of the three instances illustrate people attempting to perpetrate—and sometimes succeeding in—election fraud. Whether it is poll workers ignoring the law, a vote counting center skirting the law, or poll workers changing ballots, fraud was committed during this Texas fall election. Was it sufficient to sway any of the elections? Maybe. Without a serious deep dive into each case, the question remains unanswered. Moreover, by the time an investigation was completed it may be too late to make a difference.
Clearly, there is an incentive to cheat the electoral system, as evidenced in the fraud documented in these two articles. Hence, a balance must be struck between removing barriers to voting—such as early, absentee and provisional ballots—and erecting barriers to fraud. We Texans must remain vigilant to ensure the integrity of our election process. We must also be willing to invest the time, effort and money to do so. As Thomas Jefferson reminded us, “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.”
[1] “American Free Press,” Mark Anderson, November 19, 2018
Andrew Piziali
Texas Election Code
True Texas Elections
About Andrew Piziali 36 Articles
Andrew Piziali is a retired design verification engineer with a passion for Jesus Christ and liberty. He is a former member of the Collin County chapter of the Texas Nationalist Movement, now writing as an expat from Prescott, Arizona.
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CRISPR patent rights awarded, implications for innovation
Meena Zaveri
CRISPR is a relatively new and exciting innovation whose reputation has exploded across the science community in the last few years. It is a cheap and easy method to edit DNA sequences that has huge potential in medicine and biotechnology.
Even with this exciting innovation on the horizon, over the last month the world has watched a tense legal battle between two research groups unfold.
Jennifer Doudna, Professor in both the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at UC Berkeley developed the method. However, Feng Zhang of the Broad Institute, a research group associated with Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, also performed major work to refine the technique.
In September, the U.S. Federal Court of Appeals awarded patent rights to the Broad Institute, which means the research group will be able to charge others for the use of the technology.
The initial discovery of the CRISPR method was made in 1987 by a group in Osaka. The technique was then reported on and improved by several other groups before Doudna and her team developed CRISPR’s application as a gene editing technique.
However, the awarding of patent rights is incredibly complex. In this case, and many others, the rights are awarded solely to one group. This creates a legal race for the top which encourages larger corporations and groups that can afford legal expertise to compete. The added stakes of legal battles increases the costs for drug development which in turn exacerbates already high costs of pharmaceutical innovation.
Today’s scientists spend $10 million on legal fees and hours on litigation rather than pooling their resources. The race for the top also means that many research groups are doing the same research simultaneously without realising. This means time, expertise, equipment and knowledge are being wasted.
In an age where most genetic diseases have no cure and require highly individualized treatments, a solution like CRISPR should be a miracle. Instead, the legal barbed wire has slowed down the innovation process.
The current research avenues for CRISPR range from cancer cures to designer babies and consequently the value and implications of the patent rights are extremely high. CRISPR has the potential to solve many global issues such as crop failure and disease, especially concerning those with genetic predispositions towards certain chronic illnesses.
However, it could also become highly commercialized depending on how the Broad Institute chooses to use their rights.
The Broad institute called for an end to the 3 year legal battle, stating “It is time for all institutions to move beyond litigation. We should work together to ensure wide, open access to this transformative technology”.
Despite this call for collaboration, many are unhappy with the ruling in the U.S. Appeals Court, claiming the improvements made by Zhang on CRISPR were ‘obvious’ and thus not grounds for awarding the patent rights. There is the possibility for UC Berkeley to appeal the decision and statements from the team indicate this may happen.
The irony of this situation is that CRISPR offers the key to shift medicine away from mass produced to tailor-made and more effective treatments, a movement that is already controversial.
With still tension in the air over the decision and uncertainty about its future, what remains is clear is that the proceedings of this case will have major implications in the direction and growth of the pharmaceutical industry over the next few years.
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Why Sophie Turner Doesn't Think Sansa Stark Should Sit on the Iron Throne in Game of Thrones
By Megan McCluskey
With less than a week to go until Game of Thrones‘ long-awaited seventh season, discussion about who deserves the Iron Throne is heating up. But while some fans believe Sansa Stark should be the one to end up on Westeros’ highest seat of power, Sophie Turner — who plays the elder Stark daughter — has a different opinion.
During an interview with Entertainment Weekly alongside co-stars Kit Harington (Jon Snow), Maisie Williams (Arya Stark) and Isaac Hempstead-Wright (Bran Stark), Turner revealed that she believes Sansa would be content to take control of the North while her half-brother-turned-cousin ascends to the Throne.
“I think the Stark that should rule Winterfell is Sansa because she deserves it and she’s a natural born leader,” she said. “But I don’t think she really wants the Iron Throne at all. Winterfell is just perfect for her. Jon Snow should be on the Iron Throne out of all the Starks. He’s kind of got the whole package and has a great team around him. I think he’d be quite a good king.”
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However, her onscreen siblings disagreed, all putting in a good word for their red-headed sister. “Sansa [should] rule the Iron Throne, Arya rule Winterfell and I’d have Jon Snow go back to the Wall,” Harington offered.
Watch the full video below.
Write to Megan McCluskey at megan.mccluskey@time.com.
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The Coat Hanger TV Blooper — The Making of a Viral Video
It was just a stupid clothes hanger. That was pulled from a stupid suit. That became a stupid video. That has now been viewed more than two million times.
Admittedly, in my role as a TV news guy I’ve shared with our viewers dozens if not hundreds of viral videos. I never expected to be part of one.
Picture 1 – Fox 9 Meteorologist Steve Frazier’s hanger
The on-air mishap of my colleague Steve Frazier pulling a wire hanger out of his suit I can assure you was no stunt. If Steve was guilty of anything, it was rushing to simply make his camera shot. But within hours Steve was getting calls from Italy and our assignment desk was fielding inquiries from the UK’s Guardian newspaper. Then there was NBC’s Today show, Ellen, TIME, The Huffington Post and The Weather Channel.
The coat hanger gaffe became such a cultural phenomenon that it even became a question on the NPR news quiz show Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me. I happen to know this because I was on vacation and in the audience with my family at the Chase Auditorium in Chicago. When the question was read to P.J. O’Roarke, my teenage daughters cheered—I just wanted to disappear into the seat. Then, when I approached scorekeeper Bill Kurtis and host Mike Pesca after the show, Pesca laughed and said, “You work with Steve Frazier!” (Picture 2)
Picture 2 – “Wait, Wait” score keeper Bill Kurtis writing a fan letter to Steve Frazier
What I now call “hanger gaffe” is not only a statement on 21st century media culture, it’s also a useful case study on what makes videos go viral. Advertising and consumer behavior researcher John Eighmey offers an outstanding index of factors that affect the propensity to share content. Videos though, are unique. With that in mind I’ve constructed my own viral video model that contains five essential factors. (Figure 1)
Accessibility: This is basic and essential. The video needs to exist on an accessible and sharable channel such as YouTube and increasingly Facebook.
Familiarity: The scenario must be recognizable. In this case, a television newscast where the audience has already formed its own set of expectations about what happens in a news program.
Authenticity: Is it real, genuine, and not staged?
Surprise: A sudden event or occurrence that deviates from normal expectations. In this case Steve pulling the hanger from his jacket.
Enjoyment: An emotional response. Entertainment or outrage.
The model essentially needs all of these elements to come together for a video to go viral. But the model also closely follows the long established Appraisal Theory of consumer behavior. (Figure 2) In this case the viewer makes a cognitive assessment of video which leads to an emotional response. The response forms attitudes on actions including whether to “like” the video or share it among friends. Likewise, the emotional response can also lead to outage depending upon the content of the video—such as a violent police arrest.
To be honest there are several contributing factors as to why Steve’s mishap became a temporary world-wide sensation. Among them is the fact that everyone loves TV news bloopers. There’s a reason why they’re a staple on late night comedy shows from David Letterman to Jimmy Fallon—viewers love to see presumably credible people make mistakes. In this case it was a big part of the enjoyment factor.
As for the viral video model, Steve’s “hanger gaffe” fits it like a good hanger. We’ve certainly had our fun. And now… on with the news.
Tags: coat hanger blooper, Steve Frazier, tv news bloopers, viral content model, viral videos, weatherman coat hanger, what makes a viral video
Categories Social Media Trends, Topical News
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Researchers Investigate Economic Impact of Climate Change on Farms
US - An interdisciplinary team from the University of Illinois recently investigated the effects of climate change on farmland values in the Southwestern United States.
“We chose to look at farmland values because they reflect the sum of future expected profits and account for adaptation. And that’s exactly what climate change is about: long-term change and adaptation,” explained U of I economist Sandy Dall’Erba.
Over the next 70 to 100 years, the climate is projected to change dramatically, with major impacts on a wide variety of economic sectors.
The team focused on a single climate region, the US Southwest, where climate changes are expected to make farming even more difficult than in other regions.
What’s new about the work is that the team used an economic model that allowed them to look across production systems, so they could evaluate farmland values for soybean producers and cattle ranchers alike. The model, known as the Ricardian approach, also allowed for adaptation on the part of the farmer.
“Farmers are smart; you can’t assume that in 100 years they’re going to still be farming corn like they are now,” Dall’Erba said. “Climate is changing, new practices and new technologies develop, so they may switch to another production system. The Ricardian approach assumes farmers will adapt.”
Taking multiple climate scenarios into account, the team found that irrigation, population density, and farm subsidies all increased farmland value, but subsidies had an effect in highland counties only. In addition, heat waves were found to hurt productivity.
Their results also indicated that land values in one location are influenced by irrigation and climate conditions in neighbouring locations due to water depletion, water run-off, and/or sudden floods that follow intense rainfall.
“Counties are open economies, so elements beyond their boundaries have an influence on them,” Dall’Erba said. “Overall, and based on the set of future climate scenarios accounted for in our work, it seems that highland counties will be more affected by climate change than lowland counties.”
Click here to read the full paper.
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What Do You Say to a Naked Lady? original soundtrack
Home / Documentary / LP / What Do You Say to a Naked Lady?
SKU: MCA-25030 Categories: Documentary, LP
Composer:Steve Karmen
Label: MCA Records MCA-25030
Grade: vg
1. What Do You Say to a Naked Lady? (02:04)
Vocal Version
2. Let's Get Down To It (02:23)
3. The Tailor Song (01:48)
4. Rape Is Not as Easy as it Looks (01:00)
5. Hail to Humanity (01:25)
Ladder Vocal
6. Kids (01:45)
Chorus Version
Face Vocal Version
8. Pardon Me (02:35)
9. Too Bad You Can't Read My Mind (02:38)
10. Kids (01:45)
Funt Narration
11. Just a Little Mystery (01:55)
12. Hail to Humanity (01:25)
Face Instrumental
13. The Follow Song (03:10)
14. The Ladies of the Bronx (01:08)
Ladder Instrumental
16. The Tailor Song (01:48)
17. What Do You Say to a Naked Lady? (02:04)
Animals Film
Shape of the Land / Story of Naome Uemura
Apocalypse des Animaux
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by Jules Mills
Part One – Horizontal Motion
“Oh, my God, this is disgusting,” Rachel Jones commented as she tried to roll the large, stiff body onto its back. The corpse’s head was glued to the floor by dried blood and would not budge.
“Kev, you got a spatula or something over there?”
Kev Grinchgold was filling a large plastic bucket with bleach and water. He opened a few drawers in the kitchen, found a paint stirrer, and tossed it to the hacker.
“You have to be fucking kidding me.” She took the wooden spatula and wedged it under the man’s head, rolling him with a loud, ripping sound onto his back. The man’s eyes were a cloudy gray, and blood had congealed in his thick, dark hair where it had lain in the blood. By the lack of a prominent cheekbone, it looked as though the bones on the right side of his face had been shattered.
In the trunk of the blue Sable, Kev had found a tarp, which was now lying on the floor between the two bodies, and a freshly-purchased, blue Wal-Mart bag of clean-up supplies. With both hands and a foot, Rachel gave a shove to the large corpse, which was now in rigor mortis. It rolled onto the tarp with a thwap. Then she walked around the other side and dragged the limp body of Henry Taxson onto the tarp as well.
Together she and Kev Grinchgold dragged the full package to the garage and placed the bodies in the trunk of the Sable, which Kev had pulled into the garage.
“I’m going to get double pay for this, right?” Kev asked as they reentered the house.
“I was asking myself the same question,” Rachel admitted, following him back inside.
Together they took several rolls of paper towels and began to clean up the blood from the floors, walls, and furniture as well as any other remainders of the previous day’s battles. Cleaning the blood off the concrete in the basement required a hose hooked up from the outside faucet draped through a window. The floor was sprayed until it was clean and the bloody water was washed into the sump pump. Then they climbed back upstairs to finish the house.
Both Kev and Rachel stared at the window pane of the back door.
“What do we do about that?” Kev asked.
Rachel shrugged. “Hell if I know.”
“Want me to go buy another pane?”
“At two in the morning? I don’t k now about you, but I want to get the hell out of here.”
“We’ll cover it up with cardboard or plastic and make it look like he did it himself.”
Using duct tape he had found in the car trunk, Kev taped up the window while Rachel washed away fingerprints and blood traces with a chemical protein-degrading agent also found in the car. It was likely that they were carrying out Henry Taxson’s housekeeping plans.
They packed away all of the cleaning materials in a plastic bag with the bodies and drove the Sable away, watchful of any neighbors who might have been spying after all of the noise.
“This is a spooky neighborhood,” Rachel commented as she looked at the quiet, seemingly desolate houses. And then she thought about Dana, tossed away to die in that little hole, and the neighborhood seemed fitting to that kind of horror.
“What about the bodies and the car?”
“I don’t know,” she snapped. “It’s not like I do this shit every day. I’m a computer programmer, not a Pulp Fiction character.”
“We can’t drive around forever with two bodies in a stolen car.”
“Yes, Kev, I am very much aware of that.” You owe me big-time for this one, Papadopolis, she thought to herself.
God, she loved how Dana tasted, the curls brushing her cheek as she nibbled on evidence of her lover’s arousal…loved seeing the hood expose its treasure…loved the soft texture…loved smelling the delicate musk that clung to her lover…loved the tremors her kisses drew. She loved it all–tastes, textures, smells, sights, and sounds–and doubted that she could live another day without them. Dana was truly a feast for the senses. Fearing that Dana was going to peak too soon, she released her hold, withdrawing her mouth and allowing Dana to slide back beneath the cooling waters, dampening her fire and giving Grace the opportunity to stoke it again slowly.
Nestling a small hand in the place it had found between Dana’s thighs, she stroked the area teasingly. A particular movement made Dana’s body jerk, and a cherubic face looked up at the dark-haired woman.
“Too hard?”
Blue eyes blinked and smiled. “A little.”
When Dana leaned forward to place a kiss on the top of her head, she paused in her assault on Dana’s chest to return the kiss before moving her attention elsewhere, taking her time and slowly inching her hand lower.
The hand adjusted its pressure and speed in the water, and blue eyes twinkled under dark lashes.
The doctor moved back up the long body until they were face to face. She watched the dark face as its lids drooped and the blue eyes glassed over in pleasure.
Once again changing speed, Grace watched her silent lover’s breath quicken as lips and legs parted, opening to her movements. Lowering her mouth against Dana’s, she stole her lover’s air, breathing in the warm smell of skin and passion. Blue eyes closed as again she brought their lips together with the barest of feather-light touches. The hand which had been kneading the doctor’s rounded bottom no longer moved. This stilling of Dana’s body told Grace that her lover was getting close, and shelistened eagerly for the soft moan or low gasp, these small sounds her quiet lover’s only sounds of release.
A large, callused hand snaked its way from the side of the tub between the two bodies to the round breast, palming an already-hard nipple. This caused Grace to arch forward harder onto Dana, whose breathing had quickened and was coming now in rapid pants which signaled that drawing air was no longer her goal. She stopped breathing altogether as Grace entered her with her fingers, brushing the already-swollen clit with her thumb. The touch resonated in her own body, moving her deeper into the embrace and Dana. With a smile, she watched as the small muscles along her lover’s cheeks twitched with the strain of containing her passion. God, she loved this part. She was the only one, the only one Dana allowed to see her this vulnerable, to make her this vulnerable–the only one she trusted enough to touch her. This was the most precious and wonderful thing about their lovemaking: the trust.
Dana tried to move into the doctor’s touch, but Grace altered her motions, diving along the muscular thighs before again brushing against sensitive skin, her reward the barest of tremors which rippled through her lover’s muscular frame. Keeping Dana guessing, she alternated soft, slow caresses with lightning-quick attacks, further sensitizing already-responsive flesh.
Muffling Dana’s soft vocals with her mouth, she teased her way around parted lips before sliding her tongue over Dana’s and exploring the silken heat of her lover’s mouth. Matching the rhythm of her tongue to the one set by her fingers, she brought Dana higher, almost–but not quite–taking full possession of the moist heat pulsing under her touch. Synchronous shivers ran through her body, transmitting themselves to Dana through the contact of their bodies, locking them in a feedback loop that threatened to engulf them both. The heat from the satin walls delighted her, drawing her deeper into her passionate exploration.
Grace watched in fascination as her lover’s face continued to darken and contort with the pleasure rippling through her muscles. A quirky twist to the full lips…so close, Dana was so close. Grace deepened her movements and Dana gasped, the low, drawn-out groan triggering an equally intense reaction in her own body. Twisting her hand slowly, she claimed more of her lover, driving the tall woman to the edge of her control. The long form under her spasmed and jerked slightly before relaxing and becoming still. Only the sound of two sets of ragged breathing returning to normal filled the silence of the bathroom.
Moments later Dana’s blue eyes fluttered open, light and sated. Tired green eyes sparkled at her, and a gentle hand caressed her forehead, brushing back dark bangs and revealing a white scar at the hairline before sealing the intimacy of their lovemaking with a kiss.
Moving her once-stilled hand, she renewed her exploration of Grace’s supple flesh, tracing circular patterns on the firm cheeks before dipping lower and zeroing in on her target.
Aftershocks continued to linger between Dana’s legs, the tingles beginning anew as Grace’s hands continued to run over her torso even as the doctor lowered herself over a long, rigid thigh. She gripped Grace’s hips, moving her in time to the internal tempo of the pulsing rhythm still coursing through her, transmitting her instructions by sliding her lower forward and then back again.
Grace’s warm breath heated her lover’s already-flushed face, searing her >from chin to cheek. One hand was braced against the tile as she quickened her movements. Responding to the increased urgency, Dana lifted her knee, causing green eyes to close in pleasure and her morevocal lover to groan and murmur as she neared climax. Teasingly she traced a light path across the taut abdomen, tugging at the dark curls, fingers dancing over slightly-parted lips before spinning away to trace the muscles of the firm backside.
Even through the water surrounding them Dana could feel the heat leaking >from Grace.
Marveling that she had inspired such an intense level of arousal in her lover, she pressed Grace harder against the thigh she was riding, feeling the hard, sensitive nub jump in response to the increased stimulation. Grace ground against one thigh, sliding against her, accidentally bumping her mound and sending electric shocks back through Dana’s skin.
Still a little high, Grace didn’t take long to display the tell-tale tremors, and Dana felt the rush of wetness against her thigh as her partner peaked, grunting and shaking with the waves of her orgasm. The violent spasms of her release drove her thigh firmly against Dana, and suddenly the taller woman joined her in release, her soft moans twining with Grace’s louder ones.
Grace nestled her face in Dana’s neck and kissed her. The water had cooled, and the porcelain tub against Dana’s rump was becoming uncomfortable after her two days on the concrete floor
“Want to go to bed, Chipmunk?” Dana whispered into the hair that tickled her nose.
“Mmmmm.” A moment, and then the doctor reluctantly lifted herself off the larger frame. Wobbly legged, she stepped over the edge of the tub and grabbed two towels off the rack above the toilet, holding one open for her lover. Dana winced as she stood straight and allowed Grace to wrap her up in the white, fluffy towel.
Together they crawled under the covers of the large bed and cuddled into each other’s arms.
“What day is it?” Dana asked. The two had not spoken much during the drive, during which Dana had been simply adjusting to the fact that she was alive.
“Tuesday morning.”
“Where’s Rip?”
“Mrs. Nesmith is feeding her.”
“Oh.” Long fingers drew circles on the bare shoulder. “You missed work.”
“Not for you.”
“You’re worth a less-than-perfect attendance record.” An easy smile crossed pink, satisfied lips.
“Grace?”
“I killed that man.”
A pause. “Was he trying to hurt you?”
“Yeah.” A few more circles. “Do you think all killing is wrong?”
Grace rolled up to her side to face her lover. “I would rather have you here than not have you.”
Dana turned her head to look at her companion. “I don’t feel bad about it, and I think I should. Would you feel bad about it?”
Grace stared at the blanket. “Dana, I don’t know how to answer that. When you were a kid, did you ever think you would be in this situation?”
Dana looked back at the ceiling. “No, I wanted to be a fisherman.”
“That’s kind ofwhere I am, Dana. I’m a doctor, and I don’t think I could picture myself in that situation, or want to picture myself in that situation. But if I had to protect a child or someone I love, like you, I could probably do it, although I guess I would feel some guilt…but that’s speculation.”
Dana thought about that as she stared at the ceiling.
“How did you get in the basement?”
“I don’t know. I had Reichert cornered and then–wham!–blackness.”
“Reichert? Is he the other dead guy?”
“No. That was Steve…I mean Henry. He must have snuck in while I was concentrating on Reichert.”
“Reichert? Why does that name sound familiar?”
“He led the Alpha and Beta projects. He says he’s working for the government, but I’ve been thinking about that. He must have gone commercial, sold himself to someone; otherwise I would have been U.S. property long ago.”
“So it’s not over, is it?”
“So what do we do next?”
“Go home and go back to work. Maybe Rachel and I can locate him electronically.”
“And do what? Kill him?”
Dana swallowed, at a loss for words.
“Dana, I think that would be wrong. It’s premeditated.”
“I didn’t say I would kill him.”
“Did you think it?”
“Well…yeah. Does that make me a bad person?”
“No, it makes you very human, especially after what he’s done to you. But it’s not the answer.”
“I know.” A sigh. “What do you suggest?”
“Find him and his lab and destroy their project.”
Dana stared at the ceiling in silence.
“You’re fire, you know,” the blonde stated.
Blue eyes quietly regarded her.
“You’re his fire. He needs you. And that’s why he didn’t extinguish you.”
“Are you high?”
“Dana.”
“You are. Look at your pupils. You’re high as a kite.”
“I took something to stay awake.”
Dana climbed out of bed and walked over to the doctor’s coat, shoving her hands into the pockets until she found the amber container.
“B-aminopropylbenene? Jesus, Grace, how long have you been…?”
The blonde forced herself out of bed and walked over to the nano tech.
“Give me those.”
Dana held them up high so that the shorter woman could not reach them.
“I only took them this weekend, so I could stay awake.”
“No more,” the dark-headed woman stated sternly. She walked to the bathroom and flushed them down the toilet.
“I wasn’t going to take any more anyway,” Grace claimed. “Besides, you smoked.”
The tall woman brushed past her and climbed back into bed. “I was trying to get your attention, Knucklehead, not high.”
“Hmmmmph.”
Part Two – Velocity, Not To Be Confused with Speed
The very last place Grace Wilson wanted to be going at four-thirty on that Tuesday afternoon was to work. But after thirteen frantic messages from her assistant, an accountant who appeared to be even younger than she named Greyson Davenport, begging her to call him back, she had resigned herself to the task.
She walked down the tiled hallway, briefcase in hand, to her office. The lack of sleep, the emotional yo-yo she had been on, and the withdrawal from her pills had left her rather mellow and not wanting or able to think, especially about numbers.
Grey’s brown eyes lit up as soon as he caught sight of his boss passing his doorway.
“Dr. Wilson!” he yelled, springing from behind his desk and into the hallway. “Dr. Buchler has been calling for you all day.”
“Ah, Barbara can bite me,” she mumbled unprofessionally as she rounded the corner into her office. She smiled at herself and thought, I must have picked up a little of Dana’s irreverence, and it was good.
“Good afternoon, Grace.”
Grace looked up and stopped in her tracks, a heat of rosy flush spreading across he cheeks. Oh, shit! she thought. Not so good.
“Barbara,” she managed.
Dr. Barbara Buchler was sitting on Grace’s leather couch, dressed primly in a gray skirt suit and two-inch black pumps. Grace crossed behind her desk and settled her briefcase on the floor next to her chair.
“Where have you been, Grace?”
“I had an unexpected personal situation I had to attend to.”
“And you could not call in to tell me?”
“It was something of an emergency.” For some reason, she was becoming incredibly irritated.
“So are those numbers I needed–yesterday.”
“You’ll get your numbers tomorrow morning. I have to consult with my technical people before I make any projections, and I haven’t had a chance to do that. Otherwise we may overrun, and we wouldn’t want that.” To her own ears she sounded much more caustic than she had intended.
“No, Dr. Wilson, we do not want that,” her supervisor responded in the same tone. “Where is Ms. Papadopolis?”
“She’s home with the flu.”
“Hmmm. And Dr. Jones?”
“She took a personal day.” Grace began to make a show of going through her in-basket.
Dr. Buchler looked down her long nose at the hillbilly doctor and studied her green eyes and pouting lips.
“I want those figures no later than eight tomorrow morning.” She left the office, her heels clicking their way down the hall.
“You’ll get them.”
Grace pulled the untouched folders from her soft leather case, opened them flat on her desk, and stared at the columns of labor categories and current dollar allocations based on the different tasks planned for the project. She could understand why Dana hated this part. Her head ached and she was feeling a little shaky as well as extremely tired. She took a few deep breaths to try to shake off her despondency, but it didn’t work. She walked down the hallway to the small employee lounge, which was vacant at this hour, and helped herself to a bottle of water from the refrigerator. When she returned to her office, she opened her desk drawer and pulled out an amber container of pills, dispensing two into her hand. She popped them into her mouth and chased them with a large amount of water.
Dana was sitting at the kitchen, counter, dressed in long flannel lounge pants and a baggy, white, V-neck T-shirt. Rachel Jones was sleeping on her couch, snoring so loudly that the termites had abandoned their strongholds and run for the hills. From across the room, Doc watched the rise and fall of the hacker’s chest and smiled to herself.
An image of the dusty York Prison courtyard and Rachel belly-down while Ruel Gundy and her sister had kicked the fallen hacker flashed through the nanotech’s mind. She could not remember if she had hesitated, but before she knew it, she had driven her fist into Ruel Gundy’s spine, knocking her to the ground. A second later her sister was lying next to her, and Doc was towering over both of them, a dark demon consuming her body and soul. Standing up for the hacker whom she had met only two hours before had not been the smartest of moves for Doc. Life had been relatively quiet for the prior three months, but her acts that day had definitely destroyed the peace. But with 20/20 hindsight, it was probably one of the best decisions she had ever made, for now she had a friend for life.
Doc was on her third bottle of Gatorade, the dehydration from the flu and the starvation leaving her parched and wobbling. Through the thin lenses of her wire-rimmed glasses, she returned her attention to the screen of her laptop and the one question that seemed most important: how the hell was she going to find Reichert?
When the hacker finally awoke, the sun had long since set, and Dana had been running searches through all of the commercial chemical and biological companies on the World Wide Web. She had come up with nothing that stood out or struck her as something Reichert might be involved in, although, she had to admit, he would never advertise it. But sometimes the most benign of postings could be clues, and scientists often solicited help through postings on the Web.
So when the hacker came into the kitchen and helped herself to some water, Doc was ready to start picking at her gray matter for ideas.
The hacker downed a bottle of water while watching the waves from the kitchen window.
“It’s tranquil here.”
“Yep,” Dana replied, without looking up from her screen.
“You’re lucky. You’ve found a babe with a great spread.”
Dana smiled at the implications. “Yep.”
“I wish I had someone like Grace.”
Dana looked up. “I wish you did too, Rach.”
Rachel turned to face her friend. “You should have seen her barreling into that house last night.”
A quirky grin crossed the nanotech’s face. “I appreciate what you did for me too, Rach.”
The hacker shrugged. “All in a day’s work…. So Reichert has returned from hell?”
“Yep.” A sigh.
“He wants you?”
“Looks that way.”
“At least he’s not trying to kill you any longer.”
“I’m not so sure of that.”
“You’d be dead if he were. He had the chance.”
“Unless he just wanted to torture me.”
“Nah, he likes to watch the people die. That’s why he used the Beta and Alpha. To watch.”
Dana thought about that and Rachel’s insight.
“He’s working on another killer.”
“But he’s stalled?”
Dana nodded, her arms crossed over her chest. “He wants me now.”
“What are we going to do?”
Bright blue eyes searched the programmer’s round cheeks and brown eyes. Dana wondered why Rachel still said “we” after everything she had already done to help. “Rach, you don’t owe me anything.”
“Shut up, Doc.”
Dana chuckled.
“Okay, I want to find the little prick and take him out.”
“Kill him?”
A long pause. “Not necessarily. I want to destory his file, his lab, and, if I have to, I will kill him.”
“How do we find him?”
“I was really hoping you could tell me.”
Dr. Jones, the brilliant MIT computer scientist who hated for people to call her “Doctor” or even know she had a degree, came around the counter and viewed the laptop.
“What have you tried so far?”
“Searches, mainly.”
“Of what? His name, aliases?”
“And I looked for project names and research facilities that I might recognize. But he could be anywhere.”
“He’s in the States.”
“Money. U.S. corporations will pay more here because we don’t have the brainpower that the Japanese or Germans do. If Reichert were a tech himself, it would be different. The foreign corps would pay for him. But you carried his program.”
“Any idea who’s big in nano warfare nowadays?”
“No, Doc. The only reason I’m into this shit is because of you.”
Dana studied her friend for several seconds. “So how do I find him?”
“He’s not using the same name?”
“He’s not that stupid.”
“Set a trap. If he was desperate to come for you once, he’ll come again.”
“I would rather not be surprised again, Rach.”
“Then let me in there, and I’ll see what I can find,” the programmer said, nodding toward Dana’s stool in front of the computer.
Dana relinquished her post.
“What are the chances they’re soliciting help?”
“If Reichert came for me, I would suspect they’ve been desperate for some time.”
“Do you think his techs have posted questions?”
“It’s possible.”
“Have you answered any lately?”
Dana’s body stiffened. She placed her hands on her head and closed her eyes.
“Fuck.” For one, she had not been aware that Rachel knew of her on-line activities as nano helper to others, and, two, she had not realized she might have been aiding in the creation of another nano virus. How could I have been so stupid? she thought.
“We need to go through all of your recent replies, Doc.”
Dana opened her eyes. “How far back?”
“I suggest at least a year.”
“Shit. That has to be Reichert’s group.” The two were viewing a series of replies to several postings by the same author that Doc had worked on the previous November, two of which Dana had written while in the Wilson home in Cox’s Creek. As she placed each post into its new malevolent context, the pattern of questions and mistakes made by the originator became clear. They had been making viruses.
“I can trace the URL to the server domain easily. I’ll have to watchdog and wait for any new activity in order to nab the remote location.”
It was nearly ten p.m., yet both the nanotech and the hacker were surprised to hear the two failed attempts at the electrical door lock and then Grace’s entrance.
“Friggin’ piece of techno crap,” the blonde muttered as she dropped her briefcase on the floor.
The black dog that had been snoozing at the end of the couch waggled her sleepy body over to the doctor and nudged her for attention until she received some.
An involuntary smile crept across Dana’s face, and she swaggered over as well for a physical greeting, nudging the blonde until she received a kiss.
“I’m going home,” Rachel said, after sending her own e-mail address a message containing all of the information she would need in order to set up her own watchdog program. “You two enjoy your…um…bliss,” she said, and then was gone.
“You look better. Have you been drinking liquids?” the doctor asked her lover.
Dana took the time to scrutinize the normally hazel-green eyes, which were now a dark forest-green, indicating that her lover was either incredibly aroused or high. Dana convulsively swallowed.
“Grace?” she asked softly.
The physician began to remove her shoes and coat.
“No, I’m not high. But I did take a stimulant earlier.”
Dana’s dark brows furrowed.
“A couple. It’s no big deal,” she answered nonchalantly as she walked into the kitchen. Dana followed, a frown on her face.
“I thought we had agreed you weren’t going to use them. They’re not good for you.”
“A couple of stimulants aren’t going to kill me. It’s like coffee.” Grace opened the refrigerator and removed a package of turkey and a bottle of mayonnaise.
“It’s not like coffee. Grace, you’re a doctor, for God’s sake, and you’re comparing speed to coffee. Come on, you know you can’t toss that stuff into your body and not expect it to take its toll. Your body is a delicate balance of chemical reactions, and you can’t screw around with it.”
“I know that, goddammit!”
“Don’t you snap at me.”
“I don’t have a problem.”
“Yes, you do, Grace. Especially if you’re lying to me about it.”
“Wait a second. When did I lie?”
“Last night. You said you didn’t use them.”
“I only take them when I need them.”
“And how often is that?”
A shrug. Grace opened a bag of bread and began to slop mayonnaise on a slice.
“This weekend and today.” She finished assembling the sandwich and began to eat.
Dana wove her arms across her chest.
“And when else?”
“Once or twice last week.”
“Well, which is it? Once? Or twice?”
“Which days?”
“I don’t remember.”
“Monday and Thursday.”
“And the week before that?”
Grace finished her sandwich. “I can’t recall.”
“Don’t you pull a Reagan on me. Next you’ll try a Clinton and tell me you put them in your mouth but never swallowed them.”
“That would be a Lewinsky.”
“Don’t you dare try humor with me right now. This is serious!”
“Don’t you get all pious with me, Dana. I don’t have a problem.”
“I never said you had a problem. Where are the pills? I want all of them.”
Grace had moved to the bathroom and begun washing her face. “They’re not here.”
“At work, in my desk.”
Dana worked her jaw.
“Tomorrow morning they’re going in the toilet. Do you understand? No more.”
“You’re acting like a mother.”
“No, I’m acting like your lover and partner. And I’m not going to let you destroy yourself without challenging you.”
“I’m not destroying myself–I’m surviving.”
“What are you surviving? Is it stress, or is it me?”
“It’s not you, Dana. Jesus. I was taking them for months while you were gone.”
Dana felt a rush of relief at the news that she was not the reason, despite the unsettling fact that it had been going on for longer than she had imagined.
“Is it the job?”
Grace looked away.
“I hate this discussion, Dana. What I do is important.”
“You can do a million things that you enjoy that are just as important.”
“I need to do this one.”
“That’s a five-year-old’s answer.”
“Because I said so.”
“And that’s your mother’s. What is your answer?”
They had moved into the bedroom, where Grace found a seat on the soft edge of the queen-sized mattress and was slipping out of her clothes.
“My dad is turning his practice over to a guy out of Louisville.”
“You said you didn’t want it.”
A long silence.
“Are you trying to prove something to him?”
“I can’t reject his practice, and my grandfather’s practice, and my great-grandfather’s practice to tool around in an emergency room all my life.”
“I don’t think you tool.” Dana sat next to her. “So you’re running the cancer program to show him.”
A nod.
“I don’t think your father would ever want you to be this miserable. Grace, you need to give up the speed, and if that means the program too, you should let it go.”
“It’s not the program so much as the financial crap and dealing with Barbara all the time.”
“I thought Davenport was helping.”
“He is, but not enough.”
“Okay. After we find Reichert, we’ll look at redesigning your position and getting you more involved in the technical end. And maybe you can work a day or two more at the clinic.”
A long arm wrapped around the smaller, tense frame and squeezed.
“I love you, Grace,” the nanotech said as she nuzzled the yellow, silken hair.
A soft, trembling hand ran up the bare forearm encircling the smaller woman.
“And I’m crazy about you, Dana.”
“Lie down with me?”
A small laugh. “I thought you’d never ask.”
Dana scooted back onto the bed, slipped her body between the sheets, and waited with an arm extended for Grace to change into her pajamas and settle into her embrace. The blonde reached over and flipped the switch on the lamp before settling into the crook of the arm.
“Um…Grace?”
” Can you turn the light back on?”
“Sure.” Click.
Part Three – Acceleration
Grace still had yet to slip into the comforting blanket of sleep. Numbers were running laps in her mind and she was counting each pass. Looking to the black digits on the alarm clock, she read the display, 1:30. The warmth of the body behind her which could normally tug her into slumber was keeping her awake as well. Her strong heart was pounding and her limbs twitched with aches.
She crawled out from underneath the long arm folded around her waist and wandered out onto the back deck.
A few minutes later Doc woke empty-handed and went in search of her roommate. She found her sitting on the steps leading down to the beach, golden hair catching the dim light of the stars.
“Grace? You shouldn’t be out here by yourself,” she said taking a seat on the smooth wood next to her.
“Why, because of Reichert?”
The edgy doctor blewout a long stream of air.
“Are you feeling okay? You don’t look too good.”
“I’m tired, so tired I can’t sleep.”
“Coming down?”
“No! ”
Dark eyebrows shot up into darker bangs and sleepy eyes widened. “Whoa.”
“Sorry. I’m still wired, and knowing someone might pounce on us any second doesn’t help.”
“Want me to take a stab at short-circuiting you?”
A small laugh and a demure smile. “Would you do that for me?”
“Mmmmhmmm.” Dana hugged her lover. ” I would most definitely do that for you, but it has to be inside where it’s warm.”
A warm mouth met a very hot one, and the tall nanotech found the searing lips were eliciting a groan in her and a loss of breath. She leaned back, and this time the green eyes were dark and smoky with passion. Dana felt a shiver run down her spine and a current of her own circulating between her legs.
“Don’t make me beg you to take me,” the blonde whispered.
Dana lifted the smaller woman by the hips until the strong runner’s legs were wrapped tightly around her own waist.
Grace shifted, grinding their pelvises together, and pulled the dark head towards her so that mouths could move against each other.
Dana felt herself begin to lose balance as she was being devoured, and barely managed to control the fall to the Persian rug, the blonde on top of moving rhythmically against her before they were even situated.
Desperate, Dana tried to reach for the breasts swaying over her through the shirt but her hands were caught and slammed down against the carpet over her head and held there. She tensed momentarily, but then Grace’s presence and their bond reasserted itself and she relaxed, allowing her arousal to carry her along. Enjoy this, Doc, she told herself. Don’t end it. Just relax and enjoy it.
One small hand regripped her wrists and the other maneuvered to the tie of the cotton pants and began to work them off until toes were pushing them down. Her white shirt was pushed up to her shoulders and then Grace removed her own shorts and shirt. Skin moved against skin, frantic and fast.
Grace looked down at the dark features to make sure this was okay. Dana was breathing hard.
“I need more,” the doctor begged as she moved and released the arms she held.
“Okay,” Doc barely managed. The tangy smell of arousal was so strong she felt like she was drifting. She leaned forward to catch a swaying breast in her mouth and swirled the hard nipple between her teeth and tongue.
“Yes. Harder, please.”
Dana grabbed the other breast and pinched it hard while biting the one already in her mouth.
“Oh god, yes. More.”
The doctor pressed urgently against the nanotech’s belly, smearing it with wetness, gliding practically without friction, faster and faster. Dana’s skin was burning where her lover moved against her, the wetness and heat pouring from Grace, firing her own senses into overload.
Reaching up she again captured two large reddish nipples in her strong hands, playing the fading rough calluses over the sensitive flesh.
“Yes.” Both a moan and a request for more.
Obligingly, Dana twisted slightly and was rewarded with another moan of pleasure from the doctor.
Grace screamed out her release, startling her lover. Wow, Dana thought as the body above her continued to ride and spasm until another wave took her.
Before the last vestiges of release had vanished, Grace moved suddenly, her smaller body crushing against Dana’s. It seemed as if Grace were trying to meld them together into a single unit by sheer force of pressure. Soft lips roughly captured hers and Dana found herself unexpectedly responding to her lover’s aggressive demands. Previous memories were washed away in the searing fire of Grace’s mouth and tongue.
Sharp teeth nipped at the sensitive corners of her mouth before raking over her chin and feasting on the tender flesh of her throat. Tapered fingers tangled in her hair, drawing her head back, exposing more neck to Grace’s vigorous assault. Involuntarily she moaned and Grace paused, Dana looking up at her with eyes dark from arousal.
“Doc?”
“S’okay,” she slurred. And it was.
Soft lips and hard teeth went to work on a sensitive nipple and again Dana felt a shudder of pleasure rip through her body, another moan following the motion. In a rational corner of her mind, she struggled to reconcile past and present, and then suddenly catching sight of green eyes…eyes full of lust…and love…she found the key, and surrendered the last locked bits of her soul to that love. To that trust.
The air between them changed, as if in silent acknowledgment of the victory they shared. Grace’s hands drifted lower, nails tracing counterpoints of sensation to the softness of questing lips. Dana felt her pulse quicken as she tried to anticipate which part of Grace’s body would reach its goal first, growing increasingly aroused as side trips were taken across her flesh, the motions starting and stopping unpredictably…maddeningly.
Grace used a hip and leveraged her legs open even farther, and before the significance registered on the nanotech, Grace had entered her, pulling another surge of voluptuous delight from the velvet depths. Just when Dana was sure she couldn’t take anymore, Grace darted forward, adding the warmth of breath and a soft wet heat to counterbalance her own. Vocalizing the effect of the sudden increase in pleasure, she was startled to hear herself moan.
Displaying an intensity she’d never allowed herself to feel before, Dana arched into Grace’s demanding mouth, finding her release as swiftly and as hard as the doctor had found hers.
And still they weren’t finished. Reveling in the new sensations and freedom Dana turned the tables on her lover, pinning the doctor’s hands over her head in an effortless one-handed grip. Pausing to regain her equilibrium, she drank in the sights and sounds of Grace’s excitement. The slight hitch in the uneven breathing, the light sheen of perspiration that glistened along a fair brow and creamy shoulders…and the eyes…Dana swore she could lose herself in the emerald depths forever.
Taking her cue from Grace’s earlier behavior and the continued fire of passion clearly visible on her lover’s face, Dana leaned over and whispered in a delicate ear, briefly nibbling on a lobe before exhaling the words.
“What do you need, Grace?”
Without waiting for an answer, she nibbled her way across to the other ear, feeling the jump in Grace’s heart rate as she mouthed a pulse point. The doctor twisted, thrusting her hips into Dana’s – as if trying to say with her body what she could not with words.
“You’ve been holding back. I know you need more. Tell me what you need from me. I want to give it to you.” She knew what Grace was afraid to ask, wanted to hear her lover say the words that would make them equals in this final frontier.
“I’m ready – I promise.”
“God, Dana, I need you to ..”
The blonde continued to writhe under her, lifting her head to roughly capture Dana’s mouth, before dropping back against the floor, hair splaying to the sides.
“To what? What can I give you?” Dana bit down on Grace’s shoulder.
Need won over fear, and a voice rough with want rasped. “Fuck me, Dana.”
Startled she blinked, inexperience adding to her confusion before realizing that Grace’s need was in the how, not in the mechanics.
Twining her hands in Grace’s long tresses, she tilted her lover’s head back, opening the creamy skin to her teeth and mouth, much as her own had been earlier.
Grace’s newly-freed hands roamed over her back, nails scoring trails of sensation down the length of her spine. She felt the doctor grip her buttocks and push up into her, contrasting colors of curls tugging against each other. To Dana the friction was delicious and she squirmed to make the connection tighter, giving Grace what she wanted at the same time.
She felt Grace’s hands stroking, licking like fire, like ice everywhere on her body, urging her on. Dana let out an uninhibited moan, enjoying the harmony as it combined with the whimpers and moans of her lover.
When Grace bucked under her , Dana moved along the bone of a naked shoulder, kissing and sucking her skin until she found Grace’s breast and took it into her mouth. Alternating nips and licks, she devoured Grace’s body, losing track of her own body’s reactions as she was subsumed by Grace’s passion.
Again and again they took each other to the brink and beyond, the energy released by one fueling the other in a perfect cycle of lust and love, until the banished demons driving Grace had laid to rest the ghosts of Dana’s past, bringing them both to rest.
Dana felt a sense of peace and belonging steal across her, as though Grace was part of her. She never suspected that by taking Grace — in being taken — giving would be the result.
The lovers were both lying flat on their backs, drained by a surfeit of sensuality and staring at the ceiling while their pulses and breathing returned to normal.
“Thanks for waiting.”
“Anytime,” the doctor sighed, more relaxed and satisfied than she had been in years, let alone days. “Good things come to those that wait.”
“I didn’t think I could ever enjoy something that intense.”
Grace took the long fingers into her hand and played with them, then lifted them to her mouth and gently kissed each knuckle, her own scent lingering on the dark skin.
“I love you, Dana.”
“I hope so,” the nanotech replied with a chuckle. A moment later when she looked over, green eyes were closed and the deep rhythmic breathing of sleep had finally overtaken the doctor.
Part Four – Theoretical Displacement
The lovers were lying entangled under the comforting warmth of a churn-dash quilt, hand-stitched with scraps and a love of beauty and precision. The pale morning rays of the sun tiptoed around the bedroom, careful not to wake the sleeping forms.
And then the phone rang.
A long, bare arm gave up its hold and shot out from under the covers to the nightstand, blindly finding the earpiece and depressing the talk button, and then drawing back into the warmth.
“Hello,” Dana mumbled, unable to open her heavy-lidded eyes.
“Ah, Doc.” Rachel’s familiar voice sounded relieved.
“Why aren’t you guys at work today?”
“Ten-thirty.”
Blue eyes shot open and looked over at the dead-to-the-world body lying beside her. Dana lifted her watch from the table and took a moment to squint at the numbers.
“Oops. We’ll be in in an hour.”
“Yeah, well, judging from Davenport’s whining, you’re already way too late.”
“What’s his problem?”
“I guess Queenie was supposed to give the Buchler some numbers early this morning.”
Dana looked over and watched a smile curl the sleeping lips. This has not been a good week for her, she thought.
“Connect me with Davenport, will you?”
“Sure, Doc, hold on.” Dava listened to the ringing of the transfer and then heard the stress-filled voice of Davenport.
“Greyson,” he answered tentatively.
“Greyson, this is Dana Papadopolis. I hear that Dr. Buchler is looking for some information from Dr. Wilson.”
“Thank God. Yes, she’s here in my office as we speak. Want to talk to her?”
Ooooh, God, she hated talking to Barbara. She gritted her teeth.
“Okay.” A shiver.
“Ms. Papadopolis?” Barbara said in her clipped, stifled manner.
“Is Grace there?”
Dana wanted to growl. She did not like the fact that Barbara called her lover by her first name.
“She’s not available. But she asked me to ask if you checked your e-mail this morning. She assures me she sent you the information last night.” It was probably true.
“No. I received an e-mail from her which referred to an
attachment. However, there was no attachment.”
“Hmmm, that’s strange.” Dana looked down at her lover. She decided Grace had probably been high enough the previous evening to have forgotten that important detail.
“I am already late for a meeting with the Board, and I need those numbers so that I can incorporate them into my budget presentation. This is a very high-profile project, Ms. Papadopolis, and it needs to be run with that in mind. Is that clear?”
Dana could tell that Dr. Buchler was already beyond irritated with Grace.
“Go back to your office. I’ll make sure that they’re e-mailed to you by the time you get there,” she replied steadily as she crawled out from under the warm covers and found Grace’s short, blue robe to wear. Her computer was in sleep mode, and she awoke it with a voice command. She then connected to the Yale proxy server and hacked her way into Grace’s working files. She found the last file Grace had been working on and electronically sent it to Dr. Buchler.
“Man, what a total bitch,” she mumbled to herself as she scooped aromatic grounds into the coffeemaker. Once the scent of the brew began to fill the air, she went to the bedroom to wake her sleeping partner.
“Hey, there, Graaaace,” she whispered into a perfectly-lobed ear. “It’s time to get up.”
The doctor stirred and stretched without opening her eyes. Finally, the puffy lids opened, and hazel eyes looked confusedly around the room.
“How did I get here? Last thing I remember….”
“I carried you.”
“Ooooh.” Dana was rewarded with a steady smile. She began to smirk.
“You’re late for work, Chipmunk.”
“I know.” She stretched lazily. “But I don’t care.”
“My, my, that’s a nice change. But I told Rachel we’d be in in an hour.”
“You called in for me?”
“Not really. She called us. Seems that you forgot to attach something when you e-mailed Barbara last night.”
The color drained from Grace’s face.
“I already talked to Barbara and took care of it,” Dana said, quickly responding to the pallor. “She’s happy now.”
“She’s never happy, Dana. Shit, I hate when I do that.”
“Everybody does that, babe. Plus, I think you were probably a little too wired to think straight last night.” Dana was sitting with her arm planted next to Grace’s hip and looking down fondly at the young woman. Grace’s eyes roamed over the exposed skin and firm muscles. A small, soft hand reached up and caressed a high cheekbone. The residual static from the current that had run between the two the previous evening lingered in the touch.
“We have an hour,” Grace suggested.
“Do you know what my favorite part of the day is?” Dana asked as she slid her hand into the biometric reader at the door to the nano floor.
“Lunchtime?”
“Nope. That’s yours.”
“Okay, what’s your favorite part of the day?” They both walked through the security door once they had received the green light.
“I’m not telling.”
“You have to guess.” The towering nanotech bumped her shoulder against her administrator.
“Waking me up?” the doctor tried.
“Umm, that was nice today, but not usually that pleasant, so no.”
“Getting me to sleep?” A bump back.
“Your first cup of coffee?”
“Ooooh, that’s awfully good too, but no.”
“I have no idea, Dana.”
Dana smiled wickedly.
“How about the elevator ride? You always like that,” the doctor shot sarcastically. She received an irritated look in return. They approached Grace’s office.
“You go into your office and think about it really hard, little girl, while I go and find my people and see how much they accomplished in my absence.”
“Little girl?” Grace’s body postured in protest. Dana winked and walked away. She had gotten no further than the entrance to the conference room she called home when she heard a “pssst” from across the hall. When she turned to investigate, she caught sight of Rachel waving her over to the computer lab. The tall nanotech followed as her comrade led her into the computer room.
“I have something for you.” The hacker seemed excited.
“Have you replicated the attachment mechanism already?”
“No, but I’ve located that party you were interested in finding.”
“When?” The humor had left her body.
“Twenty minutes ago. I’ve just received a notification from my system at home.”
“Where?” Dana’s body was beginning to tremble with the release of adrenaline.
Dana began to curse under her breath.
“I thought you’d be happy about this, Doc.”
“Ah-hah!” Grace exclaimed, poking her head into the room. “The car ride in,” she said, with a bright, cheerful smile.
She was regarded with humorless blue eyes and knew immediately that something was wrong.
“We found Reichert, Gracie,” Rachel explained.
“Already.” Grace tried not to sound as uncomfortable as she felt. She looked to her partner for emotional reassurance but realized Dana was as surprised as she. Dana looked down at her shoes and studied her feet.
“Where is he?” Grace asked.
“His lab is in San Fran,” Rachel answered. “Do you want to see the post, Doc?”
Dana nodded. Rachel pulled up the newest posting, and Doc donned her glasses to read the treatise. Immediately she knew where the program stood by what they did not know.
“They go through a proxy server behind a firewall, so they have a security computer that logged the computer and user that made the post. I went into the network and found the computer listed in the security log and went through the files as well. It’s pretty darned interesting.”
Dana scanned through the file names that Rachel had downloaded. The files consisted primarily of saved memos.
“See this latest one?” Dana pointed out the text to Grace. “They can’t complete the replication process once the masters are inside the cell. We never posted anything about that because we didn’t replicate when we destroyed the Betas. I guess it was fortunate that we didn’t have much time, or they would probably already be manufacturing viruses. The self-replication was the most difficult challenge I ran across.”
“That’s why they need you.”
Dana looked up at Rachel and nodded sullenly.
“So what’s the problem?” Rachel persisted.
“How long does it take to get to San Francisco?” the raven-haired techie asked.
“Eight hours, at the most,” Rachel responded.
“Is that by plane?”
Dana crossed her arms across her chest.
“How long by car?”
“For freakin’ ever,” the hacker responded. “You aren’t suggesting we drive, are you?”
“I don’t fly.”
“What?!” Dana’s two companions said in unison.
“Dana, it would take a week to drive cross-country, if we were lucky. We’d have to go through the mountains, and there’s been a lot of snow already.”
“I don’t fly,” Dana said flatly and left the computer center.
“You know, your girlfriend has been a real pain in my ass lately,” the hacker pointed out with irritation. “I suggest you talk some sense into her. Because I’m not driving to California listening to her music.”
“I’ll try,” Grace replied and sighed.
Grace spent an hour scouring the floor, searching for Dana, but she could not find her. Finally, when she had given up and returned to her own office, she found her lover seated on the couch, staring at black sneakers and submerged in thought.
“Dana?” When she refused to look up, Grace responded by closing the door and kneeling in front of her. She placed her hands on the denim covering the nanotech’s knees and spoke softly. “What’s going on with you, Dana?”
“I’m going somewhere I don’t want to go, Grace.”
“To San Francisco?”
“No, memories.”
“Reichert?”
The doctor was at a loss. “Why won’t you fly?”
Dana shook her head.
“Please tell me.” Grace tenderly lifted Dana’s chin so that the two were eye-to-eye. “You trust me, don’t you?”
“Of course. This isn’t about trust.”
“Have you flown before?” The muscular body tensed and shifted under her gaze.
“Yes, once.”
“Did something happen?”
“Grace…I don’t want to….”
But the green eyes would not let the child hide.
“Ruth took me to Florida once to see her parents. We flew.”
“And…?” The small hands squeezed Dana’s kneecaps for reassurance.
“And I don’t have fond memories of it.”
“Because of Ruth?”
“No, because the landing gear wouldn’t come down, and we had to circle the airport until they could manually lower it,” Dana said testily.
“Okay,” the doctor said slowly. “How old were you?”
“You were scared?”
“Yes, I was scared. I was afraid I was going to die. But what I remember most is that Ruth was angry and yelling at me to stop crying and to shut up.”
Grace recognized the hurt in the pale blue eyes and automatically encircled her with her arms.
“I hate thinking about her,” Dana whispered into Grace’s shoulder. Grace squeezed her harder.
“Don’t let her cripple you any longer, Dana,” Grace whispered back, filled with a hatred she had never before experienced, for a woman she had never even met.
Part Five – Coplanar Motion
Dana was pacing a path in the carpet that lined the large glass windows allowing the waiting passengers to view the docking of the airplanes to the terminal. Her hands were beating a rhythm on her thighs. Then she stopped, stared at the plane, breathed in deeply, then sighed. A moment passed and then she resumed her pacing.
Grace, seated in an uncomfortable vinyl chair, looked up from her magazine and watched her lover’s discomfort. It was distorting her normally calm persona. Dana had embarked on her fifth cycle of pacing, and she was become more agitated each time. The rhythm of her hands had progressed from the Waltz to the Cha-Cha.
They were catching the three-thirty out of Bradley International Airport with a transfer to another plane in Detroit. The two had made a deal–if Grace let Dana toss out her pills, Dana would try to fly to San Francisco–a basic Quid Pro Quo. agreement. Grace was a bit surprised that it was easier for her to give up the pills than for Dana to agree to fly, and now she was beginning to see just how deeply the tentacles of Dana’s fear extended.
“Jesus! Why do they make us wait so freaking long?”
“Come, sit Dana. It will only be a few more minutes.”
“It’s stupid that they make us arrive so early. It’s torture.”
“You should have taken the Valium.”
“Stop pushing pills on me, Grace!” the nanotech snapped. “I’m not a junkie.”
Grace did her best not to take the remark personally, but it was hard.
Dana turned back to the window. “And where the hell is Rachel?”
“You gave her a pretty large list, Dana. Cut her some slack.”
Dana turned to look at her friend, and immediately her face eased in its harshness. She walked over to Grace and sat down in the chair adjoining the doctor’s.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything by what I said.”
“No, it’s not. I’m sorry.”
“Let’s drop it.”
“I don’t think you’re a junkie, Grace.”
“Dana, this is definitely not the place to talk about this,” the doctor said looking around at the other waiting passengers.
Dana’s eyes followed the same path as her lover’s.
“Grace, you shouldn’t be ashamed of something like this. It happens to lots of people in high stress jobs. A lot of doctors from what I’ve read lately.”
“Not now, Dana. Ah, here’s Rach,” Grace said quickly scrambling to her feet and walking over to greet the hacker. Rachel was dressed in faded black jeans, a MIT sweatshirt, and blue don’t-fuck-with-me sunglasses. She carried her ticket in her hand and had two large carry-on bags distributed evenly on each shoulder. Grace helped her with one of them and led her over to the nanotech.
“A word of warning. She’s really uncomfortable about this flying business, so if you can think of anything to help her with it, I would appreciate it,” Grace explained to the hacker.
Rachel dropped her bag heavily and slouched into the chair next to Doc.
“So, I hear you’re scared shitless of flying, Doc?”
Dana surveyed the hacker and then looked away, a scowl on her face.
“Did you ever see that movie ‘Alive’?” Rachel asked.
“Rachel! ”
“Yeah, I’ve seen it,” Dana mumbled and wiped her sweaty palms on her thighs.
“Well, Doc, I just want you to know that if the need should arise, you can eat me.”
When Doc turned to face the hacker she was smiling.
“I appreciate the offer, Rach.”
“I’m sure Queenie wouldn’t mind you eating her either, would ya?”
Dana looked over at the blushing doctor and gave her that crooked little smirk.
“No, I don’t mind,” Grace managed.
“Well you two can eat me too if need be,” Dana replied.
“Yeah, but with Queenie’s appetite there won’t be any left for me.”
“This conversation is sick,” Grace commented getting up and walking over to badger the desk clerk.
“Did you get everything we needed?” Dana asked her compadre of double entendre.
“Of course, but getting the layout was a pain in the ass. I have the Virtus layout of the building, as well as the walk-through of the innards, but the program it was created in is old and it tends to freeze-up. You can go through it while we are in the air if you like.”
“What did you find out about security?”
“Very little other than the name of the contractor they use. We’ll actually have to survey the operation for ourselves. I expect it will take most of the day. I thought once we were in we would basically do what we did last time.”
Dana nodded. “And then I will find Reichert.”
“And what are you planning to do to him?” the hacker asked as she shoved a piece of Bubbalicious into her mouth.
Dana liked the sweet fruity smell and accepted the wrapped cube that was offered.
“Gum helps pop your ears when you get up there. Otherwise the cabin pressurization makes you feel funny and can give you a headache.”
“Thanks,” Dana replied.
Grace returned. “They will begin boarding in ten minutes. We get to board first because we are in first class.”
“Which means we get our booze first too,” Rachel added.
Dana nodded and was doing her best to cover the trembling that originated in her trunk and emanated through her limbs. Grace slipped a hand into hers.
“You’re freezing, Dana,” she remarked and began to rub the larger hands.
“You two going to join the mile high club up there?” Rachel asked.
“I’m already a member,” Grace replied before she could stop herself. Rachel began to choke on her gum.
“What’s the mile high club?” Dana asked as she slapped the hacker’s back hard, dislodging the gum which landed on the floor and rolled to the window.
Rachel looked away from her friends. “Nothing.”
“Nothing, Dana. It’s nothing,” the doctor answered.
Rachel began to chuckle as she walked over to the garbage can and dropped her used piece in. She added two fresh ones to her mouth and then returned to her seat.
“You a member too, Rach?” Dana asked curiously.
“Yep, an active, card-carrying member. Why, you interested?”
“Nah, I’m not the club type.”
God I hope we board soon, Grace thought to herself. “Do you have to use the bathroom or anything, Dana?”
“I don’t have to, but I prefer to,” Dana replied with a smirk.
“Do you need to? Because airplane toilets are not the best, even in first class.”
“I’m fine,” Dana replied. “Stop babying me.”
“I’m not babying you.”
“I just need to get it over with, and then I’ll be fine.”
“Okay.” Grace squeezed her hand and was rewarded with a nervous smile. Then she felt the faintest of trembles in the long bony fingers.
They had been airborne for twenty minutes. Grace studied the large saucer-sized blue eyes staring out of the window at the ground as the plane left Earth. She needed to get Dana to relax her hold on her hand. It was numb, so it no longer hurt, but being a doctor she knew circulation needed to be restored at some point soon. As she wiggled free she congratulated herself for thinking of giving Dana the window seat. It was the best idea of the day.
Rachel was booting up her laptop and watching the two. She shook her head with amusement at the gawking, wonder of the nanotech. A petite blonde flight attendant with short layered hair in a sky-blue uniform leaned over the hacker’s shoulder.
“Can I get you anything ma’am?” she asked.
Rachel looked over into the rosy cheeks. “That depends on what you are offering.”
The young woman straightened. “Coffee, soda, or something harder if you would like.”
“Something harder, please, your choice,” Rachel replied with her own version of a smirk.
Grace nudged her from the middle seat. “Behave yourself.”
“I am, believe me I am.”
“There you go, Mrs. Gates,” she said handing Rachel a Bloody Mary.
Rachel’s smirk became a brilliant smile. She got such a thrill out of using the identity of Bill Gate’s second wife. And the fact that the crew usually studied the passenger list was a plus. “My secretary here would like a Coke if you have one,” Rachel ordered. “And my step-daughter would like a milk.”
Dana looked over having caught that there was a conversation going on.
“Excuse me miss, do you have any applications for the mile high club?” Dana asked.
Tomato juice and vodka spewed forth from the hacker’s main orifice. Grace’s face turned bright red.
“I’ll see what I can do for you,” the flight attendant replied and smiled seductively at Bill Gates’ daughter.
“Cool,” Dana remarked and took the milk she handed her.
“I’m going to become a member too,” Dana excitedly told her companions.
“No your not,” Grace said sternly and watched as the stewardess moved to help clean up Mrs. Gates.
“Why not, you’re a member?” Dana asked a little miffed.
“Dana be quiet!” Grace said gruffly, her face neon pink.
“I’m fine now, thank you,” Rachel told the young woman who was blotting her with a towel. “I’ll just take another of these,” she said holding up her empty cup.
Grace leaned over to Dana and whispered in her ear exactly what becoming a member of the club consisted of doing. And for Dana’s part, despite a silly grin, she did not blush at what she realized was being offered to her by the young attendant. “Oh” was all she said and returned to the window. But her hand settled on Grace’s thigh and lightly stroked. Grace leaned into Dana’s shoulder and rested her head there. She was still tired from the previous evening and along with the steady movement of the aircraft, the hum of the engines, and the warmth of the body next to her, she began to doze.
“A cute, lesbian flight attendant, a kickin’ Bloody Mary, and a first class ticket. This has to be the best flight I’ve been on in a long time,” the hacker exclaimed.
During the second flight, somewhere over the Rockies, the turbulence required all of the passengers to wear their seat belts. The sky was dark, and without anything to look at, Dana had become somewhat edgy. Rachel was seated across the aisle from them, the plane being a smaller, different design, deeply engrossed in her computer. The lights were low and a movie played on a small screen in front of them–a recent remake of an old Brad Pitt film with the newest up-and-coming star playing Pitt’s role.
Grace had acquired a blanket for the chill and had it draped across her legs.
“Grace,” Dana whispered nervously. The plane shifted abruptly for the umpteenth time.
Grace looked over at her friend in the dim light. “It’s okay, Dana. It is very normal to encounter turbulence over the mountains.” But her words did not ease the visage of worry from Dana. She knew she needed to make this flying experience different from Dana’s first and at the moment could only think of one way to do it. She took her lover’s left hand and pulled it under the blanket, settling it on the inside of her right thigh. Blue eyes became saucer-sized once again, but for a different kind of awe.
“Being in a club isn’t worth a damn if you can’t bring in new recruits,” Grace mumbled as she tilted closer to Dana’s mouth. She was met with a tentative kiss and watched the blue eyes survey their surroundings. A hand to the nanotech’s cheek brought the eyes’ attention to where Grace wanted it, her. The plane dropped again causing the kiss to deepen. A few more good bumps, and Dana was well on her way to becoming a member in her first club since the Brownies in first grade.
Part Six – Displacement
The trio checked into the Savoy three blocks from Union Square around nine-thirty–all famished and exhausted–and not sure as to what to do. Well, that was not entirely true; Rachel was sure. She had plans, and she was not that tired.
“I’m going out, kids,” the hacker said, following the doctor into the room.
“Where ya going, Rach?” Grace asked as she went back to her suitcase and unpacked a shirt for sleeping.
Dana looked up from her duffel.
“Just out, Ma,” Rachel said with a sly grin. “Can I have the keys?” she asked Dana. The nano tech picked up the rental car keys and lofted them across the room at her friend. “Don’t wait up,” Rachel said and withdrew from the room.
Dana and Grace exchanged a knowing glance and then proceeded to undress for bed themselves.
“Do you want to go out too?” Grace asked, catching the look of interest on Dana’s angled face.
“No. You?”
“I’m hungry.” The doctor slipped under the crisp sheets and watched as Dana pulled on her gray cotton shorts and a sleeveless V-neck T-shirt. Just watching the movement of Dana dressing turned her on.
“We could order room service,” Dana suggested. She climbed under the covers, moving toward Grace until her bare legs were touching the doctor’s. “Sheets are cold,” she commented with a shiver and warmed her feet on her lover’s calves.
“Arghhh, don’t do that.” Grace playfully kicked the cold feet off her legs.
“But I’m cold,” Dana complained, taking her into a vice-grip and pulling her on top of the long frame of her own body. “Good thang I gots me a chipmunk hand-warmer,” Dana said as she slid her cold hands under the doctor’s shirt and onto her back.
“Oh, my God!” Grace said, trying to squirm free of the icicles Dana called hands. Eventually she twisted enough, or Dana relented.
“We really should eat,” Grace suggested, finding herself suddenly wrapped under the long, sinewy body of her nano tech.
“We are,” Dana said around a mouthful of her lover’s ear.
“I mean food,” the doctor sighed. “Ah, hell, never mind,” and she caught the nano tech’s mouth fully and began to devour her.
For the third day in a row, Dana awoke first and nudged her companion out of dreamland. She enjoyed watching the sleepy look of confusion as the green eyes blearily took in the surroundings and tried to figure out where she was.
“I’m hungry” were the first words from the doctor’s mouth. “Let’s go eat.”
Well, she was never a slow starter. “We do need to keep a low profile, Grace.”
“Since when does eating constitute a high profile?”
“Since you were entered in the Guinness Book for emptying the Denny’s all-you-can-eat breakfast bar.”
“Ha, ha, very funny. That never happened.”
“That’s not what Joy says.”
“Joy is full of shit.”
Dana grinned. “Okay, we’ll eat out, but you have to promise me that it’s not an all-you-can-eat buffet.”
Grace scooted to the edge of the bed and settled her feet on the floor. “You know, Dana, sometimes you’re as bad as Joy.”
“I like Joy.”
“I know you do. And she talks to you more than she does me now.”
“Yeah, well, you get to talk to your mom and Dick-uh.”
Grace began to laugh as shewalked to the bathroom. “Like that’s a treat.”
Dana called the room next door to see if Rachel had indeed made it back. She had, and apparently not alone, from the murmuring voices. She offered the hacker breakfast, which was declined after a few slurping noises that caused Dana to raise an eyebrow. She joined Grace in the shower.
“I called Rachel,” she said, sliding the door closed and squinting at the spray of water as it bounced off the shorter woman’s head and into her face.
“She made it back. That’s good. Is she coming?”
Dana smirked. “She has company.”
“Really?” Grace looked up through white bubbles of shampoo running down her face.
“Wow. I never knew Rachel to actually…you know.”
Grace turned into the water and smiled. “That’s cool.”
“Stop saying that,” Grace said into the water.
“Come on, you. Let me in there before all the hot water’s gone.”
“It’s a hotel, Dana. There is no hot water limit.”
“Uh-huh. Let me in anyway.”
Grace poked her in the side but moved out of the way, then went so far as to lather her back while Dana washed her hair. Dana still sported several large, purple bruises on her ribs and her right hip, apparently from landing on the concrete floor when she had been tossed into the cellar four nights earlier. Grace wondered where the dark-haired woman’s emotional resilience came from. She bounced back time and again from tragedy and emotional torture and still remained–dare she say–lovable and loving. And so damned funny, even when she didn’t mean to be.
Grace found herself drifting back to the awkwardness of their first attempts at lovemaking, the giddiness of it, the vomiting, and how it had progressed to this wonderful, relaxed but still curl-your-toes stuff that was taking place so regularly between the sheets that half the time Grace thought she should be videotaping it.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” Blue eyes regarded her.
“Hmmm. Just thinking.”
“Dana, you are truly a…a….”
“Yep, that I am. We need to get going, Grace. Because I figure it will take you two hours to eat, and I need to get some things and get to work while you and Rachel survey the laboratory and work out security and timing.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to strategize and fill in a few holes.”
“Strategize?”
“Dana, you are so enigmatic at times. What are you going to strategize? Why not just do what you did last time, cook up some CH5 and acidify the place?”
“I don’t think ‘acidify’ is a word, Grace. And I want to try something different. You and Rachel are always saying I don’t have an imagination.”
Grace rolled her eyes. “What are you thinking about doing?”
“Well, I don’t have enough time to make up the CH5, because I would need access to the nano manipulator for at least six hours to do that, so I think I’m going to make some Aqua Regia.”
“You’re going to use aftershave?”
Dana laughed. “Not Aqua Velva. Aqua Regia is a mixture of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid. It’s the strongest uncomplexed acid I can make, and it’s easy to make as well. I’ll go over to the hardware store and buy the HCl and HNO3. I’ll mix it up here while you two are out.”
“What is the atomizer for?”
“To dispense the acid. I’ll use it to spray the AR on my target, and then it’ll react. It should be powerful enough to destroy the nano machines they may have created as well as mummify all of their circuit boards and discs. The cool thing is that it keeps reacting until the object is mush. The only problem is that it releases some free chlorine when it reacts, but I’ll just wear the respirator for that. And I’ll have to work a lot faster this time. I need to try to do all of the damage at once and in one place so I can get the hell out of there before I get locked in the lab when the chemical-spill detection alarms go off. And I’m not going to blow up the building this time either.”
“I think it would draw too much attention.”
“You’re probably right,” Grace said sarcastically.
“I need Rachel to destroy their network in case anyone has data stored on remote hard drives…something that will download and attack the files as soon as they log on.”
“And that should take care of it.”
“No, Grace, and then I wait for Reichert to show, and finish this.”
“–I’ve thought about this a long time, and it’s decided. He’ll never leave us alone, especially after I destroy his lab.”
Grace scowled and appeared troubled.
“I shouldn’t have told you.”
“It’s just that…well, it’s so calculated…to take a life, Dana…like that.”
“You don’t believe in capital punishment?”
“Do you? What if that had been your sentence, Dana? What a mistake that would have been!”
Dana’s face turned to stone. “Are you comparing me to Reichert, Grace?”
“No, that’s not what I meant.”
“Sounds like it to me,” the nano tech said defensively and climbed out of the shower, grabbing a towel from the rack mounted to the tile.
“I meant you can’t be the victim, the judge, and the executioner, and make sound decisions about a man’s life.”
“Why not? I know more about his crimes than anyone else does.”
“Because it’s not right!” Grace declared, following her out of the bathroom and wrapping herself in a towel.
“This is war, Grace, not a game of capture-the-flag. Reichert kills people and is planning on killing more. He wanted me dead and was going after you as well. I can’t take a chance by letting him live.”
“That’s not your decision to make!” the doctor said, grabbing the meaty muscle of Dana’s arm.
Dana yanked her arm away. “Get dressed if you want something to eat.”
Dana carried the vessel of Aqua Regia, basically three parts concentrated hydrochloric acid to one part concentrated nitric acid, in her backpack. Her black ski mask was pulled down over her face; in fact, every inch of her was covered in black. She punched in the code at the security panel of the loading-dock entrance and slipped into the building.
“Why do you think she has to do this by herself this time?” Grace asked as she watched through binoculars from a warehouse parking lot as Dana disappeared.
Rachel looked up from her laptop screen where she was on-line monitoring Dana via the security cameras. “She’s trying to protect us.”
Grace chewed on that. She had to admit she really didn’t want to be in the building. And if she were the one sneaking around, in all likelihood she would have to pee, just like every time she played hide-and-seek when she was a kid. Grace cursed her bladder. But she worried about Dana…she worried that maybe she would lose control, or hurt someone or–worse–herself.
Dana crept down the hallway, wary of the security camera and the reaction of the lights to her movement. Based on the virtual map which she had walked through several times in her hotel room, the laboratory was only twenty paces or more down the hallway on her left. A computer station was across the hall, and another thirty paces away were the administrative offices. But this time she had no idea who sat where, or who was even involved in which aspects of the program, so she had to destroy all of the computers.
She started with the offices, carrying each computer and any discs she could find into the nano laboratory, where she placed them on the laboratory benches. Then she began ripping the plastic protective covers off the machines, exposing the circuit boards. She found the containers that presumably held the nano machines and set them on the bench as well. She removed the metal panel covering the hardware to the nano manipulator where they cooked up their machines, and exposed the circuit boards that controlled the billion-dollar instruments. Then she moved over to the computer center and tore off the protective covering to the server. Rachel was to add a virus to the larger company server once Dana was out of there. But once she did, the automated locks would freeze, and the building would become impenetrable and inescapable.
She returned to the lab, slid the respirator over her face, and then began spraying the acid over her haul, dousing everything more than she probably needed to. She watched as the metal and plastic turned yellow, melting into unrecognizable gunk. Besides the hissing of the reactions, she listened to her own tinny breathing through the respirator as she worked, rushing around the tables to the wall. She ran over to the other room and doused the server and a laptop she had missed the first time as well as several back-up discs on a shelf and a couple of piles of paper she did not bother to read. The sound of her breathing was suddenly replaced by a shrill siren, indicating that the chlorine vapors had set off an alarm. That was her unmistakable cue to get out of there.
“Jesus, Dana, you’re soa king wet!” Grace exclaimed. She was drenched with sweat and smelled like a swimming pool. The acrid odor was so strong that Grace’s eyes began to water and her throat burned.
Standing next to the car, Dana stripped out of her clothes and shoved them into a plastic garbage bag. Dressed in only her underwear, she came back around to Grace’s side and put on the sweatshirt and jeans handed to her by the doctor.
Rachel blew out a bubble. “Getting kind of slow in your old age, Doc.”
“Bite me,” she said, but without a hint of humor. A darkness shrouded her eyes, a blackness that Grace could not ignore.
“Send that virus off, Rachel,” she ordered.
Rachel spoke into her mouthpiece and launched the debilitating electronic acid from her laptap through a cellular link. Soon all of the lights went off in the building. And then the three waited, sitting silently in the car, watching the emergency vehicles and police cruisers arrive.
Dana watched through her electronic binoculars, but Reichert never showed. Grace was relieved.
“Dana,” Grace said gently as the nano tech stewed.
Dana was more than disappointed, she was in full rage.
“Maybe he’s not back from the East Coast,” Grace commented a bit hesitantly.
“We should get out of here, Doc,” Rachel commented. “The cops will be running sweeps pretty soon.”
Dana did not stir or take her eyes from the building.
“Dana?” Grace gently touched her and discovered Dana was burning up and trembling.
“The fucker knows I’m here. That’s why he’s not showing.”
“At least we killed his program. If he’s on the network, his files will be eaten, right? Nothing will be left.”
“Was anyone on the network when you launched?” Dana asked the hacker.
“I have to check my cache.”
“Then check it!”
“Dana?” Grace said. “Calm down.”
Dana ignored her lover. “There! He’s here!” Dana said loudly on an excited breath. She could not believe her eyes. He had showed, and he was not happy.
She felt the unbridled excitement of a hunter who had waited in a stand for far too long, unable to believe her luck as the buck walked right into her sights. She handed the glasses to Grace as she pointed him out.
Reichert yelled and waved his arms violently at the security and emergency workers. And then he looked around, scanning the distance for Dana.
The nano tech was loving it. She began to chuckle, a deep and devious sound. It scared Grace, and it even scared Rachel. From that point on, they were too frightened to say anything to Doc.
Dana slipped through the back door of the small home located in the suburbs north of San Francisco. It appeared to be a quiet community, not unlike Henry Taxson’s outside of D.C.. She moved silently as she crossed the floor. He was on the phone in his posh living room, his tenor voice shaking with rage and, she hoped, fear. And then he was silent, listening.
“Did you see the look in her eyes?” Grace finally broke the silence in the car.
“Grace, don’t go there.”
“She’s going to kill him.”
“What if she does, Grace? He’s a butcher.”
“But she’s not.”
“Grace, stay in the car!” Rachel yelled and reached back, but she was too late. The doctor was already sneaking up to the house.
Dana had Reichert on his back, a knee planted on his chest. His arms were at strange angles from his scrawny body, and she was holding a steak knife to his throat. His breaths were coming out in labored gasps. The smell of urine wafted toward Grace, who was moving cautiously toward the spectacle.
“Dana, stop,” she meant to yell, but it came out in a whisper. With a painful slowness, Dana looked at her. There was no soul behind those eyes.
The interruption was just enough, and Reichert seized the chance to roll his captor off his body. Dana reached over with a swipe and imbedded the knife in his shoulder, causing him to scream.
“Oh, my God!” Grace cried at the writhing man bleeding on the white shag carpet. Grace pulled Dana to her feet and shoved her away from Reichert toward the door.
Dana watched, furious at Grace, while the doctor knelt next to the bleeding man and began to pack his wound with his shirt.
“Don’t help him, Grace,” Dana growled. Reichert was out cold.
“I have to, Dana. It’s not a choice for me.” She got up and shoved Dana again toward the back door, pushing her until they were both outside in the damp coolness. She forced the nano tech into the car and slammed the door. Grace ran to the trunk and grabbed the first-aid supplies that she had brought along just in case something happened to Dana. Her mind and body were set on automatic, the same way she felt–or did not feel–during those long hours of mayhem in the ER. She returned to the house, intent on saving Dana’s victim.
“You should have let him die,” Dana mumbled on the way to the airport.
Grace did not say anything.
“Grace?!”
“Not now, Dana, please.”
While driving, Rachel chewed on her nail, a habit she had conquered through three years of hypnosis.
Dana stared out the window, aching with guilt for causing the tears that were flowing down her lover’s cheeks and for leaving Reichert in the world to live another day.
Three long days passed in silence. Despite working together and living together, neither knew how to start a conversation with the other. They both wanted the same thing: they wanted to return to that place they had found a week earlier, but how to get there was the problem.
It was Grace who took the responsibility to move them…somewhere. She walked across the cold sand toward the ex-con. Dana was sitting on an old beach blanket, watching the gray waves of the winterized ocean break and tumble, over and over and over again.
“Dana,” the blonde said softly.
Lon ely, guilty eyes regarded her.
“I want you to get some help,” she said with a tremor in her voice.
“No, no, no,” Dana said quietly, shaking her head from side to side.
Tears welled up in the green eyes. “Dana, we aren’t going to make it unless you get some help.”
Dana stared at the continually moving surf. “I scared you?” she asked, ashamed.
Grace sat down next to her on the blanket, hugging her knees to her chest and rocking slightly. “Yes.”
“I never wanted you to see me like that. But I couldn’t help it, Grace. And I still want to kill him. And I can’t control feeling this way.”
“No, not yet. Not without help.”
“No head-shrinkers. I’ve been through that. They don’t help.”
“They’re not all like the ones in York. I know a few that you could work with.”
Dana shifted uneasily. Tears filled her eyes. “They’re just going to tell me I’m a violent sociopath or a manic-depressive psychotic or some other kind of sicko.”
“Dana, they won’t categorize you like that. And the one thing I’m sure of is that no one can hang a label on you. You constantly defy the laws of binary definitions.”
Dana flopped back onto the blanket, exhausted by loneliness and worry.
“What can you possibly be afraid to find out about yourself that you don’t already know?”
“That I’m not healthy enough to be with you.”
Grace looked down at her partner. “You’re talking mental health to a woman addicted to amphetamines. I think I can deal with your mental struggles if you can deal with mine, as long as you’re working to do something to keep them under control.”
And with that admission Dana for a moment actually felt she could, possibly, maybe, see someone.
“You know someone you trust?”
“Yes. I went to undergrad with her.”
Dana looked at her warily. “Hmmm, a woman.”
“Yes, she’s a really wonderful woman.”
Dana fixed her with moist eyes and thought about it. “Well, as long as you never slept with her, I guess I could try it.”
A neutral look settled on Grace’s face. “Um.”
Dana rolled her eyes. “Is there a single woman you graduated with whom you haven’t slept with?”
“Jesus, Grace,” Dana said, unable to keep a tiny smile from her lips. “You were such a freakin’ horndog.”
“I couldn’t help it. I’m drawn to beautiful, intelligent women. What can I say?”
“No. Just say no.” Dana rolled over onto her side, turning her back to Grace.
“I’m an extroverted overachiever, so sue me. When I see something, or someone, I do all I can to get what I want.” She crawled up Dana’s side, relishing the renewed touch, and licked an ear. “And she and I weren’t really lovers in that sense. We were friends who did a lot of naked touching one night,” she whispered. â•?And we were college. Even straight girls do that in college. Anyway, she’s very happy now, has a partner…and I think she can help you.”
Dana sighed, beaten. “You do always get what you want, don’t you?”
Grace flipped Dana onto her back and stretched herself over the long legs and torso. She planted her hands on the cotton blanket on either side of Dana’s head and stared down.
“Always,” the doctor huskily replied, separating long thighs with her hips. “So you’ll try with Cassandra?”
“Oh, my God, what a freakin’ name!”
A rock of the hips. “Try, please.”
“Okay. But you promise me one thing.”
“That if she discovers I’m too broken to fix, you’ll still keep me around.” Dana tried to smile, but Grace could tell she really was afraid of being abandoned.
“Oh, Dana. We’re all broken to some extent. And anyway, I’m in this for the long haul, nothing shorter.”
Dana smiled in relief, wanting to believe her, and waited for Grace to seal their pact with a kiss. Lips brushed together softly, tenderly, needily. Their intertwined bodies rocked together with the same motion as the waves–a fluid, sensual motion, unrelenting, natural, and perfect. They had found a path to travel, and hopefully it was going to take them where they wanted to go.
December 1998 by Jules Mills
Continued in Nano #6: The First Law Of Thermodynamics
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Disclaimers: I came up with these women in my own overactive imagination. Sure they resemble all the other über gals, but their words are mine. There might be sex in this story. I’m not sure in which configuration so, if you don’t want to see any, or you are underage, or it’s illegal where you live, or if you are at work….go away 🙂
These characters originated in a previous story called, “Cold” it would help if you read it. Not for the story mind you, just for your own pleasure. You don’t really have to read it to know what is going on in this one though. It would help even more if you wrote me and told me how much you loved my writing.
The magnificent grounds of Collingford spread out from the huge stately home in every direction. Much of the estate and house were opened to the public during the summer months, and those that flocked there ambled around the beautifully kept gardens.
But in a secluded part of the estate, at the edge of a small wood, two women watched a family of swans gracefully meander across a large man-made lake.
The smaller woman, a blonde, closed her eyes, her head resting on the thigh of the taller woman whose back reclined against a sturdy tree.
Jo smiled down at her lover, watching as she purred in delight when the dark haired woman’s hand tangled in soft blonde hair, her fingernails gently scratching her scalp.
“You going to let your hair grow?” asked Jo, easing the blonde locks out to examine their length.
“Yeah, I think so. I always liked it longer,” said Shelly, her hands wrapped round Jo’s free hand, which rested on her stomach.
“It’s getting blonder,” the tall woman said, letting the strands slip between her fingers.
“I know; if we spend much longer out in this sun, I’ll look like an albino.”
Jo traced a finger across a flushed cheek. “The sun agrees with you,” she said, taking in the healthy tone of her lover’s skin, remembering how pale she’d been when they’d first met in the cold winter months. “You’re looking great, Shell.”
Amused green eyes peered up at her.
“What?” asked Jo.
“You called me Shell. My friend Katy used to call me that.”
Jo was quiet for a long moment, regarding the blonde, her blue eyes twinkling. “You know what it’s like, when you walk along a beach?” She traced a line from Shelly’s eyebrow, down across her cheek to her chin, her finger as soft as a butterfly’s wings on Shelley’s soft skin. “You’re not really looking for anything, but you spot a shell and bend to pick it up.” She bent, nipping at soft lips, which automatically opened and pressed up against her own. She drew back. “So you weren’t looking for this shell, but now you hold it in your hand.” She pushed blonde hair back, tracing fair eyebrows. Green eyes fluttered closed once more. “And the more you look at it, the more you see. And then you realise it’s beautiful. So you put it in your pocket, and treasure it. And you think that maybe it was there just for you to find all along.” She lifted a small hand to her lips, kissing the knuckles. “I’m glad I found you, Shelly.”
The blonde swallowed hard, her first attempt at coherent speech failing. She cleared her throat. “You’re turning into some kind of romantic softy,” she said, her cheeks flushing.
Jo chuckled. “Maybe.” Again she was quiet, gazing down adoringly at her lover. “I have something to show you,” she said eventually.
“You do? What is it?”
She shook her head, dark hair falling about her shoulders. “Come and see.”
Jo pushed at the small woman who was using her thigh as a pillow, and brought them both to their feet. She took the blonde’s hand and pulled her back into the small wood, and onto a well-worn path.
They followed the path in silence, bringing them to the small village, which was part of the Collingford estate and housed many of the estate workers.
She led Shelly along another path, alongside one of the old cottages, and into another small wood beyond.
They were suddenly standing in a clearing, and in the middle of it the most perfect small whitewashed, thatched cottage stood. Behind the cottage was a small driveway, but they viewed the front with its small garden and low wall.
“Oh my God,” Shelly whispered. “It’s beautiful.”
Jo nodded, resting her arm across the small woman’s shoulders. “It is.” She pulled the unresisting body against her own. “And it’s ours if we want it.” She felt a sharp intake of breath in the body leaning against hers, and looked down.
Shelly’s mouth was agape in wonder, eyes just as wide. “Ours?”
Jo rubbed her hand up and down against Shelly’s arm. “If you want. Whatever you want.”
“I thought you wanted to go back to London.” Shelly looked up at her lover, taking in the relaxed profile.
Jo shrugged. “Nothing much there for me now.” She looked down, falling into watery green eyes. “But we’ll go wherever you want.” She sighed. “These past few months here have been the happiest of my life.”
“They’ve been perfect,” said the blonde, turning her attention back to the cottage. “Can we go in?”
“Of course,” said Jo, fumbling in her pocket and urging her lover forward. She gave the small silver key to Shelly, smiling as the smaller woman unlocked the door and pushed it open.
“Oh, look at this,” said the blonde woman, stepping into the small hallway.
“It’s been totally gutted and renovated.” Jo pulled her into the small lounge. “Mother chose all the decorations.”
Shelly turned in a full circle, taking in the tastefully furnished lounge. She sank down into one of the deeply cushioned armchairs. “It’s lovely, very welcoming.”
“I’m so glad you like it. I know how happy you’ve been up here, in Cumbria.” She balanced herself on the thick arm of the chair Shelly was sitting in. She ran her hands through silky blonde hair. “Mother would be happy for us to stay here. She tells me you’ve been taking a real interest in Collingford and its history.”
Shelly nodded. “It’s fascinating” she agreed.
“We were wondering if you’d like to do some guide work.” Jo bit her bottom lip. She knew her lover was somewhat uncomfortable with the present arrangement, living off Jo’s allowance.
Shelly didn’t look up at her but seemed to be thinking about the offer. “Really? Marianna thinks I could do that.”
“Yeah, she says you have a flair for the dramatic, and could probably make a visit to the house quite a show.” She felt the blonde head beneath her hand nod very slightly. “You’d like to do it?”
Shelly smiled up at her. “Yeah, you know, I think I would.”
Jo stood. “Great, I’ll tell her later.”
“Where are you going?” asked the blonde, as Jo started to walk out of the lounge.
“Up to look at the bedroom. You coming?”
Shelly regarded her lover, wondering for the umpteenth time how she’d got so lucky. She got up and took a slow walk to where Jo stood, framed in the doorway. She rose on tiptoes and linked her hands behind the tall woman’s neck. “Is there going to be anything up there I might find interesting?” she asked, nipping at Jo’s bottom lip.
“Oh, most definitely,” said Jo, and unclasped the small hands from behind her neck, before taking one in hers and leading the blonde up the stairs.
It was dark, and Jo woke slowly, unfamiliar with the room she was waking in. The moon shone brightly through the open curtains, casting a silvery light across the bed she and her lover occupied. It had been mid afternoon when they’d fallen onto the bed and it was now close to midnight, but the day most definitely hadn’t been wasted.
But something had woken her, and she lay still trying to discern what it was. She heard the sound of the wind rustling the nearby trees through the open window. She heard the cry of an animal, possibly a fox, somewhere in the woods. And she heard the sound of breathing, laboured breathing. The sound rattled from someone’s throat, creating a rasping sound which filled the room.
She leaned over the woman sharing her bed, turning the sleeping face towards her, studying her carefully and taking in the gentle, even sounds of Shelly’s breathing.
The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end, and she turned away from the blonde, turning on the light on the small bedside cabinet and sitting up. Blue eyes scanned the room and beyond, through the open doorway and onto the landing. The sound was faint now, as if the person was moving away, maybe down the stairs.
Beside her, Shelly stirred, green eyes blinking against the light of the lamp. “Jo?”
The tall woman eased out of the bed. “Did we lock the door?”
Fair brows knitted in confusion. “What? Why?” She watched Jo bend and pick up her jeans and slip them on, then her tee-shirt. “Jo, where are you going?”
Jo turned back to her. “Stay here,” she said, and then she was gone.
Jo stopped at the top of the stairs, cocking her head to the side and listening, straining to hear against the sound of the wind.
There it was again. She held her breath and listened, her eyes wide against the dark, peering down the stairs.
The sound of a door slamming made her jump, and she grasped at the banister, her bare feet slipping off the top stair.
A scream tore itself from her throat when a hand gripped her arm.
“Jesus, Jo,” said Shelly, taking a step backwards. “What are you doing?”
“There was someone down there,” she said, pushing the blonde back towards the safety of the bedroom.
“A burglar?” she asked, pulling on her clothes.
“I remember locking the doors,” said Jo.
“You did? When?” Shelly was sitting on the bed buttoning up her short sleeved pink shirt.
“Um, after you fell asleep, the first time.”
Shelly chuckled, watching her lover blush. “Oh.”
Jo turned on the lights on the landing, another switch illuminated the hall at the bottom of the stairs.
Shelly was still buttoning the fly on her jeans when she saw the dark head of her lover pass as Jo descended the stairs. “Jo, wait for me,” she called, but she heard the stairs creak as the tall woman made her way down them slowly.
The first thing Jo did was to check the front door, the only one they’d opened when they first arrived. It was securely locked.
She stood in the hallway, and listened again. There was a faint noise, and she followed it until she was in the kitchen. Her right hand fumbled for the light switch, but when she flicked it on, nothing happened. She heard a sound behind her, and turned to see Shelly half way down the stairs. “Stay there,” she hissed.
Shelly froze, and lowered herself to sit on the stairs, holding onto the stair rail with one hand.
The noise, a strange scratching sound, continued, and Jo cautiously moved further into the small kitchen.
The kitchen was still gleaming, all the appliances looking slightly out of place in the low-beamed room, brand new. It was the only part of the cottage that had been significantly altered during the renovation. What used to be a large storeroom, probably for coal or wood, had been used to make the room larger. And it was from this small extension that the noises were coming.
The scratching noise got louder, almost frantic, and Jo took a step back, expecting some sort of animal to suddenly appear through the floor.
Suddenly the room was bathed in light, and Jo spun to see Shelly, her hand still on the light switch. At that same moment the noise stopped, replaced by two sets of fearful breathing.
Jo shook her head, pointing at the switch. “That doesn’t work,” she said, peering at the light switch that had failed to work for her only moments before.
The blonde looked from her to the switch. “Okay,” she said slowly.
Jo brushed past her, turning on every light she could find in the cottage, followed all the way by her lover.
“What was it?” asked Shelly, once Jo had stopped and had switched on the large screen TV, turning up the volume slightly.
“Dunno,” she said, her attention fixed on the screen, but not really seeing it. “Maybe an animal stuck under the floorboards, or something.”
“We’ll get Matt to look at it in the morning.” She walked across to her lover, taking the remote control from her hand and wrapping the larger one around her own. “Let’s go back to bed.”
Blue eyes turned on her and regarded her for long, quiet moments. “I heard something,” Jo whispered.
“Maybe a dream?” the blonde said, leaning down to turn the TV off. She pulled Jo towards the door, reaching to switch the light off as she went. Then she switched off every other light Jo had turned on, and started up the stairs.
Halfway up Jo stopped, peering down into the darkness below.
“There’s nothing there,” Shelly said. “Come on, I’ll help you get to sleep.”
As they reached the bedroom, Shelly reached up to switch the landing light off, but a large hand closed over hers.
“Leave it on,” said Jo, and smiled down at her as she led her into the bedroom.
It could have been no more than an hour or so later that Jo’s eyes snapped open once more.
She listened again, hearing the sounds that had woken her earlier in the night. But this time she quickly realised it was her lover.
Shelly was deeply asleep, on her back, snoring.
Jo smiled, partly out of relief, but mostly with affection. She gently pulled the blonde towards herself, halting the noise immediately.
It was then, as she pulled Shelly into a tighter embrace, that she realised how dark it was.
She peered at the open door of the bedroom, into the darkness beyond.
They had left the landing light on. Hadn’t they?
Jo lay for a long time, knowing that sleep wouldn’t claim her. The breeze gently moved the curtains, rustling the leaves on the trees in the nearby wood.
She didn’t know what it was that compelled her to ease herself from beneath Shelly, the blonde complaining softly in her sleep. But she found herself before the window, pushing aside the curtains.
The woods were bathed in silvery moonlight, and Jo sought out the darkness beneath the old trees, not knowing what she was looking for, but somehow needing to see.
The figure emerged slowly, and Jo pushed the small window open, feeling the breeze cold on her face, her hair momentarily blowing across her eyes, blocking her view.
The moonlight fell upon the hunched figure, which shuffled from the cover of the trees, and the white face rose towards the woman looking from the window.
Jo’s hands gripped the sill as she took in the sight before her. The face was as white as bone, twisted and deformed, the huge bulbous forehead covered by thin, dark hair. Set within the skeletal features, sunken black eyes met hers, and the twisted, misshapen mouth opened in a silent scream.
Jo was frozen, peering down at the figure, which pulled the hood of some sort of long cloak around its hideous form, turned, and slowly disappeared back into the darkness of the woods.
A touch on her shoulder startled her, and she spun, causing Shelly to fall backwards onto the bed. “Oh Jesus, I’m sorry,” she said, walking forwards and enveloping the confused looking blonde.
“Jo, why are you shaking?” asked her lover, burying her face in Jo’s stomach and winding her arms around the slim waist.
Jo debated sharing her experience with her lover.
“Jo?”
The dark haired woman sighed. “I just saw something.”
“Where?” Shelly pulled the tall woman until she was sitting next to her, both of them cast in the gentle light from the landing.
“Outside, in the woods.”
Shelly stood, pushing aside the curtain and peering out. “Like what?” she asked, without turning around.
Jo ran her fingers through her hair, absently looking out of the bedroom door at the landing beyond and the light that shone there. “It was a person, deformed in some way. It was looking at me.” She bowed her head, shaking it slightly.
Shelly turned away from the window. “Jo, I think your imagination is working overtime.”
“I wish,” she said. “I saw that, Shelly. And I heard those noises earlier. Something’s here with us.”
Jo looked awful. She’d slept only in fits and starts through the remainder of the night, every night sound from the old cottage and the nearby woods propelling her instantly into wakefulness.
Her lover, however, slept on, oblivious to Jo’s discomfort.
Taking a wistful glance at the peacefully slumbering blonde, she eased out of bed and padded across the landing to the bathroom.
In the gentle sunlight that filtered through the small windows the cottage had lost its eerieness from the night before, and Jo once again felt comfortable walking through what she hoped would be her new home.
Finishing up in the bathroom, she descended the stairs, stopping by the kitchen to fill and turn on the electric kettle.
She was still naked when she returned to the bedroom, set down the two mugs of steaming tea on the bedside cabinet, and slid back beneath the covers.
Shelly hadn’t moved, and for a long moment Jo just lay there watching her lover sleep, taking in the gentle beauty of the blonde. She held her breath as green eyes fluttered open and fastened on her, and the smaller woman’s face broke into a dazzling smile.
“Good way to wake up,” Shelly said huskily. Then the smile faded and she sat up. “Jo? You look awful.”
Jo turned onto her back, looking up at the ceiling. “I didn’t sleep very well.”
Shelly spotted the two mugs, and, knowing they both took their tea the same way, she snagged one. Then she leaned back against the headboard, sipping it, and giving her friend what she seemed to need, time to gather her thoughts.
“You think it was a ghost?” Shelly asked finally.
“I don’t know.” Jo lay her forearm across her eyes. “I know I saw something, and earlier I heard something.”
“So we find out what it was,” Shelly said simply. “Drink your tea.”
An hour later, Jo and Shelly stood at the bottom of their garden, peering into the woods, which, despite the fact that it was late morning, were still dark.
Shelly looked up at the tense profile of her lover and reached across, taking Jo’s hand.
“This is beautiful,” she said, as they made their way slowly into the depths of the wood. The sunlight forced its way through the dense foliage and caused them to be cast in speckled light. “Did you play here as a child?”
“Not this part. Woods surround the whole estate. Some of the estate workers’ kids and I used to play in the woods closer to the house. We never came across here though.”
“Look!” exclaimed Shelly, pulling back on the taller woman’s hand.
Jo’s head snapped up, her heart pounding. “What?”
“Squirrels!” she said, watching the small red creatures scurrying from branch to branch. She looked back at Jo, whose face was strangely pale. “Sorry.”
Jo smiled down at her, then back up at the squirrels, noticing the skies beyond the trees darkening.
“Looks like a storm brewing,” muttered Shelly.
“We need one,” said the tall woman. “It may cool things down a little.”
The shorter woman looked around anxiously. “We shouldn’t be here in a thunder storm.”
“No, come on.” Jo took her lover’s hand, and they turned to make their way back.
But suddenly everything looked unfamiliar. “Where’s the path?” Jo said to herself, her eyes scanning the woodland floor. They hadn’t been walking that long, but had become entranced with the beauty of the woodland and the creatures that dwelt there.
The wind picked up, rustling the very tops of the trees, causing a shower of leaves to swirl around their heads. Small pieces of debris stung their skin, and Jo pulled Shelly closer.
She looked around, trying to find the path out of the woods, and caught a glimpse of something moving beyond the closest trees.
Then she heard it, even above the sounds of the wind and the swirling branches. Breathing; laboured and ragged as before.
Beside her Shelly shivered. “What is that?” she asked, shouting above the noise of the wind.
“You can hear that?”
The blonde nodded, pressing closer to her lover. “Sounds like someone with a really bad cold.”
“Come on,” Jo said grimly, and started walking away from where she had seen the movement, not wanting to share that revelation with Shelly.
The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end as she heard the sound behind her. But she didn’t stop, nor did she turn around. The breathing became even more distressed, filling their senses, seeming to get into their very minds. Then it stopped for a brief moment, and was replaced by incomprehensible muttering.
Jo fixed her eyes on the ground, pulling her shivering lover with her. They fled the woods as the sounds of the muffled voice grew louder.
They stumbled into bright sunlight, the air still, the sky clear.
Both turned to see a few leaves fluttering to the woodland floor. And beyond, in the darkest part of the wood, they saw a figure turn away from them and melt into the depths of it.
“Oh my God,” Shelly whispered. “I have never been so scared.” She looked up at the surprise she saw in the face above her. “Yeah, even that night in the snow, at Joss’s.”
“Well, at least I know I’m not seeing things.” She squeezed the blonde’s shoulders. “You saw it too, right?”
“I saw something.” She shook her head. “But that sound, what was that?”
Jo pushed a shaking hand through her hair. “I don’t know. I thought it was trying to speak.”
“It sounded like it. Like trying to talk through something, like it was gagged or something.”
“Damn,” said Jo on a shaky breath. She closed her eyes, and pulled Shelly around so she could just hold on to her for a moment and compose herself.
“We have to find out what it is. It was in the cottage,” said Shelly, into the fabric of Jo’s shirt.
Jo was very still, remembering that it had been in the room with her the night before.
Shelly looked up, resting her chin on Jo’s chest. “I’m not having some damn ghost chasing me out of my house.” She gave her lover a weak smile.
“I know who we can ask,” said Jo.
“Yeah,” she said, ducking her head and kissing the tip of her lover’s nose. “Old Lil”
As usual Old Lil was sitting on her rocking chair in the small garden at the front of her house.
“Good morning, Lil,” said Jo, pushing aside the small gate that led into the garden.
The old woman turned grey eyes on the two young women, but didn’t halt her rocking. Her hair was silver, but her cheeks had a healthy rosy blush to them.
“Lady Joanna,” she said, as Jo sat on one of the small chairs, gesturing to Shelly to pull up another.
“You remember me?” asked Jo, smiling at the tiny old woman.
“I could never forget you, young lady. You were always into something. Getting all the poor children into trouble with their parents.” She turned ancient eyes on the blonde.
“Forgive me, Lil. This is my… friend, Shelly.”
The old woman extended a frail, bony hand to the blonde. “It’s a pleasure, dear.”
“It’s good to meet you.”
“Lil has been with my family for many years, Shelly. Her family has worked for mine for generations.” She took the old woman’s hand. “Now she’s like a part of the family.” Cupping Lil’s hand in her own she squeezed it gently. “I hear you got your telegraph from the Queen.”
“That was three years ago now, dear.”
Jo smiled at Shelly’s look of disbelief. “You’re one hundred and three years old?” the blonde asked, her eyes wide.
“I am. I’ve seen many children be born and grow in this estate.” She patted Jo’s hand. “Your hands are shaking, dear.”
Jo ducked her head, studying their linked hands. “Lil, we’ve just moved into the old cottage, down by the woods.”
“The old gamekeeper’s cottage?” asked Lil.
“No, I thought the cottage at the end of the village was the gamekeeper’s”
“It is now, but it used to be the one down in the woods. That cottage has been empty for many years now.”
“Do you know why?”
The old woman shook her head. “No family planning in those days dear. He and his wife moved out when they had their seventh child. No one has used it since, and it fell into disrepair. I hear Lady Collingford has had it rebuilt. The thatch was overgrown with vine, and the walls crumbling.”
“She’s given it to us,” said Jo.
“Us?” The old eyes turned towards Shelly.
Jo looked from her lover to the old woman. “Yes, Shelly and I are, um, going to, well, stay there a while.” Jo cleared her throat and began to pull away from the old woman. But, for a frail old girl, she had a surprisingly strong grip.
“I’m an old woman, Joanna. I’ve seen many things. I’m just glad that these days, you can live as you please.”
Dark eyebrows disappeared behind ebony hair.
“Don’t look so shocked,” Lil chuckled. She turned towards Shelly. “Come here, dear. Let me look at you.”
Shelly stood and lifted her chair, moving it closer to the woman.
“That’s better. I don’t see so well these days.”
Shelly squirmed under the close scrutiny, but the elderly woman smiled. “She’s a wild one, dear. I hope you know what you’re letting yourself in for.”
Shelly blushed, having found out for herself just how wild Jo could be. “Yes, I know. But she’s also the most kind and caring person I’ve ever met. She saved my life.”
Lil didn’t look at all surprised by Shelly’s admission. “You’re right, dear. I have some stories I could tell you about her when she was a child.” She looked at Jo, who was horror stricken. “But we’ll save those for another day, I think.” She took a deep breath. “Now tell me what is troubling you.”
Jo told her the story of their night in the cottage, and their foray into the woods. All through the telling Lil’s face grew darker, as realisation of what it was that was causing the strange happenings slid into place.
“You know what it is,” said Jo. It was not a question.
Lil sighed deeply. “My mother was the Midwife to the family before me, and her mother before her. Your great grandfather married a young woman from a good family. She became pregnant quickly and bore him a daughter. Unfortunately she died after giving birth. Bled to death. The child was deformed. When Lord Collingford saw the child, he ordered it killed and told my grandmother to say that the child been still born. She, however, had spent her life bringing life into the world, and what he asked her to do was against everything she believed in. So she bundled the child up and took her to the gamekeeper, whose wife had just lost a child of her own. They raised the girl, but as she grew her deformities grew worse. Today we would know what to call the disease, but in those days it only caused fear and suspicion. So they locked her up, only allowing her out in the night-time to walk in the woods.”
Jo shook her head. “Do you know how she was deformed?”
“Some sort of bone disease. Some of her bones grew much quicker than others. Apparently her head was terribly misshapen. That’s what killed her in the end. She couldn’t talk, had difficulty breathing, could only eat soft food.”
“Why don’t we know about her?” asked Jo.
“My grandmother would have lost her job, and her home. Some of the estate workers knew about Sarah, but they kept quiet.” She sighed again. “She was seventeen when she died. My mother was a young girl when the poor girl died, and she told me the story. We need to remember Sarah, and the pain she endured in her short life”
“My God,” breathed Shelly. “So young.”
“It was a blessing in the end.”
“So, do you think it’s her I’m seeing and hearing?”
“Most probably,” said the old woman.
“But why now?” asked Shelly. “She must have been dead over a hundred years. Have there been any other reports of this happening?”
“My guess is it’s Jo’s presence that’s brought her out,” said Lil. “She was shunned by the family, and now Jo is the first person with her ancestor’s blood in her veins to set foot in that cottage for many years.”
“So what does she want?” asked Jo.
“You’ll have to find that out. If you want peace, Jo, you need to put her at peace.”
Jo peered into the darkness of the wood. Her heart hammered in her chest, and she reached back, hoping for the warmth of a hand to surround her own but feeling none.
Something was missing, something important. She looked around, but saw nothing except the lights coming from the cottage.
It was getting dark; the sun had slipped below the trees, and the twilight made the shadows of the wood deepen.
But the need to venture onwards, into the darkness, overwhelmed her, and she took a step forward, stumbling across a root.
“You deserve nothing.”
Jo stopped dead upon hearing the raspy voice. But she knew who it was. She didn’t feel any surprise upon hearing it and searched the shadows for its source.
“Why?” asked Jo, closing her eyes against the pain blossoming in her skull.
“You took everything from me.”
“Not me,” insisted Jo. “I am not the one to answer your accusations.”
“I will have your joy, Joanna.” The voice faded, and Jo was left alone in the darkness. She ventured further into the woods. The half-light was making shapes out of nothing, making shadows appear to manifest themselves in a cloak of blackness that blanketed the wood.
Ahead of her was a mound in the woodland floor. Covered by leaves and debris from the branches above, it demanded her attention. Helplessly, she found herself drawn to it, until she was standing just a few feet from it.
The leafy surface shifted, pushing upwards lightly before settling again.
Jo started at the movement, taking a step back, but moved forward again, squinting in the half-light.
Again the mound moved, this time in a more deliberate and sustained motion. The leaves were pushed upwards, and through them appeared a white bulbous mass, and then two eyes, the colour of coal. The eyes fixed upon her, unblinking.
The rest of the face appeared from beneath the ground, leaves and soil falling from the twisted mouth which opened in outrage.
Jo managed to tear her eyes away from the hideous apparition as a withered arm pulled itself from the ground, and began to push the twisted body up from its earthly confines.
Jo turned away from the scene, stumbling across an exposed root. She threw her hands ahead of her, to break her fall.
She flailed helplessly. A feeling of weightlessness, then a sharp pain to her shoulder. The pain woke her, and she found herself on all fours on the floor of the lounge between the sofa and the TV.
“Damn,” she whispered, pushing shaking fingers through her hair. She hauled herself up onto the sofa and peered groggily around the room. “Shelly?”
She called her lover’s name a few times, easing herself off the sofa and making her way through the cottage.
It was almost dark, and she turned on lights as she went. The last thing she remembered was lying on the sofa, her head in Shelly’s lap, the blonde playing with her hair as sleep claimed her.
After talking to Old Lil, they’d made their way to the small church in the grounds of Collingford and gone through the records. They found the record of Sarah’s birth, and, right next to it, her death on the same day. Her mother’s death was also recorded that day. And a mere three months later, the marriage of her father to his second wife.
Shelly’s face had screwed up on seeing that. “He didn’t waste any time,” she’d said, closing the book in disgust.
Shelly had pulled her lover out of the church, and they walked across the small graveyard. She gestured at the ancient headstones. “Would they be buried here?”
Jo shook her head. “No, they’d be in the mausoleum, over there.” She pointed towards a large structure at the edge of the church grounds. “All of my family end up there.”
“Can we get inside it?” Shelly had asked.
“I suppose so,” Jo cast a puzzled look at her lover. “Why would you want to?”
“Just a theory I have.”
Jo had looked at her for a long moment, wondering if it was tempting fate to enter a place she should only be going in feet first.
“What’s up?” asked the blonde, seeing her companion’s reluctance.
“It gives me the creeps in there, that’s all.”
“Well, we don’t….”
Jo shook her head. “That’s ok. I’ll just go see Father Henry.” And she left Shelly standing among the headstones.
A short while later, the heavy oak doors were being opened, and the vicar moved ahead of them, pushing aside a heavy curtain and switching on the lights. “Your father had lights put in. Makes it a little easier, not having to light all the candles.” He smiled at the two young women. “Call me when you’re finished.”
Jo and Shelly had stood for a long moment, before going past the small altar and opening the door that led below. There they found small plaques on the walls naming those who lay in the damp, dark place.
“Here’s Catherine.” Jo had said, running her finger across the engraved name of Sarah’s mother.
Shelly wound her arm around her lover’s, peering at the stone plaque. “Where’s Sarah?”
Jo was quiet for a long moment, only the sound of dripping water breaking the peace. “She’s not here.” She closed her eyes. “He didn’t even put her name on her mother’s plaque. He didn’t care where she was.”
Jo had been exhausted by the time they’d got back to the cottage. And hadn’t resisted when Shelly pulled her to the couch and made her lie down, cradling the dark head in her lap.
So Jo stood in the lounge, hearing nothing now but the gentle rain that was hitting the windows of the cottage. Her dream had unsettled her, and she hugged herself as a shiver skittered down her spine.
She made her way to the door, pulling it open and staring out into the growing darkness. She tilted her head, looking up at the encroaching clouds. A storm was brewing.
“Shelly,” she called, hoping the blonde would appear out of the gloom, but hearing nothing but the increasing wind and the creaking of the tallest branches on the trees.
Slamming the door behind her, she started running towards the small collection of cottages, ignoring the sting of the first raindrops on her skin.
By the time she’d reached Lil’s cottage, it was raining hard, the sound of thunder rumbling in the distance.
The old woman looked shocked to see Jo standing there, and pulled her in out of the rain.
“Jo, where’s your coat?” she said, pulling her towards the lounge.
“Is Shelly here?” she asked, ignoring the woman’s question but taking the small towel that was thrust into her hands.
“Shelly? No.” Lil sat back down in her favourite chair.
“Okay, sorry to bother you,” Jo said, handing Lil her towel, and making her way back out of the cottage.
“Jo, wait.” Lil pulled herself up from the chair. She shuffled across to an antique chest of drawers, reaching into a cupboard beneath and pulling out a large flashlight. “You might need this.”
Jo took the flashlight, turning it on and momentarily blinding herself when she checked it was working.
Lil took the younger woman’s hand. “Remember, Joanna, she wants peace.”
Jo opened her mouth to question the old woman, but was hustled out of the cottage into the now heavy rain.
But as with most summer storms, even in the rain and in the darkness that had fallen swiftly, it was still comfortably warm.
She found herself at the edge of the woods, the strong beam of the flashlight picking out the twisted trees and exposed roots.
“Shelly!” she called, and ducked as she heard a crackle of lightning overhead, followed almost immediately by a rumble of thunder.
She looked up at the treetops, swaying in the gathering wind.
Her heart pounding in her chest, she moved further into the woods, her fear for her lover overcoming the fear of the dream that seemed to be coming true with each step she took.
The beam of her flashlight fell upon a mound on the leaf-strewn ground.
Pushing rain-slicked hair away from her face, she moved closer, her eyes never leaving the pile of leaves, waiting for the horrific apparition to appear again.
When the leaves did move, she almost screamed in fear, until she realised that the hand that was emerging from the pile was not covered in the wasted, bone white skin she had seen in her dream, but healthy, albeit pale flesh of the living.
Throwing the flashlight to the ground she dropped to her knees, scrabbling at the leaves and soil, finding the living body of her lover struggling for air below the leafy blanket.
“Shelly!” she cried, pulling the gasping woman from the mound of leaves, earth and small branches. She pulled the blonde into her arms, crushing her against her chest as the smaller woman coughed and trembled violently.
Jo held her lover away from her, reaching across to grab the flashlight. “What happened?” she asked, wiping at the dirty face with a shaking hand.
Shelly looked around her, trying to comprehend what had brought her to this dark, scary place. “I don’t know,” she whispered. “I was with you, and then I was here.”
Both women flinched as the wood was illuminated by a jagged streak of lightning. “Come on,” said Jo, easing herself and Shelly to their feet. “We need to get out of here.”
Jo turned to lead them out of the woods, but she was called back by the blonde. “I’m stuck,” said Shelly simply.
“What?” Jo peered back at Shelly, who was still standing on the remains of the mound of leaves. She looked down at the smaller woman’s foot, which appeared to be caught between two large stones that had been hidden before by the debris from the trees.
Another violent gust of wind sent another torrent of rain and debris down upon them, and both lifted their arms to protect their heads from the small missiles.
Jo started to walk back towards the trapped woman, when the ground beneath Shelly’s feet started to shift, and the blonde began to slip below the leaf-strewn surface.
The tall woman threw herself at her lover, just managing to get her hand around a smaller one, as Shelly scrabbled at the dirt, trying to get a purchase to stop her fall.
The rain didn’t help, however, and as Shelly’s hand slipped from Jo’s, the dark-haired woman caught a final glimpse of her lover’s terrified face, illuminated by a lightning flash as the blonde disappeared into the darkness.
Jo knelt at the edge of the crack in the ground, for that was all it was. She reached for the flashlight and shone it down into the darkness, hearing the sound of small stones dropping into what sounded like water. “Shelly!” she called, her voice ringing through some sort of cavernous space.
“I’m alright,” came the reply.
Jo rested her head against one of the large stones briefly, swallowing the bile that rose in her throat.
Shelly’s head suddenly appeared again, causing Jo to topple backwards, sitting down
with a thump on the damp ground.
“There are steps here,” she said. “Look.”
Jo crawled forward, shining the flashlight into the hole.
Sure enough, there were a number of roughly hewn steps leading down to a square, damp tunnel.
“Give me the light,” said Shelly, reaching up with her hand. She crouched back down, disappearing from view again.
“What do you see?” asked Jo.
“It goes back some way. Come on.”
Jo peered down into the hole, watching as her lover illuminated the steps for her. She hesitated briefly before lowering herself into the damp, moss-covered space. When she finally joined Shelly she found the smaller woman shining the flashlight deep into a tunnel.
Jo placed a gentle hand on her friend’s shoulder. “What is this place?”
“I think it’s a fogou,” Shelly said, illuminating a number of long, wide shelves cut into the rock.
“A voodoo?” Jo said, looking at Shelly incredulously.
Shelly turned, shining the light on her partner. “No, fogou, or that’s what we called them in Cornwall. A stone-age tomb.”
Jo took the flashlight from her. “Well, I don’t really care what it’s called. I want to get out of here.”
Shelley reached out for her lover. “Wait, Jo. I saw something back there.”
Jo smiled a slightly manic smile. “Don’t care.”
Shelly took the flashlight back and shone the beam further into the man-made cave. “There,” she said, picking out a flash of white in the unforgiving light.
Jo knew what it was before she took a few faltering steps towards the end of the cave, her feet splashing in the inch or so of water that seeped down the walls.
“It’s Sarah,” whispered Shelly, taking Jo’s hand as they viewed the mortal remains of her long dead ancestor.
“My God.” Jo approached the jumble of bones and rags that lay on the narrow shelf. She took the flashlight from Shelly’s shaking hand and shone the beam of light across them. They appeared to have been disturbed, maybe by an animal, or some other soul that had stumbled across the fogou.
“How could they leave her here?” asked Shelly, reaching for her lover’s hand, needing to feel the warmth in the cold, damp darkness.
Both women winced as the harsh light picked out the misshapen bones, coming to rest on the skull, which seemed hugely out of proportion with the rest of the slight frame.
Shelly looked up at the angular profile of her lover. “We need to take her out of here.”
Jo nodded. “We’ll talk to Father Henry. We have to do this properly.” She started to pull the blonde away from the terrible vision, and realised that the water that was gathering around their feet was getting deeper. “Jesus,” whispered Jo, shining the beam of light on the floor, and then to the mossy stone walls.
Water was running down them, bringing with it earth, which was quickly turning to mud.
One of the larger stones, which formed part of the wall started to shift, a large root of some nearby tree pushing through.
“It’s collapsing!” screamed Shelly, pulling on Jo’s hand.
They struggled towards the entrance, looking in horror at the amount of water gushing through their means of escape.
“My prison is your prison.”
Jo spun around, knowing whom the raspy voice belonged to. Behind her she could hear the water rushing in through the entrance to the fogou. She stepped between Shelly and the vision that appeared before them.
The flashlight was held limply in Jo’s hand, its beam illuminating the water-covered floor. But a shroud of light surrounded apparition, which approached them.
“Sarah,” Jo said, her voice trembling.
Behind her she heard Shelly whimper, and turned to see the blonde holding her head in agony.
“What? What is it?” she asked, dropping the flashlight and holding the girl by the shoulders.
“My pain,” rasped Sarah, though Jo wasn’t sure if the words had been spoken aloud. They echoed about her head, and she closed her eyes against the pain the words produced.
“She doesn’t deserve this,” said Jo, turning slowly to face the apparition.
The ghostly form approached, reaching a hand towards her.
Jo could see her plainly now. She could see the folds of blanched skin, which covered her face, except for her forehead, against which the skin seemed taut and marble like. The eyes were black, one slightly closed beneath a bulbous brow. But below the eyes the skin was loose, hanging in folds across her cheeks. Her mouth was little more than a dark gash, twisted and trembling. One side of her body appeared immobile, and she shuffled towards the two terrified women, dragging her useless leg as she moved.
Jo felt Shelly clasp onto her arm, and she reached back, pulling the blonde closer behind her.
“Start moving back towards the entrance,” Jo said, pushing back against her lover.
As they moved backwards, part of the wall collapsed inwards, more water gushing into the small space.
Jo turned and pushed the blonde forcefully towards the end of the fogou, the flashlight lost in the muddy waters.
Shelly smashed into the wall, her head bouncing back off the hard rock. She felt Jo’s hands pushing her upwards, up the ancient stone steps. They were being pelted now, water and debris falling in through their means of escape.
Jo glanced behind her, the ghostly form was moving towards them. Then a horrifying scream filled the ancient tomb, battering the terrified women’s senses, causing their efforts to escape the dark place to become clumsy.
Shelly wiped at her face, the water plastering her hair to her skin, stinging her eyes. She reached up and managed to get her hand around a root, and pulled hard, feeling Jo below her propelling her towards the surface.
Jo looked up, seeing her lover scramble from the fogou. She turned back towards the screaming figure.
The screaming stopped, replaced once more by the ragged breathing she had first heard in the cottage.
Her heart hammering in her chest, she took a step towards the terrifying apparition.
“I know you have anger, Sarah. I know you hate my family. But I have found peace, and I’ve found love. You can have that too.” She ignored the feeling of despair and hatred that poured from the ghostly being, and swallowed down the bile that rose from her stomach. She leaned back against the wall, feeling the cold water running across her shoulders. “Let us help you, Sarah.”
She felt breath on her face, and closed her eyes against the fear that threatened to overwhelm her. Something touched her face, tracing a line from her cheek to her chin. She clenched her teeth, fighting the urge to scream, as the cold touch lingered on her face. Then it was gone, and only the sound of her own heart thundered in her ears. Beyond that she heard water dripping from the roof of the tomb, the sound echoing through the emptiness.
Taking a deep breath, she turned her back on the darkness, and lifted her foot to begin the short climb out of the tomb. She expected any moment to be dragged back down into the darkness, into the place that echoed only of hatred and death.
She found Shelly slumped against the trunk of a tree. The rain seemed to be stopping, only the water that had collected in the branches and on the leaves finding its way to the woodland floor.
“Hey,” she said, kneeling on the damp ground. She put a hand beneath her lover’s chin, ducking her head to see into the face she adored.
A trickle of blood, black in the darkness snaked down across Shelly’s face.
“Shelly?” she asked, relieved when green eyes fluttered open.
“Ouch,” winced Shelly, putting a shaking hand to her head. “I hit my head on the rock.”
“Looks like it. Can you stand?”
Shelly allowed herself to be pulled to her feet. She leaned forward into the waiting arms of her lover, letting herself be held for long moments.
“We can’t leave her there,” she whispered into the damp cloth that covered Jo’s chest.
“I know, but she has to want us to help her.” Jo said, starting to walk out of the woods, but never relinquishing her hold on Shelly.
The rain stopped as suddenly as it began, the sky was now clear, the moon bright. As they walked towards their cottage a figure shuffled out of the gloom towards them.
“Lil?” said Jo, peering into the darkness.
“I was coming to find you,” she limped towards them, leaning heavily on her walking stick. “Oh, my goodness, Shelly. Whatever have you done?” She lifted a withered hand towards the small woman’s face.
“I just bashed my head, Lil. Nothing a band aid and a stiff drink won’t cure.” Shelly’s smile was weak, however, and she allowed herself to be led to the cottage, the old woman following.
Once inside, Jo sat Shelly on a chair in the kitchen and ran up to the bathroom where there was a first aid kit. Her mother was nothing if not organised. She knew how disorganised her daughter was, and tried to think of everything for her. So the cottage was well equipped for every eventuality.
Lil was shuffling around the kitchen, filling the kettle and finding cups.
“Your mother certainly made a good job of this place,” Lil said, pulling out a chair, and sinking gratefully into it.
“Yes, she did,” said Jo, absently, parting damp blonde hair to better see the cut on Shelly’s head. “Well,” she let out a relieved breath. “You wouldn’t believe such a tiny cut would produce so much blood.”
Jo ducked her head and kissed the blonde’s nose. “I think you may live,” she smiled down at her lover, pressing a piece of cotton wool with a disinfectant solution on it.
Shelly hissed at the sharp pain, closing her eyes tightly. “Are there any paracetamol in there?”
Sure.” She pushed the box towards Lil. “Can you find them for her, Lil?”
The old woman pulled out a small box with the pain pills in, and handed Shelly a couple, then stood to make the tea.
“You found her?” Lil asked, her back to the pair.
“She’s in the fogou,” Shelly replied.
Lil turned from her task. “Fogou?”
Jo lifted the piece of cotton wool from Shelly’s head, and peered at the cut, which seemed to have stopped bleeding. “A stone age tomb.”
“Ah, a Long Barrow, there are two in the grounds I think.” Lil had made the tea in a pot, and she placed it on the table. “I know all the remains they found in there had been removed when they were originally discovered, in the 1700’s. I didn’t know they’d laid her to rest there.” She shook her head sadly and sat once more. She looked up at Jo who was staring at the bloody swab in her hand. “You know what you have to do?”
Jo looked at her and nodded. “She needs to be with her family.” Then she looked at Shelly. “We need to take her out of there.”
They talked late into the night, and decided they would pay a visit to Father Henry the following morning. Shelly’s eyes were drooping shut as the midnight hour approached, and Lil struggled to her feet from her place on the plump armchair.
“You should get that girl to bed,” she said, nodding towards the smaller woman curled up against Jo.
Jo carefully eased herself out from beneath the blonde, replacing her lap with a large pillow.
“I’ll walk you back,” said the tall woman. “I’m sorry, I lost the flashlight.”
Lil patted her hand. “Never mind, dear.” She wound her hand around Jo’s arm, and allowed herself to be led out of the cottage, and along the short walk to her own dwelling.
After she’d seen the old woman safely back to her home, Jo was amazed that she felt no impulsion to rush back to her lover, alone in the cottage. She felt a peace that she hadn’t felt for the last day or so, and looked into the dark woods, illuminated now by a full moon. She saw nothing but the gently swaying trees, and the moon reflecting off the still-damp leaves.
Shelly was where she’d left her, soundly asleep on the sofa. She roused her, and they both made their way to the bedroom, where they fell into bed as soon as they’d shed their clothes, and were asleep almost immediately.
The following morning Jo woke refreshed. Shelly was still asleep, as was usual, clinging on to her like some blonde limpet. She pushed aside soft hair from her lover’s forehead, and examined the bruise, which disappeared into her hairline.
Green eyes fluttered open, and gazed up at her.
“How do you feel?” Jo asked, placing a hand against Shelly’s cheek, and finding it a little warm.
“I feel great,” she replied, smoothing her hand across the soft skin of Jo’s stomach. “So do you,” she added with a mischievous smile.
She put her finger on the tip of the blonde’s nose. “We have a lot to do.”
Shelly closed her eyes, and groaned. “Yes we do.” She sat up and pushed the light-weight quilt aside. “Let’s get it over with.”
An hour later they were speaking with the vicar in Old Lil’s lounge. The grey haired man was shaking his head at the story they were telling him.
“I can add Sarah’s name to the registers, that won’t be a problem.” He looked up from his hands, which were folded in his lap. “There is no question that the remain are that of Sarah?”
“I’ve seen them, Father Henry. There’s no question,” said Jo.
“Then I can see why her spirit has been troubled. She needs to be laid to rest, along with the rest of her family. I will need to speak to your father, and the police will need to be informed, but I don’t think there will be any investigation, once it’s established that the remains are those of your ancestor. I’ll make the calls this afternoon.” He stood, pulling his jacket closed. “If you would like to accompany me to the church, we will see to it that Sarah’s name is added to the register.”
Later that day, Jo and Shelly walked hand in had to the wood, which backed onto their cottage. It seemed to be totally different to the terrifying place they had been the previous evening.
The sun shone through the leaves picking out a carpet of bluebells that now covered the ground after the summer rainstorm. Above them the branches were alive with birdsong and in the distance, between the trunks of the sturdy trees a small family of deer twitched their ears at the women’s approach and then bolted away, deeper into the woods.
“It’s changed,” whispered Shelly, looking up at the trees above her. “It’s beautiful.”
They heard a car pull up behind them, and turned to see Jo’s parents getting out of the vehicle.
They walked towards the older couple and greeted them with hugs and kissed.
“I hear you’ve had an interesting couple of days, dear,” Marianna said to her daughter, watching as her husband almost lifted Shelly off her feet while giving her a hug.
“Interesting is one way to describe it,” said Jo, with a chuckle.
Marianna’s face lost its smile. “We’ve been speaking to Father Henry. Your father is terribly upset.”
Jo looked across at her father, who was talking in hushed tones to Shelly, who was pointing in the direction of the fogou. She watched as her lover took the older man’s hand and started to lead him into the wood, towards the ancient tomb.
Shelly stood beside the gaping hole in the woodland floor. It looked bigger now in daylight, than it had the previous night. She glanced up at the older man’s face, it was etched with sorrow.
“We will make this right, though nothing could ever recompense for what that poor girl suffered.” He looked at the blonde, his eyes bright with newly shed tears.
And so it was over a month later that the family stood in the small church in the grounds of Collingford Manor. The police had determined that the remains were over seventy years old, which meant that the death would not be investigated. The mortal remains of Sarah were placed in a lead lined coffin, and Father Henry carefully chose a passage from Corinthians.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
The coffin was borne by six pall bearers, including Jo’s father and brother to the family crypt, where another small service was conducted before Sarah was placed alongside her mother, her name engraved below.
Jo was pulled Shelly a little closer, but released the shorter woman as she bent and placed a small bouquet of bluebells on the floor of the crypt beneath the plaque that now bore Sarah’s name.
Shelly straightened up, feeling Jo’s arm snake around her shoulders once more.
“Rest in peace, Sarah,” she said quietly.
Jo squeezed the shoulders, and turned them both, taking the small flight of steps that led them out of the crypt and into the light of day.
“I think she’s at peace now,” said Jo, leaning down and kissing the blonde head.
Shelly looked up at her lover. “I know she is.” She closed her eyes. “I can feel it.”
Marianna slipped her arm through Shelly’s and on the other side, Jo’s father encircled his daughter’s shoulders with his arm.
He looked down at his youngest child. “I’m proud of you, Joanna,” he said. “You’ve put right a terrible wrong, inflicted by one of my closest ancestors. Now the family’s good name has been restored.” He smiled. “Even though we knew nothing about this, it’s still a shame on the Collingford name.” He bent and kissed her. “Thank you.”
Jo felt a small hand squeeze her own.
Life was grand.
Continued in Winter’s Thaw
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Casper-Riverton, WY
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Posts Tagged ‘Kim Stanley Robinson’
Valentine Vixen — Eleanor Bradley, Miss February 1959
Playboy’s centerfold spread in their February, 1959 issue was an interesting shoot for the still somewhat fledgling magazine. In it, you can see that Playboy had by now moved away from prepaid-for-nudie-calendar shots and into its own photography, but was still finding its footing in terms of genuine artistic merit in the still-developing genre of the erotic nude, juxtaposed with the larger and more commercial task of bringing in strong circulation numbers.
Photographed by a valiant, early, and not-much-thereafter-rewarded, artistically-westward-stabbing Ron Vogel.
Playboy and Hef had begun to establish themselves as hallmarks of legit gentleman’s refinement, but the magazine’s output was continually looking to find its sea legs insomuchas sex could meet sophistication at the corner. This shoot, featuring the lovely and talented Eleanor Bradley, is a really interesting one in terms of composition. This for me is especially true of some of the more unsual framing — sometimes it’s cropped very close-in and tight, like the above shot, making Ms. Bradley seem larger or more looming in the viewer’s eye than she is (the upward-facing angle of the camera contributes to the forced perspective in the centerfold shot as well).
But in other instances, the framing is positioned with so much room around her, such a vast empty lookspace or headroom between her and the composition’s outer edges that you get the sense you yourself have just left the picture, stepped back to take the shot, or maybe that you are trying to memorize the total scene for maximum later recall. Do you see what I mean, contrasting the centerfold shot with the ones just above and below, and does that make sense?
Varied framing is the cut of my jib here, people. Is it translating? Are you on the trolley? Because I feel like all that may have got away from me. I’ve been sick. I really like subbing but I think the teacher I was in for on several contiguous days last week must have left her desk-things littered with germs because I’ve been in dire, Ny-Quil soaked straits for several nights now.
Anyway. As I scrolled through some of the truly well-done shots in the pictorial, I found myself paying close attention to eye-popping bursts of primary color and interesting compositions and it seemed to me like what Mr. Vogel accomplished here was an early, though somewhat curtailed (perhaps by budget??) attempt at a spread with an actual factual unified artistic theme. Yay!
Please note hi-fi rack is holding an album cover of Frank Sinatra.
The interior shots are even okay. But I must say. Though I am a huge fan of the black velvet capris and who can argue with toplessness?, I’ve always found the iconic shots of Frank Sinatra in the composition here kind of … inexplicable. No real good reason for their inclusion in the spread is to be found in the copy accompanying her pictorial nor in the very shady and shallow delving in to Ellie’s own history that the article skitters about performing before grinding to an abrupt halt.
Moreover, unlike Sinatra, she was from a small town outside Chicago, at the time Hef’s home and the magazine’s HQ — quite the enemy “second city” still at this time to NYC, Frank’s preferred stomping-grounds, and a far cry from his native Jersey, so we may also strike those connections from the list of raisons d’etres vis-a-vis this shoot and its stylings. Further, though never out-of-style in this Italian girl’s opinion, even I must admit that Ol’ Blue Eyes did not make a movie that year nor re-release any particular hits. Strange choice of prop.
In fact, during this time, Sinatra was mostly known for increasing embitterment over his flagging record sales and for criticizing rock music as widely and often as possible. He is quoted in the late 50’s as saying, “[Rock ‘n roll is] sung, played, and written for the most part by cretinous goons. It manages to be the martial music of every side-burned delinquent on the face of the earth.”
That’s right, you side-burned, delinquent whippersnappers. Why, when Frank was starting out as a musician, he walked uphill both ways in the snow barefoot to his heroin dealer’s house after his recording sessions, and he liked it. Fight-fixing was a dime, whores were a nickel, and gin was free if you kept your mouth shut about which gangsters were illegally hiding money in offshore accounts in Cuba. Those were the times! These corrupt, lazy beatniks and mods wouldn’t have lasted ten minutes on the mean streets of Capitol Records or the MGM Grand in Vegas. Un-American crop of Commies, is what they are. Damned hippies are all soft — soft , I tell you!
(In case your sarcasm-early-warning systems are offline for routine maintenance today, what I am driving at here is that the Rat Pack were a madly loveable but fairly goddamned degenerate bunch of pots, to be popping off and calling kettles black. Look to the plank in thine own eye, hepcats.)
Is this picture not fabulous? Very Vertigo, yes? Hitchock’s masterpiece had just come out the year before.
Anyway, back to the issue at hand. Playboy sez:
A chance encounter made this small-town girl our February Playmate.
A lovely-visaged Valentine to brighten the short, drear days of the year’s shortest month, Eleanor Bradley became our February Playmate almost by accident — or was it fate? A small-town girl from the Midwest, she’d looked forward with excitement to her first West Coast vacation, to the wonderful time she’d have in sun and surf.
And fun she had; but what Eleanor didn’t anticipate — and what proved to be the high point of her vacation — was that our photographer would discover her strolling the glistening strand, and that this would lead to her becoming our valentine Playmate. We believe our readers will share our feeling — after gazing on her tawny beauty — that fate was kind indeed to bring us this sweet siren by the sea.(“Vacation Valentine,” Playboy, February 1959.
That is the entirety of their write-up on her. So while pictorial spreads were getting loads better, the Playmate interviews were still pretty much in their infancy.
Bradley was discovered by Playboy while she was in Los Angeles to visit her sister. After the pictorial, she remained active with Playboy for several years, usually with promotional trips and the like; she also was a regular on the syndicated TV show Playboy’s Penthouse and “Playboy After Dark.” She also posed for other men’s magazines in the early 1960s, along with her career as a mainstream model, mostly in the Midwest. She again posed topless for Playboy for the magazine’s 1979 feature “Playmates Forever!” (source)
Do not click the link to that source if you don’t have a pop-up blocker and/or you are at work. Then again, I guess if you’re here and haven’t already closed this browser window, you probably are not at work. Sometimes I forget my own journal is pretty NSFW, too.
Here are some more details on the Waukegan, Illinois native direct from the source herself, in an article she wrote for the Lake County News-Sun, published in 2009.
I worked my way through high school at the Jewel Food Store, the first one in Waukegan, on Washington Street across the street from Waukegan Township High School. We lived in a rented room ($10 a week) in the back of Carmella Corso’s beauty shop on Butrick Street. Wow, that name just popped right back into my mind.
“Eleanor Bradley visited many Marine training bases around the United States as Miss Marine Air Reserve.” (Courtesy the Chicago Sun-Times and Lake County News-Sun).
The Globe Store reminds me of when, I think in 1956, several classmates and I modeled bathing suits in their window and shocked passers-by; we pretended to be mannequins, then just slightly moved — what fun. Also did their fashion shows and some print ads.
My most influential teacher was Miss Schwinger; she encouraged me to stay in school and graduate.
I graduated in ’57 and went to work as secretary to Fred Lawson, head of public relations for Abbott Labs.
I became Playboy‘s February 1959 centerfold, went to work for Hugh Hefner at headquarters in Chicago, and traveled 100,000 miles around the country doing appearances at colleges. I did all the original “Playboy After Dark” television shows. As Miss Marine Air Reserve, I visited many Marine training bases around the United States.
After Playboy, I got married, had four children, started high fashion modeling with A+ modeling agency, became a top 10 model for 13 years.
I was on the 25th class reunion committee. The meetings were always at Bertram’s Bowl on Washington Street.
(“Modeling bathing suits: Modeling career began in storefront window.” Giannetti, Eleanor Bradley. April 27, 2009. Lake County News-Sun.)
As Ms. Bradley has very nicely summarized her achievements in her own lovely words, which is normally exposition I would cover, I will instead concern myself between the remainder of the pictures from this spread with relating a few facts about Waukegan’s surprisingly numerous sci-fi connections. (E’s journal: come for the porn, stay for the geek-talk!)
My all-time favorite science fiction author and king among personal patron saints, Ray Bradbury, was born in to a long-established Waukegan family in 1920. (His great-grandfather was elected mayor in 1882, to give you an idea of his roots there.) Bradbury grew up in the town and has used it as the inspiration for his fictional Green Town, where he’s set stories and novellas such as Farewell Summer, Something Wicked This Way Comes (my very-favoritest among very-favoritests, which I re-read at least once a year), and Dandelion Wine.
Another sci-fi writer concerned with Mars hails from Ms. Bradley’s hometown as well. Though he lives in Davis, California now, Kim Stanley Robinson, Chomskyite author of the Mars trilogy and self-described green socialist, was born in Waukegan. Mr. Robinson wrote his doctoral thesis on Philip K. Dick and he’s married to an environmental chemist, just to ratchet up his sci-fi magnificence even higher. Like Ray Bradbury and some of Vonnegut’s work, Mr. Robinson’s writing is regarded as an intersection of science fiction with genre-transcending social themes and polish: literary science fiction.
The character of Jason Blaze in Ghost Rider hails from Waukegan, as does non-fictional comedic genius Neil Flynn. You know Flynn as Janitor on Scrubs, but, if his most recent sitcom role in a pretty nerdy and delightful series is not geeky or esoteric enough to fit this theme for you, he also played a cop on an episode of Sliders in 1991. Before I wind down the sci-fi angle altogether, I need to ask:
Am I the only person who’s been stumbling over the clunky and rather laughable, upwardly mobile phrase “speculative fiction” lately in its apparent attempts to supplant “science fiction” and “sci-fi” as the new hep nomenclature for all things dorky? Because I am NOT drinking the kool-aid on that one. I don’t care if it dates me in a decade at a convention or something. I will be That Guy. I don’t care. I’ll call it sci-fi ’til you pry the toy phaser out of my cold, dead, Wolverine-barbecue-mitt-covered hand.
As a final and more sobering but still sci-fi-related thought, Waukegan is home to a whopping three Superfund hazardous waste sites. To give you an idea of the slightly unnerving disproportion of that figure, the National Priorities List identifies only about 1200 in the entire country. Sadly, the hazardous waste has not imbued anyone with superpowers — quite the opposite, in fact, and it’s a major health concern. For more info on all that crazy eons-of-environmental-shenanigans and horrors of irresponsible corporate greed, pick up the book Lake Effect by Nancy Nichols, a 2008 true account of the effects of PCBs on Waukegan residents, including the death of Ms. Nichols’ sister. Troublesome and very next level.
Tags:1959, a confession, boobs, breasts, candids, chicago, comic-con, comics, confession, ecological, Eleanor Bradley, Frank Sinatra, ghost rider, hazardous waste, Illinois, images, It happens, Kim Stanley Robinson, Mars, Miss February, Model Citizens, models, movie quotes, movies, Music --- Too many notes., naked, Neil Flynn, nipples, nsfw, nude, Patron saints, photography, Pictures, playboy, Playboy After Dark, Playboy's Penthouse, playmate, pubic hair, quotes, ray bradbury, Ray Vogel, revolution, sci-fi, science fiction, Scrubs, Self-audit, Sliders, Something Wicked This Way Comes, speculative fiction, stills, superfund sites, superpowers, television will rot your brain, topless, toxic, Valentine Vixen, Valentine Vixens, Waukegan, writing
Posted in art, blinding you with Science, comics, confession, Literashit, Model Citizens, movies, Music --- Too many notes., Patron saints, photography, Pictures, Playboy, quotes, Scrubs, Self-audit, star trek, Valentine Vixens, Vonnegut, Woman Warriors, Yucky Love Stuff | 11 Comments »
NSFW November: Miss November 1993, Julianna Young
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WFS Meeting Arnside and Silverdale April 15th 2006
Erica erigena on cliff (Irish Heath)
Petasites albus (White Butterbur N Wales in 2005)
Potentilla sterilis (Barren strawberry)
Erica erigena close(Irish Heath)
Adiantum capillus-veneris (Maidenhair Fern)
Chionodoxa forbesii (Glory-of-the-snow)
Arnside promenade
This was one of the first meetings of 2006 a year which started with a very cold February and March and one which led to early Spring flowers being up to three weeks late. The forecast wasn't too optimistic for this meeting but then very few weather forecasts this Spring had been anything but gloomy. The date was Easter Saturday and this delightful part of North Lancashire can be very busy with visitors so an early arrival for car parking was essential.
Around 9.00 am the weather was perfect. There was hazy sunshine, a few dog walkers and hikers with the fishermen on the shore settling in for a days strenuous sitting down. A full complement of botanists soon arrived and our leader Julie Clarke checked that everyone expected was present. As is usual there was an absentee and we dutifully waited for 15 minutes but then set off on what turned out to be a truly marvellous day's botanising on the first true day of Spring.
We first set out along a path which is an extension of the promenade to see a couple of unusual plants. The first was high up, naturalised in the rocky cliffs and difficult to get close to but had been identified as Erica erigena (Irish Heath) which is native only on the west coast of Ireland but a popular early flowering garden heather. No doubt this one had escaped from nearby houses but was naturalised in such an inaccessible place that a few of us scrambled up the rock face to take photos.
The second plant was nearby and low down on the same cliffs. Known for some years at this site and now spreading Adiantum capillus-veneris (Maidenhair Fern) is another plant associated with the west of Ireland in the grykes of the Burren limestone pavement.
Further along the path we found some probable relics of an ancient garden with superb clump of Chionodoxa forbesii (Glory-of-the-snow) and by a wall some very healthy looking Potentilla sterilis (Barren Strawberry).
In the shade of the trees there were a few very sad looking white florets on the last of the Petasites albus (White Butterbur). This is usually a very early flowering plant with the main crop as early as February or March but in this cold year WFS dairy fillers were able to see the very last of this plant three or four weeks after it has usually completely finished flowering. The photo here is a Petasites albus in its prime as our specimens were the least photogenic of all the plants seen at the meeting.
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Tomo Translations
Bringing you translations at a leisure pace
Series in Translation
This Hero is invincible but too cautious
A Wish to Grab Happiness
It Is a Different World and Yet I Am Cultivating Monsters
About Us – Tomo Translations Team
By tomotranslations on April 19, 2019 • ( 10 Comments )
This Hero is invincible but too cautious – Volume 1 – Chapter 36
Chapter 36: Sniper
Bell Bubu was astonished when he saw that an arrow of light was released that high in the sky. He slowly opened his mouth because he became watchful.
「I studied magical bows a long time ago. I realized that it was the only way for humans to compete against me…But, even so, it was a bit strange. 」
「Just what are you implying? 」
I shouted at Bell Bubu while I held Rosalie.
「I didn’t fly this high just for nothing. I flew to this particular position in the sky because I prepared myself for the magical bow operative range. Although it is a magical bow of light with attributes strong enough to reach a long distance, it was not supposed to reach this high from the ground. Even if it’s a magical arrow, it will get some air resistance, right? 」
「*looks proud* Shall I tell you how the arrow reached this high? Because Seiya is a genius hero, the one in a hundred million people! 」
For a moment, Bell Bubu was silent. Soon, he muttered.
「…Lucifer Crow. 」
「Who…Who’s that? 」
「A legendary demon who once existed in Geabrande. The arrow that Crow shot from his magical bow is said to have reached the top of Mount Grastra in the Eines region. Our current position is much higher than Mount Grastra, which means that the magical arrow that appeared before has a longer operative range than Crow’s magical bow. 」
「Then…Then that means that Seiya is much more talented than that demon. 」
「No, no, no. That’s impossible. Lucifer Crow is a legend, you know? Even if that hero is one in a hundred million people, there is no way that a human being would be able to surpass the legend’s skills. And yet…His arrow came this high with commendable power. 」
「What is your point then!! 」
Suddenly, Bell Bubu started to laugh insanely high.
「There is only one conclusion to explain this riddle! Summing up! He flew and approached us without being noticed, and shot an arrow! 」
「Just…what are you saying…! 」
The fly monster pointed his finger to the sea of clouds that spread below our feet.
「Like a hunter awaiting in the bushes! He’s hiding somewhere in this vast sea of clouds! No, rather than just trying to attack me, he thought of using the clouds for camouflage! 」
…This guy! How could a fly make an analysis so meticulously like that!
I was surprised by Bell Bubu’s intelligence. I glanced to the clouds below me…I gritted my teeth in annoyance.
His analysis was…probably correct! If I thought carefully about it, I couldn’t explain how the magical arrow had sufficient power to hit Bell Bubu this high in the sky! After Seiya swept the flies on the ground, he probably noticed that we were moving away from the magical bow’s operative range! Maybe he flew afterwards! Just as Bell Bubu said, he was probably hiding somewhere on this sea of clouds…!
「Hey, goddess! Do you know what? I am the fastest within the Devil Army! No one can defeat me if they battle me in the sky! That’s absolute! It will be pointless even if he knew where I was in the sky! When I discover that defenseless hero, he will die! 」
I pretended to be calm. However, I was feeling awfully upset on the inside.
What is Seiya going to do!? This will get troublesome if he doesn’t attack Bell Bubu soon!!
Bell Bubu looked down and spoke with a provocative loud voice.
「Hey, hero! Show me your bow skills! I won’t run away nor hide! 」
Bell Bubu was paying close attention to the sea of clouds because arrows could suddenly appear from below. I secretly activated my goddess’ power. I improved my visual dynamics to be able to see with accuracy the disturbances within the clouds.
Rosalie looked up at me.
「Hey, goddess!! Is that hero okay!? Can he really win!? 」
「It’s…It’s going to be fine! Seiya said to me that he was Perfectly Ready! He’ll win! I’m absolutely certain that he’ll win this fight! 」
…But nothing happened for a long while. All we could hear was silence while the clouds moved along with the wind current.
Tension was about to break at any time soon!
There was something glowing continuously in the distant clouds! On that instant, the lighting ray burned my eye’s retina.
…Se…Seven!? Don’t tell me that it was…Seven arrows!? That was…No way…!! “Seven Shot Shining Arrow”!!
O…Outstanding talent!! Even though he was a human, he managed to reach the limit of Mithis, the Goddess of Bow! It was exactly what Mithis said! “Seven continuous shoots expands the range of the Shining Arrow. It means that the attributes of the magical bow will increase in accuracy and range…It will be almost impossible to dodge the arrows without taking some damage. Besides, I believe that such demon is impossible to exist.” There was a hole between the clouds where the ray of light was emitted! It looked like it was firmly calculated to aim at the head, limbs and anthropoid wings of Bell Bubu! That was too accurate! It was like “avoiding a shotgun shot” from a close range! There was no way that Bell Bubu will dodge it!
I was convinced of a victory…
「*laughs wickedly* “Rolling Dodge”…! 」
I improved my visual dynamics again by activating the goddess’ power. I was able to see the seven arrows exceeding the speed of sound. However, Bell Bubu twisted and rotated his body in an acrobatic motion to avoid the attacks.
Rosalie groaned.
「That demon is…avoiding all the attacks, isn’t he? 」
「No way…! How could he…? 」
No way, no way, no way!! It was impossible!! He was dodging the god-level seven continuous shoots!! I couldn’t believe that a demon like this existed in the world…!
…This was Geabrande, a world with an S-rank salvation difficulty!! This world was the ultimate degree of difficulty beyond the common sense of god!!
I started to feel despair. The area below us was getting sparse of clouds. The power of the magical arrows made the clouds disappear momentarily. On that clear space in the fly, I could see Seiya’s silhouette. Just as Bell Bubu said, Seiya was flying with a bow of light.
「Hero!! There you are!! 」
This was bad! Bell Bubu had very strong dodge abilities in the sky! This opponent will be too strong for Seiya! He will be killed!
Bell Bubu headed towards Seiya in the sky. Suddenly, a purple liquid was spilled from the enemy’s mouth.
「Oh…my…god…! 」
「Eh!? That is…!? 」
I had no clue for what was happening. Apparently, Bell Bubu had no idea as well. But, I immediately understood the situation.
Not only from the mouth. Bell Bubu’s abdomen was full of tiny holes. A large amount of purple liquid started to overflow from there as well. In addition, six birds surrounded Bell Bubu. They were similar to the Automatic Phoenix that Seiya created with fire magic. But this time, they were slightly different. Those were pale-colored birds that shined brightly.
Bell Bubu kept vomiting purple blood from his mouth.
「The…The magical bird of light…How? When did you invoke them…? 」
Yes, I was sure that Seiya created those birds! The magical birds pierced through Bell Bubu’s stomach! But when did he create the six birds of light with magic? …Wait a second! Six! The birds of light should have the same number as the shining arrows! Yet, only six attacked Bell Bubu! I…I got it! After Bell Bubu dodged the “Seventh Shot Shining Arrow”, it transformed into a big Garuda* of light! It came back and attacked Bell Bubu once again! In other words…
「“Transform Automatic Garuda”…!! 」
Bell Bubu probably noticed Seiya’s strategy.
「That…damn hero…! 」
He muttered with hatred. But that became Bell Bubu’s last words. Instantly, the birds of light approached Bell Bubu from all the directions to imprison him in the air. Soon, the temperature became ultra-high while the birds emitted a dazzling light. That area exploded furiously in the sky. After the strong light faded away, I opened my eyes and I saw an unrecognizable black figure that seemed to belong to Bell Bubu. That burnt corpse fell to the ground.
…I was perplexed.
What on earth was up with this hero!? The god-like Seven Shot Shining Arrow was said to be impossible for human beings to invoke…Moreover, I felt without hope when all of the shining arrows were shot!! Besides, the Goddess of Bow said that no demon would be able to dodge that attacks!! How could I doubt her!? But this hero…once again, made this all seem easy to accomplish, and made me feel like an idiot as usual!!
Seiya, who was floating in the distance, saw that Bell Bubu fell to the ground. Then, he disappeared under the returning clouds without showing much pleasure or joy.
…But it was fine!! Great!! As expected of Ryuguuin Seiya!! This man has defied the words and powers of the gods!! With his cautious attitude, I believe that he will be the one to truly save the S-rank World, Geabrande!!
I chased after Seiya. I took Rosalie in silence and came back to the forest where Mash and Elle awaited. I spoke to Seiya the moment I landed.
「I saw it! Transform Automatic Garuda was amazing! 」
Seiya twisted his head.
「Trans…? What’s that? 」
「Ah…sorry! I gave that name when I saw that technique! I’m talking about what you did early, don’t you remember? Your arrow of light transformed into a big magical bird! 」
「Yeah. That “converted bird that reverted trajectories”. 」
「That’s what you named it!? What’s wrong with your naming sense!? 」
「I haven’t thought about it that seriously. 」
「Then, how about the name I came up with? You can use it… 」
「Hmm. The transform one…? It’s too long. That’s not a very good name. 」
「Maybe “Come Back BON**” is a better choice!! 」
I was pushed aside as Mash and Elle rushed to Seiya’s side.
「You’re really incredible, Master! 」
「True! Mister Seiya is invincible! 」
These two praised Seiya. On the other side, Bato and the other soldiers surrounded Rosalie.
「Oh my! Lady Rosalie, we’re glad you’re safe! 」
Rosalie approached us after talking to her soldiers. I thought she was going to say “thank you for helping me”, but Rosalie turned her cold eyes back to Seiya.
「You are not a brave hero. That way of winning, a surprise attack, is contrary to chivalry principles. A true hero will not spare his own life. A true hero will risk everything to fight against the enemy head on. A true hero will behave honorably just like my father always does.」
It looked like Rosalie said everything she wanted to say. On that moment, my serenity as a goddess blew away.
「Hey, excuse me!! You were saved because of Seiya!! How about expressing some gratitude instead!? 」
I was feeling indignant. But on that instant Seiya put a hand in front of me.
「Seiya!? Why don’t you say a word too!? 」
Nevertheless, the hero spoke with tranquility.
「Leave her alone, Lista. 」
「B…But…!! 」
「It’s just a dog barking anyways. 」
Rosalie changed expressions instantaneously.
「Who the hell is a dog!! I never barked!! 」
Whoa…! This hero was amazing after all…! His single words inflicted more damaged even if I shouted a hundred times…!
*groaning angrily* Rosalie started to foam.
「Ah! Miss Rosalie is becoming like a dog again! 」
She noticed Elle’s worrying expression. Somehow, she managed to stay calm. After inhaling deeply, she left without saying a word. Bato and his soldiers chased after Rosalie.
Seiya took a deep breath.
「…Well then. I guess we’ll have to eliminate the remaining flies. 」
He was right. Even if Bell Bubu was defeated, the swarm of flies that flew around the nest were more than a hundred. We could not afford to leave it like that.
I was impressed with the stoic hero who, after defeating the fly boss, wanted to defeat the remaining enemies in the sky. Yet, Seiya put his hands on Mash and Elle’s shoulders.
「Mash. Elle. It’s your turn. 」
We were astonished with his unexpected words.
「My eyes don’t deceive me. I can tell that you’ve trained hard and gained new powers.」
「Ma…Master…! 」
「Mister…Mister Seiya…! 」
「Go. Show me your power. 」
「Yeah! I’ll do my best! 」
「Me too! I’ll do my best too! 」
Those two were happily approaching the nest after being encouraged by Seiya. However, Seiya invoked the Seven Shot Shining Arrow and released it rapidly. It killed all the other flies in the blink of an eye.
「Wh…What…? Master? 」
「Mister Seiya…? 」
Those two were looking stunned has more than a hundred flies’ corpses fell dramatically into the ground.
Seiya gazed at Elle.
「Okay, Elle. Use Haste to make Mash move faster. 」
「Ah…O…Okay… 」
Seiya told Mash, who was moving quickly with Haste, to reveal his Dragon Hand.
「Mash is next. Gather the flies’ carcasses on one spot with that big hand. 」
「Ah…Yeah. 」
Seiya drew a large circle close to a branch of a tree. Mash began to collect the flies’ corpses while moving incredibly fast.
「Okay. That Haste skill is doing a great job. It’s nice to watch. 」
In the end, Seiya burned the pile of the flies’ remains just as he did with Hell’s Fire. It reduced to absolutely nothing. He spoke with a satisfying voice.
「Both of you were very useful. 」
Even if Seiya praised them from the bottom of his heart, the two of them looked down as if their moral got crushed in that moment. Especially Mash, who was looking deeply at his hands thinking that “my hands are brooms…”.
I felt sorry for those two. Before I told them reassuring words, I heard the sound of horses’ hooves. When I turned around, I saw Rosalie sitting on her white horse. She looked down at us.
「*looks angry* So, you eliminated the remnants. The Rosgard Knights would be capable of dealing with those even without you. 」
When I glared madly at Rosalie, Bato came in between us.
「Lady…Lady Rosalie! You were not supposed to say that to the hero and his people!」
「I know that! They irritate me, but I’ll give them that rewarding information!」
Rosalie took a deep breath to calm herself.
「…Listen. There is a “Legendary Armor” in a small shrine near Izale Village. It’ll be necessary to defeat the Demon King. 」
「Legendary armor, you say? 」
Bato nodded positively.
「Yes. There is a saying that the Great Sage Mustaf prepared a special item for Geabrande’s future crisis. Originally, I was going to tell the hero about it, but the flies were an impending menace, so I missed the opportunity. 」
「It’s the sacred “Legendary Armor” that Rosgard has been carefully guarding all this time. We will give it to you, so be grateful to have it. 」
Seiya became suspicious after Rosalie declared with a bossy voice.
「I wonder if that’s true. It’s not a cursed armor, is it? 」
「You…Were you even listening to what we said? The Great Sage prepared the sacred “Legendary Armor” and Rosgard has been protecting it ever since then! There is no curse! 」
「Well. It might be the “Cursed Armor of the Sacred Legend”. 」
「That armor doesn’t even exist!! 」
After shouting, Rosalie shook her head heavily.
「Why is an abnormally nervous guy the chosen hero…? This is extremely absurd! A true strong person like my father should be the one to wear that armor…!」
While muttering in disagreement, Rosalie pulled her horse’s reins and changed directions. She went further away without even glancing at us. Only Bato and his soldiers gave us their thanks. Soon, all of the Rosgard Knights disappeared from our sight.
「…Well then. 」 I looked back at Seiya.
「Listen, Seiya. I know that we need to go back to Izale Village to pick up that armor…But why don’t we take a break right now? 」
Actually, I wanted us to take a break after we left the Dragon Cave. But right after that, we were summoned to defeat the flies.
「Listen, sometimes you need to take a break! Let’s take it slowly today! 」
After I said that, both Mash and Elle agreed with me. Unusually, Seiya said the following words.
「That’s right. My MP was consumed after I used the magical bow. Let’s stop by an inn to rest for a little while.」
He obediently agreed with me. To tell the truth, I was feeling tired and I was a little cold. So, I was relieved when I heard Seiya’s words.
「Let’s go to the village then! 」
I casted a spell for the portal to appear. I made it in order to connect into that village. Izale Village was a small but heartwarming place. It would be perfect to give us some peace and a well-deserving rest.
But when I opened the portal and reached the village, I felt a shivering through my spine.
The chill that I felt earlier was not due to my fatigue. It was the goddess’ intuition that gave me the chills because it warned me of something bad.
…A ruined field.
…The houses were brutally crushed.
Izale Village was destroyed.
*Garuda, in Hindu mythology, the bird (a kite or an eagle) and the vahana (mount) of the god Vishnu.
**When something magically and suddenly appears. Often seen with a puff of smoke.
Thank you to the Patrons for the continued support!
Tagged as: Chapter 36, This Hero is invincible but too cautious, Volume 1
A Wish To Grab Happiness – Volume 1 – Chapter 18
Naassom Paiva says:
oh boi all was a distraction?
Thanks for the chapter!!!
thank for the update
Raihan Tri Wahyudi says:
Right, Seiya! Just ignore that lowly dog!
Thank you for your hard work! Your translations are superb!
tomotranslations says:
Showed your comment to the TL-Sama… She blushed 😉
Oh, that’s cute. xD
John Jay (@JohnJayJP) says:
Yeah, the translations are really good. The only thing that needs work is the usage of at/on/in. It’s been about 8 months since this chapter was translated so maybe the team has become better at English, but all of the chapters posted before this one have suffered from some improper usage of those words.
One of the most common mistakes I’ve seen in pretty much every single chapter is the phrase “On that moment”, which should be ‘At’. Well, ‘In’ could be used, but “At that moment” is the most common and accepted usage. Another mistake that happened a few times was when people were sitting in their chairs instead of on them. Also, people should be sitting at a table, not on it. Well, I guess it’s okay for Rosalie to sit on a table… she’s just like an animal after all. 😉
The last thing I noticed a few times is how the word ‘countless’ would have ‘of’ after it when it shouldn’t have it. It may need to be ‘countless of’ sometimes, but not always. This seems to be a far more common mistake when people translate Chinese novels instead of Japanese. I’m guessing this happens because of what’s being used to assist them with the translations, such as Google translate or some kind of translation program.
All in all though, great job team.
ambi says:
Thanks for the chapter Tomo Translations! Seems like the smart demon king caught wind of their activities.
This is really getting repeatative, cliché and boring.
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Bang-A-Song
Classic Hybrid Analog/Digital Recording Studio in Gloucester, MA
Pop Has Freed Us
Bang-A-Song Studios
Tony Goddess
Studio Articles
In The Studio/New Releases: Fall/Winter 2018
Posted on January 17, 2019 by tonygoddess
Thanks to everyone who was working at Bang-A-Song this fall. A lot of new albums were released since we last updated you, and we’re happy to recommend them! Dig in….
Jon Butcher‘s new LP is entitled “360°” and is available on Amazon, Apple Music, and Spotify.
Second Balcony Jump’s first single in 2019 is called “Cut To The Lip” and features a vocal performance from Emily Grogan.
Willie Alexander and The Fishtones have released “Aqua Vega” in full on BandCamp for your listening enjoyment.
Suriel’s debut LP is entitled ‘Blank Slate’, and it’s not only one of the 7 Best Hip Hop Albums in Boston (according to WBUR), it’s also available on Amazon Music and all of these streaming services. (And I neglected to mention his new official music video for ‘Real Life’! Drat!)
The 77 Everythings have tried to prove themselves wrong by naming their new album “Nothing’s Perfect“.
Glympses new self-titled full-length can be blasted immediately on Spotify, with Faith, Time, Love. (And check out the official music video for “Medicine Man”!)
The Disgraceland Players put some tracks down to accompany new episodes on Spade Cooley, Big Lurch and Rick James. (Season 3 kicks up in February…subscribe!)
Telamor released a new single entitled “Communication Breakdown” on Spotify and all the streaming services.
And because we’re impatient, and excited, Matt Rhodes will release his full length solo LP “Slightly At Sea” on January 25th. (ACTUALLY, NOW IT IS OUT!!! Check out “Slightly At Sea” on CDBaby, Spotify, and Apple Music. And…the album’s official music videos here.)
Morgan Minsk has released a new Official Video for ‘I Emerge’. It’s gorgeous.
Quentin Callewaert has released a new video entitled ‘Water Music in D Major’ featuring his regularly lovely fingerpicking sounds.
Cables and Lines has released a new music video for “Meadow”.
In The Studio:
Koi Wolf made their amps howl. Kim Blisard came to dance. Over the Bridge crossed into Studio C. Northwest Fox recorded a few more tracks before setting sail. Crunchtime crunched. The Dazies started a new EP. Safety played it dangerous. Quentin Callewaert kept us young. Toby Mountain made a difference. Second Balcony Jump cut their Third record. Harry and the Potters cast their mixes. Satch Kerans swung into C. The Instigators finished what they started. Jones Creek paddled through the overdubs. Sound Harbor held a class. Meg Griffin voiced a podcast. Joe Wilkins cut a rhythm section. John Jerome got going on the next one. Lisa Manning waxed poetic. Matt Smith spent some time in Studio C. Amanda Mena crooned some tunes.
This entry was posted in In The Studio, New Releases and tagged 77 everythings, amanda mena, cables and lines, crunchtime, disgraceland, emily grogan, glympses, harry and the potters, in the studio, joe wilkins, john jerome, jon butcher, jones creek, kim blisard, koi wolf, lisa manning, matt rhodes, matt smith, meg griffin, morgan minsk, new releases, nortwest fox, over the bridge, quentin callewaert, SAFETY, Satch Kerans, second balcony jump, sound harbor, suriel, telamor, the dazies, the fishtones, the instigators, willie alexander by tonygoddess. Bookmark the permalink.
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Home » Electrify America launches Level 2 EV home charging station priced at $499
Electrify America launches Level 2 EV home charging station priced at $499
Harish Dhawan 14 October 2019
German automaker Volkswagen’s Electrify America charging infrastructure subsidiary has launched a Level 2 home charging station for electric vehicles (EVs). The home charging station, featuring up to 7.6 kW charging power, is called ‘Electrify America Electric Vehicle Home Charger.’
The launch of the EV home charger by Electrify America marks the company’s foray into the home charging arena in the US. The home charger boasts compatibility with all the EVs currently available in North American markets.
In announcing the launch of the new ‘Electrify America Electric Vehicle Home Charger,’ Electrify America has said that the product can be purchased directly from the company, and also from online retailer Amazon. The cost of the EV home charger is $499.
Volkswagen has claimed that the Electrify America’s Level 2 EV home charger, with 7.6 kW charging power, is around six times faster than the typical Level 1 charger, depending on the make or model of an EV. With the given charging power, the home charger can give a typical EV approximately 25 miles of range per hour.
The Electrify America EV home charger comes with a NEMA 14-50 plug as a standard, and is available as a plug-in unit as well as a hard-wired option. Electrify America is giving a three-year warranty on the EV home charger. The company will install the home charger in partnership with Qmerit if no qualified electrician is available in a particular area.
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GrandMa's Peanut Butter Big Cookies
Score: 5.00. Votes: 1
Unlock Secret Recipe 79¢
Club members click here to unlock this recipe
When these cookies are cool, be sure to seal them up real tight in something like Tupperware or a Ziploc bag. That's the way to keep them moist and chewy like the original GrandMa's Big Cookies. In fact, he real product claims to be the only national cookie brand that guarantees the freshness of the product or double your money back. That confident gurantee comes from the current manufacturer, Frito-Lay, which purchased the GrandMa's Cookies brand from General Mills back in 1980.
Source: Even More Top Secret Recipes by Todd Wilbur.
Update 1/13/17: For an improved recipe, replace the 1/2 cup shortening with 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter. Also, reduce the baking soda to 1 1/2 teaspoons. 2 teaspoons is too much. Also, raising the oven temperature a little—to 300 degrees F—will help with browning and still keep the cookies chewy. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes.
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 cup Peter Pan peanut butter
Rating of votes (1)
This is the best recipe for Peanut Butter cookies EVER! I love PB cookies and am always on the lookout for a better recipe. I have always been disappointed with a recipe other than this. My husband makes them best and has been baking them for about 10 years now. You will not be disppointed.
GrandMa's Oatmeal Raisin Big Cookies
GrandMa's Cookie Company was founded back in 1914 by Foster Wheeler, but it wasn't until 1977 that the company introduced the popular Big Cookie. This large, soft cookie comes two to a pack and is offered in several varieties, including oatmeal raisin. Now you can bake up a couple batches of your own with this kitchen clone. Just be sure not to over bake these. You want the cookies soft and chewy when cool—just like a happy grandma would make. Be sure to take the cookies out of the oven when they are just beginning to turn light brown around the edges.
Update 1/13/17: For an improved recipe, replace the 1/2 cup shortening with 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter. Also, reduce baking soda to 1 1/2 teaspoons and cinnamon to 1/2 teaspoon. Raising the oven temperature a little—to 300 degrees F—will help with browning and still keep the cookies chewy. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes.
Monthly TSR Club
Includes eight (8) 79¢ recipes of your choice each month!
Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls
In early 1985, restaurateur Rich Komen felt there was a specialty niche in convenience-food service just waiting to be filled. His idea was to create an efficient outlet that could serve freshly made cinnamon rolls in shopping malls throughout the country. It took nine months for Komen and his staff to develop a cinnamon roll recipe he knew customers would consider the "freshest, gooiest, and most mouthwatering cinnamon roll ever tasted." The concept was tested for the first time in Seattle's Sea-Tac mall later that year, with workers mixing, proofing, rolling, and baking the rolls in full view of customers. Now, more than 626 outlets later, Cinnabon has become the fastest-growing cinnamon roll bakery in the world.
Source: More Top Secret Recipes by Todd Wilbur.
Cheesecake Factory Original Cheesecake
Menu Description: "Our famous Original cheesecake recipe! Creamy and light, baked in a graham cracker crust. Our most popular cheesecake!"
Oscar and Evelyn Overton's wholesale cheesecake company was successful quickly after it first started selling creamy cheesecakes like this clone to restaurant chains in the early 1970's. When some restaurants balked at the prices the company was charging for high-end desserts, Oscar and Evelyn's son David decided it was time to open his own restaurant, offering a wide variety of quality meal choices in huge portions, and, of course, the famous cheesecakes for dessert. Today the chain has over 87 stores across the country, and consistently ranks number one on the list of highest grossing single stores for a U.S. restaurant chain.
Baking your cheesecakes in a water bath is part of the secret to producing beautiful cheesecakes at home with a texture similar to those sold in the restaurant. The water surrounds your cheesecake to keep it moist as it cooks, and the moisture helps prevent ugly cracking. You'll start the oven very hot for just a short time, then crank it down to finish. I also suggest lining your cheesecake pan with parchment paper to help get the thing out of the pan when it's done without a hassle.
This recipe is so easy, even a 2-year old can make it. Check out the video.
Source: Top Secret Restaurant Recipes 2 by Todd Wilbur.
When you check in at one of more than 250 hotels run by this U.S. chain, you are handed a bag from a warming oven that contains two soft and delicious chocolate chip cookies. This is a tradition that began in the early 80s using a recipe from a small bakery in Atlanta. All of the cookies are baked fresh every day on the hotel premises. The chain claims to give out about 29,000 cookies every day. Raves for the cookies from customers convinced the hotel chain to start selling tins of the the cookies online. But if you've got an insatiable chocolate chip cookie urge that can't wait for a package to be delivered, you'll want to try this cloned version. Just be sure to get the cookies out of the oven when they are barely turning brown so that they are soft and chewy in the middle when cool.
Update 1/13/17: I like to drop the baking temperature to 325 degrees F for a chewier (better) cookie. Cook for about the same amount of time, 16 to 18 minutes.
Boston Market Meatloaf
In the early 90's Boston Chicken was rockin' it. The home meal replacement chain's stock was soaring and the lines were filled with hungry customers waiting to sink their teeth into a serving of the chain's delicious rotisserie chicken. So successful was the chain with chicken, that the company quickly decided it was time to introduce other entree selections, the first of which was a delicious barbecue sauce-covered ground sirloin meatloaf. But offering the other entrees presented the company with a dilemma: what to do about the name. The bigwigs decided it was time to change the name to Boston Market, to reflect a wider menu. That meant replacing signs on hundreds of units and retooling the marketing campaigns. That name change, plus rapid expansion of the chain and growth of other similar home-style meal concepts sent the company into a tailspin. By 1988, Boston Market's goose was cooked, and the company filed for bankruptcy. Soon McDonald's stepped in to purchase the company, with the idea of closing many of the stores for good, and slapping Golden Arches on the rest. But that plan was scrapped when, after selling many of the under-performing Boston Markets, the chain began to fly once again. Within a year of the acquisition Boston Market was profitable, and those meals with the home-cooked taste are still being served at over 700 Boston Market restaurants across the country.
The first Auntie Anne's pretzel store opened in 1988 in the heart of pretzel country—a Pennsylvanian Amish farmers' market. Over 500 stores later, Auntie Anne's is one of the most requested secret clone recipes around, especially on the internet. Many of the recipes passed around the Web require bread flour, and some use honey as a sweetener. But by studying the Auntie Anne's home pretzel-making kit in the secret underground laboratory, I've discovered a better solution for re-creating the delicious mall treats than any clone recipe out there. For the best quality dough, you just need all-purpose flour. And powdered sugar works great to perfectly sweeten the dough. Now you just have to decide if you want to make the more traditional salted pretzels, or the sweet cinnamon sugar-coated kind. Decisions, decisions.
Buffalo Wild Wings Buffalo Wings and Sauces
Menu Description: "Here they are in all their lip-smacking, award-winning glory: Buffalo, New York-style chicken wings spun in your favorite signature sauce."
Since Buffalo, New York was too far away, Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery satisfied their overwhelming craving in 1981 by opening a spicy chicken wing restaurant close to home in Kent, Ohio. With signature sauces and a festive atmosphere, the chain has now evolved from a college campus sports bar with wings to a family restaurant with over 300 units. While frying chicken wings is no real secret—simply drop them in hot shortening for about 10 minutes—the delicious spicy sauces make the wings special. There are 12 varieties of sauce available to coat your crispy chicken parts at the chain, and I'm presenting clones for the more traditional flavors. These sauces are very thick, almost like dressing or dip, so we'll use an emulsifying technique that will ensure a creamy final product where the oil won't separate from the other ingredients. Here is the chicken wing cooking and coating technique, followed by clones for the most popular sauces: Spicy Garlic, Medium and Hot. The sauce recipes might look the same at first, but each has slight variations make your sauce hotter or milder by adjusting the level of cayenne pepper. You can find Frank's pepper sauce by the other hot sauces in your market. If you can't find that brand, you can also use Crystal Louisiana hot sauce.
Hot Dog on a Stick Hot Dog on a Stick
One hot summer day in 1946 Dave Barham was inspired to dip a hot dog into his mother's cornbread batter, then deep fry it to a golden brown. Dave soon found a quaint Santa Monica, California location near the beach to sell his new creation with mustard on the side and a tall glass of ice-cold lemonade. Be sure you find the shorter turkey hot dogs, not "bun-length". In this case size does matter. Snag some of the disposable wood chopsticks from a local Chinese or Japanese restaurant next time you're there and start dipping.
Update 5/3/17: If your hot dogs are browning too fast, turn the temperature of the oil down to 350 degrees. And rather than using chopsticks, thick round skewer sticks (corn dog skewers) found in houseware stores and online will work much better.
Cheesecake Factory White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cheesecake
Menu Description: "Our creamy cheesecake with chunks of white chocolate and swirls of imported seedless raspberries throughout. Baked in a chocolate crust and finished with white chocolate shavings and whipped cream."
Heres how to recreate a home version of the cheesecake that many claim is the best they've ever had. Raspberry preserves are the secret ingredient that is swirled into the cream cheese that's poured into a crumbled chocolate cookie crust. Yum. No wonder this cheesecake is the number one pick from the chain's massive list of cheesecake choices.
Benihana Japanese Fried Rice
The talented chefs at Benihana cook food on hibachi grills with flair and charisma, treating the preparation like a tiny stage show. They juggle salt and pepper shakers, trim food with lightening speed, and flip the shrimp and mushrooms perfectly onto serving plates or into their tall chef's hat.
One of the side dishes that everyone seems to love is the fried rice. At Benihana this dish is prepared by chefs with precooked rice on open hibachi grills, and is ordered a la cart to complement any Benihana entree, including Hibachi Steak and Chicken. I like when the rice is thrown onto the hot hibachi grill and seems to come alive as it sizzles and dances around like a bunch of little jumping beans. Okay, so I'm easily amused.
This Benihana Japanese fried rice recipe will go well with just about any Japanese entree and can be partially prepared ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator until the rest of the meal is close to done.
Source: Top Secret Restaurant Recipes by Todd Wilbur.
Olive Garden Breadsticks
Anyone who loves Olive Garden is probably also a big fan of the bottomless basket of warm, garlicky breadsticks served before each meal at the huge Italian casual chain. My guess is that the breadsticks are proofed, and then sent to each restaurant where they are baked until golden brown, brushed with butter and sprinkled with garlic salt. Getting the bread just right for a good Olive Garden breadstick recipe was tricky—I tried several different amounts of yeast in all-purpose flour, but then settled on bread flour to give these breadsticks the same chewy bite as the originals. The two-stage rising process is also a crucial step in this much requested homemade Olive Garden breadstick recipe. Also check out our Olive Garden Italian salad dressing recipe.
Roadhouse Grill Baby Back Ribs
Menu Description: "Our award-winning Baby Back Ribs are slow-roasted, then basted with Jim Beam Bourbon BBQ Sauce and finished on our Mesquite grill."
When your crew bites into these baby backs they'll savor meat so tender and juicy that it slides right off the bone. The slow braising cooks the ribs to perfection, while the quick grilling adds the finishing char and smoky flavor. But the most important component to any decent rack of ribs is a sauce that's filled with flavor, and this version of Roadhouse Grill's award-wining sauce is good stuff. I ordered the ribs naked (without sauce) so that I could see if there was any detectable rub added before cooking and I didn't find anything other than salt and a lot of coarse black pepper. So that's the way I designed the recipe, and it works.
Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Chocolate Cake Mix
Let's say you want to make some chocolate cake from one of the popular mixes that come in a box but you don't have much of a craving for propylene glycol, polyglycerol esters of fatty acids, or cellulose gum. Well, if you're making cake from a box mix, that's probably what you'll be eating. Many of those additives are what give the cake you make with Duncan Hines cake mix its deluxe moistness. The good news is we can come very close to duplicating the store-bought cake mix with very simple dry ingredients and a little shortening. By combining the dry stuff, then thoroughly mixing in the shortening, you will have a mix that is shelf-stable until you add the same wet ingredients in the same amounts required by the real thing. It's a great way to make good, old-fashioned chocolate cake without the hard-to-pronounce additives.
HoneyBaked Ham Glaze
By sneaking around to the back of a HoneyBaked Ham store I witnessed the glazing process through an open door. The hams are delivered to each of the 300 HoneyBaked outlets already smoked, but without the glaze. It is only when the ham gets to your local HoneyBaked store that a special machine thin-slices the tender meat in a spiral fashion around the bone. Then, one at a time, each ham is then coated with the glaze—a blend that is similar to what might be used to make pumpkin pie. This sweet coating is then caramelized with a blowtorch by hand until the glaze bubbles and melts, turning golden brown. If needed, more of the coating is added, and the blowtorch is fired up until the glaze is just right. It's this careful process that turns the same size ham that costs 20 dollars in a supermarket into one that customers gladly shell out 3 to 4 times as much to share during the holiday season.
For this HoneyBaked Ham glaze copycat recipe, we will re-create the glaze that you can apply to a smoked/cooked bone-in ham of your choice. Look for a ham that is pre-sliced. Otherwise you'll have to slice it yourself with a sharp knife, then the glaze will be applied. To get the coating just right you must use a blowtorch. Get the kind that is used for creme brulee from almost any kitchen supply store. They're usually pretty cheap. And don't worry—I didn't leave out an ingredient. No honey is necessary to re-create this flavorful glaze.
Now, what's for dessert?
Stouffer's Macaroni & Cheese
What is it about Stouffer's Macaroni & Cheese that makes it the number one choice for true mac & cheese maniacs? It's probably the simple recipe that includes wholesome ingredients like skim milk and real Cheddar cheese, without any preservatives or unpronounceable chemicals. This basic formula is great for kitchen cloners who want an easy fix that doesn't require much shopping. I found the recipe to work best as an exact duplicate of the actual product: a frozen dish that you heat up later in the oven. This way you'll get slightly browned macaroni & cheese that looks like it posed for the nicely lit photo on the Stouffer's box. Since you'll only need about 3/4 cup of uncooked elbow macaroni for each recipe, you can make several 4-person servings with just one 16-ounce box of macaroni, and then keep them all in the freezer until the days when your troops have their mac & cheese attacks. Be sure to use freshly shredded Cheddar cheese here, since it melts much better than pre-shredded cheese (and it's cheaper). Use a whisk to stir the sauce often as it thickens, so that you get a smooth—not lumpy or grainy—finished product.
Source: Top Secret Recipes Unlocked by Todd Wilbur.
Great American Cookies White Chunk Macadamia
When Arthur Karp shared his grandmother's favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe with Michael Coles, the business partners knew they had a hit on their hands. They opened their first Great American Cookies store in 1977 in The Perimeter Mall in Atlanta, Georgia. Now with more than 350 stores in the chain, these cookies have quickly become a favorite, just begging to be cloned. The chain bakes the cookies in convection ovens at the low temperature of 280 degrees for around 16 to 17 minutes. But since most of us don't have convection ovens and may have a hard time getting the oven temperature to this odd setting, I have made some adjustments. Just be sure, when you remove the cookies from the oven, that they appear undercooked and only slightly browned around the edges. This will give the cookies the perfect chewy texture when they cool.
KFC Buttermilk Biscuits
In 1991 Kentucky Fried Chicken bigwigs decided to improve the image of America's third-largest fast-food chain. As a more health-conscious society began to affect sales of fried chicken, the company changed its name to KFC and introduced a lighter fare of skinless chicken.
In the last forty years KFC has experienced extraordinary growth. Five years after first franchising the business, Colonel Harland Sanders had 400 outlets in the United States and Canada. Four years later there were more than 600 franchises, including one in England, the first overseas outlet. In 1964 John Y. Brown, Jr., a young Louisville lawyer, and Jack Massey, a Nashville financier, bought the Colonel's business for $2 million. Only seven years later, in 1971 Heublein, Inc., bought the KFC Corporation for $275 million. Then in 1986, for a whopping $840 million, PepsiCo added KFC to its conglomerate, which now includes Pizza Hut and Taco Bell. That means PepsiCo owns more fast food outlets than any other company including McDonald's.
At each KFC restaurant, workers blend real buttermilk with a dry blend to create the well-known KFC buttermilk biscuits recipe that have made a popular menu item since their introduction in 1982.
Popeyes Famous Fried Chicken
Popeyes Famous Fried Chicken and Biscuits has become the third largest quick-service chicken chain in the world in the twenty-two years since its first store opened in New Orleans in 1972. (KFC has the number-one slot, followed by Church's Chicken). Since then, the chain has grown to 813 units, with many of them overseas in Germany, Japan, Jamaica, Honduras, Guam, and Korea.
Cayenne pepper and white pepper bring the heat to this crispy fried chicken hack.
Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Order an entree from America's largest seafood restaurant chain and you'll get a basket of some of the planet's tastiest garlic-cheese biscuits served up on the side. For many years this recipe has been the most-searched-for clone recipe on the Internet, according to Red Lobster. As a result, several versions are floating around, including one that was at one time printed right on the box of Bisquick baking mix.
The problem with making biscuits using Bisquick is that if you follow the directions from the box you don't end up with a very fluffy or flakey finished product, since most of the fat in the recipe comes from the shortening that's included in the mix. On its own, room temperature shortening does a poor job creating the light, airy texture you want from good biscuits, and it contributes little in the way of flavor. So, we'll invite some cold butter along on the trip -- with grated Cheddar cheese and a little garlic powder. Now you'll be well on your way to delicious Cheddar Bay. Wherever that is.
Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Doughnuts
The automated process for creating Krispy Kreme doughnuts, developed in the 1950's, took the company many years to perfect. When you drive by your local Krispy Kreme store between 5:00 and 11:00 each day (both a.m. and p.m.) and see the "Hot Doughnuts Now" sign lit up, inside the store custom-made stainless steel machines are rolling. Doughnut batter is extruded into little doughnut shapes that ride up and down through a temperature and humidity controlled booth to activate the yeast. This creates the perfect amount of air in the dough that will yield a tender and fluffy finished product. When the doughnuts are perfectly puffed up, they're gently dumped into a moat of hot vegetable shortening where they float on one side until golden brown, and then the machine flips them over to cook the other side. When the doughnuts finish frying, they ride up a mesh conveyer belt and through a ribbon of white sugar glaze. If you're lucky enough to taste one of these doughnuts just as it comes around the corner from the glazing, you're in for a real treat—the warm circle of sweet doughy goodness practically melts in your mouth. It's this secret process that helped Krispy Kreme become the fastest-growing doughnut chain in the country.
As you can guess, the main ingredient in a Krispy Kreme doughnut is wheat flour, but there is also some added gluten, soy flour, malted barley flour, and modified food starch; plus egg yolk, non-fat milk, flavoring, and yeast. I suspect a low-gluten flour, like cake flour, is probably used in the original mix to make the doughnuts tender, and then the manufacturer adds the additional gluten to give the doughnuts the perfect framework for rising. I tested many combinations of cake flour and wheat gluten, but found that the best texture resulted from cake flour combined with all-purpose flour. I also tried adding a little soy flour to the mix, but the soy gave the dough a strange taste and it didn't benefit the texture of the dough in any way. I excluded the malted barley flour and modified food starch from the Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut recipe since these are difficult ingredients to find. These exclusions didn't seem to matter because the real secret in making these doughnuts look and taste like the original lies primarily in careful handling of the dough.
The Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut recipe dough will be very sticky when first mixed together, and you should be careful not to over mix it or you will build up some tough gluten strands, and that will result in chewy doughnuts. You don't even need to touch the dough until it is finished with the first rising stage. After the dough rises for 30 to 45 minutes it will become easier to handle, but you will still need to flour your hands. Also, be sure to generously flour the surface you are working on when you gently roll out the dough for cutting. When each doughnut shape is cut from the dough, place it onto a small square of wax paper that has been lightly dusted with flour. Using wax paper will allow you to easily transport the doughnuts (after they rise) from the baking sheet to the hot shortening without deflating the dough. As long as you don't fry them too long—1 minute per side should be enough—you will have tender homemade doughnuts that will satisfy even the biggest Krispy Kreme fanatics.
KFC Honey BBQ Wings
Once a regular menu item, these sweet, saucy wings are now added to the KFC menu on a "limited-time-only" basis in many markets. So how are we to get that sticky sauce all over our faces and hands during those many months when we are cruelly denied our Honey BBQ Wings? Now it's as easy as whipping up this KFC honey BBQ wings recipe that re-creates the crispy breading on the chicken wings, and the sweet-and-smoky honey BBQ sauce. "Limited-time-only" signs—we laugh at you.
How about some famous coleslaw or wedge potatoes? Check out my collection of KFC clone recipes here.
Panda Express Mandarin Chicken
This dish from the rapidly growing Chinese food chain satisfies anyone who loves the famous marinated bourbon chicken found in food courts across America. The sauce is the secret, and it's quick to make right on your own stovetop. Fire up the barbecue or indoor grill for the chicken and cook up a little white rice to serve on the side. Panda Express—now over 700 restaurants strong—is the fastest-growing Asian food chain in the world.
Update: Recently, Panda Express took this item off their menu and replaced it with Grilled Teriyaki Chicken. The only way to enjoy this now Dead Food is to clone it.
KFC Potato Wedges
“Don’t call them fries,” says KFC about its popular side made with sliced, skin-on russet potatoes. What sets these potatoes apart from all the others is the secret breading made with a similar seasoning blend as the Colonel's Original Recipe Fried Chicken. To achieve the proper crispiness, the potatoes are par-fried, frozen, then fried again until golden brown.
One important ingredient that completes the flavor is MSG. Monosodium glutamate is a food additive derived from glutamic acid, which is an important amino acid found in abundance in nature, food, and in you right now. Over the last 60 years of study and use, MSG has not only been found harmless in normal amounts, but tests have shown glutamate to be a chemical messenger that benefits gut health, immunity, and brain functions such as memory and learning. In addition to all of that, it imparts a unique savoriness that enhances flavors in other ingredients and makes your food taste amazing. Using MSG in your food is, literally, smart cooking.
Another important ingredient is ground Tellicherry black pepper. Winston Shelton, a friend of Harland Sanders who sold him his first pressure fryers in Kentucky, is familiar with the Colonel's secret recipe. Shelton saw the ingredients many years ago when Sanders showed him the secret recipe he had scribbled on a piece of paper. While shooting the first episode of my TV Show, Top Secret Recipe, Winston pulled me aside and told me that Tellicherry pepper, a select black pepper from India, is crucial to creating the KFC aftertaste (we caught this moment on camera and you can see it in the show). I conducted a side-by-side taste test with common black pepper and Tellicherry black pepper and discovered he was right. If you want the best taste for your clone you'll need Tellicherry pepper, which you can find online and in some food stores. Be sure to grind it fine before using it.
For this recipe, just two russet potatoes are all it takes to make the equivalent of a large serving of fried potato wedges, which will be enough for at least four people.
Olive Garden Lemon Cream Cake
Menu Description: "Delicate white cake and lemon cream filling with a vanilla crumb topping."
To make this clone easy I've designed the recipe with white cake mix. I picked Betty Crocker brand, but any white cake mix you find will do. Just know that each brand (Duncan Hines, Pillsbury, etc.) requires slightly different measurements of additional ingredients (oil, eggs). Follow the directions on the box for mixing the batter, then pour it into a greased 10-inch springform pan and bake until done. The filling recipe is a no-brainer and the crumb topping is quick. When your cake is assembled, stick it in the fridge for a few hours, and soon you'll be ready to serve 12 slices of the hacked signature Olive Garden dessert.
Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sausage
Before he became America's sausage king, Jimmy Dean was known for crooning the country hit "Big Bad John." That song came out in 1962 and sold more than 8 million copies. His singing success launched a television career on ABC with The Jimmy Dean Show, where Roy Clark, Patsy Cline, and Roger Miller got their big breaks. The TV exposure led to acting roles for Jimmy, as a regular on Daniel Boone, and in feature films, including his debut in the James Bond flick Diamonds are Forever. Realizing that steady income from an acting and singing career can be undependable, Jimmy invested his show-biz money in a hog farm. In 1968 the Jimmy Dean Meat Company developed the special recipe for sausage that has now become a household name. Today the company is part of the Sara Lee Corporation, and Jimmy retired as company spokeman in 2004.
This clone recipe re-creates three varieties of the famous roll sausage that you form into patties and cook in a skillet. Use ground pork found at the supermarket—make it lean pork if you like—or grind some up yourself if you have a meat grinder.
Girl Scout Cookies Thin Mints
If those cute little cookie peddlers aren't posted outside the market, it may be tough to get your hands on these—the most popular cookies sold by the Girl Scouts every spring. One out of every four boxes of cookies sold by the girls is Thin Mints. This hack Girl Scout cookie thin mint recipe uses an improved version of the chocolate wafers created for the Oreo cookie clone in the second TSR book More Top Secret Recipes. That recipe creates 108 cookie wafers, so when you're done dipping, you'll have the equivalent of three boxes of the Girl Scout Cookies favorite. That's why you bought those extra cookie sheets, right? You could, of course, reduce this thin mint recipe by baking only one-third of the cookie dough for the wafers and then reducing the coating ingredients by one-third, giving you a total of 36 cookies. But that may not be enough to last you until next spring.
Update 11/16/17: You can make an even better clone using a chocolate product that wasn't available when I created this recipe. Rather than using the semi-sweet chocolate chips combined with shortening and peppermint for coating the cookies, use Ghirardelli Dark Melting Wafers. You will need 2 10-ounce bags of the chips, mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract (and no shortening). Melt the chocolate the same way, and dip the cookies as instructed.
Hard Rock Cafe Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Give this simple soup clone a shot and you'll never again want to eat chicken soup from a can. I designed this recipe to be easy, requiring chicken fillets rather than a whole chicken, and you won't need to create a stock from scratch.
Red Lobster New England Clam Chowder
Rather than going through the tedious (and more expensive) task of steaming fresh clams and dicing up all the good parts, we can use the more affordable and convenient canned clams found in any supermarket. Just remember to not toss out the clam juice in the cans when you open them, since you'll need that flavorful liquid in the first step.
Click here to see if I've cloned more of your favorites from Red Lobster.
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Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Yellow Cake Mix
So, you need to make some buttery yellow cake, but you don't have any mix in the pantry. Or perhaps you love the moist and delicious cake made from a box, but aren't a big fan of all the polysyllabic preservatives and thickeners that come along for the ride. Here is the TSR way to make homemade yellow cake mix from scratch using basic baking ingredients. You can store the cloned dry mix in a sealed container for several weeks in a cabinet until you need it. Then, when you're ready to make the cake, simply add water, oil, and eggs to the mix in the exact measurements required by the original, then pour the batter into a pan and pop it in the oven. Done.
P.F. Chang's Chang's Spicy Chicken
Menu Description: "Lightly-dusted, stir fried in a sweet Szechwan sauce."
The delicious sweet-and-spicy secret sauce is what makes this dish one of P. F. Chang's top picks. Once the sauce is finished all you have to do is saute your chicken and combine. You'll may want to cook up some white or brown rice, like at the restaurant. If you can't find straight chili sauce for this recipe, the more common chili sauce with garlic in it will work just as well.
Outback Steakhouse Honey Wheat Bushman Bread
Along with your meal at this huge national steakhouse chain, comes a freshly baked loaf of dark, sweet bread, served on its own cutting board with soft whipped butter. One distinctive feature of the bread is its color. How does the bread get so dark? Even though this recipe includes molasses and cocoa, these ingredients alone will not give the bread its dark chocolate brown color. Commercially produced breads that are this dark—such as pumpernickel or dark bran muffins–often contain caramel color, an ingredient used to darken foods. Since your local supermarket will not likely have this mostly commercial ingredient, we'll create the brown coloring from a mixture of three easy-to-find food colorings—red, yellow and blue. If you decide to leave the color out, just add an additional 1 tablespoon of warm water to the recipe. If you have a bread machine, you can use it for kneading the bread (you'll find the order in which to add the ingredients to your machine in "Tidbits"). Then, to finish the bread, divide and roll the dough in cornmeal, and bake.
P.F. Chang's Mongolian Beef
Menu Description: "Quickly-cooked steak with scallions and garlic."
Beef lovers go crazy over this one at the restaurant. Flank steak is cut into bite-sized chunks against the grain, then it's lightly dusted with potato starch (in our case we'll use cornstarch), flash-fried in oil, and doused with an amazing sweet soy garlic sauce. The beef comes out tender as can be, and the simple sauce sings to your taste buds. I designed this recipe to use a wok, but if you don't have one a saute pan will suffice (you may need to add more oil to the pan to cover the beef in the flash-frying step). P. F. Chang's secret sauce is what makes this dish so good, and it's versatile. If you don't dig beef, you can substitute with chicken. Or you can brush it on grilled salmon.
Great American Cookies Snickerdoodles
Rather than trying to beat the competitors—especially if they have an exceptional product—Mrs. Fields Famous Brands throws cash at 'em. With the acquisition of Great American Cookies in 1998 by the company that made chewy mall cookies big business, Mrs. Fields is now peddling her baked wares in more than 90 percent of the premier shopping malls in the United States. That's how you make some serious dough. One of the all-time favorite cookies you can grab at any of the 364 Great American Cookies outlets is the classic snickerdoodle. It's rolled in cinnamon/sugar and baked just enough to be soft and chewy like the other Great American Cookies.
Panda Express Orange Flavored Chicken
This delicious crispy chicken in a citrusy sweet-and-sour chicken is the most popular dish at the huge Chinese take-out chain. Panda Express cooks all of its food in woks. If you don't have one of those, you can use a heavy skillet or a large saute pan.
Pepperidge Farm Soft Baked Snickerdoodle Cookies
The easiest recipes often make the best food, and this simple clone reproduces one of my favorites. The cinnamon-and-sugar-topped snickerdoodles from Pepperidge Farm's line of soft cookies taste really good and are a perfect chewy consistency—eating just one an excercise in futility. The steps here are pure Baking 101, but don't wander too far from the kitchen when the cookies go in the oven so that they don't overbake. You want to yank the cookies out of the oven when they are just slightly browned and still soft. After they cool, store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy.
Denny's Fabulous French Toast
Menu Description: "Three thick slices grilled golden brown and sprinkled with powdered sugar."
This popular breakfast choice at America's number one diner chain takes center stage on the cover of the menu. Three slices of thick bread are dipped in a slightly sweet egg batter, browned to perfection and served up with a dusting of powdered sugar, some soft butter and thick maple syrup on the side. Find the thick-sliced Texas toast bread in your bakery, or use any white bread that's sliced around 3/4-inch thick. This Denny's french toast recipe will make enough for two servings of three slices each, and it's the perfect recipe for waking up a special someone with breakfast in bed.
Red Lobster Parrot Bay Coconut Shrimp
Menu Description: "Jumbo butterflied shrimp hand-dipped in batter flavored with Captain Morgan Parrot Bay Rum & coconut flakes. Served with pina colada dipping sauce."
Fans of this dish say the best part is the pina colada dipping sauce. And it's true. That sauce is so good you could eat it with a spoon. But the coconut shrimp is pretty awesome too, just on its own. Red Lobster's secret formula includes Captain Morgan's Parrot Bay rum, which sweetens the batter and adds a great coconut flavor (plus you can whip up a nice cocktail with it while you're cooking). Panko breadcrumbs—which give a nice crunch to the shrimp—can be found in the aisle of your market where all the Asian foods are parked. This secret recipe makes two times the size of a serving you get at the Lobster, so there should be enough for everyone. The real thing comes with salsa on the side in addition to the pina colada sauce, but you may not even want to include it.
Dunkin Donuts Donuts
As he worked long, hard days at a shipyard in Hingham, Massachusetts, during World War II, William Rosenberg was struck with an idea for a new kind of food service. As soon as the war ended, Rosenberg started Industrial Luncheon Services, a company that delivered fresh meals and snacks to factory workers. When Rosenberg realized that most of his business was in coffee and donuts, he quit offering his original service. He found an old awning store and converted it into a coffee-and-donut shop called The Open Kettle. This name was soon changed to the more familiar Dunkin' Donuts, and between 1950 and 1955 five more shops opened and thrived. The company later spread beyond the Boston area and has become the largest coffee-and-donut chain in the world.
Today, Dunkin' Donuts offers fifty-two varieties of donuts in each shop, but the most popular have always been the plain glazed and chocolate-glazed yeast donuts.
I never thought dinner rolls were something I could get excited about before I dipped into the basket at Texas Roadhouse. The rolls are fresh out of the oven and they hit the table when you do, so there’s no waiting to tear into a magnificently gooey sweet roll topped with soft cinnamon butter. The first bite will make you think of a warm cinnamon roll, and you can’t stop eating it. And when the first roll’s gone, you are powerless to resist grabbing for another.
Discovering the secret to making rolls at home that taste as good as the real ones involved making numerous batches of dough, each one sweeter than the last (sweetened with sugar, not honey—I checked), until a very sticky batch, proofed for 2 hours, produced exactly what I was looking for. You can make the dough with a stand mixer or a hand-held one, the only difference being that you must knead the dough by hand without a stand mixer. When working with the dough add a little bit of flour at a time to keep it from sticking, and just know that the dough will be less sticky and more workable after the first rise.
Roll the dough out and measure it as specified here, and after a final proofing and a quick bake—plus a generous brushing of butter on the tops—you will produce dinner rolls that look and taste just like the best rolls I’ve had at any famous American dinner chain.
Now, how 'bout a nice steak to go with your rolls? Check out these copycat recipes for famous entrees.
This recipe was our #1 most popular in 2019. Check out the other four most unlocked recipes for the year: KFC Extra Crispy Fried Chicken (#2), Olive Garden Braised Beef Bolognese (#3), Pizzeria Uno Chicago Deep Dish Pizza (#4), Bush's Country Style Baked Beans (#5).
Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
For two years after the first Olive Garden restaurant opened in 1982, operators were still tweaking the restaurant's physical appearance and the food that was served. Even the tomato sauce was changed as many as 25 times. It's that sort of dedication that creates fabulous dishes like this popular soup. It blends the flavors of potatoes, kale, and Italian sausage in a slightly spicy chicken and cream broth.
You've got the soup recipe, how about creating your own bottomless Olive Garden House Salad and Breadsticks? Find more of my Olive Garden clone recipes here!
Carnegie Deli Classic New York Cheesecake
Carnegie Deli's huge pastrami sandwiches were selected as the best in New York by New York Magazine in 1975, but it's the cheesecakes, which can be shipped anywhere in the country, that really put this famous deli on the map. The secret to accurately cloning a traditional New York cheesecake is in creating the perfect not-too-sweet sugar cookie crust and varying the baking temperature so that you get a nicely browned top before cooking the cheesecake through. Get ready for the best deli-style cheesecake to ever come out of your oven.
Olive Garden Tiramisu
Menu Description: "The classic Italian dessert. A layer of creamy custard set atop espresso-soaked ladyfingers."
In Italian, tiramisu means "pick me up" or "cheer me up." And when you taste the delicious combination of mascarpone cheese (sometimes referred to as Italian cream cheese), cream cheese, ladyfingers, espresso and Kahlua it will be hard not to smile. So get out your double boiler for the egg yolks (a metal bowl over a saucepan of simmering water will also do) and get some ladyfingers (ladyfingers are miniature cakes about the size of two fingers side-by-side). You can either make your own espresso, use extra strong coffee as a substitute, or, next time you're at Starbucks, order up a quadruple shot of espresso to go.
Super Pretzels Pretzels
Gerry Shreiber, a college dropout, wasn't happy with the metalworking business he had been operating for about seven years with a friend, so the two decided to sell out. Shreiber's take was about $60,000, but he needed a new job. One day he wandered into a Philadelphia waterbed store and struck up a conversation with a man who mentioned his investment in a troubled soft pretzel company called J & J soft Pretzels. Shreiber convinced the man to let him tour the rundown plant, and in 1971 he bought the company for $72,000. At the time J & J had at least ten competitors in the soft pretzel business, but over the years Shreiber devised a strategy that would eliminate this competition and help his company grow—he bought most of them out.
Today J & J Super Pretzels are uncontested in the frozen soft pretzel market, and they currently constitute about 70 percent of the soft pretzels that are sold in the country's malls, convenience stores, amusement parks, stadiums, and movie theaters.
Chili's Chicken Enchilada Soup
This soup happens to be one of Chili's most raved-about items, and the subject of many a recipe search here on the site. Part of the secret in crafting your clone is the addition of masa harina—a corn flour that you'll find in your supermarket near the other flours, or where all the Mexican foodstuffs are stocked.
El Pollo Loco Flame-Broiled Chicken
El Pollo Loco, or "The Crazy Chicken," has been growing like mad since it crossed over the border into the United States from Mexico. Francisco Ochoa unknowingly started a food phenomenon internacional in 1975 when he took a family recipe for chicken marinade and opened a small roadside restaurante in Gusave, Mexico. He soon had 90 stores in 20 cities throughout Mexico. The first El Pollo Loco in the United States opened in Los Angeles in December of 1980 and was an immediate success. It was only three years later that Ochoa got the attention of bigwigs at Dennys, Inc., who offered him $11.3 million for his U.S. operations. Ochoa took the deal, and El Pollo Loco grew from 17 to more than 200 outlets over the following decade.
Hooters Buffalo Chicken Wings
Menu Description: "Nearly world famous. Often imitated, hardly ever duplicated."
"Hooters is to chicken wings what McDonald's is to hamburgers," claims promotional material from the company. True, the six fun-loving Midwestern businessmen who started Hooters in Clearwater, Florida, on April Fool's Day in 1983 chose a classic recipe for chicken wings as their signature item. But while some might say it's the buffalo wings that are their favorite feature of the restaurant, others say it's the restaurant chain's trademark Hooters girls—waitresses casually attired in bright orange short-shorts and skin tight T-shirts.
Today there are over 375 Hooters across the United States serving more than 200 tons of chicken wings every week. The original dish can be ordered in 10-, 20-, or 50-piece servings; or if you want to splurge, there's the "Gourmet Chicken Wing Dinner" featuring 20 wings and a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne, for only $125. To further enhance the Hooters experience when you serve these messy wings, throw a whole roll of paper towels on the table, rather than napkins, as they do in the restaurants.
Crunch 'N Munch Buttery Toffee Popcorn with Peanuts
Look at what F. W. Rueckheim started. He was the guy who, back in the late 1800s, made candy-coated popcorn a national treasure with the invention of Cracker Jack. Now we've got Fiddle-Faddle, Screaming Yellow Zonkers, Crunch 'n Munch so many other candy-coated popcorns. Sure, these other varieties don't have the traditional prize inside the box, but let's face it, those prizes are pretty weak compared to what used to be found at the bottom of a box of Cracker Jack when I was a kid. And the old-fashioned molasses formula used on Cracker Jack just doesn't have the appeal of some of the other tantalizing candy coatings on popcorn today. Butter toffee is a good example, so that's what I've reverse-engineered for you here. It's a simple recipe that makes a finished product so tasty you'll have to beg someone to take it away from you before you finish the whole bowl by yourself. All you need is a candy thermometer, some microwave popcorn, and a few other basic ingredients to re-create a home version of popcorn heaven.
IHOP Funnel Cakes
International House of Pancakes Funnel Cake Carnival promotion brought the famous fairground food to the masses for a limited time. As you would expect from the name, the first thing you'll need to make proper funnel cakes is, of course, a funnel. The funnel is used to swirl batter into hot oil where it will fry to a happy golden brown in about a minute on each side. Find a funnel with an opening that is at least 1/2-inch wide so that your funnel cakes will have approximately the same thickness as the IHOP version. For the frying, shortening works the best since that's what IHOP uses, but you can also use vegetable or canola oil. I used a trans fat-free shortening from Smart Balance and it worked great. Load your oil or shortening into a small saucepan with about a 6-inch diameter. This way the batter won't spread out when you funnel it into the oil, and you'll get funnel cakes that are all about the same size. When it's time to serve the dish, arrange two funnel cakes on a plate, dust them with powdered sugar, top 'em off with fruit and whipped cream, and enjoy fairground-style funnel cakes without any scary carnies watching you eat.
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What is CycleStreets?
CycleStreets is currently in beta
Tower Hamlets CycleStreets
Funding needed
Who created and runs CycleStreets?
How can I get one for my town/city?
Where does the map data come from?
Who else has helped so far?
CycleStreets is a UK-wide cycle journey planner system, which lets you plan routes from A to B by bike. It is designed by cyclists, for cyclists, and caters for the needs of both confident and less confident cyclists.
This site is currently at a beta testing phase so that cyclists around the country can test out routes and let us know about any problems they find on the site, before we launch officially.
Problems we already know about in this release are:
DONE - Photos on planned routes are not being shown yet
DONE - Traffic lights and crossings are not being taken account of fully yet
DONE - Journeys planned on the old Camcycle system are not yet properly imported
DONE - Accounting for the delay caused by hills
DONE - Speeding up the system in London and other dense areas
Avoiding wiggly routes. (The time taken to turn left and right is not accounted for - leading to wiggly routes).
Banned turn restrictions are not yet in place in the routing engine (but one-way streets are handled correctly)
Please do send us feedback - positive or negative, if you have any.
Read more about the Tower Hamlets-specific version of CycleStreets, and about cycling in the area.
We are seeking funding for new features - can you help? Things we'd like funding for are:
Major work to improve the cycle routing quality on an ongoing basis
Core developer funds, to cover a range of general tasks and ongoing improvements
Annual server equipment and colo hosting costs (our excellent hosts are Mythic Beasts)
Improving our mobile apps
Roadwork data integration
OpenID integration
Adding the Specific routes feature (the lead developers used to organise Leisurely Rides, and we've long wanted a plotting facility for this!)
Improvements to the photo/video addition system, including simpler multiple-photo addition
Commenting system for photos and routes
Local Authority reporting/updating mechanism
Improving the gallery user interface
CycleStreets is effectively a national version of the Journey Planner and Photomap launched by Cambridge Cycling Campaign in June 2006.
Following a presentation of the Cambridge-only system at the CCN/CTC Conference in November 2006 in Cheltenham, we have received many enquiries from people and organisations around the UK (and beyond) about the possibilty of having a version where they live. Since then we have worked to produce a national system, which also has versions that are specific to a particular area.
The system has been created by Simon Nuttall, (Routemaster - focussing on routing quality and performance) and Martin Lucas-Smith, (Webmaster - focussing on usability and code structure). Both of us are regular bicycle users, based in Cambridge, and we've been involved with Cambridge Cycling Campaign for many years.
CycleStreets is a run as a company (on a not-for-profit basis) to manage incoming funds.
We also plan to release the code as an Open Source project and encourage others to get involved.
If you are a Local Authority we will negotiate a charge with you if you want it under your domain name, which will go towards the server costs and programming time that keep the system running and developed.
If you are a local campaign group, just get in touch and we will sort it out. Donations would be welcome.
It is possible to have area-specific 'branding' when setting up yourarea.cyclestreets.net. Also we should be able to set up the system on a domain name of your choice, but still run on our servers to save you the need for maintenance expertise or time.
The map data is from OpenStreetMap which is an ongoing project to map the world. We are immensely grateful to all the volunteers who have created the base data. Please consider donating to OpenStreetMap.
OpenStreetMap data, (and therefore the routes that CycleStreets plans) are licensed under the Open Data Commons Open Database License, which is explained at www.openstreetmap.org/copyright. The cartography in the OpenStreetMap derived map tiles are licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license.
There are all sorts of ways in which we need help:
Use our site by planning routes, adding photos and sending feedback.
Donate funds - we have very real costs of running the equipment, paying for bandwidth, and keeping the lead programmers fed!
Promote CycleStreets by adding a link on your website (possibly using one of our web banners) or write an article in your newsletter or other publication about CycleStreets
Contribute mapping data to OpenStreetMap
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… and many other ways - see our get involved page!
Cambridge Cycling Campaign, who acted as the incubator for the concept and have helped create an online presence.
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Tile rendering and tileserving from OpenCycleMap.org
Non-profit cycling promotion business ChangingPace, who saw the potential of the work done in Cambridge and persuaded the Scottish Government's Sustainable Transport section to give a small grant (with the help of Cycling Scotland) to develop an Edinburgh version of the system. We are very grateful for their assistance.
Mythic Beasts, our web hosts, who kindly donated a free colo machine and bandwidth to act as the development system.
David Earl from Cambridge Cycling Campaign who has helped with the signin package and licensing issues (not to mention mapping all of Cambridge in superb quality for OpenStreetMap!)
Francis Irving for invaluable help in diagnosing server performance issues
Bob Osola for providing a tool for reading SRTM and Ordnance Survey Elevation Data which is now used in our routing algorithms to reduce the amount of cycling in hills.
Anthony Cartmell's SRTM reader code, which was used to provide elevation data for our initial hills implementation.
The CGIAR Consortium for Spatial Information and King's College London for providing access to the NASA SRTM elevation data.
The Ordnance Survey for providing elevation data for Great Britain.
Icons used are the excellent FamFamFam silk icon set, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 License.
POI icons used are the excellent SJJB SVG Map Icons set by Brian Quinion.
For IP geolocation, CycleStreets uses GeoLite data created by MaxMind, available from http://www.maxmind.com/.
Live Barclays Cycle Hire point location data is available thanks to TfL, but this implies no official endorsement by TfL.
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Our Sysadmins, Frank and Wookey
And most importantly, cyclists who have given us feedback and suggestions, not least on the routing performance.
CycleStreets is from CycleStreets Ltd, a not-for-profit limited UK company. Company no. 06948959; Company office: CycleStreets Ltd., 80b York Street, Cambridge, CB1 2PY.
Map data and tiles: © OpenStreetMap contributors, Thunderforest, OpenCycleMap. CC-BY-SA.
Postcode data: This data contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2010; Code-Point Open contains Royal Mail data © Royal Mail copyright and database right 2010.
Have a look through our help pages to find out more about the routing system and other aspects of how the system works.
URL of page: * https://towerhamlets.cyclestreets.net/about/
Short link: http://cycle.st/about/
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Tag Archives: NYS HCR
Hoylman: J-51 tenants need info from HCR
State Senator Brad Hoylman (Photo courtesy of Brad Hoylman)
With the exception of residents of Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village, for most New Yorkers, the letter J followed by number 51 has no meaning whatsoever. And consequently, this could mean they are living in an illegally deregulated apartment without even knowing it.
However, State Senator Brad Hoylman said he wants to make sure New York’s renters know what their rights are if they’re living in buildings where the landlords have benefitted from the J-51 tax break.
In a letter, he called on the state housing agency, Homes and Community Renewal, to inform tenants living in deregulated buildings if their landlords have been enrolled in the tax benefit program. The letter, which was sent to the agency’s commissioner, RuthAnne Visnauskas on August 7, Hoylman noted that the HCR routinely reaches out to the owners of more than 4,000 buildings with information about reregulation. But renters, meanwhile, are left in the dark as to their buildings’ history and may not know if they’re being overcharged.
He called the practice of keeping landlords but not tenants in the loop “baffling.”
Hoylman added, “It’s tenants who don’t know what their rights are and should be informed that their building may have been illegally deregulated because the owners had received J-51. It’s fine to notify landlords so that they will be compliant but they should let the tenants know.”
Posted in Politics, Rent Reg
Tagged J-51, NYS HCR, State Senator Brad Hoylman
Kavanagh rips State Senate effort to defund Tenant Protection Unit
Assemblymember Brian Kavanagh
The Assembly will be fighting back against a push from the State Senate to defund the Tenant Protection Unit (TPU), Assembly Member Brian Kavanagh said this week.
The TPU is a division of the state housing agency, Homes and Community Renewal, along with others like the Division of Housing and Community Renewal.
And according to Kavanagh, the plan to strip the TPU of its funding was in the State Senate’s budget proposal.
However, the TPU, he noted, has been helpful to tenants in fighting landlords who’ve improperly deregulated properties by getting the units reregulated and getting back rent paid to tenants.
“Unfortunately, the Senate Republicans do not want the rent laws to be enforced,” said Kavanagh about the effort, which was first reported by the Daily News. “So they’re trying to remove the funding.”
The Assembly has already put forth its own budget proposal as has the governor, with both supporting the agency. But Kavanagh said since the governor and both houses have to support it, the Assembly is bracing for a fight.
“We’re going to fight this and we expect that they’re going to fight back,” he said.
The Senate’s Housing Chair Catherine Young, a Republican from upstate Olean, did not respond to a request for comment from T&V. However, according to the Daily News, she believes the TPU has been operating with a lack of transparency.
While the focus is still on the budget, as well as school reforms and ethics reforms, renewal or expiration of the Rent Stabilization Laws (the latter of which is not expected) is set to take place in June.
Tagged Assembly Member Brian Kavanagh, carl heastie, NYS HCR, rent regulation, tenant protection unit
Residents mixed on MCI settlement
Those interviewed also question
necessity of improvements made
Following the announcement last Thursday that the ST-PCV Tenants Association had reached an agreement with CWCapital to reduce the cost of MCIs for some tenants and eliminate them completely for others, tenants have been able to talk about little else. When questioned about their thoughts by Town & Village, a few residents who got the 5 percent reduction of the monthly portion of the MCIs naturally said they wished they’d gotten more shaved off their rent bills. However, mainly what they expressed was their disgust at the system that allows owners to pass the costs of building upgrades onto renters.
“It seems very unfair,” said Katie Bernard, who’s lived in Stuy Town for 10 years. She was especially annoyed that MCIs were charged for the video intercom system, which she said was unnecessary. “I can’t tell you how little it works. I miss the old system. I don’t need a screen.”
Another resident also said she didn’t understand the need for the security upgrades that qualified for MCIs.
“It didn’t make my life any safer,” said Carol Szamtowicz. “These capital improvements, I’m sorry I have to pay for them.” As for the settlement, she thought it was good that the Tenants Association fought the increases, “but,” she added, “five percent isn’t very much.”
Meanwhile, another resident, Bob Novick, said he was glad to hear the retroactive portion of the increases had been eliminated. “They did get the retroactive off and that is significant,” said Novick. However, he too said he didn’t get why the intercom system needed replacing on the tenants’ dime. “We got new intercoms 8-10 years ago,” he recalled, adding that he thought the new ones were “essentially the same. The new ones are more sophisticated, but I’m wondering what the purpose was other than to increase the rents.”
And Bill Oddo, a longtime resident, said he wasn’t impressed with the settlement at all. “I don’t see where the success is when
Tenants Association President John Marsh, pictured last fall (Photo by Sabina Mollot)
we’re only getting 5 percent off on all those items,” he said. “I have to pay $15 a month for video cameras and they don’t do anything. The security cameras don’t make us safe. They only help after the fact. You can’t possibly monitor 1,200 cameras 24/7.” Besides, he added, “For 65 years, this has been one of the safest communities in the city. It’s safer than St. Patrick’s Cathedral.” Oddo added that together he’ll be paying over $50 a month in MCIs, for improvements he thought his existing base rent should cover. “I can’t figure out why tenants have to pay for them,” he said. “I know (the Tenants Association) tried hard, but they’re losing this battle. People are leaving. Older people are dying and they’re just turning these apartments over. I love young people, but it’s a dormitory.”
In contrast, a “Roberts” tenant interviewed said of course he was glad he wouldn’t have to pay the increases following the settlement. “Less is more,” quipped Henry, who asked that his last name not be published. “Obviously if you’re paying less for your apartment, you’re better off.” But Henry added he wouldn’t be celebrating just yet since he’s been dealing with a lack of heat in his apartment. “I’m in the living room with two comforters and sweatpants,” he said.
On the TA’s Facebook page this week, the TA received heaping praise as well as a few complaints about the settlement.
In response, TA President John Marsh said that, though not part of the recent round of negotiations, tenants’ increases had already been reduced by 23 percent as a result of TA action. This was after the TA presented the DHCR with “detailed explanations of deficiencies” on a building-by-building basis for each MCI application, Marsh explained to T&V. This was when the work was done in 2009. After the agency reviewed the TA’s concerns as well as Tishman’s responses to them, “the total of all DHCR Orders were 23 percent less than the total of MCI rent increase applications filed by Tishman Speyer.”
Posted in CWCapital, Peter Cooper Village, Rent hikes, Roberts v. Tishman speyer, ST-PCV Tenants Association, ST/PCV ownership, Stuyvesant Town
Tagged CWCapital, DHCR, MCIs, NYS HCR, Roberts v. Tishman Speyer, security, security upgrades, ST-PCV Tenants Association, Tishman Speyer, video intercoms
Stuyvesant Town-Peter Cooper Village Tenants Association, CWCapital settle MCI dispute
Retroactive charges eliminated for all tenants who moved in before October, 2013, monthly charges eliminated for ‘Roberts’ and SCRIE/DRIE tenants and reduced by 5 percent for others
ST-PCV Tenants Association Chair Susan Steinberg, pictured at a rally in May against mid-lease rent increases (Photo by Sabina Mollot)
After months of negotiations, the Stuyvesant Town–Peter Cooper Village Tenants Association and CWCapital settled the dispute over the five major capital improvements (MCIs) that residents were socked with at once last fall. On Thursday morning, the state housing agency, the Division of Housing and Community Renewal, issued an order confirming the agreement, the Tenants Association announced.
The news, announced on the TA’s website, said that the settlement will “significantly reduce the impact of the recently approved MCIs for tenants.”
The settlement eliminates all of the retroactive charges for current tenants and reduces the monthly increases by 5 percent. “Roberts” tenants won’t be charged any monthly MCI, nor will SCRIE/DRIE tenants.
“The Tenants Association appreciates having been able to negotiate these issues amicably with CWCapital,” said TA Chair Susan Steinberg. “Residents have been saved a great deal of money in retroactive costs, which have been completely eliminated, and some relief in the MCI rent additions. Notably, the negotiations saved months of time and lots of money in legal filings and responses. The best news is that the outcome is at least as favorable to tenants as any we could have won the harder way.”
Andrew MacArthur, managing director of CWCapital Asset Management, also cheered the settlement.
“We are very pleased to have worked with the Tenants Association to reach a settlement,” said MacArthur. “We have worked closely with the TA to reach an agreement that mitigates the impact of the increases for our residents and brings finality to this dispute.”
The five MCI orders cover video intercoms, a security system, a video command center, water tanks/valves and repaving of the walkways. Two of the orders impact residents in Peter Cooper Village and three of them impact Stuyvesant Town residents.
The MCIs were requested by previous owner Tishman Speyer in 2009. After they were all approved by the DHCR in the fall,
Tenants pack a meeting on MCIs, held at the Simon Baruch Middle School auditorium last fall.
(Photo by Sabina Mollot)
the TA said it would be challenging them. In response, CWCapital made an offer to reduce the MCIs’ retroactive portion for tenants who’d agree not to challenge them, but the TA cautioned residents not to sign on to the offer. Negotiations between the TA and CW began soon after that.
“Squeezing every penny out of residents through MCIs long ago became a common practice in Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village,” said Council Member Dan Garodnick. “The Tenants Association wisely took advantage of an opportunity to negotiate a deal with CWCapital that will save tens of millions of dollars for residents over the next ten years. This is a victory for tenants that will mitigate the damage of imperfect law that favors landlords, and I am grateful for the Tenants Association’s efforts.”
Meanwhile, the settlement could still be nullified through additional challenges by individual tenants through PARs (petitions for administrative review.)
“Such PAR could result in the agreement being nullified in the sole discretion of the owner,” the TA said. “Nullification would result in forced repayment of the retroactive charges and any waived portion of the permanent charges by all tenants who benefited from the agreement. The possibility of nullification by the owner due to an ill-advised PAR is a very serious concern to the Tenants Association.”
Exceptions to this would be if a tenant filed a PAR for something like an inaccurate room count in his or her apartment, since MCI charges vary based on the amount of rooms.
According to the TA, a few more details of the settlement are as follows:
● All current residents are included in this settlement except those who moved in after the orders were issued (approximately October, 2013).
● The settlement is retroactive to January 1, 2014.
● Credits noted below will begin to appear on the May rent bill.
● In May, a retroactive credit will be added to the rent bill. This credit will include the benefit amount for January, February, March and April.
● The retroactive and permanent increase amounts noted below are all clearly stated in the MCI orders that residents received in the mail. This number is different for all residents and depends on many factors including: building, unit size and move-in date.
● If a resident cannot find his/her order, that resident is advised to call DHCR at 1-800-ASK-DHCR (1-800-275-3427) to request a duplicate copy.
The Tenants Association will hold a general meeting to discuss the settlement on Saturday, May 10 at 1 p.m. at Simon Baruch M.S. 104 on East 20th Street between First and Second Avenues.
Posted in CWCapital, Peter Cooper Village, Roberts v. Tishman speyer, ST-PCV Tenants Association, ST/PCV ownership, Stuyvesant Town
Tagged CWCapital, DHCR, MCIs, NYS HCR, Roberts v. Tishman Speyer, video intercoms
Tenants Association: ‘Roberts’ and recent tenants should pay MCI increase — for now
Tenants Association attorney Tim Collins speaks to residents at a meeting in November, while Assembly Member Brian Kavanagh, State Senator Brad Hoylman and TA Chair Susan Steinberg listen. (Photo by Sabina Mollot)
After five MCIs (major capital improvement rent increases) were approved by the state housing agency last fall, residents of Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village had their rents raised this month.
Though the ST-PCV Tenants Association has entered into talks with CWCapital and the state housing agency, NYS Homes and Community Renewal, over those rent hikes, in the meantime, the Association is advising “Roberts” class action members as well as those who moved in after the “Roberts” suit was settled to pay their MCIs. At least for now.
Previously, an attorney for the TA had told a resident at a public meeting held in November, who said she’d never gotten a notice about a pending MCI, that she wouldn’t have to pay it. This is because notice must be given to tenants when owners apply for an MCI. However, since the MCIs were for work done on the property by Tishman Speyer in 2009, before the Roberts v. Tishman Speyer” suit determined that apartments in ST/PCV were illegally deregulated, tenants in market rate apartments (“Roberts” class members) never got the notices. MCIs are only applicable to rent-stabilized tenants.
“Most if not all of the Roberts and preferential rent tenants never received a notice,” the Tenants Association said in an email blast to neighbors on Friday afternoon. The email, which is also on the TA website (stpcvta.org), went on to note that preferential rent is a rent that is lower than the legal rent-regulated rent for an apartment and the amount a tenant actually agrees to pay. “Roberts” and post-“Roberts” tenants pay preferential rents.
Despite the lack of warning for those tenants, the TA said in its email that while the negotiations with CW continue, tenants should pay the MCIs.
“The TA is in negotiations over the MCIs with management, hoping to resolve them to the benefit of all tenants,” the Tenants Association said. “In the meantime you should pay them as billed. Doing so will not prejudice any of your rights. We will continue to keep you posted as the situation unfolds. Please read the joint statement from counsel for the TA, Management, and the Roberts tenants below:
“The Stuyvesant Town-Peter Cooper Tenants Association (ST/PCV-TA), Owner (PCV/ST) and New York State DHCR have been engaged in discussions attempting to reach a negotiated resolution to the recently issued MCI orders. The parties are hopeful that the matter will, in fact, be resolved in the near future.
“In the interim, Owner commenced billing the permanent portion of the MCI rent increase with January 2014 bills. If a negotiated settlement is reached, to the extent agreed upon, there will be an appropriate retroactive adjustment in the rent. Payment at this time will not prejudice any party’s rights or claims. Hence, counsel for all parties have agreed that the increases should be paid while negotiations continue.”
A spokesperson for CWCapital declined to comment beyond the statement.
Susan Steinberg, chair for the Tenants Association, said the TA has heard from between 15 and 20 “Roberts” tenants who said they received the charges.
However, when asked about how the negotiations were going, Steinberg said she couldn’t say anything beyond the fact that they’re “ongoing.”
Posted in CompassRock, CWCapital, Peter Cooper Village, Rent hikes, Roberts v. Tishman speyer, ST/PCV ownership, Stuyvesant Town
Tagged CWCapital, DHCR, MCIs, NYS HCR, Roberts v. Tishman Speyer, ST-PCV Tenants Association
Stuyvesant Town/Peter Cooper residents won’t see MCIs on rent bills until January
At a meeting held on November 2, ST-PCV Tenants Association attorney Tim Collins speaks to residents about the MCIs, while Assembly Member Brian Kavanagh, State Senator Brad Hoylman and TA Chair Susan Steinberg listen. (Photo by Sabina Mollot)
Residents of Stuyvesant Town/Peter Cooper Village won’t see the recently approved round of MCI rent hikes on their rent bills until after the holidays, CWCapital has announced.
In an email sent to residents on Friday, the special servicer said:
“CWCapital and CompassRock Real Estate have agreed to defer new MCI billing until January 2014. As a result, your December 2013 rent bills will not include the recently approved MCIs. CWCapital, the ST/PCV Tenants Association and DHCR are engaged in discussions regarding the implementation of the MCIs and we will keep residents informed of any developments.”
A spokesperson for management declined to comment further on the delay to implement the MCIs, which the Tenants Association also mentioned in an email to neighbors sent at around the same time in the afternoon as CW’s. The Tenants Association also noted that it was engaged in discussions with CWCapital and the Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) of New York Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), the state housing agency.
In the past month, tenants have received notices that MCIs (major capital improvements) for security upgrades done in 2009 as well as work done that year on doors, resurfacing and water tanks and valves, had been approved. The Tenants Association has since said it would challenge those MCIs, while CWCapital has made an offer to reduce the MCIs’ retroactive portions by 35 percent if tenants agree not to partake in any challenge. The DHCR, meanwhile, recently agreed to the Tenants Association’s request for reconsideration of the MCIs.
Posted in CompassRock, CWCapital, Peter Cooper Village, Rent hikes, ST/PCV ownership, Stuyvesant Town
Tagged CompassRock, CWCapital, DHCR, MCIs, NYS HCR, security upgrades, ST-PCV Tenants Association, video intercoms, water valves
Letters to the Editor, Nov. 14
The year since Sandy at VA Medical Center
On Monday, November 11, Veterans Day, our nation paid tribute to America’s Veterans. As the director of VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, the charge of maintaining VA health care facilities to provide care to veterans is always foremost in my mind. And this year has been a daunting challenge.
With safety as our priority, over 100 inpatients were evacuated to VA facilities in Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx and Montrose, NY without incident one day prior to Hurricane Sandy’s landfall. VA staff accompanied patients to the new locations to ensure uninterrupted care.
On October 29, the Manhattan VA Medical Center sustained catastrophic flood damage to mechanical and electrical switches, steam system, generators, elevators, heating/air conditioning/ventilation units and the Sterile Processing Service. The storm left the facility flooded with no power, heat or fire suppression. The ground floor, where 150,000 square feet of outpatient care suites and diagnostic imaging equipment was located, was completely devastated.
Centralized scheduling, a call center and clinic staff began calling veterans to reschedule Veteran appointments to nearby VA medical centers and VA community clinics. A Pharmacy Refill Program was established to enable Veterans to receive medication at several local pharmacies, and VA shuttles transported veterans to clinic appointments. VA mobile health units were positioned at the Manhattan VA Medical Center to triage patients, renew prescriptions, give vaccinations and schedule appointments.
Recovery efforts began immediately and lasted several months. Mechanical, electrical and other utilities were reestablished and existing space to relocate outpatient clinics was identified, renovated and the clinics were moved.
Outpatient clinics were phased in by April and inpatient care, including surgery and the Emergency Department, were completely operational in May. Several major projects, some underway now, will harden the facility against future flooding.
I am moved by the encouragement and support provided by veterans and grateful for a dedicated VA staff who worked tirelessly to restore services. On this Veterans Day, we salute our veterans and take pride in overcoming the challenges to provide the quality health care and services they deserve at the Manhattan VA Medical Center.
Martina A. Parauda
VA New York Harbor Healthcare System
Do we have a say on 14th St. development?
Re: “Building across from Stuy Town to be redeveloped,” T&V, Oct. 24
My worst fears were confirmed in Town & Village about what’s happening on the south side of 14th St. The proposed buildings could have a monumental negative impact on our neighborhood in so many ways. How is Stuyvesant Town going to handle the onslaught of people living across the street?
The redevelopment could bring hundreds more people wanting some green space to not only sit in, but walk their dogs or just walk around. In addition, a once desirable sleepy part of 14th street will be hustling and bustling. Can the infrastructure handle all the new residents? And, not to mention it’s going to be a major, major irreversible crime for residents who’ve enjoyed light and views all the way downtown to lose them! If ST ever goes condo or co-op, could this decrease property values?
Before it’s too late, where does Council Member Garodnick stand on this? Can he fight for us and win to limit the height and scope so the buildings are no higher then existing tenement buildings on the south side? Can he partner with Council Member Rosie Mendez to help us? Where does the TA stand on this and can they harness their power and influence to help us? Where does CWCapital stand on this?
It’s not to say that this stretch has not been blighted, but the character of the neighborhood could forever be changed for the worse. We’ve seen this type of building invade other neighborhoods. How can information be so hard to get? Is the zoning commission a secret organization? Someone, somewhere, somehow is approving plans. It’s time to rally and defeat this plan. Help!
Name withheld, ST
It’s time for some MCI reforms
Re: Letter, “MCIs then and now,” T&V, Nov. 7
Regarding the rent increases from MCIs, Geraldine Levy asks “When and where will this end? Our legislators…regularly object to these outrages.”
Unfortunately, the majority of our legislators do NOT object to many outrages that harm New Yorkers financially, physically or psychologically. If they did, they would immediately correct this assault on affordable housing. I suggest two proposals.
First, these state reps would legislate that all legitimate MCI increases will end when the MCI is paid off.
For example, I’ve been paying for the same antique stove and refrigerator for 22 years; for what I’ve paid I could have bought new appliances every two years. These appliances may not be considered MCIs but they were considered improvements which raised the rent on my apartment and continues to this day.
Wouldn’t it be nice if I received a retroactive reimbursement for every penny I paid more than the cost of the stove and refrig, or for any other MCI that I’ve paid for many times over?
Second, these honest legislators (Is that an oximoron?) would transfer the DHCR and its authority over all housing matters for NYC including MCIs back to New York City.
Then our newly elected Democratic mayor, who promises to correct the abuse of our annual rent hikes courtesy of 20 years under Republican mayors, Bill de Blasio could fire every official in the current DHCR and hire new ones who support affordable housing in NYC, especially housing that already exists like ST and PCV and not those new housing developments that real estate moguls dream about.
Speaking of dreams, if we lived in Disneyland instead of New York State, my proposal might be the happy ending at the top of every tenant’s wish list.
But unfortunately as the saying goes, “In your dreams! Fahhgeddaboudit!”
Perhaps under the leadership of the capable Dan Garodnick and the Tenants Association something might be accomplished to ease this burden on tenants so that our housing here in Stuy Town at least remains affordable. Let’s hope so.
Otherwise, it’s Hello, Mississippi!
John Cappelletti, ST
Posted in Letters to the Editor, This Week in Pictures
Tagged Council Member Dan Garodnick, Council Member Rosie Mendez, CWCapital, DHCR, Hurricane Sandy, MCIs, NYS HCR, VA medical center, Veterans
TA blasts CWCapital’s MCI info workshops
Tenants Association volunteers John Sicoransa, Judith Preble Miller and Anne Greenberg hand out fliers that urge tenants not to sign CWCapital’s offer while outside 360 First Avenue, where an informational workshop on MCIs was being held. (Photo by Sabina Mollot)
Following a contentious meeting held earlier in the month by the Stuyvesant Town-Peter Cooper Village Tenants Association, during which the group’s attorney advised tenants not to accept an MCI reduction offer from CWCapital, the special servicer reached out to tenants to discuss terms.
In letters slipped underneath doors in ST/PCV on Friday, CW offered to reduce the cost of the retroactive portions of recently issued MCIs (major capital improvements) by 35 percent, as long as tenants agreed not to try to challenge them. There was also an offer to reduce $15 million on other costs. However, the letter then went on to indicate that CWCapital could end up backing out of the deal.
“It is important to understand that under the Rent Stabilization Laws a small number of MCI appeals can impact the entire community,” the letter stated. “In the event that such a minority of residents seeks to undo the effect of this settlement, we may have no option but to permanently withdraw this offer as the owner will then be forced to defend its rights.”
This letter was swiftly responded to by the Tenants Association’s attorney Tim Collins. In his own letter, he addressed CW’s attorney Sherwin Belkin to say he thought the offer was “disturbing” because “it appears to be an attempt to intimidate those tenants who support the TA’s challenge to the MCIs, by penalizing or diminishing their rights, in direct violation of…. The Real Property Law…”
The Tenants Association, meanwhile, has also taken issue with a series of MCI information workshops being held this week by CW representatives at 360 First Avenue in Peter Cooper Village. In an email to neighbors, the TA blasted the workshops as a ruse to get tenants to sign CW’s agreement rather than inform them about how MCIs work.
“The proposed agreement is illusory, deceptive and unenforceable,” the TA wrote on its website. “The language of the form encourages acceptance while the owner holds a trump card of unilateral termination.”
The TA also noted that CW hadn’t mentioned that the retroactive portions of the MCIs, which for some residents can total thousands of dollars, get paid on a monthly basis (rather than a lump sum), with payments capped at six percent of the tenants’ rent in 2009. As for the $15 million in costs CW offered to waive, the TA said this was “almost meaningless — it consists of sales tax, which can never be included, and other costs DHCR almost never approves.”
On Monday evening, the first of the series of workshops on MCIs saw only a trickle of tenants coming in and out, as well as a few volunteers for the Tenants Association standing outside the building, hoping to talk neighbors out of signing any deal with the de facto owner.
One reason for this is that as of Friday, the state housing agency, the Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) of New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), has agreed to the TA’s recent request for reconsideration of MCIs for five projects that were authorized by the agency. This means tenants are not yet responsible for paying the retroactive portion, though they will be expected to pay the monthly cost that’s added to their rent in perpetuity until the agency makes a decision.
Three of the MCIs are for Stuy Town residents, and the other two are for Peter Cooper residents. The
Tenants Association volunteer John Sicoransa talks to a neighbor on First Avenue. (Photo by Sabina Mollot)
MCIs are for work done in 2009 by Tishman Speyer on security upgrades, resurfacing, doors and water valves and tanks. All the MCIs are added to the tenants’ monthly rent with costs varying based on the room count of apartments and whether they’re in PCV or ST, and all have retroactive portions that date back to 2009.
The TA is hoping to challenge the MCIs based on the fact that Collins’ arguments made against them to the DHCR last year were not even acknowledged in the recent awarding of the increases to CWCapital. Additionally, Collins cited violations in some of the buildings, student housing in some apartments and shoddy workmanship on the resurfacing work as well as other factors.
The reconsideration means the TA will not yet be filing a petition for administrative review (PAR), as it had previously planned to do. However, the group is still collecting signatures from neighbors for pledges that would authorize the TA to represent tenants if it does file a PAR, which according to TA Chair Susan Steinberg, will most likely happen. “We’ll pursue it as far as we can carry it,” she said.
Over the years, the state housing agency has rejected almost all of the Tenants Association’s MCI challenges. However, as of Monday, the Tenants Association had collected over 2,000 signatures on its pledge.
While outside the MCI workshop, TA reps, including Steinberg and TA President John Marsh asked residents leaving if they thought they’d be accepting the offer for a retroactive MCI reduction, and a few were undecided.
One man, who moved in last year, said he was concerned that he would have to pay the retroactive portion of the MCI despite being a new tenant. A TA volunteer responded to say he thought the owner would instead have to hunt down the previous tenant to try and collect that amount, though he added something Collins had said at the recent TA meeting, which is that owners making such moves happens pretty rarely.
Another resident, a woman who lives in Peter Cooper, seemed less confused, saying she thought the reduction letter was “a non-offer.”
“I used to sell TV shows, and I learned from my boss I can’t respond to a non-offer,” she said.
When asked what she was told at the workshop, another woman, who said she didn’t know if she’d be taking the deal, said she was told that she’d have to pay “a lot higher” of an amount if she didn’t.
Another resident said she wound up feeling uncomfortable at the fact that there was a guard posted outside the workshop building, and once she went inside, saw that there were two more. Before allowing her into the workshop, the woman, who, like the other attendees interviewed, didn’t want her name published, said she was asked for her address and apartment number. Though the guards were nice, “It just made things uncomfortable,” she said. “If they can’t trust me, how can I trust them? This is a tall order without trust.”
Attending was worthwhile though, she said, since she got useful information about her own particular situation — and extra incentives to sign. Still, she thought she would most likely not take the deal.
John Sicoransa, one of the TA volunteers outside, said that neighbors of his who are “Roberts v. Tishman Speyer” class members “are utterly confused” by the offer. Being former market rate tenants, they hadn’t received notices in 2009 about pending MCIs, which are for rent-stabilized tenants, though they did get the recently issued letter from CWCapital. Additionally, “the post-Roberts people got them,” said Sicoransa.
Future MCI workshops being held by CWCapital will take place on Thursday, November 14 from 5-8 p.m. and Friday, November 15 from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., both at 360 First Avenue.
A spokesperson for CWCapital did not respond to requests for comment about the MCI workshops. However, the rep, Brian Moriarty, commented on the offer to say it was done in “good faith” and also noted that tenants’ appeals over previous MCIs haven’t gotten them much.
“The owner made a good faith offer to the community,” said Moriarty. “Historically, tenant appeals have resulted in negligible increases after protracted administrative and court proceedings. We do not believe that repeating this process is healthy for the broader community. Assuming that tenant appeals achieve a five percent decrease in the approved amounts (which is more than what has been achieved over the past 20 years of tenant appeals), then it would take the average tenant approximately 25 years to equal the benefit that the owner has volunteered to make. We hope residents review their offers carefully and do their homework to understand the benefit we are offering.”
Tenants Association President John Marsh hands out fliers on the MCIs. (Photo by Sabina Mollot)
Marsh, meanwhile, in a written statement, blasted the offer as “an attempt to legitimize an unenforceable scheme” to get tenants to waive their right to challenge MCIs.
“While we appreciate any gesture by management to soften the blow of these increases, it is not enough for them to look at just the retroactive amount,” he added. “We are also concerned with the permanent increase. We will keep all channels of communication open with management while we continue to collect public membership pledges, so we can be in a position of even greater strength moving forward.”
The Tenants Association’s MCI pledge is currently on its website at stpcvta.org.
Tagged CompassRock, CWCapital, DHCR, MCIs, NYS HCR, security, security upgrades, ST-PCV Tenants Association, water valves
Reminder: ST-PCV Tenants Association holding MCI meeting on Saturday at 1 p.m.
The Stuyvesant Town-Peter Cooper Village Tenants Association will hold a meeting to address five recently issued major capital improvement (MCI) rent increases on Saturday, November 2 from 1-4 p.m. at the auditorium at the Simon Baruch Middle School (MS 104) on East 20th Street between First and Second Avenues. Local elected officials are expected to attend and John Marsh, president of the Tenants Association, said there would be “ample time” for tenants to ask questions, which will be answered by the association’s attorney Tim Collins.
In October, tenants in Stuyvesant Town learned they’d gotten an MCI (major capital improvement) for video intercoms, followed by an MCI issued to residents of Peter Cooper, which was also for security upgrades, including a command center. Tenants learned about the latest round last week, via notices that the state housing agency, the Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) of New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) had approved MCIs for work on three more projects: water valves, doors and resurfacing. Possibly more MCIs are on the way.
Which MCIs tenants got depended on if they live in Peter Cooper or Stuyvesant Town. As far as the Tenants Association is aware, an MCI for water tanks and valves is for PCV residents only; while only Stuyvesant Town residents have gotten MCIs for resurfacing that were combined with charges for doors and water tanks/valves.
At the meeting, Collins will explain the process of appealing an MCI order and will outline what the TA’s pushback will be. He will be joined by New York State Senator Brad Hoylman, Assembly Member Brian Kavanagh and City Council Member Dan Garodnick.
“Both longtime rent-stabilized tenants and those who recently moved in and are receiving MCIs addressed to former residents or current occupant have been swamping our message center with questions about the MCI process,” said Marsh. “We’ve put together this meeting to answer precisely those questions.”
Subjects to be covered, according to Marsh, include: What constitutes an MCI? Why are tenants getting such a flood of MCIs at once? How do the retroactive and prospective payments work? Is there any way to put an end to paying MCIs in perpetuity? Why is there a per room charge when, for example, there is outdoor resurfacing work? Why should tenants have to pay if the improvement in question is faulty or doesn’t work?
“We have long understood that an owner needs to improve their property, but it must not be at the expense of long-term affordability,” said Marsh in an official statement. “When a co-op/condo owner is assessed for an improvement, they are assessed only once, not for the rest of their tenancy. Renters on the other hand are forced to pay forever for something that is depreciable.”
An opportunity to sign a document association with the association’s petition for administrative review (PAR) can be signed at the meeting. The association is also asking tenants to share their docket numbers and Google documents are available for this purpose through links on the association’s website at stpcvta.org. Additionally, the group is soliciting donations to help pay its looming legal bills for the MCI challenges.
Posted in CWCapital, Peter Cooper Village, Rent hikes, ST/PCV ownership, Stuyvesant Town
Tagged Assembly Member Brian Kavanagh, Council Member Dan Garodnick, CWCapital, emergency meeting, MCIs, NYS HCR, security upgrades, ST-PCV Tenants Association, State Senator Brad Hoylman, Tishman Speyer, video intercoms, water valves
Residents get MCIs for water valves, resurfacing and doors
Susan Steinberg, chair of the ST-PCV Tenants Association, pictured at a protest against mid-lease rent increases in May, said the Tenants Association will soon hold a meeting on the latest MCIs.
While not quite the chaos caused by Hurricane Sandy a year ago, Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village are being flooded again, this time with five MCIs for work on the property done by former owner Tishman Speyer in 2009.
Earlier in the month, tenants in Stuyvesant Town learned they’d gotten an MCI (major capital improvement) for video intercoms, followed by an MCI issued to residents of Peter Cooper, which was also for security upgrades, including a command center. Tenants learned about the latest round on Friday and over the weekend, via notices that the state housing agency, the Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) of New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) had approved MCIs for work on three more projects: water valves, doors and resurfacing.
“We tenants are under siege,” the Tenants Association said in an email to residents sent on Sunday, which included a notice that a meeting would be scheduled soon to answer questions on the charges, which are added permanently to tenants’ base rent, along with a retroactive portion. Costs vary with each building and with each apartment, based on how many rooms there are.
Susan Steinberg, chair of the Tenants Association, noted how in the case of one Peter Cooper one-bedroom apartment, the MCI for water tanks, which has a cost of $2.77 per room, the retroactive portion is $407.19. Her own recently issued MCI, being for a one-bedroom in Stuyvesant Town, which includes water tanks, resurfacing and doors, will cost a total of about $25 a month while the retroactive portion is $1,199.52.
Like the previously issued MCIs, the Tenants Association is planning to challenge the ones for water valves, doors and resurfacing, based on the fact that in its decisions, the HCR didn’t respond to arguments against them presented to the agency by the Tenants Association’s attorney last year, and possibly other reasons. The Tenants Association said, via email, that it was already in the process of filing what is known as a request for reconsideration, since it believes the housing agency made a “vital (but reversible) administrative error by not considering or acknowledging our 2012 objections to all outstanding MCIs. The approvals, therefore, were issued on an incomplete record.” The association’s attorney, Tim Collins, is also preparing a petition for administrative review (PAR), in case the request for reconsideration fails. The association, therefore, has been requesting that tenants opt not to file their own PARs, though doing so would spare them from having to pay at least the retroactive portion of the MCIs until the matter is resolved by the HCR.
“Individual tenants certainly have a right to file their own PARs,” said Steinberg, “and if they want to, I wouldn’t say don’t, but we have more strength if we file a collective PAR. It’s really better if we can provide tenants with specific reasons. It’s really not enough to say the security system still doesn’t work. It’s a legitimate reason to me, but I think (HCR) requires a lot more technical information.”
Meanwhile, despite the recent communications from the agency, there has not yet been any word on the Tenants Association’s application for a rent reduction based on Sandy-related service losses in 15 PCV buildings and two in Stuyvesant Town. A spokesperson for HCR did not respond to a request for comment on the latest MCIs and has previously said the agency would not comment on its determinations.
Steinberg, however, blasted the five most recent MCIs as “a terrible burden” on tenants.
“People are gasping,” she added. “Those on SCRIE and DRIE are concerned and we want to make sure they’re not going to be slammed, and it’s right before the holidays. This is going to stretch people to the max.”
The Tenants Association will hold the MCI meeting on Saturday, November 2 from 1-4 p.m. at the auditorium at the Simon Baruch Middle School (MS 104) on East 20th Street between First and Second Avenues. Local elected officials are expected to attend and John Marsh, president of the Tenants Association, said there would be “ample time” for tenants to ask questions, which will be answered by Collins.
“The meeting will also give those in attendance an opportunity to sign a document in connection with the filing of a PAR,” said Marsh. “Residents who can’t make the meeting might consider dropping by the school any time between 1 and 4 to add their names.”
The association is asking tenants to share their docket numbers and Google documents are available for this purpose through links on the association’s website at stpcvta.org and the group is also soliciting donations to help pay its looming legal bills for the MCI challenges.
A spokesperson for CWCapital did not yet respond to a question about whether the MCIs would be reflected in the rent bills for November or December, though Steinberg has said she suspects that since the MCIs came as much as a surprise to CWCapital as they did to tenants, that they would not be charged in the November bills.
Note: This article has been updated to include additional information about the ST-PCV Tenants Association meeting.
Tagged CWCapital, MCIs, NYS HCR, Peter Cooper Village, rent reduction, resurfacing, ST-PCV Tenants Association, Stuyvesant Town, Tim Collins, Tishman Speyer, video intercoms, water valves
Stuy Town residents get video intercom MCI
Last week, residents in every Stuyvesant Town building learned that they’d be getting a major capital improvement (MCI) rent increase of $4.17 per room in their apartment per month for installation of the property’s video intercoms.
The intercoms were installed in 2009 by then-owner Tishman Speyer, who applied for the MCI. The increase, which was finally approved by the state housing agency, is added to residents’ base rent, along with a retroactive portion tenants are also responsible for paying from December, 2009 until November of this year (47 months). A spokesperson for the agency, New York Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), declined to comment on its decision.
Meanwhile, Susan Steinberg, chair of the ST-PCV Tenants Association, said after a recent conversation with CWCapital, the TA learned CW was just as surprised as tenants to hear about the MCI, which it is now authorized to collect starting in November.
Because of this, she said it was unlikely that CW would begin charging for it right away and instead may start collecting it in December.
Steinberg added that the TA has been in touch with its attorney, Tim Collins, and as of Wednesday morning, the TA said in an official statement that it was clear to Collins that HCR “has made a reversible error” with the latest MCI approval.
“None of the orders acknowledge or consider our attorney’s general and specific objections – all of which were served on the HCR on May 14, 2012,” the TA said.
“Our attorney has advised that this is not unheard of and HCR should promptly rescind the orders and correct its error by considering our objections and giving notice to the owner’s attorney. We will file ‘Requests for Reconsideration’ due to ‘irregularity in a vital matter’ as well as Petitions for Administrative Review (PAR) in the next few weeks.”
The TA also said it was asking CWCapital “to recognize HCR’s error” and refrain from charging the MCI in tenants’ December rent bills.
Brian Moriarty, a spokesperson for CWCapital, said the special servicer couldn’t comment on the video intercom MCI at this time.
While in the past, the TA has encouraged tenants to file their own PARs, which would protect them from having to pay at least the retroactive portion of the MCIs until the matter is settled, this time the TA said there was no need for tenants to individually file PARs at this time.
“We will provide further updates as our efforts to stop these MCIs continues,” the TA said.
Steinberg also noted, “We always protest MCIs because there’s usually something we find amiss.”
In this case, tenants have complained about the intercoms being faulty and following Hurricane Sandy, some buildings’ intercoms were unable to contact security.
(A rent reduction application previously filed by the TA for lost or diminished services after Sandy in certain buildings in Peter Cooper Village and two in Stuyvesant Town has still not gotten an answer from the HCR.)
Another potential argument against the MCI, said Steinberg, is that CWCapital may have already gotten insurance money for damaged systems “so that goes into play. This was done back in 2009, but it seems like circumstances have to be looked at afresh.”
The MCI affects tenants in all 89 Stuy Town buildings, which Steinberg called “unfortunate” due to the timing. This year, the Rent Guidelines Board-issued increase was higher than usual at 7.75 percent for two-year leases, 1,100 residents were also hit with mid-lease increases in May and more recently, tenants noticed that CW’s gotten tougher about imposing late fees. “It’s a heavy burden,” said Steinberg.
In an email to neighbors sent on Saturday, the TA said it would be filing a PAR. The TA also asked for tenants to send the association (via a form on its website at stpcvta.org) their docket numbers.
Not surprisingly, the response from tenants has been that an MCI for the video intercoms isn’t fair.
One resident told T&V this week that most of the time the system in his building doesn’t even work, so when he has visitors, he’s actually resorted to throwing down a key-card from his 11th floor window in a sock that’s weighted down with another object so it won’t flutter in the wind.
Another resident, David Dartley, vented on Facebook to tell CW, “You who are in charge did not spend any money installing these intercoms back in 2009,” he wrote. “Now you want to collect in perpetuity for something you expended no money or effort in creating?’
Steinberg also noted that in 2009, reps from the TA met with the state housing agency, then known as the Division of Housing and Community Renewal. At that time, the TA, along with local elected officials, complained that they felt the agency was rubber-stamping every MCI request the owner made. They also learned that 20 percent of the city’s MCI applications came from ST/PCV alone. “It was a very cordial meeting,” said Steinberg. “We reached out to them, but they were receptive.” She added that the goal of the meeting was to see if the agency would be willing to negotiate some of the MCIs that were still outstanding, but after the meeting, “it went nowhere.”
Posted in ST/PCV ownership, Stuyvesant Town
Tagged CWCapital, DHCR, MCIs, NYS HCR, ST-PCV Tenants Association, Stuyvesant Town, Tishman Speyer, video intercoms
Letters to the Editor, Mar. 21
What is legal basis for rent reduction policy?
The following letter was written by several East Side elected officials to Darryl C. Towns, commissioner and CEO of New York State Homes and Community Renewal on the housing agency’s policy towards rent reductions for losses of services like those experienced in Stuyvesant Town/Peter Cooper Village. (The letter, though addressed to the HCR, refers to it as DHCR, its predecessor agency.)
Dear Commissioner Towns:
We are writing to request clarification of the Division of Housing and Community Renewal’s (DHCR) rent reduction policy with respect to tenants who experience a diminution of services, and to highlight an imminent issue in Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village (ST-PCV).
We are concerned that the DHCR’s policy is incompatible with the Rent Stabilization Code (RSC), and runs the risk of denying tenants compensation to which they may be entitled. Specifically, we seek clarification about a serious discrepancy between the DHCR’s stated policy on rent reduction effective dates and the RSC as it pertains to applications for Rent Reductions for Decreased Services recently filed by hundreds of ST-PCV residents in approximately 110 buildings, who are represented by the ST-PCV Tenants Association.
As you know, these ST-PCV residents filed applications on February 26, 2013 for rent reductions due to loss of services during and after Hurricane Sandy. The lost amenities include loss of trunk storage service, security systems, laundry room services, bicycle and carriage room storage, elevator service and building intercom services.
Section 2523.4(a)(1) of the RSC provides that “the DHCR shall … reduce the rent for the period for which it is found that the owner has failed to maintain required services.” Of course, application of this provision is predicated on the DHCR finding that services in fact have not been maintained, but in the event of such a finding, it is clear that any rent reduction should be effective for the entire period for which the services have not been maintained.
However, it is apparently the DHCR’s practice, as stated in its Fact Sheet #14: Rent Reductions for Decreased Services, that “The effective date for rent stabilized tenants is retroactive back to the first day of the month following DHCR’s service of the complaint on the owner.”
We do not understand why the DHCR’s practice is inconsistent with the RSC. If tenants are denied contractually obligated services, neither logic nor the RSC supports limiting their remedy to the period after the DHCR has had time to serve notice on the owner.
We are particularly concerned with the rent reduction applications recently filed by ST-PCV residents and currently pending before the DHCR. We understand that the DHCR has indicated that it may take several weeks to process these applications, which could delay the start date of any approved reductions even further under the agency’s stated practice.
In light of these serious concerns, we must ask: (1) When do you expect to present ST-PCV management with the rent reduction claims? (2) What is the legal basis for the policy regarding effective dates found in the fact sheet?
Given the time sensitive nature of the ST-PCV applications, and the importance of this issue to the people we represent, we ask that you respond promptly to these questions. If you would like to discuss this matter, please feel free to contact any of us directly. If you would like to arrange a meeting or conference call, Anna Pycior in Assemblymember Kavanagh’s office is available to help arrange one. We hope to hear from you soon.
Brian Kavanagh, State Assembly Member
Brad Hoylman,
Daniel R. Garodnick, City Council Member
Carolyn B. Maloney, U.S. Representative
Scott M. Stringer, Manhattan Borough President
Posted in Letters to the Editor
Tagged DHCR, fios, housing, Hurricane Sandy, NYS HCR, rent reduction, rent stabilization, Stuyvesant Town
ST-PCV TA to file for Sandy rent reductions
Workers stand by generators used to dehumidify building basements in Peter Cooper in late November.
For the first time in the history of the complex, the Stuyvesant Town-Peter Cooper Village Tenants Association is calling for a rent reduction due to a lack of basic services such as working elevators and laundry equipment in buildings that were hard-hit by Sandy.
On February 1, attorneys for the Tenants Association served ST/PCV General Manager Sean Sullivan and Andrew MacArthur of CWCapital with a notice that it would be filing a rent reduction claim before New York State’s Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) agency for a diminution of services under the Rent Stabilization Law.
Tagged CWCapital, Hurricane Sandy, NYS HCR, Rent Guidelines Board, rent stabilization, ST-PCV Tenants Association, STPCV
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The Himalayan Times > Lifestyle > Travel > Travel in Nepal > Sindhuli: In orange country
Sindhuli: In orange country
Published: January 14, 2017 11:11 am On: Travel in Nepal
Sabitri Dhakal
Plans to travel always make one high and if the place you are going to travel to is one you have always dreamt of, the excitement level goes through the roof.
Sindhuli, a place of historical importance, a place rich with diversities in terms of culture and agriculture, has the ability to enrapture travellers. Looking at the green trees on the hills, the rolling terrace farming, serpentine road and a warm weather — all make the journey a memorable one. The hospitality of the people there made the journey even more meaningful.
To promote the art and culture, tourism and agriculture, the Sindhuli Chamber of Commerce and Industries in association with the District Development Committee and Kamalamai Municipality organised the fourth edition of Sindhuli Mahotsav 2073 in Sindhuli from December 22, 2016 to January 2. The festival had 270 stalls — 25 stalls of locally produced goods. Items such as organic coffee, handicraft made from bamboo, black beans among other varieties of food items were found in the stalls. Varieties of items ranging from agricultural tools, seeds, clothing, and home appliances among others were some of the other attractions, while cultural events too were the other highlights of the festival.
Rich in citrus fruits
For those who love citrus fruits, this is the time to visit Sindhuli: trees laden with oranges seem to bow down to welcome you. The fruit trees pull you so that one is seen posing against branches filled with fruits in a matter of seconds.
Bhoj Raj Sharma in his fruit nursery
The bountiful trees are not only eye pleasing but the cultivation of oranges has been the bread and butter for the people living in this area. However, one needs to walk carefully on the roads leading to the areas where the fruit is cultivated as the construction of the roads leading to the cultivated land has just begun. Bhoj Raj Sharma, 77, has a garden of citrus fruits expanded in his more than eight ropanis of land. A resident of Ratanchura-5, Sharma has been selling the fruits and plants for long. “I usually sell the plants of up
to Rs 2 lakhs in a season,” Sharma revealed.
However, a recently emerged problem has been a growing concern for people of the area. The fruit seems to be fresh and good, but inside one can see small flies. “The fruits are infected with fruit fly. Last year it was seen in 10 per cent of the fruits, while 25 per cent of the fruits are affected this year. This is why farmers sold the fruits even before they ripened. Or else December-January is the time to harvest the fruits. If the situation is not controlled on time, then there are chances of extinction of the trees from the area,” informed Arjun Shrestha, General Secretary of Sindhuli Chamber of Commerce and Industries.
The district is also rich in pineapples. All 53 VDCs of Sindhuli district grow pineapples, as per Binesh Kumar Shrestha, President of Sindhuli Chamber of Commerce and Industries, which they are promoting.
Jarbutta Art Museum
Variety of handicraft items
Not only citrus fruits but people in the area are making their living by making handicraft items like sitting materials, tea tables. Lok Bahadur Baniya, a resident of Ratanchura-9, is one such dedicated man who was found weavinga mudha (sitting stool) in his stall in the festival. A man of 63, he has been making his living weaving tea tables, dhaki (basket) and mudhas. The items necessary to make a mudha are cycle tyres, bamboo and plastic. As colourful plastic is not found in the country, he usually visits Nagaland, India each year. He has been in the profession for the last 25 years and he feels happy about his skill that helps him earn up to Rs 12,000 a month.
Like Baniya, there are some others involved in the handicraft business. Purushottam Bhujel, a resident of Ranichuri-6, Chanaute has started making different household items from bamboo. “I undertook training on making bangle stands, pen stands, mobile stands last year. It doesn’t need much money too. I am making an income up to Rs 10,000 from the sales. There are chances for increment if tourists visit this area,” Bhujel added.
Art in the roots
If you get the time to hang around Sindhuli area, then do not forget to visit Jarbutta Art Museum of artist Biswambhar Lamichhane situated in Aasumatitar. His art is special — his pieces are created with the roots of trees. Dead, unused roots of trees are collected to engrave art in it. There are more than 200 of his creations on his personal museum. His pieces include the love of women, loneliness of elderly people, how a stick has been a last support for them, among others. His art also features the reflection of the People’s war. If you are lucky you will be able to meet him in the museum; if not, then his wife Prasiddha Sharma will explain his art to you.
Sindhuli Gadhi
Sindhuli Gadhi Ghumera Herda — a popular song that incorporates the beauty of Sindhuli — increases the excitement as one reaches Sindhuli. It is a place of historical importance where the Nepali troops won a battle with the English force on Aswin 15, 1834. There is an ancient well in the area, which is dry at the time being. The Gadhi is surrounded with stone walls. Though the place is historically important, one can see it being changed into a picnic spot. People playing cards, drinking alcohol and dancing to loud music is a scene which visitors do not expect to see there.
Other tourist destinations in the area are Fikkal Danda and Panchakanya Pokhari. One can visit Sindhuli even within a short span of time as it is only at a six hours’ drive from the Capital.
And for the selfie addicts, there is Selfie Danda waiting for you!
A version of this article appears in print on January 14, 2017 of The Himalayan Times.
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Directed by: J. Bradshaw, A. Dulerayn, starring A. Abonisimova, I. Dapkunaite, M. Ignatova, A. Kaykov...
"Bu..."
( 2012 )Bullet to the Head
Directed by: W. Hill, starring S. Stallone, J. Momoa, C. Slater, S. Shahi...
( 2012 )Buffy the Vampire Slayer
( 2011 )Bunraku
Directed by: G. Moshe, starring R. Perlman, D. Moore, J. Hartnett, W. Harrelson...
( 2010 )Burlesque
Directed by: S. Antin, starring K. Bell, S. Tucci, C. Gigandet, E. Dane...
( 2010 )Buried
Directed by: R. Cortés, starring R. Reynolds, R. Paterson, J. Luis García Pérez, S. Tobolowsky...
"By..."
( 2011 )By Man's Hand
Directed by: R. Williams, starring J. Skeen, A. Hartman, R. Hanson, C. Bailey...
( 2013 )By Virtue Fall
Directed by: S. Turner, starring C. Britton, E. Bana, C. Gugino, J. Spader...
( 2012 )Byzantium
Directed by: N. Jordan, starring S. Ronan, G. Arterton, B. Cassin, D. Heap...
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July mini review round-up
July 29, 2019 July 28, 2019 LeahLeave a comment
The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite | June 25, 2019
For Pride Month I made it a point to focus on LGBT reads and this one in particular was among my most anticipated reads of the year. I’m a huge fan of historical romance and I can’t recall ever coming across a novel even featuring LGBT characters, let alone front and center on the cover! Not only were two ladies the stars of the show, but there was also a heavy dose of botany and astronomy – yes please!Running away from a broken heart after watching her lover marry, Lucy abruptly shows up at the home of a Countess, determined to be the one to answer her request for a translator of a prominent French astronomy text. Lucy’s fully confident in her abilities, after all, while her father was revered in his field, it was Lucy who took over the work.
While I fully enjoyed the bits of science sprinkled throughout, I’m a little disappointed to say I found this one lacking. I’m delighted the book exists and had a great time reading it, but overall it left me wanting. Still, I’m curious to see where the series goes from here!
Romanov by Nadine Brandes | May 7, 2019
Tell me a book is about the Romanovs and there basically a 100% chance I’ll read it. Several years ago I featured an edition of Get Your Fix that focused solely on novels and non-fiction about the dynasty. I’m more than a little obsessed with this family.
That obsession was not strong enough to stop the absurd amount of eyerolling I did while reading this book. I’m always up for stories of Romanov survivors. Throw in a bit of magic and I’ll roll with it! Unfortunately, this book was all over the place. Anastasia – Nastya – wants to be a spell caster instead of a grand duchess. This magic system was never fully explained and left me confused. There’s special ink and bits of paper and magic words seemingly burst forth from the caster’s mouth.
If that was the book’s only downfall I could have excused it. HOWEVER, the kicker that had me frantically texting a friend as each ridiculous page went by: Anastasia and Alexei both die – Alexei TWICE – but don’t worry, Anastasia simply magics them back to life. While as ghosts (the first time around), the pair spend a few pages going on ghost adventures in the forest while the bodies of their parents and sisters lay in a pile behind them, and in the end Anastasia falls in love with the guard who shot/killed her. No thank you.
Trespassing by Brandi Reeds | April 1, 2018
In an attempt to try to rectify my pathetic netgalley stats, I’ve been making an effort to review old titles. Trespassing is a domestic thriller that instantly caught my eye when I first came across it, but never made the time for it. Until now. And I’m kicking myself for letting it sit so long!
Veronica’s life seems to be ripping apart at the seams. Her latest round of fertility treatments has failed, her 3-year-old has a new imaginary friend that seems more evil than innocent, and her pilot husband has just left for a flight…and doesn’t come back home. Veronica tries to hold it together and not fret, but Elizabella keeps insisting her imaginary friend told her Daddy’s dead. What follows is a cat-and-mouse thriller, from fake paystubs to a fully-paid house in the Florida Keys. Veronica’s grasp of reality loosens as she realizes her husband wasn’t the man she thought he was – and is someone after her now?
Despite the size of this novel, I tore through it, fully invested and engaged. I needed to know what was going on, I wanted explanations from her husband nearly as bad as Veronica did! While the ended was a little overdone, I really liked this one and can’t wait for Reeds’ next novel!
How to Hack a Heartbreak by Kristin Rockaway | July 30, 2019
Mel is stuck at a dead-end job working the help desk of a start-up full of brogrammers who all believe they’re God’s gift to the tech industry, yet can’t understand that disabling ad blockers in order to browse for porn just might result in a wave of viruses. Multiple times.
After the hottest dating app, Fluttr, leaves her ghosted, Mel decides to take matters into her own hands. JerkAlert was only meant to be a fun way for Mel and her friends to blow off steam – their way of getting the word out about the sexist, misogynistic, married men on Fluttr – but it took off and soon hundreds of women are leaving warnings about the seemingly nice guys on the app.
Had this just been a story about JerkAlert, I think I would have enjoyed the book far more. Instead, there’s an office romance between Mel and one of the techies hoping to make it big with a fantasy football app. I had hoped to get more out of this one than I did, but at least it was a fast, one-sitting read.
Overcomer by Chris Fabry
The Passengers by John Marrs
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Book Review: The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
May 3, 2019 Apr 24, 2019 / Theresa Smith Writes
The hardscrabble folks of Troublesome Creek have to scrap for everything—everything except books, that is. Thanks to Roosevelt’s Kentucky Pack Horse Library Project, Troublesome’s got its very own traveling librarian, Cussy Mary Carter.
Cussy’s not only a book woman, however, she’s also the last of her kind, her skin a shade of blue unlike most anyone else. Not everyone is keen on Cussy’s family or the Library Project, and a Blue is often blamed for any whiff of trouble. If Cussy wants to bring the joy of books to the hill folks, she’s going to have to confront prejudice as old as the Appalachia and suspicion as deep as the holler.
Inspired by the true blue-skinned people of Kentucky and the brave and dedicated Kentucky Pack Horse library service of the 1930s, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is a story of raw courage, fierce strength, and one woman’s belief that books can carry us anywhere — even back home.
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek merges two uniquely fascinating histories plucked right out of the wild Kentucky mountains. Before I go any further, I’ll draw your attention to this extract from the author’s notes:
Inspired by the true and gentle historical blue-skinned people of Kentucky and the brave and dedicated Kentucky Pack Horse librarians born of Roosevelt’s New Deal Acts, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek showcases a fascinating and important footnote of history. Methemoglobinemia is the extremely rare disease that causes skin to be blue. In the United States, it was first found in the Fugates of Troublesome Creek in eastern Kentucky. In 1820, Martin Fugate, a French orphan, came to Kentucky to claim a land grant on the banks of Troublesome Creek in Kentucky’s isolated wilderness. Martin married a full-blooded, red-headed, white-skinned Kentuckian named Elizabeth Smith. They had seven children, and out of those, four were blue. It was insurmountable and against all odds that, oceans away, Martin would find a bride who carried the same blue-blood recessive gene.
The Pack Horse Library Project was established in 1935 and ran until 1943. The service was part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration (WPA) and an effort to create jobs for women and bring books and reading material into Appalachia, into the poorest and most isolated areas in eastern Kentucky that had few schools, no libraries, and inaccessible roads. The librarians were known as “Book Women,” though there were a very small number of men among their ranks. These fearsome Kentucky librarians travelled by horse, mule, and sometimes by foot and even rowboat to reach the remotest areas, in creeks and up crags, into coves, disconnected pockets, and black forests and to towns named Hell-fer-Sartin, Troublesome, and Cut Shin, sometimes traveling as much as one hundred or more miles a week in rain, sleet, or snow. Pack Horse librarians were paid twenty-eight dollars a month and had to provide their own mounts. Books and reading materials and places for storing and sorting the material were all donated and not supplied by the WPA’s payroll. With few resources and little financial help, the Pack Horse librarians collected donated books and reading materials from the Boy Scouts, PTAs, women’s clubs, churches, and the state health department. The librarians came up with ingenious ways to provide more reading resources, such as making scrapbooks with collected recipes and housecleaning tips that the mountain people passed on to them in gratitude for their service. Despite the financial obstacles, the harshness of the land, and the sometimes fierce mistrust of the people during the most violent era of eastern Kentucky’s history, the Pack Horse service was accepted and became dearly embraced. These clever librarians turned their traveling library program into a tremendous success. In the years of its service, over one thousand women served in the Pack Horse Project, and it was reported that nearly 600,000 residents in thirty eastern Kentucky counties considered “pauper counties” were served by them.
Both of these incredible histories are merged within The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, set during the Great Depression of the 1930s, deep in the Kentucky mountains. This is hardscrabble life like you wouldn’t believe. The only source of income is from coal mining, but the companies are only after one thing, as much black gold as they can get, with the minimum wage and the minimum standards of employment with no regard for safety. People aren’t even paid with money, but with a credit system that allows them to only shop at the company store. The corruption is entrenched and those seeking to unionise more often than not ‘disappear’.
“Daughter, take a look at the fright out there. They’re murderers, gun thugs, them Company men are. Something must be done. Folks are worse off than before they arrived.” Pa coughed. “We’re working seventeen -hour days down on a rocky floor with bloody kneecaps in a black hole for scratch, and all the while fearing the next cave-in, the next blast that sends us to our fiery grave.”
Violence is rife, mistrust runs deep and inbreeding is par for the course. Law enforcement is loose, dependent upon access, which is not widespread given the way people live dotted all through the mountains. I studied some units of geography at university, one of them on the social geography of North America. I remember this area, the Appalachian mountains, and this was where I first came across my knowledge of the blue mountain people. I’ve never read a novel that has taken the reader so deeply into a hidden history before, and done it with such a depth of understanding for the area being written about.
‘A woman violated would be damned— persecuted— and dismissed from her job like Postmistress Gracie Banks had been after she was raped last year and told. And there’d been more than a few other Gracie Banks who’d blabbered. Rarely was justice served and then only if the woman’s kin took it upon themselves to mete out punishment in a quiet, lawless way. Disgraced, soiled like that, even womenfolk would silence, shun, and cast blame on the tainted female— make good ’n’ sure she’d carry the sin of the man’s stain for the rest of her days. Over the years, I’d seen that burden in a few women’s hooded eyes around town. I remember Mama telling Pa when she thought I weren’t listening that the female’s silence let those vile godless men walk free among their prey, boldly pass their sufferers on the streets of Troublesome with a sly tip to the hat, a smug pat to the crotch.’
‘I know’d Harriett’s mama had married kin, that her kind had relations with close relatives. It just didn’t show up in her pasty-white flesh, only in the small eyes hugging her sky-saluting nose. Her clan was the same as most kinfolk in these parts. Courting was hard, and a horse and mule could only travel so far, making it difficult to meet and marry outside these hills. Still, my great-grandpa’d done just that, all the way from France . And here Harriett was the one who pined after her cousin.’
Against this backdrop, Cussy Mary – or Bluet as she is more commonly, yet less preferably, called – traverses the mountains delivering and collecting library books to those who wouldn’t otherwise see a book ever, much less learn to read one. She reads to people, teaches others to read, spends time with the lonely, delivers books to a remote school and a community of mountain folk that never leave their holler. This novel is a testament about the importance of reading in changing lives, the joy and connection that can stem from books, and the way ignorance can be pierced through education.
‘Being able to return to the books was a sanctuary for my heart. And a joy bolted free, lessening my own grievances, forgiving spent youth and dying dreams lost to a hard life, the hard land, and to folks ’ hard thoughts and partialities.’
‘Mr. Moffit didn’t like folks who weren’t his color. He used to demand that I stay put in the yard . But his longing for the printed word soon weakened his demands, and he eventually allowed Angeline to bring me inside to read at the small wooden table, so desperate was he for the books to help him escape his misery, misery at never having enough to fill his belly, not even enough spare coins to buy himself a couple of bullets to maybe shoot a rabbit, and now the misery at the poison inching its way deeper into him from his gunshot.’
‘I loved that the books were growing their little minds. Pa was wrong. They needed books more than anything else this place had to offer. They were starved for the learning, the know-how on leaving this hard land for a better, softer one.’
Cussy Mary is blue. Genuinely blue. She’s about the loneliest person I’ve ever read about. People fear her more than any other type of person. Going to town is arduous and incredibly painful. Her job is her life, and out on the mountains, delivering books, her colour matters less, but it takes a long time, and many awful things to happen, before she can accept herself just the way she was born. Her pain brought me to tears over and over, not just because of the prejudice she was subjected to, but also because of the lack of self-worth she was filled with on account of being blue. She had so much to offer, yet most people just wanted to keep their distance and ridicule her. I spent a good portion of this novel filled with fear for her. There was this feeling that pervaded where you had a sense that to many, she was less than human. It was so wrong, just so, so wrong.
‘I touched the baby’s hand, my own eyes filling, my mind grappling with losses, the unbearable pain of loneliness. Nary a townsfolk, not one God-fearing soul, had welcomed me or mine into town, their churches, or homes in all my nineteen years on this earth. Instead, every hard Kentucky second they’d filled us with an emptiness from their hate and scorn. It was as if Blues weren’t allowed to breathe the very same air their loving God had given them, not worthy of the tiniest spoonful He’d given to the smallest forest critter. I was nothing in their world. A nothingness to them. And I looked into Angeline’s dying eyes and saw my truths, and the truths that would be her daughter’s.’
“Well, them cloths are a lot like folks. Ain’t much difference at all. Some of us is more spiffed up than others, some stiffer, and still, some softer. There’s the colorful and dull, ugly and pretty, old, new ’uns. But in the end we’s all fabric, cut from His cloth. Fabric, and just that.”
The poverty depicted within this novel is startlingly disturbing. People literally starving to death. Whole families becoming extinct, pride preventing them from accessing welfare, prejudice preventing them from seeking help. The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is unlike any other novel I’ve ever read. Starkly beautiful in its prose, confronting and desperately painful to comprehend. That it’s so deeply grounded in truth just made it all the more profound. Cussy’s story made my heart hurt, yet despite the grim reality punctuating every single scene throughout the novel, hope sparked in the most unlikely of places. It’s an incredible novel. One of the best I’ve read.
‘I curled myself into a tight ball on the blood-soaked Kentucky soil, wailing for Henry and all the Henrys in these dark hollows who’d never be a common grown-up. Stuck forever as Peter Pans.’
“This old land.” Jackson stared off. “It sure makes a man yearn for it and want to flee it altogether.”
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek will take you to a place you’ve probably heard little of during a time when life was perhaps at its most lacking and desperate. I cannot recommend this novel highly enough, which is why I’ve included so many quotes. It really does speak for itself.
🍵🍵🍵🍵🍵
Thanks is extended to Sourcebooks Landmark via NetGalley for providing me with a copy of The Book Woman Of Troublesome Creek for review.
Kim Michele Richardson lives in Kentucky and resides part-time in western North Carolina. She is an advocate for the prevention of child abuse and domestic violence and has partnered with the U.S. Navy globally to bring awareness and education to the prevention of domestic violence. She is the author of the bestselling memoir The Unbreakable Child and is the founder of the tiny home Shy Rabbit, a writers/ artists scholarship residency . Her novels include Liar’s Bench, GodPretty in the Tobacco Field, and The Sisters of Glass Ferry.
Published by Sourcebooks Landmark
Released on 7th May 2019
American Fiction, Book Reviews, Historical Fiction, New Release, Thought Provoking Reads
American Authors, American Fiction, Book Reviews, Historical Fiction, NetGalley, New Releases, Sourcebooks Landmark, Thought Provoking Reads
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9 thoughts on “Book Review: The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson”
What a fascinating book! I haven’t heard of this one before so thank you for your review!
It’s an amazing read. If you can source a copy, it’s well worth it!
Claire Louisa
I started this last night, I’m glad to see your review, it means I look forward to really getting into it.
Did you? I hope you like it. Fascinating history!
I actually googled the blue people after I started reading, interesting how enes and chromosomes play havoc with us at times.
Me too! It’s incredible!
Tracey (Carpe Librum blog)
Thanks for a great review. I thought only taking medicinal silver turned people blue so this was fascinating.
The entire novel was such an eye opener! Fantastic fiction.
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Indian Country politics and public policy
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Happy New Fights: Battle over the budget will grow as deficit spending explodes
President Donald J. Trump delivers remarks at the White House on the tax reform legislation. (Official White House photo by Stephanie Chasez)
Mark Trahant / Trahant Reports
The first year of the Trump era has been challenging: The administration and the Congress sought to repeal the Affordable Care Act and radically redesign one of the nation’s best public health insurance programs, Medicaid. That plan failed. And I’ll come back to that point shortly.
But first: Congress did move forward with its other agenda item, to rewrite the tax code and reduce the amount of federal income taxes that most pay. And the two key words here are income tax. That’s important because most people pay more in payroll taxes than income taxes. The Joint Committee on Taxation looked at the numbers a couple of years ago and found that 80 million tax filers that earn $40,000 or less pay no federal income tax and many even get cash refunds. But we pay $121 billion in Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes. Even those families who make between $40,000 and $75,000-pay three times as much in payroll tax as in federal income tax—nearly $190 billion of the former and just $64 billion of the latter. The total income for a household has to exceed $100,000 more before income tax is a bigger cost than payroll taxes. Bottom line: Wealthy people get a tax cut.
The big winner in the tax bill, however, is business. The new law sharply drops what corporations and small business pay in federal income taxes. The Tax Policy Center calculates that savings at nearly three times as much for business owners in 2019 as for people who whose primary source of income is wages or salaries. The Tax Policy Center found that all households would get an average 2019 tax cut of about 1.6 percent of after-tax income (roughly $1,200). Those who make most of their income from wages would get a tax cut of about 1.5 percent of after-tax income, or about $1,200. But owners of pass-through businesses such as partnerships and sole proprietorships would get an average tax cut of 4.3 percent of their after-tax income (about $4,300).
It’s important to note that corporate taxes have gone up in recent years, but are not at historically high levels (as shown in this Tax Policy Center chart.) During the 1950s corporate taxes were 6 percent of the Gross Domestic Product.
One way Congress looks at business taxes is to account for “pass through” taxes. So if you earn money as, say, a freelancer. Then you can deduct expenses on another form. This process could be useful to a few people in Indian Country. If you do work that could be considered a “business” (and make enough to pay income taxes) make sure that you are set up as a business because you will pay less tax under this new law.
So lots of people — and especially companies — will pay less in federal taxes. And the federal treasury will have a lot less funding as a result.
“The tax bill will provide a bonanza to the most well-off Americans and profitable corporations, even as it leads millions of Americans to lose health coverage and ultimately raises taxes on many low- and middle-income Americans,” writes Robert Greenstein of the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. “And, faced with criticism that the tax bill will swell budget deficits, President Trump and House Republican leaders have made clear that one of their top priorities for 2018 will be to use the fast-track budget “reconciliation” process — the same process they used to pass the tax bill — to cut assistance programs that aid millions of struggling families, to try again to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and cut Medicaid, or both.”
The process of reconciliation means that budget cuts next year could pass the Senate with only 50 votes — all Republicans. That’s awful. But the good news is that even might be a huge hurdle for Republican leaders. The problem is that the Republican majority is not sure what it wants. Some members want more money for the military and are willing to work with Democrats (who want money for domestic programs to make that so). Others want stark budget cuts; sequester times X. Others just want to find a deal of some kind, something that governs the country.
We already know these divisions are deep because the Republican-only majority has been unable to pass a budget for 2018 (which started October 1). The government is running on a temporary spending bill that expires Jan. 19. Right now the House is working off a funding level that would significantly increase defense spending and slight reduce domestic programs. The Senate is basically working off last year’s budget.
That’s all well and good for now but remember the pressure will increase to balance the budget as the cost of the tax legislation is calculated. As the National Congress of American Indians said: “The current tax reform legislation amounts to little more than a $1.5 trillion increase in the federal deficit over the next ten years. This deficit increase will inevitably create pressure to cut federal programs and services that are extremely important to tribal communities. Deficit-financed tax cuts that lead to austerity budget cuts would affect all Americans, but would disproportionately impact American Indians and Alaska Natives who rely on federal funding of the trust responsibility as well as social programs.”
Congress is governing at two and three week intervals because there are not enough votes to pass a real budget. And that’s not a good sign going forward because the budget only gets more complicated next year because of other issues that Congress has been avoiding.
Mark Trahant is the Charles R. Johnson Endowed Professor of Journalism at the University of North Dakota. He is an independent journalist and a member of The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. On Twitter @TrahantReports
Reposting or reprinting this column? Please do so. Just credit: Mark Trahant / TrahantReports.com #IndigenousNewsWire #NativeVote18
Trahant Reports is on iTunes or Soundcloud. Download here.
Mark Trahant is an independent journalist. He currently serves as the Charles R. Johnson Professor at the University of North Dakota. View all posts by Mark Trahant
Posted on December 26, 2017 December 26, 2017 Author Mark TrahantCategories #DisruptIndianCountry, #NativeVote18, Congress, President Donald J. TrumpTags Tax policy
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Left-wing group bails out man accused of shoving 3-year-old boy’s head into his crotch. Later he’s arrested for groping 8-year-old girl.
Luis Olivo was arrested in October following an incident in a Queens, New York, laundromat in which surveillance video allegedly showed him talking to a 3-year-old boy and passing a balloon back and forth before grabbing the boy’s head and shoving it into his crotch, the New York Post reported, citing a criminal complaint.
Olivio was charged only with a misdemeanor — endangering the welfare of a child — the Queens Chronicle reported.
The Bronx Freedom Fund — whose “envisions a society that humanizes instead of criminalizes” — posted $2,000 bail for the 63-year-old, whose last known address was a homeless shelter, and Olivo was set free Nov. 4, the Post said.
He was due back in court Nov. 8 but failed to appear, a spokeswoman for the Queens district attorney
Well, Olivo was arrested again Sunday for allegedly molesting an 8-year-old girl inside a shopping mall in Queens, the Post reported. An eyewitness told police he saw Olivo stick his hand under the girl’s skirt and grope her, the Post added, citing court papers.
The girl also said Olivo took her hand and put it on his crotch under his jacket “so that no one would see” and “repeatedly tried to kiss her,” the Post said, citing court papers. – READ MORE
‘White America First’ – London Mayor Sadiq Khan Says Trump Only Cares About White People
Pete Frates, inspiration behind ALS 'Ice Bucket Challenge,' dies at age 34, family says
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Officials are trying to avoid a repeat of Charlottesville ahead of Monday's pro-gun rally in Richmond, Virginia. The governor has banned weapons, police are creating a secure perimeter, and state and local law enforcement have created a unified command. nyti.ms/3appLDe
Susan Collins, the four-term Maine senator who crossed party lines to vote against President Clinton's impeachment, must now decide whether to break with President Trump nyti.ms/3agBKmy
Breaking News: Prince Harry and Meghan have a deal. They'll give up their titles, forgo public funding for royal duties, and repay the cost of refurbishing their official residence, a royal statement said. nyti.ms/38jrhVB
Days before the pro-gun rally that has set Virginia's capital on edge, President Trump tweeted that the Second Amendment was "under very serious attack" in the state nyti.ms/2R5O29J
Various extremist groups have vowed to attend a pro-gun rally in Richmond, Virginia on Monday, and discussion about it has lit up online platforms frequented by anti-government militia groups and white supremacists for weeks. Here's what you need to know. nyti.ms/2FZYSYE
The Astros were once considered baseball's "model organization." Now a scathing MLB report has exposed them as cheaters, trashed their reputation, ousted their leaders and ignited the sport's biggest scandal since the steroid revelations of the 2000s. nyti.ms/2NDGFEx
Jane Raskin, a constant but little-known presence in President Trump's orbit since the Mueller inquiry, is now part of the legal team that will defend Trump in his Senate impeachment trial nyti.ms/2RxDpM7
"It was important to create a space not just for myself but for other artists like me, coming together to reinvent, as Africans, a notion of what dance is in Africa," Gregory Maqoma said. nyti.ms/361jNFi
Alisha H. Gupta @Alisha__g
Brexit is predicated to have all sorts of economic, political and social consequences for the country but some experts think it may hit women harder. Here’s why: nytimes.com/2020/01/17/wor… @Mij_Europe @RGuerrina @WomensBudgetGrp
The conflict in oil-rich Libya has become one of the Middle East's most intractable proxy wars. Now most of the international powers there are gathering in Berlin in the latest effort to find a way out. nyti.ms/2sBMcEd
House Democrats released more information from the devices of Lev Parnas that raises questions about allegations of surveillance on Marie Yovanovitch and efforts by an aide to Rep. Devin Nunes to pursue investigations sought by President Trump nyti.ms/2TztEzC
SpaceX has delayed a test of the abort system on the company's Crew Dragon capsule to Sunday because of rough seas in the Atlantic nyti.ms/368id4m
.@kashhill got to see first hand how it works. When police officers ran a photo of her through the app, they soon received calls from Clearview asking if they were talking to the media. Read her investigation: nyti.ms/36bAfTH
The company is shrouded in secrecy. The app is currently available only to law enforcement and corporate investigators, but if it — or something like it — became public, searching someone by face could become as easy as Googling a name.
Clearview was founded by Hoan Ton-That, an Australian techie and onetime model, and Richard Schwartz, a former aide to Rudy Giuliani when Giuliani was mayor of New York. It is backed by Peter Thiel, an early investor in Facebook and Palantir.
It’s because of an app called Clearview. With a database of more than 3 billion images scraped from Facebook, YouTube, Venmo and other sources, it goes far beyond anything built by the U.S. government or Silicon Valley’s giants. nyti.ms/36bAfTH
EXCLUSIVE: With a single photo, hundreds of law enforcement agencies in the U.S. can learn your name, where you live, and who you know. It will end your ability to walk down the street anonymously. nyti.ms/36bAfTH
We asked nine 37-year-old women in politics some of the same questions that Pete Buttigieg has faced as he runs for president. Their answers offer insights into the career paths and outlooks of women in office. nyti.ms/2RwbpZ8
It was a busy week in the 2020 presidential race. Here's what you may have missed. nyti.ms/2R4ytiA
More than 250 demonstrations are planned across the U.S. for the fourth Women's March on Saturday nyti.ms/2sBaY7s
A new Film Forum series spanning 81 years explores the history of how black actresses told their stories, both overtly and subversively nyti.ms/2R5pNc3
Kashmir Hill @kashhill
The privacy paranoid among us have long worried that all of our online photos would be scraped to create a universal face recognition app. My friends, it happened and it’s here: nytimes.com/2020/01/18/tec…
“Allow me to take this one for the team,” our book critic @parul_sehgal writes about “American Dirt,” a new novel by Jeanine Cummins. “This peculiar book flounders and fails.” nyti.ms/37bHeNK
New York Public Library system, the largest of its kind in the United States, has crunched the numbers to come up with the 10 most checked-out books in its history nyti.ms/36MNL0W
From the beginning, T Kira Madden and Hannah Beresford found an easy cadence, first through horses, then writing nyti.ms/30xRywE
A community of artists is offering a new way for pet owners to grieve the death of their pets: by spinning yarn and woven keepsakes from dog and cat hair. “If I’m able to help someone’s heart to heal, that’s the goal,” said one artist. nyti.ms/2FM2b5F
The Summer Olympics are just the beginning. With an unmatched food scene, cutting-edge architecture and rich cultural heritage, Tokyo is No. 9 on our 52 Places to Go list for 2020. nyti.ms/30tXcQG
Among 20 of the most powerful people in government environment jobs, most have ties to the fossil fuel industry or have fought against the regulations they now are supposed to enforce nyti.ms/372amGY
The Democrats running for president have spent millions on Facebook ads. Our analysis of where they're spending most — Iowa, New Hampshire or elsewhere — offers a window into each candidates’ strategy. nyti.ms/2RrubRB
Smoky chipotle takes these muffins into savory territory, but this recipe can be used purely as a blueprint. nyti.ms/37fNHa4
A Maine mill, cast aside by short-term investors, needed a savior. A Chinese paper tycoon stepped in, promising to operate it for 100 years. nyti.ms/2FS9BUZ
News Analysis: "The Russian president may be leaving the presidency in 2024, but he is not about to retire," writes @AndrewKramerNYT. "That could be dangerous for Russian stability — and himself." nyti.ms/30vOwsU
In this week’s @NYTParenting newsletter, @JessGrose asks: Why is getting children dressed such a nightmare, and when will the nightmare end? nyti.ms/30BduHl
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5 Actors Who Should Play Marvel's Bullseye
Firefilm | 9 Mar 2016 15:00
Casting Call - RSS 2.0
Season 2 of Marvel's "Daredevil" is already upon us next week, and with the budget of a television show the partnership with Netflix has already surpassed the cinematic cousins of the MCU with regard to engaging villains. The nuanced, wounded, regressive man-boy with a criminally genius brain that is Wilson "Kingpin" Fisk was a revelation for Marvel movie fans who could never quite put their finger on what was missing.
It wasn't that Ultron wasn't powerful enough, or that Whiplash and the Mandarin weren't threatening enough. They just never got the amount of screen time and writer's care to flesh them out into three-dimensional characters. Now, Season 2 promises the rise of Frank Castle, the Punisher. His pathological need to exterminate all criminal activity by cartoonish lethal means is in direct opposition to the efforts of Matt Murdock to bring crooks in alive for the purpose of due process in court.
And the casting of Jon Bernthal is utterly exquisite. His unhinged turn on "The Walking Dead" as Shane is perfect for Castle's flawed moral compass. And if this season proves a hit, we very well might get a spinoff show for the Punisher. If that's the case, who shall be the physical match for Daredevil in Season 3?
Bullseye is the character's physical nemesis in the same way Kingpin is his mental adversary. While the character's backstory is shrouded in fabrications, falsehoods, and multiple interpretations, his deadly accuracy with ranged weapons and everyday objects and his psychotic egotism have always been present. So who could pull on a suit and go a few rounds with the Devil of Hell's Kitchen?
5) Jeffrey Donovan
After seven seasons playing an A-Team style spy for hire on "Burn Notice," Donovan has become proficient in fight choreography, handling military-grade weapons, and even a handful of serviceable accents and languages. The real acting challenges he faced on the show, however, were the bouts of cold-blooded revenge and vindictive violence that he committed while still maintaining a charismatic hero persona. Even when Michael Westen went fully feral and lost his humanity, he had a certain detached charm buried under the scary empty eyes.
As Bullseye, Donovan could blend in to his surroundings and play a truly elusive contract killer with a flair for accuracy. When Daredevil ruins a meticulous job for him, that's where his obsessive antagonizing and crazed bloodlust would come out and he would start to unravel. And beyond that, Donovan would be an impressive physical match for Charlie Cox as Murdock.
4) Charlie Hunnam
Hunnam is actually a really good actor, but his career has put a lot of obstacles in front of his talent. For instance, Hunnam should never be hired to pull off an American accent. It just doesn't work, and much like previous Bullseye actor Colin Farrell he loses much of his concentration on the role to maintaining that dubious California patois that many UK actors default to. Hunnam also needs a character with a sense of humor, and an outspoken demeanor. He's either too good at pulling off stoicism that no emotion comes across at all, or he's just blank-faced and bored. The line is blurred.
With all that in mind, his supposed breakout role in Pacific Rim--as a stoic, largely humorless American--didn't work out well. While it did give him the necessary resume for the intense fights that "Daredevil" demands, the character was not a fit. The antidote is for him to play a villain. As Jax Teller, the Shakespearian heir to an outlaw motorcycle gang on "Sons of Anarchy," Hunnam was at his best when his character's morals had been completely compromised and he relished punishing his enemies. It made his victories feel palpable and significant. The next step is to remove the shackles of morality completely. As Bullseye, Hunnam could spend the first half of the season struggling to stay in the game of cat and mouse, and upon winning a decisive blow against the hero (perhaps a certain Greek beauty's demise) it would be so much fun to watch him gloat.
3) Raymond Cruz
If, of course, Marvel Studios and Netflix would like to continue the HBO levels of violence and unflinching realism of a man who fights and gets beaten up every night, they may want Bullseye to be the untethered psycho who is uncouth by even Kingpin's standards. If that's the case, and the extremely accurate killer is destined to be a completely scary freak, look no further than Tuco Salamanca himself.
As the meth-snorting Mexican gangster Tuco on "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul," Raymond Cruz practically howls like a werewolf. His character is disconnected from reality and high on his own reputation as a Scarface-style drug mogul (among other things). He's terrifying, even when he's being funny and clowning around he projects a volatile combustibility. But more than that, Cruz never portrayed Tuco as being stupid; the character could be careless, or oblivious, but he stomps through his opposition by thinking on his feet. He just happens to be a hopeless degenerate.
As Bullseye, Cruz would likely be an unstoppable force likened to Anton Chigurh from No Country For Old Men. If, say, someone like Fisk were to put a hit out on Daredevil or his friends, Bullseye would be the button that could not be un-pressed. If successful in killing someone close to Matt, he could even test our hero's resolve to cross the line and kill a bad guy like Frank Castle does.
2) Alfie Allen
This is a strange idea, but it plays off of the successes of the Kingpin depiction as well as Kilgrave from "Jessica Jones." Alfie Allen, as Theon Greyjoy on "Game of Thrones," is an unrepentant weasel. He's an oily, petulant child who uses his admittedly rough childhood traumas as justification for his adulthood atrocities. This is exactly how Kingpin and Kilgrave are depicted, as if Marvel/Netflix is adamantly stating that monsters are made and not born.
Allen has shown an intense amount of range as Theon (as he must, given the thread of that character), and on top of that has received the requisite fight training for "Game of Thrones" and John Wick, where he plays the worst person on the face of the earth. His Bullseye would be a wiry creep to be sure, which is in keeping with the comic character a little more. What's even better, his version would be the type of escalated anarchist villainy that Matt Murdock has inadvertently created with his masked antics. In a sense, an evil doppelganger for our hero, more like Daredevil's Joker than Wilson Fisk's Ra's al Ghul routine.
1) Sam Witwer
I think I have a winner in my mind. Combining the need for a physical foe for Daredevil with the psychologically scary aspect of the character and even including a dose of petulant child, Witwer is the ideal balance between something new and something familiar for the streaming series. In previous roles of genre television on "Battlestar Galactica" and "Dexter," he showed the crazy, unhinged killer and the petty, huffy sense of superiority that define Bullseye's beef with Daredevil.
He has a wiry-yet-toned physicality, a sort of alien luminousness, and a face that can be at once the coiled spring of Henry Rollins and the soft puppy face of Taylor Lautner. And what's more...he can fight. As the lead character of the Star Wars: The Force Unleashed series, he was exposed to the extensive fight choreography involved in becoming a lightsaber fighter. I would be excited to watch him and Cox in one of those splendidly long unbroken takes beating the crap out of each other in an alley.
firefilmbullseyecasting calldaredevilmovies and tvnetflixnetflix original series
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Upcoming Performances / Purchase Tickets
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Vacaville Christian Schools
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VCS Radio Elementary Explorer Ensembles LIVE Blues Festival
Tuesday, February 11 @ 6:00PM Tue, Feb 11 @ 6:00PM
Vacaville Performing Arts Theater, 1010 Ulatis Drive, Vacaville, Ca.
Nothing says, "Blues" like elementary artists!! Join us as they explore their musical talent with influences from such jazz legends as John Coltrane, Eric Dolphy and Sun Ra!
Ticket also includes free admission to the 7:00 pm VCS Radio Symphony and Jazz Concert!
VCS Radio Symphony and Jazz Ensemble LIVE
VCS Radio Jazz Ensemble --
Pictures at a Jazz Exhibition
This is a unique eclectic jazz retelling of Mussorgsky's masterpiece by the talented students of the ensemble
Sammy Timberg -- The Superman Series – (1941)
Episode One -- Mad Scientist
Superman must stop a maniacal genius and his pet parrot from wreaking havoc on the City of Metropolis.
Episode Two -- Billion Dollar Limited
Robbers try to heist a trainload of gold bars. Reporter, Lois Lane is on the case for a story. Superman must stop the runaway train and save the day!
About the Superman Project:
Sammy Timberg was best known for his work with Max and Dave Fleischer of Fleischer Studios, who produced classic cartoons like Betty Boop and Popeye. His work in the Superman series of films was truly iconic. However, much of the original scores from this masterful animation series has been lost to time. The VCS Radio Conservatory is honored to be given the long-term opportunity to fully restore and perform lost works LIVE with the film; two episodes per year.
VCS Radio Symphony and Jazz -- Superman LIVE at the Empress
Thursday, March 12 @ 7:00PM Thu, Mar 12 @ 7:00PM
Empress Theater, 330 Virginia St, Vallejo, California
VCS Radio Symphony and Jazz will present
Radio Jazz -- Pictures in Jazz -- score based on Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition.
Max Fleisher's Superman -- The Mad Scientist and Billion Dollar Express
Thomas Edison's -- Land Beyond the Sunset
VCS Radio Jazz LIVE at the Reno Jazz Festival
Saturday, April 25 Sat, Apr 25
University of Nevada , Reno, Nevada
Time and date still to be confirmed for this performance.
VCS Radio Explorer Ensembles
Tuesday, May 12 @ 6:00PM Tue, May 12 @ 6:00PM
Talented young artists (3rd through 5th grade) show their skills in this spring celebration.
Ticket includes free admission to the VCS Radio Symphony concert at 7:00 pm.
VCS Radio Symphony LIVE
Alexander Arutiunian -- Concerto for Trumpet
Arutunian, a composer of Armenian descent, was profoundly influenced by the folk music of his homeland but this is an entirely original piece meant to evoke the flavor of Armenia – without borrowing the meat of the dish. With a “flashy...gypsyish, Russian, Armenian kind of sound, with very soulful, beautiful melodies...”, the piece focuses on the trumpet and percussive instruments.
Featuring sophomore trumpeter, Kaden Connelley.
Ludwig van Beethoven -- Overture 3: Leonore Opus 72
Rounding out our performance season is a singular work by the Master, Ludwig van Beethoven. This year commemorates the 250th birthday of a beloved composer known throughout the world. This piece, however, is not so widely known. It comes from his one and only Opera, “Fidelio” which tells the story of passionate and triumphant marital love and the struggle for liberty and justice.
Thomas Edison's Land Beyond the Sunset (1914) –
A short film produced by Edison Studios This monumental and important 14 minute film tells the tragic story of Joe, a young and impoverished newsboy and his yearning for a better life. The students of the VCS Radio Symphony will be developing a piece to accompany this film and look forward to presenting this work at their final performance in May of 2020.
The creative encouragement department of
1117 Davis Street - Vacaville, Ca.
© 2017 VCS Radio Conservatory
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Robert Pattinson's method of crying on screen is pretty gross
Ben Arnold
Yahoo Movies UK 28 October 2019
Robert Pattinson (Credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
As we've learned from the set reports of new horror movie The Lighthouse, Robert Pattinson really throws himself into the role.
But one tale of how he makes himself cry on cue is pretty gross (yes, more gross than Pattinson wetting himself).
It come from his co-star Willem Dafoe, who spent a lot of time in each other's company while making the film, because they're the only stars.
Read More: Robert Pattinson says he almost punched Lighthouse director
“He’s not interested in craft, I think,” Dafoe told Mr Porter.
“He wants to throw himself into deep water and he feels like it will only be true if he’s drowning. Which, for this role, is perfect because that’s the state he’s going to be in. For me, that seemed wacky. But I’m not trying to judge.
Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson in The Lighthouse (Credit: A24)
“He has a good sense of the visual, of what’s needed in a close-up. Sometimes he’d beat himself up so bad. He’d stick his fingers down his throat, things like that.”
Pattinson then confirms the story, adding: “I would sneak off into a corner and gag, away from Willem. I think everyone feels very emotional when they’re throwing up, and it’s quite a nice little trick to get there.
“He didn’t know I was doing it until one scene where I was absolutely forced to do it in close proximity.”
Read more: Shia LaBeouf wrestled naked with Tom Hardy
Director Robert Eggers waded in too, saying: “Before every take, Rob was sticking his fingers down his throat. Willem gave me a look as if to say, ‘If this guy f***ing pukes on me…’ ”
The movie finds Pattinson and Dafoe as two isolated lighthousemen who slowly begin to lose their minds, and follows Eggers' previous critically acclaimed horror movie The Witch.
It lands in the UK on January 31.
#robert-pattinson
#robert-eggers
#the-lighthouse
The most exciting movie releases of 2020
Most exciting original movies coming in the first half of 2020
Dwayne Johnson reveals his wrestler dad Rocky died following huge heart attack
Netflix signs deal to stream Studio Ghibli movies
Three-year-old boy dies in caravan fire
Maajid Nawaz epically blasts Meghan Markle's 'distasteful' dad
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IWC Facelifts the Portugieser Chronograph Classic, Making it, Well, More Classic
Cleaner and sleeker but still recognisably Portugieser.
IWC,
First introduced in 2013, the IWC Portugieser Chronograph Classic has been redesigned. Inessential elements have been pruned, while all the signature elements like the large Arabic numerals and pump-style chronograph pushers remain.
The new Portugieser Chronograph Classic ref. 3903 has a cleaner dial, featuring just a railroad minute track, without the 1/5-second hashmarks of its predecessor. Also gone are the red accents for the chronograph registers, while the leaf-shaped hands are now slimmer.
The tweaks bring the look of the watch closer to the rest of the Portugieser range, whereas before the facelift it resembled the sport Yacht Club Chronograph.
The rest of the watch remains the same, with a 42mm case that’s 14mm high and contains the calibre 89361. That’s the top of the line IWC movement that’s also found in the Da Vinci Chronograph. It has a flyback function, 68-hour power reserve as well as the hour and minute registers co-axial in a single sub-dial at 12 o’clock.
The new Portugieser chronograph is available at IWC boutiques and retailers, priced in US and Singapore dollars as follows:
Portugieser Chronograph Classic 18k red gold (ref. IW390301) – US$20,100 or S$30,500
Portugieser Chronograph Classic stainless steel silver dial (ref. IW390302) – US$12,100 or S$18,000
Portugieser Chronograph Classic stainless steel blue dial (ref. IW390303) – US$12,100 or S$18,000
IWC Introduces the Portugieser Chronograph Rattrapante Milan Boutique Edition
The Schaffhausen watchmaker brings back the Portugieser split-seconds chronograph in a limited run to mark the opening of its boutique in Milan.
Introducing the IWC Portugieser Chronograph Dubai Edition with Eastern Arabic Numerals
Proceeds the Portugieser Dubai limited edition will help fund a regional medical charity.
IWC Introduces Tribute to Patrouille Suisse Pilots Chronograph
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info@ways-with-words.com
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Case Study | Marketing Translations
A client regularly asks us to translate press releases to accompany their new and existing products and bring them to the attention of new overseas markets.
We did this French, German, Spanish and Italian and worked with some of the most talented translators in the business. This was important, as the press releases were to be the first introduction to the new product for many people, so we needed to get the content and tone of the translation just right.
Our translators provided us with translations which conveyed the client’s key sales messages accurately using their preferred style of language.
The outcome has been an on-going relationship with a client who trusts us to consistently provide accurate, stylish translations.
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Viv's India
A LITTLE ON THE WILD SIDE!
Map of India
National Parks & Wildlife
Festivals, Fairs & Events
Car & Coach Travel
Camps & Eco Lodges
Hotels & Palaces
Other Countries we Visit
Ayurvedic Yoga
India luxury Rail
River Boat Cruises
Viv's Blog
Wild Experiences
WOMAN IN
A GREEN SARI
A LEOPARD CANNOT
CHANGE ITS SPOTS
KING OF THE JUNGLE
TEMPLES OF LOVE
HANUMAN LANGUR AFTER
THE MONKEY GOD
HAPPY KIDS ON
THE GANGA RIVER
The Abode
The Abode is a luxury boutique hotel situated in Colaba, at Mumbai's southern tip (with the Gateway of India, the Prince of Wales Museum and the Taj Mahal Palace nearby). The design - twenty luxury rooms - pays homage to Bombay's heritage with carefully restored vintage furniture, etc.
http://abodeboutiquehotels.com/
IF YOU REFLECT IN THIS WAY,
YOU WILL HAVE PEACE
TEMPLES OF KALNA
PUSHKAR MAGIC
If you are interested in travelling to India, but would like to find out more about the amazing culture, wilderness and people, follow Viv Craig's blog. It is an honest and detailed account of Viv's impressions of India, allowing you a valuable insight into what to expect when you travel there, as well as destinations to visit to enhance your experience.
Viv is a seasoned traveller to India and her blogs are based on a comprehensive range of topics including food, culture, religion, history, geography and wildlife. Her many trips to India have allowed her to compile travel itineraries for all lifestyles, budgets and tastes.
To See A Tiger by David Waterhouse The Land of Roar!IABCA 2016Out of Africa and into IndiaThe 2016 IABCA AwardsOur Folded Brochure for the Sydney Retirement, Lifestyle & Travel Expo - some great tours!!!The Charming ChaosThe Root Bridges of CherrapunjiA Passage Through IndiaA Visit To Rajasthan, The Land Of The Kings
TO SEE A TIGER BY DAVID WATERHOUSE
(David, a keen wildlife enthusiast, travelled with us to India, on a tailor-made tour, to add to his collection of bird sightings and became enamoured with India's majestic tigers)
TO SEE A TIGER
Even up until the 1950s, when they were much more common, you could spend years in the wilds of India without obtaining so much as a glimpse of a tiger in the wild state. As the numbers of the great cats were decimated through shooting, trapping, and poisoning, the chances of sighting one of the wary survivors became less and less.
Though their numbers have slowly risen in a few well-guarded sanctuaries in recent years, the odds of a visitor spotting one still remain slim. Your best chance of seeing a tiger in India today is most likely to be in the Ranthambore National Park in the state of Rajasthan.
When I visited India in January 2019, arranged by Viv's India tours, a detour by train was arranged for me from the Bharatpur bird sanctuary to the station closest to Ranthambore, where the odds of my seeing a tiger in the cool of January was about 50-50 (in the heat of summer, the chances are even higher because some will come down to the deep river pools to cool off).
I had three safaris booked there; one in the early morning and two late afternoon ones. On the first two outings, we saw a range of animals, including deer, wild pigs, monkeys, and even bears, as well as a variety of birds, but no tiger.
It was not until the third and final foray towards evening that I was lucky enough to first encounter the big cat. After combing the forest tracks close to the river, we decided to change tactics and negotiated a bumpy road which climbed up and around a rocky hillside. When we reached the top, we systematically scanned the slope opposite with binoculars, a procedure known as ‘glassing’ in the old days of big game hunting, or ‘shikar’, as it was then known.
For some time, we saw no sign of life at all, except a flock of parrots. Then we spotted a huge Sambar stag close to a rock outcrop. It was standing quite still with ears pricked and seemed to be staring upslope. Suddenly, it gave vent to a loud call which sounded like a heavy bell clang and was clearly audible to us on the opposite side of the valley. After following its gaze several times, I thought I caught a glimpse of something orange moving through the clumps of grass above where the deer was standing. When the orange shape moved into a more open patch of ground, it revealed itself to be a huge tiger! Its striped coat shone in the late afternoon sun and we were able to watch it for several minutes before the stag lost its nerve and bounded downhill and out of sight. With its potential meal gone, the tiger lost interest and also vanished into the scrub.
It had been a distant view but satisfying nonetheless. On the drive back along the track, I felt lucky to have at last seen a tiger in the wild, no matter at what distance. Halfway back to the park entrance our driver spotted a sloth bear snuffling the ground for termites, quite close to the vehicle. We watched and photographed it for a few minutes before it shuffled and snuffled its way deeper into the woods. We did not have a lot of time left to linger anyway as it would soon be twilight and we risked a fine if we did not arrive at the entrance checkpoint by dark.
We hadn’t gone more than a couple of kilometres when the driver slowed to a halt and pointed to his side of the track. He pointed and said simply, “Bagh!” which we took at first to be an exclamation until our English-speaking guide translated it to “Tiger!”
At first, we couldn’t see a thing, when suddenly, there it was: a supine, striped clump of orange fur amongst the trees not far from the side of the road. For some time, it remained lying on its side, quite oblivious to our presence or in no hurry to move. It was not asleep as it twitched its tail and moved its head to lick itself now and then. Most of its body was hidden by a tree trunk and it was not an ideal subject for a photograph. Even so, it was still splendid to watch at such close quarters.
Both the driver and the guide were concerned about the time, but were willing to wait a few more minutes in case the beast decided to get up and go for a drink from the river, not far away. Just as we were about to leave, it decided to get up and go for a stroll, moving parallel to us as we moved slowly forward along the track. It picked up pace as it moved through fairly thick cover, quite useless for photography. Luckily for us, it eventually moved into a clearing, still close by and we all took a barrage of shots at it with our cameras before it unconcernedly ambled into thicker cover once more.
Wasting no more time, we were driven off smartly to avoid being fined. We all remarked on the fact that the big cat took no notice of us whatsoever as far as we could tell. Our guide said that at one time no tiger would ever react to a vehicle the way ours had and that some of them were becoming more and more used to visitors. Strict protection under the Project Tiger scheme may have come in the nick of time to help prevent the imminent slide towards the extinction of the Bengal Tiger in the wild. Hopefully, the Indian people will take a pride in the beautiful big cat as a symbol of their country and not as a pest to be wiped out.
If tigers continue to be well protected and they are still permitted some living space in a country crowded with humans, they may, in some places, become as tolerant of vehicles as lions are in India and Africa. This alone would enable both local people and foreign visitors to have a fair chance of seeing one and would make the iconic creature a valuable asset, worth far more to the country alive than dead.
Posted: 18 Jul, 2019
THE LAND OF ROAR!
A Mahout with his elephant
“BOOM!” a gunshot awakens me from a deep sleep.
“Elephant” I humph to myself from the depths of my vast and comfortable bed. I listen to the sounds of the jungle outside, imagining...., my only companion a hot water bottle. Then a loud and piercing, rather chilling, sound in the deep of the night. This time it's the alarm call of a deer. No doubt about it! A tiger! A prickle of excitement and then blissful sleep!
Before the break of dawn I’m sipping hot chai and eating homemade biscuits before setting off with Baloo my trusty, and enthusiastic, guide for a walk in the buffer zone. He holds a sturdy stick for protection and grins as he points it to a great pug mark in the sand just metres from our boundary fence. "TIGER" he enunciated proudly. Oh my God! I learn that a tiger has brought down a sambar deer near the village. Is this what I heard last night?
At least he won't be hungry! A tiger and a leopard were seen on walks by other tourists whilst I was there. The gunshots heard during the night were set off by a wire trigger to frighten marauding wildlife from the fields.
Jim’s Jungle Retreat is my luxurious eco wilderness abode, set in the southern buffer zone of Corbett National Park, India. On arrival I'm welcomed by smiling staff and the manager Ms Rati Karwal, a wonderful hostess who looked after my every whim and made sure that I never ate alone. My jungle home is one of the lodges on stilts which sits comfortably in the bush land that surrounds it. The room is huge and beautifully furnished, with hot water in abundance from the solar energy geysers.
Waste water undergoes root zone treatment for reuse on the property, the local community are used as staff and for actively spreading the word on conservation. The food that flows from the kitchen is delicious, a mix of contemporary and local Kumaoni dishes which make use of the profusion of ingredients from the 'kitchen garden', a huge and well maintained paradise of freshness. Jim’s boasts a beautiful swimming pool, an excellent spa and a lounge built in the local Gujjar style of mud and thatch with an extensive library.
My days are taken up by game drives in the Jhirna ancl Bijrani zones both stunningly beautiful in different ways but the highlight of my trip is to Dhikala zone where one can stay in a forest bungalow deep in the jungle. I am ever thankful to my naturalist Rehman, a keen birder, who spotted the magnificent male tiger marking its territory in the dry riverbed and to LuvKush, my driver, who made a great escape from a charging mother elephant!!
If you want to experience this “call of the wild” phone Viv (0415 250 224) and let her knowledge of India guide you to enjoyment.
Posted: 22 Nov, 2016
IABCA 2016
Pre-dinner drinks
The third annual IABCA Awards (India Australian Business & Community Awards) took place on Friday 28 October at the four Points by Sheraton, Sydney with nearly 500 guests in attendance. There were 13 different categories of awards and congratulations must go to all the finalists and winners from across Australia. The aim of the awards is to showcase the immense migrant talent from the Indian diaspora in Australia and Australian success stories in India, and the night was a celebration of migrant entrepreneurship and community leadership.
Viv Craig and fellow participants
The Awards venue
Viv’s India was nominated, along with eight other organisations, in the Tour Operator of the Year 2016 category. Although we were not the ultimate winners it was testament to our knowledge and commitment to travel in India that the Indian Tourist Board in Sydney encouraged us to nominate in the first place. Our stand at the Sydney Retirement, Lifestyle and Travel Expogenerated interest from those who visited both venues. We have been encouraged by our recognition as a boutique agency specialising in tailor-made individual and group tours to India based on substantial personal knowledge of the sub-continent.
Posted: 3 Nov, 2016
OUT OF AFRICA AND INTO INDIA
Nothing symbolises it more than the wild cry of the fish eagle just before dawn. As a young girl, I lived on a farm in Zambia that shared a border with Kafue National Park. My parents farmed, living an exotic post-war life, experiencing everything to the hilt. As both were pilots we would spend hours flying to school, to holidays in Mozambique and South Africa, as well as getting the ‘hours up’ by flying over the nearby parks. As kids we would be captivated by the massive herds of animals that roamed in the wilderness so close to home.
My love for animals was surely born then when mostly ‘baby’ animals were brought to my mother for various reasons. If it was not edible to the African … then we raised it. As a result our home was an ‘animal farm’ with monkeys, warthogs, eagles, duiker, parrots and eventually 3 baby otter. With the game park so close we often had marauding lions ‘take’ a cow; two old leopards who found our calves an easy target; wild dogs hunting our breeding herd; or buffalo ripping up our lawns with Mum trying to ‘shoo’ them away!!
Later my parents moved to a sugar cane plantation in Mozambique and again the wild animals roamed through killing and ruining crops. We bordered the Gorongoza National Park now a place to visit for the adventurous traveller.
My love for Africa has never waned. I go back each year, usually somewhere different, because as a travel agent a ‘product’ should be tried and tested. I have travelled and lived in many parts of Africa and will continue to find new and exciting destinations for my clients.
Finding new destinations also took me to INCREDIBLE INDIA! Namaste to an enchanting, slightly evocative, seemingly chaotic and endlessly interesting country. India is synonymous with contrast and diversity. Its vast landscape changes in culture, language, history and colour as one travels the different regions.
I love the fact that I can create a holiday to suit the traveller. A walk on the spiritual side in Rishikesh, famous for its yoga and meditation, and then to holy Varanasi where pilgrims bathe in ‘Mother Ganga’ and the dead receive their last rites. To Rajasthan, the land of warriors, forts and palaces, beautiful women, royal elegance and colour. To the jungle areas and exclusive lodges of Satpura, Bandhavgarh and Kanha, habitats of the tiger, sloth bear or wild Indian gaur. Cruise the mighty Brahmaputra in Assam or the Ganges, or ‘lord’ it on the exquisite trains that ply the tourist routes in absolute comfort.
Both the African continent and the Indian sub-continent hold special places in my heart. So contrasting, so different but destinations I would love to share with you for an adventure of a lifetime.
Viv can be contacted on (02) 4455 5047 or viv@vivsindia.com.au to tailor-make an adventure for you
Posted: 24 Oct, 2016
THE 2016 IABCA AWARDS
The Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP, Prime Minister of Australia
My warmest congratulations to everyone who has been nominated for the India Australia Business and Community Awards this year. In every sphere of endeavour, in every corner of our country, and in every walk of life, there are passionate Indian Australians helping to make our nation a stronger and better place. These awards are a great opportunity to recognise these inspiring individuals, businesses, and organisation—the hardworking, caring and innovative people who are making a real difference.
It is also a chance to celebrate the best of Indian culture, and the growing links between our nations. Australia and India enjoy a long-standing friendship, based on our shared history, a commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Two-way trade between our countries is around $15 billion a year, and the conclusion of a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement will further encourage trade and investment. Today, over 390,000 people in Australia claim Indian ancestry, and India is our second largest source of international students. With the New Colombo Plan offering Australians new opportunities to study on the sub- continent, many more of us will have the chance to deepen our understanding of Indian culture and society.
In the years ahead, it is my hope and expectation that we will see the benefits of even closer bonds between our nations. I once again congratulate nominees and wish you every success for the future.
Viv's Travel Bug nomination
Viv's Travel Bug is a boutique travel agency that brings personal experience of India to clients. Situated in beautiful Mollymook on the south coast of New South Wales, the company's aim is to provide sound, friendly advice, good service, and continued support for all those who come to us - and they operate on the 'boomerang theory' in that they would like our clients to return to us again, and again. The business is owned by Viv Craig who has been in the industry for over 25 years. Viv has personally travelled to over 97 countries and she has a passion for adventurous travel to 'different' places.
Viv promotes 'sustainable' travel and eco-tourism whenever she can, having seen such projects at first hand. Her expertise has seen her win best Australian Agent Travel Week Awards in the past in the Africa and South America categories.
For the last few years, Viv has been fascinated by India, having visited many times to attend travel marts (GITB, SATTE, KTM, MP Travel mart and HP Travel Mart), on familiarisation tours taking travel agents from Travellers Choice and taking her own clients. As a member of TOFT, she wrote "We hope to share with you our passion and enthusiasm for Incredible India and hope that you take the opportunity to visit one of the world’s most exciting travel destinations”.
Posted: 24 Sep, 2016
OUR FOLDED BROCHURE FOR THE SYDNEY RETIREMENT, LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL EXPO - SOME GREAT TOURS!!!
THE CHARMING CHAOS
If you walked out of the movie “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” (or its sequel) with a grin as large as mine and yearning to get to see India, then wait no longer. Keep an open mind and expect the unexpected in everything you do and see!
Incredible India offers such diversity. The film, with its excellent international cast, highlighted the delights of India as well as some of the frustrations. The friendly people, the colourful language and clothes, the variety in the markets and in the foods, the size and beauty of the temples and fortresses (the film was set in the towns of Jaipur and Udaipur in Rajasthan) were all apparent. So too was the chaos, the rundown hotel, the seemingly disorganized transport systems, and the incomprehensible machinations of the public service.
As a visitor to the fascinating land that is India, one has the opportunity to pick and choose what degree of such diversity one wants. There are plenty of ‘Marigold Hotels’ for the budget-minded but there are also 5 and 6-star hotels, the Taj and Oberoi, that provide service in excess of international standards. Indian trains come in all categories (which generally run on time) and for the discerning traveller there is the prospect of the travelling on the local or upgrading, with the pinnacle being one of the world-famous deluxe trains “The Maharajas Express”. Likewise, bus travel or the local transport around the cities where one can have fun riding in a ‘tuk-tuk’ or a ‘cyclo’ but can also choose an air-conditioned taxi or private sedan if one so desires. Two great rivers, the Ganges and the Brahmaputra offer comfortable cruising to get involved in local river life.
The positives of India are what draw me back to this huge, diverse but mesmerizing country time after time. The tiger, king of the Indian jungle and the absolutely fabulous wildlife lodges that we use are some of the most upmarket in the world. I love the people, the food, the magnificent variety in the great temples, palaces, and fortresses, and the multiplicity in the landscapes from the deserts to the jungles to the mountains to the great rivers. I am fascinated by the remarkable religious practices that occur daily everywhere. As a traveller there is much to see in this great world of ours and India is right up there with the best of them.
Check out my www.vivsindia.com.au website or call me
[(02) 4455 5047] to plan your visit to a very special place.
Posted: 9 Feb, 2016
THE ROOT BRIDGES OF CHERRAPUNJI
The hot winds rose up to us from the hazy Bangladeshi plains far below. The view was limited by the heat waves but the sheer drop below us was obvious and confronting. We were standing on top of the 600m high escarpment that defines the border between the NE Indian state of Meghalaya and Bangladesh. And it was obvious to us that when the rain-bearing monsoon winds are forced up that escarpment the clouds would burst and torrents of water pour down.
The escarpment
It all made sense to us now as to why nearby Cherrapunji is credited with being the wettest place on earth. It holds two Guinness world records for receiving the maximum amount of rainfall in a single year [26,471 millimetres (1,042.2 in)] and for receiving the maximum amount of rainfall in a single month: 9,300 millimetres (370 in).
Root bridge
Earlier in the day we had climbed down one of the steep-sided valleys around Cherrapunji, which was covered with lush, diverse vegetation, containing numerous endemic plant species. Fortunately it was not the rainy season so our progress was unhindered and at the bottom of the sheer-sided valley, where villagers grew their crops in patches of fertile soil, we came across the famed ‘root bridges’.
Tired of regularly reconstructing washed-away bamboo bridges to cross the roaring torrents, local villagers had come up with idea of growing a permanent bridge by channeling the various roots of rubber trees across the river to take root on the other side as well. Using hollowed out tree trunks as root-guidance systems even hand rails were constructed making the bridges sturdy and safe. It was a fascinating experience to walk across several of these bridges, one of which even had two levels (a double-decker) – certainly a tribute to man’s ingenuity!
On the 'double-decker'
My husband and I explored the tribal lands of NE India earlier this year, and in particular parts of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya. We saw many varieties of wildlife (including a tiger) in Kaziranga National Park, cruised the mighty Brahmaputra River, visited the Atapani tribal people of Ziro and explored the temples of Majuli, the world’s largest river sand island.
This is an unusually remarkable part of India, off the beaten track and with some fascinating places to visit and tribal ceremonies to observe.
If your interest is aroused, consult Viv immediately (02 4455 5047)
Posted: 1 Dec, 2015
A PASSAGE THROUGH INDIA
I'd like to take you on a journey! So please, follow me as I entice you into the mist-shrouded Indian jungle on a cold frosty morning. The jeep's exhaust still belching white fumes into the crisp morning air, the ground crackling as the tyres leave their tracks down the winding dirt road, the first rays of sunlight just starting to filter through the tall Sal trees. It's freezing, you're totally wrapped with blankets, gloves, beanies, and scarves - the works! You're after the elusive, but real, tiger that prowls the wild during the night marking its territory and looking for something to fill its belly. Imagine the excitement that has built up, your awareness is heightened by the cold and the prospect of seeing a creature so magnificent and so majestic in the wild.
This is part of an exciting travel experience that I would like to take you on in October this year. Many Australians fear traveling to India because they worry about food poisoning, beggars, poverty, and the like. These can all be overcome with the selection of a fascinating tour, staying in quality hotels, eating in reliable restaurants, guided by knowledgeable experts and visiting some of the most amazing tourist sites in the world.
But first the cry of the city and the 'rickshaw wallas' as they peddle through the maze of narrow streets in Chandi Chowk, Delhi's ancient bazaar. It's a hive of activity, with aromas to taunt and arouse the senses, sounds of mayhem as thousands of humans scurry to do whatever they need to. There are bursts of colour in the sari shops, bright and sparkly bangles by the thousand; and spices spill from their neat piles to lure the housewife, as do other equally enticing items to buy. Princess Jahanara Begum built this lively bazaar in 1650 to compliment the Red Fort where her father, Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame, was residing as ruler.
You will learn as you are guided on our tour, about the Moghuls, the mighty men who came from the north and ruled in India from the 12th to the 19th centuries. You will see Old Delhi sites like 'Qutab Minar', a 73m high tower of victory built by the Afghans, and Humayun's Tomb built by his widow in 1565 AD and now set in stunning gardens. Then there is New Delhi the imperial city influenced by the British; India Gate to commemorate the Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and II; and the beautiful parliament buildings built during the British Raj. It will be an amazing day of absorbing the richness and history of a city with a population much larger than our whole country.
A small and gracious hotel, with a great bookshop and the most amazing afternoon high teas on the lawn, is what awaits you after a full day soaking up what Delhi has to offer. The charming 'Claridges' has, after a pink gin and tonic in the comfy purple bar, superb quality restaurants in the "Dhaba" and "Sevilla". At the end of the day the huge beds will be enticing and comfortable with a pillow of your choice for the night - to dream about the following day's events.
You will fly to Jabalpur and then wander along a scenic road through villages and forested areas to Kanha National Park. The Earth Lodge will be your home for two days and nights whilst you spend your time tracking tigers in the wild. This place is rustic, built into the forest, with huge bedrooms overlooking the bush and showers with enormous windows enticing the wild to become part of the deal. A blue refreshing pool to laze around whilst waiting for the next game drive will be there for your pleasure.
Your next lodge will be about 4½ hours drive away, through farms and small neat villages. Buffalo will be tethered to banyan trees and village wells will bustle with washing activities. Tiger sightings are fairly common in Bandhavgarh which is located in the Vindhya hills. You will stay at Kings Lodge, in comfortable stilt cottages, where the thrilling sighting of a wild tiger took place {under my room} when I was last there. How can this not be an adventure and enough to get your heart racing? You must be alert and listen for the call of the wild! Your wilderness surroundings will be 'softened' with unforgettable lodgings, with your next two nights, in the same park, in the famous Tree House Hideaway. Each thatched cottage is named after the tree in which it is perched. This is a wonderfully personal stay as huge windows open up to reveal a large patio from which you will sit and absorb the wilderness around you. Time could be spent lazily around the bar which is situated in a 100 year-old Mahua tree, the comfortable lounge seats enticing you to stay just a little longer!
Ken River Lodge will be the last of your PUGDUNDEE SAFARI stays. Its main lodge is perched high in two huge trees and it looks out over the Ken River. Imagine the sunsets as you sit on the verandah with a G & T in one hand and binoculars in the other! The birding here is famous and a morning river ride to some of the islands will astonish you with the differing species. You will go out in the jeeps to the game park but this time you will be more interested in finding the elusive leopard than a tiger! Whilst staying in these lodges be mindful that you are helping the conservational objective set up by Pugdundee's owner "Vini" Singh which is to create a corridor between the parks that you have visited ensuring the survival of a healthy gene pool and safe dispersal of animals through these passages. Pugdundee are buying up tracts of land from locals to ensure this happens. FEEL A SENSE OF PLACE- AN EXPERIENCE OF THE HEART!
Your trip leaves the wild for the erotic, to visit the famous 'Kama Sutra' temples of Khajuraho, a World Heritage site. These, with the Bateshwa temples situated on the Yamuna River are spiritual, sensual and stunningly beautiful. Your last few days are spent visiting Agra and the 'love poem made of marble' the Taj Mahal, so described because the great moghul Shah Jahan spent 22 years to build it in memory of his wife. What a wonderful way for you and me to finish a most exciting adventure through this mysterious and wondrous land of India.
Viv and a group of 10 have just returned from an incredible journey in India which included the itinerary above and sailing down the Hugli River, a branch of the Ganges Delta.
Posted: 20 Jan, 2015
A VISIT TO RAJASTHAN, THE LAND OF THE KINGS
The night sky was clear and the darkened fortress towered above us. Floodlights reflected and danced on the fountains in the lake below and the colours on the clock tower behind us added to the aura. Down at street level, 3 storeys below, a camel-pulled cart made its way among the dozing Brahmin cattle scattered along the road. The cries of the hawkers intermingled with the odd animal noises and tuk-tuks. The enticing smells wafted from the kitchen. These are the images I remember of a rooftop restaurant meal that I shared during a recent visit to the Indian city of Jodhpur. Something I will never forget.
What a fascinating part of the world this, the largest of the Indian states, is! Rajasthan – the land of the kings – lived up to its name. Hillsides dotted with fortress/palaces became increasingly larger and more impressive the further we ventured into the semi-desert state. Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Pushkar– the names roll majestically off the tongue – became familiar cities that now bring back memories to me of ancient bazaars, narrow shop-lined streets and alleys, wealthy merchant houses (called havelis) with their intricate carvings and numerous storeys, hooting motor cycles, smoke –belching 'tuk-tuks' (3-wheeler taxis) and a cacophony of sounds, all dominated by their fortresses perched on the crags high above.
My recent visit to India focussed on the Taj Mahal, something I had always wanted to see. So we had to visit Agra, the impressive Red Fort and the Taj. Beautiful but not the highlight of my recent visit to India. What I had not expected was the diversity of Rajasthan – the intricately carved Sikh temples (one with 1440 pillars all different), the city palaces of the Maharajas, the religious importance of lakeside towns such as Pushkar, the visits to rural villages and handicraft workshops, the beautiful art work.
In Jaipur, one of the Maharajas in the 1700s had built an astrological observatory filled with an amazing array of instruments, all in an outdoor setting that would have covered at least a hectare. The world's largest sundial (2 storeys high) could be accurately read to within seconds. Other instruments provided detailed information for astrologers and those who placed importance on horoscopes. What a fascinating place for the casual observer to browse in!
I will always remember the brightly coloured saris of the peasant women working in the fields; the interesting menus in the restaurants; the smells; the indifference to the rules of the road by all drivers; the colours of the cities (blue in Jodhpur, pink in Jaipur, yellowy gold in Jaisalmer, white in Udaipur); the daily observance of religious beliefs (Hindu, Moslem or Sikh) and the haggling in the bazaars for clothing, weaving or handicraft bargains. I thoroughly enjoyed my recent visit to western India and I am looking forward to my return one day.
viv@vivsindia.com.au
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At Viv's India our travel agents specialise in arranging unique Indian holidays, tailor made for all budgets and lifestyles. Whether a trekking adventure through India's untamed wilderness appeals to you or alternatively immersing yourself in the cuisine and culture is more your style, we have a holiday experience to suit.
Viv's India is a subsidiary of Viv's Travel Bug offering competitive holiday packages and expert assistance.
Contact us if you would like further information on our tours, or to arrange a booking today. We also have an Online Enquiry Form for your convenience.
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« Reborn monkey Chita Bindi
Haunted paintings by Stephen Mackey »
Hermitage Peacock Clock
Creating a mechanical bird is a very ancient art – in ancient times the figures of “singing” birds decorated clepsydra – water clocks. In the XVIII century creators of automata tried to construct a system to make the birds look and act as realistically as possible – the life-size birds could sing and move like living creatures. The Hermitage Peacock Clock automation features three life-sized mechanical birds made by English masters James Cox and Friedrich Urey in the 1770s. The Peacock Clock is constantly exhibited in the Pavilion Hall of the Small Hermitage, St. Petersburg, Russia. The Clock was made of bronze, silver, crystals, gilding. The uniqueness of this clock is that they it is still in working condition (hours work, and the Peacock Starts every Wednesday at 19:00), and is the only worldwide largest machine of the XVIII century, has come down to our time without changes.
In the middle of the XVIII century the Europeans could admire the miraculous mechanical duck by French master Jacques de Vaucanson (February 24, 1709 – November 21, 1782). The wonderful duck was able to drink, eat, move, and behave in a natural way.” The story of Peacock Clock decorating the Hermitage Museum of Saint Petersburg began in 1777 when the Duchess of Kingston came to St. Petersburg. Potemkin learned from the Duchess about luxury mechanisms made by a famous master James Cox. Knowing the passion of Catherine II for collecting, the prince ordered a monumental automaton for the Empress’s Hermitage. Cox invited Friedrich Urey – German master living in London to work with him on this order.
The Peacock clock arrived in St. Petersburg in 1781, was brought to Russia unassembled. Russian mechanic Ivan Kulibin restored the clock on the request of Grigory Potemkin. In Peacock clock were combined four separate mechanisms: the three of them – the figures of birds were set in motion, and the fourth is the actual clock.
The golden tree of the Peacock clock is a home for other animals – squirrel and fox, for example
At the end of each hour, the clock mechanism starts owl. Owl cage starts to rotate, the bells ring, the owl turns its head to the right and to the left, winking and tapping the right foot. Cage performs twelve turns and stops.
The peacock starts the mechanism of the golden cockerel. Hermitage Peacock Clock
After about a minute and a half after the beginning of its motion owl starts mechanism of the peacock. It spreads its tail, stretches its neck, turns and throws back his head, opening its beak. When the tail is fully unfold, the bird freezes for a second. Then, gradually turns to the audience tail again briefly pauses, returns to its original position, folds its tail and pulls its head; at the end of its work, the peacock mechanism starts the cockerel. The cockerel, shaking its head several times, crows.
From 1797 to the present day the Peacock Clock is one of the most famous exhibits of the Hermitage. Besides – the world’s only large machine of the XVIII century, has come down to our time, and no changes in the current state.
James Cox was the most famous creator of the mechanisms in the second half of the XVIII century. London jeweler and goldsmith. A large number of complex machines, and a variety of distinguished luxury decor was created by Cox for the European and Asian customers. Real fame came to James Cox in 1772, when he opened his own museum in London (Spring Gardens), where they exposed multiple machines with figures of exotic animals, birds and people.
The Peacock Clock constantly exhibited in the Pavilion Hall of the Small Hermitage
At the end of each hour, the clock mechanism starts owl, sitting in a cage
Oak tree with gold leaves and acorns
Oak with gold leaf, as well as in nature – home to many insects and animals, including those of snails
Owl in a gold cage
The figure of a golden dragonfly on the clock mechanism
The golden oak tree is a home for many animals – squirrel, for example
The golden tree of the Gold Peacock clock
a fox
In the Hermitage there are other peacocks:
Perfume bottle in the shape of a peacock. Gold, silver, diamonds, enamel. Russia, 1770 – 1780-s
Figure of peacock. Iran. The beginning of XX century
Brooch in the form of a peacock. Gold, diamonds, roses, rubies, sapphires. Russia, 1880
Table decoration in the form of a pair of peacocks. China, 1740s – 1750s
Chinese dresser beginning of the 18th century. Glass, mercury amalgam, paper, silver, filigree, gilt bag, wood, velvet, peacock feathers, pearl, crystal
Chinese dresser beginning of the 18th century
Source of images: tanjand.livejournal.com/1608244.htm
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The main motives of the novel catcher in the rye by jd salinger
Examine the representation of afghanistan and its refuges in a variety of print media essay
How to write a personal testimonial
Home internet homework help A bitter dramatic irony in an inspector calls
A bitter dramatic irony in an inspector calls
Would you like to merge this question into it? MERGE already exists as an alternate of this question.
The play is set just before WW1 and the Titanic sinking etc. In a horror movie, suspense is often built up by the use of spooky music. The viewers often know that someone is going to die or get ripped up, or, at least, something is going to jump out because of the music that THEY can hear--and, of course, the characters cannot.
Because the viewers know something the characters do notthis is dramatic irony. Another similar example is when the main character in a scary movieis being chased by a killer and we know that the killer is hiding in the closet but the character does not know that.
Imagine you are watching a play about a man who dreams of discovering a lost city. He finally selects a spot to excavate, but years of digging, finds nothing. He is about to take one more shovel full of dirt, but decides against it, packs his bags, and drives away from the site.
After he leaves, though, a strong wind blows across the stage, lifting that layer of dust, and exposing the ruined columns of the lost city. What is dramatic irony?
Dramatic irony is when the words and actions of the characters of a work of literature have a different meaning for the reader than they do for the characters.
This is the result of the reader having a greater knowledge than the characters themselves. A situation in a play in which the audience knows more than the characters Dramatic Irony in Romeo and Juliet? Example of Dramatic Irony? What is the best definition of dramatic irony?
When the audience or reader of a play knows something a character in the play does not. The lacking of this knowledge may also happen to be what leads to their downfall.
How does j b priestley use dramatic devices in the play the inspector calls? B Priestly uses dramatic devices in several ways throughout act 1 of an inspector calls. What is an example of dramatic irony in Hamlet? What is the difference between dramatic irony and situational irony?
Dramatic Irony- Irony that is inherent in speeches or a situation of a drama and is understood by the audience but not grasped by the characters in the play.
Language Language device: Irony An Inspector Calls (Grades 9–1) Priestley, wrote plays, novels, biographies, travelogues, and assorted essays, many notable for their political engagement. Priestley fought for England in the First World War, and the experience was formative for him.
An Inspector Calls – Foreshadowing at its Finest – The Literary Blogger – Meg Moore Before we begin, here are a few tips to remember when writing your essay. In the introduction, write a brief explanation of the book.
Dramatic Irony explored within ‘An Inspector Calls’ Written by JB Priestley in this allows for hindsight which eventually leads to dramatic irony. Well I say to that - fiddlesticks This play was first published after the second world war and so
Already a member? There is much bitter dramatic irony in?
What is an example of dramatic irony in Frankenstein? Frankenstein thought he was playing God by creating a man; an Adam. He created a monster and was more like the devil unleashing a soul less demon in the world, instead of an man with a soul Adam. Dramatic irony occurs when? Dramatic irony occurs when something contradicts the realsituation.
Onlookers will fully realize that it should not havehappened. This is also referred to as tragic irony. In the catacombs, Fortunato says, "I will not die of a cough" In reply, Montresor says "True-true," because he knows exactly what is about to kill Fortunato in a few moments.
Another touch of irony is that in the catacombs, Fortunato toasts the many people buried in the catacombs, little knowing that he is shortly to become one of them. Is there dramatic irony in comedy? Yes, because dramatic irony is when the reader know more than the character and one example of this iin a comedy is a midsummer nights dream by Shakespeare.
Example sentence of dramatic irony?An Inspector Calls - Key Quotations “You’re squiffy” – Sheila to Eric (Act 1) • Shows Eric/ Sheila’s brother/ sister relationship. • Colloquial language set pe Slideshare uses cookies to improve functionality and performance, and to provide you with relevant advertising.
- An inspector calls Dramatic Devices An Inspector Calls is a play written by J.B Priestly in however it is set in An Inspector calls is a thriller set in England. This was a very difficult time for several reasons. There is much bitter dramatic irony in An Inspectors Calls, which the plays original audience would have been all too aware Whilst opinions may vary on the impact of dramatic irony in the play, I would like to argue that the dramatic irony in the play was very bitter.
'An Inspector Calls,' Linking Foreshadowing and Dramatic Irony to Tone Tone encompasses the attitude towards a subject and towards the . Study 15 An Inspector Calls - Dramatic Devices flashcards from Julia D.
on StudyBlue. Flashcards. Sign Up; Log In; Back. The Inspector is used as a dramatic device throughout the play. He is known as the voice of the playwright, J B Priestly and is used to express the views of the playwright. - There is dramatic irony in the way Mrs. An Inspector Calls / 5 In Act One of ‘An Inspector Calls’ how does J.B Priestley use dramatic devices to convey his concerns and ideas to the members of the .
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Dramatic irony Essay Example For Students | Artscolumbia
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Việt Nam march on at Asian Cup after shootout
Fans support Việt Nam team at the knock out round of the AFC Asian Cup’s final in the United Arab Emirates tonight. — VNA/VNS Photo Hoàng Linh
HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam are through to the quarter-finals of the AFC Asian Cup after beating Jordan 4-2 in a penalty shootout at Al-Maktoum Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates tonight.
The two teams were tied at 1-1 after extra time.
Việt Nam entered the game with confidence following their performance in qualifying.
There previous meetings with Jordan at the Asian Cup had both been in qualifying and ended in draws.
The first 10 minutes was a tight affair, and neither team threatened to score.
Việt Nam vs Joran in the knock out round of the AFC Asian Cup’s final in the United Arab Emirates tonight. — VNA/VNS Photo Hoàng Linh
The first breakthrough fell to Việt Nam thanks to good work on the left wing from midfielder Phan Văn Đức, striker Nguyễn Công Phượng and midfielder Nguyễn Quang Hải, but Đức was unable to latch on to Hải’s through ball.
Jordan responded after a careless pass from midfielder Nguyễn Huy Hùng, but Yousef Rawshdeh’s left-footed shot was unable to squirm past goalkeeper Đặng Văn Lâm.
Several minutes later, the Vietnamese defence line was once again broken following an attack on the right, but Feras Shilbaya’s cross was fired over by Yasen Bakheet.
Jordan maintained their pressure and Mousa Suleiman was denied by Lâm in the 26th minute.
Việt Nam fought back strongly with defender Đoàn Văn Hậu firing off a dangerous shot that goalkeeper Amer Shafi was equal to, and Phượng was unable to convert the rebound.
In the 39th minute, a freekick was awarded to Jordan on the left wing and Baha Abdel-Rahman slammed the ball high past Lâm to claim the opener for Jordan.
Việt Nam had two long-range efforts to level before the half-time whistle, but were denied.
But it wasn’t long into the second half that Phượng scored a cracking volley to equalise for Việt Nam, the first goal Jordan had conceded at the Cup.
Striker Nguyễn Công Phượng (middle) celebrates his goal in the match between Việt Nam and Jordan in the knock out round of the AFC Asian Cup’s final in the United Arab Emirates tonight. — VNA/VNS Photo Hoàng Linh
Việt Nam had a chance to take the lead in the 58th minute, but defender Bùi Tiến Dũng’s header hit the crossbar.
Việt Nam continued to dominate the game with possession of 60 per cent but were unable to convert their dominance.
Both coaches made changes in extra time, but neither side was able to break the deadlock.
Jordan have been eliminated in both of their Asian Cup knockout games, losing on penalties to Japan in 2004 and losing to Uzbekistan in 2011. Việt Nam have qualified for the Asian Cup knockout stages in each of their two appearances in the competition (2007 and 2019), with Iraq defeating them in the 2007 quarter-finals. — VNS
Striker Nguyễn Công Phượng (No 10) performs at the match between Việt Nam and Jordan in the knock out round of the AFC Asian Cup’s final in the United Arab Emirates tonight. — VNA/VNS Photo Hoàng Linh
Vietnam vs Jordan
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Utah national parks reopen during government shutdown
Gov. Gary Herbert announced that he has reached a deal with the National Park Service to reopen eight parks in Utah that had closed for the government shutdown Oct. 10.
The parks covered by the agreement include the five national parks — Zion, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands and Bryce Canyon — as well as Cedar Breaks, Glen Canyon and Natural Bridges.
Zion National Park opens with limited services Oct. 11, with all other services, including shuttles, opening Oct. 12, according to its answering machine message. The Zion Mt. Carmel Highway and tunnel are opening as well.
Forest Service land is still technically closed. Residents may hike in the Uintas, but restrooms and some roads are closed.
U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell told Herbert that workers would be told to return to work as soon as Utah sent the agreed-upon sum of $1.67 million. The parks should begin opening Oct. 11 and be fully operational by Oct. 12.
“Utah’s national parks are the backbone of many rural economies, and hard-working Utahns are paying a heavy price for this shutdown,” Herbert said in a press release. “The world should know Utah is open for business and visitors are welcome.”
The mild temperatures and colorful leaves of autumn make October the peak month for tourism-related revenue in Utah. The state usually brings in $100 million in October.
Zion National Park is reopening during the government shutdown. (Photo by Elliott Miller)
The agreement followed several days of negotiations between the governor and the National Park Service. It will keep the parks open for 10 days or until the government reopens. If the government reopens before the 10 days are up, the money will be returned. The U.S. Congress may vote to return funds after the government reopens, and a press release said the governor has “engaged Utah’s congressional delegation to actively pursue timely repayment to state coffers.”
If the government does not reopen within the 10-day timeframe, the governor can seek another agreement with the National Park Service.
Utah will pay the federal government initially using money from the Division of State Parks of the Department of Natural Resources. If more funds are needed, the Utah legislature will meet for a special session on Oct. 16.
Scheduling details for the Utah parks can be found at visitutah.com.
Governor Herbert
National Parks shutdown
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June 30, 2016 May 3, 2017 by wednesdaylegs, posted in Weekly Post
People on this side of the planet are right in the midst of winter. And whilst we dont get the snow and sleet that our Northern Hemisphere friends get, it still gets bloody hard to get the motivation going for an early morning ride. The time to pull together the layer upon layer of clothing, its just the pits.
I had a Velocio quilted vest come across my desk a month back, something I was very much looking forward to taking out for ride in this colder weather.
It didn’t disappoint, in fact it took me some time in working how best to layer up as it almost works too well. Climbing the hills gets pretty warm wearing the vest, but with the 2-way zipper, you can regulate, but you need to have you base layers all worked out. The standard 2 layers underneath a vest are unnecessary, so a nice long sleeved winter top by itself works well.
But rolling through the hills and coming back down it works an absolute treat. And – sitting around outside at the coffee shop, not only does it look pretty good, it stopped me from cooling down too much too quickly, which is a riders curse.
The sales pitch off the velocio website:
The RECON Quilted Vest is made to extend that cool weather comfort beyond pedaling. The fit and versatility of our Wind Vest with added warmth, protection and style thanks to Global Merino Ponte merino wool base fabric and an ultralight Pertex Quantum shell. Quilted side panels offer a subtle detailing that, paired with a moto-inspired metal zipper, looks clean and casual after the pedaling stops. Wear it over theRECON Wool Long Sleeve. Wear it over a button down. Wear it with denim. The RECON does insulation duty without sacrificing performance or style.
Global Merino Ponte merino wool for warmth, mobility and excellent moisture management
Pertex Quantum DWR 100% windproof “outer” front panels for protection
Two-layer quilted design adds protection without bulk
2 front & 1 rear zippered pockets
Reflective logos and trim details and light loop for visibility
Shaped collar and longer hem at the back for a tailored fit in the cycling position
YKK two-way nickel plated metal zipper
And here’s a picture of yours truly building up the courage to brave the weather.
Me and this vest will become good friends this winter.
Further details here. velocio.cc
The Cycle Closet in Adelaide sell a range of Velocio clothing. I don’t think they stock the Recon vest, but worth a drop in anyway cyclecloset
Adelaide Airport Bike Facilities
I came across this information as I was wondering around the airport the other day.
Bicycle facilities and services were upgraded at Adelaide Airport in time for the last Tour Down Under. The facilities now provide a secure Adelaide Metro bike cage for use by customers with a registered Metrocard. The facilities are located at the Southern end of the old International Terminal.
Cyclists can visit an Adelaide Metro Info Centre to add the ‘bike cage fare product’ to their registered Metrocard. Users can simply show their photo ID and pay an annual fee of $10. Customers then simply use the Metrocard touchpad to open the bike cage door and lock their bike to one of the rails.
Other bicycle facilities at Adelaide Airport include:
Bicycle service stations for assembly, disassembly and minor maintenance of bicycles;
Free bicycle racks for up to 12 bikes; and
Bicycle box ‘recycling’ service during major cycling events.
By all accounts, Adelaide Airport checked in more than 3,300 bikes in the 3 days following the end of the event, a 10 per cent increase on the previous year.
Lofty 105
Its back, the Lofty 105 is an off road Gravel Grinding Gran Fondo/ cyclo sportive style cycle challenge through the South Lofty Ranges. cyclocross, mtn and hybrid bikes suitable..
The Lofty 105 Cycle Challenge will take place on Sunday the 11th September! This year they have added a new Classic Vintage category for those with bicycles pre 1987 ! No carbon, internal routing of gears, disc brakes etc. Just straight out classic old school style…
The EVENT PROGRAM for the Lofty 105 will be available and sent out a week before the event. This will be essential reading for all competitors as it includes all the final information for the event.
LOCATION: Monarto Sports Complex (Schenscher Rd, Monarto) Off S.E.Fwy/Old Princes Hwy
RIDE FORMATS:
Lofty 105 – $60
Lofty Mid 65 – $50
Lofty Mid Lite 45 – $50
Lofty Fun 21 (Ride Only) $25
The Lofty 105km Full Course Map shown below. Entries are open via the website www.lofty105.com.au.
Lofty 105 2016 facebook
BUPA Jersey Tender
For all those up & coming kit manufacturers, the tender for the 2017 BUPA Community Challenge is out now on the SA Tenders Website. Link here tenders.sa.gov.au
The South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) is seeking to appoint an experienced jersey supplier to supply jerseys for the 2017 Challenge Tour with an option to extend for two years until the completion of the 2019 event.
The jersey supplier will be responsible for producing a high quality jersey for approximately 6,000 participants. The artwork for the jerseys will be provided by the SATC.
REQUIREMENTS & SPECIFICATIONS
The SATC seeks a supplier with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the mass production and supply of cycling jerseys for a major event.
The successful supplier will be responsible for managing the production and delivery of the Challenge Tour jerseys including, but not be limited to the following:
Colour/Design
Size and Measurements
Jersey Quality & Style
1. Order and delivery requirements:
a. Delivery to a location within 20km of the Adelaide City will be required to be received in full by January 9 each year.
b. Deliver jerseys within a timeline which will allow SATC to maximise participation sales. Previously approximately 3,500 sizes are ordered on October 1, an optional second order in the second week of November and the remaining on 20 November. The SATC is open to later ordering dates provided the final delivery date remains the same and quality is not compromised.
c. Facilitate the printing of team names onto the back of team jerseys within agreed timeline. Note: The final list of team names and their corresponding sizes will be submitted for printing in December; Team names are generally limited to 25 characters including spaces and logos or images are not permitted by SATC; approximately 2,000 participants in 200 teams registered in 2016; and the design of jersey provided will allow space for this printing to occur.
d. All of the above ordered jerseys must be at the same cost.
e. SATC must receive a packing list with the jerseys.
f. Team jerseys must be individually wrapped and then packaged as a team. Boxes must be clearly labelled with which team jerseys are included.
g. All remaining jerseys should be individually wrapped and boxed according to size with the box clearly labelled indicating how many jerseys are contained and what size they are.
h. Any jerseys missing – following a stock take undertaken by SATC – must be printed with a 4 day turnaround.
i. SATC must be able to order additional jerseys after the participant registration close off date in early January. It is not anticipated that this order would exceed 500 units. Any jerseys ordered in January must be delivered to a designated location within Adelaide no later than the Thursday morning of the event week.
2. Colour/Design restrictions
a. Provide information on colours available and any restrictions from design e.g. shading colours or use of multiple colours.
b. Provide details of any design/colour elements that would alter the price.
3. Size and measurements
a. Provide a complete jersey breakdown of all sizes available from smallest to largest in each style available e.g. extra small, small, medium etc.
b. Supply measurements for chest, waist, hip, sleeve and length in centimetres for both jersey and t-shirts.
c. Advise in the same chart which women’s size would best suit each size. i.e. Size 10 = Small.
d. Provide jerseys as ordered within the size breakdowns. If there are any variances, the jerseys must be collected by the contractor and resupplied with the correct sizes no later than 10 days prior to the event (teams must be fixed no later than 14 days prior to the event).
4. Quality/style of jerseys
a. Deliver jerseys of high quality.
b. Jerseys supplied should be sufficiently durable for extended use by riders in the Challenge Tour and beyond the event.
c. Sample jerseys can come from contractor’s general stock as long as they don’t have any branding other than the contractors and must represent the style and material to be used in the final orders.
d. Colours of jerseys must match that of the artwork provided (confirmed during sample process).
e. Have a full length zip.
f. Customised zip tag (ESA to provide the artwork).
g. Have 3 pockets incorporated into the jersey design, sewn onto the back of the jersey.
h. Provide information including any known restrictions or recommendations for jerseys styles available i.e. cafe, race fit, relaxed fit, material options.
i. Advise if any styles have design restrictions e.g. number of colours that can be used, patterns can or can’t go over seams.
5. Guarantees
a. All products must carry a guarantee on materials of a minimum of six months.
b. All products must carry a workmanship guarantee of a minimum of six months. c. The service provided must comply with Fair Trade guidelines.
Association of Professional Cyclists
cpacycling
Immediately following the tragic crash and death of Antoine Demoitie the CPA has worked directly with riders to develop a Security Plan.
A few weeks ago the first version of our plan was submitted to the UCI and discussed with UCI staff such as Matthew Knight and members of the UCI Road Commission.
Since the CPA presented its security plan, many more riders got in touch with the CPA in order to add their ideas to the project, showing a lot of enthusiasm for the initiative. The riders have, also through social media, asked the UCI to support the plan of the CPA that collects their ideas and the advice of those who really live the risks during the races.
In the last days the majority of the riders (96%) voted again in favor of the plan, on the CPAOCS, the new online communication system of the riders.
CPA President Gianni Bugno will present the updated and revised version of the CPA Security Plan at the next meeting of the UCI Pro Cycling Council held on the 21st – 22nd of June in Switzerland.
“We expect that the UCI and the other stakeholders will listen to our suggestions,” Bugno said, “and that they will make them effective by adopting our points into the action plan that the UCI is generating. We plan a further discussion of this issue during the Tour de France, when, together with the AICGP, we will organize a meeting where the UCI and the organizers will be invited in order not to lose the attention on this important subject.”
Key points from the Safety Plan are:
The absence of clear UCI Regulations for safe course design results in unnecessarily dangerous finales and avoidable crashes, as we have recently seen in: Stage 1 of 2015 Pais Vasco; Stage 2 of Qatar 2016; and the 2016 Le Tour de La Provence.
The UCI Regulations currently contain only one rule related to course safety inside the final 3 kilometers:
UCI Regulation 2.2.017:
A zone of at least 300 meters before and 100 meters after the finishing line shall be protected by barriers. It shall be accessible exclusively to representatives of the organiser, riders, paramedical assistants, sports directors and accredited personnel.
Proposed Solution:
new UCI Regulations mandating best practices for safe course design inside the final 3 km.
1 – RECONNOITERING AND HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
1.1 The final 3km shall be reconnoitered and a Mandatory Risk Assessment shall be completed and made available upon request, to the following parties, a minimum of 30 days before the day of the race: The President of the UCI Commissaires’ Panel, A representative of the AIGCP, A representative of the CPA
1.2 The condition of the final 3km shall be reconnoitred on the day before the race, the morning of the race, and again within a minimum of 30 minutes of the arrival of the first riders.
1.3 The road must be clear of any debris and, if necessary, shall be swept before the arrival of the first riders.
1.4 Bridge expansion joints and tram lines shall be temporarily filled in with plaster or covered by a rubber strip securely attached so that it will not move out of place as the race vehicles pass over it.
1.5 The organiser shall request the public authorities to adapt or remove obstacles inside the final 3 km (removal of plastic bollards screwed to the ground, smoothing out speed bumps, etc.). If the removal of an obstacle is not possible, it shall be protected as follows in 2.
2 – PROTECTION FROM OBSTACLES
2.1 Riders shall be protected from traffic islands, central reservations and any other obstacles taller than 5 cm by the careful positioning of wrapped straw bales.
2.2 In addition to this protection, riders shall be warned of approaching dangers. These warnings shall be both visible and audible.
2.3 The organiser shall allocate two marshals with whistles and yellow flags to obstacles taller than 5 cm: the first person shall be positioned 50-100 m before the obstacle; the second person shall be immediately in front of or behind the obstacle.
2.4 Signs indicating a narrowing of the road or a roundabout shall be located 200 m and 100m before the danger point to ensure the riders are fully aware of the danger.
3 – THE FINISH
3.1 Barriers shall be set up on both sides of the road for a minimum of 500 m before the line and 100 m after.
3.2 Barriers for the last 400m shall have hidden bases, such that the feet of the barriers do not encroach on the roadway.
3.3 Barriers shall be firmly anchored to the ground so that strong winds or spectators cannot knock barriers over.
3.4 Any advertising media such as boards, flags or inflatables, shall be firmly anchored so that they cannot become detached in strong winds.
3.5 The event announcer shall pass on messages urging the public to take care and in particular not to cross the road.
3.6 The organiser is responsible for controlling access to the finish line. Access shall be restricted to accredited persons (organisation staff, security personnel, team staff, photographers, journalists, etc.).
3.7 Riders shall be preceded by a vehicle to clear the route for them. This vehicle shall accelerate in the final 800 m to cross the line at least 30 seconds ahead of the first rider.
3.8 Motorcycle photographers shall arrive before the race and park on the roadway in an area reserved for them.
3.9 The finishing straight shall be kept completely unobstructed until the last rider has finished.
Cost of Life
There has been a lot, and i mean a lot of talk about cycling safety, lack of infrastructure, every second man and their dog calling out for licensing and registration of cyclists etc blah, blah blah ad nauseum.
We all feel that if the government built more cycling friendly infrastructure, more people would be prepared to venture out onto our roads for obvious reasons. The flow on effects have been well documented, so I’m not going to go into too much detail here, but reduced traffic congestion, a healthier society, reduced burden on the ailing healthcare system and budget, delayed road transport infrastructure upgrades are the obvious benefits, but hard to quantify.
How much do the tiers of government spend on cycling infrastructure? Buggered if I can find how much the SA State Government and local councils allocate to upgrading cycling infrastructure, probably impossible to extract as they’re bound to be buried deep within the capital works programme, but a study three years ago indicated that the State Government spent less than $3 per person on upgrading infrastructure. With a population of around 1.7M, that translates to a spend of around $5M.
That’s woeful.
The NSW government recently announced in their state budget a spend of around $80M for cycling infrastructure in their 2016 budget. With a population of around 5M, that translates to around $16 per person. That’s better, but could still be improved.
So, looking at it from another angle, how much is the state prepared to spend to save money, by that i mean how much to reduce accidents that cost the state in productivity and eat into our health budget. From bean counters perspective, how much is life worth.
What is the value of life the state place upon us? From the amount the states spend on us, its obviously very little, but statistically speaking, what value does the government place on each of our lives?
How much is a life valued at?
You’ve probably already picked up the gaping hole in my argument – i.e. you can’t directly translate infrastructure spend to savings through accident reductions
but what if you could?
The following is an exert from the Best Practice Regulation Guidance Note put out by the Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet (Commonwealth Government tier for those outside of Australia).
The value of statistical life is often used to estimate the benefits of reducing the risk of death (EPA 2000, Viscusi 2003). The value of statistical life is an estimate of the financial value society places on reducing the average number of deaths by one.
A number of empirical studies have derived estimates for the value of statistical life using the above methods. In reviewing the studies relevant to Australia, Abelson (2007) noted that the estimates range from $3m to $15m. Based on economic theory, international research and international practice Abelson argues that the most credible estimate is $3.5m for the value of statistical life (2014).
Importantly, the research into the value of statistical life, including Abelson (2007), has argued that the estimates will vary according to the characteristics of the people affected and the nature of the risk or hazard. For example, the value of statistical life is likely to be higher if it is based on younger people with longer to live and particularly painful deaths are likely to attract a higher willingness to pay to avoid.
If the building of infrastructure is to have an impact in future years, as opposed to a once off benefit, then the benefit through reducing deaths of cyclists in future years also needs to be taken into account.
The current 10-year annual average is 3.4 cycling deaths.
So lets say a state government had an objective to reduce the number of cycling deaths by 1 per annum, then their would be an expectation that they would need to spend somewhere in the vicinity of $3.5M per annum, which actually is just below the $5M noted beforehand.
What about if we upped the ante, and aimed for 0 deaths, all it would take is around $12M. Not significant in the overall big picture of things.
As i said before, its hard to translate directly from spend to savings, and spending more isn’t going to necessarily going to prevent accidents from happening, particularly when a significant portion of accidents are the result of driver inattention, but surely there would be some longer term intangible benefits from upping the spend?
Worth a think about it when you next speak to your local minister.
Rider of the Week – Gus Kingston
Some say he is more brittle than High Modulus Carbon Fibre, and that his hacking skills have him on the ASIO watch list, all we know is he’s called Gus.
Gus moved to Adelaide nine years ago and while he rode a bike in Sydney, in Adelaide he
became a cyclist. Setting up the Adelaide Cyclists website in 2009 he’s a well known
member of the Adelaide cycling community but that doesn’t make him obsessive about cycling, in fact he’s far from it.
How and when did you get started in cycling?
I moved from Sydney nine years ago but before I moved I’d started riding a mountain bike around to lose some baby bonus weight, and then I started commuting to work. It was at the start of the cycling re-revolution and safe routes were starting to open up and drivers weren’t out to kill us. When I moved to Adelaide I was invited along to a group ride. Then I was given an old Giant OCR2 to keep up and after some serious struggles up to Mt Lofty, I was hooked.
You run the popular Adelaide Cyclists forum, tell us a little about why and when you started it, and what keeps you going with it.
So after I’d been in Adelaide a year and my second son was born I’d seriously started
reading more and more about cycling—mostly urban cycling blogs and sites like
urbanvelo.org. At the same time I was going through a career change from being a sound
engineer to a web content producer. I saw it as an experiment outside the confines of my
workplace to see how social networking and online communities could grow. This was 2008- 09, a time when Twitter had just started and Facebook had a mere 100mil users worldwide (it’s now 1.4bil).
So one morning I just started it with no members. Later that day there was one, then two, then four, six, sixteen, twenty and suddenly it was 300 which is the tipping point of social networks when they take on a life of their own. All the members were people looking for the same thing, information about cycling in Adelaide.
Of course, it was based on Sydney and Melbourne cyclist sites, but not related (although I do know the creator of those now too).
Its role has changed a lot due to the dominance of Facebook. It was a place for networking, asking questions, discovering like minded and creating pages for riding groups to communicate.
With that shift in mind I try and keep it specifically local — local cycling news, events, services, black spots, advocacy, suitable winter clothing, and best bang for buck training routes etc—because there are hundreds of sites on the web to ask what wheel set to buy but not many about riding in Adelaide. I don’t think if I was to start it today it would work. It just wouldn’t get that critical mass to survive birth.
What are some of your fondest thoughts about the forum, and conversely, any negative thoughts?
Coming to Adelaide as an outsider (I’m a member of the ‘guys dragged here by Adelaide born wives’ club) most of the people I know I’ve met through cycling and the site. It’s played a role in advocacy, helping people after accidents, getting new riders up and going more confidently, helped share great charity events.
One of the biggest, but also saddest, times was the Ride for Respect to remember Simon Whitely who was killed on Anzac Hwy in 2010. A member was affected by the event and created a ride the following Saturday to complete Simon’s ride drawing a huge peloton. It was nice to be able to help share that event.
Cycling has become so much more popular and Strava has certainly changed the way people ride. I decided a few years ago that I didn’t want to organise bunch rides. There are plenty of other people who do and can share them on the site or any other platform. They are difficult to manage with differing abilities, especially at the Adelaide Cyclists typical member level, and Strava has planted a competitive seed that wasn’t there before. Maybe there should have a no-Strava bunch ride.
You’ve had a bit of time off the bike recently, why is that
Sometimes life just gets in the way. Luckily it’s winter. My wife has had to travel on weekends a bit so I haven’t been able to get out on those weekends. I used to ride one or two mornings a week but I’ve got soft. I used to beat myself up about it but made peace with myself. While I still ride to work and on Sundays (if it’s not bucketing down), I spend my winter nights staying up late, reading, talking to my wife and kids, binge watching TV, brewing beer and, of course, watching the Giro and the Tour de France.
I will admit, come spring it’s hard to get going again so I do keep up some indoor training and cross-fit.
Are you just a roadie, or do you cross over to other disciplines?
Mostly road.
I’ve got a Giant TCX cyclo-cross bike. I’ve raced it but in all honesty, I don’t have that taste for blood to be a racer. CX is fun, but if I’m not in competition I don’t really have the drive to train for it. It’s still a great bike to ride some gravel adventures, take on holidays or use as a commuter. I kind of like mountain biking, and the options in Adelaide are so good, but it cuts into the time I have on the road so I don’t do it much.
How many bikes do you own and what is your main go to bike?
Five. Giant OCR 2 (for the trainer), my old Giant Boulder MTB, Giant TCX CX bike, lovely old Adelaide built steel framed tourer called a Sierra but my main bike is a 2011 Focus Cayo 1.
How do you store your bikes?
All over the place but securely locked away and locked down in that locked away place (you hear horror stories thanks to Strava).
Do you do all your own maintenance or do you use a LBS? If so, which one?
I mostly do my own … well my riding buddy and neighbour helps me out a lot. He’s very mechanically minded and fastidious. I’ve learnt a lot from him but most of all, if you keep your bike clean and lubed, especially the drivechain, it’ll love you back and you won’t need to get it serviced often. Learn how to reset gear indexing, change a chain and cables and watch for end of life wear on chainrings, cassettes and rims and you can avoid big service bills.
Also a clean bike is a mechanic’s dream. Most of the work they do on your bike is de-gunking it to find the source of an issue. Keep it clean and they can spend more time on the important stuff. Saying that, there are many great mechanics in Adelaide but I’m not going to pick one… or maybe I will. Shaun Caire of Bicycle Caire is a lovely guy who knows his stuff and isn’t going to rip anyone off.
Link here – bicyclecaire
What cycling specific tools do you have in your “bike shed”?
The best service ‘tool’ is a Morgan Blue chain keeper. You screw it into your dropout and it holds the chain in line for cleaning when the wheel is removed. You can really get stuck into cleaning your chain so well you could eat off it but it. It also stops it banging and scraping along your rear stays.
I think every cyclist should have a bike repair stand, a proper set of Allen keys, a pedal spanner, a lube you go to and use regularly (Morgan Blue Race Oil), a degreaser (although cleaning your chain in diesel is good, except if you have a white bike). A torque wrench is also a good idea. You can get good priced ones. Go see Brian at Road Rage Cycles.
What is your favourite piece of cycling kit or accessory?
I could say Dura-ace wheels, Rapha race cape, Castelli Gabba or Specialized shoes (they’ve been really good) and I’ve got over 35 cycling caps, but to be different I’ll say my Belroy Elements jersey pocket phone/stuff holder. Excellent functional and stylish design. It’s
better than a zip lock bag and it’s Australian. I’ll also give a credit+ to my Icebreaker merino undershirt. It’s 11 years old and still going strong (and warm).
What do you love about cycling?
I could say the feeling of freedom and staying fit, but I really like the history and tradition of cycling. I love reading about the golden era of cycling of the 1940s and ’50s. The panache and the Italian heroes and the French challengers, how they trained (or didn’t) and the passion of the Italian Tifosi.
I love the current era too but I’ve read some great books on that time. One you have to read is Twenty-one Nights In July: A Personal History Of The Tour De France.
It was written by Adelaide writer and cyclist Ianto Ware as a 30,000 word fanzine every night as he watched 21 stages of the 2008 TDF. It was picked up by a publisher, rewritten and published and distributed via Penguin. The sleeve describes it best: Part love letter to the humble bicycle, part history of the Tour de France, Twenty-One Nights in July reveals how cycling transcended mere sport to become a philosophy for the modern age. Ianto Ware also introduced me to some other great texts like One More Kilometre and We’re In The Showers>>Sex, Lies & Handlebar Tape: The Remarkable Life of Jacques Anquetil>>Put Me Back On My Bike, the Tom Simpson bio>>When We Were Young, the Laurent Fignon bio.>>Tomorrow We Ride, Jean Bobet>>Slaying the Badger: LeMond, Hinault and the Greatest Ever Tour De France>>A Race for Madmen: A History of the Tour de France— there are so many.
I also love the films A Sunday In Hell>> Hell On Wheels>> Viva Le Tour and I just watched Pantani: The Accidental Death Of A Cyclist on Netflix. A tragic story with questions that may never be answered. Did the Mafia kill him because he wouldn’t ‘throw stages’?
Is there anything that annoys you?
Apart from the Mafia and doping… maybe I don’t get annoyed but I find the whole cycling advocacy and the public outing of bad drivers and video camera activists exhausting. Sadly people are turning to Fly6/12/ GoPro cameras for good reason, to protect themselves, but that comes at the cost of enjoying a ride. It’s easy to understand that when someone has almost be flattened by a car, or experienced a road rage situation, they are going to be angry and go online and share their feelings. This is often perceived as whinging but put yourself in their shoes. Unfortunately it comes at the costs of all the good cycling experiences and sunny day rides that go unshared.
Other than yourself, who is your favourite cyclist?
My neighbour and ride buddy (and mechanic) Simon who always gets me home on time, keeps the chain tight, waits for me at the top of a climb and patiently rides with me every weekend even though he can outpace me anywhere. I also love the panache of Fausto Coppi.
If you could have dinner with three people from the cycling world, who would they be?
Jacques Anquetil, because he famously said ‘To prepare for a race there is nothing better than a good pheasant, some champagne and a woman’, and also, ‘You can’t ride the Tour de France on mineral water’, so there’d be some fine eating.
Fausto ‘cycling is suffering’ Coppi to get the Italian balance and …
I’m not a Jensey fan-boy so I’ll pick Wiggo … no, actually, Adam Hansen. I like him
Giro di Turchia 2013 – Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey – 5a tappa Marmaris – Bodrum 183 km – 22/04/2013 – Andre Greipel (Lotto Belisol) – Matteo Trentin (Omega Pharma – QuickStep) – foto Ilario Biondi/BettiniPhoto©2013
or Pierre Rolland.
What are your craziest/fondest cycling memories?
The most painful or wettest are the most memorable. I remember riding back down the Gorge Road in the pouring rain that had set in following a wheel. I was freezing, drenched and eating Belgian toothpaste when it occurred to me that I loved cycling. This is so horrible, but also really great.
What is your favourite post ride coffee/tea spot, and what would you normally buy as a treat?
Harvest Cafe Mylor is a great stop for a long black. I’m weak for banana bread or chocolate brownies but I feel bad because my ride buddy and I say we only train on half a peanut and a piece of ice. When I was on long service leave I’d ride everyday and go into Red Mill on Hectorville Rd and they got to know me and my order. Check them out, they’re open early.
Have you ridden overseas? If so, where? If not, where would it be?
I haven’t, except when I lived in the UK 25 years ago and almost crashed my cousin’s racer into the 400 year old dry stone church wall riding home from the village pub at night. I’d love to ride the Italian lakes—Como and Garda—and the Dolomites and perhaps the Loire Valley. An adventure ride to Patagonia would also be awesome.
What is your favourite training route?
I don’t know about this idea of ‘training’, but Norton, Lofty, Lower Sturt to Scott Creek, Mylor, Aldgate Valley Rd, Ashton, Montacute is pretty good. My simple evening or morning go-to route is Norton-Marble Hill-Montacute. I’ve ridding it hundreds of times and I never get bored. I try to look for something new or different every time. Recently I’ve been enjoying Lwr NE Rd, over to Seaview Rd, Rangeview Rds, Paracombe, Gorge. Actually, that is a good training route.
What is the biggest cycling lie you have told your partner?
I blamed a nonexistent flat when stopping a Cudlee Creek seemed like a good idea at the time.
What would you like your partner to buy you for your next birthday?
Focus Izalco Max or Cannondale Evo with SRAM eTap, Zipp 404s, or maybe a leave pass to go over to Bright and ride the Victorian three peaks.
Is there a local cycling outfit/company/cycling club/cycling group/person that you would like to plug?
Adelaide Cyclists’ H’eroica Ride, our nod to the Italian L’Eroica, is back for its sixth year on October 9. This year we’re encouraging the vintage bikes out of the shed to either ride to Anderson Hill Winery via the back roads like Blockers and Mawson or come out for a ‘Show and Shine’. More info here. http://bit.ly/adl_heroica
Is there anything else you feel like talking about?
Ride your bike, don’t be obsessed, if you want to race, join a club and pin on a number. If
you’re slow at climbing just remember that 60 per cent of the peloton are also more than half and hour behind the grimpeurs on mountain stages. Don’t forget your spouse and find another hobby for the winter.
Thanks Gus, I feel like you had a bit of fun opening up like that, there certainly is a lot of passion hidden behind that poker face of yours.
Hope you enjoyed this weeks legs
Oh, and don’t forget about that little race over in France.
till next time
tight spokes
iPib
Tagged Adelaide, Adelaide Cyclist, Adelaide Hills, chicks & bikes, cycle legs, Gilet, Lofty 105, Radelaide, Red Berry Espresso, Rider of the Week, South Australia, Tour de France, Velocio
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SWACS > News > 2015 > February
Wemyss Caves discussed on BBC 4’s Digging for Britain
Archaeology and history, In the media
Archaeologist, Dom Dawson (SCAPE and St Andrew’s University) discusses the Wemyss Caves on BBC 4’s Digging For Britain. Tom’s interview is available to watch on BBC iplayer at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b052vcbd/digging-for-britain-series-3-3-north The segment is about 30 minutes in and will be available for the next 28 days.
Visualization Project
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Are you a fan of our Wemyss Caves 4D website? Do you wish you could explore all the other caves online instead of just Jonathan’s? Then you will be pleased to hear that – thanks to generous support from SCAPE (Scottish Coastal Archaeology and the Problem of Erosion) and Historic
Conservation Management Plan
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Members of the Wemyss Caves Working Group met with representatives of the team from Northlight Heritage who have been commissioned to formulate the Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the caves. Northlight will undertake a baseline audit of the caves and their carvings and make an assessment of their cultural significance.
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Our purpose is to conserve, preserve and endeavour to create permanent protection for the natural and cultural heritage of the Wemyss Caves and their carvings for the benefit of the public and provide a platform for the appreciation and study of this precious local heritage.
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SWACS are a Registered Charity (SC023862) and a Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee (541924).
You can contact us on swacsinfo@gmail.com.
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Your ticket for the: Conservation Management Plan
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