Split (1)

train · 688k rows

pred_label stringclasses 2 values	pred_label_prob float64 0.5 1	wiki_prob float64 0.25 1	text stringlengths 137 1.03M	source stringlengths 37 43
__label__cc	0.508723	0.491277	Credo y Creencias Religión comparativa Resurrección y vida después de la muerte Dios y sus Atributos Sunitas y Chiitas Profecía e Imamato Espiritualidad y Filosofía Corán y Jadid Comentarios Coránicos Ciencias de El Corán Colecciones de Jadids Ciencias de Jadids Educación y Sociedad Arte, Imágenes y Caligrafía Historia y Política Historia Islámica temprana Eruditos El Profeta Mohammed Los 12 Imames Leyes y Adoración Zakat y Khums (Caridad) Leyes islámicas Morir y Muerte Salaat (Oraciones rituales) Suplicas Ayuno Hajj (Peregrinación) Jiyab (vestimenta modesta) Al-Islam.org Blog by the Ahlul Bayt Digital Islamic Library Project URL: https://blog.al-islam.org Actualizado: hace 3 horas 10 mins The Lofty Station of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib By Syed Mohsen Rizvi And We inspired Moses and his brother, (saying): build houses for your people in Egypt and make your houses as QIBLA, and establish worship. And give good news to the believers. (Holy Qur’an, 10:87) In this short write-up we will attempt to reflect on the station of Imam Ameer ul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a) to the best of our capacity and pray that we learn something new through this effort. The holy month of Ramadan takes the believers on a journey from corporeality (جسديّة) to spirituality (روحانية) where the believers are ordained to reject the necessities of the material world, and focus on the heart that connects to the metaphysical world. The heart can either be adulterated by the invasion of the mundane needs, desires and vicious instincts. Or the heart can be purified if the material inhabitants are removed to allow the divine light to shine bright, and navigate us towards the higher realm. In essence, the heart is a nucleus to the components (مركبة) of the human reality, what dwells in the heart will determine the fate of the human being in this world and the hereafter. The inhabitant of the heart is either faith/Imaan, or unbelief/Kufr. The meaning of unbelief/Kufr is to conceal or cover what is evident and clear. In other words, concealing or rejecting all the inarticulate proofs (آيَاتٌ)[1], and demonstrative proofs (بَيِّنَاتٌ)[2] that are bearing witness to the existence of Allah (swt) – constitutes unbelief. The opposite of unbelief is faith, and faith means to believe in the unseen realities through reflection and contemplation on the inarticulate proofs with the knowledge in hand. However, if the intellect cripples due to lack of knowledge, then holding on to the rope of the demonstrative proofs and following their footsteps with absolute obedience – constitutes faith. There are many definitions of faith and unbelief, but to make it easier for the human being, Allah (swt) condensed the idea of Faith and unbelief to a single criterion, and ordered the Prophet (saw) to declare; Love for Ali is faith, and hate for him is unbelief.[3] Allah (swt) made the love of Ameer ul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a) as the criteria of faith, and hate for him as the sign of unbelief. As there will be many who will claim to love Ali (a) for generations to come, the Prophet (saw) immediately explained the real meaning of faith by saying: Looking at Ali ibn Abi Talib (a) is servitude (to Allah SWT), remembering Him is servitude (to Allah SWT), and Allah (swt) shall not accept the Faith of his servant unless it is coupled with the Wilayat of Ameer Ul-Momineen (a), and condemnation of His enemies.[4] So, the broad definition of Faith is Love that is accompanied by the Wilayat of Imam Ali (a). When such love of Ameer ul momineen (a) enters the heart then foundation of faith begins to establish inside the heart, and as a result the heart is purified and that person reaches the rank of a believer/Mo’min, and such faith protects the believers from misguidance, ignorance and apostasy. Like the heart, the Holy Kaaba on earth also plays a central role for the believers. The Qibla refers to the direction of guidance, while the Kaaba refers to destination of guidance. The square shape foundation existed much earlier than the advent of Islam, and later on by the command of Allah (swt) the walls of Kaaba were raised by Prophet Ibrahim (a). It is important to note that Prophet Ibrahim (a) was the first and only prophet who once shattered the idols of unbelief/Kufr and establish the foundation of Islam and declared the Tawheed of Allah (swt), as Quran says He said: Nay! your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, Who brought them into existence, and I am of those who bear witness to this. (21:56) And, by Allah! I will certainly do something against your idols after you go away, turning back. (21:57) So he broke them into pieces, except the chief of them, that haply they may return to it. (32:21) However, after Prophet Ibrahim (a) left the mortal world, for centuries the polytheists and the idolaters inhabited the Kaaba with their idols. The removal of idols by Prophet Ibrahim (a) was the first step towards rejection of falsehood and the implementation of truth, and the birth of Imam Ali (a) inside the Kaaba was the preparation of the end of the falsehood and perfection of truth. As history records the incident that Imam Ali (a) was born in the center of Kaaba: Amir ul Momineen Ali ibn Abi Talib (a) was born in the center of Kaaba.[5] The light of Ameer ul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a) entered the Kaaba like the spirit enters the body of a human being and brings the body to life. The one who will revive the practice of Prophet Ibrahim (a) was born, and Prophet Muhammed (saw) supplicated to Allah (swt) to change the direction of the prayers and make Kaaba as the new Qibla, as Qur’an revealed: Indeed We see the turning of your face to heaven, so We shall surely turn you to a qiblah which you shall like; turn then your face towards the Sacred Mosque. (2:144) After conquering the city of Mecca, Ameer ul Momineen (a) following the footsteps of his grandfather Prophet Ibrahim (a) stood on the shoulders of the Prophet (saw) and shattered the idols, as the Prophet (saw) said, O Ali, the first who brought down the idols was your grandfather Ibrahim (a), then you O Ali is the last one. [6] When the light/noor of Imam Ali (a) entered the empty cube-like structure, the structure was purified and came to life as a symbol of guidance and the sign of the absolute Wilayat of Allah (swt) towards which all believers fall in submission. It is not an exaggeration to say that the house in which Imam Ali (a) was born became the Qibla of all the believers, it is not a novel idea, because Allah (swt) has made the house of Musa (a) and Haroun (a) as the Qibla, as Qur’an says: And We inspired Moses and his brother, (saying): build houses for your people in Egypt and make your houses as QIBLA, and establish worship. And give good news to the believers.(10:87) The obligation to establish worship was given after making the house of Musa (a) and Haroun (a) as direction of their worship. Thus, Musa (a) and Haroun (a) were not only the medium of guidance to their nation, but also Allah (swt) were the medium through which the faith and worship of their nation will be accepted. The centrality of Kaaba is like the centrality of a metaphysical heart in the universe of a human being. As the heart receives guidance & purification with the Love of Ameer ul Momineen (a), the Kaaba becomes the symbol of guidance and purification with the manifestation of Ameer ul Momineen (a). Whether it is Kaaba or the heart of a human being, the ultimate message of the holy Qur’an, and the holy Bayan, and all the symbols and the act of worship is that Ameer ul Momineen (a) represents the Wilayat of Allah (swt) and His Messenger (saw).Rejecting, ignoring or belittling Ali (a) is equivalent to rebellion against Allah (swt) and His messenger (saw). Hence, it is narrated by Abu Dhar ul Ghaffari (a) that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: The parable of Ali in my nation is the parable of Kaaba, looking at him is worship, and pilgrimage to him is obligatory. [7] If anyone visits the Kaaba without understanding the spirit and essence of the Kaaba then they have only circled around a physical structure and ignored the purpose of the pilgrimage. Hence it is important to reflect on the similarities between the Kaaba and the heart of human being that is filled with the love of Imam Ali (a), the necessary conclusion of such reflection will help us understand why Imam Sadiq (a) said: Honor of a believer is greater than that of the Holy Kaaba. [8] The reason a believer is more honorable than Kaaba is because Ameer ul Momineen (a) came once inside Kaaba, but as for the heart of a believer, it is a permanent place for the love of Ameer ul Momineen (a). [1] Inarticulate proofs are un-intelligent creations like, animals, trees, mountains, oceans, earth moon, sun, solar system and so on as science progresses. These natural phenomena stand witness without speaking, that our Creator is no other than Allah (swt). [2] Demonstrative proofs are the Prophets and their successors who demonstrated the evidence through knowledge and intellect for those who comprehend, and miracles and authority for those who were stubborn. [3] Al-Khisaal by Sheikh al-Sudooq part-14, hadith 13-5 [4] Amali al-Sadouq by Ibn Babeveyah, Mohammad b. Ali, page 138, hadith#9 [5] Tasliyah al-Majalis wa Zaynah al-Majalis by Husaini Mousavi, Mohammad b. Abi Talib, page 256, volume1 [6] al-Rawdhah fi Fadha’il Amir al-Mu’minin Ali b. Abi Talib(a) by Shazan Qomi, Shazan b. Jibri’il (single volume, page 31) [8] al-Khisaal, 1-96, p62 The post The Lofty Station of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog. Why Is Imam Ali (a) The Epitome Of Justice? For Brother Bassim Alamiry, for his untiring contribution in starting and running AlRasool Islamic Center, Memphis Tennessee, USA and supporting all community members. Imam Ali (a) is the greatest enigma of all time. His justice has baffled and mystified scholars and intellectuals alike. The power of Imam Ali’s (a) personality has stood the test of time and attracts our hearts and souls until today – even though centuries have passed. We can’t help but admire and hero worship him for he is the core of perfection and peak of virtues His knowledge, wisdom, eloquence, piety, bravery, justice, loyalty, humanity, empathy, honesty, truthfulness and numerous other qualities are beyond compare. His virtues reached a new standard of greatness and his wisdom-filled sayings became a guidance until eternity for people of all faiths and beliefs because they are relevant for everyone and for all times. His birth inside the Kaaba was peerless and a herald of his chosen status. As a child he recognized injustice and protected the life of Prophet Mohammad (s) who had come under direct attack with a threat to his life. In his youth, his bravery a glorified legend, he continued his role as the protector, companion, Commander-in-chief of Prophet Mohammad (s) in the battles of Badr, Ohad, Khandaq, Khaybar, Hunayn, until the Prophet breathed his last. Even after the Prophet’s death, he remained by his side and performed the final rituals while others got involved in grabbing power. Imam Ali (a), the unwavering pillar of support to Prophet Mohammad (s), husband to his only daughter Fatima (a) and the rightful successor to Caliphate was left to complete the last rites by the companions as his successorship was being nabbed by opportunists. They argued that there was no explicit appointment just some vague implicit direction expressed by the Prophet on several occasions including the one at Ghadir Khumm where he lifted Imam Ali’s (a) hand and publicly announced – “Everyone whose master I am also has Ali as his master’ [1]. The words of Prophet(S) spoken on every occasion from Dawat Zul Asheera – “Ali is my brother, my successor and my Caliph” to Ghadir Khumm were intentionally forgotten. Caliphate was too tempting for those seeking wealth and power. Profoundly wise and versatile with diversified values, people unanimously decided to elect him their Caliph after Usman and thronged around him in Masjid al-Nabawi after Imam Ali (a) refused to accept the Caliphate. He describes the incident in sermon 3 of Nahjul Balagha: “At that moment, nothing took me by surprise, but the crowd of people rushing to me. It advanced towards me from every side like the mane of the hyena so much so that Hasan and Husain were getting crushed and both the ends of my shoulder garment were torn. They collected around me like a herd of sheep and goats.” As a Caliph, he lived in a simple home, only ate what the poorest in his Caliphate could afford, and displayed his justice, wisdom, and valor in every single act. When Talha and Zubair approached him for a position, he did not favor them over others. He bought better clothes for Qambar, his servant, than himself. He denied power to Muawiyah, the corrupt governor of Syria. Prophet Mohammad (s) said about Imam Ali (a): “Ali stands with Truth and Truth stands with Ali.” History of Islam is full of the incidents of his chivalrous and merciful behavior towards his enemies. As a Caliph, he implemented rigorous orders on his officers, administrators, and provincial governors to abide by justice. He punished and dismissed all corrupt administrators and governors. In a letter to Ziyad b. Abih, Imam Ali (a) warned against corruption: “I truthfully swear by Allah that if I come to know that you have misappropriated the funds of the Muslims, small or big, I shall inflict upon you such punishment which will leave you empty handed, heavy backed and humiliated…” (Nahjul Balagha, Letter 20). He advised all his governors to establish justice and eradicate corruption. In advice to Malik al-Ashtar, the governor of Egypt, Imam Ali (a) wrote: “Do justice for Allah and do justice towards the people, as against yourself, your near ones and those of your subjects for whom you have a liking because if you do not do so you will be oppressive, and when a person oppresses the creatures of Allah then, instead of His creatures, Allah becomes his opponent, and when Allah is the opponent of a person He tramples his plea; and he will remain in the position of being at war with Allah until he gives it up and repents.”(Nahjul Balagha, Letter 53). He strictly cautioned his governors and officers against accepting bribes and gifts: “Any ruler who hides himself from people’s needs, Allah will also hide Himself from him and his needs on the Judgment day; and if he accepts gifts, he would be a traitor; and if he accepts bribes, he would be a polytheist.”(Nahjul Balagha, Letter 53). Imam Ali (a) rejected those who advised him to seek support by doing injustice and inequity to the Muslims over whom he was chosen as a guardian [ 2]. In response to those who objected to his just distribution and wanted more property referring to Umar’s favoritism of Arabs over non-Arabs he said: By Allah, even if it were my property, I would distribute it equally among them; how would it be when the property is theirs? He justified further by saying: To distribute wealth among those who do not deserve it amounts to squandering the wealth. The Holy Quran also says: Do not squander wealth wastefully. The squanderers are indeed Satan’s brothers and Satan is ungrateful to his Lord. (Surah Bani Isra’il, 17:26-27) Staggering crowds had pleaded with him to accept the Caliphate but this overwhelming support was short lived because when Imam Ali (a) took reins and started ruling according to the rules dictated by the holy Quran and Sunnah of the holy Prophet many people sensed a lingering danger to their unjustly amassed wealth. Though the people did want a good and virtuous ruler, they did not want an absolute just one who will not show any leniency or favoritism in the matters of administering justice and fairness. Alas, people who emphasize justice become a thorn in the flesh of those who want riches and power. So also was the case with Imam Ali (a).Under his rule, the corrupt were squirming with the imposition of truth and justice after being accustomed to having their way during the reign of the earlier three Caliphs who let on force and injustice because they were not strong enough to oppose the corrupt and powerful. His Caliphate was strewn with battles against corrupt and deviated Muslims: the battle of Jamal against Ayesha, Talha and Zubair who took up arms against Imam Ali (a) and declared war on him, the battle of Siffin against Muawiyyah who was seeking power, and the battle of Naharwan against the Kharijites who did not like the arbitration with the rebel Muawiyyah in the battle of Siffin. It was the month of Ramadan, at the time of the morning prayers; in Masjid al-Kufa when Ibn Muljim, with his poisoned sword, struck a fatal blow on the head of the fasting Imam when Imam Ali (a) was in prostration. The deadly strike left a very deep wound. A commotion followed and Ibn Muljim was apprehended and brought before Imam Ali (a) bound in ropes. When the Imam saw the ropes cutting into his flesh, despite his own agony, he asked the people not to be cruel to his murderer and had the ropes loosened. Imam Ali (a) was taken to his house and when milk was served he offered his glass to Ibn Muljim who drank it. In his will, Imam Ali (a) told his older son, Imam Hasan (a), that the killer had struck one blow with his sword, and should likewise be struck once only [3]. Imam Ali (a) was never lenient in the matters of justice be it his own life and death. [1] https://www.al-islam.org/ghadir/incident.htm [2] https://www.al-islam.org/imam-ali-s-book-government-ayatullah-muhammadi-rayshahri/chapter-five-political-policies [3] https://www.al-islam.org/articles/letter-father-son-last-will-ali-ibn-abi-talibhas The post Why Is Imam Ali (a) The Epitome Of Justice? appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog. How Fasting Helps in Achieving Better Neurological Health In His name the most High “O you who believe! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard (against evil).” (2:183) Fasting in the blessed month of holy Ramadhan is obligatory for all Muslims who do not have any valid reasons to abstain from it. The primary objective of fasting is to acquire the quintessential quality of Taqwa, so that we “may guard (against evil)” [Shakir] or we may “(learn) self-restraint” [Abdullah Yusuf Ali]. Fasting holds a great primacy in acquiring the quality of Taqwa and proximity with Allah(SWT). The fasting has multiple levels and is experienced by different people at different levels: “The fasting of the ordinary man is to withhold only from food and drink. The fasting of the pious man is to curb sensory desires, to refrain from looking at the unlawful, hearing the harmful, and thinking about the distasteful, or about what stimulates the lower nature. The fasting of a true believer is to seal the heart from paying any attention to other-than-Allah (ghayrallah), and safeguard himself with thorough awareness of the divine laws.”[Pooya/Ali Commentary 2:183] With all the spiritual and lofty goals of fasting there are equally powerful physical and neurological benefits as well. In this article we would discuss some of the indispensable neurological effects of fasting. The fasting boosts neuronal autophagy. The autophagy is a natural generation process occurring at the cellular levels. The autophagy is “self-eating” of the cells which helps in recycling the waste material and controls wasteful processes and repair themselves resulting in controlling neurodegeneration. It has been recognised as the crucial defense mechanism against malignancy, infection and neurodegenerative diseases. The abrogation of autophagy in neurons can lead to neurodegenerative disease. The importance of autophagy has been demonstrated in the research work of Yoshinori Ohsumi in the 1990s. It has been found that it protects against diseases like Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and certain forms of dementia. The research of Dr Rubinsztein has shown that proteins form in clumps in the nerve cells of people with diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. He says “We discovered that if you switch on autophagy you remove these proteins rapidly and protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington’s and forms of dementia.”[1] A research study by Mehrdad Alirezaei, Christopher C. Kemball et al. shows that “short-term food restriction induces a dramatic upregulation of autophagy in cortical and Purkinje neurons” They say “Autophagy is sometimes referred to as cellular “cleansing”, and our observations provide an attractive neuronal parallel to the organismal benefits that, historically, are perceived to derive from fasting…..Our observation that a brief period of food restriction can induce widespread upregulation of autophagy in CNS neurons may have clinical relevance. As noted above, disruption of autophagy can cause neurodegenerative disease, and the converse also may hold true: upregulation of autophagy may have a neuroprotective effect. For example, in vitro models have shown that starvation in neuronal cell lines can remove toxic molecules and damaged mitochondria from neurons”[2] A study conducted by Taufiqurrachman Nasihun links Ramadhan fasting with the onset of autophagy: “..fast periods during Ramadan fasting, starvation is occurred and then autophagy is activated to remove protein aggregate and other cellular debris to recycled, resulting in health benefit. Autophagy during RF is induced by glycogen depletion, and switching metabolic condition into ketosis that may occur in day 3-5 of fasting. Since fasting also increase GH secretion in the same time, therefore synergistically action between autophagy and growth hormone is suggested able to replace the old and damage cells by the new one to prevent the pathological process (Klionsky DJ. 2008).” [3] A pilot study “Fasting in Ramadan Affects Cognitive and Physiological Function in Normal Subjects” conducted by Abdulrahman M. Alsharidah et al has concluded that Ramadan had positive influence on performance in the domains of psychomotor function/processing speed and attention.[4] Another important effect of Ramadhan fasting is reduction in impulsive actions. Impulsiveness causes one to indulge in any activity without forethought and consideration and so this behaviour trait may lead to wrong decisions and actions. A study conducted by Chamari K, Briki W et al “Impact of Ramadan intermittent fasting on cognitive function in trained cyclists: a pilot study” concluded “RVP (rapid visual information processing) performances suggest lower impulsivity of the cyclists during Ramadan, and even improved accuracy towards the end of Ramadan for the second measure of the day. Therefore, the effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting seem to depend on the type of assessed task, time of day of measurement, with no negative impact on the studied selected cognitive measures in the cyclists of the present study”[5] A report in New Scientist by Clare Wilson on how “Hungry stomach hormone promotes growth of new brain cells” describes the critical effects of fasting on neurological health: “A stomach hormone that stimulates appetite seems to promote the growth of new brain cells and protect them from the effects of ageing – and may explain why some people say that fasting makes them feel mentally sharper. When ghrelin was first discovered, it became known as the hunger hormone. It is made by the stomach when it gets empty, and whenever we go a few hours without food its levels rise in our blood. But there is also evidence that ghrelin can enhance cognition. Animals that have reduced-calorie diets have better mental abilities, and ghrelin might be part of the reason why. Injecting the hormone into mice improves their performance in learning and memory tests, and seems to boost the number of neuron connections in their brains. Now Jeffrey Davies at Swansea University, UK, and his team have found further evidence that ghrelin can stimulate brain cells to divide and multiply, a process called neurogenesis. When they added the hormone to mouse brain cells grown in a dish, it switched on a gene known to trigger neurogenesis, called fibroblast growth factor.”[6] The famous neuroscientist Mark Mattson has conducted a lot of research into the relation of energy intake and brain health and has come to the conclusion that fasting wards off neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and results in improving memory and mood. The Brain-Derived NeuroTrophic Factor (BDNF) contributes in the formation of new neurons and the development of synapses and different pathways for communication in the brain. The higher levels of BDNF improve the health of neurons and positively affect the communication processes between the neurological cells. While the lower levels of BDNF cause diseases like dementia, Alzheimer’s, memory loss and other brain processing problems. Increased levels of BDNF are also associated with antidepressant effects in brain, so increase in BDNF cures depression also. Another important hormone is HGH: Human Growth Hormone. HGH causes physiological changes in metabolism to favor fat burning and protein sparing. The proteins and amino acids are utilized to improve brain and neuron processing. Fasting has shown to very significantly affecting HGH and BDNF levels in body which bring about great neurological benefits. [7] A research investigation performed by Mo’ez Al-Islam, E.Faris, Safia Kacim et al on Ramadhan fasting’s effects on proinflammatory cytokines confirms that Ramadhan fasting attenuates proinflammatory cytokines and immune cells in healthy subjects. Which means Ramadhan fasting is good in reducing brain trauma and other inflammation related health issues.[8] Shaykh Mansour Leghaei in book entitled “Fasting – A Body/Mind/Spirit Healing” quotes significant observations of Dr. Joel Fuhrman: “Fasting has been repeatedly observed to alleviate neuroses, anxiety and depression” [9]. Therefore we can safely conclude that Ramadhan fasting improves brain health and lessens the risk of cognitive decline and brain disorders. But we must have in mind that all good effects of fasting are dependent upon our proper observance of Ramadhan according to Sunnah. We must understand that “the purpose of fasting is not just to avoid food and drink and hence this is the very lowest level of fasting for the very beginners to start their journey towards perfection and promotion. Thus, it is quoted from the Prophet of Islam (S) that: “Many people gain nothing from their fasting save hunger and thirst.”[ibid]. We must avoid gluttony and over eating at the times of Suhoor and Iftaar to reap and enjoy great neurological and spiritual benefits of this blessed month. 1. Can the science of autophagy boost your health? By Laurel Ives, Health reporter, BBC News 2. Short-term fasting induces profound neuronal autophagy by Mehrdad Alirezaei, Christopher C. Kemball et al. 3. Ramadan Fasting, Health, and Autophagy: Is There any Relationship? By Taufiqurrachman Nasihun 4. Fasting in Ramadan Affects Cognitive and Physiological Function in Normal Subjects (Pilot Study) by Abdulrahman M. Alsharidah et al 5. Impact of Ramadan intermittent fasting on cognitive function in trained cyclists: a pilot study by Chamari K, Briki W et al 6. Hungry stomach hormone promotes growth of new brain cells by Clare Wilson 7. Caloric restriction and intermittent fasting: Two potential diets for successful brain aging by Bronwen Martin, Mark P. Mattson,and Stuart Maudsleya 8. Intermittent fasting during Ramadan attenuates proinflammatory cytokines and immune cells in healthy subjects 9. Fasting – A Body/Mind/Spirit Healing by Shaykh Mansour Leghaei The post How Fasting Helps in Achieving Better Neurological Health appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog. The Role Of Fasting In Cleansing Toxins From The Body “Sawm” or fasting is one of the most prominent pillars of Islam that needs to be followed by every practicing Muslim if there are no health restrictions or age matters that might affect the health of an individual. While it teaches us to endure “Sabr” (patience), it also elevates the level of “Taqwa”. In order to bolster the spiritual connection with the Khaliqin, one must observe fast. This tradition has been followed by many Prophets (AS) in the past prior to the arrival of our beloved Prophet Muhammad(S). “Oh you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may gain self-restraint.” (Holy Quran, 2:183) The month of fasting in Islam is known as Ramadan which happens to be the holiest and the blessed months. In this month, Quran was revealed. While the spiritual levels have their own benefits in observing fasts, there are physical benefits too like fasts remove toxins from the body and help the body to rejuvenate. Let me discuss certain points related to the perks of this holy month in relation to our physical body: Fasting helps to remove toxins from the body. As per Dr. Otto Buchinger; Germany’s great fasting therapist after more than 100,000 fasting cures says: “Fasting is, without doubt, the most effective biological method of treatment, it is the operation without surgery… it is a cure involving exudation, redirection, loosening up and purified relaxation.” It helps to relieve the body from various diseases as well as allergies. It helps you to get rid of certain habits for a while and may be that might become life-long too. Like one cannot smoke, this will signal the body to adjust without it and eventually you may one day get rid of it. It helps to lower cholesterol which in turn increases cardiovascular health and thereby decreasing the risk of heart attack or a stroke. It helps to eliminate toxins from the body. While the body is fasting, the stored fats and carbohydrates are used to generate energy and also burn any harmful toxins present in the body. During this time, the organs start to repair themselves and the white blood cells of the body become more active for cleansing the body. Body’s healing mechanism increases. It helps to boost brain function and prevents degenerative disorders. Shaykh Mansour Leghaei in his book “Fasting and the Holy month of Ramadhan”[1] writes on the healing effects of the fasting: It is quoted from the Prophet of Islam to have said: “Fast, you’ll be healthy”. An Egyptian pyramid inscription in 3800B.C also reads: “Humans live on one-quarter of what they eat; on the three-quarters live their doctor!” The three fathers of Western Medicine; (Hippocrates, Galen & Paracelsus) prescribed fasting as the greatest remedy and the physician within. Life Magazine in its September 1996 issue considered fasting: the healing revolution. There are more than 500 medical journal articles available on therapeutic fasting on the internet. The outstanding physicians named fasting as being; the medicine for the 21st century. They believe the human body is designed to heal itself, if only given the opportunity. Dr. Otto Buchinger; Germany’s great fasting therapist after more than 100,000 fasting cures says: “Fasting is, without doubt, the most effective biological method of treatment.. it is the operation without surgery… it is a cure involving exudation, redirection, loosening up and purified relaxation.” He furthers therapeutically; fasting cures many of our modern illnesses, including the following: allergies, cardiovascular disease, chronic diseases of the digestive system, degenerative and painfully inflammatory illnesses of the joints, myriad disturbances in one’s eating behavior, glaucoma, initial malfunction of the kidneys, tension and migraine headaches, as well as skin diseases. Preventively, it’s designed to cleanse, and to regenerate, rejuvenate and restore a person’s sense of well-being, in body, mind and soul. As Doctor Buchinger would conclude: “When the body fasts, the soul is hungry; when the body becomes lighter, the soul also craves relief.” Dr. Joel Fuhrman in Fasting and Eating for Health notes: “Fasting has been repeatedly observed to alleviate neuroses, anxiety and depression.” Fasting marvelously decomposes and burns all the cells and tissue that are aged, damaged, diseased, weakened or dead, a process called in medicine autolyze or self-digest or detoxification.” The main purpose of fasting is to gain ‘self-restraint’ as stated in the holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may observe self-restraint (al-Taqwa).” [2:183] Thus it is also the spiritual cleansing because: It brings one closer to Allah It imbibes the habit of patience in an individual The reward for the patient is stated in the holy Quran as: “Only those who are patient shall receive their reward in full without reckoning.” [39:10] One must take this month seriously and commit themselves sincerely in order to enjoy the benefits of fasting that would aid to keep the body healthy. Thus one must try to be punctual in fasting as it is important from the religious point of view as well as body’s health wise too. Let us pray to Allah to give us strength to fast in the holy month, to elevate our Taqwa and make us a better individual! 1. https://www.al-islam.org/fasting-and-ramadhan-sheikh-mansour-leghaei/fasting-bodymindspirit-healing The post The Role Of Fasting In Cleansing Toxins From The Body appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog. Prophet Muhammad (S) as a perfect human Do we follow Islam perfunctory because we are born into the religion or do we follow it because we understand it? This is not a difficult question to answer because we appreciate being born Muslims and not having to go through the difficult transformation process of leaving one faith to accept another. We took Islam from our parents, built on it and in the course realized that Islam has answers to all our questions. Islam taught us that to continue to stay on the right path we should have knowledge of our religion with understanding, not get fearful of our circumstances remaining firm in our belief, avoiding bad company and influences that cause us to sin. Our belief in Allah (SWT), purifies us from polytheism, prayers make us humble, charity purifies our soul and increases prosperity, fasting increases firmness in our devotion, Haj reinforces religion and justice bringing peace and harmony in hearts. What would be the character of the person who brought a peaceful religion like Islam for the entire humanity in the Middle East in the era when fathers were killing their own daughters barbarically and there were no moral values or legal principles? He would have to be gentle in guiding them to adopt moral values so they did not get offended and reject him. He would definitely have to be kind, tolerant and understanding if he were expecting a behavioral change. He would have to be respectful no matter how bad the people he was dealing with – making them feel important and very special despite their faults. He should be able to gain their trust to be able to gently guide them and prevent them from doing wrong. He would have to be a good judge of character, more from a higher rank, to have a peer support system with reliable confidants who are firm so as not to be easily swayed. He should be able to connect with all different kinds of people. He would have to be transparent, honest and trustworthy with no greed. He would have to be someone who would never hurt you nor cheat you, or betray your trust in him. He would have to be truthful at all times. He would have to be someone people would yearn for because they would feel a sense of comfort by being in his presence. More importantly, he should be able to set an example and invoke the desire in others to be ethical and excel in the good they are doing. He would have all these special traits and still be humble if he were to implement all the moral values to accomplish his mission. He would show respect to his followers, to his family members and even to his enemies. These qualities are so special that world leaders today, especially the pretentious ones, would be successful and more respected if they adopted a few of these characteristics. Who in this whole wide world possessed qualities to implement such deep-rooted changes in human character? In the history of mankind, there is just one and only one person who qualifies(1). He did not have a trace of arrogance and was a symbol of simplicity and piety. He was the man who graced the world with his presence from 17 of Rabi’ al-awwal 53 BH to 28 Safar 11 AH. Allah(SWT) described his personality to us in the Holy Quran: And it was by God’s grace that you [O Prophet] were lenient with your followers: for if you had been harsh and hard of heart, they would indeed have broken away from you. Pardon them, then, and pray that they be forgiven. And take counsel with them in all matters of public concern; then, when you have decided upon a course of action, place your trust in God: for, verily, God loves those who place their trust in Him. (Quran 3:159) Allah (SWT)’s Prophet (S) had some unique characteristics. He was kind, soft-spoken with a gentle firmness yet a great leader. He gave advice to those who sought and always practiced himself before he preached. He had vast knowledge of this universe and the hereafter and he spoke to people at their level of understanding. He practiced what was mentioned in the Quran, conveying the message to the people by practicing and demonstrating. He spent much of his time in the company of others teaching them to learn from his life – a living example indeed. People were aware of the simple things he did in his day to day life like what he drank, how he drank, how much he drank, how he ate, what he ate, how much he ate, how he fasted, how he prayed, his mannerisms, his likes and dislikes, his role as a husband, a father, a grandfather, a role model. His piety, morality, dedication, charity, knowledge, wisdom, his simplicity, generosity, integrity, righteousness, patience, calmness, composure, honesty, truthfulness, leadership, friendliness, hospitality, helpful nature, problem-solving were simply exemplary. He taught people a new way of life – devotional, enlightened, disciplined, organized, compassionate, peaceful, just, empathetic, focused, responsible, as well as reflective. Historians have documented that his practices were heart-winning. For instance, he always looked directly at the person and spontaneously smiled making them feel instantly joyful and lighting up their eyes and faces. He always laughed at things they laughed at – remained calm, composed and pleasant so people were always comfortable around him. “And indeed, you are of a great and powerful disposition, moral character and mannerism.” (Quran 68:4). Who is this noble soul that the Holy Quran speaks so highly of? This noble person was our dear Prophet Mohammad (S) son of Abdullah ibn Abdul Muttalib. Prophet Muhammad (S) (may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him and his family) was a devoted soul who had dedicated his life for Allah (SWT) There was not one star like him that walked the surface of the earth. He was a treasure of all good qualities in one human being(2). His alluring qualities include mercy to all, forgiveness, kindness, absolute trust in Allah (SWT), practicing before preaching, leading them by setting an example. With his pleasant personality he won the hearts of everyone around him. Renowned for his pleasantness in paying respect to others, genuinely interested in his followers when they involved him in their conversation, being attentive, actually listening to what they were conveying, showing empathy, helping them when needed, avoiding conflicts and arguments over trivial things, parting with pleasantries made him the most sought after person by all those who knew him. Obeying Prophet Muhammad (S) is equivalent to obeying Allah (SWT): “Say, [O ], “If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Quran 3:31) Such is Allah (SWT)’s love for his Prophet (S), His own creation, who is noor in a human form who did not have a shadow. Whatever Prophet Muhammad (S) says is based on a divine revelation: “Nor does he speak from [his own] inclination. It is not but a revelation revealed.” (Quran 53:3–4) Prophet Muhammad (S) is the Prophet of Allah (SWT) at all times. He does not become like us and does not commit mistakes. He is the chosen one to be the guiding light for the entire humanity. Those who consider him as their own selves are mistaken because Prophet Muhammad (S) is a Prophet every second of his life. He is a human no doubt, he was born, was alive and died. He felt joy and sorrow, enjoyed good health and fell sick, felt pain, ate food, married women, left his legacy – his progeny behind(3). 1.https://www.al-islam.org/articles/prophet-muhammad-s-divine-mercy-worlds-shaykh-mansour-leghaei 2.https://www.al-islam.org/islamic-teachings-book-2/prophetic-mission-prophet-muhammad-s 3 https://www.al-islam.org/life-muhammad-prophet-sayyid-saeed-akhtar-rizvi/early-years The post Prophet Muhammad (S) as a perfect human appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog. The Fifth of the Scintillating Lights Imam Muhammad al-Baqir is the fifth of the scintillating lights of the AhlulBayt (as). He was known as al-Baqir al-uloom, the one who splits knowledge, meaning to disperse and share the knowledge endowed from past Imams (as) and Prophets (as). He was the splitter of knowledge; unravelling the mysteries of deep oceans of knowledge and solving the riddles of science for the people. His love for knowledge is well known and documented among the historians. He was born in Medina and lived until about 57 years of age, spending nineteen of those years in a state of Imamate. During his life, the Umayyads and Abbasids were occupied with fighting each other for power. Imam al-Baqir (as) made best use of this reprieve in spreading the divine knowledge and light of which he was the heir to the holy Prophet (s). Many great scholars have acknowledged and praised his great scientific knowledge. Abdullah Ibn ‘Atayi Makki says, “The scholars showed a kind of humility before Muhammad ibn Ali ibn Husayn that (they) showed for no one else. I saw Hakam ibn ‘Atibah, who was so learned and honorable, that behaved like a child before his teacher when facing Muhammad ibn Ali.” [1] Ibn Abil Hadid writes, “Muhammad ibn Ali ibn Husayn was the greatest in jurisprudence in Hijaz. The people learned jurisprudence from him and his son, Ja’far…” [ibid] Shaykh Mufid writes, “Some traditions are narrated from Imam al-Baqir (as) about the beginning of creation of world, the history of Prophets (s), wars, conducts, traditions, and Hajj rituals from Prophet Muhammad (s), as well as exegesis of the Qu’ran by general and specific narrators…People have narrated various sciences from him…Imam al-Baqir (as) trained notable and knowledgeable students during his lifetime, who are narrators of his traditions…” [2] Ibn Hajar al-Haytami, a famous scholar belonging to the Sunni school of thought said: “Imam Muhammad al-Baqir has disclosed the secrets of knowledge and wisdom and unfolded the principles of spiritual and religious guidance. Nobody can deny his exalted character, his God-given knowledge, his divinely-gifted wisdom and his obligation and gratitude towards spreading of knowledge. He was a sacred and highly talented spiritual leader and for this reason he was popularly titled `al-Baqir’ which means `the expander of knowledge.’ Kind of heart, spotless in character, sacred by soul and noble by nature, the Imam devoted all his time in submission to Allah (and in advocating the teachings of the Holy Prophet and his descendants). It is beyond the power of a man to count the deep impression of knowledge and guidance left by the Imam on the hearts of the faithful. His sayings in devotion and abstinence, in knowledge and wisdom, and in religious exercise and submission to Allah are so great in number that the volume of this book is quite insufficient to cover them all.” [3] According to a famous tradition, the holy Prophet (s) is said to have conveyed his greetings to Imam al-Baqir through his companion Jabir ibn Abd Allah Ansari. One day, while being in audience with Imam al-Sajjad (as), Jabir heard a child whom he asked ‘Who are you?’ The child answered: ‘I am Muhammad ibn Ali ibn al-Husayn.’ Jabir called him near, took hold of his hand, kissed it, and said: ‘One day, I had an audience with your grandfather, the Apostle of Allah (s). He told me: ‘You may live so long as to see Muhammad ibn Ali b. al-Husayn, one of my grandsons. Give my greetings to him and tell him: May Allah grant you the light of wisdom, (to) disseminate the faith and knowledge!’” [4] The above mentioned details are just a small glimpse of the greatness of Imam al-Baqir (as). But what did he want from his Shia? The following tradition from him addressed to Jabir Ja’fari, who was one of his companions, notes one of his important commands for his true followers: “O Jabir! I swear by God that our follower is one who submits to the command of God and is pious and God-fearing. God is not biased toward anyone and the dearest servants before God are those who are the most righteous and comply with divine edicts better and more often than others. By God, the only way to please God and get closer to Him, is through obedience and submission. We cannot save you from the flames of hell. Anyone who obeys God is our companion and friend and anyone who commits sins and wrongdoings and disobeys God is our enemy. O Jabir! One cannot attain our affection but through piety and good deeds.” [5] 1. As quoted in “Imamate and The Imams” by Ayatullah Ibrahim Amini 3. As quoted in “A Brief History of the Fourteen Infallibles” published by World Organization for Islamic Services 4. As quoted in “The Fourteen Luminaries of Islam” by Ahmad Ahmadi Birjandi 5. As quoted in “Principles of the Shi’ite Creed” by Ayatullah Ibrahim Amini Source : Islamic Insights The post The Fifth of the Scintillating Lights appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog. The Keys of Salvation for a Believer: Piety, Patience and Truth Author : Dr Farhat Fatima Allah (s.w.t) has unlimited knowledge and is commanding. He is the Grand Architect of the Universe. The Primary step of religion is to understand Him (Allah s.w.t) as He is the Guardian of those who believe. And those who disbelieve in Allah (s.w.t) for them is the fire of Hell. God has sent down the Book (al-Quran) which has regulated laws to follow and practice. And the balance has to be done through following the divine prophet and his Ahl Al-Bayt(AS) and the Holy Quran. Imam Ali (a.s) is the Assistant of Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.w) and He explains to us that the followers of Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.w) should follow piety so that they are free from evil desires. Through piousness, patience and truth a person can achieve positive aims of life. Glory is for the Supreme Lord Allah the Almighty, Omniscient and all-powerful Lord, has created this Universe with the marvelous earth which gives shelter to all species large and small, gigantic and minute. This earth is shaded with the wonderful sky. Allah has made beautiful flowers with bulbs and their flowery colorful petals. These florid petals open and close and sing the Praise and Resplendence of Allah, the Great and Omnipotent. He has created the oceans and rivers with beautiful plant life in it. The glorious sun greets the mountains and earth with its silvery rays. These beautiful creations of God do not ask for attention as they are busy admiring the brilliance of Allah (s.w.t). He is Almighty Lord who has created all the creatures starting from living things like energies, matter, compounds, different forms of life and the laws of nature. His artistic designs and wonderful creations of beauty and elegance has the most beautiful and brilliant characteristics and are unmistakable indications and evidences of His Supreme Knowledge and Might. Hazrat Ali Ibn Abi Talib says in Sermon 53 of Peak of Eloquence – Nahjul Balagha that “God be praised till nights keep on setting in and world keeps on rising and setting: Praised be God whose Bounties will never disappear, whose Favours are gratis and do not require returns.” (Jaffery 154) The primary step of religion is to accept, understand and realize Him (Allah s.w.t) as the Lord, the excellence of perception lies in certainty and authentication, and the true way of conviction is to honestly believe in Tawheed (oneness of Allah). The accurate form of belief in His Unity is to realize that He is so totally clean and beyond nature that nothing can be added to or subtracted from His being. (Jaffery 101) Guidance is for the believers God is the Guardian of those who believe; He taketh them out of darkness into light; and those who disbelieve, the rebels are their guardians they take them out from light to darkness; They are the companions of the (Hell) fire, therein shall they abide. [Chap. 2 Al-Baqarah 257] The verse (Holy Quran 2: 257) illustrates the situation of believers and disbelievers from the point of leader and guardian. The leader and guardian, Allah (s.w.t) under his guardianship and leadership brings the believers out of darkness into light and those who disbelieve and reject faith, their guardians are the false-deities (taghoot) who bring them back from light into darkness. Those disbelievers will be the inhabitants of fire and they will abide forever. The traits of a believer are to spend in charity and believe in Unity of God. There shall be no compulsion in religion as the truth has been made clear. This verse (Holy Quran 2: 257) states the fact that any attitude of mind and heart towards any object held as sacred, cannot be obtained by force but by spontaneous conviction with a clear view of what is really sacred from what is otherwise. Allah created human beings and wants them to follow the straight path and do good deeds in this world. He has promised those who believe and do good that they will go to Jannah; while those disbelieve and do bad deeds will go to Jahannum. God is He Who sent down the Book with truth and the Balance, and what dost. Thou know? Happly the Hour (of Reckoning) be nigh [Chap. 42 Surah Ash-Shura: 17] God shall judge all differences. The true Religion which way revealed to the apostles in the past and the treasures of the heavens and the earth belong only to God. The verse [Chap. 42: 17] illustrates that, The Book (The Holy Quran) sent down to mankind from God does not contain mere philosophy or mere ideals of life but strictly regulated laws for men to practice and for the regulation of justice on earth. A Balance is the means through which the values are inquired and determined. It is said that here the Meezan or the Balance is the divine personality of the Holy Prophet(S) which manifested the various attributes of God and which presented the best model or the standard of faith and its practice and after him his kith and kin (the holy Ahl Al-Bayt) starting with Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s) until the Twelfth Imam (Mahdi a.t.f.s). The position of Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib(AS) with the Holy Prophet(S) is as his deputy and Assistant. Thus, the believer should be in complete balanced mind with (a) the Holy Prophet(S) along with his Ahl Al-Bayt(AS) and (b) the revealed Holy Book, The Quran. The last sentence of the verse (chap 42: 17) is apparently a presumptive one reminding the Noble Prophet (S) that although he is the Messenger of Allah (SWT) and aware of the mysteries of creation, but the Hour of Resurrection is solely known by God Almighty. In reply to disbelievers inquiring about the Hour of Resurrection, he is asked to say unto them that God Alone is aware of it and it may be close at hand. The discourse of Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib in Sermon 234 explains piety as the key to the doors of righteousness and virtue. It is a provision for the next world. It is a source of freedom from slavery of evil desires and a wall of protection from every ill-luck and misfortune. It is a refuge for those who try to run away from vice and wickedness. Through it a person can achieve his aims of life. (Jaffery 416) Verily man is in loss! [Chap 103: 2] The verse (103: 2) says that man’s lifespan of time is continuously squeezing, as the ice melts into water in the same way the life of man is melting. The man amidst innumerable temptations is always caught in the satisfaction of his lust and desires, thus under the risk of being easily beguiled by the innumerable and the most powerful and irresistible attractions. And if man, is not on his guard against all the formidable forces of Satan who is ever active to lead man astray, man suffers the loss, the loss of the pleasure of his Lord which is the loss of his salvation, the loss real. We can conclude the discussion in following words : Man has to enjoin patience with truth and good deeds following the steps of the preachers, the Holy Ahlul Bayt(AS) as they themselves exercised more patience to the maximum degree possible. The Holy Ahlul Bayt(AS) has suffered untold miseries, tortures and a wholesale massacre of their dear ones in the battle of Karbala with patience. None of the eleven Imams left this world with a natural death and all of them suffered martyrdom and always preached goodness and advocated abstinence from evil. The Best of the people can be only those whom God has Himself Purified (The verse 33:33). The others, according to the degree of the purification they would have achieved. God assures the believers that even though he is Omnipotent and none can challenge His Authority, He deals with all the facts, truth, benevolence, justice, and the rights of none will be transgressed on the Day of Judgment. Section 34, Surah Al-Baqarah, Chapter 2, Verse 257 Surah Al-‘Ahzab, Chapter 33 Verse 33 \| An Enlightening Commentary The Holy Quran The Final Testament Trans. Agha Pooya Yazdi and S.V. Mir Ahmed Ali, Elmhurst, New York, Tahrike Tarsile Quran, Inc. U.S. Fifth Edition 2005 (Ch. 103. 2) The Holy Quran The Final Testament Trans. Agha Pooya Yazdi and S.V. Mir Ahmed Ali, Elmhurst, New York, Tahrike Tarsile Quran, Inc. U.S. Fifth Edition 2005 (Ch. 42. 17) Trans. Jafery, Askari Peak of Eloquence (‘Nahjul Balaqha) Sermons, Letters and Sayings of Imam Ali Sixth Edition (1979) Islamic Seminary pg. 101 Peak of Eloquence (‘Nahjul Balaqha) Sermons, Letters and Sayings of Imam Ali Sixth Edition (1979) Islamic Seminary pg. 154 The post The Keys of Salvation for a Believer: Piety, Patience and Truth appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog. Muharram The Month Of Revolution Although a revolution is a fundamental change in power or organizational structure that takes place in a relatively short period of time we are applying the term to an Islamic month that carries in its fold the immortal message of Imam Husain a.s. because of the great awareness it brings in our everyday life. Every sip of water we drink brings to our mind the picture of our little prince, Ali Asghar a.s. who was the youngest soldier of Imam Husain’s a.s.’s mission and contributed to the event that culminated on the 10th of Muharram [1]. The revolution that took place in retaliation to duress and oppression in the month of Muharram, under the Imamate(divine leadership) of Imam Husain a.s. left the warm light of Islam turned on for everyone to accept, whenever they felt compelled to find the ultimate truth. Imam Husain a.s. has burned a lamp that draws us to it and provides the feeling of connection with God in its engulfing warmth. It is a revolution that gains more momentum with time. As more and more people realize its significance and get drawn to it they experience the peace they were in search of and feel their quest for truth has been answered. This emotional satisfaction is an outcome of the love they receive through the doors of Imam Husain a.s. which are forever open welcoming each one of us to connect to Allah swt just like he went to the side of every martyr of Karbala and held him close to his self during the last moments of their lives. Imam Husain a.s. learned Islam from his grandfather – the one who received the Holy Quran on his heart, his father – the epitome of knowledge in the Prophet’s mission and his mother who was also called Zakiyah – the knowledgeable. He represented the true living spirit of Islam. When unnecessary and unwanted changes were being incorporated into Islam, Imam Husain a.s. was duty-bound to bring it back into its original form. This called for a revolution because Imam Husain a.s. was conscious of the wrong and he knew that he was the only one who could correct the wrong because he was accurately aware of the extent to which the wrong had taken place [2]. When Imam Husain a.s. was given no choice but to give allegiance to a tyrant and an infidel enemy of Islam or face death, he took a few members of his family – including women and children and left Madinah towards Makkah. While in respite, he aspired to perform Haj. His peace did not last long and when the enemy plotted to kill him while performing Haj, Imam Husain a.s. performed Umrah instead of Haj to preserve the sanctity of the Holy Kaaba. Since Makkah had also become unsafe for him, he accepted the invitation of Kufans and left Makkah for Kufah. His family accepted Imam Husain a.s.’s divine decision with solidarity [3]. His brave and obedient brother Abbas a.s. suppressed his anguish and obeyed Imam Husain a.s.’s command to avoid bloodshed at the Holy Kaaba and give in to the compelling demand of the enemy to leave Makkah without performing Haj. When Imam Husain a.s. learned that Yazid’s forces had assembled in Kufah and were waiting to assassinate him, he changed direction to go back towards Madinah. Hurr a.s.’s army obstructed Imam Husain a.s. from returning to Madinah. Not wanting to go to Kufah and unable to go to Madinah, Imam Husain a.s. moved in the direction towards Karbala. There, he was besieged and the supply of food and water to his camps was cut off. His family – consisting of infants, children, women and nursing mothers suffered hunger and thirst for three days in the extreme heat in the desert of Karbala. Imam Husain a.s. requested everyone to leave him and save their lives for staying with him would mean certain death. On the day of Ashura, he began to lose one companion after another. After his small company of seventy two was killed in the matter of a few hours, and he had participated in the agony and death of every companion, he offered his thanks to Allah swt in prostration in complete submission and attained martyrdom [ 4]. In Muharram, our beloved Imam Husain a.s. set an example for us to conquer oppression in a way that weapons were not needed to be victorious. He vanquished falsehood with truth creating history which only gets more relevant with passage of time because new depth is displayed in the character of Imam Husain a.s. each time it is closely examined. The success of Imam Husain’s mission is manifold and multifaceted. The humanitarian sacrifice of our Prophet’s beloved grandson is intense, immense, incomparable, invaluable and impassable to any event in the history of this world. In a matter of few short months after he left his home in Madinah, Imam Husain a.s. contentedly offered all he had – including his family, his followers, his footing, in the way of Allah swt. Imam Husain a.s. was a unique revolutionist. The noteworthy revolutions include the revolution of colored people against whites in the 1790s and the Iranian revolution in the 1970s, which reformed the society, as well as all revolutions in between are a reawakening after Islam had prohibited slavery and set the standard for leading a blissful life centuries ago. However, there was no reformer like Imam Husain a.s. who brought changes that will last until the very last day of the existence of this world. The incarnate truth was revealed by the Holy Quran al Karim, brought to us by the message of our Holy Prophet sas who, by example, taught the believers how to live a truthful and sanctified life. He invited the people to one God – Allah swt. He explained the verses from the Holy Quran as they were brought to him by Gibrail a.s. A lifetime’s dedication of Prophet Mohammad sas for the cause of Islam was being eliminated by the changes being brought to the religion by the rulers after the Prophet sas. These changes hurt the soul of spiritual freedom which is the essence of Islam. They worked against truth and the preaching and principles of the Prophet sas and favored the corrupt rulers. When Islam was being modified from the inside to suit the political greed and shortcomings of the rulers, the true custodian of Islam set up his defense to protect Islam with the divine help and integrate the true spirit of Islam in such a way that no one would be able to change the essence of the religion till the very end. Therefore Imam Husain a.s. is the protector of Islam. In a revolution, there is a reversal of direction to revolve and go back into its original form leading to a radical and complete change. Imam Husain a.s. unfolded a new era in Islam by his unique sacrifice and clearly distinguished the truth from falsehood in the shadow of the Karbala Revolution. The battle of Karbala that took place in the month of Muharram and subsequent events exposed the tyrants whose roots can be traced back to the infidels who had joined Islam either to save their own skin or in greed of bounty they expected from a prosperous religion. The two groups, truth and falsehood, were clearly separated – the first group restored the religion of Prophet Mohammad sas, and the second group fed their own greed without a clue or understanding of the true spirit of Islam. The two groups diverged even further with time as the sacrifice of Imam Husain a.s. and his companions was revealed to the world and the tyrants continued their tyranny on Ahlul Bayt a.s. Imam Husain a.s. became an iconic figure not only for the true Muslims but also for the justice seekers who were seeking a true humanitarian as a role model. The severed head of Imam Husain a.s., the savior of Islam, on the spear inspires every oppressed individual to raise his head and fight for his dignity. If the question still remains: Who won the battle of Karbala? The victory is Imam Husain a.s. ’s because this one man revolution in the month of Muharram revived and brought back to life the true spirit of Islam complete with humanity as illustrated in the Holy Quran. Imam Husain a.s.’s mission, which was to reawaken the spirit of Islam and rekindle the Islamic conscience that was nearing extinction by the conduct of Muslim rulers of his time, was accomplished perfectly. The blood of Imam Husain a.s. and his companions keeps the lamp of Islam lighted as a means of guidance to all humanity, till eternity, to keep the spirit of freedom and refrain from surrendering the liberty of mind to evil ways [5]. Muharram is the month of display of patience, bravery, loyalty, heroism, faith, belief, trust, humanity and sacrifice. It is the month of Husain a.s. It is a month of Abbas a.s., Ali Akbar a.s., Hurr a.s., Habeeb a.s., Ali Asghar a.s. It is a month wherein the tyrants who were in power lost to the powerless and uprooted family of Prophet sas and their small group of devoted friends. The sacrifice of Imam Husain a.s. started a new trend, the ritual of Majlis in the month of Muharram in the Imambargahs(the places where commemorating mourning assemblies or majalis are held) and Mosques. This provided a unique opportunity of learning Imam Husain a.s.’s martyrdom and sacrifice in Karbala. The respected orators convey the message of Imam Husain a.s. from the pulpits. This must be made full use of in understanding the true meaning of Islam and the victory of chests, hands and necks over spears, swords and arrows. We, the followers of Imam Husain a.s., do not need artillery to remain truthful and fight the Satan. Falsehood will eventually be defeated by the truth and vanish with time so long as we have the courage to rise against the tyrant even when we are weak. Imam Husain a.s. taught us to make sacrifices and remain firm if we are with the truth and not to give in to the Satans in our life. We commemorate Imam Husain a.s.’s martyrdom in the month of Muharram. We mourn by wearing black as a symbol of sorrow. We experience the pain that Imam Husain a.s. and his family went through in saving the prestige of Islam. We remember the sacrifice made by him to save Islam when it was in peril of extinction only a few years after our Prophet sas passed away. The revolution in the month of Muharram is the cause of many revolutions we bring in our lives by taking strength from the martyrdom of Imam Husain a.s. because we do not consider Muharram to be a ritual to follow each year. Rather, Muharram is a month in which the less powerful become more determined and muster strength to overcome the more powerful miscreants in their lives. The enemy need not be an outsider, it could be your own ego that you learn to tame and get rid of in Muharram. It could be your impatience and loss of focus that you need to learn to conquer. It could be your temper and destructive nature that is causing harm to others and destroying your own self – this needs to be eliminated. To my father who is a wonderful father, an adorable grandfather, and a devoted husband to my mother. https://www.al-islam.org/nafasul-mahmum-relating-heart-rending- tragedy-karbala-shaykh-abbas-qummi https://www.imamreza.net/old/eng/imamreza.php?id=10018 https://www.al-islam.org/articles/divine-will-martyrdom-imam-husain-allamah-sayyid-saeed-akhtar-rizvi https://www.al-islam.org/lohoof-sighs-sorrow-sayyid-ibn-tawus http://english.khamenei.ir/news/4212/Imam-Hussain-s-Revolution-for-Humanity The post Muharram The Month Of Revolution appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog. The Ultimate Beacon of Humanity and Sacrifice: Hussain Ibn Ali (A.S.) Author: Dr Farhat Fatima Islam is a monotheistic religion taught by Prophet Mohammad (Peace be upon him and his progeny). The deep-seated decree of Islam is total submission to the will of Allah (S.W.T). When the immoral Yazid Ibn Mawviya unlawfully avowed himself as a leader of the Islamic state of Damascus, the throne of Damascus had become a tyrant’s worldly throne and the decomposition of ethics and principles of Islam spread among the people. There was only one man who could stop this viciousness and that was Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (A.S.) – the youngest grandson of Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.W.) and the rightful Imam/leader of the Muslims. Thus, on the day of Ashura, the tenth of Moharram 61 A.H. Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (A. S.) sacrificed his life along with seventy one of His companions in the way of Islam. This paper aims to portray Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (A. S.) by his colossal sacrifices against tyranny and oppression as ‘the ultimate beacon’ or guiding light for humanity till eternity. This beacon/guiding light kindled by Imam Hussain (A. S.) by giving his life, has been kept alive by his son Zain Al Abedien(A. S.), his sister Zainab Bint Ali (S.A), His family members (The Ahl Al-Bayt) and by his living son, Qaem (A.T.F.S) and the true followers of Hussain Ibn Ali (A. S.). Keywords: Humanity, Sacrifice, Discipline, Restraint, Values Rationalization of thoughts Islam taught by Prophet Mohammad (Peace be upon him and his progeny) was a religion of restraint, discipline and a religion of setting aside of self-interest and helping others. When the devilish Yazid Ibn Mawviya affirmed himself as a leader of the Ummah/Islamic state of Damascus, the throne of Damascus had become a worldly throne and the decay of morals and values of Islam spread among the people. “In the fifty years of History from the death of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W) to Kerbala. Islam had gone through a series of turmoil’s where its spiritual values were tarnished to an extent that Yazid publicly denounced the Prophet of Islam in his court and was drinking and making fun of the rules of Shariat.”(Khan 2) There was only one man who could stop this viciousness and that was the youngest grandson of Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.W), Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (A. S.). Yazid insisted oath of allegiance from Hussain Ibn Ali (A. S.). Hussain’s piousness and righteousness and his high position as the chosen Imam of Allah (S.W.T) and a custodian of Ummah would not have allowed him to pay homage to anybody, let alone a tyrant like Yazid Ibn Mawviya. He (Imam Hussain Ibn Ali) was the inheritor of Prophets – The inheritor of Adam (A. S.), inheritor of Nooh (A. S.), The inheritor of Musa (A. S.), The inheritor of Esa (A. S.), The inheritor of Mohammad Mustafa, peace be upon him and his progeny (inheritor of prophethood) and the inheritor of Ali Ibn Abi Talib. (A. S.) (Inheritor of Imamah) Yazid Ibn Mawviya was a drunkard, pervert and vile natured man and Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (A. S.) knew very well that giving allegiance of loyalty to Yazid Ibn Mawviya would jeopardize the survival of Islam. To protect and defend Islam he had no alternative but to deal with and collide with Yazid’s rulership irrespective of the consequences. Thus, on the day of Ashura, the tenth of Moharram 61 A.H. Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (A. S.) gave his life along with seventy one of His companions in the way of Islam to stir the glow of unparalleled love in the hearts of children, women and men for all seasons and years to come. Karbala is an unmatched sole instance of Humanity and truth. The martyrs of Karbala have shown that for defending the integrity of Islam and to guard its ideology you need to endure hardships and heartache and even your lives are worthy of sacrifice. “Within the small band of followers who gave up their lives in Karbala, we find that it represented society from varied aspects. As such, it was a microcosm of the society for all time. There were companions of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W); companions of Imam Ali (A. S.) (Tabayeen) historically recognized Reciters of holy Quran, and Narrators of Hadiths in Karbala.”(Askari 78) Among the martyrs of Banu Hashim, exclusively were the children of Abu Talib (A. S.) i.e., the children of Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib (A. S.), and the children of his brothers Hazrat Jaffer al Tayyar (A. S.) and Hazrat Aqeel (A. S.). Everyone near and dear to Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (A. S.) was lying on the battlefield of Karbala drenched in their own blood. Maula Hussain Ibn Ali (A. S.) was alone. He whispered gently, ‘Abbas my dear brother, I am alone! So alone’ Slowly, he (AS) moved towards the tents and bade his last farewell and gave necessary instructions to Imam Zain Al Abedien (A. S.) and the ladies. There was heart rending wailing as the Imam walked towards his horse. Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (A. S.) moved towards the battlefield. Standing all alone He (AS) called out Halmin Nasirin Yansurana ‘Is there anyone to help me?’ When no one came to help and the soldiers of Yazid Ibn Mawviya started to attack him, Imam Hussain (A. S.) took out his sword and began to fight. Parched, weary, injured, brokenhearted, Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (A. S.) fought as no one had seen anyone fight! All the best warriors of Umar Ibn Saad, The Commander of Ubayd Allah Ibn Ziad’s Army (Umayyad Governor of Basra, Kufa and Khurasan under the reign of Yazid Ibn Mawviya) perished. No one dared to come near the valiant Imam. Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (A. S.) stood on his stirrups and cast his eyes towards River Furaat, where his dearest brother Abbas Ibn Ali (A. S.) was lying, badly-wounded, hands severed, martyred and in the lap of death and said, “Abbas get up and see the battle of your brother, the hungry, the thirsty, the shattered, the broken-hearted brother?” Then, Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (A. S.) felt a slight shadow above his head and a breeze of moist air. He raised his head and saw Jibraiel his childhood caretaker standing above him in the air, sheltering him with his open wings. Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (A. S.) told Jibraiel to move away as it was the time of examination. Jibraiel said ‘O Hussain! Allah (S.W.T) is pleased with your selflessness and valor. The moment has come to give your life in the way of Islam.’ Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (A. S.) looked at the sky, yes; oh yes! It was the time of Asr (evening Prayer). He kept his sword in his sheath and raised his head towards the sky and said to Allah (S.W.T) in his consciousness: “I have given up all without exception out of my love for Thee. I have abandoned my family and accepted the orphaning of my children in order to meet Thee. If out of love for Thee, my body was chopped in pieces even then my heart will not bend before anyone but Thee.”(Askari 82-82) Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (A. S.) was at this stage in complete command of mind; he was composed, serene and clear in his aim. Allah commands in the Holy Quran: To the righteous soul will be said “O (thou) soul, in (complete) rest and satisfaction! (Surah Al-Fajr 89: 27) In Islamic theology, the human soul passes through states or stages. The state in which the soul seeks the fulfillment of his lower desire crossing the limits prescribed by God’s laws is called ‘Ammura’ in the Holy Quran (Surah Yusuf 12:53) and the soul which reproaches against the rebellious intentions is called ‘La Wama’ in the Holy Quran (Surah Al-Qiyaama75:2). And the soul which has conquered all desires and surrendered itself to the Lord is called ‘Mutmainnali’ in the Holy Quran (Surah Al-Fajr 89:27) the satisfied one, i.e., at rest in peace and perfect harmony with the divine will, triumphed over every kind of passion, desire, sorrow, pain, disappointment for the sake of any enjoyment of this life; getting totally mindful of pleasing the Lord and none else. This is the highest stage of spiritual progress; the human soul in this world can achieve and must strive for. Hussain Ibn Ali (A. S.) had achieved complete confidence in God by absolute submission to His (The supreme Lord’s) will. Allah (S.W.T) was pleased with Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (A. S.) and thus he calls him back to him through Jibraiel. “Return thou unto thy Lord! Well-pleased (with Him), (and) His being well-Pleased with thee” (Surah Al-Fajr 89: 28) The verse (89: 28) of the Holy Quran illustrates that when one reaches the final stage of ‘Mutmainnali’ the satisfied one, he/she gets mindful only of the Lord and not of anybody else, and he does not aspire for any enjoyment even in heaven, except the pleasure of the Lord. This is the stage in which the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his progeny) and his Ahl Al-Bayt (A. S.) were. This was the stage where Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (A. S.) was, hence he is called as Syeddash Shohada, the Prince of martyrs; he gave everything he had to save Islam. When the vile soldiers’ of Yazid Ibn Mawviya(l)’s army who had fled earlier saw Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (A. S.) still on his horse they started returning and attacking all-over again and the valiant Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (A. S.) was besieged under the circle of tyrants. The unprincipled soldiers of Yazid Ibn Mawviya (l) were shouting we should not give respite to the pious member of Ahlul Bait, thus throw him back by the sharp swords. For one life of the pious Imam, thousands of tormentors were standing in anticipation to kill him, for the life of one exceptional, thirsty noble, hundreds of arrows were rained; there was neither a friend nor a helper, oh Lord! Everywhere were blood-thirsty persecutors. Let those fight In the cause of God Who sell the life of this world For the Hereafter. To him who fighteth In the cause of God, — Whether he is slain Or gets victory–Soon shall we give him A reward of great (value). (Surah An-Nisaa 4:74) The verse (4:74) illustrates that the recompense for the Martyrs is a mighty or a grand reward. Thus the reward of Hussain Ibn Ali’s (A. S.) martyrdom is that he will be remembered eternally. His truth in the Battle of Karbala has succeeded irrespective of the constraints of time over the deceit of Yazid Ibn Mawviya. After the martyrdom of Hussain Ibn Ali (A. S.) came the lonely and distressing night known. The unscrupulous men of Yazid’s army burnt the tents of Hussain Ibn Ali (A. S.). The belongings of Hussain Ibn Ali (A. S.) and his family and friends were looted. The women folk and children were tortured and dishonored. And finally when the army left, Hussain Ibn Ali’s (A. S.) sister Zainab bint Ali (S. A.) took a broken spear in her hands and began going around the camp ensuring that the small group of aggrieved, weeping women and crying, weary children and the ailing son of Hussain Ibn Ali (A. S.), Zain Al Abedien (A. S.) were not further disturbed during the night by the devious and horrid forces of Yazid Ibn Mawviya. What a distressing night it was for Zainab Bint Ali (Peace be upon her). It was barely hours before she and her family lived under the banner of dignity and lofty eminence of Imam Hussain Ibn Ali(A. S.) and now the night was pitch dark, children and her family members groaning in pain and anguish with disturbed, fearful sleep. Anguish of losing their loved ones, anguish of being terrorized and tortured again. Next to them were bodies and corpses covered in blood and they were in an isolated desert. She could hear the vile soldiers of Umar Ibn Saad rejoicing. She did not want to think, what the morning would bring for them, will they be killed or taken as captives. Zainab wanted the women and children to rest for a few hours in the distressing night. In the early hours of the morning, Zainab bint Ali (S. A.) had a vision. She saw a man on a horse, riding towards her (S. A.). She was worried that the weary children and women will wake up and she (S. A.) cried out, ‘O rider! For God’s sake, please do not come any nearer! We have just been looted and plundered. The traumatized children have just slept. We have nothing left. Please go away!’ But the rider kept on riding towards her and Zainab Bint Ali (S. A.) got angry. She lifted the broken spear and warned the rider; ‘I am the daughter of Ali Ibn Abi Talib (Son in Law of Prophet Mohammad). I am warning you to stop.’ The rider came near her and said ‘Don’t you recognize your father, Zainab?’ She rushed towards him and threw herself in his comforting embrace and cried out, ‘Oh father! Where were you, when my beloved brother and family members were martyred and when we were plundered and looted by the forces of Yazid Ibn Mawviya. Her father cried ‘Zainab take rest my dear child, you are very tired and from tomorrow you have a long journey of toil and stress, you have to uphold the message of your dear brother and disperse the qualms and misapprehensions sown into the public mind by the unscrupulous administration of Yazid Ibn Mawviya, hence go to sleep my daughter. I have come to guard your tents.’ Shaikh-e-Sadooq asserts in his ‘Khisaal’ through Jabir Ibn Abdullah-e-Ansari that the Holy Prophet said that on the Resurrection Day three entities would complain: i) The Quran ii) The Mosque and iii) The Itrat (The Ahl Al-Bayt) The Quran would say: “O’, My Lord! They distorted me and tore me into pieces”. The Mosque would say: “O’, My Lord! They kept me and spoiled me”. The Itrat (The Ahl Al-Bayt) would say” “O’, Our Lord! They killed us, drove us out of our homes and made us wander hither and thither.”(The Holy Quran Introduction pg.46a) The next day after Ashura i.e., on eleventh of Moharram brought unthinkable afflictions for the bereaved family of Hussain Ibn Ali (A. S.), his womenfolk, orphans and eldest son Imam Ali Ibn Hussain Alias Zain Al Abedien (A. S.) were lashed, tied up and were made to walk on thorny deserts and bundled on unsaddled camels towards a destination of more grief, turmoil and heartache. The beacon of light, to save Islam started by the martyrdom of Hussain Ibn Ali (A. S.) and by his colossal sacrifices has been kindled and kept alive by his son, Imam Zain Al Abedien (A. S.), his sisters and family members {The Ahl Al-Bayt(A. S.)}, and for the coming generations will be kept alive by the Qaem(Imam Mahdi) (A.T.F.S) and by the true followers of Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (A. S.). 1. Askari, Sakina Hasan Aza E Masoomeen (A Collection of Salams, Marsias Hadees and Nohas) Liverpool, UK 2001 (78) Print. 2. – – – Aza E Masoomeen (A Collection of Salams, Marsias Hadees and Nohas) Liverpool, UK 2001 (81-82) Print. 3. Khan, M.M.Taqui KHUTBAT-UN-NISSA-The Contribution of the Ladies of Ahlbait to Islam Moula Ali Printing Works, Hyderabad 2003 (2) Print 4. The Holy Quran TEXT, TRANSLATION & COMMENTARY Vol. III Trans. Abdullah Yousuf Ali, Lahore, Shaikh Muhammad Ashraf, Kashmiri Bazar Ripon Printing Press (Ch.89: 27) Print. 5. – – – Vol. III Trans. Abdullah Yousuf Ali, Lahore, Shaikh Muhammad Ashraf, Kashmiri Bazar Ripon Printing Press (Ch.12: 53) Print. Ashraf, Kashmiri Bazar Ripon Printing Press (Ch.75: 2) Print. 7. – – – Vol. III Trans. Abdullah Yousuf Ali, Lahore, Shaikh Muhammad Ashraf, Kashmiri Bazar Ripon Printing Press (Ch.4:74) Print. 8. The Holy Quran The Final Testament Trans. Agha Pooya Yazdi and S. V. Mir Ahmed Ali, Elmhurst, New York, Tahrike Tarsile Quran, Inc. U.S. Fifth Edition 2005 (Ch. 89: 28) Print. 9. – – – Trans. Agha Pooya Yazdi and S. V. Mir Ahmed Ali, Elmhurst, New York, Tahrike Tarsile Quran, Inc. U.S. Fifth Edition 2005 (Introduction 46a) Print. The post The Ultimate Beacon of Humanity and Sacrifice: Hussain Ibn Ali (A.S.) appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog. Islam As A Way Of Life In the name of Allah the most Merciful Beneficent Life is a mystery. If we do not believe in religion we could easily get into despair because it becomes difficult to get satisfaction merely believing that we came into this world for a short time only to leave it without having a desire to do so. Then what is the purpose of life? As believers, it makes sense to delve into Islam to find an answer to our question from the Holy Quran and the traditions (Hadith). Allah (SWT) says in the Holy Quran that every single individual is created with a unique purpose in life. “Then did you think that We created you uselessly and that to Us you would not be returned?” Quran 23:115 What are our expectations from life – what do we want to achieve in this world? This is an interesting question that covers a vast area of topics which requires several articles to cover it to some degree. Since our focus is Islam, let us leave out the confusing philosophies of questionable moral values and focus on a noble life which provides us the ultimate happiness and peace. In the chaos of our lives, we can rely only on a handful of things to bring us innermost peace and none of these are our own creation. The serenity of the morning prayers, the brightness of the afternoon prayers and the calmness of the evening prayers are the practices that have been put in place for us by our beloved Prophet sas upon the command of the Almighty Allah(SWT). Does Islam have the capacity to fulfill all the requirements of a religion in providing happiness and peace we crave? Islam is the magnet we place in ourselves to be drawn towards Allah (SWT). It is a practical religion that teaches us how to lead a life in this world to progress successfully into the next. Allah (SWT) sent the best of His creation, Prophet Mohammad(S) as our role model who showed us how to live. He brought for us a book of guidance, The Luminous Quran, with instructions that completed the religion and revealed to us how we should lead our lives in this world to attain the hereafter. Through the Holy Quran, Allah (SWT) has conveyed to us the purpose of our lives and the more complex things were demonstrated and explained to us in the form of Hadith by Prophet Mohammad (S), our role model, who lived an exemplary life. “Verily in the Apostle of God you have a good example for everyone who looks forward (with hope and awe) to God and the Last Day, and remembers God unceasingly.” Quran 33:21 Prophet Mohammad(S) evolved the society at all levels of the strata. He influenced the people from different social milieus – the individual, the family, the nation, the Ummah, the entire humanity, the educated and the uneducated, the rich and the poor, the needy and the wealthy, the weak and the strong, the victorious and the defeated, the ruler and the ruled, everyone in the entire universe had something to learn from the life of the best man who walked the surface of the earth, the chosen one of Allah(SWT). [1] Role models in Islam are perfect individuals. Our fourteen Infallibles(AS) are exemplary in their integrity, modesty, generosity, honesty, frugality, wisdom, education, tolerance, compassion, eloquence, were down to earth, thinkers, believers, logical, not prodigal , inspirational, influential, altruistic, not materialistic, nurturing, understanding, sacrificing, forgiving, with impeccable manners, common sense and patience, who put Allah (SWT) first and above all. The uniqueness of Islam, a truly beautiful religion, lies in its principles, which not only shows the way of leading a peaceful life, it places women in a respectable position. Women, so comfortable in their hijab, representing spiritual modesty set up a filter and a moral check on themselves, placing them in a separate category from regular women. Our role models – Bibi Asia a.s., Bibi Mariam a.s., Bibi Khadija a.s. or Bibi Fatima a.s. – have chiseled the status of women in rock that ladies in veils can accomplish commendable great feats, no less than any man. Men and women are created equal in their respective ways and differ from one another only in their taqwa. [2] On the day of Judgment, everyone will be judged based on their taqwa through their jehad and struggles they had to endure. Islam promotes you for your hard work. If you are sincere and get closer to Allah (SWT) and start doing Ibadah(worship,servitude), Allah (SWT) raises your level and helps you do better. You get raised to such standards that you feel better and better and want to perform better and stay closer to Allah (SWT). People in Karbala who sacrificed their lives were ordinary people like us, but they described death to be sweeter than honey. They attain such standard by their closeness to Allah (SWT) and by understanding the truth. We live in a diverse society. There are interactions of different types and functions between individuals and groups. These render us dependent on others as an individual or a group for social, economic, emotional or moral support. We need a balanced society that provides a safe haven for us to flourish. We are created as social beings and regardless of who we are or what our status in society is, relationships are foremost to our existence as human beings. Every one of us is remarkable and have special mission to accomplish. Everything termed halal, not just confined to food, is beneficial to us. Halal is based on scientific benefits. Halal food upholds the Islamic law, as defined in the Holy Quran: “These things alone he has forbidden to you: What is already dead, blood, the flesh of swine, what has been offered up to other than Allah.” Quran 6:145. So long as we eat halal, we will continue to keep ourselves healthy and pure. This keeps us perceptive and open to the command of Allah (SWT). Salat (ritual prayers), the action of prayers, in complete submission to Allah (SWT) is based on our nature. It is the immersion of our self in the will of Allah (SWT). It is the work we need to do to heal ourselves and attain salvation by submitting ourselves to our Creator and handing over ourselves to Him to take complete care of us for we are helpless beings with a multitude of weaknesses. Total submission requires devotion because our ego and desire for separateness constantly wrestles with our need for oneness with Allah (SWT). The search for peace is bigger, deeper and agonizing. [3] Life is full of choices. We become who we are from the choices we make. The best choice to make is the one that places us closer to Allah (SWT) no matter how complicated the way. Easy questions may have easy answers and harder questions harder answers. When we seek an answer to the hardest of all questions we may find no answer. It is at this junction that we have to move forward with faith. There is no limit to how far we can go because we can forever move onward. As we move forward with determination and will power seeking the blessings of Allah (SWT) we often need support from our intimate circle of friends. If we surround ourselves with a strong group of individuals who have full faith and commitment to Allah (SWT) and our own conscience – so perfectly clean that it talks to us, we will always have guidance and keep trudging on the right path. Islam answers the quest, the curiosity, the undying search we have and opens up the knot of jumbled up nerves at the base of our hearts. Islam is a way of life. If you’re searching for true meaning of life in this abstract world of confusion and experiencing its impact, it is an art to put these emotions into words. It is possible to communicate easily to those who are listening open-mindedly and being perceptive. It has to come from the inner core of the other person to be able to comprehend what you are trying to say. You can use all vocabulary available to you in an effort to make the other individual understand you – yet you will never find the right words or do the right things to express what is in your heart. The only One who can understand is the One who has created you. He understands your every need and every emotion. If you are truthful to yourself and to Him, you have attained your purpose in life and there is nothing in this life that will divert you from the path you have chosen to please Him with your actions. For my son Syed Husain Abbas Razvi, the best son a mother can have. 1.Prophethood and the Prophet of Islam by Ayatullah Ibrahim Amini 2. Taqwa (Piety) Advice of Ahl al-Bayt by Sayyed Hussain Sheikh al-Islami 3. The Radiance of the Secrets of Prayer by Muhsin Qara’ati The post Islam As A Way Of Life appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog. Karbala: The Living Tawheed The AhlulBayt (s) have been living embodiment of tawheed (belief in the oneness of God). Their every moment of life has been in accordance to the will of Allah (swt). This fact is very much evident in the whole tragic event of Karbala. In Mecca while at Mount Arafat, Imam Husayn’s (as) love and servitude for Allah (swt) became apparent in the famed Dua of Arafat. This prayer our Imam recited on the day of Arafa and it is a lesson for all those who want to understand what tawheed is. Imam’s (as) statement in the prayer that “blind be the eye that cannot see You watching it” signifies his most elevated sense of Allah’s (swt) presence at every place and time. One often wonders that how a man can bear so much suffering and hardships but he still does not deviate from his faith. How one can witness before his own eyes, his young son dying, small children of his household crying and dying due to thirst, yet remain steadfast? What was the power behind him which only increased as the day of tragedy was unraveling? What did Imam al-Husayn (as) have that was greater than all the sufferings he bore? The answer lies in the same prayer of the day of Arafa which he recited in Mecca: “What can one who misses You find any substitute? What can one who finds You miss anything else? Definitely, failing is he who has accepted anyone other than You as substitute. Definitely, loser is he who have desired for anyone other than You.” Here he proclaims the source of his patience and the source of his contented heart…”What can one who finds You miss anything else?” Imam al-Husayn (as) found His Lord, and so now even all is taken from him including his children, brothers and friends–that all is nothing in comparison to what he found. He found His Lord’s pleasure and that is the biggest substitute for the all loses. In an age when the Muslim community was being ruled by a tyrant who neither believed in revelation nor in the Prophet (s), Imam’s (as) refusal to submit before the wicked usurping tyrant Yazid (la), saved the message of Islam and revived the spirit of tawheed. Because Imam al-Husayn (as) was the very embodiment of tawheed, the Khwajah Mu’in-al-Din Chishti, a great Indian Sufi of Iranian origin, said “He gave his life but wouldn’t give his hand in the hand of Yazid (for allegiance) Verily Husayn is the foundation of la ilaha illa Allah 9there is no God but God)” On the morning of Ashura, the horsemen of the enemy launched an attack on the ranks of the Imam (as). The Imam raised his hands in prayer and said: “O Lord! I depend on you in every affliction and am hopeful of Your blessing in every hardship. In every difficulty with which I am faced, You are my only remedy and resort. There have been many embarrassments which weakened my heart and no remedy for it was available. The friends did not assist me and the enemies rejoiced at my misfortune. However, when I ceased to seek assistance from everyone except You and sought the remedy only from You, You provided me solace and relief and removed the difficulty. Every blessing and goodness reaches us from You and everything should be sought from You only,” further highlighting the spirit of belief in the oneness of God was alive and well amongst the Bani Hashem at Karbala. [1] Some of the Imam’s (as) last words when he was submerged in his blood after being stricken with swords, arrows, spears, and stones, and when his whole body was badly wounded and bleeding, were: “I am pleased with Your decree, obedient to Your command. There is no one worthy of worship but You.”[2] There, Imam al-Husayn (as) in his last moments once more declared his faith in His lord, submitting before His command and will, and being pleased with His will. He became the living exegesis of the following verses of holy Qur’an: “O soul that art at rest! Return to your Lord, well-pleased (with him), well-pleasing (Him), So enter among My servants, and enter into My garden.” (89:27-30) After Imam al-Husayn’s martyrdom, members of AhlulBayt (s) were made captives and taken to Kufa in front of Ibn Ziyad (la). There, Ibn Ziyad asked Sayyida Zainab (as), “How have you seen what Allah has done to your AhlulBayt?” She responded, “I have seen Him treating them most beautifully.” [3] This is the reply from a woman who is in captivity, whose family has been killed. Shiekh Mufid also has mentioned the conversation between Sayyida Zainab (as) and the accursed ibn Ziyad. Ibn Ziyad (la) in his arrogance and wickedness said to Sayyida Zainab (as): “Praise be to God Who has disgraced you, killed you and revealed the false nature of your claims.” She replied to the wicked tyrant in his face as a brave and honored lady: “Praise be to God Who favored us with His Prophet, Muhammad (s), and He has purified us completely from sin. He only disgraces the great sinner and reveals the false nature of the profligate. Such men are not among us, praise be to God.” [4] The whole story of AhlulBayt (s) is that of valor and majesty. The source of this lofty majesty and unwavering valor lies in their unwavering faith in Allah (swt). The tyrants committed all acts of aggression and oppression towards the holy AhlulBayt (s) but they could not made them bow and submit before their unholy wishes, because the AhlulBayt(AS) had submitted before the will of Allah, and Karbala was only one example of this embodiment of belief in the Almighty and Majestic. Peace be upon you, O Aba Abdillah Peace be upon you, O son of Allah’s Messenger. Peace be upon you, O choicest of Allah and son of His choicest O Allah, make me illustrious in Your sight in the name of al-Husayn, peace be upon him, in this world and in the Hereafter – Ziyarat Ashura 1. A Probe into the History of Ashura’ by Dr. Ibrahim Ayati 2. Islam and the Contemporary Man by Allamah Sayyid Muhammad Husayn at-Tabatabai 3. Maqtal al-Husayn by Abd al Razzaq al-Muqarram 4. Kitab al Irshad by Sheikh al Mufid The post Karbala: The Living Tawheed appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog. A Reading Source on Karbala The great sacrifice of Imam al-Husain(AS) is one of the most significant event in Islamic history. Its significance lies in drawing clear line of demarcation between the Truth and Falsehood. For the seekers of guidance and truth, the sacrifice of Imam al-Husain(AS) beckons and guides as a manifest sign towards Allah(SWT). To receive more light and guidance from this divine torch, we are required to come nearer to it, and to comer nearer we must know it first. The greater is our understanding of this source of light and guidance, the greater benefit we can receive in terms of guidance and direction. But the nearness requires more recognition or marefah, and that can come from knowledge about it. The purpose of this write up is to present some of the books on martyrdom of Imam al-Husain(AS) so that we could increase our knowledge of Imam al-Husain(AS) and come nearer to him to receive more guidance and light. In this regard we can refer to the following books or articles which are available online on Al-Islam library. Al-Lohoof ala Qatla al-Tofuf is a heart-rending but detailed and authentic account of the tragedy of Karbala and the sacrifice of Imam Husayn (a.s.), it was written by renowned Shia scholar, Sayyid Raziuddin Ali bin Musa Ibn Ja’far bin Muhammad Ibn Tawus al-Hilli (r.a.) better known as Sayyid Ibn Tawus, that died 664 hijri. Sayyid Ibn Tawus (r.a.) was a top Shia scholar and thinker of the seventh century, and he belonged to the family of learned who wielded tremendous influence in the scientific, religious and political circles. Maqtal al-Husain by Abd al Razzaq al-Muqarram is a detailed and authentic account of the tragedy of Karbala and the sacrifice of Imam Husayn (as). The Event of Taff, The Earliest Historical Account of the Tragedy of Karbala’ The researchers have written numerous books on the martyrdom (maqtal) of the lord of the martyrs (as). The first of these researchers is Lut bin Yahya bin Sa’id, [famously known as] Abu Mikhnaf. He compiled this book in this regard, recounting the events that occurred to al-Husayn, his children, brothers and companions (as). This is revised edition of the research and editing of Abu Mikhnaf’s work by Shaikh Muhammad Hadi al-Yusufi al-Gharawi. Imam Husayn’s (as) is a hero and a historical personality. But unlike a historical personality who is forgotten, the struggle of the Imam (as) will never be forgotten. His actions and the events of his martyrdom have a profound impact upon society and the behaviour and the cultural aspects of someone’s life. The lessons learned from this episode of bravery are many and they can be applied now as they were applied then. The lessons are aimed not just at Muslims but at every human being and were we to follow his manner the society would be a peaceful and happy one Read more on this in the book The Life of Imam Husayn (‘a) Research and Analysis by Baqir Shareef al-Qurashi Shaykh ‘Abbas Qummi has written Nafasul Mahmum, Relating to the heart rending tragedy of Karbala’ which is a historical account, using original sources, of the Tragedy of Karbala’, from the time of the birth of Imam Husayn (as) till the time of Mukhtar’s revolt. The book Misbah-uz-Zulam, Roots of the Karbala’ Tragedy by Sayyid Imdad Imam , discusses the causes of the tragedy of Karbala’ and it will also throw light on numerous other matters, which are yet unknown to the vast majority of Muslims. Karbala and Ashura by Ali Husayn Jalili is a brief yet documented narrative of events that took place in Medinah, Mecca, Karbāla’, Kufah, and Syria, and began in Rajab, 60 A.H. (680 CE) and ended in Muharram 61. The Martyrdom of Banu Hashim in Karbala as described by Ibn Nama’ Al-Hilli by Morteza Karimi offers a description on the martyrdom of several members of the Banu Hashim. A Probe into the History of Ashura’ by Dr. Ibrahim Ayati is a history of the events leading to and including the tragedy of Karbala, and its aftermath. Karbala and Beyond by Yasin T. Al-Jibouri this book contains a brief yet documented narrative of the incident of Karbal The Uprising of Ashura and Responses to Doubts by Ali Asghar Ridwani is a detailed account of the life of Imam Husayn (a) and his personality, the tragedy of Karbala and the sacrifice of the Imam (a) and his companions, and a detailed analysis of Shi’i behaviours, like mourning and crying to refute the doubts of being un-Islamic. Our Husayn, Mourning him and his Karbala by al-‘Allama al-Sheikh al-Ameeni is a brief article on Imam al-Husain(AS), his martyrdom and mourning. The Martyr of Karbala by Dr. Mahmoud Ayoub is a brief essay focusing on the elements of revolution and martyrdom of the tragedy of Karbala. Analytical Studies on Karbala The following books and articles are important from the point of view of in depth analysis and investigation into the tragedy of Karbala from different aspects and its impacts on Muslims society at large. There have been many unauthentic interpolations into the history of Ashura. These unauthentic injections into the history of this great event have harmed the significance of revolutionary spirit associated with Ashura. To know some of these unauthentic interpolations we must study with great attention the book on this subject, which is a compilation of lectures delivered by Ayatullah Murtadha Mutahhari. The ‘Ashura – Misrepresentations and Distortions part 1 and ‘Ashura – Misrepresentations and Distortions part 2 must be attentively studied to get an understanding of the unauthentic stuff injected into the history of Karbala. The Revolution of Imam al-Husayn (a) by Shaykh Muhammad Mahdi Shams ad-Din Al-Amili discusses the impact of Karbal on the consciousness of Muslim society. Karbala an Enduring Paradigm of Islamic Revivalism by Dr. Sayyid Wahid Akhtar discusses impact of the mourning of Imam Husayn (a) in Islamic history. The Revolution of Imam Husayn by Shaykh Mansour Leghaei is a historical analysis of the roots & the impacts of Karbala. It is a series of seven Lectures that analyse the roots & the impact of Imam Husayn’s (as) uprising against the caliph of his time, Yazid Ashura by Shaykh Muhammad Mahdi Al-Asifi is a research and analysis on the Uprising of Imam Husayn (as) from Hijaz to Iraq. ‘Ashura Lectures 1990 by Dr. I. K. A. Howard is an analysis into the Martydom of Imam Hussain through looking into Yawm al-Tarwiya The Role of Women in Karbala by Shaykh Mansour Leghaei is a lecture delivered at Hannans Rd Public School, on 1/6/1997 (25/1/1418) on the role of women in the Karbala. The post A Reading Source on Karbala appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog. Imam Hussain(AS) Inspires…. “Hussain is light of guidance and ship of salvation” these words of holy Prophet(S) are always resonating in the hearts of guidance seekers in all ages. Imam Hussain(AS) made a clear distinction between truth and falsehood. The distinction is so manifest that it’s a clear signpost for all the people seeking the path of guidance and salvation. The statement of holy Prophet(S) made the issue of seeking guidance simplified. The glorious rise of Imam Hussain(AS) against the tyranny and rule of injustice captured the hearts of all revolutionaries till the day this earth subsides. Imam Hussain(AS) is a role model for all the lovers of truth who refuse to accept humiliation and refuse to bow before unjust powers. This eternal spirit of revolution in the incident of Karbala has been acknowledged in all ages. In the following paragraphs we are quoting some of the tributes made by non Muslim scholars about Imam Hussain(AS): “A reminder of the blood-stained field of Karbala, where the grandson of the Apostle of God fell at length tortured by thirst and surrounded by the bodies of his murdered kinsmen, has been at anytime since then sufficient to evoke, even in the most lukewarm and heedless, the deepest emotions, the most frantic grief and an exaltation of spirit before which pain, danger and death shrink to unconsidered trifles.” – E.G. Browne (A Literary History of Persia) “In a distant age and clime the tragic scene of the death of Husayn will awaken the sympathy of the coldest reader.” “In the history of Islam, especially the life of Imam Husayn stand unique, unapproached and unapproachable by anyone. Without his martyrdom, Islam would have extinguished long ago. He was the saviour of Islam and it was due to his martyrdom that Islam took such a deep root, which it is neither possible nor even imaginable to destroy now.” – Edward Gibbon (Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire) “The best lesson which we get from the tragedy of Karbala is that Husayn and his followers were the rigid believers of God, they illustrated that numerical superiority does not count when it comes to truth and falsehood. The victory of Husayn despite his minority marvels me.” – Thomas Carlyle (Hero and Hero-worship) “If Husayn fought to quench his worldly desires, (as alleged by certain Christian critics) then I do not understand why his sisters, wives and children accompanied him. It stands to reason therefore that he sacrificed purely for Islam.” – Charles Dickens “It was possible for Husayn to save his life by submitting himself to the will of Yazid. But his responsibility as a reformer did not allow him to accept Yazid’s Caliphate. He therefore prepared to embrace all sorts of discomfort and inconvenience in order to deliver Islam from the hands of the Omayyads. Under the blazing sun, on the parched land and against the stifling heat of Arabia, stood the immortal Husayn.” – Washington Irving As Muslims and followers of Imam Hussain(AS) it’s incumbent upon us to emulate his lofty life and take forward our lives receiving light from the “Light of guidance” repelling darkness of injustice and misguidance. Opinions Expressed By Distinguished Non-Muslims on The Martyrdom of Husayn Ibn Ali (A.S) The post Imam Hussain(AS) Inspires…. appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog. Righteousness is the Elixir of Eternal Happiness Author : Dr. Farhat Fatima Praise is only for Allah (s.w.t). The beautiful flora and fauna has been made by Allah (s.w.t) but for a believer this beautiful world is of fleeting happiness. Because he knows that this is a transient world and for a believer to attain real contentment he should walk on the path of righteousness. He/she should serve only Allah (s.w.t) the provider. Allah (s.w.t) has sent to us on earth messengers from time to time to guide us on the path of uprightness. He has sent the last Prophet (s.a.w.w) who is a lamp of guidance for us. Before leaving this world, Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w.w) left two things for us a) The Holy Quran and b) His Ahl Al-Bayt to guide us towards righteousness and to reach the path of Allah (s.w.t). This paper attempts to interpret that the attractive world and its wonderful creations on earth created by Allah (s.w.t) will give temporary happiness to a believer unless he walks on the path of righteousness and serves God to attain perpetual happiness. The Holy Quran a way of flourishing life . . ., Allah is the best of providers [Holy Quran 62:11] He has fashioned and spread this marvelous earth with vivid, beautiful effects and substance. He has created attractive flora and fauna which vary from tiny to huge. He has shaped incredible and bright matter like the petite flower that blooms its fragrant petals and all the fruits, and gardens of grapes, corn and palm. The eye-catching birds that tweet and croon the hamd or praise of the Almighty Allah, these birds have beautiful beaks and wings. The flowery, fragranced, vibrant textured petals of blossoms, that are of variant colors which grow on landscapes and on gray, blue and purple-headed mountains. Along with these beautiful creations of Allah we also have the blazing sun that appears as a huge ball of fire and it blazes its sunlight in the morning with different shades that brighten the world and the sky and the lives of its inhabitants. It is He (Allah) who appointed the sun to give radiance, and the moon to give light. The silvery rivulets and rivers running by and many more beautiful bounties of Allah we enjoy in this transient world. Thus, we must always be grateful to Allah for all the bounties He has provided to us. And nothing is this life of the world but a vain sport and a play; and verily the abode of the hereafter, is certainly the life; if they but know! [Holy Quran 29:64] But for a believer all these beautiful boons give momentary happiness for his abode is not this transient world and his real destination is paradise which will give him/her eternal happiness. The verse (Holy Quran 29:64) illustrates man’s awareness to the reality that the conception of the heavens, the earth and the other terrestrial and heavenly bodies including man himself, and their annihilation and demise, all are outside the human will and choices. We do not have any say in the working of Allah’s (s.w.t) Universe. There are certain conditions that apply to attain complete happiness in this journey of the transient world and the gist to attain this eternal happiness is to walk on the path of righteousness and on the will of Allah (s.w.t). O my servants who believe! Surely My earth is vast, therefore Me alone should you serve. [Holy Quran 29:56] One of the conditions to serve Allah by the righteous believers is to serve him always and whatever pressures come in their way of life, cruelty or harassment face them boldly and if the environment around is unfavorable then instead of bending down to the tyrannous people’s will move into the vast world of Allah (s.w.t) where you find peaceful and serene life. The verse [Holy Quran 29:56] portrays that Allah (s.w.t) states to his believers never fritter your life in a miserable state of persecution. If you are harassed in a place, then migrate to another place (as Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.w) did he migrated from Mecca to Madina) where you will be protected and free. We should not make a pretext of our inability to be faithful and righteous towards our Lord, the Almighty Allah, owing to our adverse environment. One must share danger and evil and seek safety and good. Duty to God should be our utmost priority and we must be prepared even for an exile. The instruction is clear that the attachment to a particular place should not make us yield to any authority other than Allah (s.w.t). And (as for) those who strive hard for Us, We will most certainly guide them in our ways; and Allah is most surely with the doers of good. [Holy Quran 29:69] The next condition to serve Allah (s.w.t) is to serve his creation and try to do good for others. Help them out through charity. The virtuous people who serve the Almighty, Omniscient and Omnipotent creator, Allah (s.w.t) sincerely and wholeheartedly for those people He (Allah) promises His guidance towards good. The Verse [Holy Quran 29:69] states that the Divine Allah (s.w.t) is forever with those who do good to others. This is the most promising assurance for those who sincerely strive in the Way of the Lord. And when your Lord made it known: If you are grateful, I would certainly give to you more, and if you are ungrateful, my chastisement is truly severe [Holy Quran 14:7] The subsequent condition which we should pursue is to be thankful and grateful to Allah (s.w.t) in all circumstances for all the boons and banes of our lives. For when you thank Him and be grateful to Him he promises you more bounties. The verse [14:7] of Holy Quran, states that Gratitude increases the blessings and bounties and ingratitude takes them away and invites chastisement and calamities. O Prophet (s.a.w.w), truly we have sent thee as a Witness, and a Bearer of glad tidings, and a Warner [Holy Quran 33:46] Allah (s.w.t) from time to time (s.w.t) has sent prophets on this beautiful earth to guide us. By the guidance of these prophets we should follow the path of truth and righteousness. These prophets were sent to all communities and nations, all the time and through ages starting from the first man on earth Hazrat Adam (a.s) till the last and final messenger, the seal of Prophets, Prophet Mohammad-e-Mustafa (s.a.w.w). In Surah Al-Ahzab [33:46] of Holy Quran, Allah (s.w.t) commands his last Messenger (s.a.w.w) to show us the right path as Allah (s.w.t) has sent Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.w) as a witness, Bearer of glad tidings and a Light giving Lamp, to invite mankind to God and to Glorify God each morning and evening. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w) is defined by the metaphor, the sun which will illuminate the earth as a whole, incessantly until the end of the planet earth. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w) is presented as the one who calls the people to the path of Allah(s.w.t), with His permission therefore, wherever He (s.a.w.w) has called any person to the Right Path, it was by Allah (s.w.t)’s command. Whether it was taking along Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s) then a ten years old, in the beginning of this mission of invitation towards faith, or calling him at thirteen years of age to embark on the mission of His successorship at the ‘Dawate Zul-Asheera’, or taking along Hasan Ibn Ali (a.s) and Hussain Ibn Ali(a.s) in Mubahila when they were children of seven and eight years, will never be a comment against the order and the consent of Allah(s.w.t) The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w) taught righteousness and being truthful in our dealings, He (s.a.w.w) was the founder of the teachings of Quran and before his departure from this transient world He (s.a.w.w) declared in Hadith-e-Saqalain to his Ummah: “I leave behind me amidst you, Two Weighty (very important) things, the Book of God (the Holy Quran) and my Ahl Al-Bayt. Should ye be attached to these two, never, never shall ye get astray, and never shall these Two be separated from one another until they meet me at ‘the Spring of ‘Kauthar’ (i. e., Paradise) . . . [Holy Quran Introduction 67a] The wisdom of Quran and Ahl Al-Bayt (a.s) are from the Almighty Allah and it is the command of His benevolence and clemency that He ought to give assistance to mankind through his teachings for it is He who has created us as reasonable and rational beings. The whole organization of the cosmos is executed underneath Allah’s authority and the whole lot in the earth and heavens is subject to Allah’s power alone. Allah created the heavens and the earth with truth; most surely there is a sign in this for the believers.” [Holy Quran 29:44] But there were many heathens who used to scorn Allah’s parables from the Holy Quran like the ‘parable of the spider’s web’. It is said in the verse [29:44] of the Holy Quran that the parables cannot be understood but by the learned ones endowed with understanding. The universe with its entire incredible and intriguing phenomenon shows the realities beyond the external senses. These people disbelieved the prophets though they were given clear proofs about the apostles. Everyone among them shall be made to see the actual consequence of his own evil which the individual could not visualize in this life. This proves that in the life hereafter the senses will be sharpened. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w) says: “Men in the worldly life are in a dream, when they die then they are awake.” [Quran, Explanation pg.1196] These are they who have bought the present life (of this world in exchange) for the life hereafter; so their punishment shall not be lightened nor shall they be helped [Holy Quran 2:86] The verse [2:86] of Holy Quran is a reflection of the fate of those who forgot the hereafter and gave themselves up to earning their personal gains and the vain glory of this world and resorted even to usurping the rights of Ahl Al-Bayt (a.s.) i.e., Usurping the rights of Fatima Az-Zehra or inflicting heartless tyrannies and tortures upon Hussain Ibn Ali (a.s.), his family and his successive Imams, which when related even today move the world to tears. Now surely the friends of Allah– they shall have no fear nor shall they grieve. [Holy Quran 10: 62-64] The verse [10: 62-64] of the Holy Quran states that the friends of Allah will not have fear in this world and the hereafter. They will not grieve and they will be guarded against evil because they have always served Allah and they were grateful, righteous and thankful to Allah. For the friends of Allah will have glad tidings in the life in this world and in the hereafter; that is the word of Allah (s.w.t) that is a great achievement for them. The virtuous i.e., those who love God always love death i.e., to get away from this life and to enter the blissful life awaiting them in the hereafter. Everyone of the Holy Ahl Al Bayt (a.s) was ever prepared for death and loved it. Ali (a.s) when he received the stroke from Ibn Muljim, on his head in the Mosque exclaimed ‘Fuztu-be-Rabbil’ Ka’ba.” By the Lord of Holy Ka’ba I have succeeded. While travelling towards Karbala, Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (a.s) dreamt that a voice was saying this caravan is moving towards death. When Ali Akber (a.s), his elder son asked Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (a.s) what had happened, Imam Hussain (a.s) told his son about the dream then Ali Akber (a.s) asked him, Are we on the path of righteousness? Imam Hussain (a.s) replied that, Yes my son we are on the path of righteousness. Then Ali Akber said to him that if we are on the path of righteousness then what does it matter, father, if death approaches us or we approach death. On the eve of the tenth of Moharram, Imam Hussain (a.s)’s nephew Qasim Ibn Hasan (a.s) came and asked Imam (a.s) whether his name was in the martyr’s list or not. Because Imam Hussain (a.s) had not read Qasim (a.s)’s name when reading out the martyr’s list. Imam Hussain Ibn Ali (a.s) asked Qasim (a.s): How he viewed death. To which, Qasim (a.s) replied that death is as sweet as nectar to him. These traditions of the Prophet (s.a.w.w) and his Ahl Al-Bayt (a.s) family define to us that death for a righteous person is as sweet as nectar and he/she is happy to embrace it. The Holy Quran The Final Testament Agha Pooya Yazdi and S. V. Mir Ahmed Ali, Elmhurst, New York, Tahrike Tarsile Quran, Inc. U.S. Fifth Edition 2005 (Ch. 62: 11) Print. Agha Pooya Yazdi and S. V. Mir Ahmed Ali, Elmhurst, New York, Tahrike Tarsile Quran, Inc. U.S. Fifth Edition 2005 (Ch. 29: 64) Print. Agha Pooya Yazdi and S. V. Mir Ahmed Ali, Elmhurst, New York, Tahrike Tarsile Quran, Inc. U.S. Fifth Edition 2005 (Ch. 14: 7) Print. Agha Pooya Yazdi and S. V. Mir Ahmed Ali, Elmhurst, New York, Tahrike Tarsile Quran, Inc. U.S. Fifth Edition 2005 (Introduction 67a) Print. Agha Pooya Yazdi and S. V. Mir Ahmed Ali, Elmhurst, New York, Tahrike Tarsile Quran, Inc. U.S. Fifth Edition 2005 (Ch. 2: Explanation pg.1196) Print. Agha Pooya Yazdi and S. V. Mir Ahmed Ali, Elmhurst, New York, Tahrike Tarsile Quran, Inc. U.S. Fifth Edition 2005 (Ch. 2: 86) Print. Agha Pooya Yazdi and S. V. Mir Ahmed Ali, Elmhurst, New York, Tahrike Tarsile Quran, Inc. U.S. Fifth Edition 2005 (Ch. 10: 62-64) Print. The post Righteousness is the Elixir of Eternal Happiness appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog. Hardened Hearts In His name the most Merciful and Beneficent Spiritually speaking, a hardened heart is one which shows no signs of softness for accepting good or listening to guidance. It is a state of the soul when one has become fully immune to guidance and reformative thoughts. A heart corrupted with perpetual sins, disobedience of divine guidance, and too much indulgence in the material pleasures, results in debilitation of reason and thus leads one to the bondage and slavery of material desires and consequently to those who seek to dominate you. A person whose heart has become so hard that he cannot receive or tolerate any good guidance and advice, actually prepares himself for complete decline and demise. History records that when the Christians of Spain plotted to overthrow the centuries’ old Muslim rule, they lead the Muslims to indulge in all kind of debauchery and licentious acts. This led to weakening of moral resolve and made Muslim rulers unmindful of conspiracies that eventually led to the complete annihilation and obliteration of Muslims in Spain. The modern colonialists also adopt the same technique. When they want to dominate a nation and want to make it a client state serving to their orders, they corrupt the hearts of the its people. Thus Ayatullah Mutahari observes: “In our times, also, wherever the evil of colonialism exists, the same practices are vigorously adopted–a danger against which the Qur’an so emphatically warns us. The colonialists try to corrupt the hearts; when the heart is thus debilitated, reason, too, is not only lost and fails to function properly, but is itself turned into a terrible bondage.” The exploitative powers do not fear apparent popular education, what they fear is spiritual and moral strength. Because moral and spiritual weakness of a nation open the doors for exploitative powers to enter. Ayatullah Mutahari elaborates further: “The colonialists and the exploitative powers are not afraid of establishing schools and universities: they even advocate popular education; but, on the other hand, they take good care to make arrangements to corrupt and destroy the spirit of students, and of the teachers as well. They are fully aware of the fact that an unhealthy mind and a sickly soul cannot make any decisive move, and readily yield to every type of exploitation and degradation.” In the verse 74 of Surah Al-Baqara, the Holy Quran makes a mention of hardened hearts: “Then your hearts hardened after that, so that they were like rocks, rather worse in hardness; and surely there are some rocks from which streams burst forth, and surely there are some of them which split asunder so water issues out of them, and surely there are some of them which fall down for fear of Allah, and Allah is not at all heedless of what you do.” The incessant transgression and disobedience made the hearts of the Israelites referenced in the Holy Quran to be worse than rocks. The verse compares the stiffness of hearts to that of rocks and goes on to mention that some rocks despite their hardness demonstrate a great degree of flexibility that water comes out of them or they fall down due to fear of Allah (swt). But a human heart which has become dead may show utmost level of hardness. If this hardness is not treated, it can go to the extent of becoming incurable. When this stage arrives, then warning or admonishing does not have any effects. Being away from the remembrance of Allah (swt) and transgressions have a hardening effect on hearts. A deviated and hard heart is enamored with worldly temptations and is devoid of love or fear of its Creator. The deviated heart makes the eyes enjoy what is forbidden and dry and indifferent towards fear of Allah (swt). Imam Ali ibn al Husayn (as) supplicates about the treachery of a deceiving heart: “My God, to Thee I complain of a heart that is hard, turned this way and that by tempting thoughts, clothed in rust and the seal, and of an eye too indifferent to weep in fear of Thee and eagerly seeking that which gladdens it.” In another supplication the Imam says, “My God, offenses have clothed me in the garment of my lowliness, separation from Thee has wrapped me in the clothing of my misery! My dreadful crimes have deadened my heart.” The Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (as) has said, “Every one who lacks self restraint and piety will have a dead heart; whoever have a dead heart will enter inside the Hell.” [1] He has also been quoting as saying: “The tears of eyes never get dried but for the sake of hardheartedness, the heart never acquires hardheartedness but for the sake of excess of sins.” [2] So what can revive the heart after it has become hard and dead and unresponsive to guidance? The answer is purification of soul, remembrance of Allah (swt), avoidance of excessive indulgence and over eating, and avoidance of too much laughter, sport, and merry making. Imam Ali (as) also advises us to think and ponder over the verses of Holy Quran. The Imam (as) says, “Ponder upon it (the Quran) since this is the spring of the hearts (it enlivens the hearts just as the spring season brings the trees to life),” [3]. In another speech, he has said, “(Wisdom and knowledge) are life for the dead heart.” [4] [1] Nahjul Balagha, as quoted in “Self Building” chapter “The Heart in Quran” by Ayatullah Ibrahim Amini [2] Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 73, as quoted in “Self Building” chapter “The Heart in Quran” by Ayatullah Ibrahim Amini [3] Nahjul Balagha ,speech 110, as quoted in “Ethical Discourses Vol 2, Discourse 36: The Spiritual Life and Death of The Heart” by Ayatullah Nasir Makarim Shirazi [4] Nahjul Balagha ,speech 133,, as quoted in “Ethical Discourses Vol 2, Discourse 36: The Spiritual Life and Death of The Heart” by Ayatullah Nasir Makarim Shirazi The post Hardened Hearts appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog. Vicious Circles in Human Life There are many conditions which are abominable and must be avoided, but sometimes they get an independent existence of their own and feed on themselves. Under such conditions, a circle is formed which takes its victims down further into the deeper levels of that condition, day by day. There are so many examples of such vicious circles: ignorance feeds on ignorance, poverty is the cause of poverty, ill health leads to ill health, hatred increases hatred and so on. A vicious circle is a closed loop. When used in the context of human conditions, it depicts a loop in which cause and effect continuously interchange their positions, resulting in more negative and unfavorable results. The World Bank, for instance, explains the vicious circle of poverty as low productivity leading to low income, which leads to low savings, which leads to low investment, which leads back to low productivity. In this way, the cycle of poverty goes on until broken by a force. Here, we will mostly talk about the vicious circle of misguidance, though the nature of the basic problem and solution is generally the same for all others as well. The Holy Qur’an talks of issues of guidance and misguidance among the different communities. We are told that because of some communities’ aversion for guidance, they were led to misguidance and left in their state of inordinacy for further deviation. This is a situation in which man rejects the guidance of Allah and because of this rejection he is left with Accursed Satan as his companion, and the Accursed Satan leads him to further misguidance: “O children of Adam! let not the Shaitan cause you to fall into affliction as he expelled your parents from the garden, pulling off from them both their clothing that he might show them their evil inclinations, he surely sees you, he as well as his host, from whence you cannot see them; surely We have made the Shaitans to be the guardians of those who do not believe.” (Holy Qur’an,7:27) “Allah is the guardian of those who believe. He brings them out of the darkness into the light; and (as to) those who disbelieve, their guardians are Shaitans who take them out of the light into the darkness; they are the inmates of the fire, in it they shall abide.” (2:257) “A part has He guided aright and (as for another) part, error is justly their due, surely they took the Shaitans for guardians beside Allah, and they think that they are followers of the right.” (7:30) When guidance is rejected, the Accursed Satan becomes the guardian who misleads to more misdeeds and deviation. Because the misled ones remain in illusion that they are on the right path, they do not seek true guidance and thus move further on the path of misguidance. In sermon 17 in Nahj al-Balagha, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) describes the condition of the people who are ignorant and have shunned true knowledge and do not seek remedy: “Among all the people the most detested before Allah are two persons. One is he who is devoted to his self. So he is deviated from the true path and loves speaking about (foul) innovations and inviting towards wrong path. He is therefore a nuisance for those who are enamored of him, is himself misled from the guidance of those preceding him, misleads those who follow him in his life or after his death, carries the weight of others’ sins and is entangled in his own misdeeds. “The other man is he who has picked up ignorance. He moves among the ignorant, is senseless in the thick of mischief and is blind to the advantages of peace. Those resembling like men have named him scholar but he is not so. He goes out early morning to collect things whose deficiency is better than plenty, till when he has quenched his thirst from polluted water and acquired meaningless things. “He is ignorant, wandering astray in ignorance and riding on carriages aimlessly moving in darkness. He did not try to find reality of knowledge. He scatters the traditions as the wind scatters the dry leaves.” The Way Out from Vicious Circles The vicious circles can be broken by two kinds of forces: internal and external ones. The internal factors lie within man himself. Misguidance, or any evil for that matter, is like a blind alley. After a certain level, one either perishes or returns back to the truth. The internal revolution is bound to happen. When one realizes his ailment and seeks medicine for it, the circle is broken. The change will happen only when man takes the initiative himself and seeks redressal for the evils he is suffering from: “…surely Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change their own condition…” (13:11) In sermon 86, Imam Ali says: “O’ creatures of Allah! the most beloved of Allah is he whom Allah has given power (to act) against his passions, so that his inner side is (submerged in) grief and the outer side is covered with fear. The lamp of guidance is burning in his heart.” This requires a revolution of thoughts, a revolution of conscious, and a revolution of purity. The external factors include the chain of Prophets (peace be upon them) and Imams (peace be upon them), and the prominent role of scholars. Allah established a system of guidance in addition to the internal one. This system is that of the Prophets and Imams: “He it is Who raised among the inhabitants of Mecca an Messenger from among themselves, who recites to them His communications and purifies them, and teaches them the Book and the Wisdom, although they were before certainly in clear error.” (62:2) “And certainly We raised in every nation a messenger saying: Serve Allah and shun the Shaitan. So there were some of them whom Allah guided and there were others against whom error was due; therefore travel in the land, then see what was the end of the rejecters.” (16:36) The guides sent by Allah break the circles of evil in a nation afflicted with various evils, and they lead the people on the path of salvation. Keeping this in mind, the role of righteous scholars and leaders becomes very significant too. During the occultation of Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance), the leadership of the Ummah is supposed to be in the hands of scholars. At all levels, the righteous scholars work as caring and cautious parents for the community. They monitor the conditions of people carefully and take redressal actions wherever required. They help to break vicious circles. The post Vicious Circles in Human Life appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog. Interview with Ahlul Bayt TV The message of Muhammad (sawws) and his holy progeny (as) lives on, and it is with the help of the countless initiatives of partisans worldwide that the School of Ahlul Bayt (as) continues to thrive. I am joined with Brother Amir Taki, founder and director of Ahlulbayt TV, who will let us in on all the details of the making of this remarkable channel. Sahar: How did you come up with the idea to create a dedicated to Ahlul Bayt, and what inspiration/s did you draw from to make this a reality? Amir: Ahlulbayt TV was established in August 2009 where a team of individuals from different cultures and backgrounds came together, with the like-minded goal of promoting the message of the Ahlulbayt (as) to a western, secular world. We found that within the societies we were living in, there was more than ever a demand for a pioneering source of Islamic media – one which could connect viewers to moral messages that the Ahlulbayt (as) taught us. With much of the 21st century challenges we face, it was more pressing than ever to offer something of benefit to the community – something which could be accessed by those even without a community. Being able to share Islamic values is critical, but the lack of English language Islamic media had inspired us to launch a channel which could also reach out to non-Muslim viewers. It is now approaching ten years on since inception, and we thank Allah (swt) for allowing this brand to flourish globally in service to the pure Masumeen (as). Sahar: What have generally been the challenges to keep Ahlulbayt TV running? Amir: By the grace of Allah (swt), Ahlulbayt TV has been running for nearly a decade and has continually grown and progressed in its vision, content, and coverage. We are striving to consistently improve, and can only do this with the support of the community. As an organic, people-orientated organisation, we work to represent the people. Ahlulbayt TV does not work under any funding body or enterprise, rather it sustains expenditure through the support of individuals within the community. One challenge in recent years has been financing the growth to meet our ambitions. We would like to provide relevant and gripping content, applicable to and accessible in every corner of the world. In order to do this, we encourage viewers globally to support us with a small charitable monthly donation through our website. Sahar: What lessons have you derived from your experience as a director and producer? Amir: Being the Director and Executive Producer of Ahlulbayt TV has allowed me to learn much which I am grateful for. In terms of professional skills, I have gathered a keen eye for captivating and gripping productions, understanding how to create content which looks visually appealing, whilst also discussing relevant matters affecting everyday lifestyle. Personally, I have built an array of inspiring networks, talented friends and contacts around the world. Beyond all, the greatest lesson I have learned is the one I am most indebted to Allah (swt) for. The opportunity to serve the Ahlulbayt (as) is a blessing that none should take granted for. It is never an easy task for any individual working to represent the Ahlulbayt (as), but with such great responsibility also brings abundant blessings. Sahar: In brief, what is your primary objective in the creation and advancement of Ahlulbayt TV? Amir: Our objective is to create cutting-edge, relevant content which can be utilised and benefitted from by communities around the world. We want to present our school of thought in a manner which is appealing and understandable to those who may not have prior knowledge of the Ahlulbayt. Moreover, we want to touch on matters concerning our daily lives – education, social affairs, taboo discussions, health and wellbeing, politics and even humanitarianism. Sahar: What inspires you to continue with this enterprise, and what do you think has been the most rewarding? Amir: There have been many rewarding dynamics through my role in Ahlulbayt TV, far too many to list. Some which come to mind – working with servants of the Ahlulbayt (as) who are also great working professionals, meeting people around the world who have inspiring stories to share, being able to delve into new topics of interest and create productions, are all intriguing and rewarding elements of my daily life. If I had to identify one, the most rewarding would be knowing that there are individuals in remote parts of the world who are gaining some benefit from our work. These are people who may not have any access to Islam or a Muslim community, or those who are facing severe challenges in their personal lives and seek inspiration from work we can provide. Sahar: Discussing topics that is often brushed under the carpet, is an outstanding feature of your channel. How has the public responded to programs targeting these ‘taboos’? Amir: As a western based channel who has sought to do sufficient groundwork and research, we are familiar with many of the societal issues and challenges faced by different demographics of our communities. As an example – domestic abuse, does it exist within Muslim communities? Is it a matter which is addressed in Islam? What do professionals have to say about this and how can we as a channel support those going through difficult times? Another example may be gender equality, patriarchy and the rise of western feminism. What does the Quran say about gender equality? Is western feminism compatible or contradictory to Islamic morals? Should there be a discussion amongst community leaders and scholars regarding these matters? It is critical to address matters of controversy, as opposed to avoiding them. We believe that the answers in our faith are there for those who seek them. Of course, our producers must be responsible and well versed on an issue before producing anything on it, and so, such productions usually take months of thought, planning and research before filming and final release. Sahar: Has Ahlulbayt TV had challenges for the exposure of contentious topics? If so, how are this been dealt with? Amir: Generally, feedback has been positive for our productions. In a recent survey, 96% of respondents stated they would recommend and share our productions with a friend or colleague from a different religious/cultural background. There are occasionally few who inquire into the purpose of discussing such issues, but we are firm in believing that it is critical to discuss such matters in a responsible, informed and rational manner. If we were to be challenged on such matters, we would address a concern with respect and approachable means of open dialogue, as taught to us by the Ahlulbayt (as). Sahar: What are some of the valuable lessons you’ve learned throughout your journey with Ahlulbayt TV? Amir: I have learned that there is much to learn for those who reflect. Ponderance upon matters of theology, philosophy, spirituality and jurisprudence are critical to understand our faith. Beyond this, delving into social dynamics and constructs will allow us to effectively understand the world we live in. Finally, there is much to learn from examples of unique individuals around the world. Each human embarks upon a unique journey and gives us all an opportunity to learn and grow. Sahar: What is the process of introducing new programs on Ahlulbayt TV? How long does it generally take to negotiate with team members? Amir: Many of the departments within Ahlulbayt TV are interlinked. When it comes to production, we have a team of documentary and TV show producers. We also have editors, filmographers, graphic designers, technicians and schedulers. Our team of producers sit fortnightly to discuss new production ideas, or productions which are already in progress for updates and review. Documentaries vary on timescale, depending on whether they are large scale or international projects (6-12 months). Locally produced documentaries usually take between 3-6 months. Documentaries or shows are also occasionally sponsored by individuals or co-produced with any group we are working with, for example, a charity organisation we may be filming. Once an idea is formalised, a producer will take on board the project as their own. They will research, find key questions to address, script, coordinate filming with the camera team, work with editors to finalise the first draft, and then present to myself and the other producers for final review. Once the production has the green light, we will schedule for TV release, and work with the digital marketing team for online release. Sahar: Since Ahlulbayt TV has a very broad appeal, has it been difficult to accommodate the interests of all viewers? If not, what have you done to ensure a satisfying viewing experience for all your audiences? Amir: Accumulating over 15 million online viewers worldwide every year has meant that we have concocted a formula which works to appeal to different demographics. It can be difficult to find the right balance, but having a team of 7-8 producers, each with a different focus and expertise has meant that we can touch on the right topics to address. When engaging in matters of Islamic affairs, we work to produce and script in such a way that this can be digested by any viewer, from any background – presented in a formal and academic manner. This means that there is minimal confusion and terminology or religious themes which are used are always referenced. When producing lifestyle shows, e.g. mental health awareness, cooking, or other shows, it becomes far easier, as these are topics which all can relate to. We always work to produce to the highest standard, within the capabilities of our resources. Sahar: The programs on your channel range from historical accounts of holy personage within Islam, to providing guides to lead an Islamic life in this modern era. Has it been difficult to establish a link between history and today, and if so, how do you overcome this obstacle? Amir: Islam itself is a timeless faith, and the core message presented by the Ahlulbayt (as) maintain a theme of contemporary significance. This means that naturally, when discussing historical accounts within an Islamic context, we work to bring relevance to a 21st century secularist society. As we know, Allah (swt) says in Quran 59:21, “And these examples We present to the people that perhaps they will give thought.”, inferring that we must reflect upon history and bring about its relevance to a present day context. Sahar: What advice would you give to this generation’s youth wishing to serve Ahlul Bayt (as) through digital projects like Ahlulbayt TV? Amir: We must equip ourselves with the knowledge taught to us by the Ahlulbayt (as). As we know, when an atheist asked Rassulallah (saw) what Islam actually means, he responded, “To serve the Creator and be of benefit to the creation – and the best of people are those who are the most beneficial to the creation.” This should be an intention of our youth – to be sincere in our worship to Allah (swt) whilst also being able to serve the wider community. The world we reside in is globalising and advancing technologically. There is a rise in populism and sensationalisation, and is important, now more than ever, to be able to utilise means of digital media for the right purposes. I would humbly advise the youth of the community to be honest in your intentions, be ambitious in achieving and spreading goodness, and finally, to contribute towards the growth of positive media – in any way, shape or form. The post Interview with Ahlul Bayt TV appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog. A Night Greater than One Thousand Months Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Power, is the most blessed night of the entire year. Its significance and glory has been described and discussed in the Holy Qur’an itself, as well as in numerous traditions. Can we imagine its full import and can we comprehend its full glory? The Holy Qur’an asks, “And what will make you comprehend what the grand night is?” (97:2) The night is loftier in importance and weightier in blessings than one thousand months! It’s the night of determination of our destinies, and the night when the Holy Qur’an was revealed. It’s a night of power, of glory, and of blessings. Some of the salient features of this great night are discussed as follows: Revelation of Holy Qur’an The verse from Sura Qadr, “Surely We revealed it on the grand night,” (97:1) and another from Sura Baqara, “The month of Ramadan is that in which the Qur’an was revealed, a guidance to men and clear proofs of the guidance and the distinction…” (2:185) together signify to us that the Qur’an was revealed on the Laylatul Qadr. Was the Qur’an revealed all at once on this night? Or it was revealed in gradual time periods extending over 23 years of the Holy Prophet’s (peace be upon him and his progeny) prophethood? The scholars of Qur’anic exegesis tell us that the holy Qur’an was revealed in two ways: it was revealed on this great night upon the Holy Prophet’s sacred heart, and it was also gradually revealed over a period of 23 years during his prophethood. The month of Ramadan makes the heart of believers pliant and conducive to accept any guidance. Fasting opens our hearts for acceptance of divine guidance, thus this month is like the spring season of the Qur’an. Just as barren land which is not capable of growing any vegetation becomes fertile in spring when life-giving rains fall on it, so is the effect of Ramadan on our hearts. The Night of Power is the epitome of guidance and blessings, as this night carries the significance of being bestowed with Holy Qur’an. Determination of Destinies This is the night when destinies are set, as stated in the Qur’an: “Surely We revealed it on a blessed night – surely We are ever warning – Therein every wise affair is made distinct”(44:3-4). There are many traditions which inform us that on this night, our affairs are set for the whole year. It is worth noting here from the commentary of Aqa Mahdi Puya: “On the Night of Power, the divine wisdom determines the solution of all spiritual pursuits man decides to undertake; therefore the Holy Prophet has advised the believers to pray and seek Allah’s mercy throughout this night…Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said: ‘People wrongly imagine that destiny is abiding and fate is certain. If it were so, the idea of reward and penalty becomes meaningless, promise and threat a hoax. Allah, the most praised, has given man freedom of thought and action.’ The freedom of action is conditioned by the laws made by Allah to govern the universe. No one can break them. Imam Ali said: ‘While standing, if you want to lift one of your legs you can, and you are free to lift the second leg also – but as soon as your second leg leaves the ground you will fall down, because you have broken the law Allah has so precisely put in operation.” Some Other Related Points About this Great Night Which night is the Night of Power? There are different views on which night of the month of Ramadan is the Night of Power. There have been supporters for the1st, 17th, 19th, 21st, 23rd, 27th, or 29th night of the month of Ramadan. There are traditions that Holy Prophet would stay busy with prayers and worship especially during the last ten nights, thus there is more emphasis on those nights. Most of the traditions from the Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them) point out the 23rd night as the Night of Power, while most of the traditions in Ahlus Sunnah consider the 27th night as Laylatul Qadr. Why is Laylatul Qadr hidden? Scholars say that the philosophy behind hiding the Night is so that we pay importance to all the nights of Ramadan and thereby get the maximum spiritual benefit from them. Is there only one Night of Power in all the regions of the world? We are aware of the fact that the lunar calendar dates are different in different parts of the world. Taking that into consideration, will there be multiple Nights of Power in regions where the dates are different? The answer to this is that the night and day alternate with the revolution of the earth on its axis. So the Night of Power will start from one point and will continue to move over the regions where night is falling. In this way it would be a whole rotation of one night covering each region of the earth. In conclusion is the following supplication from Sahifa Sajjadiyya: And praise belongs to God who showed favour to us through His religion, singled us out for His creed, and directed us onto the roads of His beneficence, in order that through His kindness we might travel upon them to His good pleasure, a praise which He will accept from us and through which He will be pleased with us! And praise belongs to God who appointed among those roads His month, the month of Ramadan, the month of fasting, the month of submission, the month of purity, the month of putting to test, the month of standing in prayer, in which the Qur’an was sent down as guidance to the people, and as clear signs of the Guidance and the Separator! Then He made one of its nights surpass the nights of a thousand months and named it the Night of Decree; in it the angels and the Spirit descend by the leave of their Lord upon every command, a peace constant in blessings until the rising of the dawn upon whomsoever He will of His servants according to the decision He has made firm. O God, bless Muhammad and his Household, inspire us with knowledge of its excellence, veneration of its inviolability, and caution against what Thou hast forbidden within it, and help us to fast in it by our restraining our limbs from acts of disobedience toward Thee and our employing them in that which pleases Thee, so that we lend not our ears to idle talk and hurry not with our eyes to diversion, we stretch not our hands toward the forbidden and stride not with our feet toward the prohibited, our bellies hold only what Thou hast made lawful and our tongues speak only what Thou hast exemplified, we undertake nothing but what brings close to Thy reward and pursue nothing but what protects from Thy punishment! Then rid all of that from the false show of the false showers and the fame seeking of the fame seekers, lest we associate therein anything with Thee or seek therein any object of desire but Thee! The post A Night Greater than One Thousand Months appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog. Night of Power The blessed month of Ramadan is so abundant in the blessings that it is difficult, or impossible, to enumerate them. Among the many blessings in it is the night of power or glory, layltul Qadr. The night is the most important night of the year. This night’s significance lies in the fact that, besides it being the night of glorious Quran’s revelation, it is the night when, according to traditions from infallibles (as), the destiny of human beings is determined for the whole year. It is the night when all matters for the year are determined. And furthermore, the worship and supplications on this glorious night are greater than that of thousand months. It is the among the most special favors of Allah (swt) that this night of honor and glory is made available to His servants. The blessed night is meant for supplication, seeking forgiveness for sins, giving charity, and good deeds. There is a tradition from holy Prophet (s) which states: “Moses said: ‘O Allah! I desire your proximity.’ Allah said: ‘My proximity is for the one who keeps awake on ‘the night of Qadr.’ He said: ‘O Allah! I wish for your mercy.’ Allah said: ‘My mercy is for the one who shows mercy to the poor on `the night of Qadr.’ He said: ‘O Allah! I want to cross the sirāt [the (right) path]’. He said: ‘That is for the one who gives out a sadaqah (charity) on ‘the night of Qadr.’ He said: ‘O Allah.’ I want of the trees and fruits of Paradise.’ Allah said: ‘They are for the one who glorifies (Me) on ‘the night of Qadr.’ He said: ‘I want to be delivered.’ Allah said: ‘From the Fire?’ ‘Yes,’ he said. Allah said: ‘It is for the one who asks forgiveness on ‘the night of Qadr.’ He said: ‘O Allah! I ask for your pleasure.’ Allah said: ‘I would be pleased with the one who performs two rak’ahs (bow) of salāt (prayer) on ‘the night of Qadr.’” [1] In another tradition from holy Prophet (s), good tidings of great rewards for those who worship Allah on this blessed night are addressed: “On the night of power, the gates of heaven are opened. There is no servant who offers prayer in this night, but Allah (swt) for every prostration stores a tree in the Paradise–the tree whose branches and shade is so vast that if a rider travels for one hundred years through its shade, he would not be able to cross it; for every ra’kat (bow) would build a home for him in paradise–the home decorated and built by pearls, topaz, and rubies; for every verse recited, a crown from the crowns of paradise; for every praise (tasbeeh), a bird from the birds of paradise; for every sitting, a rank from the ranks of paradise. For every witnessing (tashahud), a chamber from the chambers of paradise, and for every salutation, a robe from the robes of paradise would be bestowed upon him by Allah. And at the breaking of the dawn, companions, youthful and sympathetic, houris of paradise–pure and decorated, obedient and well uniformed, horses–most obedient and swift, flowers, greenery, and good smells, running elegant fountain streams, and many other bounties which make the soul pleased and eyes to shine, would also be bestowed upon him by Allah.” [2] This is the night when prayers are answered but with some conditions: “It has been narrated that during this night the prayers of all are accepted, and the prayer of no one remains unanswered except the following: The one who has displeased and angered his parent and was declared disinherited or rebellious by them. The one who has cut off his relationship with his kith and kin. The one who possesses animosity and vengeance of a believer in his heart. The one who consumes alcoholic drinks.” [3] This great night should be spent in awakened state, an awakening not of just eyes but of soul and heart as well. An awakening that makes us realize that we are guests of Allah in this month and this night is specially marked for gaining nearness to Allah and obtaining His mercy and favors. Blessed are those who obtain the purpose of this night and indeed wretched are the ones who are unmindful and unaware of its glory. When the divine mercy and forgiveness is raining upon us, let us make the most out of it. Let us strive the hardest we can. Let us beseech the meekest we should. Let us supplicate the most sincerely so that the divine mercy is invoked upon us and our sins are forgiven. Imam Baqir (as) has been quoted as saying: “Whoever remains in ‘the night of qadr’ awake, his sins will be forgiven, even if as many as the stars of the sky, and as heavy as the mountains or the weight of the seas.” [4] May Allah the most Merciful and Beneficent Lord give us success in obtaining the purpose of this blessed month and the great night of power and let us attain nearness with Him. [1] As quoted in “Adab as-Salat: The Disciplines of the Prayer “ by Ayatullah Sayyid Imam Ruhallah al-Musawi al-Khomeini [2] As quoted in “Spiritual Journey of the Mystics” (Suluk al-Arifan) by Haj Mirza Javad Agha Maliki Tabrizi [4] Bihār al-Anwār, Volume 98 , as quoted in “Adab as-Salat: The Disciplines of the Prayer” by Ayatullah Sayyid Imam Ruhallah al-Musawi al-Khomeini The post Night of Power appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog. Ramadan: A Social Equalizer The world is full of miseries and pains. One of the greatest pains is the feeling of hunger. There are millions on the global level who suffer starvation and who do not have access to required quantity of food to lead a normal and healthy life. According to World Food Programme (WFP), there are 795 million undernourished people in the world today. That means one in nine people do not get enough food to be healthy and lead an active life. Hunger and malnutrition are in fact the number one risk to health worldwide — greater than AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis combined. Poor nutrition causes nearly half (45%) of deaths in children under five, 3.1 million children each year. One out of six children–roughly 100 million–in developing countries are underweight. [1] Constant hunger, undernourishment, and malnutrition leads to poor prospects in life: “Nutrition has profound effects on health throughout the human life course and is inextricably linked with cognitive and social development, especially in early childhood. In settings with insufficient material and social resources, children are not able to achieve their full growth and developmental potential. Consequences range broadly from raised rates of death from infectious diseases and decreased learning capacity in childhood to increased non-communicable diseases in adulthood….Stunted, underweight, and wasted children have an increased risk of death from diarrhea, pneumonia, measles, and other infectious diseases.” [2] The blessed month of Ramadan has endless blessings in it. One of the blessings of this holy month is compassion towards the other fellow humans. Our emotions and feelings of sympathy are directly related to our actual experiences. We cannot feel the gnawing, agony and suffering of a sick person until we ourselves have undergone the same ailment. When we ourselves suffer a pain of sickness, we better understand and feel empathy of the other suffering ones. The rich or well fed cannot know what hunger is because they usually do not have to face it. Thus, poor people suffer with their poverty and compulsions of life but the others who are better off cannot even understand the physical and psychological pangs of the poor. The great month of Ramadan bridges these gaps which divide haves and have nots and makes the rich experience the pains of hunger. In one way, Ramadan works as equalizer and makes the rich have empathy with the poor. A hadith narrated from Imam Sadiq (a) throws light on the role of the month of Ramadan in creating social equality: “Allah has enjoined fasting in order to settle equivalence between the rich and the poor, and this is for the sake that the rich feel the taste of hunger and, consequently, be merciful toward the poor (by giving them their rights). And, since the things are usually available for the rich, then Allah, the Exalted, is pleased when equivalence is erected between His servants. So, He, thereby, has ordained that the rich feel the taste of hunger and pain so that they feel sympathy for the weak and be merciful toward the hungry.” [3] A man wrote a letter to Imam Askari (a) asking him: “For what reason did Allah make fasting compulsory?” The Imam (a) wrote in reply: “God has made fasting compulsory so that the rich shall find the pain of hunger so they have a mercy upon the poor.” [4] Amongst many others, Ramadan is a month of charity. It is the month of sharing our blessings with other human beings. In this month we supplicate to Allah (swt) to bestow His mercy upon us, so let’s not forget to show mercy to those servants of Allah (swt) who do not have sufficient resources to meet essential needs of their life. When we want to evoke the divine blessings and mercy in our lives, then we should also spend on the poor and needy ones. The holy Prophet (s) asks believers to give alms to the poor and indigent in this blessed month: “Let your hunger and thirst during it remind you of the hunger and the thirst of the Day of Judgement. Give alms to the poor and indigent among you, respect your elderly and be kind to your youngsters, and strengthen blood-kinship of yours.” [5] We can conclude with Imam Sajjad’s (a) supplication to Allah for the month of Ramadan: “Give us success in this month to tighten our bonds of kin with devotion and gifts, attend to our neighbors with bestowal and giving, rid our possessions from claims, purify them through paying the alm …” [6] 1. World Food Programme, https://www.wfp.org 2. “Maternal and child undernutrition and overweight in low-income and middle-income countries” The Lancet. 3. Wasa’il-ush-Shi’ah, Volume 7, fasting section. As quoted in “An Enlightening Commentary into the Light of the Holy Qur’an,” Volume 2, commentary on verses 183-185 4. Bihar al-Anwar Volume 96, as quoted in “Fasting and the Holy month of Ramadhan” by Sheikh Mansour Leghaei 5. As quoted in “An Enlightening Commentary into the Light of the Holy Qur’an,” Volume 2, commentary on verses 183-185 6. As-Sahifatus Sajjadia, Supplication 44, His Supplication for the Coming of the Month of Ramadan The post Ramadan: A Social Equalizer appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog. El DILP Ahl Bayt opera por medio de un esfuerzo cooperativo de voluntarios basados en diferentes países del mundo. Regístrate con Al-Islam.org para colaborar creando la Biblioteca Digital Islámica más grande del Mundo en el Internet. El sitio DILP del Al-Islam.org está enteramente respaldado por donadores individuales y bienaventurados. Si usted visita este sitio y desea mostrar su apreciación o si le gustaría ver mayor desarrollo del Al-Islam.org, por favor done en línea. Sobre Al-Islam .org	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725635
__label__wiki	0.816167	0.816167	Compensation claims against Arab Bank thrown out by US court Published December 10th, 2015 - 09:00 GMT The second US Circuit Court of Appeals in New York rejected claims filed by foreign (non-American) plaintiffs against the Arab Bank. About 6,000 plaintiffs had filed lawsuits against the Arab Bank, calling for compensation for damages under the Alien Tort Statute, in which a New York District Court rendered a first-degree ruling on 23 August 2013 rejecting these claims, which was recently supported by the Court of Appeal. In another similar lawsuit filed by US plaintiffs, known as the Linde case, the Arab Bank reached a settlement on 14 August 2015 with the parties in the case, and thus the case came to an end. All the lawsuits pertain to accusations against the Arab Bank, which is Jordanian bank, of passing on finances to Palestinian movement Hamas, which is internationally accused of committing acts of terrorism. According to a statement by the Arab Bank, the bank has been and remains committed to applying the highest standards of compliance in banking operations, where the bank employs its systems effectively, consistent with all legislation, laws and regulatory requirements in the exercise of its work. The bank added that the US government described it as an active partner in efforts to prevent the financing of terrorism, in addition to continuing the vital role of Arab Bank in the Middle East, in terms of advancing economic development, and the development of financial and banking industry in the region. By Hossam Mounir Tags:Arab BankLindeHamasNew York District CourtUS Governmentsecond US Circuit Court of Appeals in New York © 2019 Daily News Egypt.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725637
__label__wiki	0.9028	0.9028	Guantanamo prisoner goes home With tears of joy, hugs and flowers, a family has welcomed home a 27-year-old Kuwaiti who spent more than three years in US custody after being arrested in Afghanistan. 14 Apr 2005 03:08 GMT Nationals of 40 countries are held in Guantanamo Hours earlier, on Wednesday, a criminal court in Kuwait city ordered the release on bail of Nasir al-Mutairi whom the United States captured in Afghanistan in 2001 and detained at Guantanamo Bay, and returned to Kuwait in January. His lawyer, Mubarak al-Shimmiri, said the judge had ordered al-Mutairi's release after discussions in chambers following a hearing in his trial. Bail was fixed at 200 Kuwaiti dinars ($680) and al-Mutairi is not allowed to leave Kuwait. "We cannot believe our brother is home," al-Mutairi's eldest sister, Um Yusuf, said in a phone call. "We thank God for accepting our prayers, and bringing him back." She said al-Mutairi was too tired to speak to the media on Wednesday. Another person who saw him, Khalid al-Odah, said al-Mutairi "looked very happy, but he quickly tired". The al-Mutairi family campaigned for Nasir's release from detention Al-Odah heads a non-government group that campaigns for the release of Kuwaiti detainees at the US naval base in Guantanamo Bay. Al-Mutairi is so far the only Kuwaiti to return to his home country from Guantanamo. US soldiers detained al-Mutairi in Afghanistan in December 2001 after American-backed forces had overthrown the Taliban government. He spent much of his time in US custody at Guantanamo and was flown to Kuwait in January this year and detained on arrival. He is now standing trial on charges of harming Kuwait by working for a foreign country, joining foreign military forces without permission, and undergoing illegal weapons training. "We cannot believe our brother is home. We thank God for accepting our prayers, and bringing him back" Um Yusuf, al-Mutairi's eldest sister The charges do not mention terrorism or name any particular country or force. Al-Mutairi has pleaded not guilty. The court also ordered the Guantanamo Bay interrogation records of al-Mutairi be made available to the defence, lawyer al-Shimmiri said. The US has handed the records to Kuwait. The defence argues that al-Mutairi is not a "militant", and had been working in Afghanistan to help those displaced and impoverished by the country's long-running civil war. The trial was adjourned to 1 June. Eleven other Kuwaiti suspects are still detained in Guantanamo Bay, along with hundreds of others from more than 40 countries. SOURCE: Unspecified	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725638
__label__wiki	0.692249	0.692249	The yellow warbler was picked for the study to give researchers a better understanding of how genes relate to climate variables across its broad range. Photo: Mary Corporan Dunn / flickr Can This Bird Survive Climate Change? The Answer Could be in its DNA Rebecca Williams March 9, 2018 Bird FilesClimate ChangeConservationYour Environment Update A new study in the journal Science finds there are genetic differences in yellow warblers that live in different parts of the U.S. and Canada, and some of those populations seem to be more genetically vulnerable to climate change than others. LISTEN: “Can This Bird Survive Climate Change? The Answer Could be in its DNA” Rachael Bay is the lead author of the study, at the University of California-Davis and the Bird Genoscape Project. “We did some genome sequencing and we found a bunch of genes that seem to be associated with whether yellow warblers live in warmer or drier or hotter or colder areas,” she says. “What we then did was to use climate projections to see whether these yellow warbler populations would be able to adapt to future climate change. So we were actually able to map how much yellow warbler populations across the U.S. would need to adapt to future climate change.” Bay says in most places in their genome, yellow warblers that live in different regions of the country are the same. “But in some places you’ll have differences. So what we’re looking for are differences that are related to climate,” she explains. WATCH: The Bird Genoscape Project She says they found yellow warblers seem to be the most sensitive to changes in precipitation. So warblers that spend their summers in certain areas of the country could have a harder time adapting. “We saw this sort of strip of vulnerability in the Rocky Mountains, that was the most vulnerable part of the country, and then we saw some sort of patchy vulnerability both on the west and east coasts while the middle of the country seems to be much less vulnerable,” says Bay. Bay says she hopes this approach could give wildlife managers more specific information to protect the most vulnerable species. MORE: Birds Breed Early to Catch Up to Climate Change» 9 March 2018birdsclimate change Rebecca Williams is a reporter for Michgian Radio and producer of the station's Environment Report, a program exploring the relationship between the natural world and the everyday lives of people in Michigan. Sarah Kovash July 12, 2019	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725639
__label__wiki	0.69425	0.69425	Police & Fire: Domestic violence reported to police Police & Fire: Domestic violence reported to police Reports from Battle Creek police. Check out this story on battlecreekenquirer.com: https://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/story/news/2018/11/14/police-fire-domestic-violence-reported-police/2003776002/ Police lights(Photo: Getty Images) DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Battle Creek police have reported the following cases: • A man, 33, was arrested after his girlfriend, 27, said she was assaulted in the 1800 block of West Michigan Avenue at 4:29 p.m. Tuesday. • A warrant is being sought for a man, 45, after his girlfriend, 28, said she was assaulted in the first block of Emerald Avenue at 9:08 p.m. Monday. • A warrant is being sought for a man, 39, after his girlfriend, 38, said she was assaulted in the 600 block of Capital Avenue Southwest at 2:20 p.m. Monday. • A man, 26, was arrested after officers said he assaulted his wife, 26, during an argument at 6:30 p.m. Monday because they were denied credit for a vehicle purchase. THEFTS: • Clark Street, first block: bicycle. Read or Share this story: https://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/story/news/2018/11/14/police-fire-domestic-violence-reported-police/2003776002/ Rainbow crosswalks draw protesters, supporters Medical marijuana shops open again in Battle Creek Growing up in Battle Creek and now a balloon champion New kayak stop opens along the Kalamazoo River in Emmett Twp. Battle Creek is getting a pride crosswalk Police & Fire: Person questioned in suspicious Saturday fire	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725645
__label__wiki	0.996719	0.996719	The unplanned path one Arizonan took from cop to city manager Surprise City Council appointed Mike Frazier to serve as the new city manager. He rose through the ranks after starting as a Phoenix police officer. The unplanned path one Arizonan took from cop to city manager Surprise City Council appointed Mike Frazier to serve as the new city manager. He rose through the ranks after starting as a Phoenix police officer. Check out this story on azcentral.com: https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/surprise/2018/11/08/how-arizonan-climbed-ladder-police-officer-city-manager-mike-frazier/1858989002/ Jen Fifield, Arizona Republic Published 10:10 a.m. MT Nov. 8, 2018 \| Updated 3:14 p.m. MT Nov. 9, 2018 Mike Frazier graduating from the Phoenix Police Department Regional Academy in 1975.(Photo: Courtesy of Mike Frazier) There's a faded picture of Mike Frazier from when he was 22 and graduating the academy to become a police officer in Phoenix. He's standing up straight, donning a pressed blue uniform with a wide grin and a gun on his hip. Frazier said that young man in the picture had always wanted to be a police officer, but had no idea what career he had ahead of him. The Surprise City Council appointed Frazier as the new city manager on Tuesday. After rising through the ranks in Phoenix, he became police chief in El Mirage, then police chief in Surprise, and then crossed into administration as Surprise's assistant city manager in 2015. Frazier will now replace four-year Surprise City Manager Bob Wingenroth, who announced his resignation last month. Those who know both say Frazier's personality and police background will lead him to take a more hard-line approach to managing the city and he will demand more accountability. But his doggedness and strict approach have won him only friends in the past. "He held us accountable, but you could tell he treated us with dignity, with respect," said Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams, who worked for Frazier in the 1990s and 2000s. "He has this infectious way of making you want to come in and do a good job." Frazier comes during council mix-up Frazier enters his role as the Surprise City Council undergoes a transition. Surprise City Manager Mike Frazier (Photo: Surprise) On Tuesday, during the council meeting in which the council appointed Frazier, Mayor Sharon Wolcott announced her resignation. The council will now appoint a council member to fill her spot. This means there will soon be a new mayor, a council vacancy, and one other outgoing councilman, since Chris Judd defeated Councilman Todd Tande in the primary election in August. After Wolcott announced her resignation, Frazier told The Arizona Republic that he doesn't think this puts the city in an unstable position. "I think we're on a good path," he said. "We'll keep rolling on this journey." Frazier said his background has prepared him for anything. "Not much intimidates me," he said. Councilman Skip Hall said Frazier is well-regarded by city employees, which will make for an easy transition. Police officer gets promotion Frazier made $4.79 an hour during his first year on the Phoenix Police Department in 1975. His annual city manager salary will be $230,000, under the contract approved by the council. Mike Frazier during his time on the Phoenix Police Department (Photo: Courtesy of Mike Frazier) He said he got into policing because he felt like he could help people. He didn't stay an officer for long. After four years, he took a test and scored high enough to receive a promotion. A series of promotions during the next three decades eventually led him to become the department's executive chief, which put him second in command. "The opportunity to have a greater impact kept me advancing," he said. When he worked in Phoenix, he said, he was always the last one to leave the building at night. He believes hard work yields good results. During his time running the investigative unit, he said, he created a program that targeted a high-crime area. "We crushed crime in that area," he said. Andy Anderson, a retired assistant police chief in Phoenix who worked alongside Frazier, said he isn't surprised by Frazier's appointment as city manager. He's always been driven and passionate about his work, Anderson said. "It's the best thing that could happen to Surprise," Anderson said. "Not only for the employees, but for the city itself." Police Chief Frazier In 2007, Frazier retired from the Phoenix department and was appointed as police chief in El Mirage. When he got there, he said, the department was in shambles. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office had been running the department, and the city was transitioning back to having its own leadership. "We built a professional police department," he said. "It wasn't there when I got there. We put policies in place, we created beats, we started having community events. We really bridged the gap with the community." When the police chief spot in Surprise came open in 2011, Frazier said he couldn't pass up the opportunity. The biggest issue he found in Surprise, he said, was a "leadership void." He rearranged leadership and tried to improve the culture. Surprise's current Police Chief Terry Young worked alongside Frazier at the time. Young said Frazier has been a mentor to him. "He genuinely cares and tries to do everything he can to take care of the people who work for and around him," Young said. 'Seeing the whole view' Wingenroth, Surprise's departing city manager, has known Frazier since the 1980s, when Wingenroth worked in Phoenix's finance department. He plucked Frazier for the assistant city manager role as soon as he could, he said. "He is really strong in terms of seeing the whole view," Wingenroth said. "I think a lot of that has come from years of working with people as a police officer. He always sees not just both sides of the issue but most sides of the issue." Since starting as city manager, Wingenroth said, Frazier has led five departments and taken on special projects such as the overseeing the rollout of the city's latest bond election and project. As city manager, Frazier said, he will work on accountability. He said he has always thought about things methodologically. "I have always believed you could put all the programs into place, but if you aren't monitoring it, you haven't accomplished anything," he said. "Everybody will tell you they are busy, but you have to wonder, 'Are you busy doing the right things?'" He said he thinks the city is generally headed in the right direction. He called Surprise a "diamond in the desert." Young said, if history proves true, Frazier will be extremely dedicated to the city in his new role. "I'm sure the man doesn't sleep," Young said. "It could be midnight, 1 o'clock in the morning, and I'll call and he'll answer it on the first ring, like he's waiting for me to call. ... He's on 24-7." Reach reporter Jen Fifield at jen.fifield@azcentral.com or 602-444-8763. Follow her on Twitter @JenAFifield. Surprise incumbent wins District 1 council race in preliminary election results Eastbound Interstate 40 closed in Holbrook after dead body found Ex-charter school operator of Discovery Creemos pleads guilty to theft, conspiracy Read or Share this story: https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/surprise/2018/11/08/how-arizonan-climbed-ladder-police-officer-city-manager-mike-frazier/1858989002/ Which Valley pools are safe? Inspectors find broken glass, dirty water and more Protest against ICE roundups spills into streets of Phoenix	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725646
__label__cc	0.704249	0.295751	Drunk Drivers vs Distracted Drivers Information courtesy of Lawrence Taylor - DUIblog The erratic driving observed by a police officer which caused him to stop the vehicle for investigation of DUI is often caused by innocent behavior. Driving distractions such as using cell phones, lighting cigarettes, eating food or changing CDs can cause such symptoms of drunk driving as "swerving" or "drifting" -- along with the officer's incorrect conclusion that the driver is intoxicated. The fact is, however, that this distractive behavior can be more dangerous than intoxication. For years government agencies have warned against the use of cell phones while driving. The National Safety Council and the Transport Research Laboratory (United Kingdom), for example, have used driving simulators to test reaction times and driving performance, and the American Automobile Association has gathered statistics on drivers involved in serious motor vehicle accidents. See Stutts, et al., The Role of Driver Distraction on Traffic Crashes, AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (2001). A detailed study on the effects of cell phone use on driving was conducted by researchers at the University of Utah, and reported in a paper entitled Fatal Distraction? A Comparison of the Cell-Phone Driver and the Drunk Driver given at the Second International Driving Symposium on Human Factors in Driving Assessment, Training and Design (July 2003). Using a simulator, the researchers measured how subjects reacted to vehicles braking in front of them. Results? Drivers conversing on a cell phone were involved in more rear-end collisions, and their reactions were 8% slower relative to normal baseline; it also took them 15% longer to return to normal speed. By contrast, drivers who were legally drunk (at or above .08% blood-alcohol) showed no higher accident rates than normal, nor did they exhibit significant variation from normal baselines for reaction times or return to normal speeds. The conclusion of the researchers: Drivers on cell phones showed greater impairment, less responsive behavior and more accidents than drunk drivers. (Thanks to Steve Oberman, Esq., of Knoxville, Tennessee.)	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725647
__label__wiki	0.513314	0.513314	Malvern Panalytical partners with the University of Pittsburgh’s Energy Innovation Center to advance research into rechargeable battery systems June 6, 2019 -- Energy storage influences every part of modern life, from the cell phone in your pocket to the electric car on the highway. However, seeing the chemistry of what is happening inside a battery while it is in use is indeed tricky, but it could have opportunities for identifying new materials as well as improving the battery itself. Now, the Next-Generation Energy Conversion and Storage Technologies Lab (NECSTL) at the University of Pittsburgh’s Energy Innovation Center has announced a new energy research partnership with Malvern Panalytical that will enable the lab to do that. The NECSTL, headed by Prashant N. Kumta, PhD, focuses on energy conversion and storage, including rechargeable battery systems. Malvern Panalytical’s Empyrean X-ray Platform, a multipurpose diffractometer, will be used in the lab to identify solid-state materials by determining their internal structure, composition and phase while they are in use. “For example, it can be used to determine what happens to an electrode and electrolyte material as the main active component is removed and brought back during a electrochemical reaction, such as in the case of a lithium-ion rechargeable battery,” explains Prashant N. Kumta, PhD, Edward R. Weidlein Chair professor of Bioengineering. Dr. Kumta also holds appointments in chemical and petroleum engineering, mechanical engineering and materials science, the McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine, and oral biology. “This understanding will lead to new discoveries of mechanisms and operation, which can result in new materials discovery and new designs for significantly increasing the performance of batteries and fuel cells.” Dr. Kumta also believes that the partnership will enable the design of new instrumentation for further in-situ diagnostics of energy storage and conversion systems. The partnership and equipment was celebrated on May 23 in Pittsburgh, PA at the Energy Innovation Center, where attendees got a first look at the newly installed Malvern Panalytical Empyrean X-ray diffraction (XRD) system up close. One important result of the collaboration will be a Battery Analysis Workshop to be held at the NECSTL/University of Pittsburgh September 18-19, 2019. The workshop will be an educational experience exploring analytical techniques for battery components, pouch cells, and complete battery structures. Electrical & Control Panels, Factory Automation, Process Instruments, Field Devices & IO, Process Automation, Power & Energy The National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) announced Eaton's Molly Murphy as 2019... The award honors Murphy for her outstanding and dedicated service to NAED, the Women in Industry group, and the electrical distribution industry at... Eclipse Automation announces acquisition of Transmoduls As Eclipse expands into central Europe, it will continue to build on its success formula of know-how, flexibility and a menu of responsive... Westfalia Technologies releases 'Justifying the Cost of Your Automation Project' white paper Westfalia suggests by using automation, warehouses can make better use of cube space and reduce overall building footprint, leading to increased... ASM Assembly Systems announces partnership with Delphi Technologies to advance integrated smart... ASM, one of the electronics industry’s digital transformation partners, will take the lead by supplying production line and factory solutions... Eighty-Two Percent of Organizations are Embracing IT/OT Collaboration, But Still Falling Short on... By Andrea Carcano, Nozomi Networks Critical infrastructure and industrial environments were once thought to be immune to cyber threats and... 4 Ways to Tackle Cybersecurity at the Industrial Edge By John Fryer, Stratus Technologies To protect their networks and data, companies utilizing edge technology need to make sure that they are... Business Intelligence Automates Industrial Profitability By Søren Block Olsen, TARGIT Too often manufacturing firms, even top-tier operations managers, use company analyses or reports which neglect to...	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725655
__label__wiki	0.935726	0.935726	September 05, 2012 Music, Arts & Culture » Arts Exploding World Junot Díaz on art, the apocalypse and the importance of 'The Terminator' By Leilani Clark Junot Díaz appears on Friday, Sept. 14, at Copperfield's Books. 775 Village Court, Santa Rosa. 7pm. Free. 707.578.8938. AIR RAID Junot Díaz has been trying for years to write a science-fiction novel inspired by his apocalyptic dreams. Junot Díaz lives with apocalyptic visions. Maybe it's because the 43-year-old author lived in the Dominican Republic until he was six years old, a place that he calls, along with Haiti, "the most apocalyptic in the world." Or maybe it's because he spent his formative years in New Jersey near a large landfill and within slight distance of New York City, during the nuclear threat of the 1980s. "I was one of those kids that grew up in a time where we'd be sitting there watching the news, and they'd suddenly flash a map of New York City, and they would show a big black ring of every area, of every town, every person within that range that would be utterly obliterated," Díaz says by phone from the East Coast where he splits his time between N.Y.C. and Cambridge. "And of course, we were deep in the heart of that ring." Inspired in part by personal hero Octavia Butler—author of the brilliant, Nebula Award–winning novel Parable of the Sower—Díaz has spent years trying to write a science fiction novel inspired in part by his apocalyptic dreams. An excerpt from his latest attempt-in-process appears in the June issue of The New Yorker. "Monstro" takes place in the Dominican Republic and tells of an epidemic that springs up in Haiti, producing 40-foot-tall cannibalistic creatures. It's the stuff of nightmares, told in the typical Díaz voice of a 19-year-old Dominican-American male who's more interested in getting laid than soul searching at the abyss. Still, Díaz isn't very interested in discussing his latest project, which he says is just in the early stage, though he does admit that the "apocalyptic history of both the Dominican Republic and the United States has resonated with me and continues to shape a lot of the interests in my work." That, plus a steady diet of movies like The Terminator, which he's actually used in the curriculum in a post-apocalyptic lit class. "That's how nerdy I am," he says with a laugh, after proclaiming that "it's not only Sarah Connor that dreams of the world exploding." Díaz' latest collection, This Is How You Lose Her, follows the 2008 Pulitzer Prize winner The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, but he says it was written over a span of 17 years. Though they may not deal in actual end-of-the-world matters, the collection's stories capture the steady unraveling of one Dominican-American man (aside from one told by a female narrator) from childhood through adulthood. Yunior, the character also at the center of Drown, the 1996 collection that got Díaz pinned as the next "it" writer, reappears here. Yunior also happens to be Díaz's childhood nickname, though the stories are packaged as fiction and not memoir. Tags: Arts, Junot Diaz, This is How You Lose Her, Copperfield's Books Jan. 27: Fire Patrol in Santa Rosa July 28: Local Lit in Novato April 7: Literary Leap in Santa Rosa Latest in Arts More Arts » Coco Carnacchi Meet the Maestro More by Leilani Clark Fight of Our Lives Community in Transition Feb. 1: Heal with Art in Santa Rosa By Charlie Swanson Jan 30, 2019 11:46 am Feb. 1-2: California Stories in Napa Feb. 2: Strings Summit in Sebastopol Vote Now for the 2019 NorBays Music Awards Mon, Jul. 15 2:30 pm Modern Hicks Reunite For Sebastopol Benefit Concert Fri, Jun. 28 12:51 pm New Outdoor Venue Coming to Downtown Napa Tue, Jun. 18 9:46 am	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725656
__label__wiki	0.715753	0.715753	Women & Power Issue Roundtable: Glass ceilings and getting ahead We talked to male and female executives about progress in the American workplace. By Shirley Leung Globe staff,November 2, 2013, 9:00 p.m. Clockwise from top left: Nancy Gerter, Jay Hooley, Lee Pelton, R. Robert Popeo, Beth Williams, and Linda Zecher. (Yoon S. Byun/Globe staff) Is the glass ceiling gone? Is the old boys’ club network dead? The answers may depend upon whom you ask. We convened two separate groups of executives and leaders — one of men, one of women — to get their take on the progress made in promoting women to the top. Globe business columnist Shirley Leung moderated. Interviews have been edited and condensed. Laura Sen, chief executive of BJ’s Wholesale Club. (Yoon S. Byun/Globe staff) Nancy Gertner, Harvard Law professor and retired federal judge; Laura Sen, chief executive of BJ’s Wholesale Club; Beth Williams, chief executive of Roxbury Technology Corp.; and Linda Zecher, chief executive of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt > Have we made good progress in getting women into leadership roles at organizations and on corporate boards? GERTNER The leadership of most of the law firms across the country has stalled at 13 to 15 percent women equity partners, even though for the past 25 years the law schools have been graduating 50 percent of their class women. There is a pipeline that should have led to 50 percent women in positions of power in law firms, and it has not. SEN I would say that the retail profession and consumer goods are very rich in women CEOs and management. Probably it is the best area for women to excel. I think [it’s] because we represent the consumer. ZECHER I would say the publishing industry has always been primarily men, and it still is, except for when you come to fashion publishing. But if I look at it from a technology standpoint, which is really my background, we’ve made baby steps, if [any] steps at all. Everyone points to Silicon Valley and Marissa [Mayer] taking over at Yahoo as “Wow, this is great. We finally have women.” That’s one woman in one role. WILLIAMS I would have to agree, too, and I’m in manufacturing. I think I am the only African-American female manufacturer in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Manufacturing, yes, is changing, but there are 7,000 manufacturers in Massachusetts and very few women. Nancy Gertner, Harvard Law professor and retired federal judge. (Yoon S. Byun/Globe staff) > Is the old boys’ network gone? GERTNER Where’s the data? Show us the facts. WILLIAMS Are you kidding? That is crazy. GERTNER The question is whether the measure is what it had been 40 years ago. If that’s the measure, then certainly we are fabulous. No question about it. If the measure is the number of qualified women in the pool, that’s a different measure. I love Ruth Ginsburg’s comment about the Supreme Court. Isn’t it wonderful that there are now three women on the Supreme Court? No, she said, there should be half, and there’s no question that should mirror society. So, yes, things are better, there are high-profile women in some positions, but the numbers suggest a glass ceiling. The question is why. > So why haven’t we made more progress? ZECHER In part, it’s a pyramid. You have to have enough women at the bottom levels of management so you can start moving them up. Historically, we have not done that well, and we have not done that fast enough. SEN I had an early boss and mentor. He promoted me several times, and he said something that I think is really true. He said you hire and promote in your own image. I would tell you BJ’s has never had as many women in management at the executive vice president or senior vice president level as it has since I’m running the company. GERTNER The workplace is not family-friendly. We see this as an individual woman’s choice, how to combine work and family, rather than a societal choice. Linda Zecher, chief executive of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. (Yoon S. Byun/Globe staff) > How do we change society? Do men need to take up more child-care and household responsibilities? WILLIAMS We’re kind of seeing that as sort of a side effect of what’s happened to the economy, with more men being laid off. But I’m going to throw something out there that is a little controversial: I see men in the workforce bonding better than women. Men will reach back, they’ll go out together, they’ll do things together. Women, for a variety of reasons, either have to go home to our families, or this, that, and the other. But men will go play golf. They go on trips and stuff like that. I don’t see women having that same level of camaraderie and same kind of a network. Are we reaching back and pulling women up? I don’t think we do that as well as the men do. That’s part of the good old boy “I’m going to look out for you.” SEN When women choose to have a family, it can be a big obstacle. When the kids are sick, then the woman has to stay out, and her performance suffers because she’s not there. That kind of issue, not to mention those women who choose to take a few years off from the workforce, it does hold them back. That’s a choice. You have to be honest about it. ZECHER I disagree with that a little bit. I actually took three years off. I felt like I was losing my family because I felt like I wasn’t with them. Then I decided to get back into the workforce, so I jumped back in a different role at a different place. I still think I’m ahead of where my contemporaries are or [am] even, because I didn’t feel bad about [taking time off]. A lot of women feel guilty. Beth Williams, chief executive of Roxbury Technology Corp.(Yoon S. Byun/Globe staff) GERTNER We constantly describe this as an individual problem, the individual choices that women have made. You posed the question as “Is your husband taking responsibility?” That’s part of it. Anne-Marie Slaughter, when she wrote her article for The Atlantic , was talking about things like school days are organized for agriculture. The kids get out at 3 o’clock. Excuse me, what job ends at 3 o’clock? So there are structural issues having to do with the way we organize school and the way we organize work that make women bear the brunt of this responsibility. > How do you make those structural changes? GERTNER Public schools should be [open] till 5 o’clock and begin at a reasonable hour. Is there one big issue that holds women back but is not being discussed? ZECHER Women don’t promote themselves enough. We tend not to network as much as men do. We tend not to leverage our networks. [MSNBC’s] Mika Brzezinski wrote this book about how you have to understand your own power, and a lot of what she was talking about is we don’t always ask for things, and we’re much meeker in our requirements and our requests. WILLIAMS For 10 years, I’ve been the only woman at most of my meetings, and it’s so taxing right now. It’s frustrating. And to throw another layer, it’s as a woman of color. Whether you want to call it unconscious biases or whatever, when I’m sitting in a room with white men, I’m thinking that I’ve had an amazing journey, and I feel like if I were a man who did the things that I did, my business would be four times the size that it is today. > Do you think Boston is more male dominated? GERTNER When I was a judge, it was extraordinary how few women litigators there were for the big firms. I know that New York is different. There were women in public positions — public defenders, US attorneys — but when it came to a large antitrust case or a large copyright case, you would find the woman would be in the back, and it would be mostly male litigators. ZECHER Our company is 180 years old, and I’m the first female that has run the company. So when I first arrived, there were pictures of all the former CEOs, and they were all white men, and none of them were smiling. So I put my picture on the wall, in color, smiling. But now I’ve got a company where my chief content officer is a female. The company was almost always predominantly female down the ranks because of former teachers, editors, but never in management. > From the men’s round table, held yesterday, there were two schools of thought on promoting women: formal structures versus every woman for herself. Which works? SEN It’s never a random event when your intentions become reality. Now whether it looks like a policy or it looks like some other way of promoting this notion of women in the workplace or diversity, it has to be very intentional. ZECHER It can be threatening when a lot of attention is going toward women, and we have these programs in place, and they’re going to take over the world. But they need to look at the advantages of having a more diverse population and diverse thinking. You have to think about what you’re gaining by bringing more people rather than just fighting it out in the bullpen. R. Robert Popeo, chairman of Mintz Levin. (Yoon S. Byun/Globe staff) Jay Hooley, chief executive and chairman of State Street Corp.; R. Robert Popeo, chairman of Mintz Levin; and Lee Pelton, president of Emerson College > What, if anything, do men in positions of power need to do to pave the way for more women in leadership roles? HOOLEY There isn’t a silver bullet. If I look at [State Street] demographics, 55 percent of the employees are female, 45 male, and as you move up through the hierarchy of management, it starts to winnow out. What’s the root cause? There are several. One of them is family obligation. So as a result, we’ve been a big proponent of flexible work. We have 5,000 people working on flexible schedules. The other thing that showed up is an apparent bias in the way that people are evaluated and promoted within the organization. We put the whole senior organization through unconscious bias training. Fascinating, the biases that you naturally have from childbirth and how that influences judgments you make about people, performance. A big part of females getting ahead is to [eliminate] this unconscious bias. POPEO If I had to give any advice to women across the board, [it would be] do not take the role of a victim because you’re not a victim. These organizations that seek to jam a quota in do a disservice to these women, because these women rise on the basis of excellence, not quotas. In my organization over the past 20 years, the top four producing sections of the law firm were run by women. They weren’t there because they were women. They were there because they were talented. PELTON If you look at corporate America, 53 percent of new hires are women, but as you progress up the management ladder, that begins to change substantially. That 53 percent becomes 37 percent for managers and about 23 percent for vice president-level executives, so clearly as you look through that pipeline, there’s a set of issues that are either barriers to success or issues that discourage women from maintaining their presence as they move up the corporate ladder. My experience, because I’ve sat on a couple of publicly traded boards, is that leadership is crucial in this area. It requires the chairman of the board and the board itself and the CEO to be very intentional about this issue. Lee Pelton, president of Emerson College. (Yoon S. Byun/Globe staff) > Is it hard to find women to serve on boards? PELTON I’m actually the chair of [a board] nominating and governance committee. As we looked for a director last year, our attention has been on retired CEOs, and in this particular space, overwhelmingly those retired CEOs are men. One of the things you can do as a board is look outside the traditional places. POPEO I’m the president of the National Association of Corporate Directors, New England chapter. We spend a lot of time thinking and looking at this. I added five members to my board last year, four of whom are women. I always look to see how women can help themselves. I’ve served on four public company boards. I have served on not-for-profit boards. I’ve served on hospital boards. There is a process by which you qualify yourself. Women have to start that process, and it may be you serve on a not-for-profit board and start getting some idea of how boards function. > Do you think men take to networking more naturally than women? POPEO No. I think that traditionally men have done it, and it’s a new experience for women now. You could look to Karen Kaplan, who is the CEO of Hill Holliday, or Anne Finucane at Bank of America. They’ve all been out there; they’ve all worked the system. There’s a truism here. Unless you make the rules, you better learn the rules of the game and be good at them. You may not like them, but those are the rules of the game and that’s your route to success. PELTON It’s still the case that family formation impacts men and women differently. Even if you look at families where both husband and wife work, the woman still spends twice as much time as her husband taking care of her children. By the way, I’m a single dad with a 14-year-old, so I know some of these issues. Women now represent about 2 out of 5 of the faculty in colleges and universities. But among tenured faculty, 70 percent of the men are married with children, and only 44 percent of the women are married with children, which suggests that if you’re a male and you’re married, tenure is more accessible for you than it is for a woman who’s married and has children. Jay Hooley,chief executive and chairman of State Street Corp.(Yoon S. Byun/Globe staff) > What about the current generation of male college students? How do they view household duties? PELTON There’s a greater sense that men and women are equal in terms of leadership capacity and their performance in the classroom. But what happens after college, you know I’m not smart enough to predict. POPEO It used to be a stigma for the woman to be working and the man to be the stay-at-home parent. That’s gone. The breakdown of those barriers has also permeated the workplace. This idea of it’s an old boys’ network — that’s gone — and it isn’t even a desirable to have that. > Do you guys agree that the old boys’ network is gone? HOOLEY I’m not sure what the old boys’ network is. POPEO That says it all. PELTON It’s undeniable that there are still barriers to women participating in corporate life as much as we would like. Whatever you want to call it, but the barriers exist. They are complicated. We have a long way to go. Shirley Leung can be reached at sleung@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @leung. Her column runs on Wednesday and Friday.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725659
__label__wiki	0.980222	0.980222	Home > Categories > Art and Entertainment > Musicians > Katy Perry's Biography Katy Perry's Biography Photo by Eva Rinaldi from Sydney Australia (Katy Perry) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons www.twitter.com/katyperry Katy Perry was born Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson on October 25, 1984 in Santa Barbara, California. Her parents were both travelling Christian ministers. Katy Perry's first venture, at just 16, into the music business fitted her background and was a self-titled album under her birth name Katy Hudson on a Christian music label. She later changed her recording name to her mother's maiden name, hence Katy Perry. The transition from Christian singer Katy Hudson to Katy Perry, singer of number one hit I Kissed a Girl, came partially through coming to the attention of The Matrix, the managers of Avril Lavigne and Ricky Martin. Although it did not lead to a release, it was a crucial stepping stone in her being signed up by Columbia in 2007. Katy Perry's debut single Ur So Gay caused a stir and was followed up with her debut album, One of the Boys, which not only included Ur So Gay, but also the hugely popular I Kissed A Girl, which topped the charts in 20 countries. However, Katy Perry told the BBC how I Kissed a Girl nearly never made it to release: "We brought it to the record label and they didn't even wanna put it on the record." Katy Perry followed up I Kissed A Girl with another number one, Hot N Cold. In spite of the controversy surrounding her songs, Katy Perry insists that her parents are comfortable with her lyrics: "I know my parents really support me and love me and they're at my shows at all times." In January 2009, Katy Perry reportedly split up with Travis McCoy, lead singer of rappers Gym Class Heroes. On 31 December 2009, Katy Perry got engaged to Russell Brand. They got married on 23 October 2010. Katy Perry's second album, Teenage Dream, including the single California Gurls, was scheduled for release on 30 August 2010. In January 2011, Katy Perry won best female artist and favourite online sensation at the People's Choice Awards. In December 2011, Russell Brand filed for divorce from Katy Perry citing irreconcilable differences. In the summer of 2016, Katy Perry released a new song, Rise, which was a tie-in with the US television coverage of the Rio Olympics. It was three years since her last record, Roar. In 2017, there were reports that Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom had broken off their relationship, however, in 2019, they announced their engagement. Bieber, Justin Brand, Russell	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725663
__label__wiki	0.960484	0.960484	Your blog talks about Star Trek: Picard? Send an email to [email protected] to be indexed in the BitFeed Network Tv Series Amazon Prime Video Michael Chabon Star Trek: Picard Star Trek: Picard – Michael Chabon will be the showrunner “I'm really very happy, and I can't believe I have the opportunity to be part of it”, said the author winner of the Pulitzer prize-winner Michael Chabon at the Deadline last fall, when it is united to the scriptwriters of Star Trek: Picard CBS All Access as the executive producer. The fans of Star Trek... Tv Series Amazon Prime Video Cbs All Access Star Trek: Picard Star Trek: Picard – the first trailer Thanks to the agreement reached with CBS All Access, Amazon Prime Video will be the exclusive service that will distribute the new series Star Trek: Picard; each episode will be available on Amazon Prime Video within 24 hours of the u.s. premiere.STAR TREK: PICARD sees Sir Patrick Stewart return to... Tv Series Cbs All Access Patrick Stewart Star Trek Star Trek: Picard Star Trek: the series of Picard on Amazon Prime Video Thanks to the agreement reached with CBS All Access, Amazon Prime Video will be the exclusive service to distribute the new series still untitled “Star Trek” Jean-Luc Picard; each episode will be available on Amazon Prime Video within 24 hours of the u.s. premiere.Star Trek: the series of Picard on... Tv Series Cbs All Access Patrick Stewart Star Trek: Picard Star Trek: Picard – revealed characters of the series The new series of Star Trek will return to Patrick Stewart in the role of Jean-Luc Picard, but, in a recent report That Hashtag Show, he probably revealed some of the characters to support the character of Stewart. In the crew there should be a new version of the Doctor (played by Robert Picardo in Star... Star Trek: Picard – revealed when it will be set in the series The new series of Star Trek will return to Patrick Stewart in the role of Jean-Luc Picard: during The Graham Norton Show, the actor has revealed exactly when the series is set.“The series will see Picard exactly 19 years after his last appearance in” revealing, therefore, as the series CBS All Access... Tv Series Cbs Patrick Stewart Star Trek: Picard Star Trek: Picard – Patrick Stewart, there will be at least three seasons The new series of Star Trek will return to Patrick Stewart in the role of Jean-Luc Picard: you recently interviewed while promoting his new film, The boy who will become king, the actor was asked if it is possible that the series might also lead to a future film.“Oh lord, are we perhaps ready to do three... Tv Series Alex Kurtzman Cbs Star Trek: Picard Star Trek: first details on the series of Picard The co-creator and showrunner of Star Trek: Discovery, Alex Kurtzman, revealed to the magazine Entertainment Weekly the first details about the new Star Trek series, which will return you Patrick Stewart in the role of Jean-Luc Picard.“It will have a rhythm very different from Discovery, which proceeds...	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725664
__label__wiki	0.630588	0.630588	Case Collective case notes CTP.Files eNewsletter CyberFiles eNewsletter EPL.Files eNewsletter HealthFiles eNewsletter ProFiles eNewsletter WCompFiles eNewsletter Building Professionals' Negligence Casebooks Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Insurance Issues Professional Indemnity & Financial Lines Public & Product Liability State Local Authorities The Insurance Act 2015 (UK) – an overview and implications for the Australian insurance market 18 June 2015 \| Professional Indemnity & Financial Lines On 12 February 2015 the UK Insurance Act 2015 (the Act) received royal assent and will take effect on 12 August 2016. It is one product of the longstanding review undertaken by the Law Commission and the Scottish Law Commission which sought to identify what areas of insurance law were in need of reform. It was preceded by the Consumer Insurance (Disclosure and Representations) Act 2012 which related solely to consumer insurance. The Act applies mainly to non-consumer contracts of insurance although some of its provisions will apply to consumer and non-consumer policies alike. The Act introduces reforms in several significant areas and arguably also stands to impact Australian insurers that find their contracts governed by UK law. Duty of ‘fair presentation’ Prior to the Act’s inception, an insured was obliged to disclose every material fact / circumstance before entering into a policy of insurance, even including facts that an insurer had not specifically asked for. The duty was an onerous one, penalties for breaches were arguably harsh and it had been subject to criticism for many years. The Act, in the context of non-consumer contracts, imports a new ‘duty of fair presentation’. The duty is detailed in Part 2 of the Act. Essentially, an insured is required to disclose any and all information which it “‘knows or ought to know” or failing that, disclosure which is sufficient “to put a prudent insurer on notice that it needs to make further enquiries…”. Information which an insured ought to know is that which might have been discovered by an insured engaging in a “reasonable search”. Additionally, the new duty also dictates the manner in which the information must be presented – namely that disclosure must be both sufficient and fairly presented, in a manner that is reasonably clear and accessible to a prudent insurer. Remedies for breach of the duty are also substantially altered. If the breach is either deliberate or reckless, and the insurer can demonstrate it would not have otherwise entered into the contract, then it is permitted to void the contract and retain any premiums paid to it. If the breach is negligent or innocent (not deliberate or reckless) the remedy is contingent on what action the insurer would have taken if the breach had not occurred. One can surmise that this new duty will require insurers to take a more proactive and diligent approach when it comes to pre-contractual disclosure by an insured. No longer will an insurer be able to point to an insured’s failure to provide material information if in fact the insured has provided information sufficient to put the insurer on notice of the need for further enquiries. Previously a breach of warranty had enabled an insurer to escape any liability from the time of breach onwards, even if an insured had taken steps to remedy the breach. Part 3 of the Act deals with warranties and, in essence, affords an insured an opportunity to ‘make good’ its breach of warranty (provided it does so before an insured loss occurs). Specifically, in the event of a breach of a contractual term, an insurer’s liability will be reinstated once the insured has remedied the breach. The insurer also remains liable for the period of time preceding the breach. Liability is suspended from the time of the breach to the time it is remedied, so an insurer might refuse to pay a claim for a loss occurring during this period (provided the breach is relevant to the loss). Fraudulent claims Previously a fraudulent claim entitled an insurer to avoid the entire policy from its outset which meant that an insurer might, prima facie, recover any sums previously paid to its insured for earlier genuine claims. Part 4 of the Act provides that an insurer will not be liable to pay a fraudulent claim. In the case of fraud, an insurer will be entitled to terminate the policy, but only from the time of the fraud onwards. Option to ‘contract out’ There is provision in the Act for the parties to contract out of the Act’s application in certain respects. In the context of consumer contracts, section 15 of the Act provides that any term of the contract, which would see the insured in a worse position other than they would find themselves in under the Act, is invalid. Parties to non-consumer contracts will have some scope to contract out of the Act’s application, however, the insurer must comply with transparency requirements and provide clear notice to the insured as to the possible implications of opting out. The Australian experience The Act will apply to all contracts of insurance governed by UK Law. In the context of reinsurance contracts, for example, Australian insurers may therefore find themselves bound by the provisions of the Act although the highly sophisticated nature of reinsurance might see the parties to such contracts electing to opt out of the Act’s application in certain instances. At the very least, however, the parties will need to turn their attention to the reforms and consider whether modifications to internal processes (for example, adopting a more proactive approach to disclosure) or even policy wordings are required. In the wider context, the Act may also serve as something of a catalyst for further reform to Australian insurance law. While a number of the new provisions now simply align more closely with Australian law, others (in particular the remedies for breach of policy terms and the new duty of fair presentation) are considerably different and may in turn encourage further revision of the Insurance Contracts Act 1984 (Cth) or even more drastically, the Marine Insurance Act 1909 (Cth). The Act reforms the Marine Insurance Act 1906 (UK) in several important ways. Given the Australian equivalent was modelled entirely on the original UK version, it remains to be seen whether this latest reform will also now draw attention to what is labelled by some as a draconian piece of legislation in many respects. Melanie Quixley Lisa Hulcombe	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725666
__label__wiki	0.654734	0.654734	Vatican Academies Promote Search for Scientific Truths I encourage you to persevere in your search for truth for we ought never to fear truth, nor become trapped in our own preconceived ideas, but welcome new scientific discoveries with an attitude of humility. - Pope Francis to the Pontifical Academy of Science. "The Bible teaches us how to go to heaven, not how the heavens go." One would think a prominent atheist spoke such words. Not so. Cardinal Caesar Baronius is reported to have said it Galileo Galelei during the course of his struggles with the hierarchy over the astronomer’s radical new view of the scientific method.[i] In fact, science in the service of human beings is encouraged and supported by the Church. It always has been, dating as far back as St. Augustine and his refutation of astrology in the 5th century. “Science and technology,” says the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the basic teaching document of the Church, “are precious resources when placed at the service of man and promote his integral development for the benefit of all.” Note the “service” portion of the Catechism. Science, in the view of the Catholic Church, is always in the service of people and the advancement of humanity. Pope Francis emphasized this last year when he told the 2018 Davos Forum that artificial intelligence, robotics and other cutting-edge technology should be at the “service of humanity and the protection of our common home.” Spearheading the interface of science for the Vatican is the Pontifical Academy of Science (PAS), one of 11 papal-sponsored academies. Its mission is to promote mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and other branches of the natural science. It traces its roots back to a similar organization, the Academy of Lynxes, founded in 1603. Galileo was one of its earliest members. California is well represented among the seventy members of the Academy including Nobel Laureates Paul Berg, biochemistry, now at Stanford; David Baltimore, a physiologist at CalTech; and Steven Chu former Secretary of Energy and now at Stanford. Atmospheric scientist Veerabhadran Ramanathan, UC San Diego, is a leader in current climate science and Edward De Robertis, a biologist at UCLA, are also members of the Academy. In all 22 members of the Academy are from the United States. Members are selected based on their contribution to their field and the imperative to have representation from all scientific fields. Other members are included because of the posts they hold. One of those is Jesuit Guy Joseph Consolmagno, originally from Detroit, who is the head of the Vatican Observatory. Yes, the Vatican also owns and operates several telescopes including the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope (VATT) in Arizona. Asked why the Vatican owns telescopes, one Jesuit astronomer is reported to have quipped “because it cannot afford a particle accelerator.” The Observatory was actually formed for a very practical reason – reforming the Julian calendar – but it now works in all areas of astronomy and cosmology. California is represented at the Observatory as well. Jesuit Father William Stoeger worked at the VATT until his death in 2014. Born in Torrance and raised in Redondo Beach, he worked in the fields of theoretical cosmology, high-energy astrophysics, and interdisciplinary studies relating to science, philosophy and theology. Catholic astronomers have made significant contributions to the field. In fact, Georges Lemaitre, a Belgian priest, was one of the original theorists who developed the underlying principles of the “Big Bang” theory. Fr. Lemaitre calculated the expansion of the universe two years before American-astronomer Edwin Hubble did. In fact, a European astronomical association recently voted to rename the universe expansion law as the Hubble-Lemaitre Law. Like other academies and universities, both the PAS and the Vatican Observatory hold regular conferences. This year, the Pontifical Academy of Science is sponsoring a conference entitled Robotics, AI, and Humanity: Science, Ethics, and Policy which is examining the latest theories and developments in machine learning. Participants will examine the implications of AI for medicine and health care, employment, transport, manufacturing, agriculture, and armed conflict. Other conferences this year alone have covered personalized medicine and methods for species protection. This year, the summer session of the Vatican Observatory Summer School is devoted to the study of the search for extra-astronomical life. No telling what Galileo would have thought of that topic! Pontifical Academy of Science - http://www.pas.va/content/accademia/en.html List of California and United States Members Vatican Observatory - http://www.vaticanobservatory.va/content/specolavaticana/en.html [i] Fortunately, the Church eventually apologized – albeit more than 350 years late – but, under the direction of Pope St. John Paul II, it did acknowledge that Galileo was correct about the heliocentric nature of the solar system and his observations in proof of Kepler’s and Copernicus’ theories.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725668
__label__cc	0.742858	0.257142	Free Consultation: 866-966-5240 Tap to Call Tap to Text California Accident Attorneys Blog by Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC Slip and Fall at California Grocery Store Dismissed on Appeal by Steven M. Sweat Mop bucket and caution sign California companies have a duty of care to keep their premises in reasonably safe conditions for their visitors. (NOTE: For a full summary of California law on accident and injury claims on commercial property, click here). There are limits to this duty of care, however. In Peralta v. The Vons Company, Cal. Court of Appeals, case no. B282130, the extent of the duty of care owed to visitors was explored. Background of the case On Feb. 2, 2014, Rose Peralta went to purchase bread from a Vons grocery store. The bakery told her that the bread was baking and to come back in 10 minutes. Peralta picked out some pastries and returned to the bakery counter after 10 minutes had passed. While she was walking, she slipped and fell. Peralta claimed that she felt something slippery on the floor that had caused her to fall. She filled out an accident report form, and the manager looked at the area where she had fallen. The manager did not see anything slippery on the floor’s surface and instead only saw some crumbs from the pastries that Peralta dropped when she fell. Peralta was wearing 3-inch stiletto heels at the time of her accident. Peralta and her husband sued Vons for damages, including medical expenses, reduced earning capacity and loss of consortium for her husband. Vons filed a motion for summary judgment, which the lower court granted. The Peraltas filed an appeal of the lower court’s dismissal, arguing that there were issues of triable fact to be decided by a jury. Issue: Whether Vons exercised reasonable care to keep its premises safe Vons argued that it did not have any notice or knowledge of a dangerous condition that existed in the area where Peralta fell. It argued that a printout of the inspection records showed that an employee had inspected the bakery area eight minutes before Peralta fell. Vons argued that there was nothing on the floor other than crumbs from the pastries that Peralta dropped when she fell, and the manager did not see any slippery substance on the floor. Peralta argued that she felt something slippery under her shoe and knew that there was grease or oil on the floor. A civil engineer stated that he tested the slip resistance of the floor. It exceeded the requirements when it was dry but fell below industry standards for slip resistance when it was wet. The engineer opined that the nature of Peralta’s fall demonstrated that there was likely a slippery substance on the floor. Peralta also argued that she did not see anyone inspecting the bakery area for the 10 to 15 minutes prior to her fall. On appeal, Peralta argued that there were issues of triable fact remaining about whether a slippery substance was present on the floor and if the inspection of the floor was conducted within a reasonable time before the fall happened. Rule: Employers must exercise reasonable care to keep their premises safe for customers, but they are not required to ensure the safety of their visitors Plaintiffs have the burden of proof to show evidence that the defendant’s conduct more than likely caused their slip and fall accidents. The possibility that a defendant’s actions might have caused the fall is not sufficient. When the plaintiff only uses speculation or conjecture to claim causation, a court must direct a verdict in favor of the defendant. Courts must also direct verdicts for the defendants in cases in which the plaintiffs are unable to present evidence showing that the dangerous conditions existed for a sufficient amount of time for the defendants to have discovered them. The court first looked at whether or not an issue of triable fact existed regarding whether or not there was a slippery substance on the floor. Peralta had previously testified that she did not see anything on the floor before or after she fell. Immediately after the accident, the store manager inspected the area and did not see anything on the floor other than the crumbs from the pastries. Peralta argued that the store’s owner had allegedly told her that employees had fallen in the same area in the past, but the court rejected the statement as hearsay. Finally, the Peraltas introduced the civil engineer’s opinion about the slip resistance of the floor when it was wet and that Peralta’s fall indicated that there must have been a slippery substance on the floor’s surface. The court found that the engineer’s opinion was conjecture and not enough to lead to an issue of material fact. The court next looked at whether the dispute over when the inspection was conducted was an issue of triable fact for a jury. Using the opinion in Ortega v. Kmart Corp., 83 Cal. App. 4th (2001), the court analyzed the evidence presented by the plaintiffs. Peralta had argued that she did not see anyone inspecting the bakery area for 10 to 15 minutes before she fell. The store manager had testified that inspection records showed that the area had been inspected eight minutes prior. In Ortega, the court found that plaintiffs may show that a store has constructive notice of a dangerous condition by showing that an inspection wasn’t conducted within a reasonable time before an accident. However, the court found that in this case, Peralta’s testimony that no inspection was completed was insufficient because she had failed to prove that a dangerous condition even existed. The court affirmed the district court’s ruling, and the case was dismissed. The court’s ruling demonstrates that while stores do have a duty of care to keep their premises free of hazards and safe for their customers, they will not be liable in a slip and fall case in which the plaintiffs are unable to prove that a dangerous condition even existed. Slip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries, but a store’s operator or owner will not always be liable. People who have been injured in a slip and fall accident may want to talk to an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney for an evaluation of their potential claims. For an evaluation of your potential claim, contact the Law Offices of Steven M. Sweat today. https://law.justia.com/cases/california/court-of-appeal/2018/b282130.html?utm_source=summary-newsletters&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2018-06-29-personal-injury-83698ef8ac&utm_content=text-case-read-more-16 https://law.justia.com/cases/california/supreme-court/4th/26/1200.html Posted in: Premises Accidents Updated: July 3, 2018 11:53 am Attorney Steven Sweat Motor Vehicle Accidents (55) Premises Accidents (25) Pedestrian Accidents (12) Commercial Vehicle Accidents (11) Sexual Abuse and Assault (8) Bicycle Accidents (7) Personal Injury Claims (7) Wrongful Death Claims (5) Fire Accidents and Explosions (4) DUI Motor Vehicle Accidents (4) Lawyer Steven Sweat \| Top Attorney Personal Injury Lawyer Steven Sweat \| Lawyer Personal Injury Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney Blog California Work Comp Case Remanded on Issue of Heavy Housework Assistance June 17, 2019 Los Angeles Sexual Abuse Defense Jury Verdict Reversed on Appeal May 21, 2019 What to Do After Being Sexually Assaulted in the Workplace May 2, 2019 11400 W Olympic Blvd #218 Free: (866) 966-5240 SOUTHEAST LOS ANGELES COUNTY 12631 Imperial Hwy #104 294 Shasta St ONTARIO OFFICE LOCATION 3535 Inland Empire Blvd #45A HUNTINGTON BEACH / ORANGE COUNTY 7755 Center Ave #1100 PALMDALE OFFICE LOCATION 1607 E Palmdale Blvd #1 100 Barranca St #250 GLENDALE OFFICE LOCATION 100 N Brand Blvd #636 TORRANCE - SOUTH BAY 3868 W Carson St #300 BAKERSFIELD OFFICE LOCATION 1430 Truxtun Ave 5th Floor Copyright © 2016 – 2019, Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725669
__label__wiki	0.928086	0.928086	Saudi Arabia Executes Seven People in One Day AFP Photo/Yoav LEMMER Breitbart Jerusalem (AFP) RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia on Tuesday executed seven death row inmates, who had been convicted of murder and drug trafficking, state media reported. The ultra-conservative kingdom has one of the world’s highest rates of execution, with suspects convicted of terrorism, homicide, rape, armed robbery, and drug trafficking all facing the death penalty. Two Saudi Arabian citizens and three nationals of Chad were executed after being sentenced to death for the kidnapping and murder of a Pakistani security guard, with the alleged intent of robbing the warehouse he was guarding, according to the state-run SPA agency. Another Saudi Arabian was executed for murder after setting a man on fire, SPA reported. A Lebanese national was executed for attempting to smuggle captagon into the kingdom, SPA said. Captagon, a drug popular among fighters in war zones, usually blends amphetamines, caffeine, and other substances in pill form. Tuesday’s executions bring to 73 the total number of people put to death in the kingdom this year, according to a tally by AFP. Saudi Arabia had the third-highest execution rate in the world in 2017, after China and Iran, according to Amnesty International. Rights experts have repeatedly raised concerns about the fairness of trials in the kingdom, governed under a strict form of Islamic law. The government says the death penalty is a deterrent for further crime. In April, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, next in line to the throne, suggested the kingdom would consider changing the penalty from death to life in certain cases, except murder, in an interview with Time Magazine. Israel / Middle EastNational SecurityPoliticscapital punishmentCrown Prince Mohammed bin SalmanDeath penaltyExecutionIslamic lawSaudi Arabia	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725672
__label__cc	0.547448	0.452552	High gas prices could be the new normal Jan. 23 (UPI) — Abnormal trends for U.S. retail gasoline prices so far could point to higher prices for the year, but there may be short-term relief in store, analysts said. Motor club AAA reports a national average retail price of $2.54 per gallon for Tuesday, a slight increase from the previous day and about 10 cents per gallon, or 4 percent, higher than one month ago. Jeanette Casselano, a spokeswoman for AAA, said gas prices usually drop by as much as 20 cents during the first few weeks of January as holiday demand sloughs off, but this year the trend is reversed. “For consumers, the question is how high are gas prices going to go in 2018,” she said in a statement. Crude oil prices, a major factor in the price at the pump, continue to flirt with four-year highs because of lower production from members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and expectations of economically-driven demand pressure. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis releases its estimate of fourth quarter gross domestic product on Friday. On Monday, the International Monetary Fund said global economic growth has been strengthening at least since 2016, but warned of complacency because of lop-sided growth and cyclical momentum. By market, the West Coast in the United States continues to be the most expensive in the country, with California taking the top mark with $3.19 per gallon, though that’s skewed slight by a new fuels tax that went into effect last year. Nearby Washington, however, is close behind with $2.94 per gallon. Gas prices in the region or more or less stable and could move lower. The inventory for gasoline in the market is at a four-year high, federal data show. The Great Lakes market, meanwhile, is the most volatile, with Indiana and Michigan both posting declines in retail gasoline prices from last week of more than 10 cents. Compared with this time last year, however, those same states are paying 30 cents or more for a gallon of gas and are at the top of the list for yearly increases. Patrick DeHaan, a petroleum analyst at GasBuddy, said the region is vulnerable to a few refineries and a phenomenon he calls “price cycling,” a situation where retail stations drop their prices to compete, but are forced to drive them up again to make money. “Great Lakes refinery issues continue to flare up with no warning and gas prices there may continue to be more volatile in coming weeks,” he said in a statement. He said last week that there may be some relief in sight for gas prices as a while as refineries start making a summer blend of gasoline and sell off their winter stocks at a bargain, but that relief might last only through the middle of February. Federal data show the average retail price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline was $2.42 last year and should be about 15 cents per gallon higher for all of 2018.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725673
__label__wiki	0.945559	0.945559	MetroBus promises to ease ‘banana bus bunching’ in the city It may sound delicious, but it is actually a serious problem Esme Ashcroft MetroBus bosses are promising to ease an age-old problem which has given rise to its own saying: "You wait hours for a bus, then three come along at once." TravelWest, the group responsible for delivering the £216 million project, says that dedicated bus lanes, smart ticketing and motion-sensing traffic lights will make MetroBus services much more reliable than the current provision. A MetroBus spokesperson said: “Although MetroBus cannot control the number of passengers at a stop, measures are being literally built-in to its network to ensure delays are kept to a minimum that will, in turn, avoid the occurrence of bunching.” TravelWest has published a handy explanation as to why you often find a queue of buses at one stop. Metrobus platforms are dangerous, says cyclist who suffered double fracture of collarbone Known as ‘bus bunching’, the phenomenon occurs when two or more buses end up running at the same time, creating a delightfully named ‘bus banana’. The one in front fills with passengers and as it gets later and later, more passengers arrive. Meanwhile the next bus on the schedule has fewer passengers to pick up and catches up with the one in front, to the point where eventually they both end up arriving at a stop at the same time. Despite the jovial nickname, 'bus bananas' are bad news for passengers, as they create longer waits and over-crowded buses, closely followed by near-empty ones. A map of the current MetroBus routes Here comes the science bit... A TravelWest spokesperson said: “Bunching is one of the primary causes of bus unreliability. It is also an example of chaos theory. “Chaos theory describes how random, complex events can be explained by underlying patterns. It is sometimes referred to as the butterfly effect, where small changes can build to cause larger consequences. “The orderly procession of buses is assumed to be chaotic due to its inherent instability, and the fact that it is impossible to predict which buses will bunch and which will proceed to their destinations on schedule. “This is due to the initial delay being caused by random conditions, including traffic congestion, red traffic lights and the number of passengers at a stop.” Seven new MetroBus routes outlined in leaked study including Weston-super-Mare, Thornbury and Bath While the MetroBus provider cannot promise to eradicate bus bunching, it claims to have built measures in to the services to reduce delays. These include requiring passengers to buy tickets before boarding a MetroBus, specific MetroBus-only lanes through congested areas, sensors to allow buses to pass through traffic lights, a larger distance between stops and high-frequency of services. The first MetroBus routes are set to launch in the autumn.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725674
__label__wiki	0.894708	0.894708	Broadway in Spokane My Account Newsletter Promo Code Search by Keywords or Events Broadway Packages Nat Geo Live Packages Renew Season Tickets Exchange Tickets Showkidz Who was FINDING NEVERLAND’s J.M. Barrie? James Matthew Barrie (J.M. Barrie) On May 9th, 1860, James Matthew Barrie was born into a poor family as the seventh of ten children. Growing up, James was diminutive in height with a high-pitched boyish voice. Even as an adult, he stood only 5 feet 3 inches tall. In January 1866, the favorite Barrie son, David, fell while playing and died. This threw his family into deep depression, effecting their mother, Margaret, the most. To help relieve his mother’s grief, James would dress in David’s clothes and pretend to be David around his mother – this was his first foray into acting. James also loved to write and perform plays for the neighborhood children. James went on to attend Dumfries Academy, where he was inspired to start a theatrical society. Afterwards, he attended Edinburgh University, with a goal to become a professional writer. He eventually wrote several plays – Isben’s Ghost and Walker, London. During his production of Walker, London, James met his future wife, Mary Ansell. After their wedding, James and Mary purchased a St. Bernard puppy and named him Porthos. Porthos would go on to become the inspiration for the character of Nana in Peter Pan. When James and Mary returned to London, James would walk Porthos every day in Kensington Gardens. It was there that James first met the Llewelyn Davies family. Arthur and Sylvia Llewelyn Davies had five sons: George, John, Peter, Michael, and Nicholas. James began to play with the boys – telling them stories, performing magic, and creating elaborate pirate games, often involving Porthos. It was during these games in Kensington Gardens that James and the boys first shot an imaginary Peter Pan down from a tree with a blunt arrow. As James grew closer to the Llewelyn Davies family, his marriage to Mary fell apart. In 1904, James wrote his masterpiece, PETER PAN. From the beginning, James had a vision for the stage production of PETER PAN, and he knew he wanted his characters to actually fly across the stage. During production, several security measures were put in place to keep the flying and other special effects secret from the public until opening might. Before opening night, when the flying harnesses were complete, James invited the Llewelyn Davies boys for a test run to soar through the theater. The show opened on December 27th, 1904 in London and was considered an immediate success. In 1906, the novel “Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens” was published. One year later, Mr. Llewellyn Davies died of cancer. On his deathbed, Mr. Davies’ appointed James, now known as Uncle Jim, guardian of his sons in conjunction with their mother Sylvia. In 1909, James reluctantly granted his wife a divorce and in the following year, 1910, Sylvia Llewelyn Davies died. In 1910, James was the sole guardian and provider for all five Llewellyn Davies sons, now age seven to seventeen. James constantly edited and reworked the production of PETER PAN and as a result, it was not until 1928 that the play version of PETER PAN was published. On June 19th, 1937, at 77 years of age, James died of pneumonia. Upon his death, James gifted the copyright of PETER PAN to the Great Ormond Hospital for Sick Children in London. This gift entitled the hospital to all the proceeds from the sale of any book, play or associated sale of PETER PAN with the stipulation that the total sum earned never to be revealed. This is known as, “The Peter Pan Gift.” FINDING NEVERLAND, the story of J.M. Barrie and how Peter became Pan, is set to soar on tour to Spokane for a week-long engagement November 15-18 at the First Interstate Center for the Arts. Tickets are on sale now (BUY TICKETS)! Premiere Sponsors Golden Sponsors © 2019 Broadway in Spokane. \| Site Map \| Terms & Conditions \| Privacy Policy \| Accessibility a carbonhouse experience	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725675
__label__wiki	0.604117	0.604117	The Real Challenge of Internal Displacement in Iraq: The Future Elizabeth Ferris Thursday, December 6, 2007 Good afternoon. I’ve been asked to speak about the next challenges of Iraq’s displacement crisis and would like to focus on internal displacement and particularly the security dimensions of internal displacement. I’ll also comment on what is likely to be a huge challenge: the return of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). While largely absent from mainstream media coverage of the war, the needs of Iraqis displaced by the war have been a major concern to the humanitarian community. As I have argued elsewhere,[1] the security and humanitarian communities have largely talked past one another. Those concerned with humanitarian issues haven’t seriously considered security concerns of host governments and those concerned with security have rarely addressed refugee and displaced issues, except occasionally in terms of the need to ‘contain’ the spillover of Iraq’s problems in the region and to prevent the de-stabilization of host countries by the presence of refugees.[2] Although the security situation in Iraq has improved in recent months, the scale of internal displacement will have implications for future security in the country. I am acutely aware of the risk in drawing the linkages between security implications and IDPs. There is a very real danger of shifting the focus from seeing IDPs in terms of their human rights and humanitarian needs to seeing them as threats to security. But it is important to recognize that governments have legitimate security concerns and humanitarian/human rights organizations need to be aware of these concerns and to respond in a manner which both holds governments accountable for protecting the rights of those displaced by violence and which minimizes security threats. Around 1 million Iraqis who had been internally displaced under the Saddam Hussein regime remained displaced after the US-led invasion of Iraq in March 2003. Since then another 1.2 or 1.3 million Iraqis have been displaced within Iraq’s borders. People have left their homes because of sectarian violence, coalition military operations, and general insecurity. Since the bombing of the al-Askari mosque in February 2006, sectarian violence has become the leading cause of displacement.[3] Although data are incomplete, let me briefly summarize what we know about this internally displaced population: It is an urban population. Some 80% of the IDPs in the country are from Baghdad, many of whom have moved to other neighborhoods in the capital city. It is a national problem. Every one of Iraq’s 18 governorates has registered internally displaced persons. In looking at the central and southern Iraqi governorates, Baghdad hosts by far the greatest number of IDPs – over 360,000 of the one million plus that have become internally displaced since the Samarra bombings of February 2006.[4] This figure more or less parallels an earlier UNHCR Cluster F report which cites over 345,000 as of this past July.[5] This document shows that the bulk of recent IDPs are in the center of the country – not only in Baghdad but also Ninewa, Anbar, Diyala, Kirkuk, and Salah al-Din – they number over 560,000. The southern governates (which includes Babylon, Basrah, Diwaniya, Karbala, Missan, Muthanna, Najaf, Thi-Qar, and Wassit) host over 327,000 and the northern governorates (Dahuk, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah) host over 157,000 of the post-February 2006 IDPs.[6] [Of course, the majority – around 800,000 – of the pre-war IDPs were (and most still are) residing in the northern governorates.] As in other IDP situations, some 80% of the IDPs are women and children. One of the consequences of the high Iraqi casualties in the last 4 years – the vast majority of whom have been male — has been the fact that many households are now headed by women in a context where female participation in the labor force has been low. The overwhelming majority of IDPs are not living in camps. They are renting houses, living with family and friends, or living in abandoned buildings. Only 1- 2 percent of IDPs are living in tented camps, but the pressure to establish more camps is growing – with serious security implications which I’ll discuss in a few minutes. The fact that Iraqi IDPs are living among the urban population and are not concentrated in camps is undoubtedly one of the reasons that they have received so little media attention. The displacement of Iraqis is taking place in a context of high unemployment, limited access to basic food rations, and standards of living that are lower than before the war. It was reported a few months ago that a majority of Iraqis do not have access to clean water or basic sanitation.[7] Shortages of electricity in some parts of the country cause serious hardships. Transportation within the country has become difficult as a result of the war; it’s dangerous for people to go to work when they have jobs and it’s difficult for businesses to keep going because of the difficulties in getting supplies. Although data are limited, it is thought that IDPs are more likely to be unemployed than those who are not displaced and less likely to be able to access the Public Distribution System (PDS) through which most Iraqis receive food rations. The greatest needs identified by Iraqi IDPs are shelter (for 71%), food (for 70%), and access to work (for 66%). IOM’s December 2007 report notes that with the start of winter, families are struggling with the additional burden of meeting rising fuel costs.[8] This has clear implications for families and friends who are hosting IDPs. Their resources are stretched by the presence of the displaced in their communities. Freedom of movement for Iraq’s IDPs, and for Iraqi citizens generally, is becoming limited. According to IOM, 10 of Iraq’s 18 governorates have closed their borders to IDPs, at least to those who do not originate from the governorate. They argue that their infrastructure and social services are stretched. Presently only eight out of eighteen governorates (Anbar, Baghdad, Diyala, Ninewa, Salah al-Din, Missan, Thi-Qar, and Wassit) continue to allow entry of people displaced from other governorates.[9] In most other large-scale situations of internal displacement, humanitarian NGOs and UN agencies provide assistance to IDPs. But humanitarian assistance inside Iraq is difficult. Most international agencies moved their international staff out of Iraq after the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad. Assistance provided by coalition military and civilian forces is often viewed with suspicion. International and local humanitarian workers alike have been targeted by armed militias. Local staff of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are working valiantly, often from their homes, to assist needy Iraqis but their ability to move around the communities they serve is increasingly restricted.[10] The NGO Coordinating Committee in Iraq reports that humanitarian efforts are also hindered by politicized funding and overly bureaucratic distribution systems.[11] Local mosques are reportedly providing assistance to needy people in their communities.[12] There is a very real danger that the vacuum in humanitarian assistance will be filled by armed militias who provide relief as a way of increasing their control over territory.[13] When hospitals or clinics are controlled by a particular sectarian group, it makes it difficult for people from other groups to access medical care there. [14] Some international NGOs have considered returning to humanitarian operations inside Iraq, but it is still seen as simply too risky.[15] And the amount of humanitarian assistance has not been sufficient to meet the needs.[16] In Anbar province, for example, despite improvements in security, serious humanitarian challenges remain. Many IDPs do not have access to clean water, medicines, and in certain areas, food. There is a dire shortage of medical personnel, and a critical need for non-food items such as tents and blankets. The onset of winter has produced new concerns over the lack of available funds for fuel.[17] Within this context, let me make several general observations about the relationship between internal displacement and security in Iraq. Internal displacement is both a consequence and a contributing factor to sectarian polarization. Internal displacement, as we have seen in conflicts in other parts of the world, is not an accidental by-product of the fighting, but rather a key strategy between armed groups seeking control of territory. The sectarian geography of Iraq is changing as a result of the displacement, with likely long-term consequences for the country. While it is easier (though more expensive) to provide public services in camp settings, there are very real security concerns about establishing camps on a large scale. If large camps were to be established, it is likely that they would be organized along sectarian lines, making them clear targets for attack by armed militias of other sectarian groups. Moreover, given the high unemployment and poverty rates in Iraq, large camps could become accessible places for recruitment of young men and children into militias and thus increase the already horrific violence in the country. It is likely that militias would take on the administration of the camps, controlling food distribution and access to services. As we have seen in other camp settings, relief items can be used to support militant groups.[18] The humanitarian community has generally taken the position that camps should be avoided at all costs, but there are increasingly few safe places for the displaced to go. The vulnerability of IDPs – particularly the need for jobs and money – makes IDPs susceptible to recruitment in militias who provide regular paychecks. Recent reports indicate that Iraqis are joining the insurgency because of a need for money – rather than ideological conviction. An article in the Washington Post ten days ago reported on an interview with a captured al-Qaeda in Iraq leader who said “I was out of work and needed the money. How else could I support my family?”[19] Although there is no evidence that IDPs are being recruited in a greater proportion than other Iraqis, the fact that they have less access to employment and to food rations makes them particularly vulnerable. The refugee exodus has meant even greater hardship for those who remain. The recent Oxfam/NCCI report, for example, estimates that 40 percent of the country’s professional class has left the country since 2003 and cites the Iraqi Medical Association’s report that 50% of the 34,000 doctors registered in 2003 have left the country.[20] Among the refugees, these are the people who are most likely to have the means, will, and capacities to remain outside their country. As one UNHCR official noted, “the ones who have left Iraq are its 2 million best and brightest.”[21] There is an obvious connection between internal and external displacement. When people can’t get the services they need internally, they will seek them in other countries. Before the Syrian border was largely closed to Iraqis in October 2007, our research revealed that many left Iraq for Syria because they could not get medical care at home. An Iraqi man reported, for example, that he feared that his pregnant wife would be unable to get to a clinic for the delivery and so they moved to Syria. Another reported that the lack of drugs to treat a family member’s cancer was his motivation for leaving the country.[22] The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops noted after a mission to the region that, “[…] with cancer and other maladies at uncommonly high levels, medical attention is an acute need for the refugee population.”[23] There are other reports as well that – before the Syrian-Iraqi border was effectively closed – increasing numbers of Iraqis were arriving with serious medical conditions,[24] which would seem to be an indication that people left the country because they could not get needed health services. There is another connection between external and internal displacement which is related to the return of refugees. In the last few months, there have been reports that refugees are voluntarily returning from Syria. There are conflicting reports about how many have returned. While the government indicates that more than 40,000 have returned since October, other estimates are considerably lower.[25]The Iraqi government and the US military forces maintain that people are returning because the security situation has improved dramatically. UNHCR and IOM, on the other hand, argue that most are returning because they face serious financial difficulties in Syria and increasingly restrictive visa policies. A UNHCR survey of 110 returning families found that 46% were returning because they could not afford to stay in Syria and 26% were leaving due to new visa rules. Only 14% were returning because of improved security. [26] Moreover, the Iraqi government has offered the inducement of an $800 grant to those who return.[27] There is a very real danger that the returning refugees will join the ranks of the internally displaced. Reports are fragmentary and anecdotal, but seem to suggest that a number of those returning are not going back to their homes and communities, but rather are living in areas where they feel safe, and particularly where they are not a sectarian minority. There is a danger that the refugee problem will become an internal displacement problem. And around 20% are returning to find that their homes have been destroyed or are occupied by other families.[28] I am also concerned that the return of a limited number of Iraqi refugees could shift attention away from the on-going needs of Iraqis living in neighboring countries. If donor governments were to perceive that the ‘refugee problem is over’ because people are going back, they might be less likely to fund humanitarian programs for Iraqi refugees. And that in turn, could increase the pressure on refugees to return before conditions are conducive to repatriation. Finally, although it usually gets little attention in the midst of conflict, property issues are key to both durable solutions for refugees and IDPs and to resolution of the conflict. One of the greatest obstacles to the return of refugees and especially IDPs is the issue of property restitution or compensation. Twelve years after the Dayton peace agreement, there are still 500,000 Bosnian refugees and IDPs for whom return is difficult, primarily because of property disputes and housing. And the research shows that conflicts over property are an important source of renewed conflict. Remember that in over half of all conflicts resolved by some kind of peace agreement, fighting breaks out again.[29] Property issues have turned out to be incredibly complex. What can be done to minimize the security risks of large numbers of internally displaced persons? Ensuring that IDPs have livelihoods. This means ensuring that they have the documentation they need in order to work, to enroll their children in school, to access health services, and to receive food rations through the Public Distribution System and pensions to which they are entitled. Urging the Iraqi government to incorporate the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement into national legislation and policies upholding the basic human rights of Iraqi IDPs, including freedom of movement and non-discrimination. Encouraging Iraqi NGOs and international agencies to increase humanitarian assistance to both IDPs and host communities in the places where they are now living. Resisting the temptation to establish IDP camps on a large-scale with the security problems these would bring and considering more creative ways of ensuring that IDPs have adequate shelter. Ensuring that returning refugees are able to go back, whenever possible, to their own homes and that all returnees are supported to resume productive lives. This means that serious planning is needed to ensure that returning refugees do not become internally displaced persons and that returns do not overwhelm social services and infrastructure. Taking measures to protect the property rights of displaced Iraqis. Specifically, the government should stress that all rights to property will be upheld and that those who are currently displaced will not be penalized for being away from their homes. Secondly, the government should implement a mechanism for displaced Iraqis to register their properties now in the expectation of having them returned at some point in the future. [1]Elizabeth Ferris, “Security, Displacement and Iraq: A Deadly Combination.” The Brookings Institution, 27 August 2007. https://www.brookings.edu/papers/2007/0827humanrights_ferris.aspx [2] Daniel L. Byman and Kenneth M. Pollack, “Things Fall Apart: Containing the Spillover from an Iraqi Civil War.” The Brookings Institution, Analysis Paper No. 11, January 2007. https://www.brookings.edu/papers/2007/01iraq_byman.aspx [3]Ashraf al-Khalidi and Victor Tanner, “Sectarian Violence: Radical Groups Drive Internal Displacement in Iraq,” Occasional Paper, Brookings Institution-University of Bern Project on Internal Displacement, October 2006. [4] Ministry of Displacement and Migration, “Summary Results IDP Registration – February 2006 to November 2007: Edition 3 – Basic Tables and Statistics for post-February 2006 Internally Displaced Persons,” 21 November 2007. [5]Cluster F (UNHCR, IOM, UNICEF, WHO, WFP, UNAMI, UNOPS, UN-Habitat, UNFPA, UNDP, ILO and UNIDO), “Internally Displaced Persons in Iraq – Update,” 19 September 2007. [6]Ibid. [7]Oxfam, NCCI, “Rising to the Humanitarian Challenge in Iraq,” Briefing paper, July 2007. [8] IOM Emergency Needs Assessments – Post February 2006 Displacement in Iraq: Biweekly Report, 1 December 2007. [9] International Organization for Migration, “Iraq Displacement – 2007 Mid-Year Review.” http://www.iom.int/jahia/webdav/shared/shared/mainsite/published_docs/studies_and_reports/midyear_review_iraq_2007.pdf [10]See for example, “Iraq: Aid work becoming more risky in Baghdad,” IRIN, 22 August 2007. http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/IRIN/5d3472e807f9397c54bc4c1978e690d0.htm [11] NCCI: Weekly Highlight 26 Apr 2007: Editorial. See also, NCCI officials quoted in UN-IRIN: “Bombs and Bureaucracy Behind Missing Medicines,” 22 May 2007. [12]Greg Hansen, “Coming to Terms with the Humanitarian Imperative in Iraq,” Humanitarian Agenda 2015 Briefing Paper, Feinstein International Center, Tufts University, January 2007. [13]Edward Wong and Damien Cave, “Baghdad District Is a Model, but Only for Shiites,” New York Times, 22 May 2007. UN-IRIN, “Iraq: Fighters Fill Humanitarian Vacuum,” 14 February 2007. UN-IRIN, “Iraq: Armed Groups Occupying Hospitals and Kidnapping Doctors,” 13 February 2007. [14] Damien Cave, “In Baghdad, Sectarian Lines Too Deadly to Cross,” The New York Times, 4 March 2007. [15] Missy Ryan, “War-weary aid groups weigh risk, need in Iraq,” Reuters, 21 November 2007. http://www.reuters.com/article/middleeastCrisis/idUSRYA739414 [16] Sam Dagher, “Aid shrinks as Iraq’s internal refugee tally grows,” The Christian Science Monitor, 30 November 2007. [17] “More aid needed for the displaced in Anbar Province,” Reuters Alertnet, 3 December 2007. http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/IRIN/c30c649f698ef9507bcc35d9598b5699.htm [18] See for example, Peter J. Hoffman and Thomas G. Weiss, Sword & Salve: Confronting new Wars and Humanitarian Crises. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, Publishers, 2006, pp. 103-111. For an example of the way in which militants have used distribution of water as a way of extortion, see www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/post/3834/Militants_Use_Water_as_Weapon [19] Amit R. Paley, “Iraqis Joining Insurgency Less for Cause than Cash,” Washington Post, 20 November 2007, p. 1. [20]Oxfam and NGO Coordination Committee in Iraq, Rising to the Humanitarian Challenge in Iraq, July 2007, pps. 15, 12. [21]Cited in Amira El Ahl, Volkhard Windfuhr, and Bernhard Zand, “Iraq’s Elite Fleeing in Droves,” Der Spiegel, 20 August 2007. [22] Ashraf al-Khalidi, Sophia Hoffmann and Victor Tanner, “Iraqi Refugees in the Syrian Arab Republic: A Field-Based Snapshot,” Occasional Paper, Brookings Institution-University of Bern Project on Internal Displacement, June 2007. [23] “Escaping Mayhem and Murder: Iraqi Refugees in the Middle East,” United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, July 2007. http://www.usccb.org/mrs/Trip%20Report%20on%20Iraqi.pdf [24] UNHCR reported that for the first half of 2007, one in six refugees who were interviewed in Syria had a serious medical condition. “Millions in Flight: The Iraqi Refugee Crisis,” Amnesty International, September 2007, p. 16. [25] According to the Associated Press, “Officials in Iraq and Syria have said more than 46,000 refugees returned in October and the flow has continued this month. The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees could not confirm the figures, but said more Iraqis were leaving Syria than arriving with a daily average of 1,500 departures compared with 500 arrivals.” Albert Aji, “Buses bring hundreds of Iraqis home,” The Washington Post, 27 November 2007. [26]Julien Barnes-Dacey and Sam Dagher, “Returning from Syria, Iraqis question safety,” Christian Science Monitor, 28 November 2007. http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/1128/p06s01-wome.htm [27] Haider Salahuddin ,“Iraqi refugees return to face uncertainty at home,” Reuters, 1 December 2007 http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L30246588.htm [29] “Addressing Internal Displacement in Peace Processes, Peace Agreements and Peace-Building,” Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement, September 2007. The European Union and North Africa Edited by Adel Abdel Ghafar By Khaled Elgindy Kings and Presidents By Bruce Riedel Elizabeth Ferris Research Professor, Institute of Study of International Migration - Georgetown University Twitter Beth_Ferris	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725676
__label__wiki	0.981693	0.981693	Baker also is charged in Catawba County with felony identity theft and felony obtaining property by false pretense. He's scheduled to appear in court on those charges on Monday. None of the charges relate to Zahra's death. All the misdemeanors have been pending since 2010. "I don't intend to plead guilty," Adam Baker told the Observer. Adam Baker's attorney, Shell Pearce, also expressed frustration Thursday that his client's misdemeanor cases had been postponed until 2012. "We were ready to go to trial," Pearce told reporters. "Adam wants it over. The man says he's not guilty." Elisa Baker pleaded guilty in September to second-degree murder in connection with Zahra's death and was sentenced to 15 to 18 years in prison. She is now in the Mecklenburg County jail awaiting trial on federal drug charges. Zahra's body was dismembered in 2010 and her body parts scattered at different locations in Catawba County. In an interview with the Observer last month, Elisa Baker insisted that she is innocent of Zahra's murder. She portrayed herself as a loving stepmother and unwilling participant in covering up Zahra's mysterious death. She accused Adam Baker of dismembering his daughter and hiding her body parts. Adam Baker has not been charged in his daughter's death. District Attorney Jay Gaither told reporters that the state had no credible evidence to suggest that anyone other than Elisa Baker was involved in Zahra's murder. And police say they have no credible evidence that Adam Baker was involved in the cover-up. Adam Baker on Thursday scoffed at his wife's latest allegations. She's lying, he said. "I had nothing to do with hurting my daughter," he told the Observer. "Why did she plead guilty?" Then, asked if he thought his wife had killed Zahra, Adam Baker replied: "I don't know."	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725679
__label__wiki	0.957403	0.957403	Homegrown converter box coupon drive comes to an end Jon YatesCHICAGO TRIBUNE Citing a litany of problems with the looming transition, Congress voted this month to delay the mandated switch from analog to digital television signals. Kind readers of this column didn't wait for Congress to act. Starting in October, you took matters into your own hands and helped bridge the digital divide, one $40 converter box coupon at a time. Since the Problem Solver first wrote about glitches in the federal system, more than 2,000 coupons -- worth more than $80,000 -- have been donated to Converter Boxes For Everyone, this column's coupon redistribution program. The Problem Solver and his colleague, Cynthia Jordan, sent those donations to more than 1,000 readers, many of whom said they are on a fixed income and could not afford a converter box without help. So while the official switch-over was delayed from Feb. 17 until June 12, the Problem Solver is closing the books on its program and salutes readers who made it a success. Topping the list is David Jackson, who was featured in the original Oct. 12 column. The Country Club Hills man had waged a monthlong battle with the government after applying for two $40 coupons but never receiving them. When the Problem Solver sent him coupons from the first batch of donations, Jackson promised to repay the kindness. He was true to his word. Last month, Jackson sent What's Your Problem? an envelope stuffed with nine coupons and asked that they be sent to readers in need. And he did more: Jackson asked friends, family and colleagues to send in coupons. In all, he said, he directed about 100 coupons to the paper's program. "It worked out," said Jackson, a technician at Gurtler Chemicals. "I don't let things go -- that's why my customers like me. I don't quit until it's fixed. I'm very tenacious at times." So is the Problem Solver. As of Monday, all 1,025 people on his list had been sent coupons. Coupons that arrive at Tribune Tower after Tuesday will be forwarded to Thresholds, a Chicago-based psychiatric rehab center that serves about 7,000 people a year. Fred Ludwig, a spokesman for Thresholds, said it houses about 800 people, many of whom have televisions hooked to antennas. The agency gathered about 150 coupons from staff and community supporters but still needs at least 75 more. "A lot of our members are low-income and will not be able to afford the boxes," he said. "By giving the coupons to them, you're really helping out some of the people who need them the most." Still need a coupon? You can apply through Retrevo's Good Neighbor Coupon Exchange Program at www.retrevo.com/dtv. There are 9.5 million active coupons floating around, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration said. Another 4 million coupons have been requested and are on the agency's waiting list. Andrew Eisner of Retrevo said, by his estimate, there are about 350,000 unused and unexpired coupons in the Chicago area -- which would be the most of any city in the U.S. "We hope to get coupons in the hands of people who need them," Eisner said. Have a problem? E-mail us your story, providing as many details as possible, to yourproblem@tribune.com or write to What's Your Problem?, Newsroom, Chicago Tribune, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611. Please include your name and a way to contact you. We cannot respond to everyone, but we'll get to as many as we can and publish the results Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. chicagotribune.com/problem: Review past problems and submit yours. Jon Yates	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725681
__label__wiki	0.942608	0.942608	Pikes Peak Humane Society takes back shelter operations Ryan Severance rseverance@chieftain.com @RyansS_Chieftain Over six months after relinquishing control of animal shelter operations when another entity was chosen for a new contract, The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region will operate Pueblo’s animal shelter and handle animal law enforcement on a full-time basis once again following City Council’s approval Monday night of a three-year contract with the organization. Council voted 5-1 to award the contract to HSPPR, which has been operating the shelter since April 8 on a 90-day pact. Councilman Ed Brown cast the lone no vote. Councilman Bob Schilling was excused from the meeting and didn’t vote as he is out of state attending a wedding. The short-term contract with Pikes Peak was reached days after the city and county decided to end its animal services contract with the former operator, PAWS for Life, around four months into that deal amidst a state investigation into that organization’s operating of the shelter. The Board of Pueblo County Commissioners are expected to vote on the contract today. The city and county co-own the shelter. “I just hope we can stop the adversarial way this has gone on for years,” Councilman Mark Aliff said of the animal shelter situation just before the vote Monday night. “I hope this is a step in the right direction in stopping that.” HSPPR will finish out the rest of this year running the shelter, and the three-year contract will begin on Jan. 1 and expire at the end of 2022. The city and county will pay Pikes Peak just about $1 million from July 1 through the end of this year, then pay over $2 million a year for the next three years. In 2020 the tab will be $2.1 million; $2.2 million in 2021; and $2.3 million in 2022. The city will pay 60 percent of the total each year, and the county 40 percent. The city and county also have agreed to evenly split the cost for major repairs at the shelter, defined as those that cost more than $1,000. The contract also includes more oversight of HSPPR and increased reporting of shelter statistics to the city from the organization. Pikes Peak will be required to provide statistical reporting to the city and county on a quarterly basis; conduct quarterly meetings with city and county elected officials and staff; and be available to meet with the mayor, City Council and the Board of Pueblo County Commissioners at least two times per year. Additionally, at all times during the contract a community liaison from Pikes Peak and a compliance committee would exist and meet no less than 10 times a year. The animal shelter community liaison and compliance committee would receive briefings regarding the operations of the shelter and animal law enforcement operations, including updates on any state inspections or reports, statistics on animal law enforcement and sheltering, and any ongoing or potential future community issues that involve or impact the shelter. With a long-term contract in place, HSPPR can now begin providing full services at the shelter, meaning it will handle adoptions on site again and extend its hours of operation. Full services won’t happen immediately, though, as Pikes Peak will have to hire more staff and purchase equipment. Under the short-term contract Pikes Peak reached with the city and county in April, it has offered limited services. The Denver Dumb Friends League has handled adoptions and the shelter’s hours have been from just noon to 5 p.m. Per the details of the new long-term contract, receiving at the shelter now will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and adoptions and reclaims will be open from noon to 5 p.m. daily. PAWS for Life took over operations of the animal shelter on Jan. 1 and in March the state agriculture department launched an investigation into allegations of mistreatment. The closure of the facility followed, as well as the ousting of its veterinarian and shelter manager, and ultimately, the decision by the city and county was to end the contract with PAWS early. Pikes Peak had the animal services contract with the city since 2002, before PAWS — which pledged to increase the shelter’s no-kill rate — was awarded the contract at the end of 2018. rseverance@chieftain.com Twitter: RyanS_Chieftain	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725683
__label__wiki	0.511365	0.511365	Tsukiji fish market's outer shopping area solicits new name TOKYO - A shopping mall outside Tokyo's famed Tsukiji fish market is asking the public to give it a new name, as it will stay and continue business while the adjacent wholesale market run by the metropolitan government will move to a nearby waterfront area in October. Through Friday, members of the shopping area Tsukiji Jogai Shijo (outer market) are asking people to submit online, by postcard or fax a new name or choose among the options of "Tsukiji Uogashi-Sotogashi" (fish market-outer market), "Tsukiji Shoku no Machi Shotengai" (food town shopping area) or keeping the current name. Unlike the Tsukiji market targeting professionals, the outer mall, comprised of some 500 shops and restaurants, allows ordinary people to make purchases and has been attracting many foreign visitors in recent years. The result of the voting will be announced in late September, before the Tsukiji fish market reopens at the nearby Toyosu area on Oct. 11. A whole bluefin tuna, shopping coupons and other prizes will be given to voters selected through a lottery who backed the winning option, according to a nonprofit group organizing the event. The relocation of the Tsukiji market, one of the 11 central wholesale markets run by the Tokyo metropolitan government, has created a widespread misunderstanding that the adjacent shopping area will also move. "We want to publicize that the outer mall will not relocate and continue to run businesses as usual," said an official in charge of the campaign. Operating since 1935, the Tsukiji market's facilities have become obsolete, forcing the metropolitan government to decide on relocating it to the Toyosu district. The new Toyosu market was initially scheduled to open in 2016 but Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike pushed back the plan amid concerns about contamination of soil and water at the site, which was previously used by a gas production plant. The site vacated through the relocation will be transformed into a transport hub for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725685
__label__wiki	0.740462	0.740462	September 03, 2014 Culture » Entertainment Picks Essentials: Entertainment Picks Sept. 4-10 THURSDAY SEPT. 4 Robert Smithson: Hotel Palenque Memory is always incomplete. It's a narrative constructed from pieces of evidence that together create the semblance of a whole. Hotel Palenque is an assembly of photographs of a hotel in Palenque, Mexico, a Mayan architectural site, taken in 1969 by the late earth artist Robert Smithson. Construction of the hotel was never completed, and even then, the natural environment was beginning to recover the site, undergrowth bristling up around its foundations. Thus the slideshow is an uncanny record of human aspiration—memories of what might have been. Smithson made his mark on our geographic and artistic memory with groundbreaking land-art works like the awe-inspiring Spiral Jetty. A 2012 University of Utah Museum of Fine Arts retrospective showcased the works of his wife, Nancy Holt, who created the Sun Tunnels. The two of them were founders of an entire artistic movement that still seeks to examine our relationship with the environment. Hotel Palenque is one of Smithson's projects that, for him, is unusually detached, but is still profound in what it reveals. The exhibit also includes a recording of a lecture given by Smithson in 1972. Archeology and earth works retain a presence even in the face of societal change, but from the moment they are snapped, photographs exist in the past, and thus embody a kind of wistfulness and nostalgia. With this exhibition, Smithson's photographs show us that more than anything, memory is reconstitution, in the way it seeks to reassemble and redeem the past. (Brian Staker) Robert Smithson: Hotel Palenque @ Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, 20 S. West Temple, 801-328-4201, through Oct. 4, free. UtahMOCA.org Utah State Fair Live animals, Ferris wheels and a plethora of fried foods ... yep, it's time for the Utah State Fair. What started as a small gathering 159 years ago has grown into a 10-day event that brings some pretty big headliners to entertain the crowds. On the docket this year are acts including The Beach Boys (Sept. 8), Grand Funk Railroad (Sept. 12) and Disney Channel's Zendaya (Sept. 13). Additional grandstand entertainment includes high-flying, 360-degree flipping BMX athletes, and—for the cowboy in all of us—the traditional rodeo, horse show, truck pull and barrel racing. And kids will enjoy K9s in flight as dogs dive for objects high in the air before landing in a pool. As always, the Utah State Fair promotes Utah's Own products that are locally grown and prepared from all over the state through agriculture and horticulture displays and competitions. (Aimee Cook O'Brien) Utah State Fair @ Utah State Fairpark, 155 N 1000 West, 801-538-8400, Sept. 4-14, $7-$10, ages 5 and under free. UtahStateFair.com Sarina Villareal The concept of memory degradation and the effects of short-term memory loss are subjects of artistic exploration for artist Sarina Villareal. In her current show at 15th Street Gallery, these provocative ideas have inspired equally evocative abstract paintings. Villareal is testing "a process of study disengagement and re-creation in my abstract paintings," she says, experimenting with what she calls "memory-trace." As the artist herself re-engages with subjects after being disengaged from them, the quality of recall—which is either present, lost or requires "artistic liberties"—can be psychologically revealing. As a result, her subjects—mostly flowers (an untitled example is shown)—are artistic gestures of color, line and abstract form, and either are the product of restored memory or, according to Villareal, demonstrate the implications of memory compensation. The result is works that are minimal, gestural, impulsive and entirely the product of a creative energy. When memories are lost, artistic creativity proves an ability to compensate. (Ehren Clark) Sarina Villareal @ 15th Street Gallery, 1519 S. 1500 East, 801-468-1515, through Sept. 15, free. 15thStreetGallery.com FRIDAY SEPT. 5 Salt Lake Greek Festival The beginning of September marks a celebrated tradition for the Greek community in Utah: the Greek Festival. The annual fundraiser for the local Greek Orthodox Church, now in its 39th year, is always a weekend of good food, entertainment and, well, fun for the whole family. Let's face it: During festival time, we all become a bit Greek. You can enjoy some freshly made spanakopita while you bask in the Greek culture. And the Greek music, dancers, arts and crafts provide just as much reason to attend as the authentic food does. The festival and its attendance have grown over the years, making it the largest cultural festival in Utah, so be prepared to wait in line—but when you are finally able to feast on a gyro or pastitsio, your taste buds will thank you. The festival takes up an entire block of downtown, so take the time to wander the festival to find all it has to offer, including the Hellenic Museum in the basement of Holy Trinity Cathedral, the first such ethnic Greek museum in the United States. Also, in keeping with tradition, the gym of the Holy Trinity Cathedral will be full of Greek desserts; you would be remiss to leave the festival without a wedge of baklava or delicious melomakarona. Opa! (Aimee Cook O'Brien) Salt Lake Greek Festival @ Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 279 S. 300 West, 801-328-9681, Sept. 5-7, Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-8 p.m., $3, children 5 and under free. SaltLakeGreekFestival.com Good Company Theatre: The Waiters In the 21st century, it often feels that more relationships begin in the virtual world than—as kids these days abbreviate it—“IRL.” Sometimes those initial online interactions provide a clear foundation for something stable and genuine—and sometimes the differences between these venues for communication result in considerable complications. JulieAnn Carter-Winward’s one-act play The Waiters—in its world-premiere production at Ogden’s Good Company Theatre—offers a funny and poignant look at the tricky ways people try to navigate the transitions between virtual-world and real-world communication. It focuses on three couples at different stages in that process: two singles meeting for the first time after a month of online chatting; two people not sure what their social-media interaction is leading toward; and a married couple patching up their relationship after the virtual world comes between them. Being human together can be tricky when you can’t use emojis. (Scott Renshaw) The Waiters @ Good Company Theatre, 260 25th St., Ogden, 801-513-5665, Sept. 5-20, Thursdays-Saturdays 8 p.m., Sundays 4 p.m., $15. GoodCoTheatre.com SATURDAY SEPT. 6 Oddball Comedy Festival Funny or Die's Oddball Festival arrives at Usana Amphitheatre with an embarrassment of stand-up comedy riches. The main-stage lineup alone consists of Louis C.K. (pictured), Sarah Silverman, Aziz Ansari, Chris Hardwick, Demetri Martin, Hannibal Buress, Jeff Ross and Whitney Cummings—and those are just the members of the tour coming to Salt Lake City. It's like the Traveling Wilburys, except much younger and (with the exception of Jeff Lynne's hair) funnier. Everyone on the tour is a headliner. That being said, this is a singular time to catch Louis C.K. His FX series Louie has elevated his career, and given that the show often eschews laughs for drama and surrealism, one might speculate that he's saving a wealth of funny stuff for his standup. Singling him out is not to slight the rest of the lineup: Hardwick, a fixture of geek/nerd culture, is riding the high from his popular Comedy Central show @midnight and the Nerdist podcast. Ross and Silverman are institutions, Ansari and Martin are well on their way, and Burress and Cummings are terrific. An additional benefit of this type of tour, with so many of the performers having non-overlapping fanbases, is the chance to observe a wide variety of comedic styles. And there is also enough overlap that the experience won't be too dissonant—just a fine, very funny night of live entertainment. (Danny Bowes) Oddball Comedy Festival @ Usana Amphitheatre, 5150 S. 6055 West, West Valley City, 801-417-5343, Sept. 6, 5 p.m., $35-$79.75. OddballFest.com Michael Pitre: Fives & Twenty-Fives Michael Pitre’s debut novel about the Iraq War experience gains most of its power from the author’s direct, even-handed presentation of its events. Neither dogmatically pro- or anti-war, the novel focuses, instead of making political points, on the wants and needs of its ensemble of characters. A veteran of two deployments with the Marines, Pitre delivers a novel supporting the oft-stated truism that tall tales are told by those who have not truly been to war; those who have seen it for themselves do not embellish. By Pitre’s own admission, he wrote Fives & Twenty-Fives—a reference to Marine procedure for securing different radii around explosive devices—for fellow veterans struggling to reintegrate with civilian society after their tours, and even more importantly “to [bring] greater attention to the suffering of the Iraqi people. Whatever danger, discomfort or dread was experienced by even the most battle-hardened Marine cannot compare to what the average Iraqi family endured on a daily basis.” (Danny Bowes) Michael Pitre: Fives & Twenty-Fives @ The King’s English Bookshop, 1511 S. 1500 East, 801-484-9100, Sept. 6, 7 p.m., free. KingsEnglish.com Salt Lake Pagan Pride Day “Pride” events of any kind are often misunderstood as an attempt to stand apart from the general population. But when you’ve been demonized frequently over a long span of time—as has been true for anyone who self-identifies as a pagan—it’s comforting to have a place where your identity is accepted. Salt Lake Pagan Pride Day provides an opportunity for the wider community to learn that the term is not about worship of the Christian devil, the mere existence of which your average pagan would approach with extreme skepticism. Through a day of rituals and presentations, participants will celebrate ideas that are rarely considered in the dominant American culture: earth-centered spirituality, pre-Christian deity worship, awareness of the Divine Feminine and other practices that may fold many of these notions together. Of course, vendors of food and other goods will also be on hand as well. (Scott Renshaw) Salt Lake Pagan Pride Day @ Murray Park, 5175 S. Parkside Drive, Murray, Sept. 6, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., free. SaltLakePPD.org WEDNESDAY SEPT. 10 Dav Pilkey: Captain Underpants If there has ever been an author who tapped into exactly how the brain of a 10-year-old boy works, it's Dav Pilkey. His popular Captain Underpants series features two boys of about that age—George and Harold—caught up in the adventures of a superhero who runs around in tighty-whiteys battling villains like Professor Poopypants, Wicked Wedgie Woman and Bionic Booger Boy. And the Underpants series is also loaded with funny nuggets for adults, such as a naming the school secretary Miss Anthrope, or a teacher Ms. Tara Ribble. Everything is comic-book-style potty talk, and the only ones keeping the world from being destroyed are the kids and a guy in his underwear. A series of books with that premise will, of course, be a best-seller, while also topping the American Library Association's 2012 list of Most banned books. Undaunted, Pilkey is back with the ninth entry in the series, Captain Underpants & the Tyrannical Retaliation of the Turbo Toilet 2000. The new tome brings back the villainous Turbo Toilet 2000, which devours everything that gets in its way. Once again, it's up to George, Harold and Captain Underpants to save humanity. Pilkey be at The King's English Bookshop for a reading and to sign copies of the newly published book. Places in signing line will be reserved for those who pre-order the book from the store. (Geoff Griffin) Dav Pilkey: Captain Underpants & the Tyrannical Retaliation of the Turbo Toilet 2000 @ The King's English Bookshop, 1511 S. 1500 East, 801-484-9100, Sept. 10, 5-7 p.m., free. KingsEnglish.com Tags: Entertainment Picks « Essentials: Entertainment Picks Aug… \| Essentials: Entertainment Picks Sep… » More Entertainment Picks » Latest in Entertainment Picks THE ESSENTIAL A&E PICKS FOR JUNE 27-JULY 3 Michelle Wolf The Essential A&E Picks for March 8-14 Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live, Utah Repertory Theatre: Straight, Trinity Irish Dance and more. The Essential A&E Picks for April 26-May 2 Wasatch Theatre Co.: What We’re Up Against, Salt Lake Men’s Choir: 35 Years and Counting, Compagnia T.P.O.: Farfalle and more.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725686
__label__wiki	0.949393	0.949393	Collie police, firefighters, ambulance crews, hospital staff, and volunteers are highlighting the effects of road trauma on emergency services personnel. Collie Police senior sergeant Heath Soutar said emergency service personnel had attended the scene of several recent accidents and found they knew the people involved. "Some young people are still being involved in crashes who have not learnt from their friends and families who have been involved in serious car accidents, some with fatalities as a result," he said. "We want people to learn and realise that lives are valuable." Senior sergeant Soutar said he had been in Collie for two years and knew some local families well, but not as well as some of the emergency services volunteers. "These volunteers that put in their time in the middle of the night, they've still got jobs of their own, but they still volunteer their efforts and they would always have in the back of their mind, 'am I going to know this person?' when they attend a road crash," he said. Collie St John Ambulance paramedic Troy French said volunteers could be affected by what they saw while carrying out their duties, particularly in a small town. "Country emergency service personnel could be affected a lot more in contrast to city emergency service personnel, potentially, just by them knowing members of the community and having those links," he said. Collie Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service captain Shane Hickson said he had seen 26 road fatalities in the past 10 years. "Their decisions are hurting us and they're hurting our community," he said. "As my role as captain, knowing the person is something I have to take into account for not only myself, but for my crew. Then you need to deal with the emotion of that crew member as well as the incident." Senior sergeant Soutar said emergency service teams had plans in place to provide support to first responders after a traumatic road accident. "At the scene, you just click into job mode and say, 'I have a job to do. Let's do it. Let's extract someone from the vehicle and save a life.' We have this mechanism that allows us to cope and deal with it at the time and do the job we were trained to do," he said. "Then afterwards we start thinking about our troops." Senior sergeant Soutar, Mr Hickson and Mr French all said counselling and chaplain services, follow-up calls, and post-accident debriefing of crews helped. https://nnimgt-a.akamaihd.net/transform/v1/crop/frm/breeanna.tirant/a08d5a7d-248e-4978-9817-5b44b4f6516f.JPG/r0_234_4608_2838_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg Highlighting the effects of road trauma on emergency services personnel Breeanna Tirant Collie St John Ambulance volunteer paramedic Bonnie Cabrini and paramedic Troy French, with Collie Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service captain Shane Hickson and Collie Police senior sergeant Heath Soutar. Photo: Breeanna Tirant Collie police, firefighters, ambulance crews, hospital staff, and volunteers are highlighting the effects of road trauma on emergency services personnel. Collie Police senior sergeant Heath Soutar said emergency service personnel had attended the scene of several recent accidents and found they knew the people involved. "Some young people are still being involved in crashes who have not learnt from their friends and families who have been involved in serious car accidents, some with fatalities as a result," he said. "We want people to learn and realise that lives are valuable." Senior sergeant Soutar said he had been in Collie for two years and knew some local families well, but not as well as some of the emergency services volunteers. "These volunteers that put in their time in the middle of the night, they've still got jobs of their own, but they still volunteer their efforts and they would always have in the back of their mind, 'am I going to know this person?' when they attend a road crash," he said. Collie St John Ambulance paramedic Troy French said volunteers could be affected by what they saw while carrying out their duties, particularly in a small town. "Country emergency service personnel could be affected a lot more in contrast to city emergency service personnel, potentially, just by them knowing members of the community and having those links," he said. Collie Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service captain Shane Hickson said he had seen 26 road fatalities in the past 10 years. "Their decisions are hurting us and they're hurting our community," he said. "As my role as captain, knowing the person is something I have to take into account for not only myself, but for my crew. Then you need to deal with the emotion of that crew member as well as the incident." Senior sergeant Soutar said emergency service teams had plans in place to provide support to first responders after a traumatic road accident. "At the scene, you just click into job mode and say, 'I have a job to do. Let's do it. Let's extract someone from the vehicle and save a life.' We have this mechanism that allows us to cope and deal with it at the time and do the job we were trained to do," he said. "Then afterwards we start thinking about our troops." Senior sergeant Soutar, Mr Hickson and Mr French all said counselling and chaplain services, follow-up calls, and post-accident debriefing of crews helped.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725691
__label__wiki	0.944726	0.944726	Home Entertain Us Santa Fe Opera announces world premiere opera on life of Steve Jobs Entertain UsFeatured Santa Fe Opera announces world premiere opera on life of Steve Jobs by Terry Ponick Aug 6, 2015 written by Terry Ponick Aug 6, 2015 SANTA FE, N,M. — In a well-attended news conference Wednesday morning, Santa Fe Opera (SFO) general director Charles MacKay announced that the company’s next new opera commission, “The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs,” will receive its world premiere performance in 2017. The creative team for the new opera will be well-known composer Mason Bates and acclaimed veteran librettist Mark Campbell. “Jobs” will mark Bates’ first venture into the opera genre. John Campbell (L) and Mason Bates (R) at Santa Fe Opera. (Image courtesy Mr. Bates’ Facebook page.) “Riding on the heels of Jennifer Higdon and Gene Scheer’s ‘Cold Mountain’,” which received both audience and critical acclaim at its world premiere on Saturday,” said MacKay, “it is a thrill to announce Santa Fe Opera’s next major commission. ‘The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs’ will mark the company’s 15th world premiere, continuing the tradition of producing work that pushes the boundaries of the art form.” Also present at the news conference, “Cold Mountain” composer Jennifer Higdon − a first-time opera composer herself − praised SFO for its willingness to embrace new, contemporary American operas. She wished both the company and the new “Jobs” team well on their endeavors, adding, “I hope you bring in a lot of people who have never experienced opera.” SFO’s official release described the upcoming new opera as one that explores what Gerard Manley Hopkins might have called Steve Jobs’ “inscape” − the interior landscape that made this innovative but difficult genius tick. Jobs, notes SFO’s release, was “an innovator who simplified communication with sleek devices, but who paradoxically learned that complex human relationships require more than one button to work. The opera starts at a moment in Jobs’ life when he must face his own mortality and circles back to the events and people in his past that shaped and inspired him: his father Paul, Zen Buddhism, his relationship with a woman whose child he initially disowned, his quick rise and fall as mogul, and – most importantly – his wife Laurene, who showed him the power of love and connection. ‘The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs’ seeks to capture the buzzing creative realm of Silicon Valley with a kinetic electro-acoustic score, lush vocal writing, a compelling non-linear narrative, and a production as innovative as the man himself.” Steve Jobs’ vision for the original Macintosh computer changed TV advertising forever. In his remarks at the press conference, Campbell echoed this observations, noting “Steve Jobs was a very difficult man, often impossible.” Having for a time lost his way in Silicon Valley’s culture of “power and greed,” he continued, Jobs once again found his way, ultimately becoming “one of the greatest innovators of the century,” he said, noting once again the original Apple guru’s less well-known journey through Zen Buddhism and Tibetan mysticism. Bates followed up on these ideas with hints on how they are being incorporated into his still evolving score, which will include decidedly non-traditional electronic instrumentation; acoustic guitar music, which Jobs is said to have enjoyed and which does have earlier precedents in operas like Rossini’s “Barber of Seville”; and, the composer hinted, perhaps a few sounds from early Apple computers. Mason Bates and Mark Campbell are already familiar figures in Washington, known for their work with Wolf Trap Opera and the Kennedy Center. Campbell provided the libretto for John Musto’s comic opera “Volpone,” commissioned and premiered by the Wolf Trap Opera Company and Foundation in 2004. Based on the uproarious comic drama of Shakespeare contemporary Ben Jonson, “Volpone” scored a hit with Wolf Trap Opera audiences. The company’s later 2009 recording of the work was nominated for a Grammy Award as that year’s best opera recording. Santa Fe Opera’s Crosby Theatre, via Wikipedia. Photo illustrates the unusual “sails” designed to keep out New Mexico’s summer monsoon rains during performances. More recently, Campbell collaborated with composer D. J. Sparr to create “Approaching Ali,” a newly commissioned one-act opera premiered by the Washington National Opera (WNO) that followed the trail of Mohammed Ali’s controversial championship boxing career in a non-linear fashion by means of recollections and flashbacks by the now greatly disabled boxer. It appears that Campbell will be putting some of the experience he gained with “Ali” in his structure for “Jobs,” which will also be non-linear, unfolding from the outset as the title character contemplates his own mortality near the end of his life. Currently, Campbell also serves as a mentor for up-and-coming young librettists in WNO’s American Opera Initiative in addition to his numerous additional activities. Raised in Richmond, Va., Bates, now based in California’s Bay Area, is already a well-known figure in the rising pantheon of exciting new American composers. He has an affinity for electronic and other unusual instrumentation − at least with regard to the classical and operatic genres − as exemplified in his “Alternative Energy,” an “energy symphony” unveiled by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and “Liquid Interface,” a “water symphony” commissioned by Washington’s National Symphony Orchestra (NSO). Recordings of these two works are scheduled for release by the San Francisco Orchestra. In addition, Bates was recently appointed the Kennedy Center’s first-ever composer-in-residence, in addition to holding that post with the Chicago Symphony. Regarding his exciting new venture with SFO, Bates said, “I am honored to bring the story of Steve Jobs to this wonderful house and look forward to many more visits in the course of its creation.” It looks like that one-time Apple mantra, “Think Different,” may very well be influencing the world of opera come 2017. Stay tuned. Mark CampbellMason BatesSanta Fe OperaTerry PonickThe (R)evolution of Steve Jobs Terry Ponick Biographical Note: Dateline Award-winning music and theater critic for The Connection Newspapers and the Reston-Fairfax Times, Terry was the music critic for the Washington Times print edition (1994-2010) and online Communities (2010-2014). Since 2014, he has been the Business and Entertainment Editor for Communities Digital News (CDN). A former stockbroker and a writer and editor with many interests, he served as editor under contract from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and continues to write on science and business topics. He is a graduate of Georgetown University (BA, MA) and the University of South Carolina where he was awarded a Ph.D. in English and American Literature and co-founded one of the earliest Writing Labs in the country. Twitter: @terryp17 Donald Trump supporters make the most grammar mistakes, study shows The GOP debate: Ten little candidates standing in a row…	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725694
__label__wiki	0.977237	0.977237	Seahawks' Michael Bennett says police officer held gun to his head Updated on: September 6, 2017 / 11:28 PM / AP LAS VEGAS — Seattle Seahawks player Michael Bennett accused Las Vegas police on Wednesday of racially motivated excessive force in a letter posted to Twitter, saying he was threatened at gunpoint following a report of gunshots at an after-hours club at a casino-hotel. Bennett said in the letter that police "singled me out and pointed their guns at me for doing nothing more than simply being a black man in the wrong place at the wrong time." Police later attributed the report of gunfire at Drai's to the sharp sound of velvet rope stands being knocked to a tile floor at the Cromwell resort a few hours after the Aug. 26 fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Conor McGregor. Bennett, a 6-foot-4 defensive end who has been a leader of the national anthem protests started by former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, said he was among "several hundred people" running away from the sound. He said he was he was handcuffed face-down on the ground after an officer held a gun to his head saying he would blow his head off if he moved. He said he thought of his wife and children. "All I could think of was 'I'm going to die for no other reason than I am black and my skin color is somehow a threat,'" he wrote. Bennett said he was taken to the back of a police car "until they apparently realized I was not a thug, common criminal or ordinary black man but Michael Bennett a famous professional football player." He was released without charges. Las Vegas police Officer Jacinto Rivera said police were checking for casino and police body camera video and written reports. He said the department couldn't immediately verify Bennett's account or identify the officers involved. "Without looking at video footage or reading any reports we can't say yet what happened," Rivera said. A video posted by celebrity news site TMZ shows a view from a balcony as a police officer kneels on the back of a man who the site purports to be Bennett. Protests are heard, including, "I wasn't doing nothing," and, "I was here with my friends. They told us to get out and everybody ran." Bennett's attorney, John Burris in Oakland, California, confirmed the words were Bennett's. The attorney said he believed the 30-second video clip showed some of how his client was treated. "We think there was an unlawful detention and the use of excessive force, with a gun put to his head," Burris told The Associated Press. "He was just in the crowd. He doesn't drink or do drugs. He wasn't in a fight. He wasn't resisting. He did nothing more or less than anyone in the crowd." Burris said Bennett waited to make public his account of the incident until after Burris contacted Las Vegas police last week by letter and email, seeking police records of Bennett's detention. Bennett, whose brother Martellus plays for the Packers, has been one of the most outspoken pro athletes on numerous social issues. Last month, he held a benefit for the family of a pregnant black woman fatally shot by two white Seattle police officers in June. Police say she threatened the officers with at least one knife after calling 911 to report that someone had broken into her apartment and stolen video-game consoles. Lyles' family says the shooting could have been avoided and that they believe race was a factor. "For me it's always finding a way to impact the community on every single level; locally, nationally, and globally," Bennett said following the benefit. "To be able to have something happen in your city and to be able to build a bridge between people regardless of color, regardless of gender, and regardless of economic hardships, you want to be able to bring people together and be able to do something for kids." The NFL issued a statement on Twitter on Wednesday night saying that Bennett "represents the best of the NFL -- a leader in his team and in his community." The NFL said it would support Bennett and "all NFL players in promoting mutual respect between law enforcement and the communities they loyally serve and fair and equal treatment under the law." .@nflcommish statement on Michael Bennett pic.twitter.com/OZkF18g079 — Brian McCarthy (@NFLprguy) September 6, 2017 First published on September 6, 2017 / 2:56 PM © 2017 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. President Trump said of a group of progressive women lawmakers that "it's my opinion they hate our country" updated 56M ago	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725699
__label__wiki	0.701122	0.701122	Cherry blossoms bloom in D.C. Cherry blossoms begin to open on the branches of the famous Yoshino cherry trees along the Tidal Basin, April 7, 2013. Peak bloom was originally predicted between March 26 and March 30th, but chilly weather pushed moved the dates to April 6-10. All photos taken in Washington, D.C. Credit: Carolyn Kaster/AP Cherry blossoms bloom on the edge of the Tidal Basin after a colder than normal March and chilly April delayed the beginning of the cherry blossom season in the nation's capital in Washington, D.C., April 8, 2013 . People photograph cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin where cherry trees are just beginning to bloom, April 7, 2013. Credit: Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images Cleo van der Veen paints a watercolor picture of blossoming cherry trees, April 7, 2013. Cherry blossoms bloom on the edge of the Tidal Basin after a colder than normal March and chilly April delayed the beginning of the cherry blossom season in the nation's capital, April 8, 2013. Tourists walk along the Tidal Basin near the Jefferson Memorial beneath cherry blossoms, April 7, 2013. A nesting bird peeks out of the budding Japanese Yoshino cherry tree along the Tidal Basin, April 7, 2013. People stroll around the Tidal Basin where cherry trees are just beginning to bloom, April 7, 2013. Tourists pose with cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin on April 7, 2013. People cruise on paddle boats around the Tidal Basin where cherry trees are just beginning to bloom, April 7, 2013. Cherry blossom buds hang on branches of the famous Yoshino cherry trees along the Tidal Basin, April 7, 2013. Tourists walk along the Tidal Basin beneath cherry blossoms, April 7, 2013. Cherry blossoms bloom on the edge of the Tidal Basin after a colder than normal March and chilly April delayed the beginning of the cherry blossom season in the nation's capital April 8, 2013. Children climb in a cherry tree at the Tidal Basin where the trees are just beginning to bloom, April 7, 2013. Tourists walk and cycle along the Tidal Basin near the Jefferson Memorial, April 7, 2013. People relax around the Tidal Basin where cherry trees are just beginning to bloom, April 7, 2013. A woman photographs cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin where cherry trees are just beginning to bloom, April 7, 2013. People cruise on a paddle boat around the Tidal Basin where cherry trees are just beginning to bloom, April 7, 2013. People gather on the edge of the Tidal Basin to take photographs of the cherry blossoms at sunrise after a colder than normal March and chilly April delayed the beginning of the blooming season in the nation's capital, April 8, 2013. Jason Gamble photographs cherry blossoms on the edge of the Tidal Basin at sunrise after a colder than normal March and chilly April delayed the beginning of the blooming season in the nation's capital April 8, 2013.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725700
__label__wiki	0.728475	0.728475	Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 2019 King, a wire hair fox terrier, poses after winning "Best in Show" at the 143rd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The finals took place in Madison Square Garden in New York City on Feb. 12, 2019. Credit: Timothy A. Clary / AFP/Getty Images A Komondorok runs with its handler in the Working Group judging at the Westminster Kennel Club 143rd Annual Dog Show in New York, Feb. 12, 2019. A longhaired Dachshund named Walmar-Solo's OMG won first in the Hound Group at the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog show at Madison Square Garden in New York, Feb. 11, 2019. Credit: CAITLIN OCHS / REUTERS An Old English Sheepdog is groomed in the benching area at the 143rd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City on Feb. 11, 2019. Bichons Frises gather in the judging ring at the 143rd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City on Feb. 11, 2019. An Old English Sheepdog named Bugaboo's Let It Go Blu Mtn gets her fur brushed at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Feb. 11, 2019, in New York. Credit: Wong Maye-E / AP A Neapolitan Mastiff at the 143rd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City on Feb. 12, 2019. A Bichons Frise walks in the judging ring at the 143rd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City on Feb. 11, 2019. Handlers and their Beagles are seen in the judging ring at the 143rd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City on Feb. 11, 2019. A Miniature American Shepherd named Abingtons Way Out West competes during the Herding Group judging at the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Feb. 11, 2019 in New York City. A Briard and trainer compete during the Herding Group judging at the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Feb. 11, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Madison, a Shih Tzu, is groomed before Breed Judging during the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Feb. 11, 2019, in New York City. Whiskey the Whippet listens to commands from his handler, Justin Smithey, during the Best of Breed event at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show on Feb. 11, 2019, in New York. Zola, a Mini Bull Terrier from Vancouver, British Columbia, and winner of Best in Breed, stands on a grooming table at the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York, Feb. 12, 2019. Credit: MIKE SEGAR / REUTERS Melody Salmi blow dries saliva out of the mouth of her St. Bernard, named Baby Arista, at the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Feb. 12, 2019, in New York City. A dog competes in the Masters Agility Championship, presented by The American Kennel Club and Westminster Kennel Club, on Feb. 9, 2019, in New York. Gringo the Bulldog looks on after not being crowned the winner of Bulldog Breed Judging during the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Feb. 11, 2019, in New York City. Ditto the Shetland Sheepdog waits to compete in the Masters Agility preliminary rounds during the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Feb. 9, 2019, in New York. A Yorkshire Terrier named Karma's Promise Key-Per competes in the Toy Group judging at the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Feb. 11, 2019, in New York City. Heather Helmer grooms her Chihuahua named Monty during the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Feb. 11, 2019, in New York City. A Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Xiv Karat Special Place In My Heart at Brigadoon competes during the Herding Group judging at the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 11, 2019, in New York City. Bourbon the Whippet gets a treat at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Feb. 11, 2019, in New York. Credit: Peter Hamlin / AP A Russell Terrier competes during Breed Judging at the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Feb. 12, 2019, in New York City. I am Humphrey Bogart, a French Mastiff from New Jersey, stands in the benching area ahead of judging at the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City, Feb. 12, 2019. Stormy, a Great Dane from Pennsylvania, awaits judging at the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City, Feb. 12, 2019. Handlers with their Old English Sheepdogs wait to compete in the Best of Breed event at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Feb. 11, 2019, in New York. A German Shepherd named Marquis' Hermes V Kenlyn competes during the Herding Group judging at the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Feb. 11, 2019, in New York City. Melody Salmi grooms her St. Bernard, named Baby Arista, at the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Feb. 12, 2019, in New York City. Gringo the Bulldog at the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Feb. 11, 2019 in New York City. Davis the Pomeranian is groomed during the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Feb. 11, 2019, in New York City. A dog competes in the 6th Annual Masters Agility Championship, presented by The American Kennel Club and Westminster Kennel Club, on Feb. 9, 2019, in New York. Biggie the pug poses for a photo with owner Carolyn Koch at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Feb. 11, 2019, in New York. Credit: Nat Castaneda / AP A Bernese Mountain Dog awaits judging in the Working Group at the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City, Feb. 12, 2019. A handler guides a Miniature Pinscher during the Toy Group judging at the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog show at Madison Square Garden in New York, Feb. 11, 2019.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725701
__label__wiki	0.871833	0.871833	Personality Number 3 Maturity #11 Ken Bruce is a male celebrity. He was born on Friday February 2nd 1951, in Glasgow, Scotland,. Ken Bruce is highly attractive. Many men with a 3 Personality are very handsome, and women are often strikingly beautiful. Ken's vibration is full of life. Bruce is uplifting, inspiring, and charming. He is a fun person to be around. His wit and sparkling personality make Ken Bruce the life of a party. He is extroverted and optimistic. Ken appreciates fine clothing and jewelry, and enjoys dressing up a bit. He likes glamour, and is sought after by the opposite sex. Bruce is a romantic. He falls in and out of love rather quickly. Ken Bruce is affectionate and giving, but he must not let his charm be an incentive to play too much. Ken should work at developing deep and lasting relationships. He has to avoid scattering his attention for popularity. Bruce can be flippant about commitments and may dramatize or exaggerate. His wit can cause Ken to rely too much on superficial, humorous conversation. Ken Bruce has a distinct "lucky streak" that attracts many opportunities throughout his life. He also has a knack of promoting himself as well as inspiring others. When backed up by hard work and self-disciple, these qualities almost ensure Bruce's success. You and Ken About Ken's Personality number Bruce's Personality number often serves as a censoring device, both in terms of what Ken sends out, as well as what he allows to approach. It discriminates in the kinds of people and information Ken Bruce lets enter his heart and mind. Read more about our numerological interpretation of Ken Bruce's personality number . . . Other celebrities with personality number 3 as Ken Bruce Ariana Grande (1993) An American singer and actress of two American Music Awards, who was named in 2016 by Time as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, and whose wide vocal range has been compared to Mariah Carey's range Priyanka Chopra (1982) An Indian film actress and singer, and the winner of the Miss World pageant of 2000, who has become one of Bollywood's highest-paid actresses and one of the most popular and high-profile celebrities in India Miley Cyrus (1992) An American singer, songwriter, and actress, best known for her role as Miley Stewart in the Hannah Montana series, and was named "Most Charted Teenager" in 2011 Guinness World Records A New York City-based American sportswear fashion designer who is the honorary chairman and chief creative officer for his company that sells women's and men's ready-to-wear, accessories, jewelry, footwear and fragrance Emma Watson (1990) A British actress, model, fashion consultant and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series, and winner of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts' British Artist of 2014 Camila Cabello (1997) A Cuban-American singer who auditioned as a soloist on the second season of the reality television music competition The X Factor US, and was brought back into the competition, along with four others to form the girl group Fifth Harmony Heidi Klum (1973) A German model, television host, businesswoman, fashion designer, television producer, and occasional actress who is ranked second on Forbes' list of the "World's Top-Earning Models" Zendaya (1996) An American actress, singer and dancer, whose album Zendaya's lead single "Replay" (released July 16, 2013) was number 40 on Billboard Hot 100, and was cast on ABC's Dancing with the Stars, becoming the show's youngest contestant Ken Bruce Numerology -- Personality Number 3 \| © Copyright 2009-2019 Celebrities Galore and Master Numerologist Hans Decoz	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725705
__label__wiki	0.627832	0.627832	Home / 2009 / October Eric Clapton has Surgery, Pulls out of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Concert By Dr Mark Boguski on October 28, 2009 Rock and Roll giant, Eric Clapton, has had to pull out of a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame concert this week because he had... Celebrities Strike Back Against Health Scams, New Book Separates Fact from Fiction Resveratrol is a naturally-occurring plant substance, available as a dietary supplement, that has been scientifically shown to extend the lifespans of several non-human animals including... Tennis Great Andre Agassi Admits to Crystal Meth Use In a new book due out November 9th, tennis great Andre Agassi admits that he regularly used crystal meth in 1997 and lied to tennis... Mastectomy without anesthesia and survival for 29 years Continuing our support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’d like to tell the story of author Frances (Fanny) Burney. Frances Burney d’Arblay (1752-1840) was a... Andrew Lloyd Webber Diagnosed with Cancer It was announced today that Phantom of the Opera composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, 61, has prostate cancer. It was apparently caught at a very early... Soupy Sales Dead at 83 As a child growing up in the 60’s, I have to comment on the passing of Soupy Sales. I must admit I spent a fair... Glenn Close Wants to Bring Change 2 Mind Academy Award nominated actress, best known for her chilling role in Fatal Attraction, Glenn Close and her sister Jennie Close made the rounds of talk... Dancing with the Stars while Dodging the Flu: Precautions Taken Today’s People magazine (online) reports on how various Dancing with the Stars contestants are trying to treat or prevent the flu. Let’s compare their remedies... Kelly Osbourne Injures Foot on DWTS Ozzy Osbourne’s daughter and Dancing with the Stars contestant, Kelly Osbourne injured her foot on live TV last night. At the end of her paso... Phil Collins Unable to Play Drums After Surgery Phil Collins, 58, is currently unable to play the drums. The Genesis drummer and front man, also known for his solo career, underwent surgery in...	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725706
__label__wiki	0.979919	0.979919	Sky seeks new character comics Series of short films commissioned Sky has commissioned a series of ten short films to showcase characters from up-and-coming comedy talent. The 11-minute films will be made by Steve Coogan’s production company Baby Cow as part of Sky Atlantic’s push into the genre. Speaking at a launch event in London today, Sky’s head of comedy Lucy Lumsden said: ‘This is a new series of comedy shorts, which we’re currently calling Comedy Republic, which will help find the next generation of writer-performers and character comics. ‘Audition are on the way.’ Baby Cow’s chief executive Henry Normal added: ‘God bless Sky Atlantic for giving so many people an opportunity to present new comedy. This is my dream show. I have been wanting to make this for 14 years.’ Sky Atlantic is making a major investment into comedy, including new specials with Alan Partridge, a TV version of Adam Buxton’s Bug, Julia Davis’s new period comedy Hunderby and a chat show from Ronna & Beverley among others. “In tragedy every moment is eternity; in comedy, eternity is a moment. ” – Christopher Fry	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725708
__label__wiki	0.567944	0.567944	Christie cancer patient conquers California’s ‘El Cap’ and sets his sights on white water rafting A young cancer patient who underwent chemotherapy and had to have a leg amputated as part of his treatment, has successfully scaled a gruelling 2,500ft granite rock face in America and has set his sights on white water rafting. Max Levens, 24, from Rusholme, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma -a bone cancer in his left leg, whilst working as a junior doctor in the intensive care unit at Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust in March 2014. Following diagnosis, Max was one of the first patients to be treated at the newly opened teenage and young adult cancer unit at The Christie in Manchester. He underwent courses of chemotherapy and eventually had his leg amputated, but unfortunately his cancer returned. Max, who has recently returned to Manchester from a holiday in America with two of his friends, received the news before he left. He said: "It was difficult to hear that the cancer had returned despite having chemo and losing a leg, however I wasn't going to let that ruin my holiday. "My consultant told me that the tumour was slow growing so I could delay restarting treatment if I wanted to. I had this trip planned for a while with two of my good friends and I was keen not to cancel it." Max and friends Luke and Andy regularly tackle climbing trips together and this venture in Yosemite National Park, California, involved one of the trio's biggest climbs. Max added: "Yosemite was an amazing experience and the El Capitan rock was one of our biggest climbs. We spent three days making our way up 700m of the 1,000m vertical ascent, spent a night on a ledge on the rock face then spent the fourth day abseiling down. It was the hardest thing I have ever done but I enjoyed every minute." He continued: "Finding out you have cancer is a mixed bag. It was hard losing a leg but you can still find ways to do fun things. One of the best pieces of advice that I was given by a prosthetist was to not expect to do everything I did before in the same way, but to adapt and look for other ways to get the same feelings. That was how Yosemite was - trying out a different style of climbing that might be easier in some ways, but still going for something big! "Everyone has physical limitations in one way or another; it's just one of those things. For me, cancer is more of a psychological than physical challenge." Dr Mike Leahy, consultant medical oncologist at The Christie, said: "Max is an inspirational young man with a great attitude. To hear that he was rock climbing a sheer face in Yosemite Valley, California and spending the night on the rock, not long after having his leg amputated didn't come as any surprise. He has remained amazingly positive throughout his treatment. "I think it is important to empower patients and give them the control to make decisions about their healthcare where possible. Unfortunately Max's cancer has returned and he has recently opted to start a clinical trial as part of his treatment: which is another indication of his positive approach to his situation." Although Max's future is uncertain now the cancer has returned, he has already planned another big adventure for next spring. Max concluded: "I have a great relationship with my consultant and he gave me lots of freedom to make decisions about my treatment. This approach has helped me deal with everything cancer has thrown at me. I'm now ready to get on with my next phase of treatment and have planned a white water rafting trip in India for next summer."	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725710
__label__wiki	0.571004	0.571004	Proton beam therapy patient Mason gets to meet City stars Published on 30 January 2019 courtesy of Manchester City Football Club. BRAVE BLUE RECEIVES DREAM DAY AT MANCHESTER CITY FOLLOWING TREATMENT AT WORLD LEADING PROTON BEAM THERAPY CENTRE One of the first patients to be treated at The Christie’s brand-new Proton Beam Therapy Centre was invited to watch Manchester City take on Burnley in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Ahead of kick off Mason joined his footballing heroes on the pitch to be part of the official team photograph. One of the first patients to benefit from The Christie’s state-of-the-art Proton Beam Therapy Centre received a special invite to watch Manchester City take on Burnley following his first round of treatment last week. 15-year-old Mason from West Sussex was diagnosed with a brain tumour in October last year and is currently undergoing a six-week course of Proton Beam Therapy. This specialist form of radiotherapy, which is only available in a handful of countries around the world, targets cancers very precisely, increasing success rates and reducing side effects. Having found out that Mason is a massive City fan, the club wanted to invite him and his family for a memorable day at the Etihad. Starting with VIP spaces on the blue carpet for the team’s arrival, the family were then taken to their very own Platinum Box before Mason was presented with a Manchester City home kit ready for his pitch debut. Minutes ahead of kick off Mason joined his footballing heroes on the pitch to be part of the official team photograph, before being treated to five goals from the Blues. A spokesperson for The Christie said; “Mason and his family will be spending almost six weeks away from home while he undergoes treatment. It is important that as a family they can enjoy some down time where they can relax and have fun away from the hospital environment. “We are so grateful to Manchester City for organising such a fabulous day for Mason and his family. The club has always been supportive of the work of The Christie and this is just another example of it stepping in to work in partnership with us to improve a patient’s experience.” This dream day forms part of the Club’s long-standing relationship with the hospital which last season, saw captain Vincent Kompany and City legends Colin Bell and Mike Summerbee help launch a major improvement in patient services and facilities. This season, players from Manchester City’s women’s team visited patients at the Teenage Cancer Unit over the festive period and took part in an expressive arts session. The Christie will be conducting a bucket collection at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday 20th April when Manchester City take on Tottenham Hotspur.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725711
__label__wiki	0.974186	0.974186	Glacis appoint former Dutch first division head coach By Stephen Ignacio Share Glacis United have announced the appointment of Theo Vonk, a former coach of Dutch first division side Twente as their head coach for the 2018/19 season. Vonk was also head coach at the then Spanish first division side Burgos, counting among his feats beating Real Sociedad's John Toshack's side in his first match at the helm of the Spanish side. He is also known as having Dutch coach Van Gaal as his assistant. Full interview with Theo Vonk will feature in the print edition. ‘Gibraltar made all of us grow’ - Jorgen Pettersson MRC competed at Henley Royal Regatta Gib refs in Iber Cup Grassroots football from strength to strength	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725712
__label__wiki	0.802242	0.802242	Newcastle United transfer target Charlie Austin says he'll report to pre-season with QPR - unless told otherwise Charlie Austin says he'll be with his QPR team-mates in pre-season unless told otherwise, with Newcastle and other club's on the hunt for the striker Charlie Austin celebrates scoring for QPR Newcastle United transfer target Charlie Austin has said he’ll be with QPR in pre-season – unless he’s told otherwise by the club. Austin has bagged 17 goals so far in his first season in the top flight and will look to add to that tally when he faces the Magpies this weekend. The 25-year-old has been on Newcastle’s radar for some time and with the R’s already relegated, Tyneside could become a destination for the striker next season. Austin has one year left on his QPR deal but the club’s director of football, Les Ferdinand, has already warned prospective buyers that he won’t be sold on the cheap. Would Charlie Austin be a good signing for Newcastle United? “Unless I’m told otherwise I will report for pre-season - I did exactly the same at Burnley when I had a year to go and I could have gone to Hull,” said Austin, speaking to the Sun. “It’s the way I am. I’m not going to start refusing to come in or refusing to go there. I have one year left and I have to honour my contract. It’s out there that I’ve only got one year left but I will come back for when pre-season starts and hopefully get fit for the season to come. “If I am told to leave then I won’t be here. If I am told to report and nothing is said then I will be here when we report back on day one.”	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725713
__label__cc	0.743127	0.256873	Are there any /b/rothers here on CP? I have hated my best friends for over a... Blessed are the simple; for they have... I have been married for 18 years. My... Here's the thing. I have a best friend... His family I'm only with my boyfriend for his family. Don't get me wrong, I have love for him, but it's becoming more that of a best friend and an attachment. I enjoy his company. However, he isn't really a good partner, at least in my standards. He's gluttonous, insecure, and immature at an age where he shouldn't be, which I was happy with until I grew up myself. His family, on the other hand, are people I've always wanted. I grew up in a troubled environment, where I had to take on a parental role for my siblings and have a strained relationship with my parents. Biol-dad is out of the picture, but the step-dad isn't trustworthy. My boyfriend's family is the complete opposite. His mom welcomed me with open arms. She's affectionate in her actions and words. We have such a good relationship. I didn't have to do anything to win her over, she just did it. His siblings see me as an individual -- not someone that has to take care of them. His dad is silly and good-natured. Even their home provides a safe haven of good energy. I know it's selfish. I don't want to lose all of that. Love CONFESSION 1.4 years ago By Anonymous Father Friends Home Mother Want Happy UNATTRACTIVE SON OF A B**, HE WASN'T MY FIRST HE WASN'T MY LAST, HE WASN'T MY EVERYTHING. HE FEELS GUILTY WHEN HE MASTURBATES, NOW YOU LISTEN TO ME, WE BOTH MET AT SCHOOL AND GOT HONORS AND IF YOU PULL ANYTHING F* UP OR FUNNY THEY WILL F** WELL KILL YOU YOURSELF. What the actual f. You may not be aware of it, but the phrase "I have love for him" means "I don't love him". The hedging you're doing is intended to make it easier for you to crush him when the time comes. That's simple cruelty. OP here. I don't understand. What do you mean by "hedging"? The longer you stay, the harder it will be. If it continues, soon it will be just you and him, alone. Without his family around. Think about that. Sounds bad, the losers family said to me s*** like "your tweezers will be your best friend" ie, facial hair removal insult. You need to leave in the long run it will eventually mess with your mental health	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725716
__label__cc	0.531263	0.468737	Rev. Michael P. Orsi By Rev. Michael P. Orsi Father Michael P. Orsi was ordained for the Diocese of Camden in 1976. He has authored or co-authored four books and over 320 articles in more than 45 journals, magazines and newspapers. He holds a Doctorate in Education from Fordham University, two Master degrees in Theology from Saint Charles Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts from Cathedral College. He is presently serving as Chaplain and Research Fellow in Law and Religion at Ave Maria School of Law, Naples, Florida. A Religious Response to the Colorado Killings The Impact of Roberts’ Decision and the Catholic Vote Blatty v Georgetown – DOA The Mormon People: The Making of an American Faith Roger Williams and The Creation of the American Soul: Church, State, and the Birth of Liberty Ranking the “Top Ten” Popes A Misguiding Note from the Vatican A Fair Tax Is Better for the Soul Guidelines for the Protection of Priests	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725723
__label__cc	0.631664	0.368336	Five campaign for Murfreesboro City School Board Five candidates are vying for four seats on the Murfreesboro City School Board in the August 4 election. Five campaign for Murfreesboro City School Board Five candidates are vying for four seats on the Murfreesboro City School Board in the August 4 election. Check out this story on dnj.com: http://on.dnj.com/29XeP4U Brian Wilson, bwilson@dnj.com Published 4:16 p.m. CT July 15, 2016 \| Updated 9:20 a.m. CT July 18, 2016 Election 2016(Photo: File) MURFREESBORO — Five candidates are vying for four seats on the Murfreesboro City School Board in the August 4 election. Incumbents Butch Campbell and Jared Barrett and challengers David Settles, Novonda Lilly and Wesley Ballard have all campaigned for the positions and were interviewed by the Daily News Journal about their positions on several issues. Incumbents Nancy Phillips and Andy Brown chose to retire instead of seeking re-election. All registered voters in Murfreesboro city limits are eligible to vote in this election. Wesley Ballard (Photo: Submitted) Wesley Ballard Background: Retired director of product quality assurance for Nissan’s Smyrna plant What's the biggest local issue Murfreesboro City Schools is set to face in the next year? I think certainly the growth rate and being able to handle that and be ready for the influx of students. We need to be ready from a budget perspective and from a support perspective. What's the biggest education issue the state of Tennessee will face in the next year? Definitely the testing requirements. We must solidify what the testing requirements will be going forward with the state. We’ve been in flux since Common Core was passed three or four years ago. What's your position on vouchers legislation that's been considered by state lawmakers? I don’t support vouchers. I support making sure there are no under performing city schools for parents to wish for vouchers to move their children to private schools. How should a school system handle an application for a charter school to be established? I don’t think we need to put public money into private schools. What role should standardized testing have in schools? I think we should work to select a standardized test that provides questions the students should be tested on and know. We’ll have to work with state lawmakers on this going forward. Selection of the test is the most important thing. What role should religion have in a school curriculum? I think it should be taught as the history of religions and the history of all religions. Jared Barrett (Photo: DNJ File) Jared Barrett Background: Incumbent school board member; archaeologist for a Nashville cultural resource management firm Biggest local issue: I think it’s going to continue to be growth. It was growth when I first ran. Our schools grew about 350 students in the last year. Biggest state issue: I think vouchers is still going to be our biggest issue. This year is was defeated (in the state House), but they’ll bring it back next year. On vouchers: I’m opposed to all voucher money. I don’t think it’s a wise use of taxpayer money to send students to private schools. On charters: We as a board can have an up or down vote. We have three choice schools already, four if you count Discovery. There are opportunities there. (If there was an application,) I would listen to it, I would have an open mind to it, but I would probably vote it down. On testing: A lot of this comes from the state. If people are concerned or do not like what’s happening, they need to contact their state legislators. I hope they do. The debacle we had for TNReady was unacceptable. I’m supporting a year of hold harmless testing. I’m for testing, but we need to have testing that’s supported. On religion: For social studies, we need to have that. A lot of this is from the state. You need to have the basic knowledge for all religions you need to study. Murfreesboro City Board of Education Chairman Butch Campbell, a retired educator, said leadership sets the Murfreesboro and Rutherford County school systems apart from others in the state. (Photo: HELEN COMER/DNJ) Butch Campbell Background: Incumbent school board chairman, Retired Rutherford County teacher, principal Biggest local issue: Probably, the biggest thing we’re going to work on is growth in student enrollment. We added 300-400 students last year. We’ve got schools that are overcrowded. Right now, growth is the biggest issue. Biggest state issue: Testing is going to be one thing. I think we’ve got to get this right. Let’s make sure the standards are what’s being taught and what’s in the textbooks. We need to help the teachers do the job they’ve been trained to do. On vouchers: I’ve been against vouchers. It’s like I’m asking you to give some of your money to put gas in my truck. On charters: I’ve got nothing against charters. I just don’t think we should use public money to pay for it. On testing: We’ve been doing standardized testing for years. I don’t have a problem with standardized testing as long as the standards we are teaching are in the tests, and as long as these standards are something that teachers and apply and are part of the curriculum. On religion: I don’t have a problem with teaching the different religions and different aspects of religions as long as it in the context of the history of this country and the world. There’s nothing wrong with giving students information about different religions., but we do not have to push any religions over another. Novonda Lilly (Photo: HELEN COMER/DNJ) Novonda Lilly Background: Assistant Director of Talent Acquisition, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Biggest local issue: I think growth is definitely one. We need to begin to think about how we need to meet those growth needs with our schools. Biggest state issue: The most recent thing that everyone is aware of is testing and working with our legislators to identify the right form of testing. We need to implement a process to make sure students and teachers are ready for testing. On vouchers: We have an excellent school system is the city of Murfreesboro. We need to make sure our parents understand the importance of charters and vouchers. We need to make sure we’re retaining our parents and students to make sure funding isn’t taken for vouchers in schools. That will impact the masses. On charters: I’m not really sure charters have a role in the city’s schools. There needs to be an awareness of the pros and cons of this. Charters schools are another opportunity to remove funding from public schools. In order to prevent charters from having a presence in Murfreesboro, we have to focus on retaining the parents that we have. On testing: It needs to be a way to measure how the student is learning. The state has to make sure they are getting feedback from the teachers and people who are working day-to-day from across the state, instead of from the top down. On religion: I’m in favor of diversity and inclusion. Religion is what our country was founded on, so I think there is a place for religion in the curriculum. It’s part of our history, and it should be a part of our school system. David Settles (Photo: Submitted) David Settles Background: Pastor, The Living Word Worship Center Biggest local issue: Our number one issue is growth. G-R-O-W-T-H. The city is growing at an alarming rate. We are one of the fasting growing cities, but that brings a lot of challenges. The perspective that I'm looking at is that we're gonna have a lot more people in. Everyone that's coming won't look like the people that are here. My concern is that we grow in a diverse way so that people that are coming feel a part of this community, especially when it comes to the education of children. Biggest state issue: Funding is going to be a big issue because Tennessee is growing as well. The other part of it is getting the testing thing back on track. It's going to be hard. I think the department is going to have to reach out and mend some fences after the testing that we went through. They're going to work hard to rebuild that whole segment. A lot of things didn't happen that some districts believe should have happened. On testing: We follow the state guidelines. I think there is a lot of testing, and testing is a valuable tool. I think there are other ways that teachers are evaluating or should be able to evaluate their students' progress. If the information is taught on a daily, rigorous basis, I think testing will be a little easier and not as daunting. But we have to test as the state says. On vouchers: I think our school system is a very excellent school system. We have everything in our school system that a parent needs to have a successful experience for their child. I don't think vouchers are something that is needed for us. On charters: When we talk about charters, and they're submitted an application, what is that you're doing that we're not already doing? Why should we take money and give it to them to do the job that's already getting done? On religion: I raise my children Christian, and I raised them with the values that I wanted them to have. I would have been insulted if they went to school and the teacher was teaching something that didn't fit with my model. I think religious education should be in the home. I think schools should be as accommodating as they can be for various differences in faith as long as it doesn't disrupt the teaching process and doesn't disrupt others. Read or Share this story: http://on.dnj.com/29XeP4U Ketrons' insurance agency settles lawsuit Murfreesboro's Green Dragon closed permanently Trash billing notice sent with now-incorrect amount Uncle Dave Macon Days cut short due to rain Miss Tennessee makes appearance in Murfreesboro Ruthies Awards 2019: Nominate your favorites	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725725
__label__wiki	0.942005	0.942005	Topics Kate McKinnon Omarr's daily astrological forecast, For release 01/06/19 for 01/06/19 BIRTHDAY GAL: Actress Kate McKinnon was born in Sea Cliff, N.Y., on this date in 1984. This birthday gal has won two Emmys as a cast member of "Saturday Night Live." She's also lent her voice talents to episodes of "Nature Cat," "The Magic School Bus Rides Again," and "Family Guy." One the big screen, her film work includes "The Spy Who Dumped Me," "Rough Night," and "Ghostbusters." ARIES (Mar 21-Apr. 19): Pleasure comes before business. Social interactions might come more naturally than trying to make headway with work or career matters in the week to come. A close companion knows how to make you... Related "Kate McKinnon" Articles Omarr's daily astrological forecast, For release 01/06/19 for 01/06/19 Jeraldine Saunders, Tribune Content Agency BIRTHDAY GAL: Actress Kate McKinnon was born in Sea Cliff, N.Y., on this date in 1984. This birthday gal has won two Emmys as a cast member of "Saturday Night Live." She's also lent her voice talents to episodes of "Nature Cat," "The Magic School... 'Saturday Night Live' returns with commentary on the migrant caravan and a dig at Alec Baldwin Danielle Turchiano After taking its first hiatus of the 44th season, "Saturday Night Live" certainly had a stockpile of material it could have used for the first cold open back in three weeks. In the time away, cast member Pete Davidson ended his engagement to pop... Emmys 2018: 'Game of Thrones,' 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' win top awards Lynn Elber Amazon's "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" became the first streaming series to win top Emmy comedy honors and HBO's "Game of Thrones" recaptured the best drama series award Monday at a ceremony that largely slighted its most ethnically diverse field of... Emmys 2018: The best jokes from Colin Jost, Michael Che's opening monologue Following a song and dance about diversity in the TV industry featuring Kate McKinnon, Kenan Thompson, Ricky Martin, Sterling K. Brown, Kristen Bell and John Legend, Colin Jost and Michael Che took the Emmy stage in a monologue centering on the Trump... 'Saturday Night Live' parodies the royal wedding reception Just hours after Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex married Meghan Markle, “Saturday Night Live” put its own spin on the royal wedding on its May 19 season finale. Offering an "exclusive" look inside the reception, Mikey Day's Prince Harry took his wedding... Robert De Niro's Robert Mueller grills Ben Stiller's Michael Cohen on 'SNL' Joe Otterson Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller reunited in this week's "Saturday Night Live" cold open, with De Niro playing Special Counsel Robert Mueller and Stiller playing Trump attorney Michael Cohen. The two "Meet the Parents" stars paid homage to the iconic lie... 'Saturday Night Live' depicts Robert Mueller as 'The Bachelor' "Saturday Night Live" combined the biggest news stories in politics and pop culture from the last week with its Mar. 10 cold open that saw Robert Mueller (Kate McKinnon) as "The Bachelor." In a sketch that parodied the real-life events of Arie Luyendyk... Alec Baldwin returns to 'Saturday Night Live' as President Trump in 'Fox & Friends' parody Alec Baldwin has returned to "Saturday Night Live" for the first time in 2018 in the Feb. 3 cold open sketch that parodied "Fox & Friends." Baldwin's Trump was in bed Tweeting and then calling into the Fox News program to compare their ratings to his... SNL's chicken pot pie commercial is the best spoof of this Maine restaurant's blooper reel A real-life restaurant commercial blooper reel inspired a hilarious skit on the January 27 episode of Saturday Night Live. Guest host Will Ferrell and SNL favorite Kate McKinnon teamed up to play elderly couple "Dan" and "Donna" who... 'Trump saying something racist isn't exactly news anymore,' 'SNL' laments Avi Selk It's the job of "Saturday Night Live" to parody the happenings of the previous week. Was that even possible Saturday night, or was parody defeated by the cumulative surreality of Oprah's political explosion, Steve Bannon's implosion and President Donald... On 'SNL,' Trump’s White House celebrates Christmas by remembering the ‘haters and losers’ Amy B Wang The White House gang was all there in the latest “Saturday Night Live” cold open, with Alec Baldwin reprising his role as President Trump — this time reflecting on his “amazing first year in office.” First lady Melania Trump (played by Cecily Strong)... 'SNL' cold open: Kids wonder if Al Franken, Roy Moore and Trump are on Santa’s naughty list In its latest cold open, "Saturday Night Live" took on the recent string of high-profile sexual-misconduct scandals, featuring a parade of children - each seemingly more precocious and world-weary than the last - visiting a mall Santa, played by Kenan... Alec Baldwin returns to 'Saturday Night Live' as Trump in 'Christmas Carol' sketch Cynthia Littleton "Saturday Night Live" took a page from Charles Dickens in its cold open as Alec Baldwin returned to the show as President Trump in an opening sketch inspired by "A Christmas Carol." "SNL" skewered the news that former National Security Advisor Michael... Kellyanne Conway is a terrifyingly quotable Pennywise the clown in 'SNL's' biting sketch "Saturday Night Live" may have found its most uncharitable caricature of someone in President Donald Trump's orbit this weekend, featuring Kellyanne Conway as the scary clown from Stephen King's recently revitalized film, "It." The real butt of the joke,... How 'SNL' went after Harvey Weinstein - and sexual harassment in Hollywood Elahe Izadi "Saturday Night Live" this week addressed allegations that movie mogul Harvey Weinstein sexually assaulted and harassed women, after facing criticism last week for not including any jokes about the unfolding controversy. The NBC flagship comedy show... 'SNL': Gal Gadot spoofs Wonder Woman's lesbian lore with Kate McKinnon kiss Michael Cavna For a sketch centered on sexual desire, it was as much about subtext as sublimation. A full Wonder Woman bit loomed as inevitable during much of this weekend's "Saturday Night Live," given that Gal Gadot was host and her next superhero film, "Justice... The complete list of 2017 Emmy winners and nominees Los Angeles Times Staff The 2017 Emmy Awards have come to an end, with “Veep,” “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Big Little Lies” taking home the top prizes in the comedy, drama and limited series categories, respectively. Elisabeth Moss of “The Handmaid’s Tale” and Sterling K. Brown... Emmy Award nominations: 'Saturday Night Live' and 'Westworld' tied with 22 nods each "Saturday Night Live," powered by madcap skits skewering the Trump administration, earned 22 Emmy Award nominations, including bids for Alec Baldwin's florid portrayal of the president and Melissa McCarthy's manic, gender-busting take on press secretary... Emmy nominations: 'SNL' and late-night comedy nods reflect a Trump bump — with a few exceptions Chris Barton Live, from Los Angeles, it’s the Emmy nominations — and “Saturday Night Live” is proving it’s not a joke when it comes to Emmy dominance. With a total matched only by HBO’s freshman drama “Westworld,” NBC’s venerable late-night comedy series earned its... Team Trump assembles for ‘Hallelujah’ in 'SNL' cold open Debra Birnbaum, Cynthia Littleton “Saturday Night Live’s” final episode of the season featured Alec Baldwin, Scarlett Johansson and “SNL” troupers assembling for another rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” but this time in the guise of Team Trump. Baldwin was at the piano as...	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725726
__label__cc	0.685665	0.314335	Dear Annie: Snot what you should do By Annie Lane Originally Published: June 9, 2018 6:01 a.m. Dear Annie: My good friend has a habit that makes it difficult for her fellow diners when she is out to eat. She frequently blows her nose at the table and places her dirty tissues in a pile on the table. If cloth napkins are being used, she has no problem blowing her nose in it. She has chronic bronchitis, so it is an ongoing problem. She also takes bites of others’ food with her used utensils without asking. She is easily offended, and I find it difficult to address these issues with her. How can I get her to stop this behavior without incurring her wrath? — Grossed Out Dear Grossed Out: Your friend’s chronic bronchitis probably makes it impossible for her to go to the bathroom every time she needs to blow her nose, so you can forgive her for doing it at the table. Still, no one should have to eat lunch in the shadow of Mount Kleenex. Suggest to your friend that she keep a small plastic bag in her purse for storing used tissues until she can put them in a trash can. You could even bring one the next time so it’s at the ready. As for her helping herself to others’ food without asking, there’s no medical explanation for that. That’s just chronic rudeness. The best solution is to call it out when it happens. The next time her fork makes its way to your plate, say, “Excuse me, but I wasn’t finished with that.” Do this every time it happens and eventually she’ll decide it’s not worth the embarrassment. Dear Annie: Women have served in the U.S. military since the Revolutionary War. In the past, they even dressed up as men to be able to serve their country. But female active-duty service members and veterans are not given the same recognition as men. I have a T-shirt that I wear that says, “I am a United States Air Force veteran.” I’ve had a few people say it’s nice my husband served. I don’t have a husband. I am the veteran. Similarly, in the female veterans organization I belong to, we have hats that say we are veterans and state our branch of service. We’ve almost never gotten a “Thank you for your service.” We get walked past. Even when I’ve outright told people I was in the service, I don’t get a thank-you. I was in a restaurant recently where an active-duty servicewoman was sitting in her battle dress uniform. In the next booth was a Vietnam War veteran in a “Vietnam vet” baseball cap. A man walked right past the active-duty servicewoman and went to the next booth to thank the veteran for his service. Yes, the Vietnam veteran should have been recognized for his service; Vietnam vets have been denigrated for too many years for fighting a war no one wanted. But really, he couldn’t see the woman sitting there in her uniform? She still is serving her country and deserves to be recognized for it. Female veterans make up 9 percent of veterans today, and it will grow to 17 percent by the year 2043. Many of these women put their lives on the line every day, too. Female veterans who haven’t been deployed have served in critical areas of our military, allowing for men to be able to fight on the front lines. Please, Annie, remind our country that men and women have served in our military and that women would also like to be thanked for their service. — A Vietnam-Era Female Veteran Dear Veteran: Thank you for your service. I’d like to encourage readers to donate to the Service Women’s Action Network (https://www.servicewomen.org), which empowers women in the armed forces with access to the critical resources and services they need. “Ask Me Anything: A Year of Advice From Dear Annie” is out now! Annie Lane’s debut book — featuring favorite columns on love, friendship, family and etiquette — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. Dear Annie: Are shared interests necessary in Annie: A day to remember the fallen Dear Annie: Taking time to appreciate veterans Dear Annie: A here-and-there father Dear Annie: A fond weakness	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725727
__label__wiki	0.550686	0.550686	Editorial: Keep decisions on elections local Photo by Les Stukenberg. Supporters of Prop. 443 celebrate their victory in the City of Prescott primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, at the Palace Restaurant and Saloon in Prescott. By The Daily Courier Originally Published: March 4, 2018 6:05 a.m. Elections are a matter of local control, particularly when it comes to the state’s 19 charter cities. That was the conclusion three years ago from the state Court of Appeals, a decision that was affirmed by the Arizona Supreme Court without comment. State lawmakers were trying to consolidate all elections on even-numbered years. This week, state legislators are launching another effort to tell local governments when they can have their elections. Current Arizona law generally requires that elections be conducted only in even-numbered years, and only on four specific days, according the Capitol Media Services. The premise is that consolidating all federal, state, local and school issues onto the same ballots improves turnout and saves local voters the cost of running a separate election. That is not the case for charter cities, which includes the City of Prescott. They can do what they want. Prescott continues to hold its elections in odd-numbered years. Appellate Judge Michael Miller wrote in 2015 that “an off-cycle election allows the city to obtain the full focus of the electorate,” adding that it also insulates the local elections from the “influence of partisan issues that are inevitably interwoven with federal, state and county elections.’’ We agreed then and still do so now. This time around, state lawmakers say they found a loophole of sorts: they would put into law a declaration that having consolidated elections “is a matter of statewide concern to increase voter participation in elections.’’ But the City of Prescott — and Yavapai County, for that matter — already enjoy some of the best percentages of registered voter participation, compared to other places in the state. Legislators also want a trigger, which would spell out that the mandate for consolidated elections would kick in only if there is a “significant decrease’’ in turnout in its off-year elections. Problem is, there is no mention of how a city would get back its local control afterward. Last time cities took the state to court to preserve their local control. The justices stated state lawmakers have no power here. We are unsure why state lawmakers are wasting their time. Calls to House leadership, where HB 2604 was born, have gone unreturned prior to press time. What should be a better debate — locally — is whether the city should continue with both primary and general elections for local issues, or go straight to the general. But that is not the concern of the state, and it should not be. State trying again to consolidate elections State lawmakers move to limit city elections involving taxes Lawmakers: Consolidating elections would increase voter turnout New state law requires change in Prescott city election schedule Navajo County Superior Court ruling affirms Prescott's odd-numbered year elections	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725728
__label__wiki	0.927565	0.927565	Alberta glass-blower competes for cash on Netflix show Blown Away Jon Roe More from Jon Roe Published on: July 11, 2019 \| Last Updated: July 11, 2019 12:05 PM EDT Blown Away is a Netflix series about glass blowers. The contestants include glass artist Leah Kudel who studied in Calgary. Courtesy, Marblemedia supplied Netflix is hoping that people will enjoy competitive reality shows that involve beautiful art instead of delicious food with Blown Away, a new show featuring 10 glass blowers competing for cash and a residency at the Corning Museum of Glass. Edmonton-based glass artist Leah Kudel was one of the 10 selected artists after applying to an open casting call. “I decided I had never heard of anything like it, so I decided that it’d be fun to apply,” says Kudel, a 2015 graduate of Alberta University of the Arts’ glass program in Calgary. After sending in a questionnaire and images of her art, she was picked after Skype interviews with the show’s producers. She was living in New Zealand at the time, working at a glass studio, and they flew her back to North America to compete. Leah Kudel, wearing yellow, is competing in Blown Away, a Netflix show about glass blowers. supplied The show has already screened in full on cable TV channel Makeful, so Kudel has watched it all. She says it’s weird to watch herself on TV, “it’s kind of like an out of body thing,” but that the show is a great ambassador for glass art. “They really display glass art in a really good way,” she says. “It’s really informative, especially for people who know nothing about glass blowing. It’s a wonderful show. You learn a lot about the craft and the art, how it all works. I think it’s going to be really good for the glass community.” Kudel says the competition is very similar to the British baking competition show The Great British Bake Off. Contestants are given a different challenge each episode and one contestant is eliminated. She says that although there is added stress from the competitive element, it’s not too different from making art typically as a glass blower. “It’s a little bit stressful, but often, glass blowers, we do create under a time constraint anyways because you’re renting time in a studio,” Kudel says. “Usually you only have a certain amount of hours. This was a little more stressful because you’re desperately trying not to break anything.” “You’re trying to run around cameramen,” she adds. “And it’s a massive studio. It was quite an adventure.” A red-hot oven used for glassblowing. Calgary Glass blowing makes for good TV because of not only the visual nature of the finished product, but the dynamic creative process. “It’s super immediate,” says Kudel. “You’re playing with fire. There’s a certain level of adrenalin with glass blowing that makes it pretty fun.” She hopes that this will help elevate glass art’s global profile, much like another reality show did for pottery in the U.K. “I’ve heard from a lot of people in the pottery field that when they had The Great Pottery Throw Down in the U.K., when that show came out it was really good for the pottery community because lots of classes filled and people became interested in pottery and how it’s made,” Kudel says. “I’m kind of hoping it’ll be the same for glass blowing; that people will have a little bit more of an understanding of what it is,” she adds. Blown Away starts streaming on Netflix worldwide on July 12. Kudel’s work will be part of the Coming Up Next exhibition at the Alberta Craft Gallery sometime this fall. twitter.com/thejonroe jroe@postmedia.com CHILD CLINICAL THERAPIST OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, JULY 13TH... JOHNSTON, VELDA - THANK YOU T... HAPPY 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY! Online Classifieds View more classifieds >	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725729
__label__wiki	0.910654	0.910654	Finney: The night Des Moines went Hollywood Burt delivered The Des Moines Register to help support his family during the Great Depression. He worked odd jobs at KSO radio station as a teenager. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1938. Finney: The night Des Moines went Hollywood Burt delivered The Des Moines Register to help support his family during the Great Depression. He worked odd jobs at KSO radio station as a teenager. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1938. Check out this story on desmoinesregister.com: http://dmreg.co/1El7plb Daniel P. Finney, dafinney@dmreg.com Published 6:33 p.m. CT Aug. 26, 2015 \| Updated 12:58 p.m. CT Aug. 27, 2015 Daniel P. Finney(Photo: The Register)Buy Photo Thursday is Paul Gregory’s 95th birthday. Gregory was born James Burton Lenhart to a butcher and his wife on a farm between Waukee and Clive. His friends called him Burt. Burt was also an adagio dancer, a kind of combination of acrobatics and ballet that involves a lot of jumping, catching and balancing between partners. Burt’s dance partner was classmate Helen DeVall. One day they practiced a stunt that required Helen to leap from the top of a 12-foot ladder into Burt’s arms. Helen climbed the ladder many times but was too timid to take a leap. Finally, Helen jumped. Burt missed the catch. And Helen landed flat on her back. The film "The Night of the Hunter" premiered in Des Moines on July 26, 1955. It was produced by Iowan Paul Gregory. (Photo: Gannett File Photo) “She had back problems the rest of her life,” Helen’s daughter, Connie Sue Kiplinger said. Burt attended Drake University for a year before he struck out for Hollywood “with $15 in his pocket and an extra $5 his mother sewed in his coat,” according to a Famous Iowans profile written by the great Register copy editor Tom Longden. Burt tried to make it as an actor. An MGM executive thought he looked like Gregory Peck and changed his name to Paul Gregory, to play off Peck’s name. The newly christened Paul Gregory worked as assistant to bandleader Horace Heidt, pianist Carmen Cavallaro and actor, producer and director Charles Laughton. That last business partnership produced one of the best film noir thrillers of all time, “The Night of the Hunter.” The 1955 movie starred Robert Mitchum as a corrupt reverend and serial killer. Robert Mitchum plays a scheming ex-con in "The Night of the Hunter," which premiered in Des Moines 60 years ago thanks to a native Iowan as its producer. (Photo: MGM Studios) The film was adapted from the book of the same name by Davis Grubb. The story is based in part on the life of Harry Powers, who killed two widows and three children in an effort to swindle money. Harry Powers was born Herman Drenth. He emigrated with his family from the Netherlands to Cedar Rapids in 1910. The family moved to West Virginia in 1926. Powers lured his victims by putting classified ads in Lonely Hearts Magazine. He stole their money and killed them. He was executed by hanging in 1932. Laughton co-wrote the movie and directed it. Gregory produced it. Mitchum played the character inspired by Powers with “LOVE” tattooed on his right fist and “HATE” on the other. The movie is perhaps the finest performance of Mitchum’s storied career. Gregory wanted to have a sneak preview of the film in his hometown. But city officials asked Gregory if they could make a major event of it. “The Night of the Hunter” premiered July 26, 1955, in Des Moines at the Paramount Theater. The building used to stand at Fifth and Grand Avenues in downtown Des Moines, where the Wellmark YMCA of Greater Des Moines is now. Des Moines hosted a genuine Hollywood bash. Searchlights flashed in the night sky. Luminaries such as Cesar Romero, Agnes Moorehead and Marilyn Maxwell, who grew up in Clarinda, gave interviews with the press before attending the show. Paul Gregory (Photo: Register File Photo) Moviegoers filled all 1,700 seats of the Paramount. The city declared July 26 “Paul Gregory Day.” They celebrated Gregory with a $5-a-plate banquet at the Hotel Fort Des Moines. (That’s about $45 a plate in today’s money.) Money from the event helped build the city’s first YMCA, the one on Second and Grand avenues that’s being razed this week. One of the people most excited about the premiere was his old dancing partner, Helen, who was now known as Helen Klauenburch. She married Connie Klauenburch, a hard-working restaurateur. Connie owned Connie’s Skyliner Lounge, which was along Fleur Drive and used to have an old airplane on the roof. He owned Connie’s Fine Foods. He also catered meals for all the flights at the Des Moines airport. The couple had two daughters, Connie Sue and Cindie Lou. The daughters followed their mother into dancing. They taught at a school called Tots and Teens in a building owned by their father. Helen wanted to go hear Gregory give a talk at Drake and see the movie. Her husband, Connie, thought it was inappropriate for a married woman to visit a former dancing partner, which was kind of like a boyfriend — though Gregory was never that to Helen, her daughter said. Helen, however, had a different idea on the matter. She and the girls bought new dresses. They went to Gregory’s talk and to the show. Helen met up with Gregory at the premiere. He was delighted to see his old friend. He gave each of her daughters a kiss on the cheek. The evening proved a grand night out for the three Klauenburch women. And Connie Klauenburch needn’t know what the trio had been up to. He worked long hours, leaving before dawn and returning in the dark of night. Every afternoon, he came home to take a nap between shifts. The afternoon Des Moines Tribune was waiting with pictures and stories of Gregory's visit to Des Moines, including one of particular interest to the restaurateur on page 9. And, well, maybe it’s best to let Connie Sue tell the rest. “Right there in the paper was a picture of Paul Gregory with my mother and the two of us,” she said. “It must have been quite a shock to my father to see. I’m sure he took some ribbing. So much for the secret! We hadn't done anything terribly wrong and my dad wasn't cross. We all had a good laugh.” Connie Klauenburch died in 1990. Helen died in 2006. Connie Sue and Cindie Lou are still around. And so is Gregory, who lives in Palm Springs, though I wasn’t able to reach him for this story. Regardless, happy birthday, Mr. Gregory. You’re fondly remembered by the daughters of your old dance partner — and the night you turned Des Moines into Hollywood some 60 years ago. DANIEL P. FINNEY, the Register's Metro Voice columnist, is a Drake University alumnus who grew up in Winterset and east Des Moines. Reach him at 515-284-8144 or dafinney@dmreg.com.Twitter:@newsmanone. Read or Share this story: http://dmreg.co/1El7plb	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725731
__label__wiki	0.631514	0.631514	Leandro Crespi/Stocksy 15 Breakup Memes That Are So Painfully Relatable, You'll LOL By Christy Piña There's no denying breakups can be rough. Whether you were together for weeks, months, or years, the end almost always stings — even just a little. The way you cope after a breakup varies per person, per relationship. Some like to drown their sorrows in junk food and wine, some like to keep busy, and others like to laugh their sadness away one meme at a time. Memes are food for the soul (or something like that), and breakup memes that are so painfully relatable are the perfect place to start when you need a good post-breakup laugh. Life after a breakup means adjusting to a whole new life without your ex, and sometimes that adjustment period can feel never-ending. But I'm here to tell you it gets better, I promise. I know that may not be what you want to hear right now, or maybe ever, but it's true. You're not alone. You have your friends, your family, and every other pretty lady who has gone through the same thing you're going through right now to relate to. But if you'd rather deal with it alone, revel in these 15 hilarious memes that might help relieve a bit of the sadness, or at least make you LOL. 1. Yeah, Yeah. I Know. You Told Me So. elitedailysexanddating on Instagram Sometimes, the person you love may not be exactly who you need in your life. But you love who you love, and despite how many times your friends and family told you bae wasn't good for you, you wanted them all the same. So yes, bring on the "I told you so's!" That's definitely what I need right now. 2. Hi, Yes, Give Me Attention One of the not-so-horrible things about a breakup? All the hotties that slid into your DMs while you were in a relationship. Hi! Yes, give me attention. 3. They Will Definitely Talk About Me Forever Sorry not sorry! 4. I'm Sorry, But I'm A Little Busy With My Own Closure At The Moment PSA: Everyone's curious, I get it! I'd be curious too. But now is not the time to ask (: (: 5. D*mn Right There are no words for this perfection. None. 6. The Worst Heartbreak sucks, you're right. You know what else sucks? Feeling yourself and forgetting to take an #OOTD. 7. I Appreciate It. Don't Come Again. Yes, thank you so much for teasing me! I really enjoyed talking to you nonstop for two weeks, only to have you drop off the face of the planet on day 15. 8. This Is So Real. Cuffing season is basically here, y'all. The "I miss you" texts are coming. Don't fall for it! It's just the looming loneliness of the coming season. 9. Your Freaking Loss When someone who meant so much to you comes crawling back, it can be really freaking hard to turn them down. But before you give in, remember your worth. You deserve someone who knows letting go of you would be the biggest mistake of their lives without having to test the theory, not someone who leaves, and then realizes it. 10. The Kind Of Support I Need In My Life At 41 Years Old As much as you may want to solely rely on yourself in the post-breakup haze, don't feel like you have to. Your friends and family want to help. It's their job! You'd be there for them, so let them be there for you. 11. Eventually, You Will Ah, Adele — the queen of breakups herself! If you're not feeling very "wish you nothing but the best" quite yet, eventually you will. Once you've gotten your closure, accepted the relationship is over, and gone through your stages of grief, you'll want the best for them, too. (Probably.) 12. Because Why Would Life Ever Go Easy On Me? mytherapistsays on Instagram You know those moments where life just seems too good to be true, and then something comes out of nowhere like, "Hahaha, psych! You thought." Well, if your breakup seems like just that, don't fret. Ross knows the feeling. 13. It's Fine, I'm Fine When life decides it's time to fall apart and cause you four-too-many meltdowns, by the fifth, the only thing you can really do is dance it out. Life truly comes and goes, and it's going to really suck every once in a while, but it will get better. It's an endless cycle of ups and downs, and sometimes, all you can do is embrace it. 14. Good Luck To The Next Person Everyone has baggage, and depending on how bad your breakup was, the person who comes along next may have to deal with more of it from you than usual. If they're not up for the challenge, then it's their loss. You'll find someone who wants to be there for all of it — the good, the bad, and the ugly. 15. All Three, Please Sometimes after a breakup, you just need a hug, tequila, and sleep. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that. Take your time, pretties. There's no set-in-stone post-breakup timeline you have to follow. If you need months to come to terms with the breakup, then so be it. If you're OK after just a few weeks, or even days, that's fine too. Go at your own pace, and when you're ready to move on with your life, you will. Don't rush it, and remember: It does get better.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725737
__label__wiki	0.723919	0.723919	Curtis Ryals Reports We Have to Finance a Global Green New Deal — or Face the Consequences Posted by curtis on June 24, 2019 11:04 am As politicians talk more about ramping up their commitments to reducing carbon emissions — over the weekend, even Vice President Mike Pence squirmed when pressed on his climate denialism and said the U.S. is making progress on that front — one key aspect of the crisis remains conspicuously absent from most U.S discussions: so-called climate finance. The question of how much money the U.S. and other wealthy, industrialized nations will transfer to poor, developing countries so that they can effectively reduce their own carbon emissions has gone largely unaddressed, even as it grows in importance. Developing countries already account for more than 60 percent of the world’s CO2 emissions and are expected to contribute nearly 90 percent of emissions growth over the next two decades. The amount of money needed for “climate finance” is one of the most hotly debated issues between countries and represented one of the most contentious aspects of the Paris Agreement in 2015. Poorer countries have repeatedly said they could make steeper emissions cuts if they were adequately supported by wealthier nations in the process. A new report from the People’s Policy Project, a socialist think tank, argues that industrialized countries should contribute $2 trillion annually to help developing nations stave off the effects of climate change. An investment of that size would be 20 times larger than existing global commitments, which developed countries are already struggling to meet. Politically speaking, the issue is largely framed in terms of national security. There is also an ideological debate behind the purpose of climate finance. Proponents of environmental justice argue that the U.S. has a moral and ethical responsibility to help less prosperous countries deal with the threat of climate change because so much of the U.S.’s own development and economic growth has contributed to suffering around the globe. Politically speaking, though, the issue is largely framed in terms of national security: The United States will be safer and better off if climate disasters don’t go unmitigated in other parts of the world. The needle on climate finance has moved slowly since 2009, when then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced at international climate negotiations in Copenhagen that by 2020 the U.S and other developed nations would “mobilize” $100 billion per year from public and private sources. The figure was selected to convey political will and was not based on any scientific analysis. As part of that $100 billion commitment, the U.N. established the Green Climate Fund, designed to finance climate mitigation and adaptation projects in developing countries like securing the water supply in South Tarawa, Kiribati, and restoring degraded ecosystems in El Salvador. The fund’s governing board includes equal representation between developing and developed nations, and its first round of funding began in 2013, when 43 countries pledged to raise $10.3 billion for projects. Of that amount, the U.S. pledged to contribute $3 billion over four years. As countries and experts debate how much climate aid is needed to raise over the long term, the amount of money raised and spent so far is also a matter of great dispute. One reason for that, according to Kevin Adams, a researcher at the Stockholm Environment Institute, is that countries generally self-report what they’re providing, and so what developing countries say they receive can differ from what developed countries say they have contributed. “This can be due to factors like exchange rates and currency fluctuations, fees paid to consultants or other service providers, as well as the financial instrument used, such as grants versus loans,” he explained. French Minister of Foreign Affairs Laurent Fabius, center, embraces President Francois Hollande after an agreement is reached at the COP 21 climate conference in Paris on Dec. 12, 2015. Photo: Bernard Wis/Paris Match via Getty Images In 2015, for example, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development released a report stating that wealthy countries had already mobilized $57 billion in climate aid, but leaders from developing nations argued that those figures were dramatically inflated. Indian officials called the OECD’s estimates “deeply flawed” and just “partially correct at best.” A 2018 Oxfam report also argued that climate-specific assistance to developing countries was likely overstated by a “huge margin.” There’s also disagreement over what formally constitutes climate finance, an umbrella term that generally refers to climate mitigation, adaptation, and reparations. The “climate finance” term, according to Adams, is supposed to signify new and additional funding that goes above what countries are already spending (or supposed to be spending) on international development. Adams said the rhetorical separation between “developmental aid” and “climate aid” is important so countries don’t just “relabel existing funds” they were already contributing. Though in practice, he explained, the distinction between the two can be much more tenuous, “particularly in the case of adaptation [funding] where climate vulnerability is so closely tied to poverty, access to services, and institutional capacity.” Leonardo Martinez-Diaz, the global director of World Resources Institute’s Sustainable Finance Center, agrees the gap between development finance and climate finance is fairly porous. “There was always an overlap, and the reality is, the distinction is starting to break down,” he said. “These days, people recognize you can’t really do proper development without thinking about climate change and that we need to be talking about it as climate-informed development.” Despite the growing consensus over the overlap between the categories, the Paris Agreement and other climate conventions have been designed using various methodologies and accounting systems that do not include development finance. “In some ways, we’re kind of stuck in this system we’ve created, where for a while we’ll have to move forward on these parallel tracks,” said Martinez-Diaz. “On the one hand, we’ll have a system to measure climate finance for [the] Paris [Agreement] and the $100 billion pledge, and on the other hand, we need to try and incorporate climate change into our water programming and our food security programming and our health programming. Even though some of that money cannot be counted as climate finance under the current rules, it still matters.” The conversation around climate finance has been more robust outside the United States, yet President Donald Trump’s reneging on prior U.S. commitments has raised serious questions about how international targets can be met. Late last month at the R20 Austrian World Summit, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized how important climate financing was for tackling the crisis, stressing the need to meet the $100 billion goal by 2020 and “a full replenishment and an effective functioning” of the Green Climate Fund. President Donald Trump’s reneging on prior U.S. commitments has raised serious questions about how international targets can be met. International climate talks are taking place this month in Bonn, Germany, and in July, the Green Climate Fund will hold its next board meeting. The next round of fundraising for the Green Climate Fund is provisionally planned for the fall, but right now leaders don’t know how much they’ll be able to raise without the help of the United States. In 2017, Trump announced that he was ending U.S support for the Green Climate Fund, even though the U.S. had yet to pay $2 billion of the $3 billion it had previously pledged. (The U.S. had transferred $1 billion to the fund under President Barack Obama.) Last fall, under its newly elected far-right prime minister, Australia said that it too would no longer be honoring its pledge to the Green Climate Fund. Advocates see the challenge of mobilizing more money in this next round of funding as critical for establishing legitimacy and trust in the climate financing project and the Paris Agreement more broadly. If poor countries can’t rely on wealthy nations to help them industrialize in sustainable ways, then they may conclude they have little choice but to develop their economies along the same carbon-heavy trajectories that North America, East Asia, and Europe already took. Encouragingly, both Germany and Norway have already announced their plans to double their previous commitments to the Green Climate Fund in the upcoming round of resource mobilization. Martinez-Diaz said WRI estimates that an ambitious replenishment goal should be about $14 billion if the U.S. does not participate, and about $22 billion if the U.S. does. In the People’s Policy Project report, published earlier this month, author Jacob Fawcett lays out a plan for what he calls a “Global Green New Deal,” under which developed countries would contribute $2 trillion annually, with the U.S. raising $680 billion of that, which amounts to 3.5 percent of the U.S.’s GDP. The report suggests three ways for the U.S. to raise that money. One possibility would be a one-time issuance of open market treasury bonds, like selling $10.8 trillion worth of bonds into the open market and giving the earned cash to an investment fund managed by the U.N.; it would be difficult for a future president to repeal something like that, but it could spike interest rates. Another option is a one-time issuance of special treasury bonds, which could alleviate the interest rate risk but would be a little easier for a future administration to default on. The last proposed option is for Congress to pass a law authorizing annual mandatory spending, which would avoid the sticker shock of a one-time government debt issuance but also be the most vulnerable to political repeal. The premise of Fawcett’s argument is that estimates for climate finance thrown around by world leaders are not actually based on what is necessary to confront the climate crisis. He notes that there are reputable climate finance models that project a cost of hundreds of billions and trillions annually; those figures fluctuate depending on what’s included and how they weigh various public and private financing methods. “I want to see more attention paid to just how big this funding issue is, and I think it’s really a big fight,” he said, “with the amount of funding needed just several orders of magnitude beyond what people have been discussing.” “I want to see more attention paid to just how big this funding issue is.” In 2015, the England-based Centre for Climate Change Economics and Policy issued a report calling for up to $2 trillion in annual climate financing. Another estimate by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change calls for $2.38 trillion in annual funding for energy sector development alone. Another 2015 report, produced by the World Bank and consultancy firm Ecofys, said financial transfers “could reach up to US$100–400 billion annually by 2030, possibly increasing to over $2 trillion dollars by 2050.” A 2011 U.N. estimate put the “annual financing demand to green the global economy” in the range of $1.05-$2.59 trillion. The World Economic Forum estimated in 2013 that there needs to be at least $700 billion in green infrastructure spending per year by 2020, separate from the $5 trillion annual investment in traditional industries. While there are several multilateral funds aimed at climate finance, the People’s Policy Project recommends that the U.S. contribute the entirety of the $680 billion to the Green Climate Fund, which is the one most deeply rooted in the principles of the Paris Agreement and the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change. The paper assumes that it’s the global institution with the most capacity to handle that much money responsibly, and that it’s more secure once it’s in the hands of the U.N. The Green Climate Fund’s ability to handle that level of investment is another question. “The Green Climate is good at upscaling ideas, and it’s crucial that the approaches it is developing are closely linked to the principles of the Convention, but you’d have some practical issues to it handling that much funding,” said Adams of the Stockholm Environment Institute. “While the replenishment is currently ongoing, scaling it up 200 times to $2 trillion would be an enormous institutional challenge.” Indeed, the Green Climate Fund’s capacity to review projects is limited, and it can only distribute money to countries that apply with a robust project to pursue — not a quick or easy task. Protesters stage a climate strike on May 24, 2019, in Los Angeles to call on the Trump administration to create a Green New Deal, transition into a zero emissions economy, and declare a state of climate emergency. Photo: Ronen Tivony/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Adams said industrialized countries should “do more and contribute more” toward the effort of climate finance, which is more important than a focus on the exact figures needed. “While $2 trillion might be in line with the scale of the climate challenge, it is so far beyond the $100 billion goal currently enshrined in the Paris Agreement and which contributor countries are struggling to meet, it’s hard to see that figure gaining much political traction,” he said. Oscar Reyes, an Institute for Policy Studies fellow focused on climate and energy finance, said the $2 trillion figure is in line with the costs of retooling large swaths of infrastructure and creating new infrastructure, which can escalate quickly, especially in economically disadvantaged nations where energy systems with proper access to electricity are being developed for the first time. Still, he said, aiming to raise $2 trillion — especially considering corruption in the international development space — is not necessarily the way to go. “What probably makes more sense to me at the moment is, let’s get the Green Climate Fund to $20 billion, or $30 billion, and build the organization up in a sustainable way,” he said. “If you throw out a lot of money, it’s really difficult to see how that’s done, though maybe that’s my lack of imagination.” The U.N., meanwhile, is working to develop a better sense of what’s needed. The UNFCCC’s Adaptation Committee is seeking proposals to better determine what is needed to address adaptation funding gaps. The committee aims to compile results in late 2020 or early 2021. There is also a debate over the role of public versus private climate funding. The People’s Policy Project operates from an assumption that the public sector should cover the entire cost and not rely on businesses or philanthropists to shoulder the responsibility. Most other climate financing plans rely on a mix of public and private sources, though typically with public funding acting as a sweetener for hefty private investment. The 2015 Centre for Climate Change Economics and Policy paper Fawcett cites in his report argues that “private finance is potentially the most important source of funds for climate mitigation investment.” Most climate financing plans rely on a mix of public and private sources, though typically with public funding acting as a sweetener for hefty private investment. Fawcett said he isn’t wholly opposed to private investment, citing carbon-capture technology as one example that he’d feel more comfortable with. He cautioned, though, against the potentially more exploitative situations, like companies that rent out solar panels to poor villages. He thinks predatory situations could be more easily mitigated if the U.N. had control over the aid. Advocates and world leaders face the challenge of striking the balance between a wealthy, developed country’s moral obligation to helping poorer, developing countries and framing the climate finance conversation in terms of national self-interest. When Trump announced he would no longer contribute the rest of the United States’ pledge to the Green Climate Fund, he wrongly claimed it was “costing the United States a vast fortune.” Matthew Kotchen, an Obama administration official, responded in the Washington Post that U.S officials had “vigorously advocated for a fund that served the interests of the United States.” Kotchen also noted that encouraging other countries to reduce their emissions helps create a more stable and secure world, and reduces economic costs for many sectors of the U.S. economy. He made no mention of environmental justice or the nation’s ethical obligation. Even as he calls for greater climate finance flows, Adams acknowledged “there is a tension between trying to help contributor countries recognize their own vulnerability to climate change in a globalizing world, and, at the same time, recognizing that contributing to climate finance should not only be about individual interest.” The Green New Deal, considered among the boldest proposals to tackle climate change in the United States, is rooted in the principles of economic justice. The resolution commits to promoting a “just transition” for all communities and workers, and prioritizes job creation and social benefits for “frontline and vulnerable communities.” Still, it is very domestic in focus, and some commentators have urged legislators to think more deeply about climate finance. The Green New Deal’s sparse focus on the United States’ international obligations suggests the plan might not be nearly big enough. Last month, Ben Adler, an editor at City & State, argued in the Washington Post that while many conservatives claim the Green New Deal is too big, its sparse focus on the United States’ international obligations suggests that the plan might not be nearly big enough. The Green New Deal resolution contains one sentence that gestures at climate finance, endorsing the “international exchange of technology, expertise, products, funding and services, with the aim of making the United States the international leader on climate action, and to help other countries achieve a Green New Deal.” Earlier this month Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., said she expects her Green New Deal climate plan to cost at least $10 trillion, though she did not specify how much of that she envisioned for international funding, if any. Her office declined to comment on specifics about climate finance. Massachusetts Democrat Ed Markey, the original Senate co-sponsor of the Green New Deal resolution, also did not return requests for comment. Looking toward 2021, which is the soonest a Green New Deal plan could feasibly be passed, Democratic presidential candidates have so far steered clear of very large climate financing figures. Joe Biden promised to rejoin the Paris Agreement and use “America’s economic leverage and power of example” to get other countries to increase their emission reduction goals. His plan doesn’t say anything specific about climate aid. Jay Inslee, the candidate who has centered climate change most prominently in his campaign, did pledge to double the United States’ investment in the Green Climate Fund. And Elizabeth Warren proposed a $100 billion “Green Marshall Plan” to fund projects in poor, developing nations — though the projects would require countries to purchase American-made energy technology for the work. Projects funded out of the Green Climate Fund do not come with similar restrictions. Ultimately, with Green Climate Fund replenishment talks coming up soon, the political will for tackling the climate crisis on the rise, and Green New Deal details yet to be formalized, it’s in many ways a ripe time for the U.S. to begin thinking more seriously about its role and responsibility to other nations grappling with the climate crisis. “I think there is an international dimension of the Green New Deal that’s missing,” said Adams. “But at the same time, I think it’s a helpful policy approach because it moves the conversation to a space where climate change is inextricable from our economies and the way our societies are structured, as opposed to treating it like a one-off externality.” The post We Have to Finance a Global Green New Deal — or Face the Consequences appeared first on The Intercept. < Curtis Ryals Reports home	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725743
__label__wiki	0.670324	0.670324	Mall Santa helps with special moment for grieving family Judge says Daily Stormer founder must pay $14 million for harassing Jewish realtor 4 Years Ago 2015-12-18 03:19 pm \| Last updated 2015-12-18 03:20 pm ‘This has had the biggest impact on my heart.’ Caleb Ryan Sigmon immediately knew what the man inside the Athens, Georgia, mall wanted. The man held a picture frame in his hands and turned it around to show Sigmon the photograph of a baby. The man had trouble speaking, but Sigmon, who was dressed as Santa Claus, realized exactly what was happening in that heartwrenching this moment. The man had lost his child—the baby in the photo—but wanted his son to pose for a picture with Santa. “Rather than putting him in a situation where he had to ask an incredibly hard question, I jumped in to help him,” Sigmon told the Daily Dot in an email. “I wanted him to know that I was beside him in this. I have experienced lots of emotional moments as Santa, but this is the most memorable and has had the biggest impact on my heart.” Sigmon is not the typical older gentleman you might be expecting, but he has wisdom beyond his years. And when the father who had lost his baby son, Hayden, arrived earlier this month for a photo with Santa, it didn’t matter that, at age 23, Sigmon is at least three decades younger than many of his Santa contemporaries. He knew just what to do. As he wrote in a Facebook post that has since gone viral: Without anyone saying anything, he handed me the frame and I placed it on my knee. In the photo, I could see on the little boy’s armband that his first name was Hayden. I didn’t ask any questions, but I am guessing that this is his first photo with Santa. [Placeholder for https://www.facebook.com/caleb.r.sigmon/posts/10153626331580339 embed.] After Sigmon posted the story on his Facebook page, it went viral, amassing 87,000 likes and more than 56,000 shares. He realized its significance when the father sent him a message emphasizing his family’s gratitude for the recognition of the moment. Sigmon grew up in Hudson, North Carolina, a small town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and married his high school sweetheart, Katy. They’ve lived and worked across the Southeast; Katy is a costume designer and a wig/makeup artist and Sigmon has a background in theater. Sigmon first began acting as Santa when he was 3 years old in his Mamaw’s living room. A few years later, his grandmother made him his own Santa suit and he dressed up as St. Nick for chorus concerts in elementary school. When he was a senior in high school, he got his first professional gig dressing as Santa at a tree lighting and festival in North Carolina. From there, he was hooked. “Dressing up and playing a role has always been in my blood,” said Sigmon, who’s also an illusionist and storyteller. “My dad worked with Santa for a good number of years alongside my mom, doing home visits free-of-charge. He passed it on to me. You could say that I have been doing this for 20 years.” This is Sigmon’s second year working in a mall, and he loves it. Katy helps with his makeup, a process that takes about an hour, and though he estimates he’ll work 400 hours from the two weeks before Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve, he loves his job. And he loves dropping little stories on his Facebook page in a series he calls, Stories From The Big Chair. (He said he obtains permission from parents before posting photos and specific names on Facebook.) “Lots of my friends knew that I did this, but I wanted to share some of the stories with them,” he explained. The story about baby Hayden and his father one that Sigmon just knew was special. “I knew it had really been widespread online once the father sent me a Facebook message,” said Sigmon. “We had a great conversation and have stayed in contact. His family is very glad that Hayden’s story is being shared and that it is touching peoples’ lives. I am very glad, too. It is a story that needs to be told.” Photo via Caleb Ryan Sigmon Family Grief Holidays Santa Claus	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725747
__label__wiki	0.858912	0.858912	UN General Assembly condemns US Cuba embargo Published: 14:38 EDT, 28 October 2014 \| Updated: 14:38 EDT, 28 October 2014 UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. General Assembly voted Tuesday for the 23rd year in a row to condemn the U.S. commercial, economic and financial embargo against Cuba. The symbolic vote passed 188-2, with only the U.S. and Israel voting against it. Three nations abstained: Palau, Micronesia and the Marshall Islands. General Assembly resolutions are unenforceable but the vote has given Cuba an annual stage to demonstrate the isolation of the U.S. on the embargo. The shadow of self-employed Juan Carlos Lazo is cast on the cement next to his motorized bicycle which he uses to sell donuts along the Malecon in Havana, Cuba, early Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014. The U.N. General Assembly is expected to vote on Tuesday to condemn the U.S. commercial, economic and financial embargo against Cuba for the 23rd year in a row. The embargo was first enacted in 1960 following Cuba's nationalization of properties belonging to U.S. citizens and corporations. Sanctions against the Caribbean nation were further strengthened to a near-total embargo in 1962. (AP Photo/Franklin Reyes) The embargo was enacted in 1960 following Cuba's nationalization of properties belonging to U.S. citizens and corporations. Sanctions were strengthened to a near-total embargo in 1962. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said 77 percent of Cubans have been born under the embargo "that has seriously impeded the economic development of the country." "Although our social and health system have prevented the loss of lives, no honest person, in the world or in the United States, can support its devastating consequences," he said. Ronald D. Godard, a senior U.S. adviser for Western Hemisphere affairs, defended the policy and said "the Cuban government uses his annual resolution in an attempt to shift blame for the island's economic problems away from its own policy failures." But U.S. attitudes towards the embargo are rapidly changing. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke out in favor of lifting it in her recent book "Hard Choices," saying it is longer useful to American interests or promoting change on the communist island. A recent Florida International University poll showed that about half Cuban-Americans surveyed in Miami support an end to the embargo.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725749
__label__cc	0.724876	0.275124	Board index » Forum Home » Disney Discussion Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Discussion helre Post subject: Snow White - Grimm vs. Disney Hi everyone! At the moment I'm writing a paper about Snow White in which I compare Grimm's fairy tale of Snow White with Disney's version of 1937. My question to everybody who knows the fairy tale and the motion picture: What do you think are the biggest differences between the motion picture and the fairy tale? Plus: What do you like better? The written or the film version? Thanks a lot for your answers, I really look forward to reading them! Location: Sydney, Australia ... where there is no Magic Kingdom :( There is a bit of a discussion of that goign on over here at the moment: http://www.ultimatedisney.com/forum/vie ... php?t=1338 Behind the Panels - Comic book news, reviews and podcast The Reel Bits - All things film Twitter - Follow me on Twitter I just looked at that topic but most of that stuff is about sleeping beauty. All I saw is that someone wrote that the ending of the fairy tale is different than in the motion picture..which is of course true! So, it would still help me if some of you would answer me to my questions! helre wrote: someone really doesn't want to write their own paper! @Lady My paper is almost finished it's not like you thought..I just would like to read the opinion of other people about this.. :) Alright, you asked for it. So here it is. Notes about the Brothers Grimm version: * In the first recorded telling of the story (1812) the Queen is not Snow White's stepmother, but her own natural mother. This was amended in the later 1819 version so that Snow White's natural mother died during childbirth and the wicked Queen was the now familiar stepmother. In neither the Queen is a witch. All these comments are about the original 1812 version of the tale. * Show White's birth is born based on a wish her mother makes: Once upon a time in mid winter, when the snowflakes were falling like feathers from heaven, a beautiful queen sat sewing at her window, which had a frame of black ebony wood. As she sewed, she looked up at the snow and pricked her finger with her needle. Three drops of blood fell into the snow. The red on the white looked so beautiful, that she wished, "If only I had a child as white as snow, as red as blood, and as black as this frame." Soon afterward she had a little daughter that was as white as snow, as red as blood, and as black as ebony wood, and therefore they called her Little Snow-White. * The Queen's magic mirror was given to her as a gift to celebrate the birth of her daughter. * The Queen becomes obesssed with the magic mirror – asking it all sorts of questions and revels in it's claim that she is the most "fairest in all the land" – until Snow White turns 7 years old and then she is the "fairest in the land". This leads to intense jealousy and the Queens plot to murder her own daughter, even though she herself had wished for such a child. When the queen heard the mirror say this, she became pale with envy, and from that hour on, she hated Snow-White. Whenever she looked at her, she thought that Snow-White was to blame that she was no longer the most beautiful woman in the world. This turned her heart around. Her jealousy gave her no peace. Finally she summoned a huntsman and said to him, "Take Snow-White out into the woods to a remote spot, and stab her to death. As proof that she is dead bring her lungs and her liver back to me. I shall cook them with salt and eat them." * The huntsman does not kill the young Snow White, killing a passing boar instead and taking its lungs and liver back to the Queen. * Young Snow White finds the Dwarf's house empty (as in the Disney film, the Dwarfs are working down the mine) and after eating falls asleep. * This segment echo's Goldilocks and the Three Bears. I have been unable to find which story came first – Snow White or Goldilocks. The first one said, "Who has been sitting in my chair?" The second one, "Who has been eating from my plate?" The third one, "Who has been eating my bread?" The fourth one, "Who has been eating my vegetables?" The fifth one, "Who has been sticking with my fork?" The sixth one, "Who has been cutting with my knife?" The seventh one, "Who has been drinking from my mug?" Then the first one said, "Who stepped on my bed?" The second one, "And someone has been lying in my bed." * The Dwarfs take pity on Snow White, but it is clear from the outset that Snow White has to perform household chores around their house – cleaning, cooking, sewing etc – if she is to say there. A little more blunt than in the Disney version. The dwarfs pitied her and said, "If you will keep house for us, and cook, sew, make beds, wash, and knit, and keep everything clean and orderly, then you can stay here, and you'll have everything that you want. We come home in the evening, and supper must be ready by then, but we spend the days digging for gold in the mine. You will be alone then. Watch out for the queen, and do not let anyone in." * The mirror still states Snow White is the "fairest of all" so knowing that the Dwarfs can be the only ones offering shelter in the wood, disguises herself as an old peddler to trick the child. She attempts to kill Snow White by tying her bodice too tight. Snow-White peered out the window, "What do you have?" "Bodice laces, dear child," said the old woman, and held one up. It was braided from yellow, red, and blue silk. "Would you like this one?" "Oh, yes," said Snow-White, thinking, "I can let the old woman come in. She means well." She unbolted the door and bargained for the bodice laces. "You are not laced up properly," said the old woman. "Come here, I'll do it better." Snow-White stood before her, and she took hold of the laces and pulled them so tight that Snow-White could not breathe, and she fell down as if she were dead. Then the old woman was satisfied, and she went away. Nightfall soon came, and the seven dwarfs returned home. They were horrified to find their dear Snow-White lying on the ground as if she were dead. They lifted her up and saw that she was laced up too tightly. They cut the bodice laces in two, and then she could breathe, and she came back to life. "It must have been the queen who tried to kill you," they said. "Take care and do not let anyone in again." * Again the mirror confirms Snow White is alive. So the Queen has another plan – this time with a poisoned comb. So disguising herself in a different disguise the Queen once again tricks Snow White. Then she pulled out the comb, and when Snow-White saw how it glistened, and noted that the woman was a complete stranger, she opened the door, and bought the comb from her. "Come, let me comb your hair," said the peddler woman. She had barely stuck the comb into Snow-White's hair, before the girl fell down and was dead. "That will keep you lying there," said the queen. And she went home with a light heart. The dwarfs came home just in time. They saw what had happened and pulled the poisoned comb from her hair. Snow-White opened her eyes and came back to life. She promised the dwarfs not to let anyone in again. * Again the mirror confirms Snow White's survival. Now we get to the poisoned (but not enchanted) apple. When the queen heard this, she shook and trembled with anger, "Snow-White will die, if it costs me my life!" Then she went into her most secret room -- no one else was allowed inside -- and she made a poisoned, poisoned apple. From the outside it was red and beautiful, and anyone who saw it would want it. Then she disguised herself as a peasant woman, went to the dwarfs' house and knocked on the door. * This time young Snow White has wised up a bit, but is still tricked (remember she is only seven years old in this version) "If you are afraid, then I will cut the apple in two and eat half of it. Here, you eat the half with the beautiful red cheek!" Now the apple had been so artfully made that only the red half was poisoned. When Snow-White saw that the peasant woman was eating part of the apple, her desire for it grew stronger, so she finally let the woman hand her the other half through the window. She bit into it, but she barely had the bite in her mouth when she fell to the ground dead. * The Mirror confirms Snow White is 'dead' by stating the Queen is the 'fariest in the land' * Pretty faithful to the Disney version That evening the dwarfs returned home from the mines. Snow-White was lying on the floor, and she was dead. They loosened her laces and looked in her hair for something poisonous, but nothing helped. They could not bring her back to life. They laid her on a bier, and all seven sat next to her and cried and cried for three days. They were going to bury her, but they saw that she remained fresh. She did not look at all like a dead person, and she still had beautiful red cheeks. They had a glass coffin made for her, and laid her inside, so that she could be seen easily. They wrote her name and her ancestry on it in gold letters, and one of them always stayed at home and kept watch over her. Snow-White lay there in the coffin a long, long time, and she did not decay. She was still as white as snow and as red as blood, and if she had been able to open her eyes, they still would have been as black as ebony wood. She lay there as if she were asleep.  The Prince 'meets' Snow White for the first time when she is 'dead' One day a young prince came to the dwarfs' house and wanted shelter for the night. When he came into their parlor and saw Snow-White lying there in a glass coffin, illuminated so beautifully by seven little candles, he could not get enough of her beauty. He read the golden inscription and saw that she was the daughter of a king. He asked the dwarfs to sell him the coffin with the dead Snow-White, but they would not do this for any amount of gold. Then he asked them to give her to him, for he could not live without being able to see her, and he would keep her, and honor her as his most cherished thing on earth. Then the dwarfs took pity on him and gave him the coffin. * The Prince becomes obsessed with the dead girl. It is not a kiss that awakens her, but a spiteful servants actions. (Note: in the 1819 version the apple segment is dislodged by the travelling to the Prince's castle) The prince had it carried to his castle, and had it placed in a room where he sat by it the whole day, never taking his eyes from it. Whenever he had to go out and was unable to see Snow-White, he became sad. And he could not eat a bite, unless the coffin was standing next to him. Now the servants who always had to carry the coffin to and fro became angry about this. One time one of them opened the coffin, lifted Snow-White upright, and said, "We are plagued the whole day long, just because of such a dead girl," and he hit her in the back with his hand. Then the terrible piece of apple that she had bitten off came out of her throat, and Snow-White came back to life. She walked up to the prince, who was beside himself with joy to see his beloved Snow-White alive. They sat down together at the table and ate with joy. * The Prince and Snow White marry (yes – he married a seven year old. This story, even in 1812, is set in an unspecified past time) and the Queen gets her comeuppance. Their wedding was set for the next day, and Snow-White's godless mother was invited as well. That morning she stepped before the mirror and said: Mirror, mirror, on the wall, Who in this land is fairest of all? The mirror answered: You, my queen, are fair; it is true. But the young queen Is a thousand times fairer than you. She was horrified to hear this, and so overtaken with fear that she could not say anything. Still, her jealousy drove her to go to the wedding and see the young queen. When she arrived she saw that it was Snow-White. Then they put a pair of iron shoes into the fire until they glowed, and she had to put them on and dance in them. Her feet were terribly burned, and she could not stop until she had danced herself to death. The Brothers Grimm did not create their tales, rather they were the first to fully transcribe traditional folktales for the benefit of the printing press. Often they would create a 'definitive' version of a tale from numerous variations they had been told. Sometimes they would totally rewrite the opening, or the ending of a tale if they felt it would read better. They often created names for characters. They even continued to amend these stories after publication (as can be seen in the differences between the 1812 and 1819 versions of Snow White). Many consider some of the conventions of these European fairy-tales to be 'romantic' they are from sources dating back hundreds and hundreds of years, carried down from generation to generation. The many tales involving royalty can be traced back to either origins in the distant past when European Kingdoms were smaller and much more numerous (for example, England itself had 3 kingdoms round about the 10th Century; Northumbria, Mercia and Wessex), or more likely the original tales were of lesser nobles (such as Lords and Ladies, Counts and Countesses) who were 'promoted' to royalty to make the published story 'sound better'. Although the original story didn't feature a stepmother, it later did and many other fairytales feature stepmothers. This is because death in childbirth was a common occurrence in those days and families with stepmothers were common. There's no doubt that the Disney version is a better story. Some of the changes were done to make the story more acceptable to the audience of the day (such as making Snow White 16? 18? - older anyway) and the modified ending (the audience would not stand for such a show of cruelty from the film's heroes). But the film also adds a strong narrative - the repeated assasination attempts by the Queen in the original are repetative, the Prince meets and falls in love with Snow White at the start of the film and Show White herself is already the subject of the Queen's jealously before the story begins by being treated as a slave. Most of my Blu-ray collection some of my UK discs aren't on their database IggieKuzco 2099net wrote: (this calls for three of those) 2099, you have WAY too much free time on your hands! 55 days 'till Jack is back They do say, Mrs M, that verbal insults hurt more than physical pain. They are, of course, wrong, as you will soon discover when I stick this toasting fork into your head. - Blackadder the Third Oh, and just to add, you may be interested in this The Grimm's "Snow-White and Rose-Red" is a totally different story, don't confuse the two. The 'Disney' Snow White is based on their "Little Snow-White" story. @2099net Thank you very much for your very detailed answer, it was really fun to read it! Where did you get all these informations from? I'm impressed! :o Prince Adam Location: The Great, Wide Somewhere (Ont, Canada) I would love to read the original fairy tale in its entirety. The only fairy tale that I read the ORIGINAL (not any variation of) version is The LIttle Mermaid. But what I really love are movies like Ever After (with Drew Barrymore) and Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister that put a new spin on fairy tales and make them more complex and ultimately, more believable. Defy Gravity... There's lots of resources to read the original story online. Try here: http://www.ucs.mun.ca/~wbarker/fairies/grimm/ or in specific (for Snow White) http://www.ucs.mun.ca/~wbarker/fairies/grimm/053.html I've noticed most of the web resources seem to be the same, bar the odd word or two. All must be taken from the same source. helre, I just searched the web. I didn't bookmark any sites so I can't remember them, but here's a good place to start: http://dir.yahoo.com/Society_and_Cultur ... _Folklore/ Thanks 2099net! Don't have time know (it's 4:16-I have to work from 6 until 12 or 1 or 2...whenever). But if I don't sleep too much tomorrow, I'll try to read them then. HOw long are they? Maybe I'll just print them off, so I can read them on the bus to school or something... Sorry to give you my life's story-I was just sort of thinking out loud, sorting out my thoughts without realizing you all are reading. Doing it again. Thanks again 2099net! Once again, sorry! This was a big post with little point to it... Prince Adam wrote: you can say that again!! but since you're not around... i'll take the liberty of doin it for you: "that was a big post with little point to it" I'm so proud of myself! come to think of it.... this is also a big post with little point to it! i can say that again! I think i will... "this is also a big post with little point to it" i seriously need to get some sleep herman_the_german Post subject: The definitive Snow White story Location: 1313 Mockingbird Lane in Mockingbird Heights As was mentioned, The Grimms did not dream up the story, they went around gathering tales from different folk. It is likely that they heard different versions of the Snow White story and had to edit them together to write their version down. The Grimms also did other things like adding morals and editing for content on subsequent editions (after the first edition of their book), so even they cannot be considered as having a definitive Snow White story. The original folk tales did NOT have a moral or anything like that. Some of them are little more than descriptions of events that somebody heard which may or may not have been based on true stories. There is no real plot (in the modern sense) to them. ...two men say they're Jesus, one of them must be wrong... My DVD Toon Collection Location: SoCal, where it sucks although 2099net beat me to answering your question, there's a (small) detail about the origin of Snow White: Snow White is eventually killed by her biological mother (the queen) and when Snow White's father (the king) finds out that his daughter was killed by the queen, the queen is executed for her crime. People back then probably thought no mother could be that insane for murdering their own child, and thus the biological mom became the stepmom, and Snow White survives. Amazon.com has this really good book of fairy tales around the world, including some of the Grimm fairy tales of Snow White and Sleeping Beauty to name a few. (A note though: Those with squeamish stomachs are urged to stay away.) RoyalNatalie If you're interested in the history and origins of fairy tales, you should check out the The SurLaLune Fairy Tales Site. It offers great summaries for beginners and a forum where some of the top fairy tale experts in the world converse about the stories. http://www.surlalunefairytales.com/ And you can read one of the Grimm's versions (1812) of the tale as well as some other earlier versions by other recorders at the Folklore and Mythology Electronic Texts (just look under "Snow White"). http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/folktexts.html "I'm a damsel. I'm in distress. I can handle this. Have a nice day!" My DVD Lists Natalie's Journal DDMAN26 Post subject: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Discussion Here's an idea for a thread(perhaps it's been done before) but how about we discuss a new animated feature every week or so? I figure why not go with the one that started it all. Feel free to discuss whatever you want about these films. The animation, story, characters, your feelings on the film. Should be fun. Well, regarding technical aspects of the film, when I watched the platinum edition, I was very surprised about the quality of the animation. I was expecting it to be extremely poor... like most animations made during that era. However it looked much better than most animations Disney released in the 60's and 70's. Did Disney retouch the feature for the platinum edition or did it really look that good? Regarding the storyline, it was just plain amazing. Lots of fun to watch. It had very catchy toons, lovable characters, and a innocence to it that can only come out of early America. The only problem with the movie is that it ended way too quick. They spent the whole time building the story up and everything just ended in a few minutes. I wonder if that was because of budget restraints. MickeyMousePal Location: The Incredibles LA!!! Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs!!! This is a very good romantic story!!! The Queen is the most evil villain. The Prince gets Snow White at the end of the fill with the kiss of her true love. Doc, Happy, Bashful, Grumpy, Sneezy, Dopey and Sleepy are very great supporting characters in the film. The songs "I'm wishing" "Height-Ho" and "Some day my prince will come" are all wonderful. I recommend you to see this film if you haven't seen it. The Simpsons Season 11 Buy it Now! Fox Sunday lineup: 8:00 The Simpsons 8:30 King of the Hill 9:00 Family Guy 9:30 American Dad Living in the 1980's: Poppins#1 slash wrote: Did Disney retouch the feature for the platinum edition or did it really look that good? If you are referring to the colors, yes they digitally enhanced them so that they resembled the colors of the original cel art. But if you are talking about the quality of the animation itself (the fluidity of movement), that was the result of the the hard work and perserverance of the the original Disney artists. They did not cut corners back then! Users browsing this forum: bruno_wbt, DisneyFreak5282, Google [Bot] and 34 guests	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725751
__label__wiki	0.982853	0.982853	Opening date announced for Lavenham Tourist Information Centre community hub after transfer completed Jason Noble Local democracy reporter Lavenham Tourist Information Centre. Picture: DON BLACK Lavenham Tourist Information Centre has formally transferred to the parish council - with the new community hub there set to be open by December 1. The centre in Lady Street is set to close on October 1 as Babergh District Council opted to axe traditional tourist information centres. The council agreed to open talks with Lavenham Parish Council in March after it expressed an interest in taking it over to continue using it as a TIC, as well as Post Office and community information services. On Thursday night, Babergh’s cabinet approved the transfer of the freehold to the parish council. Carroll Reeve, parish council chairman said: “We are very pleased, it has safeguarded the future of the building for the community. “It means we can put the Post Office there, carry on providing visitor information and support other visitor information so we are very pleased. “We hope to take it over from the first of November and hope to open it on the first of December, so it’s good news.” Currently the village only has a mobile Post Office which visits on Monday and Friday afternoons, with Mr Reeve previously stating that more than 300 jobs in the picturesque village depended on its tourism, which made retaining the centre vital. Councillor Frank Lawrenson, cabinet member for assets and investments said: “We are delighted to transfer the property closer to the community it serves. “This will help boost local involvement for the benefit of both local residents as well as the local economy. “Transferring the freehold ownership of the property on Lady Street to the parish council, will give the community greater control over a key community asset, allowing decisions to be made on the ground. “It will also give them the ability to directly put in place any initiatives needed to ensure future developments meet what the locality requires.” While the freehold has transferred to the parish council, a community benefit society will be set up to operate the centre on a long-term lease. It is understood the transfer includes a clawback clause for the council if Lavenham Parish Council finds it no longer wishes to run the building, as part of measures to safeguard it. Babergh District Council	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725753
__label__cc	0.513301	0.486699	Patient Awareness Day 2018: Harry Reich, M.D. PATIENT AWARENESS DAY 2018: LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE WITH ENDO Sunday, March 18, 2018, (8am-5pm) Einhorn Auditorium (131 E76th st) at Lenox Hill Hospital, NYC Why and how can ACOG help? From a Historical Perspective to the Future Harry Reich, M.D. - Sorry, my legs are not the greatest these days. It's a great honor to be here. I still, I hope I didn't really, I taught you by doing besides just teaching by words, because I'm not much for words. Let me say, in our specialty, I'm known for laparoscopic hysterectomy more than anything else. That's why most gynecologists know the name. But the truth of the matter is, my true love, and most of my patients were for endometriosis, and I learned from, I believe, the best at that time, in the early 70s, from Robert Kissner in Boston, and I was able to do a couple rotations with him. And after that, I went into private practice. And I was lucky enough, I went to a town where my mother practiced medicine for many years and delivered lots of babies, so I had a lot of patients along that line, plus I inherited an infertility clinic with over, as part of a nurse midwife program, with over 100 active patients who had never been laparoscoped. So that was the state of the art then, as far as in communities throughout the United States, there was nobody who had even been laparoscoped, and where I trained with the master, with Robert Kissner, he was fantastic on all the ovarian work, but he would do very little in the cul-de-sac. Instead, he'd do a presacral neurectomy on everybody. So, we all became very good at doing presacral neurectomies, but the cul-de-sac was hidden. And this guy was capable. I mean, he could do gallbladders, he could do all the cancer surgery. But anyway, getting back to GYN. Incidentally, I'd like to just mention a little story that sort of eliminates GYN and our specialty. Our specialty's a fundie specialty, because you have obstetrics and you have gynecology, so people who are very interested in delivering babies, and you have people who are very interested in doing good surgery. But the problem is, very few train at surgery specifically, so, you know, the progress has been very slow. My wife had to go to, for a sinus infection the other day, to a regular doctor in our town, and walked into the office, and he had a nurse come in and give her a little anesthetic, just blow into each nostril. And he came in and he took a scope right off the shelf and he looked into her nose, which I was, I was sort of blown away by this. But anyway, he looked into her nose and he could see in one nostril, he could see purulent material. That's pus, yellow, coming out, that I would only see in pelvic abcess surgery. I'm thinking, my gosh, that's the ENT, where they come into a doctor's office to make the diagnosis, and come out knowing what's going on. In GYN, we still don't have that. A patient comes into the office and sometimes they're told when they have pelvic pain that the main problem is endometriosis. More and more commonly they're told that. And how do they know that? In most cases they don't. They treat the patient for pelvic pain. And this is a problem. My main topic is about ACOG, and the topic, I don't have it right here in front of me, but the topic was, the answer to the thing is ACOG, I don't think that is very interested. They have so many other areas, especially today in the present to worry about, so I don't see that. Except if all of you get going and really push, it's gonna come from, it's not gonna come from the doctors, it's gonna come from patients. I think that's what's gonna be necessary in our future. So, but anyway, in my own situation, I started doing excisional endometriosis surgery with, that was in the late 70s, and I was very fortunate that I had a dear friend, who was our pathologist, and he would tolerate all the specimens I would send down to the lab. He said, "Harry Reich runs the alphabet." That means I would get over 26 labs for a single endometriosis operation. When I was at Columbia, they said, the head of pathology said, "We only get paid for five specimens. "Please limit your, what you think might be, to five." That's New York, I guess. But anyway, my pathologist, and it was great, 'cause I would look at stuff, this was in the 70s, and I'd say this isn't scar tissue, and if I go down and look at it with a pathologist, a pathologist or other doctors who would come to watch my surgery would also go down and they'd say, "What is he doing removing that scar tissue?" And inside the scar tissue is, very frequently, is endometriosis. But on the other hand, endometriosis, by definition, is endometriosis glands and connective tissue surrounded by fibromuscular tissue. If you don't have that, you don't have endometriosis, and the majority of gynecologists have no concept of the difference between retrograde menstruation, what it looks like in the normal, what happens to all women, and endometriosis. So, if they look in and they see all blood, they'll call that endometriosis and you're labeled for life of having a disease that no one's really found out if you have it or not. The only way to find out is to have someone who does a biopsy and looks at it in a microscope, preferably the surgeon plus the pathologist. So, getting back to American College, I dealt with American College for many years with little problems. Like, laparoscopic hysterectomy, they said, "We don't pay for it." Insurance companies said, "We won't pay for it. "It's an investigational, experimental treatment, "we won't pay for it." Every center you go to does that operation. Endometriosis, on the other hand, they wouldn't pay for it. They had one code for all of endometriosis, where you just looked in and you saw what you thought was endometriosis, but was, in reality, the products of the last period. One code! So, creative gynecologists usually have to use a code pertaining to the rectum, of lesions in the rectum to be able to get anything out of their insurance company. I'm not sure if that still exists today, but it shouldn't. I mean, does it exist today? So, for sort of, one reason hysterectomy's done a little better than endometriosis, I guess, in our system. I say for one reason, but I don't believe that hysterectomy, it's been quite maligned of recent years in the press, but the problem is that hysterectomy does not cure endometriosis. Endometriosis that I'm dealing with most of the time involves ligaments behind the uterus, uterosacral ligaments, sometimes the pelvic side wall. If you take out the uterus, you're just doing nothing, basically, for the patient except solving her problem with her periods, because there won't be any more periods. But if there's endometriosis, it will still be there. And I've even seen endometriosis present in women taking a lot of hormones post-hysterectomy. Or pre-hysterectomy. Some of them have required hysterectomy because of her problem with pain from the endometriosis, because you have fibrous scar tissue surrounding endometriosis glands. So, you know, so anyway, I'd like to emphasize, again, hysterectomy's not the cure for endometriosis. The cure, if someone is interested in hysterectomy the cure is to take out the endometriosis, and then do the hysterectomy, two in one. Oh, I was getting into the thing about a lot of hormones. I don't wanna give the wrong impression. I am 100%, more than 100% for hormonal therapy after menopause or after surgical menopause, because a surgeon, if you go to the right surgeon, he'll remove all the endometriosis, there won't be any endometriosis to cause any problems. So anyway, I am for that, but I have seen it stimulated in women, like, age 60 or whatever, just from taking hormones if they haven't had any organs removed. Now, Amir and I and a couple other people went to American College OB/GYN headquarters in Washington DC. Well, the first thing I noticed is, my gosh, this is on the same block as the Meridian Hotel, and everything was of the highest quality in the American College building, and the conference rooms were impeccable. I mean, and American College was able to get one doctor to listen to us. So, we had a talk, and fortunately, there was a secretary in the room too and I asked her, "What's the purpose of this meeting? "Why are we here?" And she said, "Well, one of the celebrities "contacted a congressman and told us to meet with you guys." That's all! You know, it's ridiculous. So, to get, it's not coming from the doctors. A lot of it's coming, if all of a sudden the doctors had to do proper treatment, you'd all be happier, I'm sure. We wouldn't be having this meeting, I would hope! So, the more you can advocate for it, I think, the better. I would like to answer some questions that some of you may have. I could do it in this general forum, or we could wait till after. How much time do I have? I never know. Okay, okay. Well, okay, ah! I always like questions. - [Audience Member] I have a question. Have you, in your practice, have you found an increased number of women, you know, post-menopause with endometriosis who may be on hormonal therapy but have either been denied it or never ever been offered that? - Definitely, 100%. And, again, I hate to say it, but my mother used hormone treatment till 87, till she died at 87. So, I mean, I'm very pro-hormone, and I think even women who've had, who are considered cured of breast cancer, or especially something like endometriosis, I mean, they should consider hormonal therapy. By hormones, I mean low dosage estrogen therapy. I mean that makes sense. We men, we have testosterone, although it gets low dosage as we get older, we still have it, okay? Any others, yes? - [Audience Member] Are you saying that it's not the actual doctor itself? - Okay, now, ACOG is American College OB/GYN. When we do our residency in OB/GYN, we're still not qualified, so to speak. We're not a fellowship. You have to get the FRC, FACOG, they're part of the COG too, but anyway, you have to get that to be, but anyway, so you have two divisions. You have a board of OB/GYN and you have a fellowship, and the fellowship comes automatically, the F part of the initial comes automatically if you pass your boards. So if you don't pass your boards, you do your whole residency, you don't pass your boards, you can still practice, and most people have no idea. But if you take your boards and you pass your boards, you get a diploma saying you passed your boards, but you also automatically get into ACOG. What does that mean? That means, for the rest of your life, you have to pay dues to this organization that does, my perception, does very little for us. In fact, you know, when we retire they won't even send you their journal unless you pay their fee. So, it's that kind of an organization. And that whole organization has, say, 40,000 or more doctors who are, many of who are still delivering babies, and they all pay dues, okay? So, my personal observation is that many so-called mediocre surgeons are in this organization. That's why the surgery is so questionable. But great personalities sometimes when you see them in the doctor's office. Doesn't mean they can do the operation that's indicated. Endometriosis, the indicated operation is a look at the lesions and excising the lesions. Now, another thing, I shouldn't get into that. I'll say that, you know, most endometriosis, or I'd asy a lot of it, like 50%, when I examine the patient in the doctor's office, I can tell they have endometriosis, I could feel exactly where it is, I know what I have to do in surgery. So, when we were in Washington DC, I said two things that I want doctors to do, the second being diagnostic laparoscopy, but first of all is a rectal exam. I truly believe that most gynecologists, and I was trained that way, just to do a pelvic exam. But the key is, when you do a rectal-vaginal exam, the surgeon can lift the cervix upwards, putting the ligaments behind uterus, the uterosacral ligaments on tension, go run along them to see if there's pain, or if there's a nodule. If there's no nodule, at least see what hurts, and then that's the documntation for the doctor or the surgeon who does laparoscopy to remove that area. - [Moderator] Any more questions? Sorry, I'll give the microphone so we can all hear a little better. Okay, last question. - [Audience Member] So, I did have a bit of a follow up when you were just talking about doing the rectal examination, 'cause it was my understanding that, within gynecological training, that you're just siloed in and you don't have a more generalized training, that that's not a requirement. So, that gynecologist, you don't have to do urologist training, or rectal, and how, I guess, that comes into play when you're doing these sort of procedures, why, I guess, things get missed, and why other-- - We're all doctors. You know, we're all trying to find everything to the best of our ability. And again, it depends on the doctor. When I first started practice, the urologist said, "You can't look in the bladder, you can do cystoscopy." Well, I've bought my own cystoscope for the office so I could look in. And the same, you know, with most areas. And as far as, I think most doctors know about rectal exam. It's just a little extra that they would have to do, the lubricant, and the gloves, then discard the rectal gloves. But I think that fits within our field. But again, there are doctors who wanna increase the field. For myself, I always felt strongly that I should never do my own tubal surgery as a gynecologist. But I did, right to the end. But near the end of the day, it's not the practice that cures to go away because I was doing rectal exams, which is one of our big breakthroughs. But I do truly believe that this all should be included in gynecology. One last point is that, like I taught you, you have 40,000 OB/GYNs. They all pay dues, they all wanna be able to get paid for doing the diagnosis laparoscopy, and they all, and the GYN oncologists, who are the best surgeons in the gynecology community, like this system. I mean, these are the people who should be fighting against it, but they like this system 'cause these mediocre gynecologists in the middle refer them patients. So if the system gives them a really complicated patient, and you're just delivering babies, you send them to the GYN oncologist to do more advanced surgery, you would think. Now, GYN oncologists or colon rectal surgeons, they don't know that much about endometriosis. They don't know where it lives, but we need to educate them. I think patients, one thing I miss that, I believe that endometriosis should be completely excised if your patients are to be cured. So, in our practice, my practice, if I just sat and looked, in two or three years, I'd rarely see endometriosis. And we published that back in the early 90s although we presented it at many sessions in the 80s, this concept that we're dealing with an incurable disease, for all of you. I know I'm way out left field on this statement, but I do believe it's curable, and I always will. Thank you. Patient Awareness Day 2018: Courtney Harris Patient Awareness Day 2018: Meghan Cleary	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725755
__label__cc	0.739197	0.260803	We are delighted to announce the appointment of Rebecca Dermody-Simmons as our Deputy Chief Executive, with immediate effect. The decision comes after a panel of EEM board members conducted a rigorous interview process and recommended her appointment last week. The newly-created role is needed as our Chief Executive, Pete Smith, reduces his working hours with full retirement planned for April 2021. Rebecca brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her new role having worked in procurement roles for nearly 20 years. In 2014, she joined the EEM team as Procurement and Operations Manager and was promoted to Head of Operations in 2016. Prior to working at EEM, Rebecca worked at Nottingham City Homes for almost 15 years, initially as an Apprentice Purchasing Officer and most recently as their Procurement Manager. It was at NCH where she achieved the highest level of CIPS qualification, obtaining the highest mark in the country for her age group. Rebecca is a successful and well-regarded professional who has been instrumental in enabling our company’s growth and success in recent years. Rebecca’s unique insights, proven leadership and deep understanding of public sector will enable her to support Pete and the Board to lead the business successfully into the next phase of our development. Rebecca says “This is a very exciting time for EEM and I am proud to have been given the opportunity to play an enhanced role within the organisation. EEM has grown significantly in the time I have been here and I look forward to continuing to adapt the business to the ever-changing needs of our membership. I look forward to taking the next step in my development and inspiring the whole team to be the best we can be.” Pete Smith, EEM Chief Executive added “Rebecca is an absolute cornerstone of EEM and so I’m delighted that she has accepted this new role which is very much deserved and testament to her talent and contributions. We are very fortunate to be able to appoint someone of Rebecca’s calibre.” Planned changes to the EEM team This is a time of great change within EEM, which reflects the rapid growth and variation of the membership. Over the next 2 years, we plan to employ an additional 7 members of staff. New roles will include a Head of Procurement, Head of Operations, Support Services Manager, additional Projects and Data Officers and two apprentices. We are pleased to say Louisa Payne has recently been promoted to Operations Manager from a Projects Officer and Roxy Kern has just successfully completed her apprenticeship to be a Projects Officer. We are proud that we have now seen 3 members of staff complete their apprenticeships to become permanent members of the EEM team. Posted in eem-news-post, home-news-post	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725759
__label__wiki	0.966698	0.966698	Home About us ... Company 1883 Telephone lines to every home A civil engineer and Stockholm businessman named Henrik Thore Cedergren was one of the first persons to buy a subscription in the telephone network established by Stockholms Bell Telefonaktiebolag. He owned jewelry stores and managed a brick production plant on Götgatan, in southern Stockholm. Shortly after Cedergren acquired his subscription in the Bell Telephone Company's network, he noticed how much time could be saved using the telephone. He calculated the costs to establish a competing network and came to the conclusion that telephone service in Stockholm should not cost more than SEK 100 per year for subscribers. He took the initiative, accordingly, to establish a new telephone company that offered telephone services at lower prices than Bell. Telephones and switchboard equipment were needed to start a new telephone company, and H T Cedergren initiated a partnership with Lars Magnus Ericsson, who had recently started to manufacture high-quality telephone materials. In February 1883, Cedergren established a new, independent Swedish telephone company, Stockholms Allmänna Telefonaktiebolag, which, "utilizing Swedish materials and offering lower prices, would provide the general public with telephone connections." The goal of Cedergren's company was "telephone lines to every home and every tenant in every apartment building." Cedergren recruited support for his plans from the Stockholm House Property Owners' Association - the telephone lines would had to be drawn over the roofs of the association's buildings. The association, in turn, declared that establishment of the telephone company should "be promoted in every possible way." Stockholms Allmänna Telefonaktiebolaget (SAT) was formed in April 1883 with share capital amounting to a minimum of SEK 90,000 and maximum of SEK 210,000. Operations started on May 15 and, by Midsummer a month later, 600 shares had already been sold. On October 31, 1883, the main switching station was opened in Norrmalm, followed by a station on Urvädersgränd 9 in Södermalm on December 1 and a third station on Svartmanngatan 6, in Gamla Stan (the Old Town), on March 1, 1884. The company's main exchange was installed in the building at Oxtorgsgatan 6, and a "telephone hanger" was erected on the roof to accommodate 1,200 lines. The station was built for 3,000 subscribers, supported by exchanges designed to serve 50 subscribers each. The connecting lines consisted of cords with plugs and jacks and, between each exchange, connections were run to switch subscribers from one exchange to another. Above the station on Svartmanngatan, an 18-meter tower was erected to carry 1,100 connections to any building in Gamla Stan, the Old Town section of Stockholm. The connections were strung above all other lines in the area. There were now two competing telephone companies in Stockholm, a situation that soon generated benefits for subscribers. Cedergren, however, was forced to abandon his plans to establish an annual telephone subscription fee of SEK 100 for unlimited calling privileges. Instead, subscribers were charged an annual fee of SEK 125. Effective October 1, 1884, the Bell telephone company was forced to reduce its charges to the same amount. When Cedergren reached an agreement with Lars Magnus Ericsson for supplies of required telephones and switching equipment, Ericsson agreed not to deliver telephones or any other telephony equipment to any other telephone company in Stockholm. The agreement was naturally aimed at Stockholm's Bell Telefonaktiebolag, which was forced to import telephones and switching equipment. As a result of the competition between SAT and Bell, with low telephone charges and high technical standards, Stockholm became the world leader in telephones as early as 1885, both in terms of telephones per capita and absolute values. Stockholm had 4,832 installed telephones in 1885, corresponding to 22.5 telephones per 1,000 inhabitants, compared with 3.3 telephones per 1,000 inhabitants in Berlin, for example, 0.9 in London, 1.4 in Paris and 4.9 telephones per 1,000 inhabitants in Copenhagen. Author: K V Tahvanainen Minutes, board of directors. Report to the board that L.M. Ericsson & Co, despite an earlier agreement to only sell telephone equipment to SAT, has supplied Televerket, the Swedish PTT, with material. The board sent a letter to Ericsson, notifying them that the agreement had been broken, but decided to postpone further action to a later board meeting. © Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson and Centre for Business History Contact info/About the site	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725761
__label__cc	0.748573	0.251427	Abstract Searcher Salary $63,002 (CAD) / Canada The average pay for an Abstract Searcher is $63,002 a year and $30 an hour in Canada. The average salary range for an Abstract Searcher is between $46,019 and $77,168. This compensation analysis is based on salary survey data collected directly from employers and anonymous employees in Canada. Assesses pertinent legal or insurance details or section of statute or case law to summarize for purposes of examination, proof, or ready reference. Searches public and private records, such as mortgages, tax records, liens, judgments, easements, vital statistics and plat and map books, to chronicle events about a property and determine the legal status and owner of the property's title. Examines statutes and case law, and in cases of real estate, checks zoning ordinances for any land restrictions. About Canada Canada Cost of Living Score: Description: Canada (Canadian French: [kanadɑ] listen ) is a country in the northern part of North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering 9.98 million square kilometres (3.85 million square miles), making it the world's second-largest country by total area. Its southern border with the United States, stretching some 8,891 kilometres (5,525 mi), is the world's longest bi-national land border. Canada's capital is Ottawa, and its three largest metropolitan areas are Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. As a whole, Canada is sparsely populated... Abstract Searcher Job Listings for Canada Abstract Searcher New Orleans, LA$52k Paris, France$41k Salt Lake City, UT$52k Title Supervisor$61k Abstractor$63k Title Clerk$55k	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725762
__label__wiki	0.705376	0.705376	The Best Movies for New Year's, Ranked Celebrate from the comfort of your couch. By The Esquire Editors On the afternoon of New Year's Eve there's no better way to conserve your energy for the upcoming night than by sitting on the couch watching a movie. Then, the next day, when you're hungover from a night of partying, all you'll have the power to do is hit play on a streaming service. So, in the spirit of celebrating from the comfort of your couch, we put together a list of the best movies that are about New Year's Eve/Day or are simply New Year's Eve/Day-adjacent. Enjoy! And drink lots of water. 1 When Harry Met Sally... (1989) Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock Rent/Buy: Amazon iTunes Probably the greatest romantic comedy of all time, When Harry Met Sally... defined the genre for a generation to come. The dialogue is whip smart; New York shines; Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal charm and delight. The New Year's connection comes at the end during a New Year's Eve party. 2 Trading Places (1983) Michael Ochs ArchivesGetty Images Two brothers who run a commodities brokerage in Philadelphia try some light social engineering when they switch the identities of their employee, Louis Winthorpe III, played by Dan Aykroyd, and a hustler, Billy Ray Valentine, played by Eddie Murphy. Jamie Lee Curtis is there to help them sort it out and get even. This classic comedy is really a holiday movie, because it takes place between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, with one of the movie’s most crucial scenes taking place at a New Year’s Eve party aboard a train. 3 The Apartment (1960) Jack Lemmon is a young man on the make who lets his company’s executives use his apartment for extra-marital affairs. After an office Christmas party, he finds his boss’s mistress, a young woman played by Shirley MacLaine, whom he knows from the office, at his apartment, where she’s tried to overdose on pills. They strike up a complicated relationship with multiple entanglements, both professional and personal. It’s a remarkable movie (and a Best Picture winner) that ends on New Year’s Eve. 4 The Godfather II (1974) Paramount/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock It's at a New Year's Eve party in Cuba that Al Pacino's Michael Corleone plants the kiss of death on Fredo and tells him: “I know it was you, Fredo. You broke my heart. You broke my heart.” 5 Snowpiercer (2013) RADiUS-TWC It’s 2031, and an attempt to thwart climate change has turned the planet into an uninhabitable icebox. The only humans left, presumably, are aboard a train that goes around the world in an endless loop. An underclass exposed to brutal conditions lives in the back of the train while the upper classes, which enjoy a lavish lifestyle, occupy the front—until Chris Evans leads a revolt that happens to take place on the day the rich folks celebrate New Year’s Eve, also known as one trip around the planet. This isn’t just a good New Year’s movie; it’s one of the best dystopian thrillers in recent years. 6 The Poseidon Adventure (1972) 20th Century Fox/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock The '70s were a golden age for disaster films, and not just for the high stakes either. The Gene Hackman-led drama about a luxury cruise liner that capsizes during a New Year's Eve party is pure adrenaline. 7 Bridget Jones's Diary (2001) In this romantic comedy, Renee Zellweger’s Bridget Jones keeps a diary for a year of romantic adventures (and misadventures). The movie begins and ends on New Year’s Eve, and it’s delightful as hell. 8 An Affair to Remember (1957) Archive PhotosGetty Images A weepy romance classic featuring Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr begins on New Year’s Eve, where the two main characters, engaged to others, promise to meet up in six months atop the Empire State Building. (If you decide to watch this one, considering following it up with Sleepless in Seattle, which references the movie.) 9 Ghostbusters II (1989) It’s a far cry from Ghostbusters, but when the movie came out in 1989—five years after the first one—audiences delighted in seeing Peter, Ray, Egon, and Winston back in action. The movie reaches its conclusion on New Year’s Eve, with a chorus of New Yorkers singing “Auld Lang Syne” in an attempt to defeat an evil spirit terrorizing the city. 10 Highball (1997) Shoreline Entertainment Rent/Buy: Amazon The writer and director of this film—in which a group of friends meet at three different parties: on Halloween, a birthday, and New Year’s Eve—is Noah Baumbach, who made Kicking and Screaming, The Squid and the Whale, Margot at the Wedding, and others. It’s one of his earliest films—it’s rough and feels as low budget as it is—but the movie captures the rhythms and dialogue of young adults simply hanging out. 11 Ocean's 11 (1960) Warner Bros.Getty Images For a time in the 1960s, the Rat Pack could have released a two-hour film of themselves sleeping and it would’ve made money. Ocean’s 11, which inspired the 2000 remake, is better than that—the team’s 1964 effort, Robin and the 7 Hoods, is not—but it’s not a great film. This is a fun movie, however, with some of the 20th century’s greatest performers clearly having a great time (especially, you can tell, when the cameras aren’t rolling). 12 Four Rooms (1995) Getty ImagesGetty Images A bellhop goes into four different rooms on New Year’s Eve, and each room becomes its own short film, with Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez each directing one. The stories themselves are based loosely on Roald Dahl’s adult fiction. 13 200 Cigarettes (1999) This movie is not available to stream. In this 1999 comedy, a group of people make their way to a New Year’s Eve party in New York in 1981. The best part of the movie—which features an ensemble cast, including both Affleck brothers, Paul Rudd, Kate Hudson, Gaby Hoffmann, and Christina Ricci—is the setting: New York in the early ‘80s. That’s worth the price of admission. 14 Happy New Year, Charlie Brown! (1986) United Features Syndicate Stream/Buy: Amazon Charlie Brown frets over a book report, a New Year’s Eve party, and a red-headed girl. And unlike A Charlie Brown Christmas, in the end, nothing turns out well for Charlie Brown in this 30-minute special. 15 New Year's Eve (2011) In the pantheon of Gary Marshall films, it may not be his best, but there’s something about ending the year with a feel good movie that features an ensemble cast. Should Fans Worry About Star Wars Reshoots? Baz Luhrmann's Elvis Biopic Casts Austin Butler The Blair Witch Project Was a Brilliant Hoax The Best Movies Based on True Stories in 2019 The 11 Best Horror Movies of 2019 Remembering Rip Torn's Fight With Norman Mailer Rip Torn, What I've Learned 'Joker' Won't Take Anything From the Comics The Best Romantic Movies of 2019 Marvel Cinematic Universe Movies, Ranked Here's Your New Year's Eve Playlist for 2019 New Year's Eve, by the Hour New Year's Eve 2018 Playlist How to Do New Year's Eve Right, According to 'The Apartment' The Best Places to Spend New Year's Eve in NYC Treat Yo Self to a $400 New Year's Eve Dinner at Olive Garden	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725764
__label__cc	0.606268	0.393732	Home Tenors Unlimited Gala Concert Tenors Unlimited Gala Concert 9 Nov 2019 19:30 to 22:00 Harlequin Theatre Warwick Quadrant, Redhill, RH1 1NN Dean Kaden Tenors Unlimited, the 'Rat Pack of Opera' from left to right: Scott Ciscon, Jem Sharples, Paul Martin The number one selling classical vocal trio Tenors Unlimited, the ‘Rat Pack of Opera’ will be performing a fundraising gala concert with choirs from Reigate Grammar School and Chinthurst School, Tadworth. Tenors Unlimited have performed alongside such notables as Sting, Lionel Richie, Beyoncé, Hayley Westenra, Simply Red and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to name a few. Earlier this year they toured the USA. For over 15 years, Tenors Unlimited have been entertaining audiences world-wide using talents honed in their previous solo careers in opera and theatre. They bring their own blend of wit, humour, charm and vocal arrangements to their performances. The group will be joined by two school choirs. Reigate Grammar School’s choirs have an excellent reputation – the RGS Godfrey Searle Choir was chosen to sing at the opening ceremony of the Rugby World Cup 2015, provided voices for the soundtrack of Timothy Burton’s film “Alice in Wonderland” and has sung in numerous cathedrals such as Chichester, Exeter and Wells. They will be joined by the Chinthurst School choir, which is part of the Reigate Grammar School family. The concert is in aid of the Pipe Organ Restoration Appeal for The Church of The Good Shepherd, Tadworth. Location Harlequin Theatre Warwick Quadrant, Redhill, RH1 1NN View Map Event Type Music & Comedy Date & Time 9 Nov 2019 19:30 to 22:00	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725765
__label__wiki	0.824645	0.824645	Penn research outlines basic rules for construction with a type of origami VIDEO: Origami is capable of turning a simple sheet of paper into a pretty paper crane, but the principles behind the paper-folding art can also be applied to making a microfluidic... view more Credit: University of Pennsylvania Origami is capable of turning a simple sheet of paper into a pretty paper crane, but the principles behind the paper-folding art can also be applied to making a microfluidic device for a blood test, or for storing a satellite's solar panel in a rocket's cargo bay. A team of University of Pennsylvania researchers is turning kirigami, a related art form that allows the paper to be cut, into a technique that can be applied equally to structures on those vastly divergent length scales. In a new study, the researchers lay out the rules for folding and cutting a hexagonal lattice into a wide variety of useful three-dimensional shapes. Because these rules ensure the proportions of the hexagons remain intact after the cuts and folds are made, the rules apply to starting materials of any size. This enables materials to be selected based on their relevance to the ultimate application, whether it is in nanotechnology, architecture or aerospace. The study was conducted by Toen Castle, a postdoctoral researcher in the School of Arts & Science's Department of Physics and Astronomy; Shu Yang, a professor in the School of Engineering and Applied Science's Department of Materials Science and Engineering; and professor Randall Kamien, also of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Also contributing to the study were undergraduate Xingting Gong and postdoctoral researcher Daniel Sussman, members of Kamien's research group; graduate student Euiyeon Jung, a member of Yang's group; and postdoctoral researcher Yigil Cho, who works in both groups. It was published in the journal Physical Review Letters. "If you see a fancy piece of origami," Kamien said, "it can have arbitrarily small folds. We want to make something much simpler. If there are standards for the size of folds and cuts, we can make the math apply to any length scale. We can make channels, gates, steps and other 3-D shapes without needing to know anything about the size of the sheet and then combine those building blocks into even more complex shapes." A hexagonal lattice may seem like an odd choice for a starting point, but the pattern has advantages over a seemingly simpler tessellation, such as one made from squares. "The connected centers of the hexagons make triangles," Castle said, "so, if you start with a hexagonal lattice, you get the triangles for free. It's like two lattices in one, whereas if you start with squares, you only get squares." "Plus," Yang said, "it's easier to fill a space with a hexagonal lattice and move from 2-D to 3-D. That's why you see it in nature, in things like honeycombs." Starting from a flat hexagonal grid on a sheet of paper, the researchers outlined the fundamental cuts and folds that allow the resulting shape to keep the same proportions of the initial lattice, even if some of the material is removed. This is a critical quality for making the transition from paper to materials that might be used in real-world applications. "You can think of the sheet of paper as a template for a mesh of rods that you can lay on top of it," Castle said. "Alternatively, you can think of the paper as the membrane that attaches to a scaffolding. Both concepts are in the theory from the start; it's just a question of whether you want to build the rods or the material between them." Having a set of rules that draws on fundamental mathematical principles means the kirigami approach can be applied equally across length scales, and with almost any material. "The rules we lay out," Kamien said, "tell you how you make the cuts so you only have to fold on straight lines, and so that, when you fold them together, the rods remain the same length and the centers remain the same distance apart. You may have to bend [or put hinges on] some of the rods to make the folds, but you don't have to be able to stretch them. That also means the whole structure remains rigid when you're done folding." "This means it's just a matter of picking the materials with the properties you want for your application," Yang said. "We can go from nanoscale materials like graphene to materials you would make clothing out of to materials you would see in a space station or satellite." The rules also guarantee that "modules," basic shapes like channels that can direct the flow of fluids, can be combined into more complex ones. For example, iterating those folds and cuts can produce a ratcheting interface that can lock itself into place at different points. This structural feature could change the volume of a channel or even serve as an actuator for a robot. Kirigami is particularly attractive for nanoscale applications, where the simplest, most space-efficient shapes are necessary, and self-folding materials would circumvent some of the fabrication challenges inherent in working at such small scales. The research was supported by the National Science Foundation through its ODISSEI program, the American Philosophical Society and the Simons Foundation. Evan Lerner elerner@upenn.edu @Penn http://www.upenn.edu/pennnews Physical Review Letters National Science Foundation, American Philosophical Society, Simons Foundation MATHEMATICS/STATISTICS Printable Kirigami Template (IMAGE) Kirigami in Action (VIDEO) http://www.upenn.edu/pennnews/news/penn-research-outlines-basic-rules-construction-type-origami	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725767
__label__wiki	0.767579	0.767579	Physician payment reform has led to decrease in home-based dialysis HOUSTON - (July 11, 2016) - The Medicare program's transition in 2004 to tiered fee-for-service physician reimbursement for dialysis care had the unintended consequence of reducing use of home dialysis, according to a paper co-authored by a nonresident scholar at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy and colleagues from Stanford University and Baylor College of Medicine. More than 100,000 people develop end-stage renal disease every year in the United States. Due to a shortage of kidneys available for transplantation, the vast majority receive dialysis, which can be provided through one of three methods. In-center hemodialysis is the most common and involves patients going to a dialysis facility three or four times per week to receive therapy; home-based dialysis therapies (which include peritoneal dialysis and home hemodialysis) are alternatives that offer more flexibility and lifestyle benefits for some patients. The authors of "Effects of Physician Payment Reform on Provision of Home Dialysis" conducted analyses comparing patients with traditional Medicare coverage who were affected by the policy with others who have Medicare Advantage and were unaffected by the policy. The analyses consisted of a cohort study of patients starting dialysis in the U.S. in the three years before and the three years after payment reform. The study also examined whether the policy had a more pronounced influence on dialysis method assignment in areas most affected by the policy due to lower costs of traveling to dialysis facilities. Patients with traditional Medicare coverage experienced a 0.7 percent reduction in the absolute probability of home dialysis use following payment reform compared with patients with Medicare Advantage. Patients living in areas with larger dialysis facilities (where payment reform made in-center hemodialysis comparatively more lucrative for physicians) experienced a 0.9 percent reduction in home dialysis use following payment reform compared with patients living in areas with smaller facilities (where payment reform made in-center hemodialysis comparatively less lucrative for physicians). The paper was co-authored by Dr. Kevin Erickson, nonresident scholar in the Baker Institute's Center for Health and Biosciences, assistant professor in the Section of Nephrology and an investigator at the Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety at Baylor; Dr. Wolfgang Winkelmayer, the Gordon A. Cain Chair of Nephrology and professor of medicine at Baylor; Dr. Glenn Chertow, professor of medicine and chief of the Division of Nephrology at Stanford's School of Medicine; and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, professor of medicine at Stanford. It was published in the American Journal of Managed Care. "We found that national physician payment reform enacted by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2004 in an effort to encourage more frequent face-to-face dialysis visits and improve the quality of care resulted in an unintended consequence of relatively fewer patients choosing home dialysis," the authors wrote. "The tiered fee-for-service payment system enacted in 2004 continues to govern physician reimbursement for in-center hemodialysis care and, consequently, may continue to discourage home dialysis use in certain patient populations. These findings highlight both an area of policy failure and the importance of considering unintended consequences of future efforts to reform physician payment." Due to concern that home dialysis is underused and that some patients with end-stage renal disease could benefit from increased autonomy and health-related quality of life if they received home dialysis, the House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means' Subcommittee on Health asked the U.S. Government Accountability Office to investigate key barriers to home dialysis use. The GAO's October 2015 report highlighted the current physician payment policy's incentives as a potential barrier to home dialysis use. However, the GAO investigation of this topic was limited to interviews with physicians and physician associations. The study co-authored by Erickson provides empirical evidence supporting the concern raised by the GAO. For more information or to schedule an interview with Erickson, contact Jeff Falk, associate director of national media relations at Rice, at jfalk@rice.edu or 713-348-6775. Paper: http://www.ajmc.com/journals/issue/2016/2016-vol22-n6/effects-of-physician-payment-reform-on-provision-of-home-dialysis. Erickson bio: http://bakerinstitute.org/experts/kevin-erickson. Follow the Baker Institute via Twitter @BakerInstitute. Follow the Center for Health and Biosciences via Twitter @BakerCHB. Follow Rice News and Media Relations via Twitter @RiceUNews. Founded in 1993, Rice University's Baker Institute ranks among the top five university-affiliated think tanks in the world. As a premier nonpartisan think tank, the institute conducts research on domestic and foreign policy issues with the goal of bridging the gap between the theory and practice of public policy. The institute's strong track record of achievement reflects the work of its endowed fellows, Rice University faculty scholars and staff, coupled with its outreach to the Rice student body through fellow-taught classes -- including a public policy course -- and student leadership and internship programs. Learn more about the institute at http://www.bakerinstitute.org or on the institute's blog, http://blogs.chron.com/bakerblog. Jeff Falk jfalk@rice.edu @RiceUNews http://news.rice.edu BUSINESS/ECONOMICS HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS/SERVICES MEDICAL/SCIENTIFIC ETHICS POLICY/ETHICS SCIENCE/HEALTH AND THE LAW http://news.rice.edu/2016/07/11/baker-institute-scholar-physician-payment-reform-has-led-to-decrease-in-home-based-dialysis	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725768
__label__cc	0.560987	0.439013	Live Gamer: No World Of Warcraft Deal Dec 18, 2007, 8:32 AM Earlier today we wondered why video game players would want to use soon-to-be-launched Live Gamer to buy and sell virtual goods. That prompted a phone call from co-founder Andy Schneider, who wanted to set us straight. The short version: Andy says his company will guarantee that gamers get what they pay for, that they’re paid for what they sell, and that the games they’re playing allow them to buy and sell what they’re buying and selling. None this currently exists, he says, and since we don’t trade virtual goods ourselves, we’ll have to take his word for it. One significant correction to our earlier post: Live Gamer doesn’t have a deal with Vivendi, which publishes the insanely popular World of Warcraft game. That’s a significant problem for Live Gamer, since the company will only allow players to buy and sell goods in games it has deals with — and not having WoW leaves a huge, gaping hole. We hear that they’re unlikely to get Vivendi to ever give them a piece of the action, so presumably Live Gamer thinks they can live with out the game. gaming sai-us	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725770
__label__wiki	0.851975	0.851975	This Miserable List Of Draft Picks Explains Why The Cowboys Are So Bad Tony Manfred Earlier this week Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones vowed to never give up his general manager position amid questions about the team's roster make up. Unlike most owners, Jones picks his players himself and is responsible for personnel moves. This is well within his rights. But when you look at the franchise's issues, the relative lack of talent and depth across the roster is the biggest reason why they're mediocre. And that comes back to drafting — something Jones has struggled at in recent years. Between 2008 and 2012 the Cowboys drafted 39 players. Only 12 of those players are still on the roster. Twenty-one of the 24 players taken in 2008, 2009, and 2010 drafts are now either on different NFL teams or out of the league entirely. The only real home runs were Dez Bryant and, to a lesser extent, DeMarco Murray. The Cowboys' problems start at the top, and their poor draft history is a prime example of that. Here's the list of picks between 2008 and 2012 (current Cowboys players in bold): Felix Jones, running back (2008 1st-round pick): Started 23 games in five years with Dallas. Now on the Steelers. Mike Jenkins, cornerback (2008 1st-round pick): Started between 2009 and 2011, benched in 2012. Now on the Raiders. Martellus Bennett, tight end (2008 2nd-round pick): Declared a "bust" by the Cowboys before thriving in New York and Chicago in 2012 and 2013. Tashard Choice, running back (2008 4th-round pick): Started four games in four years with the Cowboys before getting cut in 2011. Orlando Scandrick, cornerback (2008 5th-round pick): Worked his way up the depth chart. Just got a $9 million contract extension to stay in Dallas. Erik Walden, linebacker (2008 6th-round pick): Cut after training camp in 2008, has bounced around the league ever since. Jason Williams, linebacker (2009 3rd-round pick): Cut during the 2010 season after making five tackles in 10 games. Robert Brewster, offensive tackle (2009 3rd-round pick): Cut in 2010. Stephen McGee, quarterback (2009 4th-round pick): Appeared in three games in 2010 and 2011 before getting cut. Victor Butler, linebacker (2009 4th-round pick): Started two games in four years before signing with New Orleans in 2013. Brandon Williams, defensive end (2009 4th-round pick): Played six games in 2010 before being cut. DeAngelo Smith, cornerback (2009 5th-round pick): Cut during training camp in 2009. Michael Hamlin, safety (2009 5th-round pick): Cut in 2010 after playing on special teams for a year. David Buehler, kicker (2009 5th-round pick): Currently a free agent after making just 75% of his kicks in 2010. Stephen Hodge, safety (2009 6th-round pick): Cut in 2010 after being plagued by injuries. John Phillips, tight end (2009 6th-round pick): Signed with the Chargers after catching 30 balls in three years for Dallas. Mike Mickens, cornerback (2009 7th-round pick): Cut during training camp. Manuel Johnson, wide receiver (2009 7th-round pick): Cut in 2011. Dez Bryant, wide receiver (2010 1st-round pick): One of the best wide receivers in the NFL. Sean Lee, linebacker (2010 2nd-round pick): Has missed 14 games due to injury, but started every game in which he was healthy since 2011. Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, safety (2010 4th-round pick): Cut in 2011, never had a catch. Sam Young, offensive tackle (2010 6th-round pick): Cut in 2011, has played for the Bills and Jaguars since. Jamar Wall, cornerback (2010 6th-round pick): Cut during training camp. Sean Lissemore, defensive tackle (2010 7th-round pick): Started six games in three seasons for Dallas. Now on the Chargers. Tyron Smith, offensive tackle (2011 1st-round pick): Has started every game since he was drafted. Bruce Carter, linebacker (2011 2nd-round pick): Benched in 2013 after starting most games since 2012. DeMarco Murray, running back (2011 3rd-round pick): Has been slowed by injuries, but effective when he's healthy. David Arkin, guard (2011 4th-round pick): Cut in 2013. Josh Thomas, cornerback (2011 5th-round pick): Cut in 2011. Dwyane Harris, wide receiver (2011 6th-round pick): Worked his way into the starting lineup in 2013. Shaun Chapas, fullback (2011 7th-round pick): Cut in 2011, now with the Jaguars. Bill Nagy, center (2011 7th-round pick): Cut in 2011. Morris Claiborne, cornerback (2012 1st-round pick): Has been a disappointment after Dallas traded up to get him. Tyrone Crawford, defensive end (2012 3rd-round pick): Missed all of 2013 due to injury after seeing limited action in 2012. Kyle Wilber, linebacker (2012 4th-round pick): Has seen more playing time in 2013 after finding a niche at outside linebacker. Matt Johnson, safety (2012 4th-round pick): Still on the roster, but hasn't played a game. Danny Coale, wide receiver (2012 5th-round pick): Cut in 2013 after playing on the practice squad. James Hanna, tight end (2012 6th-round pick): Has 20 catches in 30 games as the back-up tight end. Caleb McSurdy, linebacker (2012 7th-round pick): Cut during 2013 training camp. More: NFL Dallas Cowboys Jerry Jones	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725771
__label__wiki	0.8638	0.8638	People in Latin America are starting to turn against outlawing marijuana Christopher Woody People march for marijuana legalization in Buenos Aires, May 5, 2012. The banner says, "Decriminalization now! No more convictions for growing (marijuana)." REUTERS/Enrique Marcarian Sentiments in Latin America in favor of outlawing marijuana appear to be undergoing shifts in some countries, according to researchers in Chile and the UK. A study published the International Journal of Drug Policy found that, in some parts of the region, more than 40% of respondents supported legalizing the drug, while in other, more conservative areas, support remained minimal. "In recent years Latin American countries have increasingly rejected the traditional prohibitionist paradigm of drug policy, reflecting its failure to reduce either consumption or trafficking," the study's authors, led by Andres Mendiburo-Seguel, wrote in the paper's abstract. "The extent to which these policy trends currently command pubic support is unclear, however." "Our work points out that there are differences of opinion that could influence future public policies adopted in the region," Mendiburo Seguel told Scientific American. Interviews with nearly 9,000 adults in nine countries in the region — Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay — found that in Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay over 40% of respondents supported the legalization of marijuana. But acceptance for recreational marijuana use was also divergent among countries in the region. Thousands of people take part in a global March for marijuana in Medellin, Colombia, May 7, 2016. The sign reads, "My mother already knows. Legalize." REUTERS/Fredy Builes In Uruguay, which has created a legal-marijuana market but struggled to get it up and running, 68% were in favor, followed by Mexico, where 57% supported it, and Costa Rica, where the number was 55%. Efforts to loosen Mexico's marijuana restrictions have lurched forward somewhat over the last year. Most recently the country's senate approved the use of medical marijuana — that bill must also be passed by the lower house of the legislature, however. While legalization has yet to garner broad support in Mexico, many in the country have expressed frustration that the country maintains a prohibition on marijuana while the US loosens its laws on the drug. In Costa Rica, personal possession and use of marijuana is not considered a crime, according to Scientific American. Growing for personal use will not incur criminal or economic penalties, according to La Nacion. Other countries expressed less support for recreational marijuana use. In Peru, 44% of respondents answered affirmatively, followed by 31% in El Salvador and 30% in Bolivia (Bolivia has a regulated market for the production of coca, which has deep cultural significance but is also the base ingredient for cocaine). A soldier guards marijuana that is being incinerated in Tijuana, Mexico. "Countries fall into three groups: Peru, Bolivia and El Salvador are the most conservative countries on drug policy and perceptions of risks of cannabis use; they also score lowest on Human Development Index," the authors write. "On the other hand, the public in Chile and Uruguay are more likely to support drug policy reform. The remaining four countries (Argentina, Colombia, Mexico and Peru) tend to occupy the middle ground between these extremes." While the paper's authors said there was a correlation between attitudes toward marijuana legalization and the level of human development in a specific country, another researcher said those sentiments could also be influenced by the public policies toward the drug that were currently in place in each country. Mexican soldiers destroy a marijuana plantation in the Apatzingan mountain range in the central-west state of Michoacan. While all the countries surveyed have laws against producing and distributing drugs, their regulations on individual consumption are varied, according to Scientific American. Those regulations range from those of Uruguay, where personal consumption was never an offense, to those in Bolivia, Colombia, or El Salvador, where using it is still outlawed. The study also found that on average — with the exception of Bolivia, El Salvador, and Peru — most people in each country thought that alcohol and tobacco poised greater risks than marijuana. Overall, the authors conclude, the variation in feelings toward drug policies in the countries surveyed "suggests that people are questioning the policies that set the norm in Latin America," but, they caution, that questioning doesn't appear to have reached "any consensus regarding future measures for each country." This post has been updated to clarify marijuana regulations in Costa Rica. SEE ALSO: 'Wrong time to pull back': Colorado governor chastises Trump administration for anti-legal-weed stance NOW WATCH: Here's how Attorney General Sessions could shut down the legal marijuana industry overnight More: Marijuana Marijuana Legalization Colombia Bolivia Some of Amazon's highly paid tech workers say warehouse worker conditions are 'a source of shame' 3 female AI trailblazers reveal how they beat the odds and overcame sexism to become leaders in their field The 32 star venture capital investors in Europe every tech founder needs to know These are the programming languages that are used by America's most valuable startups, from Airbnb to WeWork These are the 10 London fintechs VCs say are the most exciting in 2019	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725772
__label__cc	0.663874	0.336126	Consumer Energy Alliance Report: Floridians Saved More Than $8 Billion Over 10 Years Thanks to Low-Priced Natural Gas Consumer Advocate Examines Benefits of Energy Production to Florida’s Families, Small Businesses, Tourism and Industries in New Report December 11, 2018 10:09 AM Eastern Standard Time ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Thanks to increased production and safer, state-of-the-art technologies – which together have decreased the price of natural gas – Florida’s families and businesses saved more than $8 billion between 2006 and 2016, according to a state report released by Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), with calculations developed by Orion Strategies. Households saved over almost $798 million while commercial and industrial users saved more than $7.2 billion, combined, the report, titled, “Floridians Benefit from Affordable Natural Gas,” revealed. The analysis details how the national and local energy revolution has helped Florida energy consumers increase disposable income, adding to job growth, and economic investment while revitalizing communities. It also details how Florida’s lack of availability to local and state resources creates a reliance on energy infrastructure to ensure that affordable energy can be delivered to the state. As a result, it is critical that families and businesses work with local and state governments to guarantee that current, and future, Floridians are able to count on domestic energy and a robust pipeline network to deliver energy to their homes and businesses. Highlights from the report include: Nationwide, advances in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing have increased production of natural gas across the U.S. and enabled Florida consumers to save more than $8 billion between 2006 and 2016. Residential users saved almost $798 million while commercial and industrial users saved more than $7.2 billion. On average, each resident spent $2,525 to meet their energy needs in 2016. For the 14 percent of the state’s population living at or below the poverty line, this translates to at least 20 percent of their income going toward energy expenses. Florida is a non-producing state; it has no significant crude oil reserves and accounts for less than 0.1 percent of U.S. production. Annual production from the Jay Field in the Florida Panhandle totaled less than 2 million barrels in 2017, and Florida’s limited natural gas production derives from this same region. While Florida’s natural gas supplies are transported by interstate pipelines from the Gulf Coast region, there are no interstate crude oil pipelines and no refineries to supply Floridians with refined oil products. The state receives the bulk of its petroleum products via overseas shipments from foreign providers. Ninety percent of the petroleum consumed in Florida is utilized by the transportation sector. Because of the state’s large population, coupled with its booming tourism industry, the state is among the largest users of gasoline and jet fuel nationally. Geologists believe there are substantial oil and gas resources located in federal waters in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico. In 2015, the oil and natural gas industry contributed 266,800 jobs and accounted for more than $11.9 billion in wages. In total, oil and gas provide more than $22.1 billion to the state economy. That includes employee compensation, proprietors’ income, income to capital owners from property and indirect business taxes. Since 2005, the U.S. power sector has reduced carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 28 percent. “This report demonstrates how Florida families and businesses who use energy benefit from maintaining an all-of-the-above energy strategy that emphasizes the growth of all resources and the expansion of all energy infrastructure, here and nationally,” CEA’s Florida Director Kevin Doyle said. “Tourism is crucial to Florida’s economy, creating 1.1 million jobs for Floridians and pumping $51 billion into the state’s coffers. None of this would be possible without energy.” Doyle continued: “Resources such as oil and natural gas are necessary to fuel the airplanes and cars that visit our state daily. These same resources power theme park rides, light our homes and keep us cool during hot, humid summers. Floridians need to understand how supporting productive energy policies is critical to ensuring that families and businesses can continue to count on domestic energy and the pipeline networks that deliver it to our homes and businesses while also striving to achieve our environmental goals.” Doyle added, “Unfortunately, energy from Florida’s pipeline network and potential future access to valuable offshore and onshore energy supplies is under attack by anti-development activists working to eliminate the production and transportation of safe, affordable sources of energy. These anti-development efforts not only harm the environment, but they also lack solutions to help meet consumer demand and threaten our environmental goals. CEA strongly encourages Florida’s elected leaders to come together and work through ways that we can continue to support energy solutions that will ensure affordable, reliable energy for everyone.” To view the report, click here. About Consumer Energy Alliance Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) brings together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support America's energy future. With more than 500,000 members nationwide, our mission is to help ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. We believe energy development is something that touches everyone in our nation, and thus it is necessary for all of us to actively engage in the conversation about how we develop our diverse energy resources and energy's importance to the economy. Learn more at ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org. Emily Haggstrom ehaggstrom@consumerenergyalliance.org Consumer Energy Alliance report finds that Floridians saved more than $8 billion over 10 years thanks to low-priced natural gas. #shalerevolution #Floridajobs #energyconsumers #consumers #Floridians #families #CEA #consumerenergyalliance #Energy #energyandenvironment #FloridaEnergy #energycosts #businesses #energysolutions #shale #policymakers #CEAorg #FLEnergy #naturalgas Consumer Energy Alliance on Facebook Consumer Energy Alliance on Twitter	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725773
__label__wiki	0.978528	0.978528	Will Britain Vote In The European Elections? There's A Pretty Major Reason For The UK To Take Part By Sophie McEvoy Leon Neal/Getty Images News/Getty Images Looks like the UK is in for another six months of limbo as EU leaders have granted an extension for Brexit until October 31, BBC reports. Before you start dreading more months of Brexit drama, the UK can finalise a Brexit agreement at any time during the extension. However this does mean that the next obstacle the country has to face is voting for MPs to represent the UK in the European Union. So will Britain vote in the European election on May 23? As iNews reports, Theresa May was previously against the UK taking part in these elections and proposed for an exit deal to take place on May 22 but her deal was rejected by MPs three times, which led to the October extension. There's still a possibility that the British Parliament could end up accepting May's deal before the elections take place, but it's pretty unlikely judging by the options that have already been rejected. So it's looking more than likely that Britain will end up taking part in European elections because if the government refuses then the UK will have to leave the EU on June 1 without a deal, as BBC reports. Obviously it won't be known whether Britain will participate in the European elections until the time actually comes, but it's looking more than likely that the country will, given the raft of options that will become available once new MEPs (Members of European Parliament) are elected and there's a bit more breathing room. According to a handy graphic produced by BBC, these will include the British Parliament accepting May's deal, a full renegotiation, a second referendum, revoking Article 50 and cancelling Brexit all together, a general election, or a no-deal Brexit. That's all well and good, but if you're not familiar with the European elections, this is probably a lot to take in. As explained on the EU Parliament site, the elections are essentially similar to how MPs are elected in our government under the 2011 Fixed-term Parliaments Act. Every five years, EU citizens vote for who will represent their country in the European Parliament and make their voices heard, with the last vote taking place in 2014. Voting practices vary across the EU, with allocation of seats depending on the size of a country. For example, a smaller country like Malta has six seats whereas a larger country like Germany has 96. If you're wondering who's currently representing your region the UK in EU Parliament, you can view the list here. The UK has 73 seats available and they are split within 12 regions: Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, North West, North East, Yorkshire & Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, Eastern, South East, South West, and London. While the UK won't know until nearer the election date as to whether or not the country will be taking part, according to the BBC, parties will have until April 25 to submit their proposed candidates to the elections watchdog. After the elections take place, the newly elected MEPs are "set to reassemble in early July." And as a recent poll conducted by Politico suggests, the Conservative and Labour parties would have a "tight contest" in terms of seats in the EU Parliament in this election, which is similar to the result in 2014. Support for UKIP has gone down significantly, and is likely to "see its support plummet from 27 percent [...] to 10 percent" according to Politico. Whatever ends up happening, I can't be the only one that will definitely be throwing a party when this whole Brexit debacle is finally over.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725776
__label__wiki	0.741392	0.741392	Canada Chooses Xavier Dolan's 'Mommy' for Their 2014 Oscar Entry Source: Cinemablographer The rise of Xavier Dolan continues. This morning Canada's selection committee officially announced that Xavier Dolan's Mommy, Dolan's fifth feature film by age 25, will be Canada's official entry into the 2014 Academy Awards as their Best Foreign Language Film. "It's an incredible showcase for our industry," stated Telefilm's Carolle Brabant during the announcement. Mommy has been receiving mostly rave reviews since it first premiered at the Cannes Film Festival this summer (read my 10/10 rave review). It's one of the best films of the year anyway, thus making it one of the best choices for Canada, especially if they want to make it all the way to the final five nominations. The film opens in Canada this month after playing at fests all over. Thanks to Cinemablographer for the tip on this news, straight from Canada. They remind us that picking a film for a country to submit to the Oscars is not a simple task. "The decision comes from the Pan-Canadian selection committee comprised of twenty-three industry and goverment types, who continually pick the best films possible, nurturing new voices and proven talents alike." Xavier Dolan's Mommy, which I think is his best film yet though others may not agree, is an outstanding film that should help Dolan break out further into the mainstream (watch the first trailer). Roadside Attractions will release Mommy in the US, but no release date has been set yet. We'll certainly be supporting this one all the way through release and awards. Find more posts: Awards, Indies, Movie News I am the same age as this guy. Yeah... DAVIDPD on Sep 20, 2014	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725777
__label__wiki	0.803657	0.803657	Sundance Favorite 'Me & Earl & the Dying Girl' Set for July Release Briefly: Fox Searchlight has confirmed (via @ERCboxoffice) a release date for the upcoming indie sensation Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, which won both the Audience Award & Grand Jury Prize at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, and won our hearts too. The film earned a top spot on our list of the Best of the Fest, as well as plenty of glowing reviews by the end of the festival. It's definitely going to find an audience outside of the fest, and Fox Searchlight is banking on its success. The studio has scheduled a limited release starting on July 1st, 2015 this summer, which is when they usually open one of their new Sundance gems. We'll be following this release closely as it's one of our favorites, too. In related release date news, Open Road Films has scheduled Oliver Stone's Snowden film starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt for release starting Christmas Day, December 25th, 2015, later this year. And Lionsgate has scheduled Denis Villeneuve's new crime thriller Sicario with Emily Blunt for release on September 18th, 2015 later this fall. We also suggest keeping an eye on Me & Earl & the Dying Girl, which will likely arrive with quite a bit of pomp & circumstance in theaters this July, expanding in limited release throughout the summer. Read my Sundance 2015 review, stay tuned for more updates soon, and the official trailer next. Find more posts: Indies, Movie News, Release Dates Peels Eyes Thanks for sharing AB!	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725778
__label__wiki	0.871408	0.871408	Home Entertainment TV ‘Detective Pikachu’ Kicks off with $5.7 Million from Thursday Previews ‘Detective Pikachu’ Kicks off with $5.7 Million from Thursday Previews by Brad Brevet FRIDAY AM UPDATE: Warner’s Detective Pikachu brought in a solid, $5.7 million from Thursday night previews, which began at 4PM yesterday. The performance is just behind the $5.9 million in previews Shazam! brought in earlier this year in advance of a $53.5 million opening weekend. STX’s Poms began previews at 3PM yesterday in ~2,000 locations and took in $225,000. The performance is $400k behind Book Club and $290k behind previews for Second Act , which we referenced in our weekend preview below. UA Releasing’s The Hustle delivered $774,000 from previews beginning at 7PM. The performance is ahead of the $700k Life of the Party brought in last year ahead of a $17.8 million debut as well as Snatched ($650k), which opened with $19.5 million. Fox Searchlight’s Tolkien delivered ~$240k last night from previews beginning at 6PM. This doesn’t include grosses from Tuesday night’s Fathom event, all of which will be rolled into Friday’s gross. We’ll take a closer look at things tomorrow morning once Friday estimates come in. For now you can check out our weekend preview below. WEEKEND PREVIEW: Mother’s Day weekend is looking as if it will be yet another Avengers-led weekend at the box office as Avengers: Endgame will become only the fourth film ever to top $700 million at the domestic box office this weekend, but this holiday weekend won’t only be about Avengers. Warner Bros. is releasing the highly anticipated video game adaptation Pokemon: Detective Pikachu in just over 4,200 locations while STX and UAR will be vying for Mother’s Day audiences with Poms and The Hustle respectively. Additionally, Disney has changed things up with Fox Searchlight’s Tolkien, which was originally scheduled to begin its limited run this weekend, but instead the Mouse House will give the film a wide berth in nearly 1,500 locations. Entering its third weekend in domestic release, Disney’s Avengers: Endgame is looking to top $700 million this weekend and, in fact, should push over $730 million which will make it the third highest grossing domestic release of all-time behind Star Wars: The Force Awakens ($936.6m) and Avatar ($760.5m). As for this weekend’s performance, we’re anticipating a dip around 51% or so and a $73 million three-day. This is a bit larger than the -46% drop Avengers: Infinity War experienced in its second weekend, but it also didn’t face the kind of competition WB’s Pokemon: Detective Pikachu will add to the marketplace. All eyes will also be on Endgame‘s international performance this weekend as it currently ranks as the second largest international release of all-time as well as the second largest global release behind Avatar in both respects, but the gap between the two continues to narrow. The first of the weekend’s new wide releases to discuss is the Warner Bros. release Pokemon: Detective Pikachu, a feature film adaptation of the 2016 video game of the same name, which itself was based on the popular Pokemon franchise. Several animated features inspired by the Pokemon franchise have been released, including three previous films distributed by WB, beginning with Pokemon: The First Movie in 1999, which grossed over $85 million. Yet, this is the first live action film, which features Ryan Reynolds as the voice of the film’s title star, and WB has gone big with this pic, which carries a reported $150 million budget and will debut in over 4,200 locations this weekend. The studio is currently anticipating an opening anywhere from $50-55 million, which is mostly lining up with our expectations, though there is room for a breakout performance. A look at IMDb page view data shows Detective Pikachu lining up almost exactly with The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water, which opened with $55.3 million in early February 2015. One difference between the two films, however, is Pikachu is opening in nearly 600 more theaters. Additionally, Pikachu is outpacing Sony’s The Angry Birds Movie, which opened in mid-May back in 2016 with $38 million. Online ticket retailer Fandango.com is reporting similar findings, saying that Pikachu is outpacing Angry Birds at the same point in the sales cycle. That said, we’re currently going out with a $60 million forecast with the understanding that while the film could over perform and possibly reach as high as $70+ million, there is also a chance it could be a bit front loaded. There is obviously a rabid fanbase for Pokemon, which was evidenced recently with the massive success of the Pokemon Go app, which has been downloaded by more than 1 billion people since its debut in 2016. That could mean this film could see some front loading with a large opening day, slowing slightly throughout the weekend a bit more than similar titles. Obviously, we won’t know until Sunday how things shake out, but it will be one thing to watch for over the weekend. Internationally, Pikachu opened in Japan last weekend where it has grossed $10 million so far. Added to that, it opened in a few additional markets yesterday pushing its international total just shy of $15 million and by the end of the weekend will have launched in 60 markets including Germany, Italy, Korea, Brazil, Australia, UK, Mexico, Spain and China. Next we come to UA Releasing’s The Hustle, a remake of the 1988 film Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. The pic stars Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson in the lead roles and industry expectations are for a debut around $12 million from over 3,000 locations. We’ve been looking at IMDb page view data for the film up against releases such as last year’s Life of the Party ($17.9m opening) and 2017’s Snatched ($19.5m opening) and the pic is pacing behind both releases and the mostly negative reviews aren’t likely to help matters. Mother’s Day weekend can be lucrative for female-targeted features and could give this film a boost it otherwise wouldn’t receive, which is why we’re going to remain in line with industry expectations for our forecast and it could pop a bit higher, but it’s not like it’s the only game in town this holiday weekend and it could be fighting for an audience with our next title. Also looking to target a similar audience, albeit on the older end of the spectrum, is STX’s Poms, which stars Diane Keaton, Jacki Weaver, Pam Grier, Celia Weston and Rhea Perlman and will open in 2,750 theaters with industry expectations looking for a debut anywhere from $7-10 million. An obvious comp for the film is last year’s Book Club, which debuted with $13.6 million and went on to gross over $68.5 million. A look at IMDb page view data over the weeks heading up to release, however, shows Poms severely lagging behind Book Club. In fact, it’s pacing closer to STX’s release of Second Act, which debuted with $6.5 million last December. By all accounts, our expectations hue to the lower end of the anticipated range and were it not for the fact this was Mother’s Day weekend we would probably be right at $7 million if not a bit lower, but, given the holiday, a performance around $8-9 million seems reasonable. Rounding out the top five we have the moderate release of Fox Searchlight’s Tolkien, which will launch in nearly 1,500 locations after premiering on Tuesday with a Fathom event hosted by Stephen Colbert, which included stars Lily Collins and Nicholas Hoult. The late decision for a wide release would lead one to believe the studio is trying to front load opening weekend in light of the so-so reviews, which don’t encourage great word of mouth and the Fathom event was a great way to quickly get word out on the film’s release in a short amount of time with those grosses set to be rolled into Friday’s number. In terms of a forecast, we’ve been looking at films such as The Light Between Oceans ($4.8m opening) and The Glass Castle ($4.7m opening) as comps as well as Searchlight’s own The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel ($8.5m opening) and have come to expect a debut for Tolkien around $6 million for the weekend. In limited release this weekend, Fox International will debut Student of the Year 2 in 190 theaters; IFC will open Charlie Says in 35 locations; Neon’s Biggest Little Farm opens in five theaters; and Sony Classics will open All is True in four theaters. This weekend’s forecast is directly below. This post will be updated on Friday morning with Thursday night preview results followed by Friday estimates on Saturday morning, and a complete weekend recap on Sunday morning. Avengers: Endgame (4,662 theaters) – $73.0 M Pokemon Detective Pikachu (4,202 theaters) – $60.0 M The Hustle (3,007 theaters) – $12.0 M Poms (2,750 theaters) – $8.5 M Tolkien (1,495 theaters) – $6.0 M Uglydolls (3,652 theaters) – $5.5 M Long Shot (3,232 theaters) – $5.5 M The Intruder (2,222 theaters) – $5.3 M Breakthrough (1,902 theaters) – $2.3 M Captain Marvel (1,504 theaters) – $2.3 M Discuss this story with fellow Box Office Mojo fans on Facebook. On Twitter, follow us at @boxofficemojo. Story first appeared at boxofficemojo.com The Boys: Season Two? Aya Cash (You’re the Worst) in Talks to Join Amazon Series BARBADOS TODAY EVENING UPDATE 0 July10, 2019 Tropical Storm Barry: Flooded New Orleans braces for likely hurricane Rihanna accused of cultural appropriation over magazine cover US politician insists on chaperone for interview with female reporter	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725779
__label__cc	0.554711	0.445289	Cap-and-trade crossfire intensifies Like that old poem about the blind men describing the elephant, perspectives on cap-and-trade programs to reduce carbon emissions seems to depend a great deal on which part of that bulky animal is being examined. Some analysts are delighted with what they are feeling, while others sense only tusk-sharp trouble Wendy Leavitt \| Nov 04, 2009 Like that old poem about the blind men describing the elephant, perspectives on cap-and-trade programs to reduce carbon emissions seems to depend a great deal on which part of that bulky animal is being examined. Some analysts are delighted with what they are feeling, while others sense only tusk-sharp trouble. According to a new report released this week by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), for example, U.S. consumers will see a net reduction of $13 billion in 2020 and $46 billion in 2030 in their gasoline expenditures ($100 and $326 in average net savings per household, respectively) if Congress moves ahead to impose a cap-and-trade system. ACEEE notes that “the lower gasoline expenditures for U.S. consumers will reflect a combination of two factors – a much lower cost per gallon of gasoline for the impact of cap and trade than is claimed by cap-and-trade critics – and major savings made possible through the federal government’s drive for higher vehicle miles per gallon (MPG) performance.” “You can’t talk about gas price implications of cap and trade without also factoring in the impact of higher MPG standards. The petroleum industry and its allies are sounding the alarm about skyrocketing gasoline prices in the wake of the passage of a strong climate bill,” ACEEE transportation program director, Therese Langer, said. “We could indeed see high gas prices again soon due to unrelated market circumstances. But policies to save energy and reduce emissions are not going to be the cause. In fact, they’re our best protection against that very scenario. “The bottom line is that big increases in car and light truck fuel economy standards and new greenhouse gas emissions standards recently proposed jointly by the Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency will save consumers billions of dollars in fuel expenditures while reducing emissions,” Langer added. The report also notes that, to the extent that policies, technological advances and market forces yield a sizeable population of electric-drive vehicles, a cap-and-trade program for greenhouse gases will prove essential to further reductions in transportation sector emissions. Other efficiency measures for the transportation sector, notably heavy-truck fuel economy increases and policies to reduce the need for motor vehicle travel, can provide additional emissions reductions and fuel savings. But according to another analysis by GOP political strategist Karl Rove, which appeared in Newsweek on the same day, cap and trade would be better named ball and chain, for what he called its potentially “ruinous” impact on the American economy. Instead of seeing financial benefits, Rove sees costs and near-fatal consequences resulting from implementing a cap-and-trade system. Problem number one on Rove’s list is that the pricetag would be huge. “Cap and trade would raise prices for the energy we get from natural gas, coal, and oil. Putting a tax on carbon means that every American who flips a light switch, turns a car key, or buys anything made or shipped in this country will pay more,” Rove contended. “The Treasury Department estimates that the president's cap-and-trade approach would ‘generate federal receipts on the order of $100 [billion] to $200 billion annually’; the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reports that a 15 percent CO2 reduction would cost an average household $1,600 a year. Other experts say the price tag could be much higher.” Other issues Rove cites include that cap and trade amounts to a regressive tax, which would cost the poor more than the rich, and that cap and trade would drive still more jobs away from America to other countries. “It would require a larger, more intrusive government bureaucracy, regulating vast swatches of our economy and diminishing innovation, flexibility, and enterprise. Businesses would reduce their cap-and-trade costs by moving jobs to countries without a tax on carbon or a cap on greenhouse emissions. Inevitably some companies would win at the expense of competitors,” he stated. As the debate over carbon-emissions cap and trade programs heats up, the question remains: Is this the right thing to do? For now, it seems to depend upon what part of the elephant your fingers are considering. Anheuser Busch CARB case settles for $500,000 DOE recognizes Lineage for ‘flywheeling’ energy efficiency Amp Americas sells ampCNG unit to American Natural Gas Diverse group of fleets set to participate in Run On Less Regional	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725780
__label__wiki	0.651555	0.651555	More in Rheumatoid Arthritis What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis? 5 Things a Rheumatologist Wants You to Know About RA Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs --Pros and Cons 9 Secrets Only People Living with RA Know 8 Myths About RA Treatment — Debunked Best Foods to Fight Rheumatoid Arthritis Ease the Morning Stiffness of RA for a Brighter Day Everyday Solutions are created by Everyday Health on behalf of our partners. More Information Content in this special section was created or selected by the Everyday Health editorial team and is funded by an advertising sponsor. The content is subject to Everyday Health’s editorial standards for accuracy, objectivity, and balance. The sponsor does not edit or influence the content but may suggest the general topic area. A New Life: Coping With RA By Dr. Sanjay Gupta There's no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but there are ways to manage its symptoms and avoid serious complications. Brigid Laurito’s life changed forever when she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 33. “I realized that I couldn’t expect my old life when I wasn’t the old me,” said Laurito, who was forced to give up two jobs because of the disease’s debilitating symptoms. “I was frustrated because I no longer had the energy to do everyday things.” Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects 1.3 million people in the United States. A patient’s immune system turns against the joint tissues, causing painful swelling that usually begins in the smaller joints of the hands and feet before spreading to other parts of the body. Besides joint pain and stiffness, symptoms include fatigue, low-grade fever, and weight loss. The disease can cause joint deformity and raises the risk for osteoporosis, lung disease, and heart problems. “When I first started getting symptoms, I was a practicing massage therapist. The job’s physical demands started to take a toll, and I closed my office a year after I opened it,” Laurito recalls. “I still needed an income, so I took some classes and became a pharmacy technician. It became my dream job, but I had to resign after three years. I couldn’t handle standing on my feet all day.” Today, Laurito is a stay-at-home mom and runs an online support group for people with RA. It’s not known what causes RA, though genetics is a likely factor. According to the Mayo Clinic, some people may be more susceptible to certain viruses and bacteria that can trigger the disease. Research suggests there may be a hormonal factor, as women are nearly three times more likely to develop RA than men. Smoking has been shown to also increase the risk of developing RA. The disease typically occurs in women between the ages of 30 and 60, and usually affects men later in life; but it can develop at any time, and as many as 300,000 children suffer from juvenile arthritis. RA is not curable, so it’s important that it be diagnosed early and treated immediately to slow its progression. Philip Kempf, MD, a rheumatologist at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Va., says the majority of joint damage occurs within the first two years of the disease. “With young patients especially, we want to avoid long-term disability,” said Dr. Kempf. “You don’t want someone who gets diagnosed in their 20s to end up with deformed joints, which can happen if you don’t treat it right away.” There’s no single method for diagnosing RA. A doctor will review your family history and look for telltale signs such as warmth and swelling around the joints or lumps under the skin known as rheumatoid nodules. Blood tests can identify elevated levels of antibodies like the rheumatoid factor, and x-rays are performed to determine if there’s been loss of bone or joint cartilage. There are several medications available to treat the inflammation and pain associated with RA, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids such as prednisone. These drugs can cause serious side effects, however, such as liver and kidney damage or heart problems. It’s important to talk to your doctor about what treatment options are best for you based on the severity of your condition. “Once you get the inflammation settled down, you should be able to get back to most of your regular routine,” said Jonathan Samuels, MD, a rheumatologist at the Center for Musculoskeletal Care at NYU Langone Medical Center. “There are plenty of things people can do to stay active and keep their joints flexible.” According to Janice McInnes, a physical therapist in the department of rehabilitation services at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, one of the biggest adjustments RA patients must make is accepting their activity limitations. For Laurito, having RA meant giving up high-impact activities she loved like basketball, softball, and Irish step dancing. “You’ll need to tune into your abilities and make the most of them,” said McInnes. “Learning how to pace yourself for energy conservation is both a science and an art.” Many RA patients benefit from a combination of medication and physical therapy, but knowing when to exercise your joints is critical. “If your fingers and wrists are hurting, avoid gripping and unnecessary pinching,” said McInnes. “But work your shoulders and upper body to keep your posture strong and erect.” Since RA pain is often most intense in the morning, stretching right after waking up can ease some of the discomfort and lessen its duration. “Stretch daily to check the mobility of all your joints and help reduce stiffness,” said McInnes. “Low impact activities such as walking, swimming, bicycling, and canoeing are easier on the joints than more competitive activities such as tennis, soccer, or running.” It’s not clear what role diet may play in managing RA symptoms. “There’s no proven data that a certain diet will change the course of the disease,” said Dr. Samuels. “It’s not like gout where you can eliminate foods that will increase your uric acid levels.” Clement Michet, MD, a rheumatologist and professor from Mayo Clinic, agrees that, “as of now, there is no agreed upon diet for rheumatoid arthritis. But there are some people who do seem to have food sensitivities.” Research has shown that many people with rheumatoid arthritis also have celiac disease, and some RA patients respond positively to a gluten-free diet. RA symptoms may flare up in response to proteins in dairy products, and Dr. Michet points out that the fats in meat are metabolized into pro-inflammatory chemicals in the body. The Arthritis Foundation advises that the antioxidants in fruits and vegetables may help reduce inflammation, and Dr. Kempf stresses the importance of a healthy diet to keep off excess weight and reduce pressure on the joints. “It’s all a delicate balance,” said McInnes. “Staying knowledgeable about your diagnosis is important in knowing how you need to self-manage your condition along with treatments from your physicians and therapists.”	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725783
__label__wiki	0.819944	0.819944	Protecting wildlife has never been so essential in the history of humanity and for the sake of humanity. Human beings are currently causing the greatest mass extinction of species since the extinction of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago at rates 1000 to 10,000 times faster than normal. The 2012 update of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species shows that of the 63,837 species examined worldwide, 19,817 are threatened with extinction - nearly a third of the total, including 41% of amphibian species, 33% of reef building corals, 30% of conifers, 25% of mammals, 13% of birds and one in five plant species. Compared to the natural background rate of one extinction per million species per year, we are now losing 30,000 species per year, or three species per hour, which is faster than new species can evolve. If present trends continue, scientists warn that within a few decades, at least half of all plant and animal species on Earth will be extinct, as a result of climate change, habitat loss, pollution, acidifying oceans, invasive species, over-exploitation of natural resources, overfishing, poaching and human overpopulation. Learn more. "Each one [of the Earth's 5 million invertebrate species] plays a role in its ecosystem. It's like we're tearing the cogs out of a great machine. The machine might work after you tear out ten cogs, but what happens when you tear out a hundred?" ~Scott Black, Xerces Society Why Protect Wildlife? "Keel-billed toucans inhabit tropical forests from Mexico to Venezuela and subsist on a diet of fruits and berries. Poor flyers, toucans move mostly by hopping around trees. Their remarkable bill is lightweight and serves as the perfect tool for reaching small fruits. The bird’s raucous cries and brilliant colors make its presence known throughout the rain forest. Toucans are increasingly threatened by deforestation of their habitat and illegal capture for the wild bird trade." ~WWF Mountain Gorilla Status: Critically Endangered With only around 880 gorillas left in the wild, discover why these animals matter and how you can help! WWF: Mountain Gorilla Discover The Many Actions You Can Take To Help Save Wildlife And The Ecosystems They And We Depend On "To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, that is to have succeeded." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson Adopt an Acre of Tropical Forest For only $15, your donation will allow Conservation International to protect an entire acre of natural habitat for many threatened and endangered species, preserve the livelihoods and incomes of local communities and help curb climate change. Endangered Species Act Legacy Pledge Sign the Endangered Species Act Legacy Pledge to uphold this vital piece of legislation, which was passed in 1973, to halt the rapid loss of plant and animal life. Known as the "crown jewel" of U.S. environmental laws, the ESA has been responsible for saving many species formerly on the brink of extinction. Help Preserve Wildlife Habitats Every day there are fewer places left that wildlife can call home. Protecting and preserving the habitats that wildlife need in order to survive runs parallel to protecting the future of humanity. We depend directly on natural habitats for essential, irreplaceable ecosystem services and on key species, such as pollinators, for countless needs and benefits, but indirectly on all other species for the simple reason that everything, wild or not, connects. Learn about habitat loss. Waste can contaminate surface water, groundwater, soil, and air which causes serious problems for humans, other species and ecosystems. The image above depicts 426,000 cell phones, equal to the number of cell phones retired in the US every day. Image Courtesy of Chris Jordan \| Learn about waste. Protect Elephants from Poaching Elephants may become locally extinct in some parts of Africa within 50 years. More than 12,000 elephants are poached each year, mostly in Central Africa. Image Credit: Flickr user: sarahemcc Green living is about discovering the many creative, compassionate, economical, smart and sustainable actions you can blend into your everyday life or add to your list of goals in order to help sustain the systems that sustain us and give future generations of all life a brighter welcome into this world. Image: iStockphoto WWF: Be a Souvenir Sleuth! Discover Your Inner Animal! Take WWF's quiz and answer 8 fun questions about your personality and interests to discover the one animal that you relate to most. This will automatically sign you up to receive the latest wildlife email news, alerts and conservation updates sent to your inbox, including WWF's E-newsletter. Send an e-Postcard to a Tiger Ranger "Often considered the unsung heroes of tiger conservation, rangers work tirelessly under harsh conditions on the frontlines to protect and conserve wild tigers." Image Credit: William Warby/Flickr user: wwarby Host a 'Call of Life' Screening The Call of Life DVD is available for home and community screenings, and for classroom use to help raise greater public awareness about the growing threats to species and ecosystems worldwide, and to encourage action to reverse this destructive trend. The DVD includes two versions of the film -- 60 and 80 minutes in length. Create a Certified Wildlife Habitat "Whether you have an apartment balcony or a 20-acre farm, you can create a garden that attracts beautiful wildlife and helps restore habitat in commercial and residential areas. By providing food, water, cover and a place for wildlife to raise their young you not only help wildlife, but you also qualify to become an official Certified Wildlife Habitat." Visit a National Wildlife Refuge These protected lands provide habitat to many native wildlife, birds, fish and plants. One of the best ways to protect endangered species is to protect the places where they live and you can help by simply visiting or even volunteering at your local nature center or wildlife refuge. Report Illegal Harassment or Shootings Report any harassment or shooting of threatened or endangered species to your local, state or federal wildlife enforcement office. Harassing wildlife is cruel and illegal. Shooting, trapping, or forcing a threatened or endangered animal into captivity is also illegal and can lead to their extinction. Slow Down When Driving One of the biggest obstacles and dangers to wildlife living in developed areas is having to navigate a landscape full of human hazards, such as roads. Roads divide habitats and present a constant danger to any animal attempting to cross from one side to the other. This is also a hazard to humans as 130 people are killed across the U.S. by deer, almost exclusively because we hit them with our cars. Be wary, slow down and keep an eye out for wildlife and yourself! Plant a Pollinator Friendly Habitat Explore free pollinator friendly planting guides and discover how to invite pollinators, such as butterflies, hummingbirds and bees, to your neighborhood by planting a pollinator friendly habitat in your garden, farm, school, park or just about anywhere! Learn about pollinator decline. Help Save Big Cats - Cause An Uproar! Visit the National Geographic Big Cats Initiative to see what you can do to help save these iconic species from extinction. From lions in Kenya to snow leopards in the Himalaya, the big cats of the world need help. Lions, tigers, cheetahs, leopards, jaguars, and other top felines are quickly disappearing, all victims of habitat loss and degradation as well as conflicts with humans. Image courtesy of Plastic Pollution Coalition Plastics do not biodegrade. They actually resist biodegradation, but will eventually break down into small particles from exposure to the elements, sunlight and especially seawater. These small particles resemble food to marine life and the results are tragic and come back to us in the form of toxic food, the environment in the form of toxic degradation and to wildlife in the form of toxic death. Learn about plastic pollution. Live Blue! Oceans may seem vast and endless, but human activity is impacting every part of our waters, putting the health of the oceans in jeopardy and collectively destroying five times more species in the oceans than on land with already 90% of all top marine predators gone. Learn about oceans in peril. Beyond Fossil Fuels With unlimited resources and near zero pollution, renewable resources, such as solar and wind power, create electricity by harnessing the power of natural cycles and systems turning the omnipresent energy around us into usable, sustainable forms while producing little or no pollution, reducing global warming emissions to almost zero, maintaining a strong, sustainable green economy, attaining energy independence, using up to 15 times less water than coal and nuclear power and allowing the health of people, wildlife and ecosystems to recover after hundreds of years of extracting and burning fossil fuels. Join WWF and Stop Wildlife Crime "In 50 years of conservation, we have never seen wildlife crime on such a scale. Wildlife crime is now the most urgent threat to three of the world’s best-loved species—elephants, rhinos and tigers." Learn about poaching. Explore WWF's "Buyer Beware" Guide WWF helps you be a conscious consumer and guides you to products that do not promote wildlife slaughter. Whether you go around the corner or travel around the globe, you could stumble upon products made from endangered or threatened wildlife. Click and educate yourself on how to prevent that! Support the Global Conservation Act Be the voice of those who have no voice and tell your members of Congress to support the Global Conservation Act and the important species and places it will help protect. Through making U.S. efforts more effective, the Global Conservation Act can help safeguard freshwater supplies for hundreds of millions of people, conserve or ensure sustainable development on millions of square miles of land and sea, and help prevent the extinction of millions of species. Protect Forests from Illegal Logging Protecting forests from illegal deforestation is critical to saving some of the most important species and places on the planet and for curbing climate change. Discover the Species Most In Need Discover the threatened species who need extended conservation and whose survival cannot be guaranteed by protecting their habitat alone. Help Save the Amazon Not motivated? Learn about the importance, status and plight of rainforests. Become a BioGems Defender NRDC's BioGems Initiatives' citizen action network is saving America's last wild places by harnessing the power of online citizen activism to help save America's most endangered natural treasures. Place Decals on Windows Place decals on windows to deter bird collisions According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, up to 1 billion birds may be killed annually by colliding with windows. You can help reduce the number of collisions simply by placing decals on the windows in your home and office. Help Stop Invasive Species "Invasive species damage the lands and waters that native plants and animals need to survive. They hurt economies and threaten human well-being. The estimated damage from invasive species worldwide totals more than $1.4 trillion – five percent of the global economy." Adopt Your Favorite Animal With WWF's Species Adoption, your gift will help protect the future of nature. Your symbolic adoption supports WWF's global efforts to protect wild animals and their habitats and includes an adoption kit customized to the animal of your choosing! It is only natural that wherever trees are planted, wildlife and other plants are sure to follow. Trees provide shelter and food for a variety of birds and small animals, such as squirrels and beavers, create an environment that allows the growth of plants that otherwise would not be there, help absorb climate change emissions and can improve your health, community and even real estate value. Learn about the benefits of trees. Reduce Environmental Pollution One of the greatest problems that the world is facing today is that of environmental pollution, which is causing grave and irreparable damage to human society and the natural world. A polluted environment is a polluted society - one we created and one only we can renew. Learn about pollution. The effects of climate change are profound and far-reaching. Learning the hard way that we can't separate the economy from the ecological systems that support it, climate change, perhaps the greatest challenge and threat humanity has ever faced, has been left largely unchecked by world leaders to continue unabated threatening the basis of civilization itself. Learn about climate change. Help End The Nuclear Age Nuclear technology will always be vulnerable to natural disasters, human error, design failures and terrorist attacks and is incredibly expensive and inherently unsafe as it can lead to irreparable damage to ecosystems, wildlife, and humans. Learn about nuclear power. Help Save the Rhino Rhinos once roamed freely across Europe, Asia and Africa and were known by early Europeans who depicted them in cave paintings. Today, very few rhinos survive outside national parks and reserves. Rhinos are threatened by poaching due to the demand for their horns, habitat loss, a result of human populations encroaching on the land and the destruction of forests. Discover Sustainable Holiday Shopping Whether avoiding snakeskin, tiger or ivory products, discover the 'Gift Buying Dos and Don't' to help you avoid certain items and learn to carefully source your presents to avoid having a detrimental impact on the planet's natural resources and on the lives of countless wildlife. Save a Mile of Ocean Help Save the Arctic "Sign the petition to join the millions who believe in protecting the Arctic. We want to create a global sanctuary around the North Pole, and ban offshore drilling and destructive industry in the Arctic." Protect Whales from Military Sonar "The use of military sonar poses a deadly threat to whales and other marine mammals." Adopt a Wildlife Acre "Through NWF’s Adopt-a-Wildlife-Acre program, we’ve secured over 620,000 acres of vital wildlife habitat in the Yellowstone and Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge (CMR) regions. No conflict. No confrontation. Just a track record of success. And now, we’re launching a brand new campaign to restore wild free-ranging bison to their native grassland habitat!" Minimize Your Use of Pesticides Herbicides and pesticides may be helpful in maintaining yards, but they are in fact hazardous pollutants that take a long time to degrade and affect wildlife and people by building up in the soils and throughout the food chain. According to ESC, predators such as hawks, owls and coyotes can be harmed if they eat poisoned animals and some groups of animals, such as amphibians, are particularly vulnerable to these chemical pollutants and suffer greatly as a result of the high levels of herbicides and pesticides in their habitat. Learn about pesticides. Visit a National Park By visiting a national park, you will not only experience the beauty, adventure and diversity of nature, but your visit will contribute to the conservation of the park. National parks provide some of the best, and sadly some of the last, remaining habitats for countless species with one-third of endangered and threatened species in the U.S. being found within park boundaries. Top 37 U.S. National Parks To Visit Before You Die Take the Pledge to Save Honeybees According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), "Out of some 100 crop species which provide 90% of food worldwide, 71 of these are bee-pollinated. In Europe alone, 84% of the 264 crop species are animal-pollinated and 4,000 vegetable varieties exist thanks to pollination by bees. The production value of one tonne of pollinator-dependent crop is approximately five times higher than one of those crop categories that do not depend on insects." Learn about pollinator decline. "We are currently losing species at an alarming rate. One every 20 minutes. The modern era has had the largest number of species lost in a single generation. Species are threatened by a number of factors, including habitat destruction, the illegal wildlife trade and climate change." ~ Conservation International U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services: What You Can Do to Help Wildlife and Plants Be The Voice For Those Who Have No Voice by Exploring, Joining and Supporting these Organizations Working to Save Threatened and Endangered Species and Preserve the Ecological Foundations of Life The Nature Conservancy - "The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. We address the most pressing conservation threats at the largest scale." World Wildlife Fund - WWF's Mission Statement is "To stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption." Natural Resources Defense Council - "NRDC is the nation's most effective environmental action group, combining the grassroots power of 1.3 million members and online activists with the courtroom clout and expertise of more than 350 lawyers, scientists and other professionals." Oceana - "Oceana, founded in 2001, is the largest international organization focused solely on ocean conservation. Our offices in North America, South America and Europe work together on a limited number of strategic, directed campaigns to achieve measurable outcomes that will help return our oceans to former levels of abundance. We believe in the importance of science in identifying problems and solutions. Our scientists work closely with our teams of economists, lawyers and advocates to achieve tangible results for the oceans." Wildlife Conservation Society - "The Wildlife Conservation Society, founded in 1895, has the clear mission to save wildlife and wild places across the globe. Our story began in the early 1900’s when we successfully helped the American bison recover on the Western Plains. Today, we protect many of the world’s iconic creatures here and abroad, including gorillas in the Congo, tigers in India, wolverines in the Yellowstone Rockies, and ocean giants in our world’s amazing seascapes." National Wildlife Federation - "As America's largest conservation organization, National Wildlife Federation works with more than 4 million members, partners and supporters in communities across the country to inspire Americans to protect wildlife for our children's future." Defenders of Wildlife - "For more than six decades, Defenders of Wildlife has been a leading force in the protection of wildlife and wild lands. We employ innovative, science-based approaches to protect imperiled wildlife, advocate for wildlife friendly climate and renewable energy policies and conserve and restore native habitat." Wildlife Action Group International - "The Wildlife Action Group International was established in 2007 by Susanne Kneissl and Georg Kloeble, who have both been involved in nature conservation projects in Malawi, Africa since 1994 and starting off the Thuma Eco-System Rehabilitation Project in Malawi. The charity, registered in Germany, is focusing on animal welfare and the protection and conservation of endangered animals and their natural habitats." Species Alliance - "Species Alliance is a nonprofit organization committed to raising public awareness of the mass extinction and its implications for humanity and the rest of the living world. We are dedicated to exploring and facilitating creative and effective responses. We aim to stimulate changes in public policies and human behavior which will assure a healthy future for life on Earth." Sierra Club - "Since 1892, the Sierra Club has been working to protect communities, wild places, and the planet itself. We are the largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization in the United States. And our founder, John Muir, appears on the back of the California quarter." Royal Society for the Protection of Birds - "The RSPB speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment. We are the largest wildlife conservation organisation in Europe with over one million members. Wildlife and the environment face many threats. Our work is focussed on the species and habitats that are in the greatest danger." International Crane Foundation - "The International Crane Foundation (ICF) works worldwide to conserve cranes and the ecosystems, watersheds and flyways on which they depend. ICF is dedicated to providing experience, knowledge, and inspiration to involve people in resolving threats to these ecosystems." Conservation International - "Building upon a strong foundation of science, partnership and field demonstration, CI empowers societies to responsibly and sustainably care for nature, our global biodiversity, for the well-being of humanity." Greenpeace International - "Greenpeace exists because this fragile earth deserves a voice. It needs solutions. It needs change. It needs action. Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace." Save The Frogs - "Founded in 2008, SAVE THE FROGS! is America's first and only public charity dedicated to amphibian conservation. Our mission is to protect amphibian populations and to promote a society that respects and appreciates nature and wildlife. We work in California, across the USA, and around the world to prevent the extinction of amphibians, and to create a better planet for humans and wildlife. SAVE THE FROGS! is an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) organization." National Parks Conservation Society - "To protect and enhance America's National Parks for present and future generations. America's national parks are the touchstones of our shared history and culture. In some ways, they represent the soul of the nation. They represent our hopes, our dreams, our struggles. They are our absolute best places." Wildlife Conservation Network - "WCN protects endangered species and preserves their natural habitats by supporting entrepreneurial conservationists who pursue innovative strategies for people and wildlife to co-exist and thrive." The National Audubon Society - "To conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity." Center for Biological Diversity - "The Center for Biological Diversity works through science, law and creative media to secure a future for all species, great or small, hovering on the brink of extinction." Endangered Species Coalition - "The Endangered Species Coalition is a national network of hundreds of conservation, scientific, education, religious, sporting, outdoor recreation, business and community organizations working to protect our nation’s disappearing wildlife and last remaining wild places." The investments needed to save threatened and endangered species is a mere fraction of consumer spending on soft drinks. Learn more \| See also \| View study WWF: Tiger Infographic - Losing Our Stripes World Wildlife Fund: Buyer Beware Brochure	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725784
__label__wiki	0.897713	0.897713	<img alt="dcsimg" id="dcsimg" width="1" height="1" src="//www.qsstats.com/dcs0hqs4610000ou3mn7tu0uc_5l6j/njs.gif?dcsuri=/mobile/google-and-uber-reportedly-on-a-collision-course&dcsipa=1&WT.js=No&WT.tv=10.4.1&dcssip=www.eweek.com&WT.qs_dlk=XS4WqQrIhEIAAD-F1DcAAAEV&"> Google and Uber Reportedly on a Collision Course By: Jaikumar Vijayan \| February 03, 2015 While Uber is eyeing autonomous vehicles, Google may be mulling a ridesharing service, reports say. A close partnership between Google and ridesharing service Uber may be coming apart at the seams, with both companies apparently launching ventures that could put them in direct competition with each other. Google, a major investor in Uber, is reportedly planning to launch a ridesharing service of its own while the latter has embarked on an autonomous car initiative rivaling Google's own efforts in this space. Bloomberg Business on Feb. 2 reported that Google is preparing to launch an Uber-like car-hailing service that would work in conjunction with the company's self-driving car initiative. Google's vision apparently is one day to have its autonomous cars "patrolling neighborhoods to pick up and drop off passengers" in a manner similar to Uber, according to Bloomberg, which quoted unnamed sources it said were close to the company's plans. Google's Chief Legal Officer David Drummond, who is a member of Uber's board of directors, has informed the ridesharing service about the company's plans, Bloomberg reported. It added that Uber executives have seen screenshots of a Google ridesharing application that is already being used by Google employees. Google did not confirm or deny Bloomberg's report. In response to a request for comment, a member of Google's press team instead pointed, somewhat puzzlingly, to a Google tweet that read: "We think you'll find Uber and Lyft work quite well. We use them all the time." Uber meanwhile on Feb. 2 announced plans to work on autonomous vehicle technology under a strategic partnership with Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). Uber and CMU have established an Uber Advanced Technologies Center near CMU's campus in Pittsburgh to do research and development work in mapping, vehicle safety and autonomy technology. "As a global leader in urban transportation, we have the unique opportunity to invest in leading-edge technologies to enable the safe and efficient movement of people and things at giant scale," Uber Chief Product Officer Jeff Holden said in a statement announcing the partnership. The new technology center represents a strategic investment in Uber's future, Holden said in what some saw as a signal of the company's intention to enter the self-driving vehicle space in direct competition to Google's autonomous vehicle efforts. It's too soon to say how these moves will impact the existing relationship between the two companies. According to The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg's story about Google's plans to launch an Uber-like service may have overstated the company's intentions. The screenshot of Google's ridesharing application that Bloomberg referenced in its report is actually just an internal carpooling application that Google employees use, according to The Journal. Even if that were the case, Uber's autonomous vehicle effort would still put it at odds with Google, which along with TPG Capital, invested $258 million in the company in 2013. At that time, Uber said the money would be used to expand into new markets and to boost its rider and driver acquisition efforts. Uber has one of the highest market valuations for any private company backed by venture capitalists. As of last December, the company was valued at just over $41 billion, a figure that makes it more valuable than 72 percent of Fortune 500 firms. Leaked documents obtained by Business Insider last year showed the company on track to generate $1.5 billion to $2 billion in revenues in 2014. Previous ARM Unveils New Chip for Smartphones in 2016 Next Sprint, Amazon Consider Acquisition of Radio Shack... Jaikumar Vijayan Vijayan is an award-winning independent journalist and tech content creation specialist covering data security and privacy, business intelligence, big data and data analytics.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725785
__label__wiki	0.799425	0.799425	Growing Campus Offers Variety of Grounds Challenges From hardscapes and sustainability to staffing and wetlands, Broward College presents an evolving list of priorities By Dan Hounsell, Editor-in-Chief Grounds Management OTHER PARTS OF THIS ARTICLEPt. 1: This PagePt. 2: College Ensures Grounds Management Efforts Are SustainablePt. 3: Grounds Management: Hardscape's Effect on Equipment SpecificationPt. 4: PGMS: Digging Into Assessments Urban and aquatic. In-house and outsourced. Hardscapes and Ornamental Peanut. Ask Laura Ozment about grounds management at Broward College, and get ready to hear about a job that has to contend with both ends of several different spectrums. For starters, Broward’s three main campuses and seven satellite campuses are located around the Fort Lauderdale, Fla., metropolitan area. “It’s predominantly urban, and with the number of students on campus, it can be very busy,” says Ozment, Broward’s collegewide manager of landscape and grounds maintenance. “One of our challenges is that the campus is open from about 7 in the morning until 10 at night, so it’s sometimes tough to access parking lots, for example, or interior parts of the campus with equipment, keeping in mind the safety of the students, of course. It can be difficult to schedule activities so that they are minimally invasive to our campus users.” On the other end of the spectrum, the campus also has aquatic elements. “We have 15 acres of wetlands, and we have another 15 acres of open water lakes that are not necessarily designated as natural areas,” she says. “They’re for stormwater retention and aesthetics.” Addressing urban and aquatic environments is just the start of the daily balancing act for Ozment, who has been in the commercial horticulture industry for more than 30 years, 28 of them with Broward College, where she started as a landscape specialist and worked up through the ranks into my current position. She also has to balance staffing considerations among the campuses, which contain a total of 350 acres. “We have 21 in-house staff who are responsible for the main campuses,” she says. The in-house staff takes care of the three main campuses and perform occasional duties on the satellite campuses. But the satellite campuses are maintained by outside contractors. “Also, in some cases, we’re in partnership with other institutions, such as Broward County Public Schools and Florida Atlantic University. They may have responsibilities on some of those locations.” The diverse nature of the college’s campuses also affects the department’s staffing arrangements. “About 15 acres are designated wetlands, which requires a different maintenance strategy,” she says. “We do use outside contractors for management of invasive aquatic trees and things like that. We recently embarked on an eradication of an invasive tree we have here, the Australian pine. That was a big project we’ve done in the last two years.” As is common in many higher education, expansion is constant, which means demands on Ozment and her team are expanding and evolving. “We’re in a very active growth mode,” she says. “The college is adding and remodeling buildings, and naturally that affects the landscapes. Often, when we add a new building, the landscape might be quite elaborate, depending on the prominence of the building. So we’re constantly having to refine our maintenance practices to maintain that high standard of care.” With limited resources, the department still has to find ways to keep up with the growing demands to keep facilities and landscapes looking their best. “We’re always looking for ways to be more efficient,” Ozment says. “In the past, we would trim hedges by hand and do things at a very high horticultural standard, so in some ways, we’ve had to commercialize a little bit more in order to keep up with the demand. We don’t have the luxury of doing everything the way we would like to. “We always want more staff. We have eight to ten people on the central campus, and it’s quite a challenge to do the routine maintenance, as well as a lot of special requests to do small projects and landscape installations, such as supplying interiorscape plants.” The year-round nature of grounds care, coupled with the unique climate of South Florida, also present Ozment with challenges related to staffing and priorities. “It’s a logistics challenge to get all this stuff done with the staff we have,” she says. “For example, the athletic facilities all have windscreens that need to be rolled up before hurricane season and brought back down at the end of the hurricane season. That takes my staff about a week. Every time we have to do that. It’s a little bit of a setback, but we always get caught up. “It’s crunch time in the summer, and with all the rain we get, that puts us behind sometimes, too. Overall, we have adequate staff, but it’s a challenge to keep everyone going doing things the most efficient way.” Continue Reading: Grounds Management College Ensures Grounds Management Efforts Are Sustainable Grounds Management: Hardscape's Effect on Equipment Specification PGMS: Digging Into Assessments	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725787
__label__cc	0.708202	0.291798	Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Guidance for Industry on Registration of Human Drug Compounding Outsourcing Facilities Under Section 503B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act A Notice by the Food and Drug Administration on 06/20/2017 Submit either electronic or written comments on the collection of information by August 21, 2017. Comments Close: Docket No. FDA-2013-N-1429 Enhanced Content Relevant information about this document from Regulations.gov provides additional context. This information is not part of the official Federal Register document. FDA-2013-N-1429 Public Comments: Written/Paper Submissions Guidance for Industry on Registration of Human Drug Compounding Outsourcing Facilities Under Section 503B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act: OMB Control Number 0910-0777—Extension Read the 9 public comments on this document Food and Drug Administration, HHS. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the Agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Federal Agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, and to allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on the information collection in the guidance on registration of human drug compounding outsourcing facilities under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the FD&C Act). You may submit comments as follows. Please note that late, untimely filed comments will not be considered. Electronic comments must be submitted on or before August 21, 2017. The https://www.regulations.gov electronic filing system will accept comments until midnight Eastern Time at the end of August 21, 2017. Comments received by mail/hand delivery/courier (for written/paper submissions) will be considered timely if they are postmarked or the delivery service acceptance receipt is on or before that date. Submit electronic comments in the following way: Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Comments submitted electronically, including attachments, to https://www.regulations.gov will be posted to the docket unchanged. Because your comment will be made public, you are Start Printed Page 28077solely responsible for ensuring that your comment does not include any confidential information that you or a third party may not wish to be posted, such as medical information, your or anyone else's Social Security number, or confidential business information, such as a manufacturing process. Please note that if you include your name, contact information, or other information that identifies you in the body of your comments, that information will be posted on https://www.regulations.gov. If you want to submit a comment with confidential information that you do not wish to be made available to the public, submit the comment as a written/paper submission and in the manner detailed (see “Written/Paper Submissions” and “Instructions”). Submit written/paper submissions as follows: Mail/Hand delivery/Courier (for written/paper submissions): Dockets Management Staff (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. For written/paper comments submitted to the Dockets Management Staff, FDA will post your comment, as well as any attachments, except for information submitted, marked and identified, as confidential, if submitted as detailed in “Instructions.” Instructions: All submissions received must include the Docket No. FDA-2013-N 1429 for “Guidance for Industry on Registration of Human Drug Compounding Outsourcing Facilities Under Section 503B of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.” Received comments, those filed in a timely manner (see ADDRESSES), will be placed in the docket and, except for those submitted as “Confidential Submissions,” publicly viewable at https://www.regulations.gov or at the Dockets Management Staff between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Confidential Submissions—To submit a comment with confidential information that you do not wish to be made publicly available, submit your comments only as a written/paper submission. You should submit two copies total. One copy will include the information you claim to be confidential with a heading or cover note that states “THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.” The Agency will review this copy, including the claimed confidential information, in its consideration of comments. The second copy, which will have the claimed confidential information redacted/blacked out, will be available for public viewing and posted on https://www.regulations.gov. Submit both copies to the Dockets Management Staff. If you do not wish your name and contact information to be made publicly available, you can provide this information on the cover sheet and not in the body of your comments and you must identify this information as “confidential.” Any information marked as “confidential” will not be disclosed except in accordance with 21 CFR 10.20 and other applicable disclosure law. For more information about FDA's posting of comments to public dockets, see 80 FR 56469, September 18, 2015, or access the information at: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2015-09-18/pdf/2015-23389.pdf. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or the electronic and written/paper comments received, go to https://www.regulations.gov and insert the docket number, found in brackets in the heading of this document, into the “Search” box and follow the prompts and/or go to the Dockets Management Staff, 5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. Domini Bean, Office of Operations, Food and Drug Administration, Three White Flint North 10A63, 11601 Landsdown St., North Bethesda, MD 20852, 301-796-5733, PRAStaff@fda.hhs.gov. Under the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), Federal Agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. “Collection of information” is defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR 1320.3(c) and includes Agency requests or requirements that members of the public submit reports, keep records, or provide information to a third party. Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)) requires Federal Agencies to provide a 60-day notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, before submitting the collection to OMB for approval. To comply with this requirement, FDA is publishing notice of the proposed collection of information set forth in this document. With respect to the following collection of information, FDA invites comments on these topics: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of FDA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of FDA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques, when appropriate, and other forms of information technology. A facility that compounds drugs may elect to register with FDA as an outsourcing facility under section 503B of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 353b), as added by the Drug Quality and Security Act (DQSA). Drug products compounded in a registered outsourcing facility can qualify for exemptions from the FDA approval requirements in section 505 of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 355), the requirement to label products with adequate directions for use under section 502(f)(1) of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 352(f)(1)), and drug supply chain security requirements in section 582 of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 360eee) if the requirements in section 503B are met. After the initial registration, under section 503B(b) of the FD&C Act, a facility that elects to register with FDA as an outsourcing facility must also do so annually between October 1 and December 31. Upon registration, the outsourcing facility must provide its name, place of business, a unique facility identifier, and a point of contact email address. The outsourcing facility must also indicate whether it intends to compound, within the next calendar year, a drug that appears on FDA's drug shortage list in effect under section 506E of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 356e), and whether it compounds from bulk drug substances, and, if so, whether it compounds sterile or non-sterile drugs from bulk drug substances. Outsourcing facilities that elect to register should submit the following registration information to FDA for each facility: Name of the facility; Place of business; Unique facility identifier; Point of contact email address and phone number; Whether the facility intends to compound drugs that appear on FDA's drug shortage list in effect under section 506E of the FD&C Act; andStart Printed Page 28078 An indication of whether the facility compounds from bulk drug substances, and if so, whether it compounds sterile or nonsterile drugs from bulk drug substances. Registration information should be submitted to FDA electronically using the Structured Product Labeling (SPL) format and in accordance with section IV of the FDA guidance entitled “Providing Regulatory Submissions in Electronic Format—Drug Establishment Registration and Drug Listing.” Under the final guidance, outsourcing facilities may request a waiver from the SPL electronic submission process by submitting a written request to FDA explaining why the use of electronic means is not reasonable. This information collection supports the Agency guidance discussed above. We estimate that approximately 62 outsourcing facilities (“number of respondents” and “total annual responses” in table 1, row 1) will annually submit to FDA registration information using the SPL format as specified in the guidance, and that preparing and submitting this information will take approximately 4.5 hours per registrant (“average burden per response” in table 1, row 1). We expect to receive no more than one waiver request from the electronic submission process annually (“number of respondents” and “total annual responses” in table 1, row 2), and that each request should take approximately 1 hour to prepare and submit to us (“average burden per response” in table 1, row 2). FDA estimates the burden of this collection of information as follows: Table 1—Estimated Annual Reporting Burden 1 Compounding outsourcing facility Number of responses per respondent Total annual responses Average burden per response Total hours Electronic Submission of Registration Information Using SPL Format 62 1 62 4.5 279 Waiver Request From Electronic Submission of Registration Information 1 1 1 1 1 1 There are no capital costs or operating and maintenance costs associated with this collection of information. Start Signature Dated: June 15, 2017. Anna K. Abram, Deputy Commissioner for Policy, Planning Legislation, and Analysis.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725788
__label__cc	0.579998	0.420002	Home>Commentary Afternoon Market Recap for July 16, 2019 Can American agriculture stand together? Is it possible that this independent spirit of American agriculture also has a downside when it comes to telling our story? Randy Krotz \| Sep 08, 2017 There are real threats to farming and ranching in America. Many well-funded forces want to drive as much animal agriculture out of business as possible - and with it, row crop production throughout our heartland. There are those who want consumers to turn their backs on the science and technology that improves food production because they are afraid of the unfamiliar, because "it isn't the way our grandparents farmed." This jaded view of agriculture, this unacquainted and cynical view of our farms and ranches has become mainstream. Perpetual and growing voices accuse farmers of harming the environment, and use half-truths and sensationalism to spread fear. Notably, there are food companies making decisions counter to what is best for our land, our animals, our society because of activist pressures. And yet, our strong and independent farming and ranching families work hard every day to evolve. We adapt and strive for improvement, especially when it comes to sustainability and animal care. We put science first and look to the future, not the past. Yet, as the backbone of our rural communities, we are often misunderstood, stereotyped and disadvantaged by distance from food concerned populations and urban media. American farmers are fiercely independent. It is what makes us competitive and strong. We are entrepreneurs and small business owners who manage through thin profit margins and unpredictability. Our land, and in some cases our farm animals, are vulnerable to Mother Nature and we oftentimes find ourselves at her mercy. Our hearts and prayers are with those in Texas that are currently experiencing such catastrophic effects from the weather. But is it possible that this independent spirit also has a downside when it comes to telling our story? Do we splinter because we want to "do it our way" even when that means fewer resources to defend our practices and fight for the right to use technology? We seem hesitant to raise our voices together, as one. There are currently dozens of separate efforts to "inform and educate" the public about farming and build trust in American agriculture. Many of these programs are smart. But most struggle to be properly funded, especially during a downturn in commodity prices. However, those organizations that demonize modern agricultural practices are not splintered in their well-organized efforts. Agriculture would be well-served to join arms and combine our resources. U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA)® was created by farm, commodity and agri-business groups with the purpose of rebuilding consumer trust in American agriculture. Trust is the cornerstone of consumer purchase decisions, and trust allows farmers and ranchers to produce food in a manner that is environmentally sustainable, while utilizing SMART and modern production practices. We speak to consumers through the voice of our farmers and ranchers from across the country. Duplicating this effort as a partner enhances our core program's effectiveness; duplicating it as a separate entity may drastically diminish it. USFRA strives to represent all aspects of farming and ranching. We don't promote one commodity over another. We believe in diversity of production methods - but also science and technology. Our goal is to earn the trust of the American public for all of agriculture. In many ways, we are defending the rights of farmers and ranchers to exist in America. Again, those out to destroy American agriculture are well coordinated, well resourced, and close to urban populations and media. As Henry Ford once said, "Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success." Let us work to combine resources. Let us stand as one to tell our story. A few minutes with USDA's Dr. Mindy Brashears: The most important woman in food safety NYC Meatless Monday initiative misfocused Single food safety agency: It's deja vu all over again Will it be HIMP for hogs, or will DeLauro defeat it?	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725789
__label__wiki	0.833024	0.833024	How AT&T Makes Most of Its Money AT&T is looking to diversify, but most of its money still comes from wireless services. Adam Levy (TMFnCaffeine) Apr 27, 2017 at 11:38AM Follow @@admlvy Nearly 80 million people get wireless phone service through AT&T (NYSE:T). It's an absolute giant in the industry, but it's been diversifying away from wireless for a few years now. It acquired DirecTV in 2015, and it instantly became one of the largest pay-TV providers in the nation. Even after all of that, AT&T still makes most of its money from its mobility division. That revenue is about evenly split between AT&T's consumer customers and its business customers. Here's a more detailed look at how AT&T makes most of its money. Where does all that money come from? During 2016, AT&T Mobility generated $72.9 billion out of AT&T's total revenue of $163.6 billion. Business solutions wireless revenue totaled $39.6 billion, while consumer mobility accounted for $33.2 billion. It's important to note that AT&T is seeing many of its consumer customers migrate to its business plans. Customers may get better rates by opting into their workplace's mobile plans. With the doing away of the device subsidy model, more and more customers are willing to pay for a smartphone upfront and get a lower monthly service bill. But AT&T saw a meaningful slowdown in business solutions postpaid subscribers in the first quarter of this year. It ended the quarter with just 151,000 more subscribers than the previous quarter. In the first quarter last year, the segment added 554,000 total subscribers, including organic net additions as well as migrations from consumer mobility. Meanwhile, consumer mobility branded subscribers fell 277,000, which is only slightly less than the 307,000 it lost during the same period last year. Overall, the impact is a 4.5% decline in mobile revenue from $18 billion in the first quarter last year to $17.2 billion last quarter. Management points to record low upgrade rates as the reason for most of the decline, but service revenue also declined about 1.8% year over year. Diversifying away from mobile AT&T is struggling to keep up with the competition in mobile, and it's exploring ways to diversify its business. As mentioned, it bought DirecTV in 2015, and it agreed to buy Time Warner (NYSE:TWX.DL) late last year. AT&T is still awaiting regulatory approval for the deal. DirecTV gave AT&T a way to decrease its investment in expanding U-Verse television to more households by offering satellite television instead. As a result, U-Verse video subscriptions have declined rapidly since merging with DirecTV. Growth in DirecTV satellite and DirecTV Now, AT&T's over-the-top linear TV service, have mostly offset the declines. The 10 Biggest Texas Stocks Time Warner could help AT&T integrate vertically by providing content for both its television and mobile services. With annual revenue around $30 billion, it would also help propel AT&T's entertainment division to the top spot as the company's biggest money maker. AT&T has already experimented with bundling Time Warner content with its mobile plans. For example, its top-tier unlimited plus plan subscribers get free access to HBO. The catch is, you'll have to go through yet another AT&T service (like the DirecTV Now app) to watch it. The move is designed to make AT&T's service stickier, lowering defectors and increasing net additions to its biggest money maker. While AT&T makes most of its money from wireless service today, the landscape of the company is rapidly changing. Even so, AT&T's acquisitions in television are made with the idea of supporting its core wireless business as it faces intense competition from the rest of the industry. TWX.DL NYSE:TWX.DL AT&T Announces the Name of Its New Streaming Service (and It's Taking "Friends" With It) AT&T Just Revealed Some Key Details About Its Netflix Competitor How AT&T Makes Most of Its Money @themotleyfool #stocks $T $TWX.DL Next Article	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725791
__label__wiki	0.86093	0.86093	Fuze Raised $484M To Take On Skype And WebEx In $100B Market Peter Cohan Contributor The Skype application seen displayed on a Sony smartphone. (Photo by Guillaume Payen/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) When you start a company, your life can be made easier if you're targeting a big market. After all, if you can get 1% of a $10 billion market, you'll have $100 million in revenue which is enough to have a shot at an IPO. But big markets are a double-edge sword -- unless there are high barriers to entry, the market will attract many competitors. And those competitors could make it hard for a startup that lacks a competitive advantage to gain market share rapidly. What's more, if a company has been trying to gain share in that market for over a decade and has yet to go public or be acquired, you might be surprised if it was still able to raise capital. But that's what has happened in the $100 billion market for office communications. The company in question is Boston-based Fuze, founded in 2006, which in May 2018 raised a whopping $150 million in capital -- bringing its total capital raised to $484.4 million. One hint of trouble for the 700-employee firm -- which rented 47,000 square feet in pricey 2 Copley Place in Boston (Class A rent there was about $66/square foot last December, according to NAIHunneman) -- is that its latest fund-raising deal came with a vicious reduction in the company's valuation -- from $765 million during a Spring 2017 raise of $134 million to $400 million this May, according to Pitchbook. CEO since February 2017, Colin Doherty -- who was CEO of Dyn from October 6, 2016 to January 2017 during which time it suffered a distributed denial of service attack two weeks after he joined and was sold to Oracle for $600 million -- does not seem concerned about the drop in valuation. Indeed in an August 21 interview, he said, "There has always been speculation on private company valuations and we have never commented on any of them. Our revenue is over $100 million and we are growing at 40% a year. There is a huge market opportunity and we win the majority of times we compete with Microsoft's Skype, Cisco's WebEx, and Avaya." In addition to competing with these publicly-traded rivals, Fuze also wrestles with Slack and Zoom -- both of which appear to be doing better. After all, on August 21, Slack announced a new $427 million round valuing the company at more than $7.1 billion. With three million paying users, Slack has been able to generate "hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue," according to Quartz. And Zoom -- which Doherty does not view as a competitor since it does not supply telephony and messaging -- was valued at $1 billion in January 2017, when it raised $100 million, according to TechCrunch. Fuze was originally called ThinkingPhones and was cofounded by former CEO Steve Kokinos. As Doherty (who took over after Kokinos) said, "Steve is a serial entrepreneur and I am a serial operator. Steve had the idea that people who were using iPhones in their personal lives wanted to do the same thing at work. He wanted to replace plastic phones with cords. And the product evolved from cloud-based telephony to include video, messaging, and collaboration. I was brought in to establish systems, processes, marketing, sales force, and growth." In my four stages of scaling model, Fuze is entering stage 2 -- which is designing a business model that scales efficiently. According Doherty, "We have 1,700 customers and we are modifying our go-to-market from a direct sales model to a blend of direct sales and partnering with the channel -- which we think will welcome the opportunity to replace high cost hardware with a variable cost service. We are going after a more than $100 billion opportunity -- 400 million knowledge workers who could potentially pay $35/seat/month." Fuze is winning in the enterprise because it offers a more efficient solution. "We are competing with products that cost companies $75 per seat per month and we combined six to 12 enterprise applications into one for $35/seat/month," he said. Doherty hires people who have considerable experience fit with Fuze's culture. "I look for people with the ability to recognize patterns. When they see a familiar problem that can suggest the right solution. I emphasize EQ over IQ -- it's how you use your intelligence and how you collaborate. I want people with a fantastic attitude, high energy, the ability to collaborate to solve problems, and a will to win." Fuze is organized by function. As Doherty explained, "We have a chief sales officer, Chris Doggett, who I hired and is doing an excellent job. He is in charge of sales, sales engineering, customer success, customer deployment, and account cultivation. Our chief marketing officer directs media and public relations, lead generation, partnering, and market outreach; head of engineering and R&D; product management; and G&A functions like IT, finance, HR, and Legal." Fuze's investors have placed a huge wager on Doherty's ability to get them a return. He says, "We have done a lot of work and are looking at the possibility of an IPO in 18 months." If Fuze could go public in 2020 with a valuation in excess of $1 billion, the haircut it took last May will benefit investors who supplied its latest $150 million. Meanwhile, there's no need for Microsoft or Cisco shareholders to be quaking in their boots about Fuze's success. Peter Cohan I ditched corporate America in 1994 and started a management consulting and venture capital firm (http://petercohan.com). I began following stocks in 1981 when I was in ...	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725792
__label__wiki	0.936332	0.936332	Digital Storytelling Tips for Entrepreneurs By Kate Rogers Published September 03, 2013 ColumnsFOXBusiness ‘Digital Breadcrumbs’ for Business Growth FOXBusiness.com’s Kate Rogers with TBWA Chief Diversity Officer Doug Melville on getting more women and minority-owned businesses into the world of entrepreneurship, and his ‘digital breadcrumbs’ branding strategy. It’s not often Madison Avenue intersects with Main Street, but Doug Melville is aiming to bring the two together to spark growth. The TBWA chief diversity officer says he is on a mission to help women and minority-owned businesses thrive. Melville, a serial entrepreneur himself, is working to bring more small companies into advertising giant TBWA’s supply chain. Melville has seen firsthand how major companies like McDonald’s (NYSE: MCD) and Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) get branding right. But he says one of the most common mistakes smaller companies make early on is trying to do too much. “I think a lot of people try to do everything for everybody, when they should really just focus on one thing,” he says. “And be great at that one thing, and then build ancillary products and projects around that one thing.” Getting branding and storytelling right from the start can fast-track company development, Melville says. As chief diversity officer, he has developed “Digital Breadcrumbs,” an A-through-H digital strategy for small businesses. Here is the breakdown: A: Attend Events. Despite the endless ways to communicate with your audience today, Melville says in-person still trumps them all. “You have to get out there and attend events—show your face,” he says. “A lot of times it’s the same people showing up, too.” This will help to expand your network, he says. B: Blog. After you attend an event, or branch out into a new venture with your company, be sure to blog about it, he says. “Google looks at your freshness factor online, and blogging it’s a great way to keep your freshness factor up,” he says. “Get more involved with the conversation within the search realm, so your business can move to the top.” C: Create case studies. Document the work you do and services you provide, Melville says. “One of the challenges for small businesses is that they will put logos on a sheet of paper with everyone they’ve ever worked with, but no one knows what you did for them,” he says. “What was the actual case study? That makes potential customers look more into the work you did, and maybe say, ‘that is exactly what I need.’” D: Data is king. Small businesses need to be on sites like Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) Analytics, Quantcast and more, to keep track of their own data as well as their competitors’ information. E: Everything counts. Due to the ever-growing popularity of the Web, Melville cautions that a small company’s every move matters. “I think when you are a small business, a lot of times you may think something doesn’t matter, or it will only take you two seconds, so there is no big deal, but the reality is with search and the Internet, that everything does count,” he says. “You could lose customers if you do something a bit off-kilter, and you can gain customers if you do something right.” F: Facebook and Foursquare. Social media is huge for small companies, but Melville says these two are at the top of the list when it comes to advertising and digital storytelling. “Facebook (NASDAQ: FB) has more than 1 billion users worldwide, and has great targeting tools for a small ad, so you can show up on peoples’ feeds,” he says. “And Foursquare, if you have a physical business location, you can check out your local ecosystem with meta-tagging, so that users can be really active on there.” G: Google alerts. Melville says to set alerts for your own business, and also for your competitors’ businesses on Google alerts. “This is one of the most underutilized things on the web,” he says. “It’s the eyes of the Internet when you’re not watching.” H: #Hashtag everything. Hashtagging different words on both Facebook and Twitter can help a small company show up on search and trend lists, and may even get you on TBWA’s radar, says Melville.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725796
__label__wiki	0.961501	0.961501	Buffalo Bills trade WR Lee Evans to Ravens BUFFALO, N.Y. – In receiver Lee Evans, the Baltimore Ravens acquired a proven veteran to play alongside Anquan Boldin. By trading Evans for a fourth-round draft pick, the Buffalo Bills are putting their trust in a young group of receivers, who are suddenly minus their respected leader and five-time captain. Two teams who have spent much of the past decade going in different directions completed the trade on Friday in the midst of the NFL's first week of preseason games. "We're excited about getting Lee Evans," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said a day after Baltimore opened the preseason with a 13-7 loss to Philadelphia. "He's a proven player in this league, and a quality person who will fit in well on our team." Evans is a seven-year veteran, who is a downfield threat with two 1,000-yard seasons. He is expected to immediately step into the No. 2 role in Baltimore to improve a receiving attack after the Ravens released Derrick Mason and tight end Todd Heap last month. "He's a quality veteran receiver who stretches the field and gives us significant downfield presence," Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "He's the type of person you want on your team. He brings leadership and maturity to the locker room." Evans' best game last season came against the Ravens, when he had 105 yards receiving and three touchdowns in Buffalo's 37-34 overtime loss. For the Bills, they were able to free up the $3.25 million in salary Evans was scheduled to make in the second-to-last year of his contract. And the move also frees up room in allowing Buffalo to provide additional playing time to a revamped group of receivers. "We have six or seven really promising young receivers. We'd like to see those guys develop and we want to give them that opportunity," Bills general manager Buddy Nix said, before the team traveled to Chicago to prepare for its preseason-opener on Saturday. "Unless somebody got hurt, you were going to have a good player that you were going to have to let go." The trade was not well received by Bills veteran cornerback Drayton Florence, who questioned the move in several posts on his Twitter account. "Sad day for the bills," Florence wrote. "Are we trying to win now or later????" The trade allows the Bills to be second-guessed as to how losing their most productive receiver improves what's been an inconsistent offense on a team that's coming off a 4-12 season and missed the playoffs for an 11th straight year. Despite showing modest gains on offense under quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick last season, the Bills still finished 25th in yards gained and 28th in points scored. Buffalo scored more than 20 points only four times. Evans is coming off his worst season, in which he finished with 37 catches for 578 yards and four scores, while also missing the final three games with an ankle injury. Despite his sagging numbers, he still played a significant role in the Bills' passing attack by attracting coverage his way and opening room for other receivers. Nix predicted a mixed reaction from Bills fans regarding the trade. "There'll be about half of them that like it, and half that won't," Nix said. "That's the way most of the decisions are." Without Evans, the Bills are relying on Stevie Johnson to take over the No. 1 spot after the fourth-year player enjoyed a breakout season last year. He led the team with 1,073 yards and 10 touchdowns. Roscoe Parrish, a six-year veteran, returns to play in the slot after missing the final half of last season with a broken wrist. Also in the group is David Nelson, who emerged as a third-down specialist last year. And then there's 2010 fourth-round draft pick Marcus Easley, who missed his entire rookie season with a knee injury. Easley had just resumed practicing this week after missing 10 days with a hyper-extended knee. Also in the mix is Craig Davis, who is attempting to jump-start his career after four injury-troubled seasons with San Diego. A 2007 first-round draft pick, Davis signed with the Bills on Aug. 5. Evans, selected in the first-round of the 2004 draft out of Wisconsin, posted a note on his website thanking Bills owner Ralph Wilson and Bills fans for their support. But after seven non-playoff seasons in Buffalo, Evans was also eager to be heading to Baltimore. "This is a very exciting time for me and my family, and I'm really looking forward to the opportunity," he wrote. "I can't wait to get started." His best season came in 2006, when he had 82 catches for 1,292 yards and eight touchdowns. Evans ranks third on the Bills' career list with 5,934 receiving yards. He's also fourth with 377 receptions and fifth with 43 touchdowns.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725797
__label__wiki	0.877639	0.877639	Royals sign Boxberger to $2.2M contract for this season KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Royals signed reliever Brad Boxberger to a $2.2 million contract for this season Thursday night, adding a veteran arm to a bullpen in which plenty of jobs will be available in spring training. Boxberger can earn an additional $500,000 in bonuses for appearing in 60 games and finishing 45 of them. He could compete with Wily Peralta, who was 14 of 14 in save opportunities last season, for the right to close out games in Kansas City. The 30-year-old Boxberger was drafted by the Royals in 2006 but went unsigned, instead pitching for Southern California. He was then drafted by the Reds in 2009, and has pitched for the Padres, Rays and Diamondbacks during his seven-year big league career. Boxberger was an All-Star for Tampa Bay in 2015, and he went 3-7 with a 4.39 ERA and 32 saves for Arizona last year. He was not tendered a contract after the season. Brad Boxberger	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725799
__label__wiki	0.899201	0.899201	The Big Read Water scarcity World without water: six solutions to a shortage The role of new Final article in the FT series focuses on investment in new technologies in easing chronic problems Pilita Clark, Environment Correspondent The World Bank is planning to devote up to $5bn a year to try to fix it. Goldman Sachs says it poses a risk to economic growth. And Matt Damon, the actor, has tipped a bucket of toilet water over his head to bring attention to it. The problem is water — a vital resource that has long been poorly managed or taken for granted in much of the world and that has rising populations driving competition for supplies. The search for solutions to uneven and inadequate water supply has already led to improvements in irrigation, desalination and wastewater recycling, and is spurring development of innovative technologies such as waterless fracking in the energy industry and more water-saving devices at home. But the scale of the problem remains vast. There are already 2bn people living in countries with absolute water scarcity, according to the World Bank, which estimates the number will rise to 4.6bn by 2080. The dilemma is especially acute in China, India and other large emerging economies, which companies are relying on for future growth. Hence the growing attention of banks such as Goldman Sachs. These countries are also home to many of the 780m people who still lack readily available clean and safe drinking water, the predicament that charities such as Mr Damon’s Water.org are trying to highlight. As he said this year, just before being filmed dousing himself in toilet water: “For those of you who, like my wife, think this is really disgusting, keep in mind that the water in our toilets in the west is actually cleaner than the water that most people in the developing world have access to.” Even in wealthier regions, the time may come when the idea of using fresh water for such a purpose will seem bizarre. In drought-stricken California, hundreds of people in East Porterville have had dry taps for months this year. People in Hong Kong have been flushing with seawater for decades as authorities try to preserve scarce fresh supplies. But poorer countries are still struggling to make such improvements. If only there was a way to, say, produce water from thin air. Or stop farmers, the biggest users of water, drenching fields with old-fashioned irrigation systems. Or ship water from a place like Iceland (population: 320,000) to somewhere like Iran (population: 76m), where officials think more than a third of the country’s 31 provinces may have to be evacuated because of water shortages over the next 20 years. These are just some of the ideas that are starting to make their way from drawing board to factory floor, as investors show more interest in ventures that preserve or enhance water supplies. “We are seeing the emergence of a surprising constellation of different types of investors, such as oil and gas companies, and very wealthy families putting their money into water technologies,” says Tom Whitehouse, chairman of the London Environmental Investment Forum, an advisory business that connects investors with new clean technologies. “There are huge water scarcity problems across the world which have to be solved and water is also becoming a strategic issue.” A world without water An investigation into how businesses are having to adapt to rising water costs around the world Energy companies are driving investment in treatment and desalination technologies, as they expand in regions with scarce supplies. They are among the biggest contributors to the $84bn that companies around the world have spent since 2011 to improve the way they obtain, manage or conserve water. Food and beverage groups are also spending more to cut their water use. In October, Nestlé unveiled a milk plant in Mexico it has spent more than $15m upgrading that it claims is the first of its kind: it does not need external water sources but recycles waste fluid extracted from milk when powdered. Domestically, the shower, the washing machine and the toilet are also being reinvented. Here, we look at some of the water technologies that are starting to come on stream. Some are already on the market. Others are in development and some sound too far fetched to ever come true. But all are designed to address a problem that shows little sign of fading. Making water from air Most wind turbines generate electricity but a Dutch company has found a way to make them produce water from air instead. Dutch Rainmaker’s device looks like a typical turbine, except for two boxlike containers at its base that house a water collection tank, and a heat exchange and condenser system. The turbine forces air through heat exchangers, where the air is cooled by ammonia compressors, a little like those in a household fridge. As the water in the air condenses, it forms droplets that are collected in a storage tank. The company has had two prototypes in operation for two years, one in the Netherlands and the other in Kuwait, which are producing an average of 7,000 litres a day of water — without any electricity. “It’s completely self-sustainable, which means there is virtually no maintenance,” says Mike O’Connor, chief executive of Dutch Rainmaker. The technology requires wind, a temperature of at least 10C and humidity of around 10 per cent. The company says this means it can operate through most of the year in the many countries where water is scarce. The system is not cheap. Mr O’Connor says the company expects to sell it for roughly the same price as a small desalination machine, which can range in price from $400,000 to $1m. It hopes to make its first sale by the end of the year. Waterless fracking The US shale boom is underpinned by advances in hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, which requires a lot of water, typically around 2m gallons or more per well. The amount of water needed spells trouble in spots where supplies are tight. According to one study published earlier this year, nearly 40 per cent of the oil and gas wells drilled since 2011 in the US are in areas of extremely high water stress. That has led to a search for waterless fracking and one of the pioneers in the field is Gasfrac Energy Services, an eight-year-old Canadian company that has developed a system that mixes sand with gelled propane, butane and other hydrocarbons, instead of water. “We’ve fracked over 2,400 wells,” says Jason Munro, Gasfrac’s president. “Nobody is on location when we frack, it’s all done remotely. We’re one of the safest fracking companies in the world,” he says. “You have to be. It’s a volatile fluid that we’re using.” Gasfrac counts several large energy companies as customers. As pressure grows on supplies, an industrywide shift to waterless fracking is likely to intensify. Shipping water The idea of shipping water in vast quantities from soggy countries to parched ones sounds like an obvious solution to water scarcity. Now an Icelandic company, Bruarfoss, claims to be ready to create a new global export industry that would see water shipped around the world to specialised port terminals, similar to those that handle shipments of liquefied natural gas. It is now working on a plan to deliver glacial spring water from Iceland in supertankers that can carry up to 180,000 tonnes at a time. Birgir Vidar Halldorsson, founder of Bruarfoss, says the plan still faces some challenges, such as a lack of suitable harbours and terminals with facilities capable of handling bulk water shipments. “Hopefully we can start building the infrastructure here,” he says. “At the same time there will be infrastructure built in maybe two, three or four countries in the coming years so we can park and fill their terminals.” Mr Halldorsson says the company is looking at working with other groups that want to build vessels for such a project, and it claims there is interest from potential customers in the Middle East. The waterless toilet The humble lavatory has not changed much since the first flush toilet patent was issued in 1775. But the waterless toilet is on its way. Several groups are working on such a device, partly thanks to funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which is trying to improve poor sanitation conditions that each year contribute to the deaths of some 700,000 children from diarrhoea. One of them, RTI International, a US research institute, is developing a system that not only needs no water, but generates electricity as well. The toilet captures waste, then separates it into liquids and solids. Urine and other liquids are disinfected through an electrochemical process and the treated water can then be used to rinse the toilet. Solid faeces material is dried and broken into pellets, which can then be burnt in a device that captures some of the heat and converts it into electricity that powers the water treatment process. RTI is already testing a prototype in Gujarat, India. The Gates Foundation wants such systems to cost less than five cents per user per day, which RTI says it hopes to be able to meet as it scales up the technology. The almost waterless washing machine A British company called Xeros is transforming the automatic washing machine — an appliance that has changed little in 60 years — with technology that uses thousands of polymer beads to remove stains from clothes. The molecular structure of the beads combines with detergent to attract dirt. They can be used for hundreds of washes before being recycled. Xeros claims its machines use 70 per cent of the water, 50 per cent of the energy and 50 per cent of the detergent consumed in conventional washing machines. Its products are already being used in big laundries in the US, where customers include several hotel groups. Xeros has 37 installed and ordered machines in the US, and seven in Europe. Xeros is working on a domestic version of the machine it hopes will be available in late 2016. The price tag for that? “In terms of costs, these have not as yet been concretely defined but are expected to be around the same as premium washing machines on the market,” it says. Smart irrigation Humans have been irrigating crops for as long as they have been growing plants. One of the earliest forms of the practice — flood irrigation — remains in widespread use. It involves pumping or diverting water to fields so it flows along the ground among the crops. It is simple and cheap, but inefficient and wasteful. Several companies are working on smarter systems, including Switzerland’s Plantcare, which says it has devised an automated watering technology that allows a farmer to irrigate with much more precision and less waste. “You can run it from an iPhone,” says Walter Schmidt, a physicist who founded the company. Fields are dotted with sensors that can detect minute changes in soil moisture. They relay information wirelessly to a computer, which calculates how much water the plants can absorb. Fields are lined with water pipes that run along the crops. Each pipe has valves that can be directed to open and close according to how much water is needed. Data from the computer can be sent via SMS messages to a smartphone, allowing farmers to reset the system if needed, or receive an alarm if there is a problem. The system is already in use in several European countries, and some users say it has boosted yields by 30 per cent and cut water use by 50 per cent. Mr Schmidt has visited India to look at developing a scaled-down version. Pilita Clark won the Environment Story of the Year award at the Foreign Press Association in London’s Media Awards 2014 for the Financial Times series, ‘A World Without Water’. Illustrations by Alex Robbins Letter in response to this article: Under-investment is denying people access to usable water / From Jack Moss Get alerts on Water scarcity when a new story is published	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725800
__label__cc	0.526131	0.473869	Oscar party fun with a side of chaos Posted on March 3, 2017 December 5, 2017 by Funzee Last week we had the annual film awards known as the Oscars, an excuse for lots of after party fun and for stars to show off their finest designer outfits. Surprisingly, Forbes reports that the TV audience fell by 4% to 32.9 million but maybe new ways of sharing the event mean that the viewing figures are no longer representative of total participation. Between 5:30 pm and 1:00 am, Twitter reported that there were over 14.7 million Tweets about the #Oscars. Around 1.5 million of these portrayed some sort of emotion, as measured by emotion analytics company Canvs. These reactions were generally positive: 34.7% communicated love, 9.2% crazy, 8.3% congrats, 7.3%. Only 3.6% and 3.2 % of the analyzed emotional reactions expressed hate or dislike, respectively. In keeping with past years the organizers wanted to keep the event light hearted so the host was Jimmy Kimmel. Although Variety reports that generally he was reviewed as positive, there was some social media criticism that his comedy was too often aimed at foreigners or people of color. Then I guess you want a host that causes some controversy otherwise it might get boring. Usually the media focus is on the red carpet outside and the designer gowns. The female nominees told People magazine what they would really like to wear to the awards in this article “Sweatpants and Onesies”. English actress Naomie Harris told them ““When you’re seeing a great show, you want to be in a onesie, in a comfortable chair with some popcorn.” But this year it wasn’t the fashion, the host or the party fun that will be remembered. Hollywood legends Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway presented the award for Best Movie (or Motion Picture so as not be confused with those static pictures). Beatty read the winner as La La Land – no surprise it was most people’s favorite, and so the La La Land team came up to accept the honor. As the acceptance speeches started it became clear all was not well. Two embarrassed accountants from Price Waterhouse, which oversees the voting, rushed onto the stage and then La La Land producer Jordan Horowitz took the mic. “Guys, I’m sorry,” he began. “There’s been a mistake. Moonlight, you guys won Best Picture.” Most of the audience thought that this was a Kimmel inspired gag but it turns out that behind the scenes the organisation was in chaos. Still not enough to spoil the after party fun except for the guys from Price Waterhouse who won’t be invited to help again. Has the adult onesie fashion gone too far? Use your Pajamas to Celebrate	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725801
__label__wiki	0.588919	0.588919	Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge \| Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin Seasons of Wildlife Welcome to the National Wildlife Refuge System The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve Americas fish, wildlife, and plants. Following the establishment of Florida's Pelican Island as the first National Wildlife Refuge in 1903, the System has grown to encompass more than 566 National Wildlife Refuges spanning approximately 100 million acres of lands and 750 million acres of oceans in the United States. More than 41 million people visit National Wildlife Refuges each year to participate in activities such as hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and photography, and to attend environmental education and interpretive programs. Their spending generates almost $1.7 billion in sales and close to 27,000 jobs for regional economies. Wildlife Refuges are home to more than 700 species of birds, 220 species of mammals, 250 reptile and amphibian species, and more than 200 species of fish. Fifty-nine Refuges have been established with a primary purpose of conserving threatened or endangered species. There is at least one National Wildlife Refuge in every state, and one within an hour's drive of most major cities — offering people a welcoming, safe, and accessible place to nourish their spirits and reconnect to the land. Alert - Expect High Water Levels at Boat Ramps Lead Free Ammunition We encourage deer hunters to use lead free ammunition for firearm deer hunting on our refuge lands. Upper Mississippi River Home	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725803
__label__wiki	0.969543	0.969543	Deep freeze expected to ease, but disruptions persist By Michael Tarm and Corey WilliamsAssociated Press CHICAGO — The painfully cold weather system that put much of the Midwest into a historic deep freeze was expected to ease Thursday, though temperatures still tumbled to record lows in some places. Disruptions caused by the cold will persist, too, including power outages and canceled flights and trains. Crews in Detroit will need days to repair water mains that burst Wednesday, and other pipes can still burst in persistent subzero temperatures. Before the worst of the cold begins to lift, more frigid weather is expected. Record-breaking cold hit northern Illinois early Thursday, when the temperature in Rockford dropped to negative 30 degrees (negative 34 Celsius). The previous record in the city, northwest of Chicago, was negative 27 degrees (negative 33 Celsius) on Jan. 10, 1982. Schools in parts of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois and Iowa remained closed. But students headed back to school Thursday in eastern North Dakota, where the weather was forecast to crawl out of double-digit sub-zero temperatures. As temperatures bounce back into the single digits Thursday and into the comparative balmy 20s by Friday, more people were expected to return to work in the nation's third-largest city, which resembled a ghost town after most offices told employees to stay home. The blast of polar air that enveloped much of the Midwest on Wednesday closed schools and businesses and strained infrastructure with some of the lowest temperatures in a generation. The deep freeze snapped rail lines, canceled hundreds of flights and strained utilities. Chicago dropped to a low of around minus 23 (minus 30 Celsius), slightly above the city's lowest-ever reading of minus 27 (minus 32 Celsius) from January 1985. Milwaukee had similar conditions. Minneapolis recorded minus 27 (minus 32 Celsius). Sioux Falls, South Dakota, saw minus 25 (minus 31 Celsius). Wind chills reportedly made it feel like minus 50 (minus 45 Celsius) or worse. Trains and buses in Chicago operated with few passengers. The hardiest commuters ventured out only after covering nearly every square inch of flesh against the extreme chill, which froze ice crystals on eyelashes and eyebrows in minutes. The Postal Service took the rare step of suspending mail delivery in many places, and in southeastern Minnesota, even the snowplows were idled by the weather. The bitter cold was the result of a split in the polar vortex , a mass of cold air that normally stays bottled up in the Arctic. The split allowed the air to spill much farther south than usual. In fact, Chicago was colder than the Canadian village of Alert, one of the world's most northerly inhabited places. Alert, which is 500 miles (804 kilometers) from the North Pole, reported a temperature that was a couple of degrees higher. Officials in dozens of cities focused on protecting vulnerable people from the cold, including the homeless, seniors and those living in substandard housing. At least eight deaths were linked to the system, including an elderly Illinois man who was found several hours after he fell trying to get into his home and a University of Iowa student found behind an academic hall several hours before dawn. Elsewhere, a man was struck by a snowplow in the Chicago area, a young couple's SUV struck another on a snowy road in northern Indiana and a Milwaukee man froze to death in a garage, authorities said. In Michigan, state and utility officials warned residents that they risked brief interruptions of natural gas service if they didn't help reduce energy. The warning followed a fire at a utility's suburban Detroit facility that affected natural gas supplies. An emergency alert was sent late Wednesday to cellphones asking people to lower thermostats to 65 degrees (18 Celsius) or below through Friday. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer asked everyone to "to do your part." Aside from the safety risks and the physical discomfort, the system's icy grip also took a heavy toll on infrastructure, halting transportation, knocking out electricity and interrupting water service. Amtrak canceled scores of trains to and from Chicago, one of the nation's busiest rail hubs. Several families who intended to leave for Pennsylvania stood in ticket lines at Chicago's Union Station only to be told all trains were canceled until Friday. "Had I known we'd be stranded here, we would have stayed in Mexico longer — where it was warmer," said Anna Ebersol, who was traveling with her two sons. Ten diesel-train lines in the Metra commuter network kept running, unlike the electric lines, but crews had to heat vital switches with gas flames and watched for rails that were cracked or broken. When steel rails break or even crack, trains are automatically halted until they are diverted or the section of rail is repaired, Metra spokesman Michael Gillis explained. A track in the Minneapolis light-rail system also cracked, forcing trains to share the remaining track for a few hours. In Detroit, more than two dozen water mains froze. Customers were connected to other mains to keep water service from being interrupted, Detroit Water and Sewerage spokesman Bryan Peckinpaugh said. Most mains were installed from the early 1900s to the 1950s. They are 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) underground and beneath the frost line, but that matters little when temperatures drop so dramatically, Peckinpaugh said. On a typical winter day, the city has five to nine breaks, with each taking about three days to fix. But those repairs will take longer now with the large number of failures to fix, he added. Detroit is in the second year of a $500 million program to rehab its water and sewer system. Last year, 25 miles (40 kilometers) of water mains were replaced. "Water pipes are brittle. The more years they've gone through the freeze-thaw cycle," the greater the stress and strain, said Greg DiLoreto, a volunteer with the American Society of Civil Engineers and chair of its committee on American infrastructure. Pipes laid a century ago have far exceeded the life span for which they were designed, said DiLoreto, who described the aging process as "living on borrowed time." "When we put them in — back in the beginning — we never thought they would last this long," he said. The same freeze-thaw cycle beats up concrete and asphalt roads and bridges, resulting in teeth-jarring potholes. "You won't see them until it starts warming up and the trucks start rolling over the pavement again," said DiLoreto who is based in Portland, Oregon. Williams reported from Detroit. Associated Press writers Caryn Rousseau in Chicago, Rick Callahan in Indianapolis, Mike Householder in Detroit, David Koenig in Dallas, Gretchen Ehlke in Milwaukee and Blake Nicholson in Bismarck, North Dakota, contributed to this story.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725804
__label__wiki	0.913156	0.913156	Asia’s Got Talent Open Auditions to be held at Taylor’s University, Kuala Lumpur 6/28/2018 07:38:00 AM / Marc Soon Joo Yee / AXN has announced that the Malaysia open auditions for the new season of top-rated series Asia’s Got Talent will be held at Taylor’s University, Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, 8 July from 10am onwards. The one-day event is part of AXN’s regional Asia’s Got Talent audition tour which also includes stops in Bangkok, Singapore, Manila, Ho Chi Minh City and Jakarta. Doors will open from 10am at Taylor’s University with hundreds of aspiring performers expected to attend for their shot at international fame and a life-changing grand prize of USD100,000. “Last season’s semi-finalist Andrew Lee went on to perform for Simon Cowell in the latest season of Britain’s Got Talent, making him a global sensation,” said Derek Wong, Vice President, Production, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia. “We hope that Andrew’s journey will inspire more Malaysians to pursue their dreams in this season of Asia’s Got Talent.” Due to the expected turn out and exceptionally high demand for an audition slot, performers are encouraged to pre-apply online (www.AXN-Asia.com/AsiasGotTalent) to expedite the registration process on the day. If an act is successful during the open auditions, they may then be selected to perform at the judges’ auditions later in the year. The judges’ auditions comprise the first five episodes of the series and precede the semi-finals and the grand finale episode where the winner of Asia’s Got Talent will be crowned, winning USD100,000. Auditions will be held at Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus, no. 1, Jalan Taylor’s, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. More details including Asia’s Got Talent open audition dates and cities, frequently asked questions (FAQs) and the terms and conditions of participation are available at www.AXN-Asia.com/AsiasGotTalent. Asia Got Talent, Asia’s Got Talent Open Auditions to be held at Taylor’s University, AXN, Kuala Lumpur, News, Sony, Taylor University	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725805
__label__wiki	0.741127	0.741127	Air Liquide sustains growth in Q1, confident of net profit growth in 2019 By Nick Parkinson2019-04-26T08:45:00+01:00 Air Liquide announced sustained growth in the first quarter (Q1) of 2019 with sales of 5.4bn euros (approx. $6bn), up +9% as published and +5% on a comparable basis. Growth was particularly strong in Electronics (+13.7%) and Healthcare (+5.4%) for the major industrial gases company, and was driven by strong Gas & Services sales growth (+4.8%). Engineering & Construction continued to improve (+5.0%) and Global Markets & Technologies kept its strong growth momentum (+15.9%). “Whether it is Gas and Services, Engineering and Construction, or Global Markets and Technologies, all activities are growing,” said Benoît Potier, Chairman and CEO of Air Liquide. Potier continued, “In Gas and Services, all business lines and geographies are growing, confirming a trend that began four quarters ago. Growth is particularly strong in Electronics and Healthcare. Geographically, Asia confirms its dynamism, with sales remaining strong, especially in China. Efficiencies contributed 77 million euros (approx. $85.8m) in the first quarter and will ramp up, in the framework of a reinforced target of 400m euros (approx. $445.5m) per year. Cash flow, meanwhile, remains solid.” Potier is confident Air Liquide will deliver net profit growth in 2019, after Q1 investments which have included: Air Gas, an Air Liquide company, acquired Tech Air, a major US distributor of industrial gases and welding supplies that generates annual revenue of approximately $190m An 18.6% equity stake in Canada-based Hydrogenics Corporation, a specialist in equipment used to produce hydrogen through water electrolysis Construction in Canada of the world’s largest PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolyser Signature of a new long-term contract with Severstal (Russia) for the design and construction of a new air gas separation unit Acquisitions in home healthcare in Switzerland, of Sleep & Health SA and Megamed AG Potier said, “After a record level reached in the fourth quarter of 2018, investment decisions for the first quarter of 2019 remain high at 900 million euros (approx. $1bn), a figure that includes the acquisition of Tech Air in the US, an industrial merchant business. These investments will contribute to the Group’s future growth. Accordingly, assuming a comparable environment, Air Liquide is confident in its ability to deliver net profit growth in 2019, calculated at constant exchange rate.” In Gas and Services, all geographies grew and developing economies, in particular China, continued to progress rapidly (+16.0%). Tier one Hydrogenics announces private placement Hydrogenics Corporation has entered into a subscription agreement with the Hydrogen Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air Liquide S.A, to issue 3,537,931 common shares of Hydrogenics to Air Liquide on a private placement basis, for gross proceeds to Hydrogenics of $20.5m. Air Liquide reports strong 2018 Achieving its Airgas synergies a year ahead of schedule, acquiring two historic players in the home healthcare business and inaugurating its Paris Innovation Campus are just three highlights from 2018 for Air Liquide. Air Liquide to construct PEM electrolyser Air Liquide has announced the construction of a PEM (proton-exchange membrane) electrolyser with a 20 megawatts (MW) capacity for the production of carbon-free hydrogen.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725807
__label__cc	0.664683	0.335317	School of Health and Human Performance FAQs for the School of Human Health and Performance Majors, Minors, and Degrees Exercise Science B.S. Public Health B.S. Global Health Studies Minor Outdoor Education Minor Physical Education Minor Public Health Minor Athletic Training, M.S. Health and Human Performance M.S. Kinesiology/Physical Education M.A.T. Strength and Conditioning Graduate Certificate The Bachelor of Science in Public Health is a new undergraduate program that evolved from the previous B.S. in Community Health. The Public Health degree was offered for the first time in Fall 2016 and is designed to promote an understanding of health and disease based on public health principles. Students will learn to apply social, behavioral, policy and educational interventions to help shape population health. Students will also learn how to assess needs of target populations, create program goals and objectives, and develop strategies to foster health behavior change interventions for individuals and communities. Public health promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work and play. Public health is concerned with protecting the health of entire populations. These populations can be as small as a neighborhood, or as big as an entire country or world region. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claims “Public Health connects us all”! Public health is further defined as the science of protecting and improving the health of families and communities through education and promotion of healthy lifestyles, policy-making and research for disease and injury prevention, and detection and control of infectious diseases. Medical professionals typically treat people with illness or disease but Public Health professionals typically work to prevent the occurrence or spread of disease or injury. Viewing the two short videos linked below may also help you understand Public Health: Public Health as a Return on Investment from the American Public Health Association (APHA) This is Public Health from the The Association of Schools and Program of Public Health (ASPPH) . What is the Public Health System? According to the Centers for Disease Control, public health systems are commonly defined as “all public, private, and voluntary entities that contribute to the delivery of essential public health services within a jurisdiction.” This includes: Public health agencies at state and local levels Public safety agencies Human service and charity organizations Education and youth development organizations Recreation and arts-related organizations Economic and philanthropic organizations Environmental agencies and organizations Public Health utilizes a mixture of classroom experiences and practical application opportunities. The curriculum consists of courses from a variety of disciplines including public health, health promotion, health sciences and behavioral sciences. Topics specific to Public Health include Epidemiology, Global Health, Environmental Health, Public Health Policy, Research Methods, and much more. Central to the program of study is applied engaged learning opportunities offered through a range of course projects, practicum settings, and internships. Students develop skills in a variety of areas including analysis of public health issues, health promotion program planning and implementation, and instructional methods. Georgia College offers an undergraduate curriculum that emphasizes liberal arts and includes professional degree programs that provide students with a breadth and depth of preparation for their intended careers. The Public Health program includes 42 credit hours of Area A-E courses, 18 credit hours from Area F, 33 hours of public health courses, 15 hours of approved electives or a minor, and a 12-credit internship capstone completed at the end of all coursework. Students will need to become first aid/CPR certified during the program of study. Internship, community- based engaged learning, and other applied learning strategies will provide students with opportunities to incorporate classroom learning into public health practice and prepare them for future employment. Program Specific Opportunities The Georgia College Public Health Student Organization (PHSO) is a student organization committed to developing community public health awareness through volunteer work, service-learning, and following the shared Public Health mission to Promote, Protect and Serve. The PHSO meets each month during the academic year and hosts workshops, health-related activities, and social gatherings for Community/Public Health Majors and Minors. For more information, please follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/publichealthGC Undergraduate preparation in public health provides an interdisciplinary set of content and skills that are readily applicable and transferable to many professions and to post-graduate educational opportunities. Some of these professions include health care, human services, social sciences, biological sciences, health administration, social work, and international affairs. Graduates of the program may seek advanced Public Health degrees at other institutions but will also be prepared for entry-level positions in governmental public health agencies, community health organizations, non-profit organizations, corporate wellness programs, and health care settings. Health educators and community health workers are potential areas of focus for students majoring the broader discipline of Public Health. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these jobs are expected to increase by 13% between 2014 and 2024, which is faster than average for all occupations. The growth is fueled in part by a desire to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Students who obtain a Certified Health Education Specialist credential may further enhance their employment prospects. Median Starting Income for an Entry Level Position Salaries for public health and health education professionals vary by location, occupation, level of education and experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wages of health educators and community health workers was $43,840 in 2015 (www.bls.gov). Salaries also vary considerably within each specialty area and settings within public health. Job openings with salary information for the Georgia Department of Public Health can be viewed at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/georgiadph Program goals and objectives are aligned with the recommended Critical Component Elements proposed by the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health for Framing the Future: The Second 100 Years of Public Health (Wykoff, Petersen & Weist, 2013). Background content domains (science, social/behavioral science, math/quantitative reasoning, humanities/fine arts) Background skill domains (communication; information literacy) Public Health domains (overview of public health; role and importance of data; identifying and addressing population health challenges; human health; determinants of disease; project implementation; overview of health systems; health policy, law, ethics, and economics; health communication) Cumulative experience and field exposure Cross-cutting areas (advocacy, ethics, professionalism, teamwork, leadership, research methods, systems thinking) The program goals include: Goal 1: To educate individuals for professional careers in public health to prepare them to create lasting, sustainable changes to improve individual and community health outcomes Goal 2: To provide a supportive environment conducive to student learning and professional development. Goal 3: To prepare graduates to practice successfully in entry level public health settings or to pursue advanced professional or academic training Goal 4: To conduct research that contributes to identification, problem-solving, and resolution of public health problems locally and globally Goal 5: To foster student engagement in applied internships and service activities to improve the health status of individuals and communities and to reduce health disparities American Public Health Association - APHA is a professional organization for public health workers Georgia Public Health Association - GAPHA is a state chapter of APHA Society for Public Health Education - SOPHE is a professional organization to provide global leadership to the profession of health education and health promotion Georgia SOPHE - A state chapter of SOPHE National Commission for Health Education Credentialing - Learn more about Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examination and benefits Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health - Wealth of information for prospective students This is Public Health - Informational site created by the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Extensive information regarding the U.S. public health system AmeriCorps - Organization that can provide ways to gain public health experience Peace Corps - Opportunity for students to gain experience in public health Public Health Training Fellowships - Fellowship opportunities U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational outlook for health education Public Health Check Sheet (.docx) Dr. Scott Butler 123 Parks Memorial Building scott.butler@gcsu.edu	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725808
__label__wiki	0.660343	0.660343	Teen arrested after allegedly crashing into parked cars in Tilehurst The teen allegedly took the car and crashed it into parked cars in Fairford Road James AldridgeReporter Fairfrod Road in Tilehurst, where a teen allegedly crashed a car into other parked cars (Image: Google Maps) A teenager has been arrested for allegedly taking a car and crashing it into other parked cars in Tilehurst. At around 7.55pm on Saturday, June 15, officers were called to reports of a crash in Fairford Road, Tilehurst. Officers arrived to find several park cars smashed in to. Five police cars attended the scene and a 17-year-old boy from Reading was subsequently arrested. A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: "A 17-year-old boy from Reading was arrested on suspicion of taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, possession of a drug of class B (cannabis), driving without insurance and driving other than in accordance with a licence. "It’s in connection with an incident in Fairford Road, Tilehurst, where a vehicle was in collision with parked vehicles on Saturday evening at around 7.55pm. "The boy has been released under investigation and there were no injuries."	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725810
__label__wiki	0.538185	0.538185	LAB MUSEUM AND REPATRIATION © Akinbode Akinbiyi Themes such as Hierarchy vs. symmetry in academic thinking and the problematic of appropriation of objects/subjects by museums are discussed in the lab that intends to unfold into the creation of a working group. After the barcamps realized on the 24th, new working groups are formed to compose the labs divided in four formats: creative writing, artistic intervention, educational intervention, and social action. In this last group, the challenge proposed by the participants was to elaborate a proposal that would take advantage of the discussion around theories and conceptual categories during he barcamps, and that would point to a practical way of applying, at least initially, these ideas. In the afternoon of the 25th, the groups present collectively the results from the labs. HIERARCHY vs. SYMMETRY IN ACADEMIA A converging theme among the participants of the social action lab is the necessity of change in the way in which academic thinking operates in relation to ideas. A central point is the discussion with regards to how academics still perceive themselves as possessors of a privileged knowledge, in a way that there could be an opening towards a larger respect towards other forms of knowledge. “The challenge of academia is to not put itself as a power before other communities, as an authority. We all agree with this agenda, but the question persisted: what are we going to do? A booklet for the academic who wants to be less hierarchical and more symmetrical? The first idea is to create a collective with people interested on the subject who can connect with each other. We decided that this could be done initially on an online platform, where we would start with basic steps on how to define our objectives and main preoccupations,” says Moises Lino e Silva, mediator of the lab. THE PROBLEM OF THE REPATRIATION OF COLLECTIONS OF OBJECTS/SUBJECTS Moises says that the group opted to discuss about problematics of knowledge and power in the dynamic of museums. Questions are raised, such as: what do we do with museum objects that are in Europe, for example, but that belong to African and indigenous peoples? How can we think about a repatriation of these artifacts? “It is necessary to understand better what these objects are, that to others they are subjects. It is necessary to work on the consciousness of the problem, because maybe people still do not understand it well yet. Not many people know that there are South African skull exposed in museums in Europe,” provokes Moises. As a departing point, the lab participants propose a mapping of this activity area, in a research of groups and NGOs that are already working or preoccupied with matters related to museums and the repatriation of collections. “We think about contacting the museums that keep these objects/subjects that were taken from other parts of the world and to organize an event, maybe with the support of the Goethe-Institut in Salvador, in order to deal with this theme locally, bringing people from museums, European curators, and interested communities, for exemple that are indigenous and African,” he resumes. by Cadu Oliveira	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725812
__label__wiki	0.539926	0.539926	Board of Correction Leading the Way on Ending Punitive Segregation Commissioner Ponte, the author, & Mayor de Blasio (photo: Michael Appleton/Mayor's Office) Today, the New York City Department of Correction formally ended the practice of punitive segregation for young adults ages 19 through 21 years old, resulting in the complete elimination of punitive segregation, which some call solitary confinement, for inmates ages 16 through 21 in our custody. This is an unprecedented milestone in New York State correctional history and, even more important, across the nation. To date, no other city or state has Proposed Rikers Visitation Rules Stir Debate Johnny Perez of the Jails Action Coalition (photos: Meg O'Connor) On Tuesday, City Council members, faith leaders, and activists spoke out against Mayor Bill de Blasio’s proposed restrictions for visitors to Rikers Island jails. At a rally on the steps of City Hall organized by the Jails Action Coalition, speakers called de Blasio’s plan to limit visitors and physical contact by those who do visit inmates counterproductive and wrong. The proposed visitation limits were first Reforming Solitary Confinement At The City's Biggest Psych Ward — Rikers Island NEW YORK — After about three days of being isolated in “the Box” away from his fellow detainees at Rikers Island, Ismael Nazario was beginning to break. "That's when it started to take it's toll,” he said, conjuring memories of his time in punitive segregation — solitary confinement — in	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725813
__label__cc	0.557703	0.442297	Your privacy means a lot to us. This privacy policy is written to show those who are concerned with how their 'Personally Identifiable Information' (PII) is being used online. PII, is information that can be used on its own or with other information to identify, contact, or locate a single person, or to identify an individual in context. Part of privacy is understanding how necessary information is being used. Carefully review our privacy policy to understand our methods for the collection, storage, security, and general usage of your Personally Identifiable Information in accordance with our website. Yep! Cookies are files that a website sends to your computer. Cookies are used to receive and retain certain information and help websites remember who you are. For example, when you shop online, cookies are used to ensure that the website knows what items were placed in the cart. Cookies are commonly used to help understand customer preferences, which leads to improved service and a more user-friendly experience; this is done through the aforementioned methods and other tracking of site traffic and interaction. • Receive data about site traffic and interaction to improve the service and user experience. Improvements to site function and tools are the result of us having this data. We may also use trusted third-party services that track this information on our behalf. You can change your browser’s cookie settings; you can choose to be notified every time a cookie is being sent, or completely turn cookies off. Every browser is different, so changing your settings on one will not impact another. Reference the Help Menu in your browser for further instructions on cookie preferences. You are welcome to turn cookies off, but be aware that some site features depend on cookies for correct functionality, and their efficiency can be impacted if cookies are turned off. We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer to outside parties your Personally Identifiable Information unless we provide users with advance notice. This does not include website hosting partners and other parties who assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, or serving our users, so long as those parties agree to keep this information confidential. We may also release information when its release is appropriate to comply with the law, enforce our site policies, or protect ours or others' rights, property or safety. However, non-personally identifiable visitor information may be provided to other parties for marketing, advertising, or other uses. We reserve the right to occasionally include third-party services or products on our websites. These sites all have their own privacy policies and should be reviewed on their respective site. We have no responsibility or liability for the actions or content of these sites. We will always strive to protect our site, and we welcome any feedback about your experience with these sites. Google's advertising requirements are found in Google's Advertising Principles. They are used to ensure that all users have a positive experience. Google, as a third-party vendor, uses cookies to serve ads on our site. Google uses the DART cookie to show ads to our users based on previous Internet activity. Users may opt-out of the use of the DART cookie by visiting the Google Ad and Content Network privacy policy. We, along with third-party vendors such as Google, use first-party cookies (such as the Google Analytics cookies) and third-party cookies (such as the DoubleClick cookie) or other third-party identifiers together to receive and understand advertising results and functions in relation to our site. Users can set preferences for how Google advertises to you using the Google Ad Settings page. Alternatively, you can opt out by visiting the Network Advertising Initiative Opt-Out page or by using the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser add on.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725816
__label__wiki	0.711463	0.711463	https://www.greenwichtime.com/business/article/Snack-food-aims-for-healthy-twist-8206763.php Snack food aims for healthy twist By Meg Dalton Published 3:21 pm EDT, Wednesday, June 15, 2016 Paleo Passions co-founders Marty and Kim Sands pose for a photo in their Greenwich office on Tuesday, June 14, 2016. Photo: Michael Cummo / Hearst Connecticut Media Balancing your health with a sweet tooth isn’t always easy. But Marty Sands thinks he has found a way: by starting his own all-natural snack food. Sands and his wife, Kim, launched their company, Paleo Passion Foods, two years ago in an effort to create more healthy and delicious food options for consumers. The Greenwich residents started with Paleo Passion Pops, a line of unprocessed popsicles with zero additives such as GMOs, artificial flavors and added sugar. The company has now grown to include Krave the Krunch, a trio of all-natural grainless granola. Granola has become one of the fastest-growing products in the country, and the pair decided to capitalize on the trend with a healthful twist. Unlike other granola products, their product consists of only ingredients like nuts, seeds, fruit, cinnamon, coconut, honey and maple syrup. Many types of granola in the marketplace, according to Marty Sands, include processed ingredients like oats and grains. “The new trend is a grainless granola — taking out the processed foods and truly getting down to what real food is,” he said. People eat granola because they think it’s healthy, Sands added, but consumers don’t always understand what they’re consuming. He compared the average granola bar to a Milky Way, attributing its “candy-like” nature to its processed ingredients and added sugar. With Krave the Krunch, however, people know what they’re putting into their bodies, he said. Though the product launched just three weeks ago, it’s already being sold in about 85 stores. He attributes its rapid growth to a consumer need for snacks with more wholesome, clean ingredients. The granola, which is baked in clusters, is easier to consume than other granolas. Instead of sticking your hand into a bag of loose ingredients, consumers can just grab a piece and eat it, according to Sands. Right now, the granola comes in three flavors: choco-nuts, Caribbean coconut and maple cinnamon. His team spent 10 months developing the granola through a process that included a series of focus groups, test tasting and recipe alterations. “We tried to get as many people to try it as possible,” Kim Sands said. “(We) even used people who don’t typically gravitate towards healthy foods, to see if they like it, as well as people in the industry, like grocery store managers.” Like their ice pops, Marty Sands hopes the granola helps in efforts to fight the epidemics of obesity and diabetes in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity has become common, serious and costly, with more than one-third (or 78.6 million) of U.S. adults classified as obese. As the rate of obesity rises so does the rate of obesity-related conditions like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer. For example, the CDC currently estimates that 29.1 million Americans have diabetes, or 9.3 percent of the population. “It’s an enormous negative trend; a real problem,” he said. “Our food supply is in really poor condition.” When they started the company, the Sandses wanted to create products that didn’t contribute to this epidemic. Their mantra back then, “evolving the way you eat,” continues to be their focus. “There are no processed foods of any kind in any of our foods,” he said. “No refined sugars of any kind added to our foods. Our foods are non-GMO and contain nothing artificial, like dyes, chemicals or gluten.” Since its launch in January 2014, Paleo Passion Foods has grown considerably, with their original product, the all-natural ice pops, gaining traction in more than 700 stores nationally, at health-focused chains like Whole Foods as well as more regional grocers like ShopRite. “There’s an enormously fast trend today of people reading the label,” he added. “Our label doesn’t include ingredients you would only know from chemistry class.” Megan.Dalton@scni.com; 203-625-4411	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725817
__label__wiki	0.576813	0.576813	H3 Biomedicine Submit Your Résumé H3 Biomedicine’s Preclinical Data Highlighting Novel Discovery Research in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Published in December Issue of Cancer Research Cambridge, Mass., December 15, 2017 — H3 Biomedicine Inc., a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery and development of precision medicines for oncology and a member of Eisai’s global Oncology Business Group, today announced that data on one of its clinical programs has been published in the current issue of Cancer Research. The title of the paper, “H3B-6527 is a Potent and Selective Inhibitor of FGFR4 in FGF19-driven Hepatocellular Carcinoma,” was composed by H3 scientists with Anand Selvaraj, PhD, Senior Investigator as lead scientist on the study. “We are encouraged by the pre-clinical data of H3B-6527 and the article published in Cancer Research highlights the strength of H3’s unique drug discovery platform that successfully targets specific drivers of hepatocellular carcinoma,” said Markus Warmuth, M.D., President and CEO of H3 Biomedicine. “We feel this new research continues to underscore our commitment to FGFR4 inhibition as a novel treatment approach in this therapeutic area and we look forward to advancing this program.” The data were recently presented at the International Liver Cancer Association annual meeting held in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The publication reports that an oral dosing of H3B-6527 in mice led to dose-dependent pharmacodynamic modulation of FGFR4 signaling and tumor regression in FGF19 altered HCC xenograft models. These data served as proof-of-concept for the approach and led to the clinical introduction of H3B-6527. The data published in Cancer Research show promising pre-clinical activity of H3B-6527 in hepatocellular carincoma models," said Pete Smith, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, H3 Biomedicine. "H3B-6527 is currently in a Phase I clinical trial and we look forward to discussing the progress of the trial in the coming months.” About H3B-6527 H3B-6527 is a selective, orally bioavailable, and potent inhibitor of fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) that is being investigated for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Aberrant signaling through the FGF19-FGFR4 axis has been shown to drive tumor development and dependency in pre-clinical models of HCC. H3B-6527 has shown sustained tumor regressions in several preclinical models of HCC where FGF19-FGFR4 signaling is aberrantly activated. The safety and preliminary efficacy of H3B-6527 will be explored in patients that are selected using a companion diagnostic that identifies HCC with activated FGF19-FGFR4 pathway activity. H3B-6527 is currently in Phase 1 clinical trials. For more information on the clinical trial, please click here. About H3 Biomedicine Inc. H3 Biomedicine is a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based biopharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery and development of precision oncology treatments, and was established as a subsidiary of Eisai's U.S. pharmaceutical operation, Eisai Inc. Leveraging this collaboration with Eisai Co., Ltd., who through this partnership provides essential research funding and access to the capabilities and resources of this global pharmaceutical company, H3 Biomedicine combines long-term vision with operational independence. Using modern synthetic chemistry, chemical biology, and human genetics, H3 Biomedicine seeks to bring the next generation of cancer treatments to market with the goal of improving the lives of patients. For more information, please visit www.h3biomedicine.com. Paul Kidwell ©2019 H3 Biomedicine Inc. All rights reserved.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725821
__label__wiki	0.858502	0.858502	Hamilton announces further investment of up to £17million for Primary Care Date published: 23 March 2016 Health Minister Simon Hamilton has today announced a further investment of up to £17 million to support primary care. On a visit to Knockbreda Health Centre today he also announced that he had received the report of the GP-led Working Group which he had established in October 2015 to look at the issues facing GP-led primary care services in Northern Ireland. The Minister said: “We face challenges across our health and social care system, given rising demand for services. Our primary care services are at the frontline in facing this challenge. This is why I established a cross-cutting working group to look at measures to ensure citizens can continue to access world class primary healthcare advice, treatment and facilities. “I have already taken action to address some of the key issues identified by the working group. I have invested in the biggest increase in GP training places in more than a decade and I have announced a multi-year investment putting up to 300 pharmacists in GP surgeries by 2020/21. These actions will help to address workload pressures and improve care for patients. But I recognise the pressure that our GP services are under and that there is more to do. “Today’s report will be carefully considered as we take further steps to ensure the future of general practice. I thank all those in the group for their hard work and commitment in producing this report.” The Minister also announced the conclusion of this year’s contract negotiations with British Medical Association’s GP Committee for Northern Ireland. The 2016/17 contract will see significant further investment in GP-led services. Including the already announced investment in practice based pharmacists, the investment package will total over £7million. In addition, the Minister has made available up to £10million in financial loans to invest in practice buildings and infrastructure. The Minister said: “Our investment in the 2016/17 contract meets the recommendation of the independent Doctors and Dentists Review Board, will help to address rising demand and will ensure we adopt innovative new ways of working such as on-line appointment booking and repeat prescriptions. By working at scale through Federations our GPs can help us ensure services are delivered in the community and help address some of the pressures facing our hospitals.” £2million of the new investment comes from the £30million Transformation Fund. The funding will be focused on addressing the pressures presented by a growing and ageing population, with more staff to support those living with long term conditions. In addition, the Minister announced that £1.25million from the Transformation Fund would be invested in District Nursing and Health Visiting services, putting more nurses on the ground. The Minister said: “If we are to address the challenges we face in the health service we must continue to invest in prevention and early intervention. These investments from the Transformation Fund will do just that – ensuring there is the capacity in our nursing and GP services to provide high quality care to those who need it.” 1. In October 2015, the GP-led care Working Group was established to consider how to address the pressures facing GP-led primary care services to ensure that they are able to meet the challenge of rising demand now and into the future. 2. The working group includes representation from the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Royal College of General Practitioners, the Northern Ireland GPC, the Royal College of Nursing and Health and Social Care Trusts. 3. The key issues the Group focused on were building a stable GP workforce, GP training, the structures and teams to support GPs, developing a sustainable out of hours service, innovation, infrastructure improvement, quality and integration of services, population health and wellbeing and improving patients experience. 4. The £30million Transformation Fund, which was announced on 2 March 2016, will be invested in projects and initiatives which are focussed on innovation, prevention and collaboration within the health and social care sector. 5. The level of General Medical Services funding has increased over recent years with investment of approximately £6million in 2013/14, a further £3million in 14/15 and up to £15million in 15/16, including Financial Transactions Capital. 6. Media enquiries about this press release to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0074, or out of hours contact to Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned. Follow us on twitter @healthdpt	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725824
__label__cc	0.696151	0.303849	Doctors’ Fear of Malpractice Causes a Lot of Unnecessary Care Written by Shawn Radcliffe on September 18, 2017 Physicians say that overtreatment of patients is common, citing fear of malpractice as the top concern behind this trend. Many physicians in the United States believe that patient overtreatment is common. And it’s a trend driven largely by doctors’ fear of lawsuits, according to a new study. Researchers surveyed 2,106 physicians online regarding their attitudes about unnecessary medical care. They also asked them to name possible causes and solutions for this problem. Both primary care doctors and specialists participated in the study, which was published September 6 in the journal PLOS ONE. On average, physicians who responded believed that 20 percent of all medical care in the United States is unnecessary. This includes almost 25 percent of medical tests, 22 percent of prescription medications, and 11 percent of procedures. Only about 5 percent of doctors thought that all care provided was medically necessary. The top reason physicians gave for overtreatment was fear of malpractice — cited by around 85 percent of doctors. Patient demands for medical care closely followed and, further down the list, difficulty accessing patients’ medical records from other clinics or hospitals. In addition, around 71 percent of those who responded thought that doctors are more likely to perform unneeded procedures if they profit from them. However, only 9 percent said that their own financial security was a factor. “Interestingly, but not surprisingly, physicians implicated their colleagues — more so than themselves — in providing wasteful care. This highlights the need to objectively measure and report wasteful practices on a provider or practice level so that individual providers can see where they might improve,” study author Dr. Daniel Brotman, professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, said in a press release. Doctors who responded said that training medical residents on criteria used to choose appropriate care could reduce overtreatment. They also suggested that providing better access to patients’ outside medical records and having more practice guidelines could help as well. Unnecessary care difficult to reduce The Institute of Medicine reported that in 2009, “unnecessary services” accounted for an estimated $210 billion of the $750 billion wasted on inefficient healthcare spending in the United States each year. “Unnecessary medical care is a leading driver of the higher health insurance premiums affecting every American,” said study author Dr. Martin Makary, professor of surgery and health policy at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, in the press release. The amount of overtreatment varies with specialty. For example, some studies have found that 30 percent of inpatient antimicrobial therapy is unnecessary or inappropriate, as is 26 percent of advanced imaging tests. Overtreatment isn’t just a question of money, though. Overuse of antibiotics can increase the risk that bacteria become resistant to those lifesaving medications. Also, every medical procedure carries some risk of side effects or complications. Choosing Wisely, an initiative of the ABIM Foundation, provides information for physicians and patients about which medical tests, treatments, and procedures are most appropriate for certain conditions — and which may not be needed. A recent study in Health Affairs found that this effort, launched in April 2012, may have contributed to a 4 percent decrease in unnecessary imaging tests over a two-and-a-half-year period. Finding solutions to overtreatment Although doctors in the PLOS ONE study cited “fear of malpractice” as a top reason for overtreatment, this may not be well-founded. Only 2 to 3 percent of patients harmed by medical negligence actually choose to sue. And of those, only about half receive compensation. Since the early 2000s, the rate of lawsuit claims paid by physicians have dropped by about 50 percent — falling to about 10 paid claims for every 1,000 physicians in 2013. Doctors also face demands from patients — especially with the rise of medical information online — who may sometimes think that “more care is better.” A 2012 study in the Journal of Medical Ethics suggests that most patients prefer to leave medical decisions to doctors. However, the study also found that almost every patient surveyed wanted their doctor to “offer them choices and to consider their opinions.” To provide patients with this careful balance of being heard and being guided, many doctors practice what’s known as “shared decision-making.” Some research suggests that this can lead to more conservative medical care. Better sharing of medical data could also reduce the need for physicians to order tests that a patient had done at another medical office or hospital. A 2014 study in the journal Medical Care found that better sharing of electronic health records in California and Florida reduced repeat imaging tests. Chest X-rays were reduced by 13 percent, ultrasounds by 9 percent, and CT scans by about 8 percent. This was just from integrating two parts of the nation’s healthcare system. Connecting the electronic records of all hospitals, doctors’ offices, medical laboratories, pharmacies, and insurers could save $77 billion each year. Many studies have focused on waste in the American healthcare system. But this survey gives doctors — the frontline providers — a chance to identify what they feel are the top reasons behind overtreatment. “Most doctors do the right thing and always try to. However, today ‘too much medical care’ has become an endemic problem in some areas of medicine,” said Makary. “A new physician-led focus on appropriateness is a promising homegrown strategy to address the problem.” Should Doctors Be Sued for ‘Wrongful Birth’? Hospitals Adopting More Apologetic, Open Programs for Medical Errors Labor, Delivery Rooms Closing at Rural Hospitals Most Common Noncommunicable Diseases How Collagen Can Boost Your Body’s Skin, Muscle, and Gut Abortion opponents are backing a proposed law in Texas that would shield doctors from lawsuits over children born with disabilities. Stanford University Hospital is one of the medical centers that focuses on finding out what went wrong instead of using a "deny and defend" approach… Finances and lack of available medical personnel are causing the closures, forcing many women to travel long distances for maternity care. Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, MD A noncommunicable disease is a noninfectious health condition lasting for a long period of time. This is also known as a chronic disease… Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN Collagen is an essential building block for the entire body, from skin to gut, and more. Here's five changes you may see or feel just by taking more… How to Fall Asleep in 10, 60, or 120 Seconds You can do a lot of prep work to make the perfect sleep environment. But if that doesn't work, here are 6 other hacks to try.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725826
__label__cc	0.663217	0.336783	Home > Our Initiatives > Our Initiatives Good Health Made PossibleⓇ The efforts of Health Sciences South Carolina are making good health possible for all South Carolinians. For all its gifts, South Carolina finds itself with many challenges: unacceptably high rates of stroke, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. It is a state in transition and like the rest of the nation, South Carolina is working to create opportunities and position itself for the future during a difficult economic time. HSSC was established as a collaborative in recognition of the fact that the state can achieve greater results working together for common goals. Since 2004, HSSC has served as a lightning rod, attracting the support and involvement of a growing number of organizations eager to advance the health and economic well-being of the state. Training available to our members for clinicians and researchers to enhance their research toolbox. The DaRT training focuses on the wide range of research resources HSSC provides its members and is modified to meet the needs of the audience. View this Initiative A federated Health Information Exchange that provides an emergency department alert system in the Charleston area that links the emergency departments of four hospital organizations. Impactful research depends on collaboration between investigators with unique expertise, different backgrounds and different strengths in solving a problem and/or conducting research. Palmetto Profiles provides tools to help investigators find collab... eIRB facilitates collaboration among South Carolina institutions and brings the benefit of electronic processing to each of HSSC member institutions. Clinical data is a powerful enabler of scientific discovery that can lead to new technology and pharmaceuticals. HSSC has created a statewide Clinical Data Warehouse and data management platform that supports the increase of clinical trials and medical... HSSC's Atrium Creating a new kind of tool for engagement and collaboration to be used by South Carolinians involved in all facets of health and research including academic researchers, clinical staff, and community members. Providing the infrastructure for hospitals across South Carolina to improve surgical outcomes, decrease complications and address disparities. SCSQC is addressing the 15 most common surgical procedures to identify pathways to the highest quality outcomes... Empowering action through access to data, comparative analytics and technical expertise, uplifting all residents of the Carolinas. PCORnet Mid-South is designed to make it faster, easier, and less costly to conduct clinical research than is now possible by harnessing the power of large amounts of health data and patient partnerships. Health Sciences South Carolina (HSSC) is the nation's first statewide health collaborative and is committed to transforming South Carolina's public health and economic well-being through research. We have formed dynamic collaborations with like-minded organizations within South Carolina and now are expanding our efforts at data-enabled health improvement to others across the Carolinas and the Southeast. Our Tools and Services Health Sciences South Carolina offers a wide range of informatics-based services and tools to researchers, clinicians, and health systems to support research studies, quality improvement and health system improvement initiatives. Data planning, generation, and administration are also available through HSSC. Since its founding in 2004, Health Sciences South Carolina has made great strides in improving patient health throughout the state. From the positive results of our accomplished initiatives to advancements made in our infrastructure in order to support better research, we will continue to improve the lives of all South Carolinians through our supporting organizations.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725827
__label__wiki	0.602148	0.602148	State govts’ non-payment of workers’ salaries disgraceful to Nigeria — Buhari President Muhammadu Buhari says the inability of 27 state governments to pay monthly salaries of their workers is disgraceful to Nigeria. President Buhari stated this in Abuja on Wednesday while addressing staff of the Presidential Villa. He expressed dismay that in spite of the initial bailout funds given to some states, workers in those states were yet to receive their salaries. “The matter that may shock you is that 27 out of the 36 states couldn’t pay salaries. “This is a disgrace to Nigeria; it’s a disgrace. “Up till now some of the states cannot pay salaries. “What happened to all that we have been getting all this time? “We looked left, right, centre, up and down and said; any savings? “There was nothing, because we developed a consumption that we were not supposed to develop.’’ Buhari, therefore, advised state governments to diversify their revenue sources to strengthen their financial positions. He pledged that his administration’s ongoing war against corruption would be sustained to rid the country of the debilitating effects of the wanton looting of public funds. “I have never in my life – from class monitor to here for the second time in different form – believed in corruption. “With what we are doing, if we made any mistake along the line of compromising our integrity, the country would have been further dragged back by blackmail and other things. “We’ll not touch anybody that did not touch public funds. “If you behave yourself, you may not have houses in Abuja or in Europe or in America, but you will sleep soundly. “Your children and families will enjoy respect.’’ The President reiterated the determination of his administration to stop all forms of fraud in the country. He said security agencies had been alerted to apprehend persons engaged in currency racketeering in the country. “For those, who have plenty of naira and use bankers and others to stamp papers and buy the dollars and take them outside, we will have to do something else, because we are alerting all security agencies. “All fraud must be stopped. If they want to believe us is to see those we have caught red-handed, taking public funds. “This exercise will continue as long as this leadership is here. “Whoever takes anything that does not belong to him and is not entitled to him and he is caught, he will be documented and taken before the court.’’ He assured that he would continue to lead the country with patriotic zeal, integrity, dedication and commitment to improving the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians. Buhari thanked the State House staffers for their services to the nation and urged them to remain patriotic and to eschew corruption in the discharge of their duties. “I’m asking you to re-dedicate yourself to your country. “As I said thirty years ago, we have no other country than Nigeria; we are determined to rehabilitate the country for coming generations. “The process of change is not easy, but with your dedication, we can deal successfully with the issues that currently confront us,’’ he said. In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, State House, Malam Jalal Arabi, thanked the president for his concern and support to the staff of the presidency. He stated that the State House staff will remain loyal to the Buhari-led administration in its desire to transform the country. Muhammadu BuhariNANunpaid salaries Kelechi Uchenna Kelechi is a writer at The Herald. His many penchants include Poetry, Coding and Rock music. When he is not writing, Kelechi is probably binging on a TV show.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725828
__label__cc	0.632079	0.367921	Marilyn Artus My family has been in the United States since its inception. I can track family back to the revolutionary war. I have three ancestors who fought in the Revolutionary war and my great great great grandmother Jesse Hayes was an early member of The Daughters of the American Revolution. Two family members fought for the Union during the Civil War and were captured and held in Confederate prisons. I also had family that came West and settled in the 19th century. I have a family legacy that has actively participated in the American dream since its founding. I want to continue my family legacy of service through my art making, by honoring this upcoming important anniversary in American History, voting for women. As I little girl growing up in the 1970s and 80s, the school text books were mighty thin with women to look to for role models. A few year ago, I created works about the suffragist era in the U.S. Through my research I collided with some fascinating women: Harriet Forten Purvis, Victoria Woodhull, Mary Ann Shadd Cary, Elizabeth Piper Ensley, Frances Wright, Ida B. Wells, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, Lucy Stone, Miriam Leslie and Sojourner Truth. They were complex and real. They were complicated. They were activists. They were passionate. They were Republicans and Democrats. They were groundbreakers. WHERE THIS FLAG THING CAME FROM When I was 14 years old, I took a school trip to Washington, D.C. and visited the Smithsonian Museum. Even though much of it was missing, my strongest memory is of the colossal flag that hung over Fort McHenry in Baltimore during the war of 1812. It was the star-spangled banner, and the inspiration for the poem by Francis Scott Key that later became our national anthem. Here was a moment in history that I could relate to. A woman had created this important thing — it was sewn by her hands, just as a young girl I had watched my mother sew clothes for me. To this day my experience at that museum manifests itself in my art making. I love my country, and I celebrate its potential. Marilyn Artus is a visual artist based in Oklahoma, and her work explores the female experience and women’s issues. She has created shows that explore the suffragist era in the U.S., pays tribute to an assortment of women in U.S. history and continues to collide the many different stereotypes that women navigate through on a daily basis. After graduating with a bachelor of Fine Arts degree she worked for 16 years as a commercial artist. In 2003, she co-founded The Girlie Show, an all female art festival in Oklahoma City that drew artisans from all over the United States to exhibit, celebrate, encourage and showcase female talent, that ran for 10 years. Each year, the organization awarded a $1,000 grant to a selected female art or design student. She also founded a branch of Dr. Sketchy's Anti Art School, a cabaret life drawing class that she owned for 3 years in OKC. Other career highlights include solo and group gallery and museum exhibitions in Oklahoma, New York, Tennessee and Washington. She was awarded the Brady Craft Alliance Award for Innovation in fiber arts in 2011 and led an art making workshop at the Brooklyn Museum in New York in conjunction with a retrospective exhibition of female pop art. In 2017 Marilyn was invited by the Science Museum of Oklahoma to create a piece for their exhibit Sole Expressions, which focused entirely on shoes. For this piece Marilyn created a large flag, In Our Shoes, composed of shoes images from 364 of her Facebook friends. The collaboration of In Our Shoes has been one of the inspirations for Marilyn’s most recent undertaking, Her Flag. Marilyn was recently in a group exhibition, In Her Hands, at the Robert Mann Gallery in New York City. A unique and timely exhibition, In Her Hands connected women artists working in the tradition of women's work with progressive women candidates running for office in the 2018 elections. RAISING AWARENESS OF MINORITIES AND WOMEN OF COLOR WITHIN THE SUFFRAGE FIGHT This is one of six stickers in our Unknown Suffrage Fighters Sticker pack that is one of the donation rewards in our crowdfunding campaign on ifundwomen. See donate button below to get more info about the campaign. The 19th amendment states: The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. This amendment did legally give all women the right to vote, but, laws within each state varied and did create complications for many women in exercising this right. Jim Crow Laws in the South impeded many African Americans from voting until the 1960s and Native Americans did not have full voting rights in all 50 states until 1970. Asian-American women could not vote until 1952. Women's history is often times over looked, we think this anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate and discuss the many challenges related to voting in the past and present for women and people of color. We featured a woman of color from the suffrage era everyday on Instagram for Black History Month. We are not interested in talking about Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and other well known suffrage fighters, there will be plenty of projects doing that. We will be focusing on women like Ida B Wells, Mary McLeod Bethune, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Forten Purvis and so many more. We will continue to use our social media platforms to feature these women.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725829
__label__wiki	0.734324	0.734324	Robin Carnahan, Missouri Senate Candidate, Wants Bush Tax Cuts Extended For Wealthy By Sam Stein Breaking from the president and the majority of her party, Robin Carnahan, the Democratic Senate candidate in Missouri, announced on Thursday that she supports extending the Bush tax cuts for all recipients, including the wealthy. In an appearance before the state fair in Sedalia, Missouri, Carnahan stressed that "now [was] not the time to raise taxes" for members of any income class. Tony Messenger, a reporter with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, was at the fair and tweeted the news. A Carnahan campaign aide confirmed the Secretary of State's position to the Huffington Post. In announcing her support for a full extension of the Bush tax cuts -- which are set to expire this year -- Carnahan creates conspicuous distance between herself and many of the national Democrats she's hoping to join. President Obama, for one, has pushed for an extension of the cuts for those making below $200,000. Individuals earning more than that or families in an income bracket above $250,000 would see their tax rates revert to previous levels under the president's plan. With some exceptions, this position has been echoed by Democrats on the Hill, who argue that the budget would take a major blow if the tax cuts for the wealthy are extended. On the campaign trail, it appears, the argument is a bit harder to make. Carnahan isn't the first Democratic Senate candidate to call for an extension of the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy. Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway has said that he favors keeping the current rates for "five, eight, maybe ten" additional years. Rep. Brad Ellsworth (D-Ind.), who is running for Sen. Evan Bayh's soon to be vacated seat, also has said he would support extending the entire package of Bush tax cuts. Sam Stein Senior Politics Editor, HuffPost Politics News Bush Tax Cuts	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725834
__label__wiki	0.742812	0.742812	Why Are We Condemning Michael Phelps' Pot Use? Add decorated Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps to the growing list of successful Americans who happens to indulge in marijuana during his down time. ByPaul Armentano and Mitch Earleywine, Contributor 02/03/2009 06:24pm EST \| Updated November 17, 2011 We Ought To Be Condemning The Illogical Laws That Brand Him A Criminal Add decorated Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps to the growing list of successful Americans who happens to indulge in marijuana during his down time. The tabloid news story is making international headlines, though it's difficult to understand why. After all, Mr. Phelps is hardly alone in his herbal inclinations. According to national and federal surveys, nearly one out of two Americans have tried weed, and among those age 18 to 25 -- Phelps is 23 -- pot smoking is especially popular. Contrary to the messages promoted by the federal government, marijuana consumers include people from all walks of life, ethnic classes, and socio-economic backgrounds. America's current President said that he smoked marijuana regularly as a young man. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, former Vice President Al Gore, former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and legendary astronomer Carl Sagan all have admitted using marijuana at different times during their lives. According to the U.S. government, some 70 percent of current marijuana users are gainfully employed. Statistically, most marijuana users are successful academically and financially. A National Bureau of Economic Research study even reported that marijuana use is associated with earning higher wages. Some former and current users, like Virgin tycoon Sir Richard Branson, Progressive Auto Insurance founder Peter Lewis, and New York State Mayor Michael Bloomberg are even multi-millionaires. Perhaps the public's fascination with this story is because Phelps is recognized as one of the most talented and successful athletes in the entire world. (He holds the record for the most gold medals won by any athlete in history.) But Phelps isn't an anomaly in this regard either. Many top athletes use cannabis off the field -- noting that it helps them to relax after the excitement of sports competition and alleviate the pain from nagging injuries. It also won't leave them with a hangover or adversely impact their performance the next day. A 2007 New York Times investigation estimated that up to 70 percent of pro-basketball players occasionally indulge in the use of pot, and many high profile football players -- most notably Miami Dolphins star running-back Ricky Williams, former Dallas Cowboys all-star Mark Stepnoski, and even Super Bowl XLIII MVP Santonio Holmes -- have spoken candidly about their off-field marijuana use. In fact, Phelps isn't even the first gold medalist to admit to smoking cannabis. That honor belongs to Canadian snowboarder and 1998 Winter Olympics gold medal winner Ross Rebagliati, who tested positive for having used cannabis in the days prior to his history-making performance. Sure, there will be some who will say that this latest chapter in Phelp's life is deserving of criticism because the 14-time gold medalist is sending a poor message to young children. And what message would that be? That you can occasionally smoke marijuana and still be successful in life. Well sorry if the truth hurts. Fact is, most Americans who use pot do so for the same reasons -- and in the same manner -- as do those who drink alcohol. According to a recent University of Alberta study, the majority of adults who use cannabis do so recreationally to "enhance relaxation." Researchers concluded: "[M]ost adult marijuana users regulate use to their recreational time and do not use compulsively. Rather, their use is purposely intended to enhance their leisure activities and manage the challenges and demands of living in contemporary modern society. Generally, participants reported using marijuana because it enhanced relaxation and concentration, making a broad range of leisure activities more enjoyable and pleasurable." No doubt Michael Phelps indulged in the use of marijuana for these very same reasons. He ought not to be condemned for it nor branded a criminal for his actions. For that matter, neither should anyone else. healthy living athletesClarence ThomasRichard BransonArnold Schwarzenegger Paul Armentano and Mitch Earleywine, Contributor	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725835
__label__wiki	0.826153	0.826153	Supreme Court Tightens Section 1983 Liability for Failure to Train Professional Lines Alert The Supreme Court recently tightened the liability standards for Section 1983 claims involving an alleged failure to train governmental employees. Connick v. Thompson, 2011 U.S. LEXIS 2594 (U.S. Mar. 29, 2011). The Court in Connick reversed a $14 million verdict for plaintiff former prisoner, who had spent 18 years in prison, including 14 years on death row. The former prisoner was initially tried and convicted of attempted armed robbery. But the prosecutors in that case failed to disclose the existence of exculpatory scientific evidence. Because of that conviction, the former prisoner did not testify in his own defense in a subsequent murder trial and was again convicted. One month before the former prisoner’s scheduled execution, an investigator discovered the undisclosed evidence from the armed robbery trial. A reviewing court determined that because the evidence was exculpatory, both of the former prisoner’s convictions should be vacated. The former prisoner then sued the Orleans Parish District Attorney for his alleged failure to train prosecutors about their obligation to produce exculpatory evidence pursuant to the holding in Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83; 83 S. Ct. 1194 (1963). Courts have recognized that § 1983 training liability can arise in two potential scenarios. The first is where a series of constitutional violations makes the need for training obvious. A pattern of constitutional violations, however, is typically necessary to demonstrate that a governmental entity was “deliberately indifferent” to its citizens’ constitutional rights. The Supreme Court also hypothesized that § 1983 training liability could arise in the absence of a pattern of violations when the need for training on a particular issue was obvious at the outset. The Court observed that a police officer’s use of deadly force is an example where training should be provided in the absence of a pattern of constitutional violations. The former prisoner in Connick proceeded under the latter theory. The Court summarily rejected his claim, observing that it did not fall “within the narrow range of . . . hypothesized single-incident liability” scenarios where the need for training at the outset was obvious. The Court noted that armed police must make split-second decisions with life or death consequences, whereas prosecutors receive training in law school, and have ongoing mandatory continuing legal education requirements and ethical duties with which they must comply. In the 10 years preceding the former prisoner’s prosecution, four other convictions had been set aside due to the failure by prosecutors to produce exculpatory evidence. In the Court’s view, this did not establish a pattern of violations sufficient to put the district attorney on notice of the need for additional training. None of those prior instances involved either a failure to produce scientific evidence or a failure similar to what occurred in the former prisoner’s case. The Supreme Court further explained that failure-to-train liability cannot be based upon “contemporaneous or subsequent” conduct. It also observed that such liability is concerned with the substance of the training, not its particular format, and rejected the notion that liability could be based on the theory that more or better training would have prevented the type of conduct in question from occurring. The Court concluded that failure-to-train liability does not provide courts with carte blanche to micromanage local units of government or their training programs. The Supreme Court’s decision clearly limits the circumstances in which failure-to-train liability can be imposed under § 1983. In virtually all instances, a plaintiff must demonstrate a pattern of prior constitutional violations of a similar nature before liability can attach under this theory. This should make pleading § 1983 training claims more difficult because the Court requires complaints to assert enough facts to demonstrate a plausible entitlement to relief. When a complaint fails to factually assert a pattern of similar constitutional violations, a motion to dismiss should be considered. Moreover, liability cannot be premised upon assertions that specialized training, or more or better training should have been provided. Thus, Connick should help to weed out § 1983 training claims at an early stage of the proceedings. Download to read the Intricacies of Federal Section 1983 Civil Rights Claim. For further information, please contact Steven Puiszis or your regular Hinshaw attorney. Steven M. Puiszis	cc/2019-30/en_head_0034.json.gz/line1725837

Subsets and Splits

No community queries yet

The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.