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Welcome to J2C2 Productions, home of the Read/Watch/Play podcast!
Read/Watch/Play is a biweekly podcast about books, movies, and games. It's a veritable cornucopia of culture. A culture-copia, if you will. Every two months, we pick a topic, as well as one book, one movie, and one game that we think represent it. We'll devote an entire episode to each book, game, and movie, then cap the whole series off by discussing all three together in our cumulative topic discussion. All of our topics are announced in advance, if you'd like to read/watch/play along with us. If you'd rather not, that's cool too; the first third of every episode is totally spoiler-free. It's like a super-relaxed book club, but then also two other clubs, which are about movies and games instead of books. Whether you're in it for the long haul or just sticking around until the spoiler break, we hope you enjoy the show as much as we enjoy making it!
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Pilgrims walk the well-trodden paths on the mountain top of Masada, near the Dead Sea. PHOTO: Ken Chitwood
A pilgrim's progress - an ethnographic perspective on evangelical Holy Land tours
Casting our eyes to the right, lo! like a flash of lightning the oft-mentioned and oft-to-be-mentioned holy city of Jerusalem shone forth...the pilgrim, or stranger who had never seen Jerusalem could not but...beheld with our eyes the long-desired holy city, we straightaway dismounted from our asses and greeted the holy city, bowing our faces to the earth.
— Felix Fabri, German pilgrim, 1480
As holy as Holy Land pilgrimages are, they are also, concomitantly, very human affairs. The humans who make these journeys make meaning of them as well. They move through these spaces with bodies that have sore feet, smell the incense, bump into fellow pilgrims, and get sunburnt on an archaeological dig. They craft their own narratives and share their own perspectives through photos and stories. There is also, on every trip, conflict and miscommunication. Indeed, as important as the holy sites of a pilgrimage are, equally so are the human sites which seek, explore, and interact with them.
I recently accompanied a group of evangelical Lutherans on a Holy Land tour with the group Educon Travel (read about their "7 Principles of Christian Travel"). Along the way I enjoyed participating, leading devotions and studies, and also observing the group as we "walked where Jesus walked."
To assist my understanding of the human phenomenon of pilgrimage to the Holy Land I read two books: R. D. Kernohan's The Road to Zion: Travelers to Palestine and the Land of Israel for historical perspective and Hillary Kaell's (Assistant Professor of Religion at Concordia University Montreal), Walking Where Jesus Walked: American Christians and Holy Land Pilgrimage for an ethnographic lens.
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Pilgrimage to the "Holy Land" has a long history. The first recorded pilgrim to the Holy Land was a bishop named Mileto, who hailed from Sardis in Asia Minor. His journey occurred around 160 C.E. and Christian historian Eusebius, writing in the 4th-century, shared that Bishop Mileto visited those locales “where the Scriptures had been preached and fulfilled." Others such as the anonymous Bordeaux Pilgrim, the excitable Egeria (a.k.a. Etheria), the Roman widow Paula, and German friar Felix Fabri left journals that recount their adventures and experiences in the footsteps of the Bible.
Journeying through the "Holy Land" -- shared by Jews, Christians, and Muslims of all stripes -- some pilgrims struggle with the encounter with variant rituals, beliefs, and bodily practices. Others join in. PHOTO: Ken Chitwood
Yet, it wasn't until after the end of the Six Day War that the throngs of modern pilgrims began to flock to Israel and Palestine. Kernohan shares that "one result of the Israeli conquest was a decisive victory in the battle for pilgrims and tourists. Probably more Christian visitors have come to the Holy Land in the [latter half of the 20th-century] than at any other time in history." (149)
Indeed, since the 1950s, millions of U.S. Christians have traveled to the Holy Land to visit places in Israel and the Palestinian territories associated with Jesus’s life and death. Millions of others come from Africa and Asia, Russia and Europe, Latin America and Oceania.
Questions abound? Why do they come/go? Why do they come in such numbers? How do they react to the encounter with other religions and customs there? What's the cost -- financially, personally, culturally, politically? How do they interpret the trip before, during, and after? How do they cope with the dissonance between dream and reality? How do they seek out "the holy thing behind the seemingly holy place?" (Kernohand, 154) How do they wrestle with the juxtaposition of sanctity and commercialism in simultaneity? How do they collate through politics and particular personages who are want to share their opinion on Palestinians and Israelis and Muslims and Americans and more? What links are there between home and away, pilgrimage and every day life?
Considering why the influx today, Kaell chose to analyze how the growth of mass-market evangelical pilgrimages emerged out of changes in U.S. Christian theology and culture over the last sixty or so years, including the growth of the small group movement, the development of an entire industry of Christian leisure travel, and changes in Jewish-Christian relations.
Essentially, Kaell boils all the questions above into one -- what does it mean for 21st-century U.S. Christians to return to "the source" - in her words "walk where Jesus walked" - in the context of their everyday faith?
Kaell drew on five years of participant observation and interviews with pilgrims before, during, and after their pilgrimages. She tracked Catholics and evangelicals, but for the purposes of this blog we will focus on her findings about evangelicals.
What she discovered was that the pilgrimage is a hybrid harmony between holy and human, divine and mundane. The journey that pilgrims take, and the interpretations that they give to their experiences are tied to the ordinary, the everyday, and their roles, rituals, and realities at "home." Not only do pilgrims grapple with the tension between the material and the mystical, commodification and religious control, the home and the "Holy Land" during their journey, but also betwixt and between places like Apache Junction, AZ and the Arab Quarter in Jerusalem.
This book shows us how Holy Land pilgrimage is embedded in the everyday lives of pilgrims, before and after their trip. But it also does much more. We learn how the Holy Land occupies a powerful place in the American religious imagination, and examine what it means to be Protestant or Catholic in an age of contested modernity.
— Simon Coleman, University of Toronto
A pilgrim's feet caked in the mud from the Jordan River, near "Bethany Beyond the Jordan" where Jesus was said to have been baptized. PHOTO: Ken Chitwood
I found Kaell's reflections to be eerily prescient. Frequently, as I read the book on the bus or in my room at night I would laugh out loud as I recollected a moment from the day that passed that proved a perfect illustration for a perspective that she offered.
For example, Kaell was discussing how the "image of Israelis as American-style pioneers persists today, which, by contrast, means that Palestinians can be construed as dangerous 'Indian' interlopers." (Loc. 872) That day, I'd not only heard our tour guide refer to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as one of "cowboys vs. Indians," but had heard one of my fellow travelers talk about Jordan as "the Wild West."
To me, this not only illustrated how guides are "conscious of their unique opportunity to shape the group's outlook...therefore [spending] significant time promoting their political/theological ideologies" (Loc. 1002) but that "spiritual interest in Palestine, including the Christian interest in the tradition of pilgrimage, will [remain] one of the constant factors" in this ever-changing situation. (Kernohan, 158) Knowing that U.S. Christian perspectives matter in the Middle East -- both politically and poetically -- it is important therefore for groups of pilgrims to be intentional about their engagement with such issues, taking in both sides and hearing divers perspectives from Jews, Christians, and Muslims who live in that context every day.
Read a Palestinian Christian's perspective
On that point, I was also drawn to the interstices of U.S. Christians' encounters with other religions. Christian pilgrims struggle with multiple religious "others" in the context of contested space in the "Holy Land." From the Orthodox jostling for their moment to grace the spot where Jesus was born to the Roman Catholics who booted us out of the wedding chapel at Cana to the adhan, or "Muslim call to prayer" rousing us to wake in the mornings, many pilgrims struggle with denominational and confessional fault lines. Mostly, pilgrims feel that their experience is the authentic one. After all, Muslims weren't here in Jesus' day -- why should they distract us now? Catholic and Orthodox Christians are all about rituals, I will stick with my private, personal, evangelical piety. Copts? I have no clue what to do with them. I feel for them as martyrs at the hands of ISIS, but I would condemn them as heretics if they got in my way. To be sure, evangelical pilgrims vie for space in the Old City and at the Church of the Holy Nativity and draw on centuries of battles to wrest control of the "Holy Land" from "infidels" (Muslims), "schismatics" (the Orthodox), and "legalists" (Catholics) to stake their claim.
Pilgrims jostle for photos and feelings with other Christians bumping their way to the place of Jesus' birth at the Church of the Holy Nativity. PHOTO: Ken Chitwood
It was difficult, nigh impossible, to interject any grand opportunities to share my insight and background from, and in, religious studies during the trip. While there were those who asked sincere questions of Muslims and Druze, Copts and Zionist Jews I could barely get a word in before my inquirers interjected with their own perspectives and interpretations informed by their own news consumption, e-mail discussions, and experiences from home. Granted, I too was headstrong with my views and opinions as I listened to our tour guide woefully represent Muslims and express what was to me an errant perspective on the religion and the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Just as my compatriots were not to be moved, I too remained recalcitrant. Negatively, this meant that divisions were doubled-down and fault lines morphed into fissures. Positively, for some, the trip came to exemplify and perhaps positively reinforce, recent shifts toward ecumenism and pluralism.
As Kaell noted, ne'er did we let this boil over into full blown conflict. This trip was far too expensive and important to let interfaith rivalries or political opinions ruin our time. After all, this is a "holy" trip...even though other humans are unfortunately on our buses, in Bethlehem, and in our bedrooms.
Related to the point above about transporting our previous perspectives from home into our experience on the pilgrimage, Kaell concludes by discussing various dualities throughout the book - particularly those between domestic relationships at home and global experience traveling to and in the Holy Land. Insightfully, she shows how each pilgrimage derives its power and relevance from the interaction and tension between the two.
Just as their trip through Jesus' backyard is significantly shaped by their home life, so too upon their return the "Holy Land" is remembered, reordered, and reconstructed "according to the subjective interpretations and cultural expectations" of home. Likewise, pilgrims use their encounters and experiences in the "Holy Land" to decode their spiritual lives back in the U.S. They are forced to reimagine their spiritual struggles, feelings, and physical encounters in the context of the domus. In the interplay between before and after, over there and right here at home, both places are reinterpreted and reshaped. Pilgrims often find that just as they struggled to find the holy in the "Holy Land" -- as ruins disappointed, churches were too busy, and some experiences too commercialized for their liking -- so too they strive to find the holy at home. Just as the numinous evaded their reach in the places where Jesus was himself was they find it hard to brush up against him in their church, in their small group, or in their daily life.
...the Holy Land pilgrimage is not religious in spite of its commercial or touristic or global nature. It is powerful precisely because participants engage with defining characteristics of Christian modernity through the juxtaposition of these dualities: the dynamic tension between material evidence and transcendent divinity, the intersection of commoditization and religious authority, the interplay between domestic relationships and global experience. American Christians navigate these categorizations and ways of being every day, of course, but the intentional nature of “walking where Jesus walked” brings them into heightened relief. It is the extra-ordinary nature of this “trip of a lifetime” that makes it such a good experience to think with—for American Christians and for the scholars who study them.
— Hillary Kaell
Pilgrims struggle with commercialization and pluralism on their journey, juxtaposed against holy sites of Christian lore. They take this tension home with them. PHOTO: Ken Chitwood
In this way, pilgrimage simply serves as the microcosm of the mundane, as a journey into the everyday, but in a far away place. As a parallel to the odyssey of lived piety at home it can often leave pilgrims more frustrated than illuminated. Yet, at its best, this voyage can turn us into regular religious site-seers who turn their senses to appreciate the divine intimations that percolate in the everyday. If truth be told, not only are pilgrimages of this sort an encounter with the divine, the religious "other," a potent political situation, or crotchety companions, these peregrinations are engagements with our own spiritual selves in relation to the world we live in -- near and far, local and global, at home and in the "Holy Land."
With that said, this gives us an opportunity to learn that our world is evermore one of compressed space and time, where the global and the local interact and intermesh on regular occasions, and there may not be as much difference as we thought between home and the "Holy Land." On the negative side, we may be unhappy to discover that the divine evades us on our pilgrimage. From the glass-half-full perspective, we may find that the sacred, in all its multifarious manifestations, was waiting for us back at home.
For more, follow Ken on Twitter
In Religion and Culture Tags Pilgrimage, Holy Land, Hillary Kaell, R.D. Kornahan, Walking Where Jesus Walked, Ethnography of Holy Land, Ethnography, Road to Zion, Numinous, Religious encounters, Pluralism, Search for the divine
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Ricoh has signed a definitive agreement to acquire DocuWare, a provider of content services software.
Headquartered in Germany and the U.S., DocuWare provides cloud and on-premise document management and workflow automation software to more than 12,000 customers in more than 90 countries across the globe through a network of 600 partners.
DocuWare will operate as a standalone subsidiary of Ricoh and continue to expand its channel network and product development. DocuWare already integrates with Ricoh’s new IM C series of multifunction printers, through Ricoh Smart Integration, providing customers with a secure way of scanning documents and feeding them directly into a workflow process.
“We see a strong demand from our customers to maximize the value of their documents and business content to support their growth,” said David Mills, corporate senior VP, Ricoh, adding that because DocuWare has a market-leading, cloud-first content services offering, the acquisition is a significant step in meeting that customer need.
Ricoh has been investing in digital workplace services by growing both organically and through acquisition. The acquisition of DocuWare is in line with Ricoh’s strategy to grow its digital workplace transformation offering.
The deal with DocuWare is expected to close during the summer of 2019, subject to receiving clearance from the relevant competition authorities in Germany and Austria and completion of other customary closing conditions. Following completion of the deal, DocuWare will operate as a subsidiary of Ricoh with Dr. Michael Berger and Max Ertl remaining as presidents.
For further information, visit www.ricoh.com.
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Holocaust Memorial Day - Anita Lasker Wallfisch
One of the many benefits of working for some years at an independent school in Kent as alumni officer was the opportunity to attend concerts and lectures, part of the school's cultural programme on offer to students, and the wider community. Having always been interested in the history of World War Two and the Holocaust, I was particularly drawn to hearing Anita Lasker Wallfisch speak. I relate here what I recall of this lecture.
Anita had not expected a large audience, actually, on this occasion, but had expressly come to speak to the cast of Playing for Time, the Arthur Miller play based on the memoir of Fania Fenelon. Anita had been a member of the women's orchestra at Auschwitz, which is what the play is about. At the time of the play's writing, she and some other survivors of the women's orchestra had been to see Arthur Miller, and asked him to amend the text. Apparently he declined their request to change the piece, for whatever reasons he had.
They said Fenelon's book misrepresented the truth as they saw it, that the women in this group had not been bitchy and critical of each other, but had supported and cared for each other, and that it was only this that had got them through. They would look out for each other, and if they noticed that one of their number had stopped washing, for example, they would exhort them to start again, for they knew that this was a very bad sign of giving up the struggle to go on.
The power of this lecture lay in the fact that Anita Lasker Wallfisch, though now in her seventies, was speaking to the Sixth Form girls of her experience at their age, still painfully fresh in her memory. She was born and raised in Breslau (now Wroclaw, Poland), and when her parents were transported to the camps, she and her sister Renata, then in their mid-teens, were not deported as they were working in a paper factory. They took part in underground activities, helping to forge papers for French slave labourers to cross back into France.
She told a story of their group leader issuing them with cyanide pills, in case they got picked up by the Gestapo. One day, he asked them for their pills back, saying that he would return them shortly, which he did. When they were arrested, soon after, as they were trying to escape to France, Anita and her sister took their pills, but nothing happened. He had replaced them with sugar pills. He must have had his reasons for this action, but after the War when Anita met him again, and remonstrated with him, he asked her whether she was not glad, as after all she and Renata had survived.
They were initially held in cells in Berlin, and then they were both sent, on different dates, to the extermination camp at Auschwitz. Anita arrived first. When she was being processed on arrival, the young woman (a Jewish prisoner herself) cutting her hair remarked on her pretty shoes. Anita had spilt some ink on these shoes some time back, and had dyed them black, and then decorated them with little red pom-poms to cheer them up. Anita had heard the stories about the camps - she had an idea of what was in store - and said to the girl she would be welcome to have them as she would not be needing them. When the girl asked Anita what she did before the war, she mentioned that she played the cello, and at this the girl said that she would send someone immediately to Alma Rose, who had asked always to be told if a musician arrived - she needed players for the women's orchestra. There were several orchestras or bands at Auschwitz made up of Jewish players, who were required to play not only when surviving prisoners went in and out to work duties, but also for the SS in off-duty hours. The women's orchestra was directed by Alma Rose, herself an inmate, and the niece of Gustav Mahler. The standard was expected to be high, in spite of the obvious depredations the players were subject to, and rehearsals were rigorous. Alma Rose knew that their lives depended on the quality of their playing.
Anita was accepted for the orchestra - they lacked a cellist. About a week later, another stroke of fate saved her sister. On her arrival at Auschwitz, again in the hair-cutting room, she spotted Anita's distinctive shoes being worn by one of the girls, and on asking her where she had got them, told the girl they had belonged to her sister. A messenger was sent by the girl straightaway to Anita, who begged Alma Rose to take her sister in. Alma Rose agreed to do so, and said she could be given a job as a runner for the orchestra. The girls both survived Auschwitz, and were sent to Belsen on the same transport as Anne Frank.
I asked Anita after the lecture whether they had played Beethoven, and she said no, that Beethoven, the great German composer, whose work she loved and admired, was not music they had played in the camps. The usual fare requested was light music, for example Franz Lehar.
After the war Anita met up with another survivor, Peter Wallfisch, who she had known as a schoolboy in Breslau. They were married, and were to go on to musical careers, Anita playing cello with the English Chamber Orchestra. Anita said that she was able to travel to Germany with the orchestra and easily converse with young Germans, but that with those who had lived in the War, she always felt uncomfortable, and could never help wondering whether she was looking at the person who had contributed to the transport and murder of her parents.
Raphael Wallfisch, the son of Anita and Peter, has become a great cellist himself, and his son, Benjamin follows in his footsteps. Anita, as so many Holocaust survivors, worked hard at building a new life in England, and did not dwell on her wartime experiences, but felt, when she had brought up her family, that she should put down her story for their benefit, and wrote her memoir Inherit the Wind. It takes its place in the body of work which records the appalling events of the Nazi Holocaust.
Anita is in her late eighties now. I understand she still spends time speaking to groups of schoolchildren about her story. In 2011 she received an Honorary Doctorate from Cambridge
Website about Music and the Holocaust: www.holocaustmusic.ort.org
Reading Charles Dickens
I was hugely excited to be given a white-paper Kindle for Christmas. We are not over-technologicised in our house (I don't have an i-anything!) and I sat as a schoolgirl transfixed at the unveiling on BBC's Tomorrow's World of the amazing new invention - a fax machine, and the thrilling demonstration by Rolf Harris of the stylophone.
It's wonderful to think that with this gift (the Kindle, not a Stylophone!) and the work of many generous contributors, the great treasure-chest of classical literature is now instantly accessible, gratis. I have however made it one of my goals this year not to acquire any new books until 2014, but to get through some of my book-pile. I wouldn't be surprised if I've amassed 5 years' worth of reading. One of those which I've been meaning to re-read for years now (and last year being the bi-centenary of his birth) is David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. I have a dusty old copy in tiny print, so I downloaded the free Kindle version and started reading.
After declaring I could never be seduced away from the joys of hard copy books I found it beautifully easy to read in this format. I'd read David Copperfield at my grammar school. Although an avid reader, I didn't enjoy the process of reading books in class much, analysing, going over the same passages, writing essays etc. And what's more, I reckon I didn't really appreciate Dickens fully until I'd seen a bit more of life, struggled a bit, worked through some difficult times and fallen at a few waysides.
Having said all that, I have to say that our son Tom, when quite a small child, used to listen with rapt attention when my husband read A Christmas Carol to him - guess that RADA training had its uses!
I loved reading David Copperfield again. The language is naturally of its period, and some passages can be a bit less dynamic than modern readers may be used to, but it was a rich treat. I found myself, often, laughing and weeping in the same chapter. There are too many memorable characters and descriptions in the story to mention, but the chapter dealing with the tempest on the Norfolk coast and its aftermath was truly thrilling. And I will always love Betsey Trotwood!
I gave away copies of The Tale of Two Cities on World Book Day last year. One of the readers, a very nice man who delivers at my office, who had enjoyed reading All Quiet on the Western Front (my first World Book Day give-away) the year before, confessed that he had not been able to get very far with it. He found he couldn't work out what was going on in the story. I admired his honesty, but was sad he hadn't been able to finish the book - it's such a magnificent story.
Dickens gave public readings of his own work which, by all accounts, were gripping, and apparently exhausting, as he put so much into them. These were frowned upon by the literary classes and considered to be populist and rather vulgar. In an age before television, film, radio, or even recorded music, it must have been a powerful experience to witness his dramatic rendering of scenes like the murder of Nancy from Oliver Twist. I have read that his performances often lasted over three hours, that he held his audiences spellbound and had the ability to transform himself into the character he was describing.
Occasionally I think a really good film version can convey the author's purpose. My Dad played Samuel Pickwick in the 1952 film version of Pickwick Papers (the original Dr Who, William Hartnell, appears briefly as an Irate Cabman). Dad didn't study the book, but picked out a scene from the script and based his performance on that. Somehow he seemed to capture the big-hearted spirit of Pickwick. The wonderful cast of British actors bring out the whimsy and comedy in Dickens' characters as well as their innocence, and the mayhem that often ensues as they are taken in by the villains of the piece. I watched the DVD again recently and found myself highly amused and deeply moved.
I'm sure Dickens' great legacy, the beauty and power of his prose, will continue to be discovered by countless generations to come. I plan to make good use of my Kindle and carry on reading!
James Hayter in The Pickwick Papers
A Visit to Aberdare
Ebenezer Chapel, Trecynon, Aberdare
The New Year is regarded as a time for new things, hopes and aspirations, but this year I find I am still feeling sad after the passing away of my mother-in-law in Wales. We travelled down after Christmas to collect her ashes from the undertaker, and we made a journey to Aberdare in the Cynon Valley. My son and his girlfriend were with us, and my husband walked us round Trecynon, the district of Aberdare where his family lived for generations.
After hearing many of the family stories over the years, it was affecting to see how nearby everything was. They could easily have walked from the house where my father-in-law was born and which became their family home after their marriage to visit friends and relatives in the streets nearby. Most of their needs were catered for within a very small area: shops, school, chapel, Free Library, and the Coliseum Theatre, where they took part in the amateur theatricals. The beautiful Aberdare park, where huge processions from the various chapels paraded at Whitsun, was also nearby. Opposite the house is a bus-stop, where, in years gone by, the miners would gather for the bus to the pit, and where they would sometimes sing while they were waiting. This was an integrated life, where people were sure of their place in their community, even though life was a struggle particularly through the years of the Great Depression and the World Wars.
It was upsetting to see Ebenezer Chapel, where the family had worshipped, up for sale, and derelict. The minister at my mother-in-law’s funeral, an Aberdare man himself, spoke of the moral force this Chapel had once had (formidable was the word he used), its influence in the town and marvellous choral singing. An erudite man, he had clearly used this adjective most particularly – the Oxford Dictionary of English defines formidable as inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, intense, or capable. Seventeen years ago, when my father-in-law died, I recall the wonderful hymns sung at his funeral there – and the ‘hwyl’ (a Welsh word, roughly translated as soul/enthusiasm/spirit) with which the congregation sang in his honour. At the annual Cymanfa Ganus (hymn-singing festivals) once held here, the chapel was so full that extra chairs had to be set out in the aisles. In fact, the Cymanfa Ganu movement originated in Aberdare in 1859.
My mother-in-law’s grandfather, miner Richard Wigley, sang tenor in the celebrated South Wales Choral Union (‘Y Côr Mawr’) led by Griffith Rhys Jones (Caradog) of Aberdare, which won prizes in 1872 and 1873 at the Crystal Palace, London.
The religious revivals of the 19th century gave rise to the building of chapels, great and small, all over Wales. They undoubtedly had a binding and guiding influence on the people caught up in the furore of industrial development in South Wales, but today a great many of them are up for sale or closed. As GM Trevelyan, the historian said; “The dead were and are not. Their place knows them no more and is ours today... once, on this earth, once, on this familiar spot of ground, walked other men and women, as actual as we are today, thinking their own thoughts, swayed by their own passions, but now all gone, one generation vanishing into another, gone as utterly as we ourselves shall shortly be gone, like ghosts at cockcrow.”
My in-laws were proud of Aberdare. In its heyday it boasted many large fine and well-used buildings like the Ritz Cinema, the Temperance Hotel, and great Victorian Grammar schools. Today it has a sadly run-down aspect, though plans are afoot for urban regeneration. It has suffered the fate of so many towns where heavy industry and work have moved away. The
Little Theatre, opened in 1931 by the Trecynon Amateur Dramatic Society, is now a storage shed for window-frames, we heard.
But the people of Aberdare are as warm and friendly as ever. We had lunch at Servini’s Café in the town, where Mam and Dad may well have enjoyed an ice-cream when they were children. Afterwards we called in on a relative for several cups of tea and a long chat. Here’s
wishing the people of Aberdare a Happy New Year.
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If you're going to shoot cross country, you better be read to run.
I shot cross country for the first time on Saturday during the MSHSAA State Cross Country Championships at Oak Hills Golf Center in Jefferson City. The day featured races for Class 4 and Class 3 schools.
I didn't realize when I got there, but apparently it's not only the competitors that do the running during a cross country event — the crowd has to run too, to watch them.
The first race was brutal. I had no idea where I was going. Also, I was freelancing for The Sun News who I worked for this summer, so I was responsible for capturing four high schools, boys and girls.
Once I figured out what I was doing and had mapped out my course for where I was going to shoot during the race, it wasn't too bad. I was pretty winded during the entire competition, but no more than I would've been during a football game. I think the only issue was that I didn't really know where I was going at first, but once I figured out my "hot spots" it wasn't hard.
As usual with sports, though, I found my stride with shooting feature. My "money" shots were right after the race, when all the racers were catching their breath, stretching or drinking water. I found a lot of really great moments there and am glad I fought my way through the crowd to get those images.
One problem I did have, though, was shooting really painful or intimate moments. Sami Berry, the girl whose photo is shown first in this blog post. was cramping up quite awfully after the race. She was yelling and crying, and although everyone around her was quite calm, I felt awkward standing above her, taking her picture. If I was yelling and crying, I definitely wouldn't want someone photographing me.
I don't think I would've been uncomfortable shooting a moment like this in Columbia, though. I feel like the citizens of Columbia have kind of gotten used to us photographers, with three newspapers in town and multiple broadcast news outlets. I think it's expected that if you're doing something crazy, someone's going to get a picture of it. But the kids I was photographing weren't used to that media mentality and I didn't want to make them uncomfortable.
Photographs copyright © Katie Currid 2010. All rights reserved.
tags: Kearney High School, Liberty High School, Liberty North High School, Missouri State Cross Country, MSHSAA Cross Country Championships, Smithville High School
categories: Missouri life, Sports photography, Sun News Internship
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Home » Context of 'April 4, 2002: Head of US Military States ‘The Goal Has Never Been to Get bin Laden’'
Context of 'April 4, 2002: Head of US Military States ‘The Goal Has Never Been to Get bin Laden’'
This is a scalable context timeline. It contains events related to the event April 4, 2002: Head of US Military States ‘The Goal Has Never Been to Get bin Laden’. You can narrow or broaden the context of this timeline by adjusting the zoom level. The lower the scale, the more relevant the items on average will be, while the higher the scale, the less relevant the items, on average, will be.
August 14, 1998: Richard Myers Becomes New NORAD Commander
General Richard B. Myers takes over as commander in chief of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), commander in chief of the US Space Command, and commander of the Air Force Space Command. He replaces General Howell M. Estes III. [North American Aerospace Defense Command, 6/3/1998; Air Force News, 8/19/1998] Myers will serve in these positions until February 22, 2000, when he will be replaced by General Ralph E. Eberhart. [Air Force News, 2/22/2000] On 9/11, Myers will serve as the acting chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. [Myers, 2009, pp. 10]
Entity Tags: North American Aerospace Defense Command, Richard B. Myers, Air Force Space Command, US Space Command
Timeline Tags: US Military, Complete 911 Timeline
2000: Space Command Head Says US Needs ‘Space Superiority’
General Richard Myers, chief of Space Command, states: “The American military is built to dominate all phases and mediums of combat. We must acknowledge that our way of war requires superiority in all mediums of conflict, including space. Thus, we must plan for, and execute to win, space superiority.” [Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, 1/2001; Yes Magazine, 2001; Foreign Service Journal, 4/2001]
Entity Tags: Richard B. Myers
October 2001: US Military Downplays Importance of Targeting Bin Laden
On October 8, 2001, Gen. Tommy Franks, Central Command commander in chief, says of the war in Afghanistan, “We have not said that Osama bin Laden is a target of this effort. What we are about is the destruction of the al-Qaeda network, as well as the… Taliban that provide harbor to bin Laden and al-Qaeda.” [USA Today, 10/8/2001] Later in the month, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld makes similar comments, “My attitude is that if [bin Laden] were gone tomorrow, the same problem would exist. He’s got a whole bunch of lieutenants who have been trained and they’ve got bank accounts all over some 50 or 60 countries. Would you want to stop him? Sure. Do we want to stop the rest of his lieutenants? You bet. But I don’t get up in the morning and say that is the end; the goal and the endpoint of this thing. I think that would be a big mistake.” [USA Today, 10/24/2001] One military expert will later note, “There appears to be a real disconnect between what the US military was engaged in trying to do during the battle for Tora Bora - which was to destroy al-Qaeda and the Taliban - and the earlier rhetoric of President Bush, which had focused on getting bin Laden.” [Christian Science Monitor, 3/4/2002] Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Richard Myers will make a similar comment in April 2002 (see April 4, 2002). [Christian Science Monitor, 3/4/2002]
Entity Tags: Osama bin Laden, Thomas Franks, Al-Qaeda, Taliban, Donald Rumsfeld
April 4, 2002: Head of US Military States ‘The Goal Has Never Been to Get bin Laden’
Myers making his comments at a press conference. [Source: Banded Artists Productions]Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Richard Myers states, “The goal has never been to get bin Laden.” He adds, “Obviously, that’s desirable,” but then he hints it won’t be desirable to do so soon, saying, “I just read a piece by some analysts that said you may not want to go after the top people in these organizations. You may have more effect by going after the middlemen, because they’re harder to replace. I don’t know if that’s true, or not, and clearly we would like to eventually get bin Laden.” [Evans, Novak, Hunt & Shields, 4/6/2002] In early 2005, the recently retired Executive Director of the CIA will explicitly state that it is better to let bin Laden remain free (see January 9, 2005).
Entity Tags: Osama bin Laden, Richard B. Myers
October-November 2002: US Leaders Reassess Afghanistan War
Map of Afghanistan, showing areas of control by various warlords and factions. [Source: ABC News]In May 2002, the commander of British forces in Afghanistan declared that the war in Afghanistan would be over within weeks (see May 8, 2002). The perception amongst many in the US is that the war is over. However, it appears that US leaders begin to believe the war is going to last longer and be more difficult than previously believed. On October 8, the US ambassador says, “The war is certainly not over. Military operations are continuing, especially in the eastern part of the country and they will continue until we win.” Most of the country is controlled by warlords who are now being supplied with weapons and money by the US government. [Daily Telegraph, 10/8/2002] On November 8, 2002, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Richard B. Myers says of Afghanistan, “I think in a sense we’ve lost a little momentum there, to be frank. They’ve made lots of adaptations to our tactics, and we’ve got to continue to think and try to out-think them and to be faster at it.” [Washington Post, 11/8/2002] A few days after Myers’ remarks, Time magazine reports, “The fear of failure in Afghanistan has lately prompted some hard new thinking in both Washington and Kabul. General Myers’ candid remarks to the Brookings Institution suggests the Pentagon is trying to be more creative in its pursuit of stability in Afghanistan.” One strategy is to put more resources into reconstruction. [Time, 11/11/2002]
Entity Tags: United States, Richard B. Myers
January 9, 2005: Newly Departing CIA Executive Director Says It’s Better If Bin Laden Remains Free
A. B. “Buzzy” Krongard, the CIA’s recently departed Executive Director, says in an interview that the world may be better off if bin Laden remains at large. Krongard had been Executive Director, the CIA’s third most senior position, from 1998 until six weeks before this interview. He states, “You can make the argument that we’re better off with him [at large]. Because if something happens to bin Laden, you might find a lot of people vying for his position and demonstrating how macho they are by unleashing a stream of terror.” The London Times notes that, “Several US officials have privately admitted that it may be better to keep bin Laden pinned down on the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan rather than make him a martyr or put him on trial.” However, Krongard is the only senior official to say so publicly, and this position completely contradicts the rhetoric of the Bush administration, which has consistently claimed that catching bin Laden remains a top priority. [London Times, 1/9/2005]
Entity Tags: A.B. (“Buzzy”) Krongard, Osama bin Laden
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Home » Entities » Jim Turner
Profile: Jim Turner
Jim Turner was a participant or observer in the following events:
Fall 2002 and After: Bush Administration Politicizes Civil Rights Division to Favor Whites, Christians, Conservatives
Civil rights division logo. [Source: US Department of Justice]The Bush administration embarks on a program to politicize the Justice Department’s civil rights division (CRD). The CRD is staffed by some 350 permanently employed lawyers who take complaints, investigate problems, propose lawsuits, litigate cases, and negotiate settlements. For decades, the decisions on who should fill these positions have been made by civil servants and not by political appointees. The CRD is an obvious target for politicization, and until now the Justice Department has tried to ensure that no such politicization ever took place. “There was obviously oversight from the front office [where the political appointees work], but I don’t remember a time when an individual went through that process and was not accepted,” Charles Cooper, a former lawyer in the CRD during the Reagan administration, will later recall. “I just don’t think there was any quarrel with the quality of individuals who were being hired. And we certainly weren’t placing any kind of political litmus test on… the individuals who were ultimately determined to be best qualified.”
Hiring Conservatives in Place of Career Lawyers - But Attorney General John Ashcroft changes those rules, without making any sort of official announcement. The hiring committee is not formally disbanded, but it stops having meetings scheduled, and the political appointees begin making career hiring decisions. In 2007, author and reporter Charlie Savage will write, “The result of the unprecedented change was a quiet remaking of the civil rights division, effectively turning hundreds of career jobs into politically appointed positions.” No longer would career attorneys be hired for their civil rights background; instead, lawyers from conservative law schools or from conservative legal organizations such as the Republican National Lawyers Association are given favorable treatment. Some of the new hires worked with Kenneth Starr’s Whitewater investigative team or had worked with other prominent conservatives, including former Attorney General Edwin Meese or Senator Trent Lott (R-MO). Some list themselves as belonging to prominent Christian political organizations that promote socially conservative views such as opposition to abortion and to affirmative action.
Shift towards 'Reverse Discrimination' Cases - After the new hires are in place, the division shifts its focus: instead of working on voter rights, employment discrimination, and other such cases affecting African-Americans and Hispanics, the division begins working to develop “reverse discrimination” cases in favor of whites and Christians. [Savage, 2007, pp. 295-297]
Driving Career Employees Away - Over the next few years, the types of cases pursued by the CRD changes drastically (see 2005, 2006, and 2006), and career attorneys with decades of service begin leaving the division in large numbers. The Justice Department will even encourage older hires to leave by offering them a buyout. Savage will write, “With every new vacancy, the administration gained a new change to use the new rules to hire another lawyer more in line with its political agenda.” CRD attorney David Becker will tell a 2006 NAACP hearing: “Even during other administrations that were perceived as being hostile to civil rights enforcement, career staff did not leave in numbers approaching this level. In the place of those experienced litigators and investigators, this administration has, all too often, hired inexperienced ideologues, virtually none of which have any civil rights or voting rights experience.” Some supporters say that the Bush administration is merely righting an imbalance, where the CRD was previously top-heavy with liberal lawyers interested in protecting African-Americans over other groups, but one of the CRD’s top career lawyers from 1965 through 1994, Jim Turner, says, “To say that the civil rights division had a special penchant for hiring liberal lawyers is twisting things.” [Savage, 2007, pp. 298-299]
Entity Tags: John Ashcroft, Civil Rights Division (DOJ), Charlie Savage, Charles Cooper, Bush administration (43), David Becker, Jim Turner, Trent Lott, US Department of Justice, Edwin Meese, Republican National Lawyers Association, Kenneth Starr
May 12-15, 2003: Texas Democratic Legislators Leave State to Block Passage of Controversial Redistricting Bill; Texas Republicans Use Federal Resources to Locate and ‘Apprehend’ Them
A button supporting the Texas Democrats, nicknamed the ‘Killer D’s.’ [Source: Ebay (.com)]The Republican leadership of the Texas legislature sends agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Texas Rangers, state troopers, and members of the Special Crimes unit to locate and apprehend over 50 Democratic state legislators who have left the state to prevent a quorum from being reached. The state Democrats left Austin, and the state, in order to prevent the Republican leadership from passing a controversial electoral redistricting plan that they say discriminates against minority voters (see 2002-2004). One Democratic lawmaker, Representative Helen Giddings, is apprehended. Many of the Democrats are staying for the time being in Ardmore, Oklahoma. One Democrat, Representative Craig Eiland, says that police officers questioned his wife in Galveston, where their newborn twins are in intensive care. He calls the law enforcement efforts to “find” him and his colleagues “bordering on harassment,” and advises, “Let the good guys go back to catching the bad guys and let the politicians deal with each other.” Under Texas law, even though the Democrats are committing no crime in refusing to participate in the legislative session, state law enforcement officers have the authority to arrest members of the legislature and forcibly return them to Austin to allow the legislature to achieve a quorum. [Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5/14/2003]
Use of Federal Resources; DHS 'Furious' at Involvement - US Representative Tom DeLay (R-TX) says that the Speaker of the Texas House, Tom Craddick (R-Midland), has asked for the intervention of the FBI and/or US Marshals to “go up and get those members.” Craddick denies making any such request. The US attorney’s office in San Antonio says that an “unidentified person” called it with an inquiry about federalizing the “arrest warrant.” A Justice Department spokesperson says the issue is entirely a state matter, and “would not warrant investigation by federal authorities.” The Air and Marine Interdiction and Coordination Center, a federal agency under the purview of the DHS, is involved for a time in a search for a private plane belonging to former House Speaker Pete Laney (D-Hale Center). The agency’s purpose is to engage in counterterrorism activities. Craddick says that the agency was successful in locating the airplane in Ardmore, alerting him that many of the Democrats are in that town. Craddick says: “We called someone, and they said they were going to track it. I have no idea how they tracked it down. That’s how we found them.” Bush administration officials promised that DHS agencies and officials would not operate within American borders when the agency was created. [Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5/14/2003; CommonDreams, 5/14/2003] According to DHS officials, someone in the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) calls the Air and Marine Interdiction Coordination Center on May 12 and says: “We got a problem and I hope you can help me out. We had a plane that was supposed to be going from Ardmore, Oklahoma, to Georgetown, Texas. It has state representatives in it and we cannot find this plane.” The center agrees to help, DHS says, because “from all indications, this request from the Texas DPS was an urgent plea for assistance from a law enforcement agency trying to locate a missing, lost, or possibly crashed aircraft.” DHS officials contradict Craddick by denying that the center found Laney’s plane in Ardmore. Senator Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) says: “I am outraged that Homeland Security resources are being used to help settle partisan scores. It’s inconceivable that anyone would waste scarce department resources for such an indefensible purpose.” Lieberman is demanding an investigation into the matter. Representative Jim Turner (D-TX), the ranking Democrat on the House Select Committee on Homeland Security, says he is reminded “of the days of Watergate, when federal resources were used for purely partisan political purposes.” According to the New York Times, DeLay is working closely with Craddick on the matter, though a DeLay spokesman denies that anyone from DeLay’s office has had any contact with DHS, and adds, “This is a smoke screen from the Democrats, who will say or do anything to change the subject from shirking their constitutional responsibilities.” DPS spokesperson Tom Vinger refuses to say specifically what his department has done to find the legislators, saying only: “We were ordered to begin an investigation into the missing legislators by the Texas House and to take them into custody if we found them and bring them back to the House chambers. Those were our orders. And we used very basic, routine investigative procedures in an attempt to do this.” DHS officials tell a Times reporter on the condition of anonymity that they are furious about being involved in the search. [Utne Reader, 5/2003; New York Times, 5/15/2003] Craddick soon orders all records of the Republicans’ search for the Democrats to be destroyed, sparking outrage among the Democrats, who demand accountability and say Craddick is trying to hide something. [CBS News, 5/21/2003]
Questioning Family Members - Law enforcement officers have questioned the children of Representative Joe Pickett, angering Pickett’s wife Denise. And Carol Roark, the wife of Representative Lon Burnam, says police officers appeared at her home in Fort Worth and announced they were there to “arrest” her husband; one officer told her, “I’m here on the order of Tom Craddick to arrest Rep. Lon Burnam.” Roark says she laughed at the officer, and says, “I think it was a pretty silly use of tax dollars.” Dallas Mayor Laura Miller, whose husband, Representative Steve Wolens, is in Ardmore, says that police officers have camped out overnight in front of her home. Miller says, “I felt very safe last night because there were two DPS officers who slept in front of my home.” [Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5/14/2003]
Mixed Reactions - Reaction to the Democrats’ exodus is mixed. Supporters have dubbed them the “Heroes of the House” and the “Killer D’s,” the latter a reference to a similar action taken by Texas Senate Democrats in the late 1970s. Republicans in Texas and Washington have labeled the Democratic lawmakers “cowards” and “terrorists.” Many Texas news outlets have shown sympathy to the Democrats and have criticized what some call the excessive reaction by the Republican leadership. [CommonDreams, 5/14/2003] DeLay says the Democrats who have left Texas “may not be patriots,” and adds, “Representatives are elected and paid for by the people with the expectation that they show up for work and do the people’s business and have the courage to cast tough votes.” In response, Representative Martin Frost (D-Arlington) says in regards to the redistricting plan: “Tom DeLay would be perfectly happy in the old Soviet Union. He wants one-party government. He doesn’t believe in a two-party system.” DeLay’s House colleague, Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), says, “It is easier, I think, for Tom to manipulate these lines… than it is to win elections.” [Dallas Morning News, 5/14/2003; New York Times, 5/15/2003]
Order Expires - The order from the Republican leadership is essentially vacated on May 15, when the Texas House, formerly “standing at ease,” officially adjourns. At that point, the “call on the House,” under which law enforcement officials are authorized to apprehend and forcibly return recalcitrant lawmakers, is abated. They return to Austin on May 16. Representative Jim Dunnam (D-Waco), who helped organize the retreat, says, “Government is by the people and for the people, and we had to go to Oklahoma to say government is not for Tom DeLay.” The delay causes the redistricting bill to lapse, but it will be brought up again in the next session, according to Texas Republicans. Representative Beverly Woolley (R-Houston) says: “Texas is a Republican state by all voting population, and they [Republicans] deserve to have greater representation in Congress. Sooner or later, we will redistrict. This is not over.” [New York Times, 5/15/2003; Houston Chronicle, 5/16/2003]
Entity Tags: James Dunnam, US Department of Homeland Security, Denise Pickett, Tom DeLay, US Department of Justice, Helen Giddings, Craig Eiland, Carol Roark, Air and Marine Interdiction and Coordination Center, Beverly Woolley, Bush administration (43), Tom Craddick, Texas State Legislature, Tom Vinger, Texas Rangers, Laura Miller, Martin Frost, Lloyd Doggett, Lon Burnam, Texas Republican Party, Joe Pickett, Joseph Lieberman, Jim Turner, Steve Wolens, Texas Department of Public Safety, Pete Laney, New York Times, Texas Democratic Party
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Home » Timelines by Topic » Regions » Middle East » Iraq » Torture of US Captives
Torture, Rendition, and other Abuses against Captives in US Custody
Project: Prisoner Abuse in Iraq, Afghanistan and Elsewhere
Open-Content project managed by Derek, KJF, mtuck
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February 6, 2003: Detainee Moazzam Begg Is Transferred from Afghanistan to Guantanamo
After a year of detention at Bagram, which appears to be unusually long, Moazzam Begg is transferred to Guantanamo. [Rasul, Iqbal, and Ahmed, 7/26/2004 ; BBC, 10/1/2004]
Entity Tags: Moazzam Begg
Category Tags: Bagram (Afghanistan), Guantanamo (US Base in Cuba), Moazzam Begg
February 6, 2003: JAG Officer Protests Justice Department Approval of Torture
Major Jack Rives, a top Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer in the US Air Force, writes a memo challenging the legal opinion issued by Justice Department lawyer John Yoo justifying “harsh interrogation methods” (see January 9, 2002). Rives is representative of a large number of JAG officers who have sent fiercely worded memos calling torture and “harsh interrogation methods” illegal, regardless of what Yoo may have written. Rives writes, “[S]everal of the exceptional techniques, on their face, amount to violations of domestic criminal law,” and notes that US interrogators who use such techniques risk prosecution. And, telling soldiers it is permissable to brutalize prisoners could lead to a general breakdown in discipline and morale, Rives adds, “We need to consider the overall impact of approving extreme interrogation techniques as giving official approval and legal sanctions to the application of interrogation techniques that US forces have consistently trained [as being] unlawful.” [Savage, 2007, pp. 180]
Entity Tags: Jack Rives, John C. Yoo, US Department of the Air Force, Judge Advocate General Corps
Category Tags: Criticisms of US, Legal Proceedings
February 6, 2003: Former CIA Official Claims Guantanamo Prisoner Was Sent to Egypt and Tortured
Newsday reports that Vincent Cannistraro, former head of the CIA’s Counter Terrorism Center, told reporters, “Better intelligence has come from a senior al-Qaeda detainee who had been held in the US base at Guantanamo, Cuba, and was ‘rendered’ to Egypt after refusing to cooperate. ‘They promptly tore his fingernails out and he started to tell things.’” [Human Rights Watch, 5/7/2004]
Entity Tags: Vincent Cannistraro
Category Tags: Rendition after 9/11, Other Detainees
February 6, 2003: Navy, Justice Lawyers Spar over Presidential Authority to Order Torture
Alberto Mora, the Navy’s general counsel, invites Justice Department lawyer John Yoo to his office to discuss Yoo’s recent memo defending the legality of extreme interrogation techniques used against terror suspects (see January 9, 2002). Mora has been working to put an end to such tactics at the Pentagon, but was horrified when his supervisor, Pentagon general counsel William Haynes, outflanked him with the Yoo memo (see January 23-Late January, 2003). Mora wants to know if Yoo believes cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment can be allowed at Guantanamo, and if that the president’s authority to order torture is virtually unlimited. During the meeting with Yoo, Mora asks him, “Are you saying the President has the authority to order torture?” Yoo replies, “Yes.” “I don’t think so,” Mora retorts. “I’m not talking policy,” Yoo replies, “I’m just talking about the law.” Mora responds, “Well, where are we going to have the policy discussion, then?” Yoo has no idea. Perhaps it will take place within the Pentagon, where the defense-policy experts are. Mora knows that no such discussion will ever take place; the Bush administration will use Yoo’s memo to justify its support of torture. [New Yorker, 2/27/2006; Washington Post, 4/2/2008]
Entity Tags: William J. Haynes, John C. Yoo, Alberto Mora, Bush administration (43)
Category Tags: High-level Decisions and Actions, Guantanamo (US Base in Cuba)
Between February 10, 2003 and February 16, 2003: CIA Director Briefs National Security Adviser about Italian Rendition
CIA Director George Tenet briefs National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice on the forthcoming rendition of al-Qaeda figure Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr from Italy to Egypt (see Noon February 17, 2003). According to a senior CIA officer who GQ magazine will say is “directly involved,” Rice approves the mission, but worries how she will tell President Bush. [GQ, 3/2007 ]
Entity Tags: Central Intelligence Agency, George J. Tenet, Condoleezza Rice
Category Tags: High-level Decisions and Actions, Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr
February 11, 2003: Rumsfeld Dodges Question about Limits on US Power
In Munich, in reference to the imminent war on Iraq, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is asked whether the US is bound by any international system, legal framework, or code of conduct. Avoiding a direct answer, Rumsfeld replies: “I honestly believe that every country ought to do what it wants to do… It either is proud of itself afterwards, or it is less proud of itself.” [Guardian, 2/11/2004]
Entity Tags: Donald Rumsfeld
Category Tags: Public Statements
February 13, 2003: Detainee Moazzam Begg Confesses Al-Qaeda Membership after 600 Days of Solitary and Numerous Threats
Moazzam Begg is put in solitary confinement at Guantanamo and remains there until at least September 2004, which is a period of almost 600 days. [Guardian, 10/1/2004] The same day, he signs a statement stating that he is a member of al-Qaeda, which he later claims he made “under threats of long term imprisonment, summary trials, and execution.” [BBC, 10/1/2004; Independent, 1/30/2005] His confession is made to the same US interrogators who questioned him at the US prison in Bagram, Afghanistan. “They reiterated the previous threats,” Begg alleges, “of summary trials, life imprisonment and execution.” [Independent, 1/30/2005]
Category Tags: Forced Confessions, Isolation, Guantanamo (US Base in Cuba), Moazzam Begg
Before February 17, 2003: CIA Officers Argue over Rendition of Italy-Based Imam
A dispute breaks out at the CIA after a proposal is made to render an Islamist extremist named Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr from Italy to Egypt. Nasr had previously informed for the CIA (see August 27, 1995 and Shortly After), but had been close to a senior al-Qaeda figure (see Summer 2000). Robert Seldon Lady, the CIA’s senior official in Milan, disagrees with the plan. The CIA and local Italian authorities are co-operating on surveillance of Nasr, and in a few months Lady thinks they will have enough evidence to arrest and convict him. In addition, kidnapping a man in Italy could endanger US-Italian relations. However, the rendition is supported by Jeff Castelli, the chief of the CIA station in Rome. [GQ, 3/2007 ] Reporter Jeff Stein will even say that the rendition is Castelli’s “brainchild.” [Congressional Quarterly, 4/19/2008] Opinion appears to be divided at CIA headquarters. According to one account, the CIA’s Counterterrorist Center is against the idea, but the plan is ultimately approved by unspecified CIA managers. [GQ, 3/2007 ] According to another account, it is the Counterterrorist Center that approves the rendition. [Congressional Quarterly, 4/19/2008] One of the CIA officials involved in the rendition is Stephen Kappes, assistant director of the Directorate of Operations. However, details of his opinions on it are unknown. [New York Times, 11/4/2009] CIA Director George Tenet also agrees to the rendition. [GQ, 3/2007 ]
Entity Tags: Robert Seldon Lady, Stephen Kappes, Counterterrorist Center, Jeff Castelli, Central Intelligence Agency
Category Tags: Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr
Before February 17, 2003: Italian Military Intelligence Approves Kidnap of Milan Imam
The Italian military intelligence agency SISMI is briefed by the CIA on a plan to kidnap radical imam Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr (a.k.a. Abu Omar) in Milan (see Noon February 17, 2003). SISMI agrees to the plan, but it appears other Italian agencies are not informed of it. The CIA will later claim the plan is even approved by Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, although documentation to support this will not be produced. When Italian anti-terrorist authorities, who are monitoring Nasr and planning to arrest him, find he has been kidnapped, they will charge several CIA officers with breaking Italian law (see June 23, 2005 and After). [Washington Post, 12/6/2005]
Entity Tags: Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr, SISMI, Central Intelligence Agency, Silvio Berlusconi
Noon February 17, 2003: CIA Kidnaps Own Informer in Broad Daylight in Italy, Damaging Italian Al-Qaeda Investigation
A surveillance photograph of Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr. [Source: Central Intelligence Agency]The CIA kidnaps an Islamic extremist who previously informed for it in Milan, Italy. The man, Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr (a.k.a. Abu Omar), who was a member of the Egyptian terror group Al-Gama’a al-Islamiyya and was close to al-Qaeda, provided information to the CIA in Albania (see August 27, 1995 and Shortly After) and operated in Italy (see Summer 2000). [Chicago Tribune, 7/2/2005] While the kidnap is happening, one of the CIA officers involved in the operation, Robert Seldon Lady, is having a meeting on the other side of Milan with Bruno Megale, head of Milan’s antiterrorism police service, DIGOS. The meeting’s purpose is to allow Lady to keep an eye on Megale in case something goes wrong. [GQ, 3/2007 ] The US will say that Nasr is a dangerous terrorist and that he once plotted to assassinate the Egyptian foreign minister. However, Italian officials, who were monitoring him, will deny this and say his abduction damages an intelligence operation against al-Qaeda. A senior prosecutor will say, “When Nasr disappeared in February [2003], our investigation came to a standstill.” Italian authorities are mystified by the kidnap, as they are sharing the results of their surveillance with the CIA. Nor can they understand why Egypt wants Nasr back. When Nasr reaches Cairo, he is taken to the Egyptian interior minister and told that if he agrees to inform again, he will be set free. However, he refuses and spends most of the next 14 months in prison, facing “terrible tortures.” The Chicago Tribune will ask, “Why would the US government go to elaborate lengths to seize a 39-year-old Egyptian who, according to former Albanian intelligence officials, was once the CIA’s most productive source of information within the tightly knit group of Islamic fundamentalists living in exile in Albania?” One possible answer is that he is kidnapped in an attempt to turn him back into the informer he once was. The kidnapping generates a substantial amount of publicity, leading to an investigation of the CIA’s practice of extraordinary rendition, and an Italian official will comment, “Instead of having an investigation against terrorists, we are investigating this CIA kidnapping.” [Chicago Tribune, 7/2/2005] Arrest warrants will later be issued for some US intelligence officers involved in the kidnapping (see June 23, 2005 and After).
Entity Tags: Central Intelligence Agency, Robert Seldon Lady, Bruno Megale, Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr
Category Tags: Extraordinary Rendition, Rendition after 9/11, Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr
5:00 p.m. February 17, 2003: Kidnapped Imam Arrives at US Air Base in Italy
A group of CIA officers arrives at Aviano Air Force Base, north of Venice, Italy, with Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr (a.k.a. Abu Omar), an Islamist extremist they kidnapped in Milan five hours previously (see Noon February 17, 2003). Some English-speaking interrogators strip Omar’s clothes, putting him in blue overalls, and photograph him. They ask him some questions about his connections to al-Qaeda, his sending of recruits to fight in Iraq, and his relationship with Islamist radicals in Albania (see August 27, 1995 and Shortly After). However, Nasr says nothing. The interrogators punch him in the stomach and slap him across the face. Then they wrap his head in a sticky bandage, cut some breathing holes into it, and put him on a plane that arrives in Cairo seven hours later. [GQ, 3/2007 ] Twenty-six US officials will later be charged in Italy with the kidnap. One of them is Joseph Romano, a US Air Force officer whose role is to help the kidnappers at the air base in Aviano. [Congressional Quarterly, 9/23/2009]
Entity Tags: Central Intelligence Agency, Joseph L. Romano III, Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr
Category Tags: Extraordinary Rendition, Rendition after 9/11, Physical Assault, Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr
After February 17, 2003: Main Supporter of CIA’s ‘Italian Job’ Rendition Promoted Twice
Jeff Castelli, the CIA station chief whose idea it was to render Islamist extremist Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr from Italy to Egypt (see Before February 17, 2003 and Noon February 17, 2003), is promoted twice following the operation. According to journalist Matthew Cole, this places Castelli “deep in senior management” at the agency. [GQ, 3/2007 ]
Entity Tags: Central Intelligence Agency, Jeff Castelli
February 22-March 15, 2003: CIA Milan Chief Flies to Cairo, Following Abducted Imam Who Is Allegedly Tortured
Robert Seldon Lady, chief of the CIA’s substation in Milan, Italy, travels to Egypt for three weeks. A radical imam named Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr (a.k.a. Abu Omar) was kidnapped by the CIA in Milan five days before and taken to Egypt, and Lady will later be accused of being a party to the abduction (see Noon February 17, 2003 and June 23, 2005 and After). According to the Washington Post, “many counterterrorism analysts take [Lady’s trip to Egypt] to mean he took part in the initial interrogation.” A search of Lady’s villa will later turn up computer disks showing a flight reservation from Zurich to Cairo and cell phone records will show that a phone associated with Lady was used to place calls from Cairo during the period Lady is thought to be there. Nasr will later say he is tortured when in Egypt (see April-May 2004). [Washington Post, 12/6/2005]
Entity Tags: Central Intelligence Agency, Robert Seldon Lady, Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr
(Late February 2003): CIA Aids Questioning of Recently Rendered Extremist in Egypt
The CIA assists with the interrogation in Egypt of Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr, an Islamist extremist the agency recently rendered from Italy (see Noon February 17, 2003). Nasr is questioned at a Cairo prison by three agents of the Egyptian Mukhabarat, who repeatedly ask him about his recruiting network and which members of the Islamist organization Al-Gama’a al-Islamiyya are working with him. Several CIA officers, presumably including Robert Seldon Lady (see February 22-March 15, 2003), watch Nasr stonewall the questions on a video monitor in a nearby room. The officers, who know intimate family details about Nasr’s life due to a bug in his house, give the Egyptians a fabricated message that Nasr is to be told is from his son. Upon hearing the message, Nasr breaks down and cries. He then tells his interrogators everything he knows, including who is involved in his recruiting efforts in Milan and which Egyptians have helped hide his money transfers. Having gotten the information they wanted, the CIA agents leave and the Egyptians begin torturing Nasr (see Late February 2003 or Shortly After). [GQ, 3/2007 ]
Entity Tags: Central Intelligence Agency, Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr
Late February 2003 or Shortly After: Recently Rendered Egyptian Tortured by Local Authorities
Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr, an Islamist extremist recently rendered from Italy to Egypt by the CIA (see Noon February 17, 2003), is tortured there. Nasr was interrogated for information by the local authorities with the agency’s help shortly after his arrival in Egypt and gave up what information he had (see (Late February 2003)). The torture techniques include:
Beating;
Being hung upside down;
Exposure to extreme heat and cold;
Sleep deprivation;
Extremely loud music played for hours;
Denial of bathing; and
A device called the mattress, where the victim is tied to a wet mattress, his shoulders are pinned to it by one of the torturers, and electricity is fired through the mattress coils.
A former CIA official will comment on the rationale behind the Egyptians torturing someone who has already provided information: “They’re a good intel service. They use sedatives and psychological manipulation to get someone to talk. If they’re mad or you’re of no use—that’s when they get mean.” [GQ, 3/2007 ]
Entity Tags: Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr
February 28, 2003: CIA Refuses to Say Whether Bush Has Approved Enhanced Interrogation Techniques
CIA general counsel Scott Muller writes to Jane Harman (D-CA), a member of the House Intelligence Committee, but fails to respond fully to questions about the CIA’s use of enhanced interrogation techniques. [Central Intelligence Agency, 2/28/2003 ] Following a briefing earlier in the month about the legality of the techniques (see February 2003), Harman had written to Muller and CIA Director George Tenet asking whether using the techniques was good policy for the US: “I would like to know whether the most senior levels of the White House have determined that these practices are consistent with the principles and policies of the United States. Have the enhanced techniques been authorized and approved by the President?” She also urges the CIA not to destroy videotapes of detainee interrogations because they are “the best proof that the written record is accurate,” and their destruction “would reflect badly on the Agency.” [US Congress, 2/10/2003 ] In his reply, Muller completely fails to mention the tapes or say whether Bush has been consulted. He also says it would be inappropriate for him to comment on policy issues, merely that “it would be fair to assume that policy as well as legal matters have been addressed within the Executive Branch.” [Central Intelligence Agency, 2/28/2003 ]
Entity Tags: House Intelligence Committee, Central Intelligence Agency, George W. Bush, Scott Muller, Jane Harman, George J. Tenet
Category Tags: Destruction of CIA Tapes
Spring 2003: Informant Posing as Prisoner Allegedly Is Mistreated by US Guards at Bagram and Guantanamo
Abdurahman Khadr. [Source: Cageprisoners]Prisoner Abdurahman Khadr says he is forced at a US prison in Bagram, Afghanistan, to lie on a cold concrete block for two days in the spring of 2003. He also experiences US soldiers stepping on his shackles, which cut through his skin “to the bone.” A female guard drags him up a flight of stairs, he recalls, after smiling at her. He is then flown to the US prison in Guantanamo, Cuba. He says the flight was a “whole torture on its own,” because, “There were people screaming around me and there was people begging for water and nobody was getting anything.” At Guantanamo, he is placed in an isolation block for 30 days, in a dark cell with just a hole for food. He is only allowed out for 15 minutes every three days. He claims, “They use this room to torture us.… They put the heat up or they put it too low so we are freezing or we are suffering because there is no air. They put the music on so you can’t sleep. They throw rocks at the block so you can’t sleep.” Ironically, Khadr is serving as a CIA informant at the time (see November 10, 2001-Early 2003). When he asks his CIA handlers why he has to suffer so much, he is told it is to make the prisoners think he is one of them. [Toronto Star, 8/19/2004] He complains and in the early summer of 2003 he is transferred to better quarters and secretly allowed better treatment. Sometimes he is even allowed to secretly leave the prison. In September 2003, he will leave Guantanamo as the CIA gives him another assignment (see September-November 2003). [PBS Frontline, 4/22/2004]
Entity Tags: Abdurahman Khadr, Central Intelligence Agency
Category Tags: Extreme Temperatures, Isolation, Physical Assault, Poor Conditions, Sleep Deprivation, Bagram (Afghanistan), Guantanamo (US Base in Cuba), Other Detainees
March 2003: CIA Falsely Claims Kidnapped Imam Is in Bosnia
The CIA tells anti-terrorist authorities in Italy that it has reliable information that Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr (a.k.a. Abu Omar), a radical Islamist cleric who was under joint Italian-CIA surveillance in Milan until recently, is in Bosnia. This is a deliberate lie; the CIA knows Nasr is in Egypt, as it recently kidnapped him and took him there, handing him over to Egyptian authorities (see Noon February 17, 2003). According to the Washington Post, the purpose of the lie is “to stymie efforts by the Italian anti-terrorism police to track down the cleric….” The Italians believe the CIA’s story for more than a year, but subsequently discover the CIA was involved in his kidnapping. [Washington Post, 12/6/2005]
Entity Tags: Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr, Central Intelligence Agency
Category Tags: Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr, Impunity
March 2003: Iraq Prisoner Shot to Death in US Custody
Iraqi prisoner Hemdan El Gashame is shot to death in US custody while being held in Nasiriyah. Gashame’s death will be investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS—see May 14, 2008). [American Civil Liberties Union, 5/14/2008]
Entity Tags: Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Hemdan El Gashame
Category Tags: Physical Assault, Other US Bases and Centers
March 2003: Bagram Commander Denies Detainees are Chained to Ceilings
Lt. Gen. Daniel McNeill, US troop commander in Afghanistan, tells the New York Times that prisoners are forced to stand for long periods at the US prison in Bagram, but denies that they have been chained to the ceilings. “Our interrogation techniques are adapted,” he says. “They are in accordance with what is generally accepted as interrogation techniques, and if incidental to the due course of this investigation [of Dilawar’s death (see December 10, 2002)], we find things that need to be changed, we will certainly change them.” [New York Times, 3/4/2003]
Entity Tags: Dilawar, Daniel K. McNeill
Category Tags: Public Statements, Stress Positions, Bagram (Afghanistan), Other Detainees
March 1, 2003: Afghani Detainee Allegedly Murdered by US Special Forces
Jan Mohammed re-enacts the alleged murder of his brother, Wakil. [Source: Crimes of War Project]Wakil Mohammed, an unarmed peasant, is shot to death by a US Special Forces soldier while being questioned about his possible role in a firefight. He was protesting that he and his brother—an eyewitness to the shooting—were merely returning home from afternoon prayers and had nothing to do with the fighting. (His brother will later tell the reporters that he and several others were detained and tortured, including having their heads held underwater in a form of waterboarding, and having their toenails torn out.) Mohammed’s death is not reported at all in the initial reports of the firefight. The death is later listed by the Army as a murder, but no charges have ever been filed in relation to the shooting. The team’s battalion commander will later claim that Mohammed’s death was never reported to him. One member of the Special Forces team involved in the murder will tell the Los Angeles Times that his unit held a meeting after the teen’s death in order to coordinate their stories should an investigation arise. “Everybody on the team had knowledge of it,” says the soldier. “You just don’t talk about that stuff in the Special Forces community. What happens downrange stays downrange… Nobody wants to get anybody in trouble. Just sit back, and hope it will go away.” The Times learns that the Special Forces unit in Gardez already is under heavy scrutiny by superior officers. One officer reported that the Gardez unit was “the most troubled” field team among nearly a dozen in Afghanistan. Another senior officer wrote that the team was gaining a reputation as “a rogue unit,” and a battalion commander characterizes the unit’s performance as “a Guard unit operating unprofessionally in a combat zone.” The Times will later report, “What distinguishes these two fatalities from scores of other questionable deaths in US custody (referring to the murder of both Mohammed and another detainee, Jamal Naseer—see March 16, 2003) is that they were successfully concealed—not just from the American public but from the military’s chain of command and legal authorities.” [Los Angeles Times, 9/25/2006]
Entity Tags: US Special Forces, US Department of the Army, Wakil Mohammed
Category Tags: Coverup, Prisoner Deaths, Waterboarding, Gardez (Afghanistan)
February 29 or March 1, 2003: KSM Reportedly Arrested in Pakistan, but Doubts on Circumstances Persist
A photo taken during KSM’s alleged arrest in Pakistan. [Source: Associated Press]Khalid Shaikh Mohammed (KSM) is reportedly arrested in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. [Associated Press, 3/1/2003] Officials claim that he is arrested in a late-night joint Pakistani and FBI raid, in which they also arrest Mustafa Ahmed al-Hawsawi, the purported main financer of the 9/11 attacks. [MSNBC, 3/3/2003] An insider informant allegedly tips off authorities to KSM’s location, and is given the $25 million reward money for his capture (see Shortly Before February 29 or March 1, 2003). However, some journalists immediately cast serious doubts about this arrest. For instance, MSNBC reports, “Some analysts questioned whether Mohammed was actually arrested Saturday, speculating that he may have been held for some time and that the news was made public when it was in the interests of the United States and Pakistan.” [MSNBC, 3/3/2003] There are numerous problems surrounding the US-alleged arrest of KSM:
Witnesses say KSM is not present when the raid occurs. [Associated Press, 3/2/2003; Associated Press, 3/2/2003; Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 3/2/2003; Guardian, 3/3/2003; New York Times, 3/3/2003]
There are differing accounts about which house he is arrested in. [Associated Press, 3/1/2003; Los Angeles Times, 3/2/2003; Los Angeles Times, 3/3/2003]
There are differing accounts about where he was before the arrest and how authorities found him. [Time, 3/1/2003; Washington Post, 3/2/2003; Washington Post, 3/2/2003; New York Times, 3/3/2003; New York Times, 3/4/2003]
Some accounts have him sleeping when the arrest occurs and some don’t. [Los Angeles Times, 3/2/2003; Reuters, 3/2/2003; New York Times, 3/3/2003; Daily Telegraph, 3/4/2003]
Accounts differ on who arrests him—Pakistanis, Americans, or both. [CNN, 3/2/2003; Los Angeles Times, 3/2/2003; New York Times, 3/2/2003; Daily Telegraph, 3/3/2003; London Times, 3/3/2003; Associated Press, 3/3/2003]
There are previously published accounts that KSM may have been killed in September 2002 (see September 11, 2002).
There are accounts that he was captured in June 2002 (see June 16, 2002).
These are just some of the difficulties with the arrest story. There are so many problems with it that one Guardian reporter says, “The story appears to be almost entirely fictional.” [Guardian, 3/6/2003]
Account by 9/11 Commissioners Conflicts - In addition, 9/11 Commission chairman Tom Kean and vice chairman Lee Hamilton will write in a 2006 book that the arrest is made in an apartment in Karachi and carried out by a joint CIA, FBI, and Pakistani team (see Early 2003).
Account by Musharraf Also Conflicts - Also in 2006, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf will publish a memoir in which he claims that KSM was arrested on February 29, 2003 (instead of the widely cited March 1, 2003), and held by Pakistani forces for three days, “during which time we interrogated him fully. Once we were done with him and had all the information we wanted, we handed him over to the United States government.” [Musharraf, 2006, pp. 193]
Entity Tags: Thomas Kean, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, Lee Hamilton, Mustafa Ahmed al-Hawsawi, Pervez Musharraf
Category Tags: Khalid Shaikh Mohammed
Shortly After February 29 or March 1, 2003: Alleged 9/11 Mastermind KSM Tortured in Secret CIA Prison
Khalid Shaikh Mohammed shortly after arrest. (Note: this picture is from a video presentation on prisoners the Pakistani government gave to BBC filmmakers. It has been adjusted to remove some blue tinge.) [Source: BBC's "The New Al-Qaeda."]Following his arrest in Pakistan (see February 29 or March 1, 2003), al-Qaeda leader Khalid Shaikh Mohammed (KSM) finds himself in CIA custody. After two days of detention in Pakistan, where, he will allege, he is punched and stomped upon by a CIA agent, he is sent to Afghanistan. After being transferred to Guantanamo in 2006, he will discuss his experiences and treatment with officials of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC—see October 6 - December 14, 2006). Mohammed will say of his transfer: “My eyes were covered with a cloth tied around my head and with a cloth bag pulled over it. A suppository was inserted into my rectum. I was not told what the suppository was for.” [New York Review of Books, 3/15/2009]
Naked - He is reportedly placed in a cell naked for several days and repeatedly questioned by females as a humiliation. He is attached to a dog leash and repeatedly yanked into the walls of his cell. He is suspended from the ceiling, chained naked in a painful crouch for long periods, doused with cold water, and kept in suffocating heat. [New Yorker, 8/6/2007; MSNBC, 9/13/2007] On arriving in Afghanistan, he is put in a small cell, where, he will recall, he is “kept in a standing position with my hands cuffed and chained to a bar above my head.” After about an hour, “I was taken to another room where I was made to stand on tiptoes for about two hours during questioning.”
Interrogators - He will add: “Approximately 13 persons were in the room. These included the head interrogator (a man) and two female interrogators, plus about 10 muscle guys wearing masks. I think they were all Americans. From time to time one of the muscle guys would punch me in the chest and stomach.” This is the usual interrogation session that Mohammed will experience over the next few weeks.
Cold Water - They are interrupted periodically by his removal to a separate room. There, he will recall, he is doused with “cold water from buckets… for about 40 minutes. Not constantly as it took time to refill the buckets. After which I would be taken back to the interrogation room.”
No Toilet Access - During one interrogation, “I was offered water to drink; when I refused I was again taken to another room where I was made to lie [on] the floor with three persons holding me down. A tube was inserted into my anus and water poured inside. Afterwards I wanted to go to the toilet as I had a feeling as if I had diarrhea. No toilet access was provided until four hours later when I was given a bucket to use.” When he is returned to his cell, as he will recall, “I was always kept in the standing position with my hands cuffed and chained to a bar above my head.” [New York Review of Books, 3/15/2009] However, he is resistant to these methods, so it is decided he will be transferred to a secret CIA prison in Poland (see March 7 - Mid-April, 2003), where he will be extensively waterboarded and tortured in other ways.
Entity Tags: International Committee of the Red Cross, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, Central Intelligence Agency
Category Tags: Extreme Temperatures, Forced Confessions, Sexual Humiliation, Stress Positions, Waterboarding, Destruction of CIA Tapes, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed
After March 1, 2003: CIA Detainee Reportedly Provides Agency with First Intelligence about Al-Qaeda Operative Involved in 9/11 Plot
Al-Qaeda operative Mustafa Ahmed al-Hawsawi, under interrogation by the CIA following his capture (see February 29 or March 1, 2003), reportedly gives the agency the first information it has received about another al-Qaeda operative who was involved in the 9/11 plot. That operative’s name will be redacted in a later report by the CIA’s inspector general. Alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammed will later provide additional information about that person. [Central Intelligence Agency, 5/7/2004, pp. 86 ]
Entity Tags: Central Intelligence Agency, Mustafa Ahmed al-Hawsawi
Category Tags: Other High Ranking Detainees
After February 29 or March 1, 2003: Interrogators Threaten to Kill KSM’s Children
At some point after alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammed (KSM) is captured (see February 29 or March 1, 2003), interrogators threaten to kill his children if he does not co-operate with them. An “experienced agency interrogator” will tell the CIA inspector general that “interrogators said to Khalid Shaikh Mohammed that if anything else happens in the United States, ‘We’re going to kill your children.’” [Central Intelligence Agency, 5/7/2004, pp. 43 ] Two of his children are alleged to have been captured in late 2002 (see After September 11, 2002). According to author Ron Suskind, this is after CIA headquarters authorizes the interrogators to “do whatever’s necessary” to get information. However, according to a CIA manager with knowledge of the incident, “He [KSM] basically said, so, fine, they’ll join Allah in a better place.” [Suskind, 2006, pp. 230]
Entity Tags: Central Intelligence Agency, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed
Category Tags: Intimidation/Threats, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed
March 3, 2003: Official Says International Convention Against Torture Meaningless
An unnamed US law enforcement official tells the Wall Street Journal, “[B]ecause the [Convention Against Torture—see October 21, 1994] has no enforcement mechanism, as a practical matter, ‘you’re only limited by your imagination.’” A detainee “isn’t going to be near a place where he has Miranda rights or the equivalent of them,” the official says. “God only knows what they’re going to do to him. You go to some other country that’ll let us pistol whip this guy.” [Wall Street Journal, 3/4/2003; Human Rights Watch, 5/7/2004]
Entity Tags: Convention Against Torture
Category Tags: Statements/Writings about Torture, Rendition after 9/11
March 6, 2003: Defense Department Group Produces Report Justifying Torture
A working group appointed by the Defense Department’s general counsel, William J. Haynes, completes a 100-page-plus classified report justifying the use of torture on national security grounds. The group—headed by Air Force General Counsel Mary Walker and including top civilian and uniformed lawyers from each military branch—consulted representatives of the Justice Department, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and other intelligence agencies in drafting the report. It was prepared for Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and was meant to respond to complaints from commanders working at the Guantanamo Bay base in Cuba who claimed that conventional interrogation tactics were inadequate. The conclusions in the report are similar to those of an August 1, 2002 memo (see August 1, 2002) drafted by the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC). The OLC is said to have also contributed to this report. [US Department of Defense, 3/6/2003; Wall Street Journal, 6/7/2004; Los Angeles Times, 6/10/2004] The report notes that both Congress and the Justice Department will have difficulty enforcing the law if US military personnel could be shown to be acting as a result of presidential orders. [Washington Post, 6/8/2004]
President's Authority During War Gives Power to Order Torture, Supersede Law - One of the main conclusions of the report is that the president’s authority as commander-in-chief permits him during times of war to approve almost any physical or psychological interrogation method—including torture—irrespective of any domestic or international law. The report finds, “[I]n order to respect the President’s inherent constitutional authority to manage a military campaign… [the 1994 law banning torture] must be construed as inapplicable to interrogations undertaken pursuant to his Commander-in-Chief authority.” The draft report clearly states that neither Congress, the courts, nor international law has jurisdiction over the president’s actions when the country is waging war. The report asserts that “without a clear statement otherwise, criminal statutes are not read as infringing on the president’s ultimate authority” to wage war. Furthermore, “any effort by Congress to regulate the interrogation of unlawful combatants would violate the Constitution’s sole vesting of the commander-in-chief authority in the president.” According to the document, the federal Torture Statute simply does not apply. “In order to respect the president’s inherent constitutional authority to manage a military campaign… (the prohibition against torture) must be construed as inapplicable to interrogations undertaken pursuant to his commander-in chief authority,” the report states (The parenthetical comment is in the original document). A career military lawyer will later tell the Wall Street Journal that many lawyers disagreed with these conclusions, but that their concerns were overridden by the political appointees heading the drafting of the report. The lawyer explains that instead, military lawyers focused their efforts on limiting the report’s list of acceptable interrogation methods. [Wall Street Journal, 6/7/2004; Washington Post, 6/8/2004]
Guantanamo Bay Not Covered under Torture Restrictions - The report also finds that the 1994 law barring torture “does not apply to the conduct of US personnel” at Guantanamo Bay, nor does it apply to US military interrogations that occurred outside US “maritime and territorial jurisdiction,” such as in Iraq or Afghanistan. [Washington Post, 6/8/2004]
Legal Arguments to Defend against Torture Charges Conflict with International Statutes - The draft report lists several possible arguments that US civilian or military personnel might use to defend themselves against charges of torture or other war crimes. According to the administration’s lawyers, one argument would be that such actions were “necessary” in order to prevent an attack. However, this rationale seems to ignore very clear statements in the Convention Against Torture (see October 21, 1994) which states that “no exceptional circumstances whatsoever, whether a state of war or a threat of war, internal political instability or any other public emergency, may be invoked as a justification of torture.” Another line of defense, the report says, would be to claim that the accused had been acting under “superior orders” and that therefore no “moral choice was in fact possible.” Likewise, the report cites a Justice Department opinion, which the draft report says “concluded that it could not bring a criminal prosecution against a defendant who had acted pursuant to an exercise of the president’s constitutional power.” This also contradicts the Convention against Torture, which states that orders from superiors “may not be invoked as a justification of torture.” The authors of the report also suggest in the draft report that accused officials could argue that they had “mistakenly relied in good faith on the advice of lawyers or experts,” adding, “Good faith may be a complete defense.” The memo also argues that the International Covenant on Political and Civil Rights (ICCPR), to which the US is a party, “does not apply outside the United States or its special maritime and territorial jurisdiction (SMTJ), and that it does not apply to operations of the military during an international armed conflict,” as the US “has maintained consistently.” Since the “Guantanamo Bay Naval Station (GTMO) is included within the definition of the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States,” the ICCPR does not apply to Guantanamo Bay. The authors are also convinced that officials would not be prosecutable under US law, concluding that “constitutional principles” precluded the possibility that officials could be punished “for aiding the president in exercising his exclusive constitutional authorities” and neither Congress nor the courts had the authority to “require or implement the prosecution of such an individual.” [Wall Street Journal, 6/7/2004]
Defining Parameters of Interrogation Methods - The document attempts to define the parameters of lawful interrogation methods in terms of the degree of pain or psychological manipulation they cause. The report states that the infliction of physical or mental suffering does not constitute torture. To violate Section 2340 A of the US Code, prohibiting physical torture, suffering must be “severe,” the lawyers advise, noting that according to a dictionary definition, this would mean that the pain “must be of such a high level of intensity that… [it] is difficult for the subject to endure.” It must also be “inflicted with specific intent,” they say, meaning that the perpetrator expressly intends to cause severe pain and suffering. But if the defendant simply used pain and suffering as a means to an end, such specific intent would not exist. Under certain circumstances, the lawyers explain, the US would be justified in resorting to illegal measures like torture or homicide. They argue that such measures should be considered “self-defense” in cases where officials “honestly believe” that such actions would prevent an imminent attack against the US. “Sometimes the greater good for society will be accomplished by violating the literal language of the criminal law,” the draft document asserts. “In sum,” the panel determines, “the defense of superior orders will generally be available for US Armed Forces personnel engaged in exceptional interrogations except where the conduct goes so far as to be patently unlawful.” Civil law suits, the panel notes, by a foreign victim of torture will not apply to the US government. [US Department of Defense, 3/6/2003; Wall Street Journal, 6/7/2004]
Report May Not Define Practices, Pentagon Implies - A Pentagon spokesman later says the memo represents “a scholarly effort to define the perimeters of the law,” and notes: “What is legal and what is put into practice is a different story.” [Washington Post, 6/8/2004]
Entity Tags: US Department of Justice, US Department of Defense, Office of Legal Counsel (DOJ), International Covenant on Political and Civil Rights, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Convention Against Torture, Defense Intelligence Agency, Donald Rumsfeld, Mary L. Walker, William J. Haynes
Category Tags: High-level Decisions and Actions, Internal Memos/Reports, Key Events
March 7 - Mid-April, 2003: Alleged 9/11 Mastermind Tortured in Poland
Communications antenna at Stare Kiejkuty, the Polish “black site” where Khalid Shaikh Mohammed was held for a time after his capture. [Source: CBC]9/11 planner Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, after being detained and abused for three days in US custody in Afghanistan (see February 29 or March 1, 2003 and Shortly After February 29 or March 1, 2003), is transferred to another CIA-run facility in Poland. [New Yorker, 8/6/2007; New York Review of Books, 3/15/2009] The facility is later identified as Stare Kiejkuty, a secret prison near the Szymany military airbase. Mohammed is flown in on a Gulfstream N379P jet known to prison officials as “the torture taxi.” The plane is probably piloted by “Jerry M,” a 56-year-old pilot for Aero Contractors, a company that transfers prisoners around the world for US intelligence agencies. [Der Spiegel (Hamburg), 4/27/2009] He is dressed in a tracksuit, blindfolded, hooded, has sound-blocking headphones placed over his ears, and is flown “sitting, leaning back, with my hands and ankles shackled in a high chair,” as he will later tell officials of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC—see October 6 - December 14, 2006). He later says he manages to sleep a few hours, for the first time in days. Upon arrival, Mohammed is stripped naked and placed in a small cell “with cameras where I was later informed by an interrogator that I was monitored 24 hours a day by a doctor, psychologist, and interrogator.” The walls are wooden and the cell measures some 10 by 13 feet. [New York Review of Books, 3/15/2009; Der Spiegel (Hamburg), 4/27/2009]
'I Would Be Brought to the Verge of Death and Back Again' - As he will later recall, it was in this detention camp that “the most intense interrogation occurred, led by three experienced CIA interrogators, all over 65 years old and all strong and well trained.” The interrogators tell him that they have received the “green light from Washington” to give him “a hard time” (see Late September 2001 and September 25, 2002). As he will later recall: “They never used the word ‘torture’ and never referred to ‘physical pressure,’ only to ‘a hard time.’ I was never threatened with death, in fact I was told that they would not allow me to die, but that I would be brought to the ‘verge of death and back again.‘… I was kept for one month in the cell in a standing position with my hands cuffed and shackled above my head and my feet cuffed and shackled to a point in the floor.” When he falls asleep, “all my weight [is] applied to the handcuffs around my wrist resulting in open and bleeding wounds.” The ICRC will later confirm that Mohammed bears scars consistent with his allegations on both wrists and both ankles. “Both my feet became very swollen after one month of almost continual standing.”
Interrogations - He is interrogated in a different room, in sessions lasting anywhere from four to eight hours, and with a wide variety of participants. Sometimes women take part in the interrogations. A doctor is usually present. “If I was perceived not to be cooperating I would be put against a wall and punched and slapped in the body, head, and face. A thick flexible plastic collar would also be placed around my neck so that it could then be held at the two ends by a guard who would use it to slam me repeatedly against the wall. The beatings were combined with the use of cold water, which was poured over me using a hose-pipe. The beatings and use of cold water occurred on a daily basis during the first month.”
'Alternative Procedures' - The CIA interrogators use what they will later call “alternative procedures” on Mohammed, including waterboarding (see After March 7, 2003) and other techniques. He is sprayed with cold water from a hose-pipe in his cell and the “worst day” is when he is beaten for about half an hour by one of the interrogators. “My head was banged against the wall so hard that it started to bleed. Cold water was poured over my head. This was then repeated with other interrogators.” He is then waterboarded until a doctor intervenes. He gets an hours’s sleep and is then “put back in my cell standing with my hands shackled above my head.” He sleeps for a “few minutes” on the floor of cell after the torture sessions, but does not sleep well, “due to shackles on my ankles and wrists.” The toilet consists of a bucket in the cell, which he can use on request, but “I was not allowed to clean myself after toilet during the first month.” In the first month he is only fed on two occasions, “as a reward for perceived cooperation.” He gets Ensure [a liquid nutritional supplement] to drink every four hours. If he refuses it, “then my mouth was forced open by the guard and it was poured down my throat by force.” He loses 18 kg in the first month, after which he gets some clothes. In addition, “Artificial light was on 24 hours a day, but I never saw sunlight.” [New York Review of Books, 3/15/2009]
Deliberately False Information - As he will later tell ICRC officials, he often lies to his interrogators: “During the harshest period of my interrogation, I gave a lot of false information in order to satisfy what I believed the interrogators wished to hear in order to make the ill-treatment stop.… I’m sure that the false information I was forced to invent… wasted a lot of their time and led to several false red-alerts being placed in the US.” [New York Review of Books, 3/15/2009] It will later be reported that up to 90 percent of Mohammed’s confessions may be unreliable. Furthermore, he will recant many of his statements (see August 6, 2007).
Entity Tags: Jack Goldsmith, “Jerry M”, Aero Contractors, International Committee of the Red Cross, David S. Addington, Central Intelligence Agency, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, Stare Kiejkuty
Category Tags: Coverup, Human Rights Groups, Statements/Writings about Torture, Rendition after 9/11, Extreme Temperatures, Insufficient Food, Isolation, Physical Assault, Sleep Deprivation, Stress Positions, Waterboarding, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, Stare Kiejkuty (Poland)
March 7, 2003-May 18, 2007: Al-Qaeda Financier Tied to Pearl’s Death Disappears for Four Years, Then Dies
An ill Saud Memon shortly before his death. [Source: Daily Times]Saud Memon, a Pakistani businessman who owns the land where Wall Street Journal report Daniel Pearl is killed in late January 2002 (see January 31, 2002), apparently flees Pakistan for fear of being arrested for Pearl’s death. According to later newspaper accounts in Pakistan and India, Memon is arrested by the FBI in South Africa on March 7, 2003. He is kept at Guantanamo prison for more than two years and then handed over to Pakistani authorities. On April 28, 2007, some unknown men drop Memon in front of his house in Pakistan. He is deathly ill and unable to speak or recognize people. He dies less than one month later on May 18, 2007. Memon has been the top name on the list of Pakistan’s most wanted. In addition to having a suspected role in Pearl’s death, he helped fund the Al Rashid Trust, which has been banned for being an al-Qaeda front. While some suspect a US and/or Pakistan government role in Memon’s disappearance, it is not known for sure what happened to him for those four years. [Associated Press, 5/18/2007; Daily Times (Lahore), 5/19/2007; Indo-Asian News Service, 5/19/2007]
Entity Tags: Al Rashid Trust, Saud Memon
Category Tags: Detainments, Guantanamo (US Base in Cuba)
After March 7, 2003: Alleged 9/11 Mastermind KSM Repeatedly Waterboarded in Poland
After being transferred from Afghanistan to Poland (see March 7 - Mid-April, 2003), alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammed (KSM) is repeatedly waterboarded by the CIA, a technique simulating drowning that international law classifies as torture. He is only one of about four high-ranking detainees waterboarded, according to media reports (see May 2002-2003). [New Yorker, 8/6/2007; MSNBC, 9/13/2007; New York Review of Books, 3/15/2009] He will recall: “I would be strapped to a special bed, which could be rotated into a vertical position. A cloth would be placed over my face. Cold water from a bottle that had been kept in a fridge was then poured onto the cloth by one of the guards so that I could not breathe.… The cloth was then removed and the bed was put into a vertical position. The whole process was then repeated during about one hour. Injuries to my ankles and wrists also occurred during the waterboarding as I struggled in the panic of not being able to breathe. Female interrogators were also present… and a doctor was always present, standing out of sight behind the head of [the] bed, but I saw him when he came to fix a clip to my finger which was connected to a machine. I think it was to measure my pulse and oxygen content in my blood. So they could take me to [the] breaking point.” [New York Review of Books, 3/15/2009] Accounts about the use of waterboarding on KSM differ. He says he is waterboarded five times. [New York Review of Books, 3/15/2009] However, contradictory reports will later appear:
NBC News will claim that, according to multiple unnamed officials, KSM underwent at least two sessions of waterboarding and other extreme measures before talking. One former senior intelligence official will say, “KSM required, shall we say, re-dipping.” [MSNBC, 9/13/2007]
In 2005, former and current intelligence officers and supervisors will tell ABC News that KSM “won the admiration of interrogators when he was able to last between two and two-and-a-half minutes before begging to confess.” [ABC News, 11/18/2005] In 2007, a former CIA official familiar with KSM’s case will tell ABC News a sligntly different version of events: “KSM lasted the longest under waterboarding, about a minute and a half, but once he broke, it never had to be used again.” A senior CIA official will claim that KSM later admitted he only confessed because of the waterboarding. [ABC News, 9/14/2007] In November 2005, John Sifton of Human Rights Watch will say of waterboarding, “The person believes they are being killed, and as such, it really amounts to a mock execution, which is illegal under international law.” [ABC News, 11/18/2005]
The New York Times will claim that “KSM was subjected to intense and repeated torture techniques that, at the time, were specifically designated as illegal under US law.” Some claim that KSM gives useful information. “However, many of the officials interviewed say KSM provided a raft of false and exaggerated statements that did not bear close scrutiny—the usual result, experts say, of torture.” CIA officials stopped the “extreme interrogation” sessions after about two weeks, worrying that they might have exceeded their legal bounds. Apparently pressure to stop comes from Jack Goldsmith, head of the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel, who is troubled about updates from KSM’s interrogations and raises legal questions. He is angrily opposed by the White House, particularly David Addington, a top aide to Vice President Dick Cheney. [New York Times, 10/4/2007]
The New Yorker will report that officials who have seen a classified Red Cross report say that KSM claims he was waterboarded five times. Further, he says he was waterboarded even after he started cooperating. But two former CIA officers will insist that he was waterboarded only once. One of them says that KSM “didn’t resist. He sang right away. He cracked real quick. A lot of them want to talk. Their egos are unimaginable. KSM was just a little doughboy.” [New Yorker, 8/6/2007]
A different ABC News account will claim that KSM was al-Qaeda’s toughest prisoner. CIA officers who subject themselves to waterboarding last only about 14 seconds, but KSM was able to last over two minutes. [ABC News, 11/18/2005]
In 2009, evidence will surface that indicates KSM was waterboarded up to 183 times (see April 16, 2009 and April 18, 2009).
Entity Tags: Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, Central Intelligence Agency, John Sifton
Category Tags: Detainments, Waterboarding, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, Stare Kiejkuty (Poland)
After March 7, 2003: CIA Officer Takes Sightseeing Trip to See KSM Waterboarded
CIA manager Alfreda Frances Bikowsky takes an unauthorized trip to see alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammed (KSM) being waterboarded in Poland (see After March 7, 2003). Based on information from “two well-informed agency sources,” author Jane Mayer will write that Bikowsky is “so excited” by KSM’s capture that she flies “at government expense to the black site where Mohammed was held so that she could personally watch him being waterboarded.” However, according to Mayer, she is not an interrogator and has “no legitimate reason to be present during Mohammed’s interrogation.” A former colleague will say she went because, “She thought it would be cool to be in the room.” Her presence during KSM’s torture seems “to anger and strengthen his resolve, helping him to hold out longer against the harsh tactics used against him.” Bikowsky will later be reprimanded for this, and, in Mayer’s words, “superiors at the CIA scold […] her for treating the painful interrogation as a show.” A former colleague will say: “She got in some trouble. They told her, ‘It’s not supposed to be entertainment.’” [Mayer, 2008, pp. 273] Bikowsky may be interviewed by the CIA inspector general’s probe into torture (see July 16, 2003) and will later be considered for the position of deputy station chief in Baghdad (see (March 23, 2007)).
Entity Tags: Central Intelligence Agency, Alfreda Frances Bikowsky, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, Alec Station
Category Tags: Waterboarding, Stare Kiejkuty (Poland), Khalid Shaikh Mohammed
March 9, 2003: New York Times Claims US Is Rendering Suspects to Other Countries, Using ‘Stress and Duress’ Techniques
A New York Times article reports that the US government is rendering suspects abroad (see 1993) and that “stress and duress” techniques are being used at the secret CIA interrogation center located in a hangar at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan (see October 2001). “Intelligence officials… acknowledged that some suspects had been turned over to security services in countries known to employ torture. There have been isolated, if persistent, reports of beatings in some American-operated centers,” the article claims. [New York Times, 3/9/2003; Human Rights Watch, 5/7/2004]
Category Tags: Indications of Abuse, Media, Rendition after 9/11, Bagram (Afghanistan)
March 11, 2003: Judge Reaffirms Padilla Has Right to See Lawyer
Wanted poster for John Doe #2, left, and Jose Padilla, right. [Source: Public domain, via Village Voice]A judge reaffirms the right of Jose Padilla, a US citizen being held as an “enemy combatant,” to meet with a lawyer (see June 10, 2002; December 4, 2002). The same judge ruled that he could meet with a lawyer in December 2002, but the government continues to challenge the ruling and continues to block his access to a lawyer. [Associated Press, 3/11/2003] Later in the month, the government tells the judge it is planning to ignore his order and will appeal the case. [Associated Press, 3/26/2003] While it may be completely coincidental, the Village Voice has noticed that Padilla is a “dead ringer” for the never found “John Doe #2” of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, and other evidence could tie him to it. [Village Voice, 3/27/2002; Village Voice, 6/13/2002]
Entity Tags: Jose Padilla
Category Tags: Jose Padilla
March 11, 2003: Appeal Court Says US Courts Have No Jurisdiction over Guantanamo
The Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia affirms the government’s position that the jurisdiction of federal courts does not extend to Guantanamo Bay, and thus, that the Guantanamo detainees have no legal redress in federal courts. Guantanamo is in sovereign Cuban territory, the court argues, and therefore the 1950 Eisentrager case applies, according to which US courts have no jurisdiction to issue writs of habeas corpus for aliens held by the US military outside US sovereign territory. [Khaled A. F. Al Odah, et al. v. United States of America, et al., 3/11/2003 ]
Category Tags: Legal Proceedings, Guantanamo (US Base in Cuba), Key Events
March 14, 2003: Justice Department Claims Military Can Ignore Laws against Torture, Assault, Maiming, and Drugging Detainees
The Justice Department sends a legal memorandum to the Pentagon that claims federal laws prohibiting torture, assault, maiming, and other crimes do not apply to military interrogators questioning al-Qaeda captives because the president’s authority as commander in chief overrides the law. The 81-page memo, written by the Office of Legal Counsel’s John Yoo, is not publicly revealed for over five years (see April 1, 2008).
President Can Order Maiming, Disfigurement of Prisoners - Yoo writes that infractions such as slapping, shoving, and poking detainees do not warrant criminal liability. Yoo goes even farther, saying that the use of mind-altering drugs can be used on detainees as long as they do not produce “an extreme effect” calculated to “cause a profound disruption of the senses or personality.” [John C. Yoo, 3/14/2003 ; Washington Post, 4/2/2008] Yoo asks if the president can order a prisoner’s eyes poked out, or if the president could order “scalding water, corrosive acid or caustic substance” thrown on a prisoner. Can the president have a prisoner disfigured by slitting an ear or nose? Can the president order a prisoner’s tongue torn out or a limb permanently disabled? All of these assaults are noted in a US law prohibiting maiming. Yoo decides that no such restrictions exist for the president in a time of war; that law does not apply if the president deems it inapplicable. The memo contains numerous other discussions of various harsh and tortuous techniques, all parsed in dry legal terms. Those tactics are all permissible, Yoo writes, unless they result in “death, organ failure, or serious impairment of bodily functions.” Some of the techniques are proscribed by the Geneva Conventions, but Yoo writes that Geneva does not apply to detainees captured and accused of terrorism. [Washington Post, 4/6/2008]
'National Self-Defense' - Yoo asserts that the president’s powers as commander in chief supersede almost all other laws, even Constitutional provisions. “If a government defendant were to harm an enemy combatant during an interrogation in a manner that might arguably violate a criminal prohibition, he would be doing so in order to prevent further attacks on the United States by the al-Qaeda terrorist network,” Yoo writes. “In that case, we believe that he could argue that the executive branch’s constitutional authority to protect the nation from attack justified his actions.… Even if an interrogation method arguably were to violate a criminal statute, the Justice Department could not bring a prosecution because the statute would be unconstitutional as applied in this context.” Interrogators who harmed a prisoner are protected by a “national and international version of the right to self-defense.” He notes that for conduct during interrogations to be illegal, that conduct must “shock the conscience,” an ill-defined rationale that will be used by Bush officials for years to justify the use of waterboarding and other extreme interrogation methods. Yoo writes, “Whether conduct is conscience-shocking turns in part on whether it is without any justification,” explaining that that it would have to be inspired by malice or sadism before it could be prosecuted.
Memo Buttresses Administration's Justifications of Torture - The Justice Department will tell the Defense Department not to use the memo nine months later (see December 2003-June 2004), but Yoo’s reasoning will be used to provide a legal foundation for the Defense Department’s use of aggressive and potentially illegal interrogation tactics. The Yoo memo is a follow-up and expansion to a similar, though more narrow, August 2002 memo also written by Yoo (see August 1, 2002). Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld will suspend a list of aggressive interrogation techniques he had approved, in part because of Yoo’s memo, after an internal revolt by Justice Department and military lawyers (see February 6, 2003, Late 2003-2005 and December 2003-June 2004). However, in April 2003, a Pentagon working group will use Yoo’s memo to endorse the continued use of extreme tactics. [John C. Yoo, 3/14/2003 ; Washington Post, 4/2/2008; New York Times, 4/2/2008]
Justice Department Claims Attorney General Knows Nothing of Memo - Yoo sends the memo to the Pentagon without the knowledge of Attorney General John Ashcroft or Ashcroft’s deputy, Larry Thompson, senior department officials will say in 2008. [Washington Post, 4/4/2008]
Entity Tags: US Department of Justice, John C. Yoo, Larry D. Thompson, Al-Qaeda, Office of Legal Counsel (DOJ), Donald Rumsfeld, John Ashcroft, Geneva Conventions, US Department of Defense
Timeline Tags: Complete 911 Timeline, Civil Liberties
Category Tags: High-level Decisions and Actions, Legal Proceedings, Internal Memos/Reports, Abu Ghraib Prison (Iraq), Guantanamo (US Base in Cuba)
March 14, 2003: Military Spokesman Denies Detainees’ Accounts of Treatment
When an Associated Press reporter asks the US military to comment on the accounts of two former Afghan detainees (see December 10, 2002) (see November 30-December 3, 2002), spokesman Roger King claims their accounts are mostly untrue. “Some of the stuff they are saying sounds like partial truths, some of it’s completely bogus,” he says. “They were stripped naked probably to prevent them from sneaking weapons into the facility. That’s why someone may be stripped…. We do force people to stand for an extended period of time…. Disruption of sleep has been reported as an effective way of reducing people’s inhibition about talking or their resistance to questioning….They are not allowed to speak to one another. If they do, they can plan together or rely on the comfort of one another. If they’re caught speaking out of turn, they can be forced to do things—like stand for a period of time—as payment for speaking out.” [Associated Press, 3/14/2003; Amnesty International, 8/19/2003]
Entity Tags: Roger King
Category Tags: Coverup, Public Statements
Mid-March 2003: Interrogators Dispatched to Iraq
The platoon of 15 interrogators led by Capt. Carolyn A. Wood is sent to Iraq together with another 15 fellow soldiers from Company A of the 519th Military Intelligence Battalion. [Knight Ridder, 8/21/2004] Wood had been involved in detainee abuses in Afghanistan (see November 30-December 3, 2002) and will be involved in the Abu Ghraib detainee abuse scandal in Iraq (see (Early August 2003)).
Entity Tags: Carolyn A. Wood
Category Tags: Other Events
March 16, 2003: Afghan Teenager Dies in US Custody, Allegedly from Torture
Jamal Naseer, an 18-year old newly recruited Afghan soldier, dies in US custody, apparently as a result of beating and torture. Naseer dies after several days in detention at a US Special Forces “firebase,” a small, outlying military base set up to support advancing troops, at Gardez, Afghanistan. [CBS News, 9/21/2004] Naseer and seven other detainees were taken into custody about a week before by Special Forces troops attempting to secure the area from the depredations of a local warlord, Pacha (or Bacha) Khan. Naseer’s brother Ahmad insists that he, his brother, and the other detainees are allies of the Americans, and never participated in Taliban- or al-Qaeda-led attacks against American forces. [Los Angeles Times, 9/25/2006] It is unclear why the men were detained in the first place, but Los Angeles Times reporters Craig Pyes and Mark Mazzetti report that according to an Afghan intelligence report. “the action was requested by a provincial governor feuding with local military commanders.” [Los Angeles Times, 9/21/2004] Naseer’s death will be officially recorded as resulting from “natural causes,” but fellow detainees will say that Naseer’s death was caused by abuse suffered at the hands of US Army Special Forces soldiers near Gardez. Ahmad Naseer will later describe how he and his brother were beaten and abused while in custody, subjected to electric shocks, immersed in cold water, forced to assume stress positions, thrashed with cables, suffered the forcible tearing off of their toenails, and made to lie for hours in the snow. The last time he spoke with his brother, he says Jamal was “moaning about the pain in his kidneys and back” from being repeatedly beaten. [Los Angeles Times, 9/25/2006] Jamal died shortly thereafter while being helped outside to relieve himself by two Afghan kitchen workers. [Los Angeles Times, 9/21/2004] After Naseer’s death, the unit holds a meeting to discuss the incident. The team is told that Naseer died of a sex-related infection that shut down his kidneys. According to one soldier in the meeting, the point of discussion is “to make sure everybody’s on the same sheet of paper—this is what happened to the man”—in case there’s ever an investigation. Captain Craig Mallak, medical examiner for the US armed forces, says that Naseer’s death is never reported to his office (any death of a detainee is required to be reported unless the detainee is determined to have died of natural causes). Naseer’s body is transferred to a civilian hospital where no autopsy is performed. One hospital worker who prepares the body for burial will later tell the Times that Naseer’s body was “completely black” from bruising and injuries, and was “completely swollen, as were his palms, and the soles of his feet were swollen double in size.” [Los Angeles Times, 9/25/2006] Asked about such injuries, Dr. Michael Baden, a prominent forensic pathologist who works for the New York State Police, says the descriptions are inconsistent with death by organ failure. “You can’t confuse those. It sounds very much like blunt trauma.” A local physician who examined the survivors later confirmed that all of the men were suffering from similar trauma, with extensive bruising and seeping, and unbandaged wounds. [Los Angeles Times, 9/25/2006] Eventually, Ahmad Naseer and his comrades are secretly transferred to a civilian prison in Kabul, still without any formal charges. Afghan military prosecutors immediately launch an investigation into their unexplained detention. That inquiry eventually produces a 117-page report asserting that the detainees had been tortured and that there is a “strong probability” that one of the men had been “murdered.” The report speculates that the prolonged imprisonment was intended to give the detainees’ wounds time to heal. Fifty-eight days later, all of the prisoners are released; no charges are ever filed. [Los Angeles Times, 9/25/2006]
Entity Tags: Taliban, US Special Forces, Michael Baden, Pacha Khan, Al-Qaeda, Jamal Naseer, Ahmad Naseer, Craig Mallak
Category Tags: Coverup, Prisoner Deaths, Physical Assault, Stress Positions, Electrodes, Sleep Deprivation, Extreme Temperatures, Gardez (Afghanistan)
March 2003-November 18, 2007: Two British Detainees Held at Guantanamo; Again Pressured to Work as Informants
Bisher al-Rawi. [Source: Craig Hibbert]In February 2003, British residents Bisher al-Rawi and Jamil al-Banna are transferred from Bagram in Afghanistan to the Guantanamo prison. They spend their first month in isolation. Al-Rawi’s head and beard are shaved off as has allegedly already happened to al-Banna during his detention at Bagram. Al-Banna is put in a cell next to detainee Asif Iqbal. “[S]oon after,” Iqbal will later recall, al-Banna “began to deteriorate.” At Guantanamo, according to Iqbal, “al-Banna was in constant pain from his joints because he suffered from rheumatism and he was diabetic.” [Rasul, Iqbal, and Ahmed, 7/26/2004 ] Al-Rawi and al-Banna had served as informants for the British intelligence agency MI5, helping MI5 communicate with radical imam Abu Qatada, who also was an MI5 informant (see Late September 2001-Summer 2002 and Summer-Early November 2002). First in Gambia and then in Bagram, they were pressured to resume being informants, but they refused (see November 8, 2002-December 7, 2002 and December 8, 2002-March 2003). After about six months in Guantanamo, an MI5 officer visits al-Rawi and again asks him if he wants to resume being an informer. Later, one of his previous MI5 handlers comes to visit him. He will recall: “I suppose he was nice enough. He asked if I wanted anything. I asked for a book on base jumping. He never came back, and I never got the book.” Eventually, two other previous handlers visit him and try to recruit him yet again. “They said, “You know, Bisher, if you agree to work for us when you get back to Britain, we’ll get you out.” They promised to return, but never did.” When al-Rawi faces a tribunal in September 2004 to determine if his detention is justified, he asks for his previous MI5 handlers to corroborate that he had been an informant. The British government refuses to help in any way, and the tribunal decides that he should continue to be imprisoned. The two of them grow increasingly bored and depressed, and face harsh conditions. For instance, after three detainees commit suicide in June 2006, the jailers retaliate by keeping the air conditioning turned to maximum for months. “We were freezing the whole time. Other times they made it scorching hot,” al-Rawi says. Al-Banna is not even allowed to phone his sick mother just before she dies. [Washington Post, 4/2/2006; Observer, 7/29/2007] Al-Rawi will finally be freed and flown back to Britain on April 3, 2007. Al-Banna will be freed and returned to Britain on November 18, 2007.
Entity Tags: Bisher al-Rawi, Asif Iqbal, Jamil al-Banna, UK Security Service (MI5)
Category Tags: Extreme Temperatures, Intimidation/Threats, Isolation, Guantanamo (US Base in Cuba), Bisher al-Rawi, Jamil al-Banna
(March 23, 2003): Saudi Detainee Transferred to Guantanamo
Saudi detainee Ahmed Muhammad al-Darbi is transferred from Bagram, Afghanistan (see August 2002), to Guantanamo. According to a statement he will later make (see July 1, 2009), he is abused at Guantanamo. The abuse includes:
Solitary confinement;
Loud music;
Cold temperatures;
Bright lights;
US personnel disrespecting the Koran by throwing it to the ground; and
Not being allowed to go to the bathroom during interrogations.
Al-Darbi is mostly questioned by the FBI, including an agent he knows as “Tom” and who questioned him at Bagram. Tom allegedly tells al-Darbi that “if I did not stick with my Bagram confessions, I would not ‘escape Bagram.’” If he does not cooperate he is allegedly to be sentenced to death and executed, or tortured, raped, and sexually abused at Guantanamo, or sent back to Bagram or to other countries. Al-Darbi will later claim, “The interrogators at Bagram and Guantanamo fed me particular details in my statements and forced me to identify individuals based on photographs or to ascribe to those individuals certain conduct.” However, he apparently never signs a written statement and will say that he makes “numerous false statements” under questioning. [al-Darbi, 7/1/2009]
Entity Tags: Ahmed Muhammad al-Darbi
Category Tags: Extreme Temperatures, Forced Confessions, Intimidation/Threats, Isolation, Guantanamo (US Base in Cuba), Other Detainees
March 24, 2003: Guantanamo Detainee Says He Has Been Threatened with Physical Violence and Sexual Assault
Briton Martin Mubanga, a Guantanamo detainee since April 20, 2002 (see Spring 2002), writes coded letters from his cell to his relatives. He says US guards at the base have threatened him with sexual assault and physical violence. He also reports that US soldiers attempt to “shame” Muslim prisoners by offering them prostitutes. [Independent, 8/8/2004]
Entity Tags: Martin Mubanga
Category Tags: Intimidation/Threats, Sexual Temptation, Guantanamo (US Base in Cuba), Other Detainees
(late March 2003): Rumsfeld’s Assistant Takes Control of US Military’s Secret Programs
Stephen Cambone, the new Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence, acquires control of all of the Pentagon’s special access programs (SAPs) related to the war on terrorism. SAPs, also known as “black” programs, are so secret that “some special access programs are never fully briefed to Congress.” SAPs were previously monitored by Kenneth deGraffenreid, who unlike Cambone (see February 4, 2003), had experience in counter-intelligence programs. DeGraffenreid quits a short time later. Cambone is considered very close to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. [New Yorker, 5/24/2004]
Entity Tags: US Congress, Kenneth deGraffenreid, Stephen A. Cambone
Category Tags: High-level Decisions and Actions, Operation Copper Green
April 2003: Iraqi Detainee Dies Following Beating by Navy Team
An Iraqi prisoner of war is beaten while being interrogated by members of the Naval Special Warfare Team at the LSA Diamondback facility in Mosul, Iraq. He is later found dead in his sleep. The death report will conclude that the man died from “blunt-force trauma to the torso and positional asphyxia.” [Denver Post, 5/18/2004]
Category Tags: Prisoner Deaths, Physical Assault, Other US Bases and Centers
(April 2003): Defense Secretary Rumsfeld and CIA Director Tenet Reportedly Fighting over Intelligence Programs
An unnamed intelligence source tells reporter Thomas Ricks of the Washington Post, Defense Secretary Donald “Rumsfeld is in a death fight with [CIA Director George Tenet] to get control” of intelligence programs. Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence Stephen Cambone has reportedly created a single office overseeing the organization, planning, and execution of military intelligence missions. Cambone also oversees assets, including one program called “Gray Fox.” This is said to be a secret intelligence organization that specializes in large-scale “deep penetration” missions overseas. It is said to specialize in tapping communications and laying the groundwork for overt military operations. The Post reports that Rumsfeld appears to be winning the turf battle. [Washington Post, 4/20/2003, pp. A01]
Entity Tags: US Department of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, Central Intelligence Agency, Stephen A. Cambone, George J. Tenet
Category Tags: High-level Decisions and Actions
(April 2003): Justice Department Memos Say US Officials Not Responsible for Abuse If Detainees in Another Country’s Custody
The Justice Department advises in a set of legal memorandums that if “government officials… are contemplating procedures that may put them in violation of American statutes that prohibit torture, degrading treatment or the Geneva Conventions, they will not be responsible if it can be argued that the detainees are formally in the custody of another country.” That is because, according to one official, “It would be the responsibility of the other country.” The memos seem to suggest that top government officials may be concerned that they are in violation of international laws. One administration figure involved in discussions about the memos tells the New York Times in May 2004: “The criminal statutes only apply to American officials. The question is how involved are the American officials.” [New York Times, 5/13/2004]
Category Tags: High-level Decisions and Actions, Rendition after 9/11, Internal Memos/Reports
April 2003-2004: Suspected Iraqi Insurgents Interrogated at Delta Force Facility with Poor Reputation
Captured suspected “insurgents” and other militants are brought to the ultra-secret Battlefield Interrogation Facilities (BIF) in Baghdad run by Delta Force. NBC will report that “it is the scene of the most egregious violations of the Geneva Conventions in all of Iraq’s prisons.” BIF is described as a “place where the normal rules of interrogation don’t apply.” Prisoners “are kept in tiny dark cells. And in the BIF’s six interrogation rooms, Delta Force soldiers routinely drug prisoners, hold a prisoner under water until he thinks he’s drowning, or smother them almost to suffocation.” Pentagon officials will deny that prisoners held at the facility are subjected to illegal interrogation tactics. [MSNBC, 5/20/2004; CNN, 5/21/2004 Sources: Two unnamed top US government sources]
Category Tags: Detainments, Impunity, Involuntary Drugs, Waterboarding, Key Events, Other US Bases and Centers
April-June 2003: US Soldier Witnesses Other Soldiers Abuse Iraqi Detainees
Greg Ford. [Source: Salon]At an Iraqi police station in Samarra, a town north of Baghdad, Sgt. Greg Ford witnesses soldiers repeatedly abuse detainees during interrogations. Ford, a soldier from the California National Guard, is part of a four-member team of the 223rd Military Intelligence Battalion. He sees his three fellow team members threaten prisoners with guns, stick lit cigarettes in their ears, and strangle them until they collapse. At one point he witnesses his team leader point a pistol at a detainee’s head. On another occasion, he sees one of the soldiers stand on the back of the neck of a handcuffed detainee and pull his arms until they pop out of their sockets. Sgt. Ford later recalls trying to prevent the abuse. “I had to intervene because they couldn’t keep their hands off of them. You weren’t supposed to stand on their neck or put lit cigarettes in their ears. Twice I had to pull burning cigarettes out of detainees’ ears.” In June, according to Ford, he reports the incidents to his commanding officers, but they dismiss his complaints. “Immediately, within the same conversation, the command said, ‘Nope, you’re delusional, you’re crazy, it never happened.’ They gave me 30 seconds to withdraw my request for an investigation.” But, he adds, “I stood my ground.” He is then ordered to see combat stress counselors, who send him out of Iraq. The Commander of the 223rd Military Intelligence Battalion, Lt. Col. Drew Ryan, later says, “All the allegations were found to be untrue, totally unfounded and in a number of cases completely fabricated.” [Associated Press, 6/9/2004] However, a report obtained by the New York Times details allegations of prisoner abuse in Samarra in the spring of 2003 that resemble the account by Sgt. Ford. The report says military personnel “forced into asphyxiations numerous detainees in an attempt to obtain information” over a period of 10 weeks. It concerned an official US army overview of the deaths and alleged abuse of prisoners in Iraq and Afghanistan. [Guardian, 5/26/2004]
Entity Tags: Greg Ford, Drew Ryan
Category Tags: Physical Assault, Internal Memos/Reports, Key Events, Other Detainees
April 2003-2004: US Begins Establishing Prisons and Detention Centees in Iraq
The US establishes a loose network of prisons and detention centers in Iraq where Iraqi prisoners of war are held and interrogated. Iraqis detained by Coalition Forces are usually first brought to facilities at US military compounds where they are subjected to initial and secondary interrogations, ranging from a period of one week for initial interrogations up to one month for secondary interrogations. During this period, the detainees are not permitted to contact relatives or seek legal counsel. The prisoners are then sent to one of ten major Coalition prison facilities, at which point their names and information are supposed to be entered into the Coalition’s central database. The major facilities include:
Abu Ghraib Prison (Baghdad Central Correctional Facility or BCCF), the largest.
Camp Bucca, in Umm Qasr.
Talil Air force Base (Whitford Camp), located south of Baghdad.
Al-Rusafa (formerly the Deportations’ Prison or Tasfirat), in Baghdad.
Al-Kadhimiyya, in Baghdad, for women only.
Al-Karkh, in Baghdad, for juveniles only.
Al-Diwaniyya Security Detainee Holding Area.
the Tikrit detention facility.
the Mosul detention facility.
and MEK (Ashraf Camp), near al-Ramadi. [Human Rights Watch, 5/7/2004]
Entity Tags: US Military
Category Tags: Detainments, Abu Ghraib Prison (Iraq), Camp Bucca (Iraq)
Early April 2003: Saudi Arabian Arrested Entering Iraq, Abused Using Various Techniques
Abdallah Khudhran al-Shamran, a Saudi Arabian national, is arrested and detained with six others of different nationalities in al-Rutba by US and allied Iraqi forces as he is traveling from Syria to Baghdad. The captives are relieved of their possessions and blindfolded. Their hands are bound behind their backs and they are forced to walk for three hours to an unknown location. Shamran is accused of being a terrorist and subjected to various means of torture, including beatings, electric shocks, “being suspended from his legs and having his penis tied,” and “sleep deprivation through constant loud music.” Four days after arriving at this site, he is again blindfolded and then moved to a camp hospital in Um Qasr for three days, where he is treated, interrogated, and released. But without his passport and money, he is forced to sleep on the streets until he finally decides to seek help from a British soldier eight days later. He is then detained a second time, taken to a military field hospital with two other detainees, and again interrogated and tortured. He later explains to two Amnesty International investigators: “He stuck the pen he was holding into my right shoulder. The scar is still fresh and visible…. They tied my hands behind my back and put me exposed in the sun from noon to early evening. Then they transferred me to a container and locked me in. The next morning they put me in the sun until about 10 a.m.” He is subsequently sent to a hospital where he receives treatment and is finally permitted to speak with representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross to help him recover his passport. He is then interrogated by a British officer who accuses him of being a member of Saddam Hussein’s Fedayeen and threatens to execute him. [BBC, 3/16/2003; Associated Press, 3/16/2003; Observer, 3/17/2003; Inter Press Service, 5/16/2003; Amnesty International, 7/23/2003] This incident is described in a memorandum to the Coalition Provisional Authority on July 23 (see July 23, 2003).
Entity Tags: Abdallah Khudhran al-Shamran
Category Tags: Electrodes, Physical Assault, Sleep Deprivation, Other Detainees
April 2, 2003: Pentagon’s Legal Counsel Assures Human Rights Group that Renditioned Suspects Are Not Being Tortured
In a letter to Human Rights Watch, Pentagon legal counsel William J. Haynes writes that “if the war on terrorists of global reach requires transfers of detained enemy combatants to other countries for continued detention on our behalf, US government instructions are to seek and obtain appropriate assurances that such enemy combatants are not tortured.” [Amnesty International, 8/19/2003] However, in December 2002, referring to objections raised about the use of unlawful interrogation methods by Egypt, one Bush government official was quoted in the Washington Post saying, “You can be sure that we are not spending a lot of time on that now.” [Washington Post, 12/26/2002]
Entity Tags: Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch
Category Tags: High-level Decisions and Actions, Human Rights Groups
April 2, 2003: Cooperative Prisoners Moved to More Relaxed Section of Guantanamo Prison
The most cooperative detainees at Guantanamo are moved to Camp 4, a “medium-security” facility, where they are allowed to wear white uniforms, instead of the standard prison orange and enjoy more benefits. Cells in Camp 4 contain 10 prisoners each and the total camp has a capacity of about 160. [New York Times, 6/21/2004] Up to nine hours a day, according to military officials, detainees can spend outside their cells, playing soccer and watching “family oriented” films in their own language. In mid-June, according to these officers, half a dozen Camp 4 detainees are allowed to go to the beach. “Camp 4 is the place they aspire to get to,” Col. Nelson J. Cannon says. [Neil A. Lewis, 11/30/2004]
Entity Tags: Nelson J. Cannon
Category Tags: Guantanamo (US Base in Cuba)
April 4, 2003: Pentagon Report Recommends 35 Interrogation Techniques, Nine Reserved for Suspects with Critical Intelligence
In a report, the Pentagon working group (see January 15, 2003) recommends the adoption of 35 interrogation techniques. Twenty-six of them are recommended for use in interrogations of all unlawful combatants held outside the US. The remaining nine are considered “exceptional” and recommended for use only on unlawful combatants suspected of holding “critical intelligence.” The advice is clearly not for the public eye. “Should information regarding the use of more aggressive interrogation techniques than have been used traditionally by US forces become public,” the panel warns in its report, “it is likely to be exaggerated or distorted in the US and international media accounts, and may produce an adverse effect on support for the war on terrorism.” [MSNBC, 6/23/2004]
Category Tags: High-level Decisions and Actions, Key Events
April 16, 2003: Rumsfeld Approves New ‘Harsh’ Interrogation Methods
Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld signs a memo on interrogation methods approving 24 of the 35 techniques recommended by the Pentagon working group (see April 4, 2003) earlier in the month. The new set of guidelines, to be applied to prisoners at Guantanamo and Afghanistan, is a somewhat softer version of the initial interrogation policy that Rumsfeld approved in December 2002 (see December 2, 2002). [Roth and Malinowski, 5/3/2004; Washington Post, 5/11/2004; Age (Melbourne), 5/13/2004; Washington Post, 5/13/2004; Los Angeles Times, 5/22/2004; Newsweek, 5/24/2004; Wall Street Journal, 6/7/2004; MSNBC, 6/23/2004; Truthout (.org), 6/28/2004] Several of the techniques listed are ones that the US military trains Special Forces to prepare for in the event that they are captured by enemy forces (see December 2001 and July 2002). [New York Times, 5/13/2004]
Two Classes of Methods - The list is divided into two classes: tactics that are authorized for use on all prisoners and special “enhanced measures” that require the approval of Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez. The latter category of methods includes tactics that “could cause temporary physical or mental pain,” like “sensory deprivation,” “stress positions,” “dietary manipulation,” forced changes in sleep patterns, and isolated confinement. [Washington Post, 5/11/2004; Washington Post, 5/13/2004] Other techniques include “change of scenery down,” “dietary manipulation,” “environmental manipulation,” and “false flag.” The first 18 tactics listed all appear in the 1992 US Army Field Manual (FM) 34-52, with the exception of the so-called “Mutt-and-Jeff” approach, which is taken from an obsolete 1987 military field manual (1987 FM 34-52). [USA Today, 6/22/2004] The approved tactics can be used in conjunction with one another, essentially allowing interrogators to “pile on” one harsh technique after another. Categories such as “Fear Up Harsh” and “Pride and Ego Down” remain undefined, allowing interrogators to interpret them as they see fit. And Rumsfeld writes that any other tactic not already approved can be used if he gives permission. Author and reporter Charlie Savage will later write, “In other words, there were no binding laws and treaties anymore—the only limit was the judgment and goodwill of executive branch officials. ” [Savage, 2007, pp. 181] The use of forced nudity as a tactic is not included in the list. The working group rejected it because its members felt it might be considered inhumane treatment under international law. [Associated Press, 6/23/2004]
Result of Discussions among Pentagon Officials - The memo, marked for declassification in 2013 [Truthout (.org), 6/28/2004] , is the outcome, according to Deputy General Counsel Daniel Dell’Orto, of discussions between Rumsfeld, William J. Haynes, Douglas Feith, Paul Wolfowitz, and General Richard Myers. [Washington File, 6/23/2004] One US official explains: “There are very specific guidelines that are thoroughly vetted. Everyone is on board. It’s legal.” However in May 2004, it will be learned that there was in fact opposition to the new guidelines. Pentagon lawyers from the Army Judge Advocate General’s office had objected (see May 2003 and October 2003) and many officials quietly expressed concerns that they might have to answer for the policy at a later date (see (April 2003)). [Washington Post, 5/11/2004; Washington Post, 5/13/2004]
Entity Tags: Donald Rumsfeld, Douglas Feith, Paul Wolfowitz, Richard B. Myers, William J. Haynes, Ricardo S. Sanchez, Daniel J. Dell’Orto, Charlie Savage
Category Tags: High-level Decisions and Actions, Guantanamo (US Base in Cuba), Key Events
April 16-22, 2003: Red Cross Sees Prisoner Shot Dead in Iraq
At Camp Bucca, a large detention camp at Umm Qasr near the Kuwaiti border (officially called the Bucca Theater Internment Facility), representatives from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) witness a shooting incident resulting in the death of one prisoner and the wounding of another. [International Committee of the Red Cross, 2/2004]
Entity Tags: International Committee of the Red Cross
Category Tags: Prisoner Deaths, Physical Assault, Camp Bucca (Iraq), Other Detainees
April 18, 2003: Pentagon Refuses to Allow Amnesty International into Bagram
The Pentagon rejects Amnesty International’s request to visit the US military base at Bagram, Afghanistan. The Defense Department declares that “access to detainees is provided to the International Committee of the Red Cross, and on a case-by-case basis to selected government officials.” In a letter, Marshall Billingslea, principal deputy to the assistant secretary of defense, writes that “in this war, as in every war, captured enemy combatants have no right to counsel or access to courts for the purpose of challenging their detention.” [Amnesty International, 8/19/2003]
Entity Tags: Amnesty International
Category Tags: Coverup, Human Rights Groups, Bagram (Afghanistan)
April 22, 2003: US Army Seizes Abu Ghraib Prison
An overhead view of Abu Ghraib prison. [Source: Google Earth]The US Army seizes the Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad, which is notorious for having been the scene of torture under Saddam Hussein. BBC reporter Martin Asser describes the event: “It had been only lightly looted, vandalism mainly, and the MPs—reservists led by a colonel from Florida—were there to secure the location ‘as a possible center for operations’.” [BBC, 8/4/2004]
Entity Tags: US Department of the Army, Saddam Hussein
Timeline Tags: Iraq under US Occupation
Category Tags: Abu Ghraib Prison (Iraq)
April 29, 2003: Guantanamo Detainee in ‘Vegetative State’ after Attempted Suicide
A medical report by US doctors at Guantanamo Bay details an attempt by a detainee to commit suicide. The detainee, who cannot be identified from publicly released records, attempted to hang himself with a towel. He fell into what doctors call a “vegetative state” due to brain injuries suffered during the hanging. Guantanamo doctors “most strongly advocate” for the detainee’s “earliest return to his home country,” noting that the detainee has a “history of depression” and “his rehabilitation will be long.” Available records will not show whether Guantanamo officials follow the recommendations of the medical staff. [American Civil Liberties Union, 6/19/2006]
Category Tags: Internal Memos/Reports, Guantanamo (US Base in Cuba), Other Detainees
April 29 - Mid-May, 2003: Al-Qaeda Suspect Tortured in US Custody
One of a group of 25 al-Qaeda members captured in Pakistan, Tawfiq bin Attash (see April 29, 2003), is taken into US custody and sent to a CIA-run detention facility in Afghanistan. Years later, after being transferred to Guantanamo, he will discuss his experiences and treatment with officials of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC—see October 6 - December 14, 2006), who will identify him as “Walid bin Attash” in their documents.
'Forced Standing' - Bin Attash will recall his introduction to detention in Afghanistan as follows: “On arrival at the place of detention in Afghanistan I was stripped naked. I remained naked for the next two weeks. I was put in a cell measuring approximately [3 1/2 by 6 1/2 feet]. I was kept in a standing position, feet flat on the floor, but with my arms above my head and fixed with handcuffs and a chain to a metal bar running across the width of the cell. The cell was dark with no light, artificial or natural. During the first two weeks I did not receive any food. I was only given Ensure [a liquid nutritional supplement] and water to drink. A guard would come and hold the bottle for me while I drank.… The toilet consisted of a bucket in the cell.… I was not allowed to clean myself after using the bucket. Loud music was playing 24 hours each day throughout the three weeks I was there.” Author Mark Danner, writing of the ICRC report in 2009 (see March 15, 2009), will note that the “forced standing” technique. with arms shackled above the head, was a favorite technique of the Soviets, who called it “stoika.” Bin Attash, who had lost a leg fighting in Afghanistan, found the technique particularly painful: “After some time being held in this position my stump began to hurt so I removed my artificial leg to relieve the pain. Of course my good leg then began to ache and soon started to give way so that I was left hanging with all my weight on my wrists. I shouted for help but at first nobody came. Finally, after about one hour a guard came and my artificial leg was given back to me and I was again placed in the standing position with my hands above my head. After that the interrogators sometimes deliberately removed my artificial leg in order to add extra stress to the position.” He is checked periodically by a doctor. The doctor does not object to the ‘forced standing,’ even though the treatment causes intense pain in bin Attash’s leg; neither does the doctor object to the suspension from shackles, even though the shackles cut and abrade his wrists.
Cold Water, Physical Beatings - Bin Attash will tell ICRC officials that he is “washed down with cold water every day.” Every day he is also subjected to beatings: “Every day for the first two weeks I was subjected to slaps to my face and punches to my body during interrogation. This was done by one interrogator wearing gloves.… Also on a daily basis during the first two weeks a collar was looped around my neck and then used to slam me against the walls of the interrogation room. It was also placed around my neck when being taken out of my cell for interrogation and was used to lead me along the corridor. It was also used to slam me against the walls of the corridor during such movements. Also on a daily basis during the first two weeks I was made to lie on a plastic sheet placed on the floor which would then be lifted at the edges. Cold water was then poured onto my body with buckets.… I would be kept wrapped inside the sheet with the cold water for several minutes. I would then be taken for interrogation.”
Moved to Second Facility - It remains unclear where bin Attash is moved to after his initial detention in Afghanistan, but he will tell ICRC officials that his captors there—also Americans—“were rather more sophisticated than in Afghanistan because they had a hose-pipe with which to pour the water over me.” Danner will later note that the methods used to interrogate and torture bin Attash are somewhat more refined than those used on an experimental basis with another al-Qaeda suspect, Abu Zubaida (see April - June 2002). For example, a towel was wrapped around Zubaida’s neck and used to slam him into walls, while bin Attash was given a plastic collar. [New York Review of Books, 3/15/2009]
Entity Tags: International Committee of the Red Cross, Khallad bin Attash, Al-Qaeda, Abu Zubaida, Mark Danner, Central Intelligence Agency
Category Tags: Coverup, Criticisms of US, Independent Investigations, Extreme Temperatures, Insufficient Food, Isolation, Physical Assault, Sleep Deprivation, Stress Positions, Waterboarding, Other High Ranking Detainees
April 30, 2003: US Official Says Attacks Prevented Because Many Terrorists in Prison
The one-time CIA Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Cofer Black, says that “a large number of terrorist suspects were not able to launch an attack last year because they are in prison.” He claims that “more than 3,000” detainees in US custody are al-Qaeda terrorists who were arrested in over 100 countries. [First, 6/2004 ]
Entity Tags: Cofer Black
April 30, 2003-May 9, 2003: Iraqi Detainee Abused Using Various Techniques
Khreisan Khalis Aballey, a 39-year-old Iraqi man, is arrested at his home with his 80-year-old father by US soldiers who are looking for ‘Izzat al-Duri, a senior member of the Ba’ath Party. His brother is shot during the operation and never seen again. On July 23 (see July 23, 2003), Amnesty International will include an account of his detention in a memo to the Coalition Provisional Authority, which reads: “During his interrogation, he was made to stand or kneel facing a wall for seven-and-a-half days, hooded, and handcuffed tightly with plastic strips. At the same time a bright light was placed next to his hood and distorted music was playing the whole time. During all this period he was deprived of sleep (though he may have been unconscious for some periods). He reported that at one time a US soldier stamped on his foot and as a result one of his toenails was torn off. The prolonged kneeling made his knees bloody, so he mostly stood; when, after seven-and-a-half days he was told he was to be released and told he could sit, he said that his leg was the size of a football. He continued to be held for two more days, apparently to allow his health to improve, and was released on 9 May. His father, who was released at the same time, was held in the cell beside his son, where he could hear his son’s voice and his screams.” [Amnesty International, 7/23/2003]
Entity Tags: Khreisan Khalis Aballey
Category Tags: Physical Assault, Sleep Deprivation, Stress Positions, Other Detainees
May 2003: Military Lawyers Ask Bar Association Committee Chairman to Help Get Interrogation Rules Changed
Eight high-ranking military lawyers from the Army Judge Advocate General’s office—which historically has ensured that interrogators do not violate prisoners’ rights—visit Scott Horton, head of the New York State Bar Association’s committee on international law, and ask him to persuade the Pentagon to reverse its policy on using “stress and duress” interrogation techniques (see Late 2002-April 2003) (see April 16, 2003). “They were quite blunt,” Horton will recall. “They were extremely concerned about how the political appointees were dealing with interrogation issues. They said this was a disaster waiting to happen and that they felt shut out” from the rules-drafting process. [Washington Post, 5/13/2004; Newsday, 5/15/2004; New Yorker, 5/24/2004] The lawyers describe the new interrogation rules as “frightening,” with the potential to “reverse 50 years of a proud tradition of compliance with the Geneva Conventions.” [USA Today, 5/13/2004] The military lawyers will make another visit to Horton’s office in October (see May 2003).
Entity Tags: Scott Horton
Category Tags: Criticisms of US, High-level Decisions and Actions, Key Events
May 2003: CIA Inspector General Reviews Videotapes of Abu Zubaida’s Interrogations; Several Blank, Waterboarding Sessions Missing
The CIA’s Office of the Inspector General reviews videotapes of the interrogation and custody of militant training camp facilitator Abu Zubaida. The tapes, made in 2002 (see Spring-Late 2002), show 83 applications of the waterboarding technique, most of which last for less than 10 seconds. However, 11 of the interrogation videos turn out to be blank, two others are blank except for one or two minutes, and two more are broken and cannot be reviewed. The Inspector General then compares the tapes to logs and cables about the interrogations and identifies a 21-hour period, including two waterboarding sessions, that is not captured on the tapes. [Central Intelligence Agency, 5/7/2004, pp. 36-37 ]
Entity Tags: Abu Zubaida, Office of the Inspector General (CIA), Central Intelligence Agency
Category Tags: Waterboarding, Destruction of CIA Tapes, Abu Zubaida
May 2003: Red Cross Sends Coalition Forces Memo on Alleged Prisoner Mistreatment
The International Committee of the Red Cross sends a memorandum to Coalition Forces reporting that it has recorded roughly 200 allegations of mistreatment and abuse from prisoners of war being held at various detention facilities in Iraq. The report notes that the allegations are supported by medical examinations of the prisoners. [Amnesty International, 7/23/2003; New York Times, 5/13/2004]
Category Tags: Human Rights Groups, Indications of Abuse
May 2003: National Guard Uses Sleep Deprivation, Mock Execution Techniques on Prisoners at Base Near Baghdad
Infantry units from the Florida National Guard arrive at the Assad airbase located northwest of Baghdad. They are assigned the task of overseeing a detention center that has been set up in an aircraft hangar. The cells of this makeshift prison are separated with concertina wire. The US soldiers are “instructed to use sleep deprivation on prisoners, and taught to perform mock executions.” The interrogators are “not in regular army uniform, and the soldiers never [learn] their real names.” Camilo Mejia, a member of the Florida National Guard, will later tell The Guardian: “We had a sledgehammer that we would bang against the wall, and that would create an echo that sounds like an explosion that scared the hell out of them. If that didn’t work we would load a 9mm pistol, and pretend to be charging it near their head, and make them think we were going to shoot them. Once you did that, they did whatever you wanted them to do basically.” Mejia, the son of a famous Nicaraguan political songwriter and folksinger and who later applies for status as a conscientious objector, will say that many soldiers were uncomfortable with these tactics. “The way we treated these men was hard even for the soldiers, especially after realizing that many of these ‘combatants’ were no more than shepherds.” Mejia will also say that when his platoon leader objected to using these techniques, he was told that his refusal to do so could end his military career. [Mail & Guardian, 5/14/2004]
Category Tags: Intimidation/Threats, Sleep Deprivation, Other Detainees
May 2003: CIA Informs Italian Military Intelligence Kidnapped Cleric Being Interrogated in Cairo
The CIA notifies the Italian military intelligence agency SISMI that Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr, an Islamist radical the agencies kidnapped from Milan in February (see Noon February 17, 2003), is being interrogated in Cairo, Egypt. After Italian prosecutors begin investigating the kidnap, they will raid a SISMI safehouse in Rome, finding a document that confirms the notification. [Reuters, 11/4/2009] Nasr is actually tortured in Egypt (see Late February 2003 or Shortly After).
Entity Tags: SISMI, Central Intelligence Agency
(May 2003): Solider Says US Troops Have Killed Iraqi Prisoners in Video Diary
In a homemade video journal, an unidentified female US soldier at Camp Bucca prison in Iraq candidly speaks of how she and her colleagues have shot and killed prisoners. “If we shoot any more of the Iraqis, or attack any of them, they’re gonna supposedly come in and attack the camp…. But we’ll believe that when it actually happens, because we’ve already killed another Iraqi just last night when I was working. So I don’t know what’s going on…” She does not describe under what circumstances the shootings had taken place. In another part of the video she admits to antagonizing the captives. “I actually got in trouble the other day because I was throwing rocks at them.” [CBS News, 3/12/2004]
Category Tags: Prisoner Deaths, Camp Bucca (Iraq), Other Detainees
(May 2003): Military Police Company Arrives in Iraq
Soldiers of the 372nd Military Police Company arrive in Iraq and are assigned to routine traffic and police duties. [New Yorker, 5/10/2004]
(May 2003-May 2004): President Bush Informed of Red Cross Concerns over Prisoner Treatment
According to a unnamed aide to Secretary of State Colin Powell, at “various times throughout this period,” Powell, National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld relay the Red Cross’ concerns about the Coalition’s treatment of prisoners directly to President Bush. [Baltimore Sun, 5/12/2004]
Entity Tags: George W. Bush, Donald Rumsfeld, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice
Category Tags: High-level Decisions and Actions, Indications of Abuse
(May 2003-July 2003): Detainee Allegedly Suffers Haematoma and Broken Rib Due to Abuse in Iraq
An unnamed Iraqi is taken into custody by Coalition Forces and then subjected to severe abuse in the military intelligence section of Camp Cropper. The International Committee of the Red Cross will later interview the person and report the prisoner’s allegations to Coalition Forces once in early July and then again in February 2004 (see February 24, 2004). The latter report will explain: “In one illustrative case, a person deprived of his liberty arrested at home by the CF [Coalition Forces] on suspicion of involvement in an attack against the CF, was allegedly beaten during interrogation in a location in the vicinity of Camp Cropper. He alleged that he had been hooded and cuffed with flexi-cuffs, threatened to be tortured and killed, urinated on, kicked in the head, lower back and groin, force-fed a baseball which was tied into the mouth using a scarf, and deprived of sleep for four consecutive days. Interrogators would allegedly take turns ill-treating him. When he said he would complain to the IRC he was allegedly beaten more. An ICRC medical examination revealed haematoma in the lower back, blood in the urine, sensory loss in the right hand due to tight handcuffing with flexi-cuffs, and a broken rib.” [International Committee of the Red Cross, 2/24/2004 ; New York Times, 5/11/2004]
Category Tags: Physical Assault, Sleep Deprivation, Camp Cropper (Iraq), Other Detainees
May 7-9, 2003: CIA Wrongly Informs Court about Detainee Recordings in Moussaoui Case
On May 7, 2003, Leonie Brinkema, the judge in the Zacarias Moussaoui trial, asks the CIA if it has recordings of interrogations of detainees related to Moussaoui’s case. Two days later, the CIA replies that it does not, although it is actually in possession of some recordings. In 2002, the CIA secretly videotaped interrogations of high-ranking detainees Abu Zubaida and Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri (see Spring-Late 2002) but it does not reveal this to anyone involved in the Moussaoui trial. In 2005, some of these videotapes will be destroyed (see November 2005), around the time the Brinkema makes a repeat request for the tapes (see November 3-14, 2005). However, other recordings—two videotapes and one audio tape—will survive and will finally be viewed by Moussaoui’s prosecutors in 2007, long after Moussaoui has been convicted (see September 19 and October 18, 2007). [US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Alexandria Division, 7/31/2006; US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Alexandria Division, 10/25/2007 ; Reuters, 11/13/2007] Although the identity of the detainees in the recordings requested is not known, one of the prosecutors will later say, “Obviously the important witnesses included [Abu] Zubaidah, [Ramzi] bin al-Shibh, and KSM [Khalid Shaikh Mohammed]… those are the guys at the head of the witness list.” However, he will not specifically recall which tapes are requested. [Associated Press, 12/7/2007]
Entity Tags: Central Intelligence Agency, Leonie Brinkema, Zacarias Moussaoui
Category Tags: Coverup, Destruction of CIA Tapes
May 12, 2003: Four US Soldiers Beat Severely Prisoners at Camp Bucca
Four soldiers from the 320th Military Police Battalion severely beat prisoners after transporting them to Camp Bucca in southern Iraq. Soldiers spread the legs of some prisoners while others kick them in the groin. One prisoner allegedly has “his face smashed in.” The incident is reported by the MPs of another unit. After the soldiers are charged, one of the soldiers being investigated writes to his relatives to explain the charges: “A few of my MPs were assaulted by the enemy prisoners, and we had to use force to regain control, all justifiable.” [Associated Press, 7/27/2003; Washington Post, 5/9/2004] The four MPs of Lt. Col. Jerry L. Phillabaum’s 320th Military Police Battalion will be given less than honorable discharges, but not prosecuted. [US News and World Report, 7/9/2004]
Entity Tags: Jerry L. Phillabaum
Category Tags: Physical Assault, Camp Bucca (Iraq), Other Detainees
May 14, 2003: One Guantanamo Detainee Released and Four Others Repatriated to Saudi Arabia
One Guantanamo detainee is released and four Saudi detainees are transferred “for continued detention by the government of Saudi Arabia.” The Defense Department releases no further details. [US Department of Defense, 5/16/2003]
Category Tags: Guantanamo (US Base in Cuba), Other Detainees
May 19, 2003: Theatened with ‘Enemy Combatant’ Status, ‘Lackawanna Six’ Strike Plea Bargain with US Government
Charged with supporting al-Qaeda in September 2002, all of the “Lackawanna Six” originally pled not guilty (see September 13, 2002). But by May 19, 2003, all of them change their minds and plead guilty. They accept prison terms of 6 and a half to 9 years. The Washington Post reports that the fear of being declared “enemy combatants” led “the Lackawanna Six” to engage in plea bargain talks. The six men all plead guilty of providing support to a terrorist organization and received prison sentences of six-and-a-half to nine years. “We had to worry about the defendants being whisked out of the courtroom and declared enemy combatants if the case started going well for us,” says Patrick J. Brown, attorney for one of the six. “So we just ran up the white flag and folded.” [Washington Post, 7/29/2003] “Basically, what was related to us,” says James Harrington, attorney for another, “was that if the case was not resolved by a plea, the government was going to consider any options that it had. They didn’t say they were going to do it [declare them ‘enemy combatants’], they just were going to consider it.” [Guardian, 12/3/2003] This is corroborated by the US federal attorney responsible for the prosecution of the six, Michael Battle. He says his office never explicitly threatened invoking the enemy combatant status, because he did not have to. Everybody knew this threat was in the air. “I don’t mean to sound cavalier,” he says, “but the war on terror has tilted the whole [legal] landscape. We are trying to use the full arsenal of our powers. I’m not saying the ends justify the means,” he adds. “But you have to remember that we’re protecting the rights of those who are being targeted by terror as well as the rights of the accused.” [Washington Post, 7/29/2003] Neal R. Sonnett, speaking as the chairman of the American Bar Association’s Task Force on Treatment of Enemy Combatants, says: “The defendants believed that if they didn’t plead guilty, they’d end up in a black hole forever. There’s little difference between beating someone over the head and making a threat like that.” [Washington Post, 7/29/2003] “Nothing illustrates the US government’s new power over suspects… better than the case of the Lackawanna Six,” Guardian journalist James Meek observes. [Guardian, 12/3/2003]
Entity Tags: Yaseinn Taher, Yahya Goba, Faysal Galab, Sahim Alwan, Neal R. Sonnett, Shafel Mosed, Michael A. Battle, Mukhtar al-Bakri, Patrick J. Brown
Category Tags: Other Detainees
May 24, 2003: Detainee at Camp Cropper Shot
In relation to a hunger strike, there is unrest at Camp Cropper. One prisoner suffers a gunshot wound. [International Committee of the Red Cross, 2/24/2004 ]
Category Tags: Physical Assault, Camp Cropper (Iraq), Other Detainees
May 25, 2003: Guantanamo Camp Commander Allegedly Thinking about Building Execution Chamber
The Mail on Sunday reports that according to Maj. Gen. Geoffrey Miller, the US is considering plans to build an execution chamber at Camp Delta in Guantanamo Bay where suspected terrorists, convicted by a secret military tribunal for capital crimes, would be put to death. “Prisoners would be tried, convicted, and executed without leaving its boundaries, without a jury, and without right of appeal.” [Courier Mail, 5/26/2003] Britain says that it is unaware of the US plans. [Courier Mail, 5/26/2003]
Entity Tags: Geoffrey D. Miller
Category Tags: High-level Decisions and Actions, Prisoner Deaths
May 29, 2003: Al-Marri Pleads Innocent to Credit Card Charges
Ali Saleh Kahlah Al-Marri, a Qatari citizen and former US college student charged with bank fraud and alleged to be an al-Qaeda sleeper agent (see December 12, 2001), pleads innocent in an Illinois federal court. His court date is set for July 21, but before that can happen, President Bush will designate al-Marri an “enemy combatant” and send him into military custody, where he will be denied access to the US court system (see June 23, 2003). Al-Marri has been in detention in New York City while federal investigators probe his alleged connections to 9/11 hijackers. Al-Marri is charged with credit card fraud (see February 8, 2002) based on his alleged possession of at least 15 unauthorized and counterfeit credit cards; he is alleged to have been part of the al-Qaeda finance network. He is also charged with lying to FBI agents over alleged overseas phone calls to a number associated with an al-Qaeda figure in the United Arab Emirates, Mustafa Ahmed al-Hawsawi, a known al-Qaeda facilitator linked to the 9/11 attacks (see Early-Late June, 2001). Al-Marri is not charged with being personally linked to the attacks. US Attorney Jan Paul Miller says al-Marri has not been charged with a terrorist crime. [Associated Press, 5/29/2003]
Entity Tags: Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri, Al-Qaeda, Jan Paul Miller, Mustafa Ahmed al-Hawsawi, George W. Bush, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Category Tags: Detainments, Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri
May 30, 2003: Military Interrogators Encouraged to Use Harsh Interrogation Tactics FBI Personnel Consider Questionable, Possibly Illegal
An FBI memo released to the American Civil Liberties Union in 2006 (ACLU—see February 23, 2006) documents escalating tensions between FBI and Defense Department personnel stationed at Guantanamo. According to the memo, beginning in late 2002, Defense Department interrogators received encouragement from their superiors to “use aggressive interrogation tactics” that FBI agents believed were “of questionable effectiveness and subject to uncertain interpretation based on law and regulation.” The memo names Major General Geoffrey Miller, the commander of Joint Task Force-Guantanamo, as supporting interrogation methods FBI agents believe “could easily result in the elicitation of unreliable and legally inadmissible information.” FBI personnel took their concerns to senior Pentagon officials, but were ignored. [American Civil Liberties Union, 2/23/2006]
Entity Tags: US Department of Defense, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Geoffrey D. Miller
Category Tags: High-level Decisions and Actions, Internal Memos/Reports, Guantanamo (US Base in Cuba)
Summer 2003: Wolfowitz Visits Abu Ghraib Prison
Top: Wolfowitz (center). Karpinski stands to the left side. Bottom: Wolfowitz is partly behind Lane McCotter, who has a camera around his neck. Karpinski is behind them both. [Source: Associated Press (top) and Utah Sheriff (bottom)]Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz visits the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. The exact time of the visit is unknown, but Wolfowitz is pictured with Brig. Gen. Janis Karpinski who begins working at Abu Ghraib in June 2003, and prison administrator Lane McCotter, who stops working at Abu Ghraib in early October. Other details of his visit there are unknown. [Tom Paine (.com), 5/27/2004]
Entity Tags: Janis L. Karpinski, Lane McCotter, Paul Wolfowitz
Category Tags: High-level Decisions and Actions, Abu Ghraib Prison (Iraq)
Summer 2003: CIA Officials Obtain Permission from Rice to Use Harsh Interrogation Tactics on New Detainee
CIA officials ask for reauthorization of the controversial harsh interrogation methods (see April 2002 and After and August 1, 2002) that had been withdrawn (see December 2003-June 2004) after the revelation of abuse and torture at Iraq’s Abu Ghraib prison (see November 5, 2003). The CIA has captured a new al-Qaeda suspect in Asia, and top agency officials ask the National Security Council Principals Committee—Vice President Dick Cheney, National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, CIA Director George Tenet, Secretary of State Colin Powell, and Attorney General John Ashcroft—for permission to use extreme methods of interrogation against the new detainee. Rice, who chairs the Principals Committee, says: “This is your baby. Go do it.” [ABC News, 4/9/2008] The name of the new suspect captured in Asia is not mentioned, but Hambali is captured in Thailand in August 2003 (see August 12, 2003), and he is the only prominent al-Qaeda figure arrested that summer. He is considered one of al-Qaeda’s most important leaders. There are some reports that he is one of only about four prisoners directly waterboarded by the US (see Shortly After August 12, 2003).
Entity Tags: Richard (“Dick”) Cheney, Central Intelligence Agency, Al-Qaeda, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, George J. Tenet, John Ashcroft, Hambali, National Security Council, Donald Rumsfeld
Category Tags: High-level Decisions and Actions, Impunity, Indications of Abuse, Statements/Writings about Torture, Sleep Deprivation, Stress Positions, Waterboarding, Internal Memos/Reports, Guantanamo (US Base in Cuba), Hambali
Summer 2003-January 2004: 9/11 Commission Does Not Receive Videotapes of Detainee Interrogations
Kean (left) and Hamilton (right) of the 9/11 Commission. [Source: Doug Mills / New York Times]The 9/11 Commission does not receive video or audio recordings of interrogations of detainees thought to know something about the 9/11 plot (see Spring-Late 2002), even though it is unhappy with the amount and quality of information it is getting from detainees (see Summer 2003) and has a series of meetings with CIA officials to improve access (see November 5, 2003-January 2004). The CIA will indicate that the Commission never asks for the tapes, saying it “went to great lengths to meet the requests of the 9/11 Commission,” and that one of the reasons that the tapes are not destroyed until after the Commission releases its final report in 2004 is so that it could have the tapes, if it so desires. [New York Times, 12/8/2007] However, when the tapes’ destruction is revealed in late 2007 (see November 2005 and December 6, 2007), former 9/11 Commission Chairman Tom Kean and Vice Chairman Lee Hamilton will dispute this, saying that in hours of negotiations and discussions with the CIA and written requests they make it clear they want all material connected to the interrogations of the relevant detainees. [International Herald Tribune, 12/8/2007] Kean will say, “They knew what they had and they didn’t give it to us.” [ABC News, 12/7/2007] Hamilton will say, “The CIA certainly knew of our interest in getting all the information we could on the detainees, and they never indicated to us there were any videotapes… Did they obstruct our inquiry? The answer is clearly yes. Whether that amounts to a crime, others will have to judge.” [International Herald Tribune, 12/8/2007]
Entity Tags: Thomas Kean, Central Intelligence Agency, Lee Hamilton, 9/11 Commission
Summer-Late 2003: Covert Interrogation Programs in Iraqi Prisons Lead to Abuse, Causing CIA to Pull Out of Programs
According to journalist Seymour Hersh, by the summer of 2003, US-led forces have conquered Iraq but it becomes increasingly obvious that there is a growing insurgency movement. However, the US knows very little about the insurgency. A secret military report from the time states, “Human intelligence is poor or lacking… due to the dearth of competence and expertise.” Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and his close assistant Under-Secretary of Defense for Intelligence Steven Cambone try to solve this problem by authorizing increasingly aggressive interrogation of detainees in Iraq prisons. Maj. Gen. Geoffrey Miller, commander of the Guantanamo (or “Gitmo”) prison in Cuba, comes to Iraq with a plan to “Gitmoize” the prisons in Iraq to make them more geared towards interrogation (see August 31, 2003-September 9, 2003). A former intelligence official will later tell Hersh, “They weren’t getting anything substantive from the detainees in Iraq. No names. Nothing that they could hang their hat on. Cambone says, I’ve got to crack this thing and I’m tired of working through the normal chain of command. I’ve got this apparatus set up—the black special-access program—and I’m going in hot.” The program mentioned is Operation Copper Green, which allows secret task forces to capture and interrogate wanted figures with very little oversight, and which is expanded to Iraq around this time. This official continues, “And it’s working. We’re getting a picture of the insurgency in Iraq and the intelligence is flowing into the white world. We’re getting good stuff. But we’ve got more targets” - meaning Iraqi detainees -“than people who can handle them.” As a result, Cambone decides to include some of the military intelligence officers working in the Iraqi prisons in the special access programs that are a part of Operation Copper Green. “So here are fundamentally good soldiers—military-intelligence guys—being told that no rules apply. And, as far as they’re concerned, this is a covert operation, and its’ to be kept within Defense Department channels.” As a result, more and more people, including the MPs (military police) pictured in the later Abu Ghraib abuse photographs, get involved in these covert programs that have almost no accountability and the stage is set for abuses to occur. The official says, “as soon as you enlarge the secret program beyond the oversight capability of experienced people, you lose control.” By the end of 2003, this official claims that senior CIA officials were complaining. “They said, ‘No way. We signed up for the core program in Afghanistan—pre-approved for operations against high-value terrorist targets—and now you want to use it for cabdrivers, brothers-in-law, and people pulled off the streets.’” The CIA supposedly ends its involvement with the covert programs in Iraqi prisons, although exactly when this happens is not clear. [New Yorker, 5/24/2004]
Entity Tags: Geoffrey D. Miller, Donald Rumsfeld, Seymour Hersh, Operation Copper Green, Stephen A. Cambone
Category Tags: Impunity, High-level Decisions and Actions, Abu Ghraib Prison (Iraq), Operation Copper Green
June 2003: Military Interrogators are Allegedly Impersonating FBI Agents
FBI officials report that a member of the military personnel has impersonated an FBI agent. [Federal Bureau of Investigation, 1/20/2004 ] One FBI supervising special agent writes, “There were… accusations made by different investigators that military interrogators would present themselves as FBI agents to detainees and harass them… .” [Federal Bureau of Investigation, 7/13/2004 ] A similar claim will be made by Rhuhel Ahmed. At one time, Ahmed complains to an FBI investigator that one of his female colleagues kept him in Camp Delta’s interrogation room for 18 hours. The investigator tells Ahmed he knows the woman, but that she is not from the FBI but from military intelligence. [Rasul, Iqbal, and Ahmed, 7/26/2004 ]
Entity Tags: Rhuhel Ahmed
Category Tags: Guantanamo (US Base in Cuba), Rhuhel Ahmed
June 2003: Iraqi Prisoner Dies from ‘Hard, Fast Blow’ to the Head
An Iraqi prisoner is bound to a chair and interrogated by soldiers at a “classified interrogation facility” in Baghdad. He later dies. The autopsy will report that the man was “subjected to both physical and psychological stress” and died from a “hard, fast blow” to the head. [Denver Post, 5/18/2004]
Category Tags: Prisoner Deaths, Physical Assault, Other Detainees
June 2003 or July 2003: British Detainees at Guantanamo Forced to Make False Confessions
A female senior official from Washington comes to Guantanamo to interrogate British national Shafiq Rasul and shows him a videotape recording of a meeting in January 2000 in Afghanistan between Osama bin Laden and Mohamed Atta, the operational leader of the 9/11 attacks. The video allegedly also shows Rasul being present. Rasul recalls saying: “Are you blind? That doesn’t look anything like me.” His questioners are adamant. “[L]oads of people had told them that this guy in a beard standing behind bin Laden was me. I told them that in 2000 I didn’t leave the country, that I was working at the Wednesbury branch of Currys, who would have my employment records. They told me I could have falsified those records—that I could have had someone working with me at Currys who could have altered the data the company held, and traveled on a false passport.” Then Rasul decides to confess. “I’d got to the point where I just couldn’t take any more. ‘Do what you have to do,’ I told them.” He recalls: “My heart is beating, beating, I’m saying it’s not me, it’s not me, but I’m thinking ‘I’m going to be screwed. I’m on an island in the middle of nowhere, there’s nothing I can do.’” [Guardian, 10/3/2004] His two friends, Asif Iqbal and Rhuhel Ahmed, are also forced to make confessions. But the British intelligence service MI5, later demonstrates that the Tipton Three were all in Britain at that time, [Observer, 3/14/2004] and Rasul was indeed working in a Currys store in the West Midlands at the time of the alleged meeting attended by bin Laden and Mohamed Atta. [Guardian, 8/4/2004]
Entity Tags: Asif Iqbal, Rhuhel Ahmed, Mohamed Atta, Shafiq Rasul, Osama bin Laden
Category Tags: Forced Confessions, Guantanamo (US Base in Cuba), Asif Iqbal, Rhuhel Ahmed, Shafiq Rasul
June 2003 or July 2003: Iraqi National Hiwa Abdul Rahman Rashul Captured by Kurds and Handed Over to US
Iraqi national Hiwa Abdul Rahman Rashul, later to be nicknamed “Triple-X,” is captured by Kurdish soldiers on suspicion that he is a member of Al-Ansar al-Islam, a militant group operating in northern Iraq. [Washington Post, 10/24/2004] He is then handed over to the CIA, which takes him outside of Iraq to a secret facility in Afghanistan. [New York Times, 9/10/2004]
Entity Tags: Hiwa Abdul Rahman Rashul
Category Tags: Detainments, Other Detainees
June 2003: Democratic Senator Asks White House, CIA, and Pentagon about Detainee Abuse
Senator Patrick Leahy, a Democrat from Vermont, sends letters to the White House, the CIA, and the Pentagon with complaints about the treatment of detainees in Afghanistan and “other locations outside the United States.” He writes that according to unnamed officials, the prisoners are being subjected to beatings, lengthy sleep- and food-deprivation, and other “stress and duress” techniques (see April 16, 2003). He asks if these techniques are indeed being employed and urges the administration to issue a clear statement that cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment of detainees will not be tolerated. The Pentagon and CIA respond with denials that the United States is torturing its prisoners. [Human Rights Watch, 5/7/2004; USA Today, 5/13/2004]
Entity Tags: Patrick J. Leahy
Category Tags: Coverup, Indications of Abuse
June 2003: CIA Begins Course for Training ‘Debriefers’
The CIA starts a course for officers it calls “debriefers,” who are to participate in detainee interrogations. (In the CIA’s terminology of this time, an “interrogator” is someone who applies the agency’s “enhanced interrogation techniques,” whereas a debriefer does not apply the techniques, but merely asks a detainee questions after an interrogator has designated a detainee as “compliant.”) The purpose of the course is to train the debriefers to collect actionable intelligence from high-value detainees in CIA custody. It is intended to familiarize them with key aspects of the CIA’s interrogation program, including its goals and legal authorities, the interrogation guidelines, and the roles and responsibilities of all who interact with high value detainees. [Central Intelligence Agency, 5/7/2004, pp. 38 ] The agency began a course for interrogators the previous year (see November 2002).
Entity Tags: Central Intelligence Agency
June 2003: Iraqi Prisoner Strangled to Death in US Custody
A 53-year-old Iraqi man, Naem Sadoon Hatab, is strangled to death while in US custody at the Whitehorse detainment camp in Nasiriyah. Hatab’s death will be investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS—see May 14, 2008). [American Civil Liberties Union, 5/14/2008]
Entity Tags: Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Naem Sadoon Hatab
June 2003-August 2003: Minor Iraqi Agricultural Ministry Official Badly Treated in Detention for Three Months
Abd al-Rahman, a minor official at the agriculture ministry in Baghdad, is taken into custody by Coalition Forces and held for three months during which time he is “beaten frequently, given shocks with an electric cattle-prod, and [has] one of his toenails prised off.” Rations are often laced with pork, which is forbidden to Muslims, and the area around his tent is infested with scorpions. [Sunday Times (London), 1/18/2004; Human Rights Watch, 5/7/2004]
Entity Tags: Abd al-Rahman
Category Tags: Dangerous Conditions, Electrodes, Physical Assault, Suppression of Religious Expression, Other Detainees
Summer 2003: 9/11 Commission Unhappy with Information Coming from Detainees
The 9/11 Commission becomes unhappy with the quality of information being provided by the CIA, FBI, and Pentagon about detainees in US custody who are being interrogated, because “the government’s investigators [are] not asking the detainees the kinds of questions [it wants] answered” - they are asking about future threats rather than the history of the 9/11 plot. The Commission is receiving detainee evidence “third-hand - passed from the detainee, to the interrogator, to the person who writes up the interrogation report, and finally to [its] staff in the form of reports, not even transcripts.” It can take up to six weeks for a report on an interrogation to be produced. Due to the absence of any interaction between Commission staff and detainees, they also have “no way of evaluating the credibility of detainee information.” [Kean and Hamilton, 2006, pp. 119-123] In at least one case, it seem possible that the 9/11 Commission was not given all the information from CIA interrogations that it needed. Counterterrorism expert Rohan Gunaratna will later independently view some interrogation transcripts, and from them he will claim that Khalid Shaikh Mohammed (KSM) confessed to attending a pivotal al-Qaeda summit in Malaysia where the 9/11 plot was discussed (see January 5-8, 2000). The CIA was in charge of monitoring this meeting, so their failure to notice the presence of KSM, a photographed and well-known terrorist mastermind with a $2 million bounty on his head at the time, would have been nearly inexplicable (see July 9, 2003). The Commission subsequently requests direct access to the detainees, but this request is not granted (see November 5, 2003-January 2004).
Entity Tags: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Central Intelligence Agency, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, Rohan Gunaratna, US Department of Defense, 9/11 Commission
Category Tags: Destruction of CIA Tapes, Coverup
June 2, 2003: CIA Is Concerned about Interrogation Techniques US Military Is Using on High-Ranking Detainees
Michael DeLong. [Source: PBS]In a secret memo, Gen. George Casey, Jr., director of the US military’s Joint Staff, warns Gen. Michael DeLong at Central Command (Centcom) that the “CIA has advised that the techniques the military forces are using to interrogate high value detainees (HVDs)… are more aggressive than the techniques used by CIA who is [sic] interviewing the same HVDs.” DeLong replies to Casey that the techniques being used are “doctrinally appropriate techniques” in line with Army regulations and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld’s direction. [New Yorker, 6/17/2007] It will later come out that the CIA was using techniques on these detainees widely considered to be torture, such as waterboarding. But little is known about military treatment of these detainees or the techniques they used.
Entity Tags: George Casey, Michael DeLong, Central Intelligence Agency
Category Tags: High-level Decisions and Actions, Reports/Investigations, Waterboarding
June 5, 2003: US Marines Choke and Kill Iraqi Prisoner
At the Camp Whitehorse detention center near Nassiriya, Iraq, US marines beat and choke Najem Sa’doun Hattab, a former Ba’ath Party official, and then drag him by the neck to his cell. Hattab dies from his injuries. [San Diego Union-Tribune, 2/3/2004; Amnesty International, 3/18/2004] His autopsy reveals bone and rib fractures, and multiple bruises over his body. [American Civil Liberties Union, 10/24/2005]
Entity Tags: US Department of the Marines, Najem Sa’doun Hattab
Category Tags: Prisoner Deaths, Physical Assault, Other Detainees, Other US Bases and Centers
(June 8, 2003): US Guards at Camp Cropper Shoot and Injure Five or Six Detainees
Detainees at Camp Cropper in southern Iraq riot after one of the prisoners hits an MP. When things calm down, a US soldier removes his shirt and flexes his muscles in front of the prisoners, provoking another riot. After a soldier is struck in the head by a rock and another is hit by a tent pole, the MPs open fire, wounding five or six prisoners. The incident is later investigated by US authorities who conclude that the soldiers’ actions were justified. [International Committee of the Red Cross, 2/24/2004 ; Washington Post, 5/9/2004]
June 12, 2003: Guards at Abu Ghraib Shoot Prisoners; One Dies
Prisoners being held at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq hold demonstrations protesting their living conditions. In response to the protests, prison authorities promise to inform each of the prisoners about the status and expected length of their detention the following day. [Amnesty International, 6/30/2003; International Committee of the Red Cross, 2/24/2004 ] Additionally, two people attempting to escape the facility are shot. One dies of his wounds after being taken to a hospital. [International Committee of the Red Cross, 2/24/2004 ]
Category Tags: Prisoner Deaths, Abu Ghraib Prison (Iraq)
June 13, 2003: Guards Shoot Abu Ghraib Detainees Holding Demonstration
Many detainees in Abu Ghraib are being held in poorly guarded and provisioned tents during this time. [Source: HBO]Detainees being held at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq hold another demonstration after prison authorities fail to follow through on a promise (see June 12, 2003) to provide the detainees with information about their status. Some of the demonstrators throw bricks and poles at the soldiers, but remain within the razor wire fence surrounding the tents and are not a threat to the soldiers. In response, the prison guards fire from three watchtowers into the detention area, killing 22-year-old Ala’ Jassem Sa’ad, who is in one of the tents. Seven others who are sharing the tent are injured. According to the prison authorities, the “shooting [is] justified as the three tower [guards] determined that the lives of the interior guards were threatened.” [Amnesty International, 6/30/2003; International Committee of the Red Cross, 2/24/2004 ]
Entity Tags: Ala’ Jassem Sa’ad
Category Tags: Prisoner Deaths, Abu Ghraib Prison (Iraq), Other Detainees
June 17, 2003: Al-Qaeda Suspect Arrested in Pakistan, Disappears into US Custody
On June 17, 2003, al-Qaeda suspect Adil Al-Jazeeri is arrested at a public swimming pool in Peshawar, Pakistan. He is not on any wanted list, and there is very little public information known about him, but intelligence sources call im a long-time aide to bin Laden and someone involved in training for al-Qaeda. On July 14, 2003, CBS News reports that he has been transferred over to US authorities after being subjected to “tough questioning” by Pakistani agents. US forces has then flown him “blindfolded and bound to an unknown location for interrogation in US custody.” Most likely, he is taken to the Bagram air base in Afghanistan. [Associated Press, 6/19/2003; CBS News, 7/14/2003; Amnesty International, 8/19/2003] In late 2005, Human Rights Watch will list his as a likely “ghost prisoner” probably being held by the CIA. [Human Rights Watch, 11/30/2005]
Entity Tags: Adil Al-Jazeeri
June 17-18, 2003: CIA, RAND, Psychological Association Explore Use of Drugs on Interrogation Subjects
The CIA, the RAND Corporation, and the American Psychological Association host a two-day workshop entitled, “Science of Deception: Integration of Practice and Theory.” One session, “Law Enforcement Interrogation and Debriefing,” explores the question, “What pharmacological agents are known to affect apparent truth-telling behavior?” [American Psychological Association, 6/18/2003; Congressional Quarterly, 4/4/2008] This question becomes more relevant in light of evidence that mind-altering drugs may be used by US interrogators against terror suspects (see April 4, 2008).
Entity Tags: Central Intelligence Agency, RAND Corporation, American Psychological Association
Category Tags: Independent Investigations, Statements/Writings about Torture
June 18-21, 2003: Detainee Killed while in Custody at Base in Afghanistan
Abdul Wali turns himself in to a US base in Asadabad, Afghanistan [CBS News, 6/18/2004] at the request of the Afghan governor of Kunar province. Wali allegedly participated in rocket attacks against the base, which is located in northeast Afghanistan close to the border with Pakistan. During the next two days, according to an indictment, he is “brutally assault[ed]” by David A. Passaro, a private contractor, employed by the CIA, [Guardian, 6/23/2004] who uses “his hands and feet and a large flashlight.” On June 21, Wali dies in detention. The CIA refers the case to the Justice Department in November 2003. Passaro will be indicted with charges of assault in June 2004. [CBS News, 6/18/2004]
Entity Tags: David A. Passaro, Abdul Wali
Category Tags: Prisoner Deaths, Private Contractors, Other Detainees, Other US Bases and Centers
June 22, 2003: Malawi Authorities Arrest Five Suspects with CIA Help
In the city of Blantyre in Malawi, the local National Intelligence Bureau, together with US officials who are reportedly CIA agents, move to arrest five foreigners on suspicion of belonging to al-Qaeda. They are Ibrahim Habaci and Arif Ulusam, both Turkish; Saudi citizen Faha al Bahli; Mahmud Sardar Issa from Sudan; and Kenyan national Khalifa Abdi. They are held incommunicado in an undisclosed location somewhere in Malawi, and defense attorneys take immediate action on their behalf. That evening, the High Court of Blantyre orders that the detainees be brought before it within 48 hours. [Amnesty International, 8/19/2003]
Entity Tags: Faha al Bahli, Arif Ulusam, Ibrahim Habaci, Khalifa Abdi, Mahmud Sardar Issa
June 23, 2003: US Drops Criminal Charges Against Al-Marri, Designates Him ‘Enemy Combatant’
Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri. [Source: Slate]A month before he is slated to go on trial for bank and credit card fraud charges (see February 8, 2002), the federal government drops all criminal charges against Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri, who has been held without legal representation, and in solitary confinement, since 2001 (see December 12, 2001). [CBS News, 6/23/2003; CBS News, 6/23/2003; CNN, 12/13/2005; Progressive, 3/2007]
'Grave Danger' - President Bush says al-Marri “represents a continuing, present, and grave danger” to the country, and the government designates al-Marri as an “enemy combatant,” alleging that he helped al-Qaeda operatives settle in the US. “Mr. Al-Marri possesses intelligence, including intelligence about personnel and activities of al-Qaeda,” Bush continues, and adds that gaining access to it “would aid US efforts to prevent attacks by al-Qaeda.” [Knight Ridder, 6/24/2003; Progressive, 3/2007] The presidential order says he “engaged in conduct that constituted hostile and war-like acts, including conduct in preparation for acts of international terrorism.” His detention is necessary, the order claims, to prevent him from participating in terrorist activities against the US. The order in effect precludes a pretrial hearing scheduled for July 2 and the start of a formal trial on July 22. [CNN, 6/24/2003]
Alleged Sleeper Agent - The government declaration for al-Marri says he worked as an “al-Qaeda sleeper agent” who was planning to “hack into the computer systems of US banks,” and possibly facilitate a follow up to the 9/11 attacks. For its part, the Defense Department says al-Marri trained at a terror camp in Afghanistan before 9/11, personally met Osama bin Laden, and volunteered for an unspecified “martyr mission.” [CNN, 12/13/2005] Attorney General John Ashcroft will later claim that al-Marri refused repeated offers to cooperate with the FBI; “consequently,” Ashcroft will write, Bush declares him an enemy combatant. Ashcroft will claim that under the laws of war, an enemy combatant can be killed out of hand. Instead, the government will hold al-Marri “without charge or trial until the end of the war.” [Slate, 11/30/2006]
Transferred to Navy Brig - Instead, the “enemy combatant” designation takes al-Marri, a Qatari citizen and legal US resident, out of the civilian criminal justice system and places him under the control of the Defense Department, which immediately transfers him into detention at a Navy brig in South Carolina. He could face a military tribunal or remain in detention indefinitely, without trial. He is only the third person to be publicly named as an enemy combatant, along with US citizens Jose Padilla and Yaser Esam Hamdi.
Fingered by KSM - According to a Justice Department official, al-Marri was “positively identified” as being part of a planned second wave of al-Qaeda terrorist attacks by an “al-Qaeda detainee in a position to know.” Justice officials imply that the detainee to finger al-Marri is senior 9/11 planner Khalid Shaikh Mohammed. [CBS News, 6/23/2003] Another suspected al-Qaeda operative, Mustafa Ahmed al-Hawsawi (see Early-Late June, 2001), is also said to have mentioned him. [CNN, 12/13/2005] Alice Fisher, the deputy assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s criminal division, says the department did not drop the criminal charges against al-Marri because the case was weak: “We are confident we would have prevailed on the criminal charges. However, setting the criminal charges aside is in the best interests of our national security.” The criminal charges—lying to banks, lying to the FBI, and credit card fraud—could have given al-Marri up to 60 years in prison and $1.75 million in fines. [CBS News, 6/23/2003]
Pleaded Not Guilty - Al-Marri’s lawyer Mark Berman says that his client pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges (see May 29, 2003), and the case was proceeding to trial. “I definitely got the sense they were reluctant to try the case in court,” Berman says. “They’d rather be in a forum where defendants aren’t represented by counsel.” Al-Marri’s wife and five children have left the US. The Saudi Arabian government granted the family passports in February, in spite of a State Department request not to issue the passports, as department officials wanted al-Marri’s wife, who is Saudi, to be available to the FBI for questioning. [Knight Ridder, 6/23/2003] Al-Marri’s lawyers say they are preparing a legal challenge to Bush’s decision. [Knight Ridder, 6/24/2003]
Entity Tags: US Department of Defense, US Department of State, Osama bin Laden, US Department of Justice, Mustafa Ahmed al-Hawsawi, John Ashcroft, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, Al-Qaeda, Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri, Mark Berman, Alice Fisher, George W. Bush, Jose Padilla, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Yaser Esam Hamdi
Category Tags: High-level Decisions and Actions, Indefinite Detention, Legal Proceedings, Military Commissions / Tribunals, Abrogation of Rights, Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri
Key Events (98)
General Topic Areas
Abu Ghraib Scandal Aftermath (28)Coverup (144)Criticisms of US (171)Detainee Treatment Act (15)Detainments (121)Disciplinary Actions (17)High-level Decisions and Actions (450)Human Rights Groups (81)Impunity (49)Indefinite Detention (41)Independent Investigations (27)Indications of Abuse (61)Legal Proceedings (217)Media (77)Military Commissions / Tribunals (66)Other Events (20)Prisoner Deaths (48)Private Contractors (8)Public Statements (84)Reports/Investigations (144)Statements/Writings about Torture (129)Supreme Court Decisions (5)
Extraordinary Rendition (24)Rendition after 9/11 (75)Rendition before 9/11 (34)
Types of Abuses Performed by US
Abrogation of Rights (37)Dangerous Conditions (18)Deception (5)Electrodes (9)Exposure to Insects (4)Extreme Temperatures (48)Forced Confessions (37)Ghost Detainees (28)Insufficient Food (25)Intimidation/Threats (44)Involuntary Drugs (14)Isolation (33)Medical Services Denied (14)Mental Abuse (21)Physical Assault (140)Poor Conditions (30)SERE Techniques (30)Sexual Humiliation (57)Sexual Temptation (3)Sleep Deprivation (74)Stress Positions (65)Suppression of Religious Expression (18)Use of Dogs (20)Waterboarding (92)
Internal Memos/Reports (95)Presidential Directives (8)
Specific Events or Operations
Destruction of CIA Tapes (94)Operation Copper Green (9)Qala-i-Janghi Massacre (17)
US Bases and Interrogation Centers
Abu Ghraib Prison (Iraq) (187)Al Jafr Prison (Jordan) (8)Al Qaim (Iraq) (6)Bagram (Afghanistan) (60)Camp Bucca (Iraq) (13)Camp Cropper (Iraq) (13)Diego Garcia (8)Gardez (Afghanistan) (7)Guantanamo (US Base in Cuba) (293)Kandahar (Afghanistan) (19)Salt Pit (Afghanistan) (34)Stare Kiejkuty (Poland) (21)US Base (Thailand) (15)USS Peleliu (7)Other US Bases and Centers (40)
High Ranking Detainees
Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri (32)Abu Zubaida (52)Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani (6)Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri (26)Hambali (9)Ibn al-Shaykh al-Libi (10)Khalid Shaikh Mohammed (34)Majid Khan (7)Ramzi bin al-Shibh (13)Other High Ranking Detainees (14)
Other Detainees
Abed Hamed Mowhoush (8)Asif Iqbal (20)Binyam Mohamed (14)Bisher al-Rawi (11)Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr (37)Huda al-Azzawi (10)Jamal Udeen (10)Jamil al-Banna (9)John Walker Lindh (29)Jose Padilla (31)Khalid el-Masri (17)Maher Arar (14)Moazzam Begg (8)Mohamed al-Khatani (13)Mohammed Jawad (14)Rhuhel Ahmed (22)Saddam Salah al-Rawi (8)Salim Ahmed Hamdan (12)Shafiq Rasul (20)Tarek Dergoul (11)Yaser Esam Hamdi (22)Other Detainees (167)
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Best places to visit in Ireland in 2019
Last minute hotels Ireland
Ireland is made up of castles, quiet inlets, warm people, wild and windswept beaches, vibrant cities, quaint towns, hole-in-the-wall pubs, traditional music, and seemingly endless gorgeous landscapes.
However, the sheer volume of must-see sights and places in Ireland can mindboggling and make planning a trip to Ireland or choosing a hotel in Ireland can a challenge.
Ireland is a relatively tiny country, but unless you have months on end to spend traversing its winding roads and countryside, you're going to have to accept a bit of FOMO, as packing it all in is impossible. With that in mind, we've broken down the major must-see destinations, including buzzing cities, quaint towns, stunning scenery, centuries-old abbeys, and everything in between.
Whether you only have a long weekend or a couple weeks to spare, our cheat sheet of places to visit in Ireland is sure to help you hit everything on your Ireland bucket list.
Dublin doesn't get the best rap on the international tourism circuit, but you'd be missing out big time if you skipped this dynamic city. You'll likely have to pass through Dublin on your trip to Ireland, as the majority of wallet-friendly international flights land in the nation's capital. We recommend making the most of it and spending three or so days wandering this historic city.
Without a doubt, the most famous sight in central Dublin is Trinity College, which is home to the oft-photographed Long Room, a beautiful library that also holds the Book of Kells. Head west from Trinity College toward the nighttime party hub of Temple Bar, an area where you'll find tourists and locals day and night. Dublin Castle is another must-see, and is the scene of "Dracula"-themed events around Halloween in honor of Bram Stoker, who was just one of Dublin's famous residents. You'll also want to scope out the striking Christ Church Cathedral when you're in this part of town.
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There are tons of shopping and dining options, plus traditional pubs and quaint cafes, lining the streets south of Dame Street, and the pedestrianized Grafton Street is a people-watcher's delight. It's also worth stopping by beautiful St. Stephen's Green, a pretty park that has origins in the 17th century. North of the Liffey River, along O'Connell Street, are several historic sights commemorating the struggle of the Irish Republic. This area is also home to the Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane, which has a replica of Francis Bacon's studio -- another one of Dublin's famous former residents. Insider tip: Check out the trendy restaurants, cafes, and bars that continue cropping up just north of the Liffey River, between Grattan Bridge and O'Connell Street.
If you're willing to hop on the Luas -- Dublin's tram system -- you can reach destinations like the Guinness Storehouse, Phoenix Park, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art with relative ease (and a bit of walking). It's also worth visiting the Dublin Flea Market on weekends for awesome antiques, hand-crafted designer goods, and great food stalls.
Rock of Cashel
When it comes to castles in Ireland, none is perhaps as well known as the Rock of Cashel. Technically, however, this isn't a castle, but a series of religious ruins. As a former site of royalty, the Rock of Cashel practically swims in history -- both mythological and factual. According to legend, the rock is linked to St. Patrick, who possibly moved the mountain on which the castle sits. It's also possibly where he converted Aengus, the King of Munster, to Christianity in the fifth century. Since then, the rock has changed hands and became Catholic property, and much of what currently occupies the site hails from the 12th century or later. Nonetheless, the setting is stunning, and the grounds are basically tailor-made for only-in-Ireland photographs. The nearby town of Cashel has a small group of historic and cultural sights, though the nearest major city is Limerick, which has its own share of impressive castles and cathedrals.
Rock of Cashel in Tipperary hotels
If you're heading to Ireland, you'll likely hear the name of this small city from anyone who has already visited the country. Galway is packed with character and happens to be incredibly easy on the eyes, too. Rows of colorful houses and businesses line up along the city's bustling wharf, and cobblestone streets seem to wind in every direction. The hub of activity is in the Latin Quarter, a largely pedestrianized area that's loaded with shops, alfresco dining spots, and art galleries. Tourists and locals pack the streets almost any day of the week, though the area comes to life on the weekends and on weekday nights.
This part of town is also filled with pubs, many of which overflow with the city's young college students studying at the historic National University of Ireland, Galway. Lots of these bars have live traditional and contemporary music on many nights of the week, so check for flyers posted around town. For great views, head down around the wharf and Spanish Arch, then make your way across the Wolfe Tone Bridge into South Park, which has great sea and city vistas across wide green expanses.
Galway has undergone a gastronomic renaissance in the past decade, and much of that exciting activity is concentrated on the west side of the River Corrib. William Street and Sea Road are lined with trendy coffee shops, gastropubs, and high-end hipster dining venues slinging everything from fresh seafood to Mexican-Irish fusion cuisine. On your way back into the Latin Quarter, stop by for a glance at the gorgeous Galway Cathedral.
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Cliffs of Moher.
Ireland's west coast is packed with visual delights -- and County Clare is home to the most famous of them all. The main attraction here are the Cliffs of Moher. No matter how many photographs you've seen of them, the sight of these sheer rockfaces as they plummet into the roiling waters of the Atlantic Ocean cannot fail to overwhelm the senses. The cliffs tower anywhere from nearly 400 to 700 feet over the water below, and the vertigo-inducing views -- often accompanied by Ireland's simultaneously shimmering and stormy skies -- inspire plenty of awe (and then some).
County Clare -- a mostly rural landscape that feels almost perpetually blown by winds off the Atlantic -- is very much what many visitors to Ireland have in mind when they come here. It's packed with tiny towns, miles of uninterrupted coast, and local traditions that are still thriving. If you're visiting the Cliffs of Moher, it's smart to bed down in Doolin, a speck of a town to the north of the cliffs. From there, you can take the Doolin Cliff Walk to the cliffs, a trip that's about two hours in each direction. The town has a handful of tiny inns, guesthouses, and hostels, but it's most famous for its pubs, which put on trad music shows on most nights of the week.
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County Kerry, located to the south of County Clare, just might give its neighbor to the north a run for its money when it comes to mind-blowing beauty. While the county is a big place, we recommend heading straight to the town of Killarney. It's a great home base from which to explore the region's gorgeous landscapes. Killarney packs a lot of cool into a tiny package, and though it's not as prototypically quaint as Galway, you'll find pubs with live trad music, funky boutiques, hipster cafes, lively bars, and old-school Irish restaurants in spades. It's a fascinating place to wander for a couple days, though make sure to get out to Ross Castle early in the morning on one of your days here. Watching the fog clear over this 15th-century fortification on the shores of Lough Leane, as swans paddle in the water and the purple and green hues of the mountains become visible, is something you shouldn't miss.
The town sits just below Killarney National Park, which is home to gorgeous lakes, forests, and mountain peaks. There are also numerous trails to explore throughout the park. Many travelers opt for the Lough Leane boat cruises, which take in many of the historic sights that ring the biggest of the park's lakes, as well as waterfalls and various other scenic spots. You can also drive through the park, though this is best done as part of a Ring of Kerry itinerary (see below).
Without a doubt, the most stunning draw in this area is the Gap of Dunloe. This relatively easy hike should be tackled as early in the morning as possible in order to take in the magical way Ireland's light changes throughout the day. The hike is paved the entire way, making it relatively simple for even novice trekkers. It starts at Kate Kearney's Cottage (where you can fuel up on snacks and coffee -- or beer). The trip up to Madman's Seat passes lakes, stunning rock formations, sheer cliffs, rushing streams, and shepherd tending their flocks. Budget two hours for the walk up and a little over an hour for the return journey. More ambitious hikers can reach Lord Brandon's Cottage, a 19th-century hunting lodge, in three to three-and-a-half hours one way.
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Kilmainham Gaol Dublin
Featured in many a rebel song and occupying a notoriously dark place in Irish history, Kilmainham Gaol should be high on the list for those with any interest in Ireland's troubled past. It was here that the leaders of the 1916 Uprising were brought and, after being convicted of High Treason, executed in the prison yard. The only one spared was future Irish President Eamon De Valera who, by virtue of his American citizenship, didn't suffer the same grisly fate. Dating from 1796, the prison was a dank vile institution that housed those guilty of such misdemeanours as being unable to pay their train fares and, during the famine, the destitute and hungry. In Irish eyes, Kilmainham became an irrevocable symbol of oppression and persecution. A visit here will open your eyes and senses and remain with you indelibly. The yard mentioned earlier is particularly spine chilling. In short, this is one of Ireland's absolute must-sees.
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Ring of Kerry
if you're staying in Killarney, you're at the starting point of one of the world's most famous scenic drives: The Ring of Kerry. Depending on what kind of traveler you are, the drive is either lovely or a bit tedious. That's because it is, of course, a drive. You'll be spending most of your time in the car, making stops here and there to take in the stunning scenery and quaint villages along the way.
A car is the best and most independent way to navigate the ring, though bus tours are also available. The local government strongly encourages those with their own cars to make the loop in a counter-clockwise fashion. There are all manner of side trips and jaunts off the main route, with sights including the Bog Village -- a replica of a traditional village life -- as well as Rossbeigh Beach, which has gorgeous and often moody views out over the Atlantic Ocean. Farther along the ring, Valentia Island has a quiet and laid-back pace plus a handful of quaint restaurants. The ring also has its own cliffs at Portmagee, though they're a little underwhelming if you've already seen the Cliffs of Moher (and the vantages aren't nearly as viewer-friendly). Historic sights are dotted among the hills along the south coast of the ring, and the quaint town of Kenmare is packed with colorful architecture and lovely cafes for an early evening coffee.
The most dramatic part of the drive comes at the end, as the road climbs into Killarney National Park and descends along its lakes, with stunning viewpoints set here and there. The prettiest of these is Ladies View, which looks down across Upper Lake and the dramatic mountainous landscape. For travelers who don't want to make the journey in one long day, there are numerous guesthouses throughout the area. Most travelers, however, choose to retreat to Killarney for the evening.
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647 B.C.
The earliest solar eclipse recorded by the ancient Greeks occurred.
Halley's Comet passed perihelion in its seventh known passage, as determined from records by Chinese astronomers.
In 2000 years of observations since 240 BCE, Chinese records have never missed a return of Halley's Comet. From those records, Cowell and Crommelin computed the dates of perihelion passage as:
1. 15 May 240 BCE
3. 15 August 87 BCE
4. 8 October 12 BCE
5. 26 January 66 CE
6. 25 March 141 CE
7. 6 April 218 CE
9. 13 February 374 CE
10. 3 July 451 CE
11. 15 November 530 CE
12. 26 March 607 CE
14. 10 June 760 CE
15. 25 February 837 CE
16. 17 July 912 CE
17. 2 September 989 CE
18. 25 March 1066 CE
19. 19 April 1145 CE
20. 10 September 1222 CE
21. 22.7 October 1301 CE
22. 8.8 November 1378 CE
23. 8.2 January 1456 CE
24. 25.8 August 1531 CE
26. 14.8 September 1682 CE
27. 12.6 March 1758 CE
28. 15.9 November 1835 CE
29. 19.7 April 1910 CE
30. 9 February 1986 CE
Note that the precision of the dates from passage 21 onward could be computed with increased accuracy because of additional observations. However, at the time of their computation, the 1986 passage was still a future event. (The actual date was found from other sources.)
On 19 April 607, Comet 1P/607 H1 (Halley) approached within 0.0898 AUs (13.4 million km, 8.35 million miles) of Earth.
On 16 October 1982, astronomers David Jewitt and G. Edward Danielson using a CCD camera with the 5.1 m Hale telescope at Mt. Palomar Observatory were the first to detect Halley's Comet on its thirtieth recorded return.
See also adsabs.harvard.edu
See also cneos.jpl.nasa.gov
See also en.wikipedia.org
See also library.cqpress.com
See also airandspace.si.edu
ref: adsabs.harvard.edu
Died, Niels H. Abel, Norwegian mathematician (infinite series)
J. Chacornac discovered asteroid #25 Phocaea.
J. Chacornac discovered asteroid #34 Circe.
Prosper Henry discovered asteroid #186 Celuta.
Born, Andre L. Danjon, French astronomer (Danjon Scale, color brightness of the Moon during a Lunar eclipse due to Earth's atmospheric conditions)
Born, Anthony H. G. Fokker, Dutch aircraft designer
J. Palisa discovered asteroid #309 Fraternitas.
Born, Donald Wills Douglas Sr., US aircraft pioneer
Born, Harold E. "Doc" Edgerton, foremost high-speed photographer (invented stroboscopic photography)
P. Gotz discovered asteroid #563 Suleika.
J. H. Metcalf discovered asteroid #755 Quintilla.
The American Radio Relay League (an organization for hams - amateur radio operators) was founded.
S. Belyavskij discovered asteroid #857 Glasenappia.
B. Jekhovsky discovered asteroid #977 Philippa.
Four US Army Air Corps planes left Seattle on what would become the first successful around-the-world flight when two of them returned 175 days later, on September 28.
Born, James D. Watson, American molecular biologist (DNA structure, Nobel 1962 with Crick and Wilkins "for their discoveries concerning the molecular structure of nucleic acids and its significance for information transfer in living material")
Born, Barbara M. Koschara, mother of Fred Koschara, founder of the L5 Development Group
ref: photobyfred.com
Polytetrafluoroethylene resin (Teflon) was discovered by Roy J. Plunkett at EI Du Pont de Nemours & Company.
K. Reinmuth discovered asteroid #2249 Yamamoto.
USSR's Sputnik 3 re-entered the atmosphere.
Sputnik 3, launched on 5 May 1958, was an automatic scientific laboratory spacecraft, conically shaped and 3.57 m long. The twelve scientific instruments provided data on pressure and composition of the upper atmosphere, concentration of charged particles, photons in cosmic rays, heavy nuclei in cosmic rays, magnetic and electrostatic fields, and meteoric particles. The Earth's outer radiation belts were detected during the flight. The spacecraft remained in orbit until 6 April 1960.
USSR launched Cosmos 2, the second satellite in the Soviet Earth Satellite series, which employed radio methods to study the structure of the ionosphere.
Died, Otto Lyudvigovich Struve, Russian-American astronomer, one of the most distinguished and prolific astronomers of the mid-20th century (over 900 journal articles and books)
Intelsat 1 ("Early Bird") was launched, the first commercial geosynchronous communication satellite.
T. Smirnova discovered asteroid #1804 Chebotarev.
NASA launched ATS 2, but the satellite failed to reach its intended orbit. However, useful (although limited) data were returned from the orbit it did achieve.
ATS 2 (Applications Technology Satellite) was a medium altitude, gravity gradient stabilized spacecraft designed to (1) test new concepts in spacecraft design, propulsion, and stabilization, (2) take high quality cloudcover pictures, (3) provide in situ measurements of the aerospace environment, and (4) test improved communication systems. The cylindrically shaped spacecraft was 56 inches (142 cm) in diameter and 72 inches (183 cm) long. Its structure consisted primarily of a corrugated thrust tube with honeycombed bulkheads secured to each end. Equipment components and payload were externally mounted on the outer surface of the thrust tube as well as on a structure that slid into the interior of the thrust tube. Electric power was provided by two solar arrays mounted on either end of the spacecraft's outer shell and by two rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries. Extending radially outward from the side of the spacecraft were four 92.5 foot (28.2 m) adjustable gravity gradient booms. The spacecraft telemetry system consisted of four 2.1 W transmitters (two at 136.47 MHz and two at 137.35 MHz), and a microwave communications experiment.
During its launch on 6 April 1967, the booster's second stage failed to ignite, resulting in an unplanned elliptical orbit. Stresses caused by this orbit eventually induced spacecraft tumbling. In spite of these conditions, useful data were obtained from some of the experiments, most notably the cosmic ray and particle experiments, and the field detection experiments. The satellite reentered the atmosphere on 2 September 1969.
NASA launched Pioneer 11 to Jupiter and Saturn, and subsequently into interstellar space.
Pioneer 11 traveling in space, NASA artwork
Pioneer 11, launched 6 April 1973, was the second mission to investigate Jupiter and the outer Solar system, and the first to explore the planet Saturn and its main rings. Pioneer 11, like Pioneer 10, used Jupiter's gravitational field to alter its trajectory radically. It passed close to Saturn and then it followed an escape trajectory from the Solar system.
Pioneer 11 was 2.9 m long and carried a 2.74 m diameter high gain antenna. The spacecraft contained two RTG nuclear electric generators, which generated 144 W at Jupiter, but had decreased to 100 W by the time it got to Saturn. There were three reference sensors: a star (Canopus) sensor, and two Sun sensors. Attitude position could be calculated from the reference direction to the Earth and the Sun, with the known direction to Canopus as a backup. Pioneer 11's star sensor gain and threshold settings were modified, based on experience gained from the settings used on Pioneer 10. Three pairs of rocket thrusters provided spin axis control (maintained at 4.8 rpm) and change of the spacecraft velocity. The thrusters could be either fired steadily or pulsed, by command.
Communications were maintained via the omnidirectional and medium gain antennas, which operated together, connected to one receiver, while the high gain antenna was connected to the other receiver. The receivers could be interchanged by command. Two radio transmitters, coupled to two traveling wave tube (TWT) amplifiers, produced 8 W power each in the S band. Communication uplink (Earth to spacecraft) operated at 2110 MHz, and downlink (spacecraft to Earth) at 2292 MHz. At Jupiter's distance, the round trip communication time was 92 minutes. Data were received at the Deep Space Network (DSN). The spacecraft was temperature controlled to between -23 and +38 deg C (-10 to +100 deg F). An additional experiment, a low sensitivity fluxgate magnetometer, was added to the Pioneer 11 payload.
Instruments studied the interplanetary and planetary magnetic fields; Solar wind properties; cosmic rays; the transition region of the heliosphere; neutral hydrogen abundance; distribution, size, mass, flux, and velocity of dust particles; Jovian aurorae; Jovian radio waves; the atmospheres of the planets and satellites; and the surfaces of Jupiter, Saturn, and some of their satellites. Instruments carried for these experiments were a magnetometer, a plasma analyzer (for the Solar wind), a charged-particle detector, an ionizing detector, non-imaging telescopes with overlapping fields of view to detect sunlight reflected from passing meteoroids, sealed pressurized cells of argon and nitrogen gas for measuring penetration of meteoroids, a UV photometer, an IR radiometer, and an imaging photopolarimeter, which produced photographs and measured the polarization. Further scientific information was obtained from celestial mechanics and occultation phenomena.
Pioneer 11, like Pioneer 10, contains a plaque that has a drawing depicting a man, a woman, and the location of the Sun and Earth in the galaxy.
During its closest approach on 4 December 1974, Pioneer 11 passed within 34,000 km of Jupiter's cloud tops. It passed Saturn on 1 September 1979, at a distance of 21,000 km from Saturn's cloud tops, the first probe launched from Earth to do so. The spacecraft has operated on a backup transmitter since launch. Instrument power sharing began in February 1985 due to declining RTG power output. Science operations and daily telemetry ceased on 30 September 1995 when the RTG power level was insufficient to operate any experiments. As of the end of 1995 the spacecraft was located at 44.7 AU from the Sun at a nearly asymptotic latitude of 17.4 degrees above the Solar equatorial plane and was heading outward at 2.5 AU/year.
Routine tracking and project data processing operations were terminated on 31 March 1997 for budget reasons.
Obtain Pioneer 10/11 position data (heliographic coordinates)
See also the Pioneer Project page at NASA/ARC.
NASA launched STS 41-C (Challenger 5, 11th Shuttle mission) to deploy the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) satellite. During the flight, the first on-orbit spacecraft repair was completed (Solar Maximum satellite).
STS 41-C was launched into the first direct ascent trajectory for the Space Shuttle on 6 April 1984 after a countdown that proceeded without delays. Using manned maneuvering units, the astronauts replaced the altitude control system and coronagraph/polarimeter electronics box in the Solar Maximum satellite while it remained in orbit on 10 April 1984. The Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) was deployed, carrying 57 experiments and left on orbit with intention of retrieving it during a later mission. Other payloads carried on STS 41-C were: the IMAX camera; Radiation Monitoring Equipment (RME); Cinema 360; and the Shuttle Student Involvement Program (SSIP) experiment.
STS 41-C ended 13 April 1984 when Challenger landed on revolution 108 on Runway 17, Edwards Air Force Base, California. Rollout distance: 8,716 feet. Rollout time: 49 seconds. Launch weight: 254,254 pounds. Landing weight: 196,975 pounds. Orbit altitude: 313 nautical miles. Orbit inclination: 28.5 degrees. Mission duration: six days, 23 hours, 40 minutes, seven seconds. Miles traveled: 2.9 million. The mission was extended one day when astronauts were initially unable to grapple the Solar Maximum Mission spacecraft. The originally planned landing at KSC was scrubbed, and the mission was extended one revolution to facilitate landing at Edwards. The orbiter was returned to Kennedy Space Center 18 April 1984.
The flight crew for STS 41-C was: Robert L. Crippen, Commander; Francis R. Scobee, Pilot; George D. Nelson, Mission Specialist; James D. A. van Hoften, Mission Specialist; Terry J. Hart, Mission Specialist.
This date marked the first time 11 people were simultaneously in space, 6 cosmonauts on the USSR Salyut 7 space station, 5 on NASA's Shuttle Challenger.
Died, Isaac Asimov, Russian-born American science fiction author
Isaac Asimov (2 January 1920 - 6 April 1992) was a Russian-born United States author and biochemist, a highly successful and exceptionally prolific writer best known for his works of science fiction and for his science books for the lay person. He also wrote mysteries (many of which were collected in the Black Widowers books) and fantasy, and has works in every major category of the Dewey Decimal System except Philosophy. He wrote or edited over 500 volumes, and an estimated 90,000 letters or postcards. Asimov was a long-time member of Mensa, albeit reluctantly (he described them as "intellectually combative"). The asteroid 5020 Asimov is named in his honor, as is Honda's humanoid prototype robot ASIMO.
USSR launched Progress M-34 carrying 2,430 kg of cargo to the Mir space station.
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To Mormons, With Love from Your Non-LDS Neighbor
byChrisy Ross | Dec. 21, 2017
We didn’t intend to be the only nonmembers in our ward. We knew we’d be in the religious minority when we moved to our small town in Utah County, Utah, in 2002, but we expected that minority to be more than two-ish percent.
We’re mistaken for an LDS family everywhere we go because of where we live: a town I affectionately refer to as “Mayberry.” It doesn’t matter where we are—Utah, or any other state or country—if we cross paths with a person who knows the town where we currently live, the assumption is that all parties involved are members.
When we meet people in our own town for the first time, outside of our ward boundaries, they also assume we’re Brother and Sister Ross. We understand. And it doesn’t bother us . . . anymore.
When the time feels right, my husband or I reveal that we don’t happen to be members of the Church, followed by an enthusiastic and honest “ . . . although we love living in our community!” People are typically gracious but are also sincerely curious about our experience. Specifically, how did we end up in our town and what’s it really like for us?
Occasionally, our presence has caught people off guard and made them uncomfortable. Last fall, my husband, Chris, was in the front yard on a sunny Saturday afternoon, fiddling with landscape lights, digging in the dirt, and keeping an eye on our 5-year-old son. Our two older boys were running around the yard enjoying the pleasant weather. A car pulled into our driveway and a woman jumped out of the passenger side, approached Chris with a broad smile, and asked, “What’s the ward like here?”
My husband returned the smile and replied, “It’s great! We don’t happen to be LDS, but the neighborhood’s super nice.”
The woman said, “Oh,” turned around, got back into the car, and had a brief exchange with the man behind the wheel before they pulled out of the driveway, avoiding eye contact. Chris said, “I think I spooked her.”
People are almost always surprised to learn we’re not members, but they’re rarely “spooked.” I only share these examples to emphasize the Mormon-ness of our Mormon community.
Mormon Life as a Non-Mormon
Adapting to life in Mayberry seemed effortless at first—beautiful scenery, kind neighbors, and a quiet, predictable life rhythm. Although I knew we had moved to a predominantly LDS area—not only Utah, but Utah County, Utah—I remained naïvely hopeful that I would meet some other girls in my community and form a monthly wine-tasting group. As the weeks turned into months and months turned into years, I finally gave up all hope for this group ever developing in Mayberry.
Like any move to a new neighborhood, it takes a while to make friends. Most people are neighborly and invested in the safety and vibe of their chosen home, but the gift of a true friendship emerges slowly.
I can now say I have friends in Mayberry, including a couple of lifelong gems, but it took much longer than I anticipated to cultivate these relationships. In hindsight, it was my bad. Culture shock and paranoia hit me from left field and sabotaged many well-intended attempts from others at friendship.
The Conversion File
Having lived in religious melting pots throughout my life, I wasn’t prepared for what felt like an all-consuming church-based lifestyle. Social activities in Mayberry are church-driven, and combined with my understanding that members of the LDS Church are considered missionary members, I assumed every invitation extended to my husband, my children, or me was rooted in our “Conversion File.” Surely there was a file at the church that documented everything there was to know about our family, who made attempts to woo us to church, and the ratings their efforts earned. The non-member grapevine (and there is one) fueled my neurosis. Undoubtedly, a few people were sincere in their friendship attempts, but I believed everyone was trying to convert me. Everyone. All the time. Even the neighborhood kids.
I am a quiet, questioning, non-LDS Christian. I have read the Book of Mormon and sections of the Doctrine and Covenants. I am also an open-minded person, with what I perceive as an above-average level of tolerance and acceptance of others (I judge a little—after all, I’m human), and I have a broad and diverse group of individuals in my pocketbook of friends. It would be a very awkward dinner party if we all got together.
I know there is no file. But it took years before I felt safe and genuinely welcome as a non-seeking community member attending a ward-based social activity. Mixed messages, wrong information, different answers to the same questions, loneliness, paranoia, culture shock, and legitimately busy women created a vicious cycle in my mind. I was wrapped around the axle.
No Relief
I was periodically invited to Relief Society activities. Once I understood what Relief Society meant—a sorority for nice, married, sober girls—I asked an LDS friend who lived outside “our” ward boundaries if my attendance would send the wrong message. I was hungry for friendship but not interested in conversion. My friend told me if I ultimately was not interested in converting, the invitations would likely cease. “Relief Society activities are for LDS women, and I’m afraid if you don’t join the Church, they’ll probably stop including you.”
She wasn’t trying to convert me; I believe she was trying to answer my question honestly. Her answer discouraged me from attending Relief Society activities for the first few years, even though other women told me I was welcome regardless.
During the height of my paranoia, I was suspicious that any attempts to befriend me were rooted in Church obligations and not genuine friendship. One day a neighbor knocked on my door to invite me to a Relief Society function (again). This was a gal I thought I had things in common with outside of our faiths. I said, “If you’re inviting me because you think I’ll enjoy myself or you believe we have things in common as women, neighbors, wives, mothers, and hopefully friends, then I’m open. If I’m just a missionary opportunity, my feelings are hurt.”
My neighbor didn’t know what to say after my spiel. I’m sure I hurt her feelings—which was not my intention—but I was confused. I wanted to socialize with other women, but I wasn’t convinced that Relief Society invitations came with no strings attached. My new “friends” would surely liquor me up on lemonade, sugary baked goods, white rolls, and real butter. “Forget the crafts—brainwash Chrisy! Roll out the pool! Dunk her!”
I began to believe that the only way to be accepted and interact with other women was to become a Mormon. (So I did. And we all lived happily ever after. The end. . . . Kidding.)
Because of my personal revelation that I was different, I further tormented myself by wearing an uncomfortable Mormon filter. Even though my basic personality and mothering style were old fashioned and Chris and I went to bed earlier and were quieter than many of our neighbors, I felt compelled to portray a Sandra Dee meets Martha Stewart meets Earth Muffin image. When the doorbell rang in the evening and I had a glass of wine poured, internal sirens blared in my head. I was like a running back, shoving my kids out of the way so I could hide the glass in a cabinet, grab a piece of gum, and fluff my hair before answering the door.
I worried the neighbors wouldn’t let their kids come over to play if we had a coffee maker on the counter, beer in the refrigerator, or visible contraband of any kind. I was annoyed by the Mormon-ness of everyone, yet I desired to be liked. My efforts at a squeaky clean image were not completely disingenuous, because a part of me liked the idea. But that reality is a stretch for any person.
Trying to hide anything is exhausting. I felt tired, frustrated, and lonely. I wanted to “get it off me”—the feeling that I was in a place where I didn’t belong and that I couldn’t be me. The reality? Not one person shamed me for being me. These were my own self-imposed thoughts and restrictions.
Separation of Church and . . . Nothing
Once I fully understood and accepted that the Church was the hub of all social activities in Mayberry, I was able to loosen up and have fun at the soiree du jour. But it took a while. For instance, it was odd to me that almost all social events were church-driven, not neighborhood- or relationship-driven. As ward boundaries changed, so did relationships. It felt like an “It’s not you, it’s me” breakup. Women who initially befriended me drifted away when the boundary changed. My delusion was further fueled.
As much as I sometimes resented invitations to church activities, there were times within the first few years of our landing in Mayberry that I believed we were conspicuously excluded from events. I now know it was an innocent oversight—an LDS-specific event not appropriate for a nonmember—or a deliberate decision not to make us feel like the Church was smothering or trying to convert us. My husband had an experience with a man in our neighborhood who candidly said, “My wife and I struggle with when and how often to invite you guys to stuff. We don’t want you to feel like we’re going to sneak up behind you with a bucket of water and baptize you.”
I could sense the trepidation, and I felt slighted. I cried to my husband, “They don’t want us living here. They may not be throwing rocks at our house, but we’re not welcome.” Mormons couldn’t win. If they did invite us, I thought, You don’t reeeally want to be my friend; I’m just a missionary opportunity. If they didn’t, I told myself, We’re excluded again; it’s like The Amityville Horror and they’re hissing, “Get out.”
Everyone pretended like it didn’t matter if the answer was “yes” or “no” to the question “Are you LDS?” but the relevance was palpable, even if it was only a figment of my imagination.
I complained to my mother one day on the phone.
“I'm so lonely, Mom. I don’t know how much longer I can live here. I think I’m depressed.”
“Remember when your father and I lived in Venezuela? All I wanted was mustard on my sandwich. I couldn’t figure out how to say ‘mustard’ in Spanish. Even though I was in a beautiful place with interesting people, I was tired, lonely, and depressed. Know why? Culture shock, honey. You’re experiencing culture shock. I expected it in another country. You just didn’t see it coming.”
Mom was right. What at first seemed like interesting and understated differences in Mormon culture turned out to be just that: differences.
Moves are difficult. I’ve lived in six states; I’m familiar with move stress. Culture shock was new.
Time, patience, education, communication, and the willingness to make an effort all contributed to my finding acceptance as well as happiness in Mayberry. Culture shock ran its course while mutual trust and respect were earned. I came to realize that even though the Sesame Street song “One of These Things Is Not Like the Others” may have been true about one aspect of my existence in a small, Utah community, the rest of the things about all of us were human and very much “like the others.”
It was like a voice from above boomed, “Lighten up, Francis.” So I did. I began enjoying life, my neighbors, and some of the perks of my community.
Neighbor Gifts
It was Christmas 2002. The doorbell rang for at least the sixth time that evening. My parents were visiting from Arizona for our first Christmas in Utah.
“Is that another goodie?” asked Dad as I returned to the kitchen with an object in my hand.
“It’s an extension cord with a little rhyme on the note. They’re ‘extending’ their wishes for the merriest of Christmases to us. That is so creative.”
“An extension cord? Are you kidding me? I’ve never seen so much stuff. All those treats and odd items.” Dad motioned to the pantry shelf that was the placeholder for the neighbor gifts. “Do you know all these people?”
“Not really. But they’re so nice. My friend in Salt Lake City said when she first moved here, she wasn’t prepared for neighbor gifts either. She said now she has all of her gifts ready in a basket so she can pass them out when people come to her door. Kind of like Halloween. I had no idea how many people did this until a couple of days ago. It’s so fun!”
The doorbell rang again.
Dad said, “Quick. Run and get a jar of Vicks and put a bow on it.”
My Thank You Note
My mother used to tell me we only get mad at the people we love. "If I didn't care about you so much, I wouldn't bother to get angry or frustrated with you," she told me after a deserved scolding.
People, experiences, things, and places that affect us deeply often invoke mixed and powerful emotions. Life in Mayberry has contributed to feelings of loneliness, confusion, frustration, anger, and paranoia. But like yin and yang, there have also been overwhelming feelings of understanding, respect, friendship, safety, comfort, community, and gratitude.
Our children are being raised in Small Town, Utah County, Utah. My oldest son has very little memory of homes prior. My other two sons know only Mayberry.
Within the first six months of moving into our home, one of our sons was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and hospitalized for a week. Less than a month later, I was rushed to the hospital via ambulance due to complications with a miscarriage. It was a devastating time. A neighbor who hardly knew us brought food, respected our privacy, and quietly and compassionately offered any assistance.
Women supported me when that third baby—the one I just had to have—arrived and didn't sleep for months. Frankly, the baby is here due in great part to the encouragement from friends: "Girl, you're in Utah. You can be pushing your grandbaby in a stroller and nursing your own baby all at the same time. You're not too old!" They surrounded me as I turned 40, which wasn't long after having that baby. They have listened to me air my frustrations about their culture, complimented my tattoos when we've gone swimming together, and made me feel comfortable attending Church-related functions—or not attending.
My community is beautiful. For a girl born in the Midwest, I can't imagine life without the mountains that surround us. Utah is home. It's not just the stunning landscape in all directions that makes this place so wonderful. It's the people. The gracious, forgiving—more accepting and tolerant than I gave them credit for—sincere people. Most of whom happen to be Mormon.
With love, I thank you.
The rest of this article appeared in our November/December 2011 issue.
Chrisy Ross is the author of To Mormons, With Love (A Little Something from the New Girl in Utah). To learn more about her, visit chrisyross.com.
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The best way for buyers to protect themselves and their customers from counterfeit bearings is purchasing only from a reliable source – such as direct from the manufacturer or through a certified distributor, says Martin Ryan
Globally, product counterfeiting is on the increase. Not just in consumer goods such as music, film, home electronics and designer clothing, but also in industrial, safety-critical products such as bearings and seals.
Counterfeit products are a frequent cause of personal injury and material damage to vehicles and industrial plants. According to a study published by the ICC (International Chamber of Commerce), the annual economic and social costs resulting from this amounts to $1.7 billion worldwide.
The internet has opened up more opportunities (and risks) for purchasers to buy bearings manufactured in India, the Far East and Africa but sold through non-certified traders across the world, including a growing number of European outlets.
So how do purchasers of bearings know that the products they are buying are genuine and will perform as the product datasheet states? Most don’t have to worry because they purchase these products either direct from the bearings manufacturer or via a certified distributor. This method guarantees that any technical problems with the product can be resolved quickly and efficiently.
So why do companies still continue to purchase counterfeit bearings? Cost is almost certainly the overriding factor here. However, although the offer price for the bearings may initially look attractive, buyers must ask themselves what the potential hidden costs are in terms of product liability and credibility with their customers if the product turns out to be counterfeit and things inevitably start to go wrong. These could, for example, be critical bearings on high value machinery in a manufacturing plant. The buyer therefore needs to take into account the cost of any production downtime if the bearing fails early.
In addition to lost sales and significant loss of image through inferior-quality goods that may affect future business, there have been enormous costs arising from the investigation, seizure and professional disposal of counterfeit bearings. The disposal requires tight security, as only fully destroying the counterfeits will eliminate the danger for the consumer.
But the damage affects not only those companies that produce brand-name goods and invest heavily in research, development and quality assurance. It also affects those companies that install these components. Rolling bearings are used in virtually every piece of rotating plant and safety-critical machinery and vehicles, from machine tools, wind turbines and X-ray apparatus, through to automotive, aircraft and rail vehicles.
In 2013, Schaeffler destroyed 26 tonnes of counterfeit bearings with a value of more than one million euros. The bearings were destroyed at the premises of INTERSEROH Franken Rohstoff, a metal recycling company based in Schweinfurt, Germany. A large proportion of the counterfeit products marked with the INA and FAG brand were seized in raids on bearing distributors across Europe, including Italy, Germany and the UK. The spindle bearings, spherical roller bearings, ball bearings and needle roller bearings scrapped during this operation were part of a much larger seizure of confiscated counterfeit products.
Schaeffler increasingly works with customs authorities to fight product piracy. Customs officials typically review incoming shipments to ensure they fulfil legal requirements and review whether any trademark infringements have occurred. In China, for example, both imported and exported goods are inspected. This co-operation is important in order to effectively prevent counterfeit goods from reaching the international market in the most effective way possible. In 2016, a total of 182 seizures worldwide were made due to trademark violations suffered by the Schaeffler Group. 5,675,812 counterfeit parts were confiscated during these raids.
More recently, in March 2017, an importer in Turkey was imprisoned and counterfeit rolling bearings with a nominal value of 250,000 euros were destroyed after customs officials at the port of Mersin began to suspect that the FAG-branded bearings may not be genuine and sent photographs to Schaeffler’s Brand Protection Team, who then took over and handled all subsequent measures.
Enhanced counterfeit protection
In order to help buyers check the authenticity of their products, manufacturers of bearings have introduced a variety of measures. Schaeffler, for example, has introduced the OriginCheck app, which provides end customers, distributors and authorities with an easy method of clarification when suspicion about a bearing arises. If one of these checks leads the user to suspect that a product may be counterfeit, he or she can use the OriginCheck app to take additional measures to obtain proper clarification. The checks are carried out based on the traceable data matrix codes (DMC) that are placed on the Schaeffler packaging. These two-dimensional codes contain various types of information in a machine-readable form and allow the relevant product to be identified worldwide. Ninety per cent of products that are supplied by Schaeffler today already feature a DMC on the packaging.
The user scans this DMC with the OriginCheck app and immediately receives notification of whether the code has been found in the database that is maintained by Schaeffler. If one of these Schaeffler codes is authentic but has already been scanned multiple times, the user then receives a warning based on a defined set of criteria. If this is the case or if the code’s authenticity is clearly not confirmed, the app can be used to create suitable photographic documentation of the product being checked.
Further investigation when suspicion arises
Photos of the product, its packaging and markings play a decisive role in helping to clarify with certainty whether a product is an original or a counterfeit. The OriginCheck app gives the user a step-by-step explanation of which photographs are relevant, illustrated using examples. The finished photographic documentation can be e-mailed directly from the app to the central department responsible for combating product and brand piracy at Schaeffler. Since 2004, the team has handled several thousand cases, and is continuously developing additional measures to protect against product piracy and trademark infringements.
Finding a distributor made easy
To remain as safe as possible from counterfeit rolling bearings, Schaeffler recommends only purchasing goods from its own network of certified distributors. These certified distributors have direct access to original INA and FAG products and also offer expert advice and the full range of relevant services.
Martin Ryan
Martin Ryan is Industrial Distribution Director at Schaeffler. The Schaeffler Group is a global automotive and industrial supplier. The technology company generated sales of approximately 13.3 billion euros in 2016. With around 89,400 employees, Schaeffler is one of the world’s largest family companies and, with approximately 170 locations in over 50 countries, has a worldwide network of manufacturing locations, research and development facilities, and sales companies.
The OriginCheck app is available free of charge for iOS and Android operating systems in German and English: www.schaeffler.de/apps
Twitter: @SchaefflerUK and @schaefflergroup
In 2016, a total of 182 seizures worldwide were made due to copyright violations suffered by the Schaeffler Group. 5,675,812 counterfeit parts were confiscated during these raids
The OriginCheck app can be used to create suitable photographic documentation of the product being checked and e-mail this documentation directly from the app to the central department responsible for combating product and brand piracy at Schaeffler
Schaeffler uses data matrix codes (DMC) according to the GS1 standard. If the DMC check leads the user to suspect that a product may be counterfeit, he or she can use the app to take additional measures to obtain proper clarification
Tags:CounterfeitMartin RyanSchaeffler
A real problem
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International Entrepreneur Rule Published - While DHS Tries to Rescind
On December 14, 2017, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published instructions and the forms for applying for the International Entrepreneur parole, announced in 2016 (see prior blog posts here).
The rule was due to take effect in July 2017, but the Trump administration delayed the implementation. However, on Dec. 1, 2017, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia vacated the delay rule as a result of litigation in National Venture Capital Association v. Duke. The court found that the Trump Administration failed to comply with procedural requirements when it postponed the effective date of the rule earlier this year. Last month, the Administration submitted a proposal to rescind the regulation to the Office of Management and Budget; the proposal remains under review.
The USCIS announcement states that "While DHS complies with the court order and implements the [entrepreneur] parole program, DHS is also in the final stages of publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking seeking to remove the [program]"
Eligibility and applications
The regulation permits qualified foreign entrepreneurs to seek temporary parole if they have established a qualifying U.S. start-up business and the business has received at least $250,000 from qualified U.S. investors or at least $100,000 in grants or awards from U.S. government entities. Applicants must hold an ownership interest of at least 10% and must play an active and central role in the operations of the business.
Applicants must submit USCIS Form I-941, a $1,200 filing fee and an $85 biometrics fee. The rule permits successful applicants to be granted temporary parole for up to five years, but entrepreneur parolees are not eligible for permanent residence unless they qualify under another U.S. immigration program.
To file - or not?
Though USCIS has agreed to accept and process entrepreneur applications, it is impossible to tell how (or whether) they will be adjudicated. Given the agency's dislike of the program, their general reluctance to approve cases recently, and the high fees, we cannot recommend filing yet. However, we are analyzing the situation very closely for our many clients with start-up businesses.
Please contact Elaine Martin directly with any questions.
USCIS Issues Final Rule on Entrepreneur Program
USCIS has published the final rule establishing new program for international entrepreneurs. The draft rule was discussed in an earlier blog posting here. The final rule should take effect on July 17, 2017.
The final rule grants parole status to an entrepreneur of a start-up who has an active role in the business. Successful applicants would not have a fixed visa status such as H-1B or E-2. Instead, they would be paroled into the US for up to 30 months initially, to work for the start-up.
1. The entrepreneur must have established a U.S. start-up business within five years before applying for
parole.
2. The business must have done some business, and have "substantial potential for rapid growth and
job creation."
3. The entrepreneur must own at least 10% of the start-up.
4. The entrepreneur be actively involved in managing the business, not be a passive investor.
5. The start-up must have received either
(a) investments of at least $250,000 from established U.S. investors (such as venture capital firms, angel investors, or start-up accelerators) with a history of substantial investment in successful start-up entities; or (b) at least $100,000 in grants or awards from Federal, State or local government entities with expertise in economic development, research and development, or job creation.
Entrepreneurs who are unable to satisfy the funding criteria may qualify if they provide other compelling evidence of the start-up’s substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation.
The private and government funding must meet strict criteria laid out in the regulations, designed to "...mitigate potential misuse of the parole process, including by individuals or entities that may claim to be bona fide investors to conceal fraud or other illicit activity."
The investment and revenue amounts will be adjusted every 3 years.
FORMS AND FEES
The parole application will be made on a new Form I-941 (Application for Entrepreneur Parole) with a filing fee of $1200 + $85 biometrics fee. Dependent filing fees are $575 + biometric fee per person. The form has not yet been published.
The parole could be renewed for another 30 months if the applicant meets all of the following criteria:
The business continues to operate.
The entrepreneur continues to own at least 5% of the business and play and active role.
The business has
created at least 5 qualifying jobs;
received at least $500,000 in qualifying investments, grants, etc.; or
generated at least $500,000 in US revenue and has an average growth of 20% since the parole began.
INCOME REQUIREMENT
There is no required wage obligation for the parole beneficiary, but to maintain parolee status the parole beneficiary must maintain a household income that is greater than 400% of the Federal poverty guideline for his or her household size as defined by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
FAMILY MEMBERS
The spouse and minor (under 21) children of an entrepreneur would be granted parole for the same period as the primary applicant. Spouses would be eligible for work authorization.
The category differs from investor visas such as E-2 or EB-5, in that the new parole status does not require that the applicant have invested her own money in the business. The category also does not lead to permanent residence. The entrepreneur will need to qualify in some existing category.
The entire rule is available here.
For more information, contact Elaine Martin, Dallas Immigration Lawyer.
USCIS Requests Comments on Proposed New Visa for Entrepreneurs
On 8/31/16, USCIS published a 45-day notice in the Federal Register inviting public comment on the proposed International Entrepreneur Rule. Comments are due by 10/17/16.
The proposed rule would grant parole status to an entrepreneur of a start-up who has an active role in the business. Successful applicants would not have a fixed visa status such as H-1B or E-2. Instead, they would be paroled into the US for 2 years initially, to work for the start-up.
The category differs from investor visas such as E-2 or EB-5, in that the new parole status does not require that the applicant have invested her own money in the business.
1. The entrepreneur must have established a U.S. start-up business within three years before applying for
5. The start-up must have received either (a) investments of at least $345,000 from U.S. investors or
(b) at least $100,000 in grants or awards from qualifying U.S. federal, state or local government entities.
The private and government funding must meet strict criteria laid out in the regulations, designed to "...mitigate potential misuse of the parole process, including by individuals or entities that may claim to be bona fide investors to conceal fraud or other illicit activity."
The parole could be renewed for another 3 years if the applicant meets certain criteria, similar to the initial requirements. There is no provision for renewals beyond 5 years, and the proposed regulations are silent on how an applicant is expected to stay in the US after the initial 5-year period. The comments to the proposed rule state that "DHS believes that a total maximum 5-year period of parole under this rule (an initial period of up to 2 years, plus one possible re-parole period of up to 3 years) is consistent with the amount of time successful start-up entities generally require to realize their growth potential."
The spouse an minor (under 21) children of an entrepreneur would be granted parole for the same period as the primary applicant. Spouses would be eligible for work authorization.
The entire rule is available at the USCIS website here, and comments can be submitted up to October 17, 2016. For more information, contact Elaine Martin, Dallas Immigration Lawyer.
Lawyer Elaine Martin | Top Attorney Immigration
Elaine Martin has been practising US and global immigration law since 1997. She is an immigrant herself (from Ireland), so has a special understanding of the legal and emotional challenges involved in relocating to a new country.
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The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice from Dallas lawyer Elaine Martin. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established.
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but that also makes sense what with the music and all
#10: Fairport Convention - "Liege & Lief" (1969)
Folk is, without a doubt, the music genre that I am least acquainted with. So why not ease myself in gently with what has not only been hailed as the best and most influential folk album of all time but also as one of the most important records in the world? By listeners of BBC Radio 2 and readers of Mojo that is, and in this matter I’m inclined to agree with them. Liege & Lief is a small but mighty collection, eight tracks that are a mix of traditional songs arranged by the band as well as original compositions, with a range of tempos and styles. Ballads sit alongside jigs without jarring. However, the story surrounding the album is worthy of a mournful melody itself.
What struck me about listening to the original album was its clarity. Now, this is partly due to technical reasons, as I was listening to the remastered version, but every instrument is played with a purity that is astounding. These people know what they’re doing but there’s nothing showy about their performances. The fluidity and sheer synchronicity of the sounds are soothing and stirring all at once. There’s something quite moving about hearing the traditional tracks in particular, knowing that they are being rendered as vividly as the very first time they were played, hundreds of years ago. The immediacy of that past evoked in the present, entwined with an awareness of the handing down of the oral tradition. Hearing those voices.
Well, that voice. Sandy Denny has a voice that is immediately enchanting. Listening to her sing brings on a synaesthetic twinge because it’s a sound that shines, a bright resonance, even when singing about being shot for being a deserter. There’s a mix of sombreness and life-affirming energy throughout, which is unsurprising given the circumstances of the album’s conception. A terrible motorway accident killed three members of the band and injured the rest. Recuperating not far from Winchester – a place Fiona and I happen to know very well – this was their effort immediately after the tragedy. In the years after Liege & Lief, Sandy Denny’s substance abuse worsened. A few months after having her only child, she suffered a head injury and died of a brain haemorrhage soon after. As if this weren’t tragic enough, she was only 31. But her talent is evident, the heart of this album that pulses in your ears as if she were singing only for you. Traces of what has gone before enhanced by a unparalleled dynamism. Encompassing then and now to create something strikingly contemporary – it deserves every accolade going.
Tagged: hi fi, as in hi fiona not hi fi, but that also makes sense what with the music and all, fairport convention, liege & lief, folk
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Home > Film Reviews > Close Encounters of the Third Kind review
If there is one that that has always excited Steven Spielberg, is the possibility of aliens. While I personally don’t share that same passion, I can see how one could do so given how the don’t know about the universe. Sure we’ve developed satellites that can measure the scientific aspects about space and we’ve come up with technology that can take high resolution photo’s of galaxy’s millions of miles away, but as a species, we’ve only begun to tap into the total mystery. I’ll admit that as a kid, I’ve prepared for the possible arrival of aliens and what they could do with our plant, but Spielberg was one of the few people that saw coming to Earth to study us with the same optimistic curiosity.
Now if Duel, The Sugarland Express and Jaws started the development of the “ordinary person in an extraordinary circumstance” trope that Spielberg loves to use, then Close Encounters of the Third Kind is where it feels most prominent as the story’s subject (it’s even quoted towards the end of the movie). What was the true challenge here was that this had to come out after Jaws, which was so big of a movie that it created the “Summer Blockbuster Season” that’s still a big deal for the studios.
The opening scene first eerily sets up our creatures as a bunch of scientists, including French researcher Claude Lacombe (played by François Truffaut) having found several WWII planes in the Sonoran desert and had never aged, as if they were picked up yesterday. We also see a little boy who wanders out of his farmhouse to follow whatever causes his toys to move on their own, forcing his mother Jillian (played by Melinda Dillon) to chase him. We then finally come across our main character Roy Neary (played by Richard Dreyfuss).
Roy is a blu collar electrical lineman who goes out to respond to a series of blackouts that happen in his Indiana town. While getting to his next job, an unseen force starts shaking the area and even lifts his truck in the air before bright objects fly away. Roy becomes obsessed with the UFOs that came to him, much to the chagrin of his wife Ronnie (played by Teri Garr). He keeps seeing visions of a mountain and continues to build it from his mashed potatoes to his garbage. Once he figures out where the mountain is, he travels to it, even though the US government has ordered an evacuation, making it hard to get there and seeing what the deal is with the alien.
The best parts of the movie are the first half hour and the final half hour. The buildup and moments that lead to Roy’s encounter are a well-done build a lot of unknown curiosity. Unfortunately, the further investigation that Roy does is not that interesting. I think a lot of it has to do with how much Spielberg puts a lot of focus on the family and their disbelief on the encounter.
I think it also has to do with Roy, who may be a common man, but is nowhere as memorable or interesting as Roy Scheider in Jaws. What’s missing is both a fear to overcome and more developed personality. The film practically makes up for the boring middle part by making the final arrival of the aliens so spectacular and creative, I myself was in awe. It’s almost in silence and captures that joy one would find when aliens do arrive. I ended the movie with a smile on my face, yet had a hard time trying to remember Roy and his own investigations into the creatures.
I’ll give this three and a half musical projectors out of five. You could say that Close Encounters of the Third Kind truly sets the enchanted, whimsical tone that Spielberg tends to use whenever he’s doing a family friendly movie. The final encounter itself is worth experiencing, but it takes a little too long to get there.
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New Poetry
Metre Magazine
Metre Editions
C A T H A L M c C A B E ' S S E L E C T E D P O E M S
P U B L I S H E D 14 J U N E 2 0 1 6
Metre Editions is the imprint of Metre magazine. Edited by Justin Quinn and David Wheatley, it has previously published four chapbooks: Vona Groarke’s Windmill Hymns, Harry Clifton’s God in France, Jane Yeh’s Teenage Spies, and Evan Rail’s Tsunami. With Cathal McCabe’s Outer Space, Metre Editions publishes its first full-length collection.
Outer Space: Selected Poems
In 2001, Poetry Review remarked on '[t]he impressive gravitas and beauty' of his poetry, which 'leave one hoping that it won't be a long wait before McCabe's first book is out.' In The New Irish Poets (Bloodaxe, 2004) editor Selina Guinness echoed the sentiment: 'The complexity of his verse forms is matched by an emotional maturity... and the acrobatic poise of his work promises great things for his first collection.' Awarding McCabe The Rupert and Eithne Strong Award for Poetry at the Poetry Now festival (PN04), John McAuliffe remarked on the poems' unusually wide range of reference and McCabe's 'mastery of form'.
Widely published over the years in magazines and anthologies (most recently in Penguin Ireland's Windharp: Poems of Ireland since 1916), his poems are now finally brought together in a generous selection spanning the last twenty years or more. Outer Space: Selected Poems marks the end of Cathal McCabe's long 'underground reputation' (Dennis O'Driscoll) and makes available to a wider audience his award-winning verse in a landmark publication by Metre Editions.
Cathal McCabe
Cathal McCabe was born in County Down, Northern Ireland in 1963, and grew up there, in Warrenpoint. Educated at St Colman’s College, Newry, and at the universities of York and Oxford, he lived in Poland for fifteen years where he lectured at the University of Łódź and worked as Literature Consultant with The British Council in Warsaw. From 2003 until 2009 he was Director of the Irish Writers’ Centre in Dublin. Winner of the 2004 Strong Award for Poetry, he was shortlisted for the 2010 Hennessy XO Literary Award in the category Best Emerging Poet. With Founding Patron Seamus Heaney, he established The Ireland-Poland Cultural Foundation (which he continues to direct) and, with Heaney, was awarded (in 2010) the Polish government’s prestigious Gloria Artis medal for outstanding services to Polish culture. He lives with his family near Rostrevor, County Down.
Metre, a magazine of international poetry, ran for seventeen issues between 1995 and 2005. Edited for the most part by Justin Quinn and David Wheatley, it presented original poetry, reviews, interviews and essays by a host of acclaimed and a number of emerging poets and writers. These included: A. R. Ammons, Samuel Beckett, Anne Carson, Michael Donaghy, Paul Farley, Louise Glück, Jorie Graham, Marilyn Hacker, Seamus Heaney, Edward Hirsch, Thomas Kinsella, Philip Larkin, Michael Longley, Derek Mahon, W. S. Merwin, Edwin Morgan, Paul Muldoon, Les Murray, Don Paterson, Christopher Reid, Denise Riley, Helen Vendler, Richard Zenith, and many others. Also published in the magazine, poets Harry Clifton, Vona Groarke, Evan Rail and Jane Yeh have each published interim collections with Metre Editions.
All 17 issues of the magazine with contributions by all of the 300+ contributors are available to consult free of charge online at http://metre.ff.cuni.cz
This site presents a database of PDFs of original contributions to the magazine, and is hosted by the Faculty of Arts, Charles University Prague, under the auspices of the Centre for Irish Studies.
For further information please contact the editors:
Justin Quinn: justin.quinn@ff.cuni.cz
David Wheatley: d.wheatley@abdn.ac.uk
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March 2013 mental health law update
Updates from Mental Health Law Online
Alternative formats: PDF | Kindle
Solicitors Regulation Authority
SRA decision. SRA decision: Billy Chucks of Chris Solicitors (2013) MHLO 22 (SRA) — “It is reported that whilst employed by various legal practices: Mr Chucks failed to comply with restrictions on his attendance imposed by a number of hospital trusts, and that he prepared a “consent to disclosure” request at a hospital for a client who has confirmed that he had not instructed Mr Chucks to act on his behalf, and that he improperly removed clients’ files/documentation without authority from a former employer. Those papers have not yet been returned. … I FIND that Mr Billy Chucks, (Date of birth: 23 August 1975) of Flat 1, 701 Fulham Road, London SW6 5UL who is or was involved in legal practice but is not a solicitor has, in the Society’s opinion occasioned or been a party to, with or without the connivance of a solicitor, an act or default in relation to a legal practice which involved conduct on his part of such a nature that in the Society’s opinion it would be undesirable for him to be involved in a legal practice in one or more of the ways mentioned in sub-section (1A) of Section 43. … This includes being on hospital premises after he knew that a ban prohibiting his attendance had been imposed. On one occasion police were called to the hospital as a result. He had objected to the bans imposed but he did not take any action to challenge these through the appropriate legal route. … Also, it is a matter of grave concern that client’s papers, improperly in Mr Chucks’ possession, are not held securely and client confidentiality is compromised. An assurance given that these would be returned to the firm of solicitors responsible for their safe keeping has not been honoured. … For these reasons, I have concluded that it would be undesirable for Mr Chucks to be involved in a legal practice. The effect of this Order is that he may not be employed in legal practice without the knowledge and prior approval of the SRA. Any approval granted is likely to be subject to strict conditions in order to protect clients and the public.”
Cheshire West appeal. The Supreme Court Registry has confirmed that this case will be heard from 22/10/13 to 24/10/13. See Cheshire West and Chester Council v P (2011) EWCA Civ 1257
Upper Tribunal
Upper Tribunal case. JP v South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (2012) UKUT 486 (AAC), (2012) MHLO 172 — “The grounds of appeal related to the Tribunal’s finding that he suffered from a mental disorder; the insufficiency of the Tribunal’s reasons for their decision that the appellant was to continue to be detained under section 2, and to his view that there had been a breach of his right to a fair hearing under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights. He made seven specific submissions on this which I shall address hereafter. At the hearing the appellant also raised a breach of Article 9 of the Convention – his right to freedom of thought, and submitted that the Mental Health Act 1983 was flawed.” [Summary required.]
Upper Tribunal case. MA v SSH (2012) UKUT 474 (AAC), (2012) MHLO 171 — “Section 66 of the 1983 Act deals with applications to tribunals (“a section 66 application”). In the present case this would be to the First-tier Tribunal. Applications may be made in a wide range of circumstances. By virtue of section 66(1) (g) these include where a report has been made under section 25 of that Act (see above – this relates to the responsible clinician issuing a certificate to the effect specified in section 25). However, an application to the tribunal may only be made under this provision in respect of a patient who has been admitted for treatment (or in certain other cases) but not in respect of a patient who has been admitted under section 2 for assessment. That exclusion is at the heart of this case.” [Summary required.]
Upper Tribunal case. Bernard v SW London and St George’s MH NHS Trust (2013) UKUT 58 (AAC), (2013) MHLO 26 — “This is an appeal against a decision of the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) of the Health, Education and Social Care (HESC) Chamber in the mental health jurisdiction. The appeal is brought on the ground of an alleged breach of natural justice. It is argued that certain comments of the FTT’s psychiatrist member in the course of the hearing demonstrated bias. This is said to be on the basis either that the panel doctor had a preconceived and concluded view (actual bias) on a live issue in the appeal or that he had expressed himself in such a way as to give rise to a reasonable apprehension that he had (apparent bias).” [Summary required.]
Upper Tribunal case. MM v Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust (2013) UKUT 107 (AAC), (2013) MHLO 25 — “The issues arose from the skeleton argument of counsel for the hospital (not Mr Kovats). Unpacking her argument, it came to this: (i) Dr G had visited Mr M; (ii) he had been instructed to prepare an independent report; (iii) Mr M was not relying on that report; (iv) the tribunal should infer that the report was not favourable to Mr M; and (v) that Dr G had concurred with the clinical team’s diagnosis and conclusions. Counsel also invited the tribunal to consider ordering disclosure of Dr G’s report. … Mr Pezzani argued that the panel should have recused themselves. … because Mr M would not receive a fair hearing in view these factors: (a) the way in which the case had been presented to them, (b) the fact that Mr M and his legal team could not respond to the argument, (c) the manner in which the panel engaged with the argument in their decision and (d) their failure to rule out the argument as a matter of principle.” [Summary required.]
Upper Tribunal case. MS v North East London Foundation Trust (2013) UKUT 92 (AAC), (2013) MHLO 24 — “Ms S applied for permission to appeal on two grounds: (i) the tribunal had applied the test appropriate to detention under section 2 rather than, as it should have, detention under section 3; and (ii) the tribunal had failed to explain, as it had said it would, why it did not make a recommendation.” [Summary required.]
Upper Tribunal case. R (S) v Mental Health Tribunal (2012) MHLO 164 (UT) — S unsuccessfully challenged by judicial review (a) the decision of the FTT setting aside its own decision that she be discharged and (b) her continued detention by the hospital. [Summary required.]
Upper Tribunal case. SSJ v MP (2013) UKUT 25 (AAC), (2013) MHLO 8 — “The Secretary of State had two grounds of appeal. One related to the tribunal’s finding on diagnosis; the other related to the decision not impose any conditions. … I can only decide that, despite the errors of law, the tribunal’s decision should not be set aside. The result is that this decision provides in effect a declaration of the errors made in the tribunal’s decision.” [Summary required.]
Sentence appeal case. R v Ahmed (2012) EWCA Crim 99, (2012) MHLO 178 — (1) The appellant sought a s37/41 restricted hospital order in place of an IPP sentence. (2) The Responsible Clinician argued for a s45A hybrid order, for reasons summarised by the court as follows: ‘The appellant is an illegal immigrant. In order to be discharged from hospital he would have to undergo a period of controlled supervision. This would be in appropriate accommodation. Dr Swinton tells us that this is not an option open to an illegal immigrant like the appellant. Thus he cannot be discharged into the community because he cannot undertake the necessary conditioning which would satisfy the hospital that he was safe to be left in the community on his own. As a consequence he has to remain in hospital and he will take up a bed, apparently permanently. This is damaging to the wider public interest. If a section 45A order were made, then although the appellant would receive precisely the same treatment under a section 47 transfer as he currently does, a discharge can be effected by sending the appellant back to prison where the relevant supervision can be provided.’ (3) The Court of Appeal admitted fresh evidence and, considering the appellant to be an ill man needing treatment rather than a criminal needing punishment, imposed a restricted hospital order.
Mental Health Cop Blog, ‘Mentally Ill Migrant Criminals’ (21/2/13). See R v Ahmed (2012) EWCA Crim 99, (2012) MHLO 178
Wesley Johnson, ‘Hospital beds blocked by mentally ill migrant criminals’ (20/2/13). See R v Ahmed (2012) EWCA Crim 99, (2012) MHLO 178
Sentence appeal case. R v Caress (2013) EWCA Crim 218, (2013) MHLO 27 — “In the circumstances, there is no reason to believe that the diagnosis at the time of sentence was wrong or that sentence was passed on a wrong factual basis. If, as appears to be the case, the diagnosis has now changed that is a matter that should be dealt with by the Mental Health Tribunal, rather than by late appeal against sentence.” [Summary required.]
Criminal appeal case. R v Coley (2013) EWCA Crim 223, (2013) MHLO 23 — “We have heard these three cases in succession because they have some features in common. Each raises a (different) question connected with the interplay between the law relating to voluntary intoxication and the law relating to insanity or (non-insane) automatism. Each calls, however, for consideration of its very particular facts. Neither individually nor collectively do they provide an occasion for any wide-ranging general statement of the law of insanity, still less of loss of capacity generally. We know that this area of the law is under active consideration by the Law Commission, which work will, we think, be of value. Although there have historically been very few cases which raise insanity, that has been because the statutory provisions governing the disposal orders which must be made if there is a verdict of insanity have historically inhibited attempts to rely on it. More recent changes in those disposal provisions may well lead to an increase in numbers. Any review must, critically, address both the law of loss of capacity and the means of disposal in such cases, so as to pay proper regard both to the interests of the individual defendant and to the public risk which he represents.” [Summary required.]
Sentence appeal case. R v Smith (Mark John) (2012) EWCA Crim 2566, (2012) MHLO 170 — “This is a most unusual case. It is an appeal against a restraining order made by His Honour Judge McGregor-Johnson at Isleworth Crown Court on 8 May 2012 under s5A of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. The order prohibited Mr Smith from travelling on any domestic or international commercial airline for a period of 3 years. The order was made at the end of a trial at which Mr Smith was acquitted, by reason of insanity, of offences of criminal damage and interfering with the performance of the crew of an aircraft in flight. The appeal raises questions about the scope of s5A of the 1997 Act.” [Summary required; detailed external summary available.]
Criminal appeal. B v R (2013) EWCA Crim 3, (2013) MHLO 7 — “This appellant was convicted of counts of rape and common assault upon his partner and of a minor offence of criminal damage to her house. There was clear evidence that at the time of the offences he had been mentally ill, affected by paranoid schizophrenia and harbouring a number of delusional beliefs. His appeal certainly raises the question what if any impact his mental illness had on the issues before the jury. It is said more generally to raise the question whether, when considering the issue of a defendant’s reasonable belief in the complainant’s consent to sexual intercourse, account can or cannot be taken of the mental condition of the defendant.” [Summary required; detailed external summary available.]
Criminal case. R v Nightingale (2012) EWCA Crim 2734, (2012) MHLO 167 — The appellant, having pleaded guilty to possession of (a) a Glock 9mm pistol and (b) the following live ammunition: 122 x 9mm, 40 x 7.62mm, 50 x 9mm (frangible), 50 x .338 (armour piercing), 2 x .308, 74 x 5.56mm, had been sentenced to 18 months for the Glock and 6 months concurrently for the ammunition. On appeal against sentence, as ‘these offences were committed in exceptional circumstances by an exemplary soldier’, this was reduced to 12 months, suspended for 12 months.
Best interests case (medical). Aintree University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust v David James (2013) EWCA Civ 65, (2013) MHLO 17 — “On 6th December 2012 Mr Justice Peter Jackson … declined to make the declarations sought by the appellant, the hospital treating DJ, that subject to the agreement of his clinical team, it would be lawful, being in his best interests, for the following treatment to be withheld in the event of a clinical deterioration: cardiopulmonary resuscitation; invasive support for circulatory problems; renal replacement therapy in the event of deterioration in renal function.” The Court of Appeal allowed the Trust’s appeal. [Summary required.]
Soliciors Journal, ‘Appeal judge redefines “futile treatment”‘ (8/3/13). See Aintree University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust v David James (2013) EWCA Civ 65, (2013) MHLO 17
Capacity case (best interests). A County Council v E (2012) EWHC 4161 (COP), (2012) MHLO 176 — “This case involves the personal welfare of two young women, E and K. E is 26 years old and K is 24. Both have a diagnosis of Fragile X syndrome and associated learning disabilities, as confirmed by a consultant psychiatrist in a report of 7 August 2010. E is selectively mute. K also has a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (‘ADHD’).” [Summary required.]
Capacity case (best interests). HT v CK (2012) EWHC 4160 (COP), (2012) MHLO 175 — “This decision deals with residence, contact and financial arrangements for CK (‘C’ or ‘Ms K’). In particular, the court must decide whether it is in her best interests to remain where she is living and the appropriate contact arrangements” [Summary required.]
Capacity case (fact finding). PB v RB (2012) EWHC 4159 (COP), (2012) MHLO 174 — “This decision deals with a fact-finding hearing held on 10-12 September 2012. … The local authority sought to prove 13 alleged facts … ” [Summary required.]
Capacity case (litigation capacity). Re RGS (2012) EWHC 4162 (COP), (2012) MHLO 173 — “RGS is the person concerned in these proceedings (‘P’). The decision for the court is whether one of the parties, his son RBS, has litigation capacity. RBS insists he has, others are less sure.” [Summary required.]
Statutory will case. NT v FS (2013) EWHC 684 (COP), (2013) MHLO 18 — “This is an application by NT (“the Deputy”) for authority to execute a statutory will on behalf of FS (“F”). There is no dispute that F lacks the capacity to make such a will. There is equally no dispute that it is in his best interests that such a will be made. There are a large number of Respondents to the application each of whom are potential beneficiaries under such a will. There are, however significant disputes between them as to the provisions of such a will.” [Summary required.]
Capacity case (litigation friend). WCC v AB (2012) MHLO 168 (COP) — Whether AB’s aunt should be appointed as litigation friend. [Summary required; detailed external summary available.]
Capacity case (ASBO). Pender v DPP (2013) MHLO 12 (QBD) — An ASBO was imposed with a ‘no begging’ condition. An appeal, based on uncontradicted medical evidence (that the appellant suffered learning difficulties, schizophrenia and severe nicotine addiction, and that begging was the manifestation of nicotine addiction), was unsuccessful. The Court of Appeal allowed an appeal by way of case stated, because the judge had failed to set out the factual basis for her factual conclusion (which was contrary to the medical evidence) that the appellant had been capable of complying with the ASBO.
Capacity case (marriage). A Local Authority v AK (2012) EWHC B29 (COP), (2012) MHLO 166 — “This is an application by a Local Authority for the determination of an issue as to whether a severely brain damaged man (“AK”) had the capacity to enter into a marriage in November 2010.” [Summary required; detailed external summary available.]
Capacity case (sterilisation). A Local Authority v K (2013) EWHC 242 (COP), (2013) MHLO 11 — “K is the First Respondent to proceedings brought by A Local Authority (the authority responsible for K’s social welfare) for a best interests’ determination in relation to issues of contraception for, and sterilisation of, K. The application was issued in July 2012. By that application, A Local Authority sought declarations in relation to sterilisation and contraception and (given the perceived immediate risk that Mr and Mrs K may wish to remove K abroad for the purposes of sterilisation) an injunction to restrain the removal of K from this jurisdiction for that purpose. The application was appropriately brought to this Court under the provisions of the Mental Capacity Act 2005; the application in my view engages important considerations under article 8 (right to respect for private and family life) and article 12 (right to found a family).” [Summary required; detailed external summary available.]
Testamentary capacity case. Turner v Phythian (2013) EWHC 499 (Ch), (2013) MHLO 10 — “Mrs Turner, with the support of several members of the Jolly family, asserts that the will is invalid on three grounds. The first ground is lack of proper execution. It is alleged that the will was not signed by Iris in the joint presence of the witnesses. … The second ground is that Iris lacked mental capacity to make the will. … The third ground is that Iris did not know or approve of the contents of the will. … I find therefore that the contested will is invalid on two grounds; that Iris did not have mental capacity to make the will in August 2010 and that she did not know or approve the contents of the will.” [Summary required.]
Capacity case. ZH v Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis (2013) EWCA Civ 69, (2013) MHLO 9 — ZH, a severely autistic, epileptic 19-year-old man, became fixated with the water during a school visit to a swimming pool and would not move from the water’s edge: the police were called; when an officer touched him on his back he jumped into the water, fully clothed; the police had him taken out of the pool and restrained him. The police unsuccessfully appealed against the judge’s findings on liability (assault, battery and false imprisonment, DDA 1995, ECHR Articles 3, 5, and 8). [Detailed external summary available.]
Capacity case. DO v LBH (2012) EWHC 4044 (Admin), (2012) MHLO 165 — “I have before me listed two applications for permission to bring judicial review proceedings and/or for directions against a local authority (LBH) and another interested party, ostensibly in the name of DO, by his sister (EC), the applicant as his Litigation Friend in one of the applications and by both as claimants in respect of the other. … EC may not agree with the order being made in the Court of Protection proceedings but that does not justify, in my judgment, proceeding by way of judicial review rather than by application or appeal in the Court of Protection proceedings.” [Summary required.]
Capacity case. A PCT v LDV (2013) EWHC 272 (Fam), (2013) MHLO 6 — “The two questions considered at the hearing, which form the subject of this judgment, are (1) Do L’s current circumstances amount objectively to a deprivation of liberty? (2) When assessing whether L has capacity to consent to her accommodation at WH, in circumstances which amount to a deprivation of liberty, what information is relevant to that decision?” [Summary required; detailed external summary available.]
Capacity case. LB Waltham Forest v WD (2010) MHLO 195 — “The issues which I have to consider are four fold: first, WD’s future accommodation and residence; secondly, his contact arrangements with other members of his family; thirdly, the application by the Local Authority for the appointment of a deputy under the Mental Capacity Act 2005; and fourthly, whether or not these proceedings should now come to an end. Other matters of the care plan are fully agreed between the parties. As I have said, the plan put before me is comprehensive and this court is happy to endorse it.” [Summary required.]
LPA case. Re Martin (2013) MHLO 21 (LPA) — The donor appointed two primary attorneys, A and B, to act jointly and severally, and three replacement attorneys, C, D and E. He included a valid provision to the effect that the D should replace B if B was unable to act, and then directed as follows: “In the event of my first attorney being unable to continue, E should act as Assistant to C (1st Replacement Attorney), and in the event of C being unable to continue, he should assume the power of Attorney.” On the application of the Public Guardian this provision was severed because (applying Re Baldwin, above) the MCA does not permit a replacement attorney to be replaced, nor is it possible to direct an attorney or replacement attorney to act as assistant to another attorney or replacement attorney. [OPG summary – LPA case.]
LPA case. Re Black (2013) MHLO 20 (LPA) — The donor, a solicitor, appointed A and B as attorneys, to act jointly and severally. She imposed the following restriction: “A has been appointed solely to manage ABC Solicitors to enable continuing management of the Practice. B has been appointed to deal with all other financial matters both personal and business related, which do not specifically require a Solicitor of the Supreme Court.” On the application of the Public Guardian the restriction was severed because it was incompatible with a joint and several appointment. [OPG summary – LPA case.]
LPA case. Re Hart (2013) MHLO 19 (LPA) — The donor made an LPA for property and financial affairs. He was also the sole attorney under an EPA made by his wife and registered. In his LPA he authorised his attorneys to have access to his will and medical records, and then continued as follows: “This also applies to acting as Attorneys for my wife, whose EPA has been registered.” On the application of the Public Guardian this provision was severed because an LPA may not be used to add anything to someone else’s EPA. (The donor appears to have wrongly assumed that his own attorneys could take over his role as attorney for his wife.) [OPG summary – LPA case.]
LPA case. Re Buckley (2013) MHLO 13 (LPA) — “This is an application by the Public Guardian for the court to revoke a Lasting Power of Attorney (‘LPA’) and to direct him to cancel the registration of the LPA. … Having regard to all the circumstances, therefore, I am satisfied that: (a) the attorney has contravened her authority and acted in a way that is not in Miss Buckley’s best interests; (b) Miss Buckley is incapable of revoking the LPA herself; (c) the revocation of the LPA in order to facilitate the appointment of a deputy is both a necessary and proportionate response for the protection of Miss Buckley’s right to have her financial affairs managed competently, honestly and for her benefit, and for the prevention of crime; and (d) it is in Miss Buckley’s best interests that the court should revoke the LPA.” [Summary required; detailed external summary available.]
ECHR case. Mihailovs v Latvia 35939/10 (2013) ECHR 65, (2013) MHLO 15 — “The applicant alleged, among other things, that he had been held against his will in a State social care institution for more than ten years, that he could not obtain release, and that he had been fully dependent on his wife, who had been his guardian, had not represented his interests, and had opposed all attempts by him to defend his rights.” [Summary required; detailed external summary available.]
ECHR case. Lashin v Russia 33117/02 (2013) ECHR 63, (2013) MHLO 14 — “The applicant complained, in particular, about his status as a legally incapacitated person, his non-voluntary commitment to a psychiatric hospital and his inability to marry.” [Summary required; detailed external summary available.]
Miscellaneous case (AMHPs). DD v Durham County Council (2013) EWCA Civ 96, (2013) MHLO 31 — “DD appeals against the decision refusing leave and that part of the order relating to the payment of Middlesbrough City Council’s costs. There is no appeal against the decision that Durham would be the body liable for any breach of duty or infringement of the Human Rights Act by the second AMHP. … It was contended by Ms Lieven QC, on behalf of DD, that the two AMHPs owed a duty to DD; that by making the application for admission to the Hutton Unit, each was in breach of duty and that the County Council was responsible vicariously for that breach of duty. It was Ms Lieven QC’s primary case that under the statutory scheme the AMHP had the legal responsibility not only for assessing whether the patient should be detained, but also for the suitability of the hospital at which the patient was to be detained and the regime under which he would be held. Although not precisely delineated, the responsibility gave rise to an obligation under the Human Rights Act 1998 to take reasonable steps to ensure that the patient’s Article 3 and 8 rights were not infringed. This obligation did not extend to preventing some casual act committed by those at the hospital which might violate the Convention rights of DD. In the alternative, there was a duty of care to like effect to be derived from the scheme of the 1983 Act. … It is clear, therefore, that the only point we could determine was whether the judge was correct in refusing leave. The threshold under s.139 is a low one: see Winch v Jones [1986] QB 296 and Johnston v Chief Constable of Merseyside Police [2009] EWHC 2969 (QB). I have no doubt that the argument advanced by Ms Lieven QC meets this threshold. … I would, therefore allow this appeal on the application under s.139(2). … In my judgment, DD should not have been made responsible for the costs of Middlesbrough City Council.” [Summary required.]
Miscellaneous case. R (Copson) v Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust (2013) EWHC 732 (Admin), (2013) MHLO 30 — “This is a claim by the claimant, Rosalind Copson, for an order quashing the decision of the defendant, Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust, on 14 June 2012 to implement its Mental Health Urgent Care Services Project for the reconfiguration of mental health services in the west of Dorset. … The claim is put on two grounds. First, it is said that the defendant failed, before reaching its decision, to carry out an adequate consultation with users of its mental health services, chiefly in that it failed to provide to those users sufficient information to enable them to engage meaningfully with the proposals. Second, it is said that the defendant failed to comply with its duty under section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 to have due regard, in the exercise of its functions, to the need to advance equality of opportunity. … The claimant is a user of mental health facilities in Bridport, Dorset. The facilities that she uses include the in-patient facility at the Hughes Unit in Bridport. The defendant’s proposed reconfiguration of mental health services in the area will involve the loss of that facility. … For the reasons given, this claim is dismissed.” [Summary required.]
Community care/capacity case. R (Chatting) v Viridian Housing (2012) EWHC 3595 (Admin), (2012) MHLO 177 — “This litigation arises out of what may be loosely called the reorganisation by Viridian Housing, the charity which owns the premises, of the arrangements for the provision of care to residents of the building in which Miss Chatting lives. … On behalf of Viridian Housing, Mr Christopher Baker urged upon me that the relief sought against his client – namely, declarations that in transferring responsibility for Miss Chatting’s care to another organisation Viridian were in breach of a compromise agreement made in earlier litigation and had infringed article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights – was academic and should not in any event be granted. On behalf of Miss Chatting Mr Stephen Cragg pursued claims for those declarations, as well as a declaration that Wandsworth Borough Council had acted unlawfully in its management of the transfer of Miss Chatting’s care, in that it had failed to ensure that care was provided to her in a way that meets her assessed needs and takes into account her best interests. At the hearing Mr Cragg focussed his case against Wandsworth as being that it had failed to act in Miss Chatting’s best interests as required by the Mental Capacity Act 2005. For the Borough Council, Ms Elisabeth Laing QC resisted Mr Cragg’s claim and also sought a ruling on two further issues of interpretation of the compromise agreement.” [Summary required; detailed external summary available.]
Miscellaneous case. R (Zhang) v Whittington Hospital (2013) EWHC 358 (Admin), (2013) MHLO 29 — “The claimant, Mrs Zhang, who very ably represented herself, was sectioned under the Mental Health Act shortly after giving birth to her first baby after a prolonged and very difficult labour. … Miss Zhang says that looking at the reasons that were given at the time, which are recorded in a document signed by both doctors (Form A3, that is the formal sectioning document) the reasons that are there recorded are insufficient reasons to warrant her detention under the Mental Health Act.” [Summary required.]
Immigration case. R (Das) v SSHD (2013) EWHC 682 (Admin), (2013) MHLO 28 — “The Claimant’s submission in these proceedings is that at the time of the second period of detention she suffered from a mental illness, in the form of depression and post traumatic stress disorder (“PTSD”), and that in detaining her the Secretary of State acted contrary to, or without having proper regard to, his own policy regarding detention of persons suffering from mental illness. This means that her detention was unlawful, as being in breach of the Claimant’s legitimate expectation that the Secretary of State would take into account and abide by his policy in this regard. … The Claimant is entitled to a declaration that the entire second period of detention was unlawful. However, she is only entitled to nominal damages for false imprisonment in relation to that detention.” [Summary required.]
Miscellaneous case. R (Children’s Rights Alliance for England) v SSJ (2013) EWCA Civ 34, (2013) MHLO 16 — “This is an appeal, with permission granted by Maurice Kay LJ on 3 April 2012, against the judgment of Foskett J given in the Administrative Court on 11 January 2012 ([2012] EWHC Admin 8), by which he dismissed the appellant’s application for judicial review seeking an order that the defendant Secretary of State provide or facilitate the provision of information to stated categories of children as to the illegal use of restraint techniques on them when they were detained in Secure Training Centres (STCs) in the United Kingdom.” [Summary required; detailed external summary available.]
Miscellaneous case (disclosure). Durham County Council v Dunn (2012) EWCA Civ 1654, (2012) MHLO 169 — “On 17 December 2007, the claimant’s solicitors wrote to the Council intimating a claim for damages in respect of assaults alleged to have been committed by staff at the Centre when he was there in the early 1980s. The letter included a request for the disclosure of certain documents. Some documents were disclosed in redacted form. On 25 March 2011, the claimant issued these proceedings. This appeal is concerned with the ambit of the Council’s duty of disclosure. … In particular, confusion can arise as to whether the duty of disclosure is primarily one that arises under the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA) or one arising pursuant to the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR).” [Summary required; detailed external summary available.]
Legislation. Mental Health (Discrimination) Act 2013 — This Act: (1) repeals, from 28/4/13, s141 MHA 1983 so that the seat of an MP is no longer vacated upon long-term detention under the Act; (2) amends, on a date to be appointed, the Juries Act 1974 so that (in addition to the existing category of those lacking capacity) only those liable to be detained under the MHA are excluded from jury service (see jury service page for current provisions); (3) amends, from 28/4/13, the Companies (Model Articles) Regulations 2008 so that a person no longer ceases to be a director when ‘by reason of that person’s mental health, a court makes an order which wholly or partly prevents that person from personally exercising any powers or rights which that person would otherwise have’.
Mind, ‘A great victory against discrimination!’ (March 2013). See Mental Health (Discrimination) Act 2013
LPA legislation. Lasting Powers of Attorney, Enduring Powers of Attorney and Public Guardian (Amendment) Regulations 2013/506 — These regulations amend Lasting Powers of Attorney, Enduring Powers of Attorney and Public Guardian Regulations 2007. (1) Regulation 3 substitutes a period of 4 weeks for the existing 6 week period that must elapse between the date of the latest notice by which the Public Guardian notifies the donor or donees (as appropriate) of a lasting power of attorney that an application to register has been received, and the date on which the LPA is registered. (2) Regulations 4 and 5 substitute a 3 week period for a 5 week period during which a donee or donor of the power, or a named person, must give notice of objection to registration to the Public Guardian. (3) Regulation 6 substitutes a period of 3 weeks for the current 5 week period in which a person who wishes to make an application to the court objecting to registration must do so. (4) Regulation 8 introduces a new basis on which a security given by a deputy to the Public Guardian in respect of the discharge of his or her functions can be discharged. (5) Regulations 9-12 amend forms (Forms LPA 001, LPA 003A and LPA 003B will be available online from 1/4/13). (6) Regulation 13 makes transitional provision. In force 1/4/13
Legal Aid legislation. Civil Legal Aid (Remuneration) Regulations 2013/422 — Payment rates for legal fees and independent experts. No change to MH legal fees. Some changes to independent expert maximum hourly rates, including: (a) psychiatrist is £135 in any area (previously £90 in London); (b) psychologist is £117 in any area (previously £90 in London). The previous rates continue to apply to cases started after 3/10/11 but before 1/4/13. In force 1/4/13.
Consultation. Dept of Health, ‘Review of NHS complaints system’ (press release, 15/3/13). The review will be encouraged to make recommendations about: (a) any aspect of the NHS complaints arrangements and other means by which patients make concerns known; (b) the way that organisations receive and act on concerns and complaints; (c) how Boards and managers carry out their functions; (d) the process by which individual organisations are held to account for the way that they handle concerns and complaints. Contact details are provided for anyone wishing to submit evidence. Review begins 15/3/13 and is due to report by 30/7/13. See Consultations#Department of Health
Rosa Silverman, ‘NHS complaints system review launched’ (Telegraph, 15/3/13). See Consultations#Department of Health
Legal Aid. Legal Aid Agency, ‘Applications for emergency funding in judicial review cases: processes and procedures from 1 April 2013’ (March 2013). See Legal Aid
Legal Aid. New Legal Aid forms must be used from 1/4/13: see Civil forms preview on MOJ website. See Legal Aid forms
Newsletters and articles
39 Essex Street, ‘Court of Protection Newsletter’ (issue 31, March 2013). The cases mentioned in this issue are: Aintree University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust v David James (2013) EWCA Civ 65, (2013) MHLO 17 — A Local Authority v K (2013) EWHC 242 (COP), (2013) MHLO 11 — A PCT v LDV (2013) EWHC 272 (Fam), (2013) MHLO 6 — ZH v Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis (2013) EWCA Civ 69, (2013) MHLO 9 — A Local Authority v K (2013) EWHC 242 (COP), (2013) MHLO 11 — R (Children’s Rights Alliance for England) v SSJ (2013) EWCA Civ 34, (2013) MHLO 16. There is also information under the following headings: (a) Recent practice points from the Family Division; (b) Guidance upon Civil Legal Aid subsequent to 1/4/13; (c) DoH Fifth Annual Report on IMCA services; (d) Third Annual Report on the UK’s National Preventative Mechanism; (e) Disabled persons and sexual surrogates; (f) The CoP for litigants in person; (g) The CoP’s work over the past four years. See 39 Essex Street COP Newsletter#March 2013
Official Solicitor, ‘Note on accepting instructions in health and welfare proceedings’ (25/2/13). See 39 Essex Street COP Newsletter#March 2013
Richard English, ‘Mental Health and the Criminal Law 2012 Review’ (January 2013). See Miscellaneous external links
Website and CPD
MHLO books. The Mental Health Law Online Annual Review 2012 has been published in paperback and Kindle format, and is now available on Amazon. The Annual Review 2012 contains all news items, arranged thematically, which were added to the website during 2012. The Annual Review 2011 is also now available in paperback and Kindle formats. See Books
CPD scheme. The questionnaire for January 2013 has been uploaded. Obtain 12 accredited CPD points online for £60 by subscribing today. See CPD scheme
Donations. Mental Health Law Online is free to use and maintained on a voluntary basis. If you or your organisation find this website useful, please consider making a donation to contribute to its upkeep. See Donations
Cases. On 31/3/13 Mental Health Law Online contained 1352 categorised cases
Chronology. See March 2013 chronology for this month’s changes to the website in date order
Posted on April 12, 2013 May 13, 2013 Author M.H.L.A.Categories Legal updates
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Jim Pharis, High Mileage (Independent)
January 30, 2019 by: John Wirt Leave a comment
Folk-blues singer-guitarist Jim Pharis keeps it simple on High Mileage. Most of the songs on his made-in-Lafayette album feature Pharis’ finger-style acoustic guitar playing and deadpan, rather odd but amiable singing sans accompaniment. When A.J. Primeaux steps in for a few harmonica guest spots, it’s a nice touch.
For High Mileage, Pharis performs several of his original songs and some blues and gospel standards, including the late New Orleans singer-guitarist Snooks Eaglin’s “I’m a Country Boy.”
Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ may be the most famous contemporary examples of the acoustic folk-blues style Pharis pursues in High Mileage. Pharis’ influences include the folk boom of the 1960s, Nashville guitar master Chet Atkins and the guitar lessons that familiarized him with the art of classical guitar.
Pharis’ rolling, fluent guitar is his High Mileage strong suit. So, including “Mule,” an instrumental, on the album was a good choice. Otherwise, Pharis’ instrumental skills are mostly used to accompany his vocal performances, albeit he does play impressive guitar solos in the songs.
Pharis writes humorous, self-effacing songs, including the age-related “High Mileage” and a song about an anxiety-prone girlfriend, “Five Alarm Fire.” “I got myself a little girl,” Pharis sings. “She looks like a model and she’s so very fine. But she’s a little jumpy. Like a cat that’s watching a snake. She thinks there’s a five-alarm fire when it’s just a candle on a birthday cake.”
Pharis’ interpretations include Tampa Red’s much-recorded “When Things Go Wrong with You (They Hurt Me Too)” and a lively, countrified rendition of Blind Boy Fuller’s “Step It Up and Go.” His take on Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s “Up Above My Head I Hear Music in the Air” is a High
High MileageJim Pharis
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2012 Aboriginal Tent Embassy: Behind the media beat-up
solidarity.net.au 30 January 2012
Protests celebrating the anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy have been subject to a vicious and distorting media campaign, after a snap protest directed at Tony Abbott and Julia Gillard. But this protest, and the demands of the Tent Embassy for Aboriginal rights and self-determination, remain absolutely right and should be defended.
On January 26, 2000 people from all over Australia came to Canberra to mark 40 years since the establishment of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy. Aboriginal rights activists came together to celebrate the struggles of the past, demand sovereignty and to organise against the horrific living conditions, police brutality and denial of land rights that continue to plague Aboriginal communities.
That morning, Tony Abbott was asked about the relevance of the Tent Embassy today. He replied:
“I think a lot has changed for the better since then. I think the Indigenous people of Australia can be very proud of the respect in which they are held by every Australian. I think a lot has changed since then, and I think it probably is time to move on from that.”
The truth is the opposite. As Redfern activist Lyall Munro told the crowd, “things are worse for us now than when I came out of a mission school over 40 years ago”. In 1972 the Kooris who occupied the lawns of Parliament House were demanding Land Rights and an end to the assimilation and “protection” policies of Labor and Liberal governments. But in 2012 both parties support the ten year extension of racist NT Intervention powers that aim to assimilate Aboriginal people through the defunding of communities and the reinvention of protection-era controls on land, alcohol and income.
What actually happened?
Abbott’s remarks about the Embassy were relayed to the crowd by anti-Intervention campaigner Barb Shaw, who also reported that at that very moment Tony Abbott was a mere 100 meters away. People drifted over to the restaurant and were surprised to see both Abbott and Gillard clearly visible through the glass walls of the restaurant, both intent on ignoring the historic gathering taking place next door.
Embassy veterans who asked to address Gillard and Abbott were refused. Chants of “shame” changed to “racists”, and then to “Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land”. A few people banged on the glass and others milled about chanting and taking pictures.
Then, without any warning, riot police burst out of the door of the restaurant, shoving aside demonstrators with their shields and kicking people out of the way, dragging Abbott and Gillard behind them.
Notably, Michael Anderson, the last surviving member of the original 1972 tent embassy, can be seen in several pictures struggling to remain standing as he was crushed between riot police and the steel bars on the steps.
The only violence that took place was on the part of police. There were no arrests and no one was harmed apart from the demonstrators kicked and shoved by police.
Gillard and Abbott complained about being trapped and worried about their safety. But there was never any threat. And they were protected at all times by a phalanx of armed men. Aboriginal people have no such security: they are frequently assaulted by police and the rate of Aboriginal deaths in custody continues to rise. In the NT, Indigenous incarceration has increased 40 per cent since the start of the Intervention in 2007.
Hypocrisy and the Intervention
There is no doubt that this incident pushed the Tent Embassy to the front of news coverage. Before it occurred no media were even present at the Embassy, despite the historic events that were taking place. After the protest, Fairfax started to run a history of the Embassy. Sky carried out a lengthy interview with Michael Anderson. Abbott was forced to go on the defensive, saying that he “never, never” called for the Embassy to be shut down.
Yet despite being forced to address some of the real issues, the media and politicians also initiated a vicious smear campaign against the Tent Embassy and the protest, labeling the demonstration a “violent mob” the event as a “riot” and covering the incident as if someone had attacked the Prime Minister.
Former NSW Premier Bob Carr has come out saying, “The tent embassy in Canberra says nothing to anyone and should have been quietly packed up years ago. Every government in Australia is aware of its responsibilities to Aboriginal Australians.” His message is the same as Abbott’s—Aboriginal people have nothing left to complain about.
A layer of conservative Aboriginal people in positions of power have chosen to attack or dismiss the protest. Their positions on the protest largely correspond to their positions on the Intervention. Sadly, they included Mick Gooda, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commissioner. It is rumoured that he and his office will not be opposing the new ‘Stronger Futures’ Intervention legislation.
Sue Gordon also criticised the protest, saying that it did not reflect the opinions of Aboriginal people in remote communities. But Gordon can have no credibility after riding into Aboriginal communities accompanied by the army during the roll-out of the NT Intervention.
The struggle ahead
The kind of movement that created the Tent Embassy is needed again today. In February the government will move the Intervention-plus ‘Stronger Futures’ legislation. We need to unite in campaigning against this racist legislation, which cements in place the existing Intervention for a further ten years, and in many ways makes it worse.
The debate about recognising Aboriginal people in the Constitution, and in particular about whether racially-based legislation should be banned, will also be a key opportunity to raise awareness of the real state of Aboriginal affairs.
Julia Gillard must not be allowed to get away with reciting tributes to “elders past and present” and then getting her riot police to shove them out of the way when they criticise her policies. The defiant spirit on display at the Embassy in 1972 and the tradition of struggle it represents must be remembered and carried on in 2012 by everyone who genuinely supports Aboriginal rights.
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How to Tailgate Like a Champion in New Orleans | NewOrleans.Me
POSTED Tue. Sep 16, 2014
How to Tailgate Like a Champion in New Orleans
The Saints play their first home game of the season on Sep 21 against the Vikings, and hopefully my heart won’t get ripped through its teeth again, although I am cautious. Still, the Saints have a triple digit point differential in their favor in the Dome, and that gives me hope. I can totally scientifically prove (or not) that said differential is due at least in part to the passion of the home crowd. Ant to join that crowd? Then you need to tailgate some. Here’s how to do it in New Orleans
You don’t have to tailgate
Well, this has got to be the most contradictory advice ever given on a ‘How to tailgate’ guide. But it’s the truth. This is New Orleans. Drinks can be consumed on the street. And in a sense, this invalidates the need for the tailgate, which has traditionally come around because there is a need for a large pre-game place dedicated to food and alcohol consumption. New Orleans, by dint of its lax drinking laws, doesn’t really require that dedicated space. If you want to have a drink in your hand while you listen to some awesome street musicians, you can totally do that and still get to the Superdome pleasantly sloshed. On the other hand, if you want a more traditional tailgating experience …
Head to Champions Square
There are some who insist Champions Square isn’t a proper tailgating location because it isn’t a parking lot. Well, excuse us for not wanting to suck down the fumes of someone’s idling F-150 while waiting for the national anthem. The Square is a good spot for getting the party started if you’re into big stadium style venues, and seeing as you’re going to an NFL game, I’m assuming you’re into big, stadium style arenas. It’s also within walking distance of the Quarter, and stumbling distance of the CBD, so there’s that.
Fly, barfly, fly
If you’re not going to watch the game at the Superdome, here’s our list of the best bars in the city for NFL game day. Let me add to this list: the Tap Room at Nola Brewing. The beer is wonderful, tasty and cheap, they’re pet friendly and it’s non-smoking. Hands down, one of the best TV sports watching venues in town.
Watch the game in New Orleans!
On Sunday, the city will be awash in black and gold and fans from across the Who Dat nation, some of whom will rush to leave New Orleans as soon as the final whistle blows. It’s a sad truth: some Saints fans have a deep aversion to the city the Saints call home. For example, I’m expecting the normally vacant half of the shotgun double next to my house to be occupied by my semi-regular neighbors this weekend. I say semi-regular because this family only come to New Orleans for Saints home games. I like them, and we get along, but we only interact around eight times a year. If you think it’s crazy that someone can love the Saints enough to rent a house out, unoccupied, all year except for a few home games, while simultaneously avoiding, for the other eleven months, the same team’s namesake city, well, you’re right. That’s crazy. Look, you’re already driving into New Orleans if you’re coming from out of town. Make the best of it and enjoy everything this city has to offer. Our website (ahem) is a good place to start.
Be a Who Dat. But be a playful one
It’s always good to give the opposing team and their fans a bit of grief. But New Orleanians, to their credit, don’t go overboard. While there are some mouth breathing exceptions to this rule who should be banned from the Superdome, our fans don’t pick fights or get too mean spirited. When I think of how to troll other fans like a true Who Dat, I always come back to this guy.
Show your pride, get up in their grill, and leave all parties with a smile at the end of the day. Who Dat.
Image courtesy of Morgan Sasser.
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Andy Williams was pretty clear on his calendar priorities: Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. That sentiment rings true in New Orleans, too. For children,…....
Some Battle of the Bands to Brighten Your Day
Thanksgiving and football go together like turkey and stuffing, or in Louisiana, a turkey and a chicken and a duck. New Orleans adds her own wrinkle to this…....
This weekend in New Orleans Take advantage of the cold front rolling through town by stopping for a steaming cup of gumbo, with a side of brass, at…....
Getting Under the City's Supernatural Skin
When a former editor of author Michael Murphy approached him about updating the 2005 book, Eating New Orleans, he had a better idea for a project. “New Orleans…....
Voodoo, Beyond the Stereotypes, Behind the Scenes
This Halloween week, New Orleans will celebrate the supernatural. But within the context of those celebrations, there is one element of local culture that is consistently mis-characterized, often…....
Get Your Weekend On New Orleans: Oct 16-18
This weekend in New Orleans Fill up on blues and barbecue in Lafayette Square, check out Chewbacchus’ Burning-Man-inspired festival, and dance through the streets with the Black Men…....
Prost! We Break Down all of the Oktoberfest in New Orleans.
Actual Oktoberfest is technically over, but many restaurants and bars in New Orleans plan on celebrating the holiday for the rest of the month. The German tradition, originally…....
Get Your Weekend on, New Orleans: Oct 9-11
This weekend in New Orleans Fall festival season brings celebrations to Gentilly, Marigny, Rivertown and NOMA. Plus, pop star Ariana Grande, country musician Kacey Musgraves, comedian Todd Barry…....
School's...Back...In Summer!
School’s back in session across New Orleans, and students are flocking into Tulane, Loyola, Xavier, UNO and other schools across the city. Incidentally, said students probably need a…....
Celebrating 'Pops' at Satchmo Summerfest
One hundred years ago this summer, Louis Armstrong, affectionately referred to by many as Satchmo, or Pops, played his very first gig in New Orleans (he was all…....
Local Business Spotlight: American Aquatic Gardens
Locally owned businesses feel like an increasing rarity these days, although they tend to make a strong showing in New Orleans. With that said, the businesses we tend…....
Vaughan's: It's a Drag.
For almost 20 years, trumpet player Kermit Ruffins and his band performed every Thursday night at Vaughan’s Lounge, helping make the bar famous as a bastion of New…....
Get in Line to Wine
The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience is just a few days away, and with it comes a full calendar of gastronomic workshops and courses ( a full…....
Music to Bridge the Jazz Fest Gap
Jazz Fest Weekend #1 is in the books, and despite the rain, The Who was incredible, Wilco killed it, and plenty of other bands put on memorable performances.…....
St Roch Market (Re)opens to the Public
Built in 1875, the St. Roch Market on St Claude Avenue sold fried seafood plates and poboys plus boiled shrimp, crabs and crawfish. Even then, its dingy exterior…....
Images of Easter
Easter weekend is an interesting time in New Orleans, a city that is simultaneously deeply Catholic and deeply celebratory. For some, it is a time of worship and…....
Introducing: Gentilly
Most tourists have never heard of Gentilly, On the flip side, many New Orleanians grew up or went to school here. By measures of race and income, Gentilly…....
"Tuesday and Saturday are more similar here than any other place I've ever been."
A love of New Orleans is a wonderful thing, and at this website, we like to make a note of it when someone says something special about our…....
Jason van Ness Showcases His 'Instant Opus'
On Facebook, Jason Van Ness provides a free, daily public service to New Orleans music lovers. About four years ago, he began posting the top five concerts of…....
StoryCorps Comes to New Orleans
Every New Orleanian has a story to tell. Whether you’ve lived here all your life, for a few years, or even a few days, the city has a…....
The History of a Home: the Shotgun
Living in New Orleans, it’s easy to take shotgun houses for granted. They’re everywhere. But like anything else in the Crescent City, there’s more to these simple, unassuming…....
It's Almost March...
We’re only two months into 2015, and it’s not like it hasn’t been an uneventful year in New Orleans. The Battle of New Orleans Anniversary, the beginning of…....
Spotted in New Orleans...
I was admittedly gobsmacked by how busy New Orleans was last weekend. The French Quarter in particular seemed about a jot less active then it has been during…....
Lunar New Year Takes Over New Orleans East
No sooner has Mardi Gras passed from our calendars then another celebration rears its festive head. Starting today, New Orleans celebrates Tet Nguyen Dan, or the Lunar New…....
Everywhere else, it's Tuesday.
Happy Mardi Gras! Enjoy the greatest day of the year. Be silly, be safe and be sensible…but not too sensible.....
On Lundi Gras, Celebrating the Jesters
My favorite Mardi Gras is the walking parades, the processions that stem from the neighborhoods. I much prefer making a crazy costume to watching floats. That said, I…....
We Took Some Barkus Pictures
Barkus, the all canine Carnival procession, is one of my favorite parades of the year. Honestly, if you don’t love dogs dressed up in silly costumes, we can’t…....
The New Orleans & Me Guide to Romantic Restaurants
Valentine’s Day is a little ways away, but we’re guessing this weekend will be the one you use to impress your sweetie. If such is the case, let…....
Puppies and Wookies and...Shoeboxes, Oh My
I understand that to someone from out of town, playing up the weekend before the weekend before Mardi Gras sounds a bit silly. It’s almost two weeks out…....
Gris Gris Strutting on Dauphine St
Well, it’s officially Carnival Season. Krewe du Vieux has rolled, and now the parades are picking up, increasing in frequency and intensity on a slow upward curve to…....
Something New for Krewe du Vieux
This Saturday, January 31st, marks the beginning of the 2015 parade season with the return of perhaps the most idiosyncratic parade of Mardi Gras: Krewe du Vieux. Known…....
Do A Little Dance (The Length of St Charles Ave)
Mardi Gras wouldn’t be the same without dancing. It gives people a break from the onslaught of throws from the floats, and indulges New Orleanians in their love…....
Merry Christmas, New Orleans! Here’s a few holiday favorites. Much love, from our New Orleans & Me family to yours. The 12 Yats of Christmas Christmas in New…....
Christmas Eve Activities in New Orleans
Christmas Eve in the New Orleans area is a packed night. Here’s a roundup of some of our favorite events. Have some eggnog, drive safe and Merry Christmas…....
A Year in Review With WWOZ
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – the time for retrospective content! And as we look back at what came to pass in 2014, we’re #blessed…....
Hanukkah, New Orleans Style, Kicks Off This Week
This week marks the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, and the small but active Jewish community of Greater New Orleans is celebrating the festival of lights…....
How to Celebrate Properly in the Oaks
Of all the many events that define the holidays in New Orleans, Celebration in the Oaks, the holiday light extravaganza put on by City Park, may be the…....
Holiday Events in New Orleans This Week
It’s Christmas in New Orleans, and the holiday-themed events are flowing fast and furious. Here’s some stuff happening this week. Cover image courtesy of Ashe CAC.....
The Ferry And First Fridays on the Point
This weekend, Algiers Point hosts holiday events on both Friday and Saturday nights. Saturday night will be given over to the famous Algiers bonfires, which will be lit…....
Presenting: Uptown
The first time I loved to New Orleans, I lived in a little pink shotgun on Eleonore St. I arrived at that house late in the evening after…....
What Happened Over the Weekend
Plenty happened in New Orleans over the past few days, even on a weekend that ostensibly revolved around Voodoo and Halloween. Here are some shots of the unique…....
New Orleans Through the Eyes of the BroPro
Last Sunday night, my wife and I went to a wedding in City Park and had a nice evening. It was our first night out together since our…....
NOLA Filipino History Stretches for Centuries
New Orleans loudly celebrates its Vietnamese community, its culture and especially its food. But the Vietnamese are not the only Asian American enclave in the area.Filipino culture is,…....
The Best Haunted Houses in Greater New Orleans
With Halloween fast-approaching, and the new season of locally-filmed television series, American Horror Story, now underway, New Orleanians have plenty of opportunities for fright-nights the next few weeks.…....
Time to Celebrate Some Squash
The old saw goes that in Louisiana, we have a festival for everything, and few examples bear this truth out as much as the humble mirliton and the…....
The Best New Orleans Cocktails, and Where to Drink Them
New Orleans is the queen of the American cocktail, a place where the mixed drink has been shaped, perfected, and perhaps, invented. And as such, there is a…....
Behind the Scenes with 'Big Charity'
Big Charity: The Death of America’s Oldest Hospital, a documentary premiering at the New Orleans Film Festival, explores the controversy surrounding the closure of the long-standing health care…....
A Stroll Through the Sculpture Garden
As nice weather activities in New Orleans go, it’s hard to beat the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, home to five manicured acres that host some 60…....
Deco on Alvar
While New Orleans is known for her architecture, this isn’t a city that boasts a huge legacy of Art Deco buildings. Deco, which can be found in the…....
The Insider Guide to New Orleans Farmers Markets
The city of New Orleans is gaining a new farmers market on Oct 15, and concurrently, the weather is getting kind of fall-ish (at least for like, a…....
And Our No. 1 Cocktail Is...
While you should generally take everything you read on the internet with a grain of salt (barring anything you read on this site, natch), sometimes the web yields…....
New Orleans Magic: Tanya & Dorise
At some point today, I’m going to have run errands in the French Quarter. It’s not a prospect I look forward to. The Quarter is undoubtedly one of…....
Jazz In The Park Season Starts
There are admittedly times when I wonder when it’s not Jazz in the Park in New Orleans. At the very least, it seems like there’s always some jazz…....
Music In The Oaks Starts This Week
It’s September. In much of the rest of America, this means leaves start dying, winds take on the crisp edge of autumnal arrival, and lattes get pumpkin spiced.…....
Loving New Orleans Nine Years On
It’s no exaggeration to say Hurricane Katrina, which made landfall in Louisiana nine years ago on Aug 29, was the most transformative event in the living memory of…....
Embrace the Heat at Mid-Summer Mardi Gras
Just because Mardi Gras is half a year away doesn’t mean you have to wait six long months to experience a genuine New Orleans parade. On Saturday, August…....
"Get to da macaroons."
Of all of the places I can imagine to meet the Terminator, the man who killed the Predator, the Running Man, Conan the Barbarian – in other words,…....
What's free, less crowded than Jazz Fest, and happening this weekend?
In New Orleans, people collect festival experiences like they’re Super Mario treasures. Plentiful and satisfying, some are as easy to reap as walking through the neighborhood, and others…....
Written by MOLLY REID
The most romantic restaurants in New Orleans
We’re a city that embraces love, booze, food and sensuality. Sometimes the romance comes cloaked in shadows and candlelight, sometimes it comes with jokes and friendly service, but…....
Booty's & the Bywater, Geography & Gentrification
If you haven’t already read it, give Richard Campanella’s excellent article Gentrification And Its Discontents: Notes From New Orleans a read (his books on New Orleans’ human and…....
Pop Goes the Restaurant Scene
Something about the term “pop-up” has always made me a little skittish. Like when a DJ describes a band by splicing together other bands. Or when a food…....
Heaven Is a Place on Earth
I’m extremely embarrassed to write this: prior to last weekend, I had never been to Katie’s in Mid-City. Katie’s. Not exactly a hidden hole in the wall on…....
Spotted Sings: No Pooping Edition
There’s tons of great hand drawn sings in New Orleans. Saw this one, on Ponce de Leon just across from Fair Grinds, on Sunday. I bow in respect…....
Food hubbin' at Hollygrove
The US Department of Agriculture recently announced it is promoting a “food hubs” program that encourages the distribution and consumption of local produce. And where was the press…....
Speakeasies in the Big Easy
Lots of speak-easy events in New Orleans in the coming week – unsurprising in a city that’s been doing pop-up style restaurants and bars way before those concepts…....
Daytripping from NOLA: St Francisville Edition
I firmly believe that you can’t know a city without knowing its surrounding environment. Geography is one of the crucial ingredients of place, along with culture, history, language…....
Mardi Bowl 2013
There was a lot of amazing in New Orleans during Superbowl week, which of course fell on the week before Mardi Gras, which made the entire Crescent City…....
The beer scene in New Orleans has exponentially expanded since 2010, ballooning from a few beer-specializing bars and one homegrown brewery to a series of brewpubs, microbreweries and even restaurants that specialize in beer and food pairings. The point being…....
In the seemingly never-ending string of festivals New Orleans hosts all year round Bayou Boogaloo (Friday, May 17 – Sunday, May 19) is one of the standouts. Since its inception in 2006, the fest grew from the post-Katrina scrappy little…....
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Thornbury, Thorne, Thornton, Thrapston, Tickhill, Tidworth, Tilbury, Tipton, Tisbury, Tiverton, Todmorden, Tonbridge, Topsham, Torpoint, Torquay, Totland, Totnes, Toton, Tottington, Totton & Eling, Tow Law, Towcester, Tring, Trowbridge, Twyford, Tyldesley, Uckfield, Ulverston, Upholland, Uppingham, Upton-upon-Severn, Urmston, Uttoxeter, Uxbridge, Ventnor, Verwood, Wadebridge, Wadhurst, , Wainfleet All Saints, Wallasey, Wallsend, Wallingford, Wallington, Walmer, Walsall, Waltham Abbey, Waltham Cross, Walthamstow, Walton, Walton-on-Thames, Walton-on-the-Naze, Wandsworth, Wantage, Ware, Wareham, Warminster, Warrington, Warwick, Washington, Watchet, Waterlooville, Watford, Wath-upon-Dearne, Watlington, Watton, Wednesbury, Wednesfield, Wellingborough, Wellington (Somerset), Wellington (Shropshire), Wells-next-the-Sea, Welwyn Garden City, Wem, Wendover, Wesham, West Bridgford, West Bromwich, West Kirby, West Malling, West Mersea, Westbury, Westcliff-on-Sea, Westerham, Westgate-on-Sea, Westhoughton, Weston-super-Mare, Westward Ho!, Wetherby, Weybridge, Weymouth, Whaley Bridge, Whiston, Whitchurch (Hampshire), Whitchurch (Shropshire), Whitefield, Whitehaven, Whitley Bay, Whitnash, Whitstable, Whittlesey, Whitworth, Whyteleafe, Wickford, Wickham, Wickwar, Wigston, Wigton, Willenhall, Willington, Wilmslow, Wilton, Wimborne Minster, Wincanton, Winchcombe, Winchelsea, Windermere, Winsford, Winslow, Winterton, Wirksworth, Wisbech, Witham, Withernsea, Witney, Wiveliscombe, Wivenhoe, Woburn, Woburn Sands, Wokingham, Wolverton, Wombwell, Woodbridge, Woodstock, Wooler, Wootton Bassett, Workington, Worksop, Worsley, Worthing, Wotton-under-Edge, Wroxham, Wymondham, Wythall, Yarm, Yarmouth, Yate, Yateley, Yeadon
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Sunday Stories: Sutherland American Legion History
Just a few weeks ago, on February 2, 2016, the Sutherland American Legion "Otto V. Johnson" Post 208 celebrated 96 years of serving the community of Sutherland and our veterans.
Excerpted from the Sutherland Centennial 1891 – 1991,published in 1991.
The signing of the armistice on November 11, 1918, brought World War I to a close. The country had among its populace more veterans, some with permanently disabling injuries. A nonpartisan organization of veterans, known as the American Legion, was incorporated by an act of Congress on September 16, 1919.
Its purposes are “To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a 100 percent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in the Great Wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and good will on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.”
Otto V. Johnson Post 208 was formed February 2, 1920 in Sutherland. Prioer to the forming of the post, legionnaires belonged to the North Platte Post. On the organization committee were E. R. Spaulding, V. A. Kessler, Louis McNeel, John Miller, Faye Coates and Harvey Pulley. The first meeting was called to order by acting chairman Spaulding, and the first order of business was voting on a name for the Post. Three names were submitted: Johnson-Haase Post, Victory Post, and Otto V. Johnson Post. Otto V. Johnson Post received 20 of the 27 votes cast, so naming of the post came into being February 2, 1920. On February 19, 1920, the official number of the post was received and the name was then “Otto V. Johnson Post No. 208.”
The bylaws were accepted by the members, and the first elected officers were: Post Commander, Earl R. Spaulding; Vice-Commander, John Miller; Adjutant, James P. Guffey; Treasurer, Frank R. Garman; Executive Committee, Harry H. Walsworth, Faye Coates, William E. Welsh, and Vernice A. Kessler.
Charter members of Otto V. Johnson Post: Orla B. Life, Frank Bubak, Sylvester Johnston, John M. Thompson, Byron Myers, Elvin B. McCain, Lloyd T. McCain, John A. Miller, Edwin E. Miller, Matthew Broderick, Roy Eckhoff, Harvey C.Pulley, Herbert A. Leach, Vernice A. Kessler, Earl R. Spaulding, Frank R. Garman, James P. Guffey, James R. Rowan, Louis C. McNeel, H. H. Walsworth, Harry C. Farnam, Albert C. Black, David Wods, Vernon B. Cox, Ivan B. Gordon, Faye W. Kelso, Earl H. White, Lee J. Kelso, Charles R. Cockle Jr., Harold Anderson, and Faye Coates.
The first meeting place was upstairs in Burklund Hall, now at 818 1st Street. The Post leased this meeting room in October of 1920 for $35 a month on a three year lease. Hershey and Paxton members were included in the Otto V. Johnson Post with membership coming from both towns. In 1920, Commander Spaulding was sent to the national convention in Cleveland, Ohio. Faye Coates and H. H. Walsworth were the first to represent the Post at the state convention. E. R. Spaulding was again commander in 1921. On March 14, 1921, the women’s auxiliary was formed. Russell Cox was appointed manager of the baseball club in 1921 and a committee was appointed to locate a ball field and pitcher, regardless of the cost.
The body of Otto V. Johnson was returned to Sutherland from France, in August 1921. The body was accompanied by two guards from New York. Funeral services were conducted on the school yard in Sutherland, and the body was taken to the cemetery in a caisson pulled by four horses. Legionnaires marched behind the coach to the cemetery. Otto V. Johnson was born in Sutherland, September 10, 1891, one of ten children of John and Caroline Johnson. He entered the Army in April 1918 and after three weeks of training was sent to France with the 355th Infantry and was killed in the Argonne Forst, just south of Beaufort, France, on November 6, just 6 days before the war ended. Death came instantly, inflicted by machine gun fire.
Post Commanders for the balance of the 1920’s were: V.A. Kessler, G. B. Cochran, H. H. Walsworth, M. L. Skallberg; Louis McNeel, and H. M. Guffey. Events of the same period: R. A. Cox appointed 1st Sgt. At Arms, 1922; the 4th of July dance, admission $.10; and the beginning of fund raising events that have continued throughout the history of the post.
Memorial Day services began in 1921, with the Post conducting the services. The second home of the Post was in the LaRue building, but this did not work out, and the records show the meetings were held at the Jim Parry Ranch, later known as the Ed Ohrlund Ranch. Without a meeting place and with Hershey and Paxton leaving to form their own posts, the Post was not as active in 1925 and 1926. Many meetings were held with the auxiliary, but no minutes were recorded. In 1927, the Post had 30 members and met in various homes. This year the Post sponsored the Boy Scouts with the legionnaire Dr. R.S. Russell as Scout Master. The scouts’ meeting room was in the basement of the library. In 1928, a rental agreement was reached with the IOOF Lodge for a meeting room at a cost of $18 a year. Post Commanders of the 1930’s: Earl White, Dr. R. S. Russell, Charles McNeel, Ivan Gordon, F. E. Palmer, L. H. Stoll, with some serving more than one year. Events of the decade include: organization of a Pistol Cub (in ushering in the Roaring 30’s they must have felt they needed organized protection).
In 1931, the legion assisted the Boy Scouts in building a swimming pool on top of the hill by the water tank. Water was supplied by the overflow, and while the pool was very nice, the water was very cold. The banks closed, and the Post was left with a few outstanding checks. The Post suffered and paying bills was difficult. However, the Post was instrumental in organizing aid to the drought stricken area. Over 31,000 lbs. of hay and 85 bushels of corn were raised in this drive.
Employment was a problem and congressional flour was distributed by the Post and the Red Cross. Raising money for the rental fees for the IOOF was accomplished through a loan and assistance from the auxiliary. Activities were limited in 1935 and 1936, and only three meetings were recorded with 1937 much the same. The main topic of the first meeting of 1938 was the debate on whether we should whip Japan now or tomorrow. The debate was hot and the discussion long. The post turned the legion grounds (where the present fire hall is located) over to the Commercial Club, reserving the right to play ball there. 1939 was the first year that Boys State was started and Eldon Gordon represented Otto V.Johnson Post at a cost of $12.63. This was an improved year for the Post with regular meetings and good attendance. Commanders in the 1940’s were L. H. Stoll, Herman Kallhoff, W. C. Adams, G. B. Cochran, A. O. Jones, Claire Sherman, and Bernard Gummere. Post activities were limited with WW II starting. Legion activities took a big step forward. Gold stars were presented to the families who had lost sons in the service.
The families of George LaRue, who was killed at Pearl Harbor, and Bill Dikeman, a member of the Canadian Air Force, were the first to be honored. Other Gold Stars were awarded during World War II to the families of Theodore Johnston, J. K. Shoup, A. B. Anderson, James Copeland, Harold Hall, Harold Largent, and Cleo Truitt. Silver Star certificates presented by the military at the Post meetings were for Gail Harvey, George Green, Lyle Hoatson, Vernon Combs, and Adelbert Crosby.
With the end of WW II, membership in the post increased rapidly, and plans for a new Legion home became the goal. The first step was purchasing a lot in downtown Sutherland. Soliciting of funds started in 1946. This was the largest project the Post ever attempted. Plans were changed before construction started in 1948, with the location to be the fire department grounds south of the tracks rather than the lot in downtown Sutherland. In 1949, the post had 107 members. During the year after World War Ii many veterans’ bodies were returned for burial and the Post conducted the military services at Fort McPherson or at the Sutherland Cemetery. Post activities were plentiful with fund raising for the new Legion home topping the list.
The 1950 commanders were: Dale Godwin, Ted Hanich, John Crockett, John Beveridge, W. J. Wooden, John East, Charles Bierma, James Beeson, and Lloyd Farmer. The first half of the 50’s was consumed with the building project. The actual construction and funds for some construction had begun in 1948 and in 1956, final completion was held with the installation of a maple floor. It must be noted that the building project was made possible with many area residents donating both money and work. The death of WWI veterans increased rapidly during this decade. E. R. Spaulding, one of the very inspirational veterans and the first post commander in 1920-1921 died in Portland, Oregon.
The 1960’s commanders were: Mervan Shuler, Bryce Cody, Frank Hoatson, Walt Jochum, Jim Godeker, Asa Kinnaman, Gene Anderson and Gene Taylor. The Post continued to be active and lifetime memberships were awarded to many WWI veterans who had been charter and active members since the Post was organized.
A building committee was established in this era to help in the running of the dances and with the activities of the Post. Many hard working members served in this capacity. Community roller skating was an added activity. The posts’ 43rd birthday was celebrated March 21, 1962. The annual mountain oyster feed began in 1964 and was approved as an annual affair in 1965 and continued until 1988.
With the Korean War in the 1950’s and the Vietnam War in the 1960’s, the Post added a new group of veterans to its roll. Receiving 50 year memberships at this time were Russell Cox, Jim Guffey, Louis Stoll and Vernice Kessler.
The 1970’s commanders were Floyd Paulman, Doug Richards, Bob Peterson, Roger Faling, Walt Jochum, Dorman Duncan, and Tom Laubner. The annual chicken-noodle feed started in 1970, and it is still an annual community event. Eligibility for Legion members chanted in 1974 to read: WWII 12/7/41 to 12/31/46; Korean War 6/25/50 to 1/31/55; Vietnam 8/5/64 to 8/15/73. Post meeting attendance was down during this period, but the functions of the Post remained good.
Commanders in the 1980’s were Gene Anderson, Gene Taylor, Tom Laubner, Bob Bryant and Roger Faling. The Post activities and meeting attendance remained the same. The 1980’s did show the start of the passing of several WWII veterans and Post members. The first of these was John Beveridge who died suddenly in June of 1982. John was very active in Legion affairs for many years. He was Post Commander in 1953 and in 1959 he was elected as Post Service Officer holding that position for 24 consecutive years. His work in this position was outstanding. Other WWII Post veterans who died during this time were Dorman Duncan, Glen Kendall, Harry Reitz, Bryce Cody and Bob Bryant. Ten new rifles were purchased for use in military and Memorial Day services.
One of the larger projects since the building of the Legion Hall started in 1987 with the passing of Bob Bryant. The Avenue of Flags at the Cemetery began with a donation of $100 and Bob’s flag presented to the post by his widow Mary Bryant. This was a project Bob had been sponsoring at the time of his death. Memorial Day service in 1988 showed the completion of much of this project. The remaining poles which encircled the east, south and west sides of the Sutherland Cemetery were completed in 1989. Each pole has a name plate and flies a flag of the deceased veteran. It is a beautiful project which entailed a great deal of time and effort. Many members worked on this project, but the two members who spent many extra hours to insure completion were Gene Anderson and Doug Richards. Their loyal efforts must be noted in the history of the Post.
To conclude a 70-year existence of Otto V. Johnson Post #208 it is only right to mention some of the many project and community events and donations of the Post throughout its history. Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Baseball, Legion Baseball, County Government, Oratorical Contests, Memorial Day Services, Military Services, Educational Scholarships, NRA Rifle Club, 4th of July, and many other projects and donations for community service.
The veterans of all wars of our country should always be honored, but especially, those who died in battle. These were young men who sacrificed their lives for their country.
The history of Otto V. Johnson Post was compiled and researched by Marvin Beatty, Post Historian since 1962. Dates, events and facts were taken from the minutes of the meetings of the Post. Many names not mentioned in the history were also a part of the efforts of Otto V. Johnson Post #208.
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Tag: Peace Walk Festival
6th Peace Walk / HWPL PHOTO
To commemorate the 6th Peace Walk, a Peace Letter campaign along with a Peace Walk festival was held for 4 days from May 16th to 20th at Bačko Gradište and Liberty Square of Bečej in the South Bačka District of Serbia. Over 700 youth and students from all around Serbia gathered under the direction of Aleksandar Đekić, president of Bečejsko Udruženje Mladih, for the Peace Walk festival. They gathered to urge their head of state to support the DPCW. (What is DPCW?)
Aleksandar Đekić, president of Bečejsko Udruženje Mladih, who planned the event, suffered through two wars in his childhood and currently resides in Serbia. He stated that, “when I was a child, I was in two wars growing up. One in Croatia and one in Bosnia. Because of this, I accept to participate in the work of peace.”
Let me introduce you to the two wars and the Yugoslav war, which includes these two wars.
Croatian War of Independence
Croatian War 1991 Vukovar street / Wikimedia Commons
The Croatian War of Independence was fought from 1991 to 1995. An estimated 20,000 people died during Croatia’s four-year war of independence, during the breakup of Yugoslavia. Several hundred Vukovar citizens were murdered by the Yugoslav army and Serb paramilitaries in 1991. In total, the war caused 500,000 refugees and displaced persons.
Bosnian War
The cemetery at the Srebrenica-Potočari Memorial and Cemetery to Genocide Victims / Wikipedia
The Bosnian War was an international armed conflict that took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina between 1992 and 1995. During the war, an estimated 100,000 people were killed, 80% of whom were Bosniaks. In July 1995, Bosnian Serb forces killed as many as 8,000 Bosniak men and boys from the town of Srebrenica. It was the largest massacre in Europe since the Holocaust. Bosnia peace efforts fail, war breaks out between Muslims and Croats, previously allied against Serbs.
Lists of Yugoslav Wars
Date: 31 March 1991 – 12 November 2001
Total deaths: 130,000 – 140,000
Displaced: 4,000,000
Ten-Day War, Slovenian Independence War (1991)
Croatian War of Independence (1991–1995)
Bosnian War (1992–1995)
Kosovo War (1998–1999)
Insurgency in the Preševo Valley (1999–2001)
Insurgency in the Republic of Macedonia (2001)
6th Peace Walk with IPYG
No one knows the need for peace as well as anyone who has experienced the war in person. Thank you for the courage and dedication of the leaders who are now working for peace. You guys fought really well. It’s our turn now.
Aleksandar Đekić said, “Before IPYG, our organization never knew that a project like this existed, and we never heard about the DPCW, even though we do projects regarding human rights. This motivated us to research more about this topic, and encouraged us to participate, and try to make new changes in our society.
IPYG helped us a lot during the planning process, especially with education about the 10 articles and DPCW. We managed to organize a major event in our city that gathered the attention of Bečejs citizens and inspired them to think about this topic more. We hope that the head of our country will notice us and our message we presented through our peace walks.”
6th Peace Walk was held in around 126 locations in 77 countries. IPYG will surely achieve peace with young people all over the world. I want you to be a witness.
Official page: http://www.ipyg.kr/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ipyg.org/
Author masterPosted on 2019년 July 10일 2019년 July 10일 Categories About me :)Tags Aleksandar Đekić, Bečej, Bečejsko Udruženje Mladih, Bosnian War, Croatian War of Independence, DPCW, HWPL, hwpl peace walk, IPYG, IPYG peace letter campaign, Peace Walk Festival, Peacewalk, Serbia, What is HWPL, Yugoslav Wars2 Comments on Youth of Bečej, Serbia Peace Walk Festival for DPCW
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Darrell Grayson
Execution Alerts
On Wings of Hope
Death Penalty in AL
Home » OUR VIEW: Alabama this year went against the...
OUR VIEW: Alabama this year went against the national trend of fewer executions, even thought the state's system of capital punishment leaves much to be desired
posted by PHADP on Fri, 12/30/2011 - 06:59
OUR VIEW: Alabama this year went against the national trend of fewer executions, even though the state's system of capital punishment leaves much to be desired
Published: Tuesday, December 27, 2011, 5:45 AM
By Birmingham News editorial board The Birmingham News
Bucking a national trend rarely lands Alabama's elected officials in trouble with the electorate. In fact, many claim not being like New York, or California, or Texas, or any other state, as a badge of honor.
We suspect that is also the case with our state's latest trend-bucking: While the number of executions across the nation declined this year compared to 2010, Alabama's rose, according to the Death Penalty Information Center's year-end report issued this month. Nationally, states executed 43 Death Row inmates, down from 46 in 2010. Alabama, on the other hand, executed five Death Row inmates in 2010, but six this year. Executions have declined 57 percent nationally since 1999, the DPIC reported.
The trend toward states moving away from the death penalty continued this year, with Illinois becoming the fourth state in four years to abandon capital punishment and the Oregon governor declaring a moratorium on all executions. Only 13 states executed Death Row inmates in 2011.
Also, just 78 people convicted of murder received death sentences in 2011, the first time in 35 years there have been fewer than 100 death sentences, according to the DPIC. The report did not provide state-by-state figures for death sentences.
Fear of executing the innocent plus the option of locking away a murderer for the rest of his life without parole are driving the decrease in death sentences, according to Richard Dieter, the center's executive director and author of the report. That ultimately will lead to fewer inmates on states' Death Rows.
Polling indicates public sentiment is moving away from support of the death penalty. Support for the death penalty is 61 percent nationally, the lowest level of support in almost 40 years, according to the 2011 Gallup Poll.
For those of us who oppose capital punishment, 2011 has been a promising year in many ways nationally. In Alabama? Not so much.
Our state's execution pace continues unabated, Gov. Robert Bentley has shown no less inclination for allowing executions than his predecessor, Bob Riley, and the Legislature continues to do nothing about a system of capital punishment that is fraught with error, haphazard, unfair and risks putting to death an innocent person. (Since 1993, five inmates have earned their freedom from Alabama's Death Row; nationally, the DPIC cites 139 Death Row exonerations since 1973.)
The DPIC report highlighted a January execution in Alabama that should have given Riley, the Legislature and Alabamians great pause. Here is the report's excerpt: "Before trial, prosecutors offered Leroy White a plea bargain to life without parole, but White's trial lawyer misunderstood the law and incorrectly told White he could not be convicted of capital murder. The jury in White's case then recommended a life sentence, but Alabama is one of the few states that allow the judge to override the jury, and White was sentenced to death. One of White's appellate attorneys, who practiced corporate law and had never argued in a courtroom, withdrew from the case without telling him and later admitted he caused his client to miss a critical appeal deadline, thereby shortening the appeals process and expediting his execution."
White was convicted of shooting and killing his wife while he held his 17-month-old daughter in one of his arms. His daughter, incidentally, as well as his wife's family, had asked that White's life be spared.
With better lawyers representing him, White would be alive today. If Alabama weren't the only one of 34 states with the death penalty where judges regularly override juries, White would be alive today. Such arbitrary factors shouldn't decide who lives and who dies in a system that is supposed to apply the death penalty fairly and impartially.
Bucking the national trend on capital punishment may be a political winner for Alabama's elected officials. But they should worry about the consequences of continuing to put people to death with such a dangerous death penalty system.
© 2011 al.com. All rights reserved.
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NoodleFood
The Passion of Ayn Rand’s Critics
Posted by Diana Hsieh on 5 June 2005 at 4:27 pm Jim Valliant
An alert NoodleFood reader recently asked me in e-mail: “Why no comments on the new “Passion of AR’s Critics” book by Valliant? I can’t believe you didn’t pre-order and have read it by now. ;-)”
Indeed, I haven’t yet read The Passion of Ayn Rand’s Critics. I don’t even own it yet. Astonishing, I know!
Last summer, I was in the middle of writing up a long commentary on both Nathaniel and Barbara Branden. I had to set it aside for that small matter known as graduate school. I plan to finish it shortly. I’d like to finish writing it — at least in draft form — before I read Valliant’s book. I want to keep my own thoughts separate from his arguments — and the best way to do that is to put my thoughts on paper before reading the book.
So the fact that I haven’t yet read the book is not due to any lack of interest — quite the opposite, in fact! From what I’ve heard from multiple sources, I expect it to be a very interesting read.
However, I have been following some of the online commentary on the book. It’s quite interesting to compare the comments on Objectivism Online and The Forum with those posted on SOLO. Tom Rowland summed up the state of the “debate” on SOLO nicely:
So far, all I have done, as far as I can remember, is raise questions about the posts given here and the appropriateness of giving the book an objective hearing on the merits. So far, most of the response has been anger, based on the assumed truth of Barbara Branden’s biography, Nathaniel Branden’s “Judgment Day”, NBs “Benefits and Hazards” piece, and assorted other letters, papers and street wisdom. But the assumed truth is exactly what is in question here. And yelling and screaming and waving your arms and pointing to the received word from all of the above begins to look like an evangelist pointing to the “word of God” and asking me to accept it all on faith. (How’s that for a metaphor?)
I was also astonished by the repeated claim that Ayn Rand’s history with Nathaniel and Barbara Branden is old news, unworthy of further discussion. Of course, that amounts to giving the Brandens the first, last, and only word. Oh yeah, that’s justice.
The Passion of Ayn Rand’s Critics Add comments
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Home | Live | Podcasts | Blog | Queue | Connect | Contribute | Search
Copyright Diana Hsieh | Web | Email | Twitter | Facebook
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off b'way is back?
Crains bucks the trend and says that despite recent woes over shuttering spaces and marketing difficulties, commercial Off Broadway is (forgive me) staging a comeback. First there's the reverse-transfers of Broadway hits Avenue Q and 39 Steps to the New World Stages "multiplex" venue, where they are both doing well. Now another OB entrepreneur is staking some real estate:
In the past few months, Catherine Russell has been receiving calls constantly from producers trying to rent a stage at her off-Broadway theater complex. In fact, the demand is so great that Ms. Russell—whose two stages are filled with the long-running shows The Fantasticks and Perfect Crime—plans to build more theaters. The general manager of the Snapple Theater Center at West 50th Street and Broadway is in negotiations with landlords at two midtown locations to build one complex with two 249-seat theaters and another with two 249-seat theaters and a 99-seat stage. She hopes to sign the leases within the next two months and finish the theaters by October.
“There are not enough theaters centrally located in the Broadway area,” says Ms. Russell, who is looking for a corporate sponsor for the new theaters similar to the deal she now has with Snapple. “There is a need for more comfortable, clean, off-Broadway theaters with lovely dressing rooms and a good location.”
Yes, the Snapple Theatre is a hit.
Russell has a point about "location, location, location". Both Snapple and New World are basically in the Times Square/Broadway theatre district, and thus have a better chance of roping in some of the tourist trade who only go there to see a show.
On the other hand, there are still those daunting "givens" for producing OB:
Despite the renewed interest, off-Broadway still faces many challenges. The average ticket price is just $37.50—compared with around $80 on Broadway—and the theaters are small, with the maximum number of seats at 499, so making the weekly nut is tough. And with weekly advertising budgets of around $5,000 (compared with $75,000 on Broadway), these productions rely on reviews, which are getting harder to come by because the advertising downturn has forced news outlets to lay off critics and run fewer reviews.
Show me where that $37.50 ticket is to be had, by the way! Last I checked The Public was selling that hip youth-oriented downtown musical Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson at $70. And they're nonprofit!
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Home / Unlabelled / CLINTON MUM ABOUT WEST PAPUA VIOLENCE
CLINTON MUM ABOUT WEST PAPUA VIOLENCE
NZPA
U.S Secretary of State Hilary Clinton has declined to comment on Indonesian military filmed torturing West Papuans. In late October Indonesia admitted that its soldiers had tortured Papuan men seen in an online video being beaten and humiliated, and promised a thorough investigation. Amnesty's Asia-Pacific Deputy Director Donna Guest said in a statement at the time:
“The release of this video is the latest reminder that torture and other ill-treatment in Indonesia often goes unchecked and unpunished.” Mrs Clinton is currently in New Zealand for a two day visit. She told reporters during a brief visit to Papua New Guinea on Wednesday, the US was “a friend and ally” of both Indonesia and PNG. “I have no comment on the specific matter you refer to,” she said.
“The government of Indonesia and the Indonesia military has made significant changes in the last years, in the ten years of democracy. “If there are continuing violations of human rights, then they should be investigated by the appropriate authorities and those responsible should be held accountable,” she said. PNG, which shares a 750 kilometre border with Indonesia, allows Papuans to cross into their country and has given many Papuans refugee status due to prolonged persecution by Indonesia authorities.
PNG Prime Minister Michael Somare said PNG Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Abal contacted his counterpart in Indonesia regarding the issue but has not had a response. “The particular incident you are talking about, we are aware of it,” Sir Michael said. “It does happen. “There are groups who are anti-Indonesia, they're our citizens, Papuans, West Papuans, they want to choose, they want self determination. “People want to go against the system and these things happen,” he said. Sir Michael said PNG shares “excellent relations” with Indonesia and commended the current president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
“The Yudhoyono administration has really moved far, far ahead (on the Papuan issue),” he said. Indonesia took formal control of the Dutch colony in a widely criticised 1969 UN-sponsored vote by 1022 hand-picked Papuan village elders. Since then Indonesia has neutralised the Papuans' stubborn campaign for self-rule of a province where the traditional landowners have become an ethnic minority. The Papuan cause is Indonesia's biggest unresolved territorial dispute since East Timor gained independence in 1999 and Aceh's conflict was resolved in 2005.
CLINTON MUM ABOUT WEST PAPUA VIOLENCE Reviewed by PNGBlogger on November 05, 2010 Rating: 5
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WE ARE THE NORMAL
The Goo Goo Dolls are freed from a naive record contract
From the time the Goo Goo Dolls released their first album ten years ago until their 1995 commercial breakthrough "A Boy Named Goo," each band member held a part-time job. Frontman Johnny Rzeznik was working as an independent radio promoter when he wrote the eventual No. 1 hit, "Name."
Even when "Name" catapulted the Goos into the alternative stratosphere, where backstage beverages include Beck's instead of bug juice, the Buffalo trio was still stuck in the same tax bracket. Despite selling more than two million copies of "A Boy Named Goo," the band didn't see a penny in royalties, and each member was pulling down a welfare-envying $6,000 a year from the label. Their ridiculous financial situation came about because of the still-enforced record contract the then naive band signed with Metal Blade prior to the release of its 1987 debut album.
"I thought about carving 'Slave' into my face, but it didn't work," bassist Robby Takac says, alluding to The Artist Formerly Known as Prince's bizarre protest of his Warner Bros. contract several years back.
"I don't blame Metal Blade for taking advantage of the situation," adds guitarist Rzeznik. "That's just the nature of the business. If you allow somebody to take advantage of you, then they're going to. Ultimately it was our fault that we signed that contract."
The Goos still had to eat, though, and they embarked on a two-year tour to pay the bills. The group even reluctantly joined the glitzy, teen-skewed Bush/No Doubt tour, an experience that Takac likens to "having a dentist enter through your ass to pull your wisdom teeth out." In the meantime, the band sought legal help to get out of the contract. The band won a nine-month legal battle in August to liberate itself from the Metal Blade contract and, beginning with the next album, will record exclusively for Metal Blade's distributor, Warner Bros. Goo Goo Dolls attorney Peter Paterno calls the new deal "twice as good" as the old one.
"I feel like such a lucky guy, 'cause we just had a really successful record and I think we've got another good record in us," Rzeznik boasts. "But there were definitely some pretty bumpy times where you just go, 'Why the fuck am I doing this? This is stupid. This is insane.' But, at the same time, you love what you're doing, so you'll put up with all the bullshit to do it."
In preparation for the Goos' sixth album, the band played sporadically this summer, mostly near its Buffalo hometown and in Canada. Aside from performing their contribution to the "Batman & Robin" soundtrack, "Lazy Eye," the Goos' refused to test new material on the road. "You can't play [new songs] live now," Rzeznik says. "Because the next day some jerk's selling it on the Internet."
The Goos will record new material in New York, Los Angeles and "maybe someplace weird," according to Rzeznik. Thrilled that they'll now be paid fairly for any future success, the band is still angered by the record industry's restrictive bureaucracy.
"They've been saying 'somebody's gotta reform this business' since the first time some dude crawled out of Tin Pan Alley singin' a song," Rzeznik laments.
"Someone will someday," Takac adds.
"But it ain't gonna be us," says a relieved Rzeznik.
BLAIR R. FISCHER
Copyright © 1997 by Straight Arrow Publishers Company, L.P. All rights reserved.
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The Management Team have a proven record of building profitable business services that deliver information via Telephony and Web based applications. The team recognise and pursue the real and tangible benefits of conducting business electronically.
Weather2 are headquartered in Glasgow, Scotland and have offices in London, England and Zagreb, Croatia with AMI agencies in Australia, China, Korea and the United Arab Emirates. Europe and near Asia is covered from the UK office and the American continents are covered directly from the USA.
Paul Wisely
Paul has worked in the telephony industry at a senior level for over 10 years and was responsible for delivering some of the UK's first weather information services via premium rate telephony to clients such as the BBC and Teletext. Paul is responsible for building Weather2's strategic alliances and for the commercial activities of the company.
Paul is an outdoor enthusiast and has spent several winters skiing in Europe and has sailed the Atlantic.
Recently he completed a Master of Science qualification at Napier University, Edinburgh studying Interactive Technologies for Electronic Business.
John has worked at a senior level in the production of editorial content for a range of commercial Web sites and telephony information services for over 7 years. He is responsible for the design and operation of the Weather2 Content Management System that allows information services to be assembled through a single interface but distributed to consumers via multi-channel applications.
John also enjoys an active leisure time and has skied extensively in Europe. He is also so enthusiastic about surfing that he even pursues this sport in Scottish waters.
John holds an MA Honours degree in Psychology from Glasgow University.
Tom has worked for over 7 years at a senior level in the design and development of database driven information systems. He is responsible for the design, development and deployment of Weather2's content processing, delivery and database systems and integrating these into national telephony networks and Internet applications.
Tom, like the rest of the team enjoys the outdoors. He has snowboarded in the US and Europe and has been sailing since childhood; racing and cruising boats on the Clyde - and beyond as often as his schedule allows.
In addition to his technical qualifications Tom has a PhD in science from Glasgow University.
Aerospace & Marine International (AMI) provide our full portfolio of weather data. AMI is one of the world's leading and fastest growing meteorological and oceanographic specialist information companies with a reputation for excellence. Weather2 package AMI data into an extensive range of multi-media, multi-channel information services.
Opera Interactive Technology Group (OITG) provide our technology and telephony network infrastructure. OITG is one of Europe's leading telecoms service providers with offices around the world. The partnership with OITG, allows us to deliver telephony and messaging services in over 200 countries worldwide. In the UK our services are delivered across all the leading fixed and mobile telephone networks.
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Soldiers Missing, 13 Wounded After Boko Haram Attack
Some Nigerian soldiers went missing after an attack by the Boko Haram sect in Gashigar, a northern Borno community that borders Niger Republic.
Army spokesperson Sani Usman said the soldiers were attacked at their position at about 5:30pm on Monday. Colonel Usman described the attackers as “escaping remnants of Boko Haram.”
“The troops did their best to defend the location in vain. In the process, 13 soldiers sustained injuries while some are still missing in action.”
The spokesperson said troops suffered a “temporary setback” and had to withdraw from the location.
“However, the wounded soldiers have been evacuated and receiving treatment, while efforts are ongoing in search for those missing and clear the Boko Haram terrorists at the general area,” he said.
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J. Cliff McKinney II served as lead real estate counsel for TheatreSquared in the development of the professional theater company’s new venue in northwest Arkansas. The property where the project will be built is owned by the city of Fayetteville and a long-term lease to TheatreSquared was approved by the city council. Construction on the new 50,000 square-foot facility began with a groundbreaking ceremony in June 2017 and is expected to be completed by 2019. The $34,000,000 new facility will feature the company’s first dedicated rehearsal space, staff offices, education and community space, in addition to on-site design and building workshops, eight dedicated guest artist apartments, outdoor public spaces at three levels, and an open-all-day café. The firm represented TheatreSquared in negotiations with the City to lease the property and to obtain partial funding from the City. The firm also advised TheatreSquared during the due diligence process as well as assisted in the negotiation of the architectural service agreements and construction agreements. Additionally, the firm assisted TheatreSquared in the negotiation of its financing arrangements.
Protest of Bid for State Contract Successful
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About Passive House
What is a Passive House?
Energy Recovery System
Apt 1
About the Architect
R-951 Residence
951 Pacific Street, Brooklyn
photo by Frances Wilson
About FURTHER, INC.
A design/build development firm specializing in sustainable construction partnered by Ray Sage, Wendy Brawer, and Paul Castrucci, bringing together 60 years of experience in eco-design. R-951 Residence is the partnership’s first project.
Wendy E Brawer is an award-winning eco-designer and social innovator. She is best known as the founder and director of Green Map System, which engages communities in 65 countries in mapping sustainability and social change. An early contributor to the emerging green building scene in New York, Wendy has worked on energy, waste reduction and other issues impacting New Yorkers’ quality of life since 1990. Formerly the Designer in Residence Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, Wendy is actively involved in diverse projects that will help NYC meet its ’80 by 2050’ goals. More about her work is at http://ecoCultural.info.
Ray E Sage is a contractor and consultant with over 20 years of experience in New York City, and has a deep interest in energy efficiency and renewables. He has worked on a wide variety of residential and commercial projects. His concern for biodiversity has led to studying beekeeping and Ray now tends rooftop hives. Ray is also Wendy’s life partner.
ABOUT PAUL CASTRUCCI ARCHITECT
Paul A Castrucci is committed to providing clients with innovative design solutions that integrate the firm’s leading expertise in sustainable design, experienced approach to functional problem solving, and a dedication to the art of building.
Established over 20 years ago by architect and community advocate Paul Castrucci, the firm’s project experience includes single family homes, multi-family buildings, community centers, artists’ studios, commercial office spaces and roof gardens. From small scale apartment renovations to new multi-story buildings, the firms work emphasizes craftsmanship, functionality and the environment.
Credits: Images on this website belong to Further, Inc.
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Greenleaf attacker: Judge-freed Haskins now charged in child rape
By Lisa Provence | lisa@readthehook.com
Published online 3:59pm Thursday Jul 8th, 2010
and in print issue #0928 dated Thursday Jul 15th, 2010
Haskins in his latest mugshot at left and in 2003.
MUGSHOTS FROM CHARLOTTESVILLE POLICE
Seven years ago, after Robert Terrell Haskins was charged with his first sexual assault, police felt so sure that he was a man unable to control himself that they expressed outrage when a little-known judge reduced an attempted rape charge to a misdemeanor sexual battery conviction, and they predicted that Haskins would molest again. Sadly, that prediction proved accurate for the then-eight-year-old child Haskins allegedly assaulted between 2003 and 2005.
The alleged victim, now 16, contacted police this spring, and Haskins, now 26, stands charged with five counts of forcible sodomy and one count of aggravated sexual assault.
"My reaction?" responds Albemarle Sheriff Chip Harding, who was a Charlottesville police captain when Haskins was first charged. "I'm really not surprised. Those of us around back then felt like he had a compulsive nature that made him a sexual predator. I'm still perplexed the judge made the decision he did."
Haskins' infamy began with an attack in Greenleaf Park on December 30, 2002. The brazen daylight attack on a mother in the presence of her toddler came at a time when Charlottesville women were already on edge with a serial rapist on the loose. Arrested the following March, Haskins admitted on videotape that he'd knocked the 34-year-old woman to the ground to have sexual relations with her and fled when she screamed and fought him off.
Nonetheless, when tried in September 2003, Haskins was found guilty of misdemeanor sexual battery and given just a six-month sentence. With credit for time served, he was released that same month.
"Those in court were flabbergasted with the judge's decision," says Harding.
As for the judge, Joseph Spinella, he's now 85 and retired in Richmond. Although he says he doesn't remember the case ("It doesn't ring a bell," he says), he cites pre-sentencing reports that give the defendant's background and sentencing guidelines that would have played into his decision.
"You get a pretty good picture of what he's like, but you can't predict if he's going to do well," says Spinella. "We truly dislike hearing someone has not followed the rules and stayed out of trouble."
Despite the subsequent alleged assaults on a child, says Spinella, "I don't think I would have done anything differently."
"For that judge not to remember, we have some cracks in our legal system," says Sheriff Harding. "He wasn't part of our community and doesn't have to answer for his decision."
Between 2003-2005, when the latest victim was between 8 and 10 years old, Haskins would rack up increasingly more serious sexual assault charges. In February 2003, prior to his conviction, Haskins grabbed the buttocks of a a juvenile female jogger on Locust Avenue and received a misdemeanor sexual battery conviction. Later that year, he allegedly chased another jogger on Locust Avenue.
Two years later, he broke into a woman's house on Little High Street, a crime for which he was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison. And at the time of the most recent charges, Haskins was already in jail for probation violation and for providing false information to the state's sexual offender registry, says a Charlottesville Police lieutenant.
"We warned there was a high likelihood of him re-offending," says Sheriff Harding, who wonders how–- or even whether–- judges are monitored and assessed.
"I can't say this guy is incompetent," says Harding, speaking of the judge, "but his ruling seemed to be incompetent. I'm glad to hear he's retired."
Harding says that efforts to rehabilitate people with certain types of sexual deviancy often fail. "If he's found guilty," says Harding, of the latest charges, "I hope the judge will incapacitate him."
Haskins attended a school for learning and emotional disabilities and once told police that if he doesn't take his medication, "I do wild stuff."
"If he has a mental illness, I'd like to see him treated," says Harding, "but he's a danger to the community."
Updated 7:10pm with Judge Joseph Spinella's full name.
Read more on: robert haskinssexual offender
jeezlouise July 15th, 2010 | 11:20am
Read the link embedded in the story Donald.
ronnie July 12th, 2010 | 10:45pm
This guy does look like the one in the sketch related to Morgans case I wonder if LE has checked this out
Sean July 12th, 2010 | 2:26pm
Something tells me that this story won't make it onto Waldo's blog..
Arlen July 8th, 2010 | 6:50pm
deleted by moderator
george steppe July 8th, 2010 | 9:21pm
some people is mental ill in this life and will never be right but i hope he ask god to forgive him of his sins but he is a sick man.
Jake July 9th, 2010 | 12:41am
Why is everyone calling this judge's judgment poor when no one has any idea as to what evidence was presented before him at trial, what evidence was excluded, or what objections and arguments counsel for both sides made. Isn't the prosecutor just as responsible for failing to secure a conviction? Let's all get the facts before we jump to ignorant criticism.
I retract my above comment after reading the article from the initial case.
retort July 9th, 2010 | 10:43am
One analogy made for the role judges play in society is to an umpire in a baseball game. Umpires sometimes blow calls that have repercussions in games.
Of course, this is not a baseball game and this is not the only judge locally or in the country as a whole that discounts either the damage sexual assault has on the victims or the predatory nature of these types of criminals.
Too many child rape or child porn perps get light sentences. Too often inter-family allegations of sexual abuse are completely ignored. Too many victims of these crimes are failed by the judicial system.
Sheriff Harding is absolutely correct. There needs to be greater accountability for those judges that make such heinous mistakes.
Some have postulated on this website that judges get rubber-stamped re-appointments. Some have pointed out that local bars are completely unwilling to criticize local judges.
This needs to change as too often judges wash their hands of their dumb decisions or simply don't care about the negative repercussions. They are never held to account by those that practice in their courts or by those that appoint them.
It is we the people that suffer as a result.
Yes July 9th, 2010 | 11:38am
"Updated 7:10pm with Judge Joseph Spinella’s full name."
BRRRR July 9th, 2010 | 11:32am
"As for the judge, Joseph Spinella, he’s now 85 and retired in Richmond. "
YA HAVE TO REALLY READ THE ARTICLE TO GET THE NAME...
redwhiteblue July 8th, 2010 | 4:18pm
Squamata seek prey
guard dogs wander aimlessly
mongooses restless
Sean July 8th, 2010 | 4:18pm
My condolences to the good, hard working cops in Charlottesville and Albemarle who have to endure what the lunatic left and their judges bring upon our community. Same goes for the victims.
JJ Malloy July 8th, 2010 | 4:37pm
He should be castrated if he is ever let out.
Dave Ford July 8th, 2010 | 4:39pm
This is the type BS you get from left wing judges.
Yes July 8th, 2010 | 4:41pm
Ummm, isn't the more obvious point that this was a substitute judge nearing 80 years of age?
freelove freida July 8th, 2010 | 5:27pm
And the full name of the judge is...??? The 7th Paragraph of the story starts with a direct quote from him and then a "says Spinella." But no full name for "Spinella" is provided prior to that reference. Perhaps the story was edited, leaving out a paragraph that would have told us: 1) the name of the judge, 2) why he was he sitting in the City and how long had he been retired when we got back on the bench? and 3) where had he served as a sitting judge and how long? Something seems to be missing in this story.
Very sad July 8th, 2010 | 5:31pm
I have to agree with Yes. A senile judge with very poor judgement.
A linked story says it was Joseph Spinella.
Glad to be free July 9th, 2010 | 8:08am
Jake, you hit it on the head. "no one has any idea as to what evidence was presented him at trial".
During reconstruction of this country (1863-1877) there was medical research that showed black men had a desire to have sex with white women. There for "hanging of black men for "rape" as some would call it was justified. The medical research was done at our very own University of Virginia.
TO hang a judge or a criminal for something we know little about, throws us back in time.To a time when this country had a lot of maturing to do. Such as some of the people who post on this site. Then again most information accumulated by the citizens of this country comes from the "talking heads" that are seen on the television.
Chris C July 9th, 2010 | 8:40am
Does anyone know if this guy was in jail when Morgan Harrington was killed? If you look at the sketch from the Fairfax police, there are really some similarities with this guys mugshot!
very old timer July 9th, 2010 | 8:42am
He should have stayed in school.. he would have made a fine addition to help round out the lacrosse team at UVA.
HollowBoy July 9th, 2010 | 2:50pm
The system failed. Several offenses after the Greenleaf Park one and he still kept getting off lightly. All serious. Had he gotten substantial time for the Greenleaf Park crime he would not even have been on the streets 2003-2005.
Never was a George Allen supporter but did agree with his parole reform. But that doesnt help much when a dangerous criminal gets a ridiculously light sentence to begin with.
Sexual battery or assault should not be a misdemeanor in the first place.
Maybe we need a new prosecutor in Charlottesville, one who will insist on stiff sentences for these predators and the hoodlum element in general that seems to think it owns the town.
Bullet tooth Tony July 12th, 2010 | 7:05pm
Bullet to the back of the head
just me July 14th, 2010 | 3:03am
His DNA should have been on file from the previous trial, I would think that although they haven't been explicit about it, that is what linked up the two cases (Harrington and the Fairfax one). If so, his DNA must not be a match.....
ronnie July 14th, 2010 | 6:59pm
Thank you for that clarification Just Me. That is a strange case I hope the DNA was checked
Donald July 15th, 2010 | 10:50am
It's funny how the comments aren't really about the story.
They're about "Waldo's blog" and its obvious bias. Or they're about "left wing judges" (despite there being no mention or indication of this judge's political leanings, if any).
I would like to comment on the story itself. Lisa Provence has done a great job at writing a sensationalist story. "Judge-freed" is a particularly nice touch in the headline. (As though any other person in the system frees prisoners.)
While the story is explicit regarding the former charge, the result, and the nature of the new charges, there is zero information about the evidence that was presented at trial, or in support of a guilty plea. Was the videotaped confession submitted to the court? What other evidence was there? What evidence in mitigation? What was Haskins' prior record at the time? He was 19 years old. What are his mental illness(es)?
A criminal re-offended. It's not a very nice thing, and we can probably expect stiff punishment this time. There are valuable lessons to learn here, but "put every 19-year-old offender in prison for 40 years" isn't one of them. This story titillates, and begs for reader outrage, but it doesn't ask very persistently that we care about the actual details of the cases in question.
Lastly, the Sheriff comes across as quite the white knight. When's the next election, again?
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Paul A. Ibbetson
The power of humor: posterior observations from the plains
By Paul A. Ibbetson
Do you still have a sense of humor? Can you still brake into a good solid laugh when the opportunity arises? Conservatives and the Republican Party, the party by which conservative values are most often found, are at risk of losing one of the most compelling weapons in their arsenal, a decent sense of humor. Now don't think for a moment that I am opposed to the righteous indignation, repulsion, and even anger, that has been reflected by the American people to the socialistic onslaught of policies that the Obama administration has attempted (and continues to attempt) to heap on this country and its people. I also reject the notion that victory for conservative values can be won by moderating our convictions and core values for the promise of "peace and tranquility" that would supposedly come from compromising the soul of this country. When it comes to this battle (which is being fought today) for the Christian foundations of this country, for the continuance of the capitalistic free market, and for the protection and security of this great nation against those who would wish us all dead, there is room for nothing short of absolutely victory.
However, if your eyes have been opened to the battle being waged for the future of this country, a good laugh has probably been the furthest thing from your mind — and this sentiment I understand. With that said, I firmly believe that those of us caught up in the turmoil of today may be withholding one of the most powerful tools for the ultimate victory of conservative values and the survival of the nation. So, for humor's sake, please humor me as I recount a story from the plains that will have applicability to not only politics but to all places where a good laugh should ensue.
I remember my first year of law enforcement, in the first summer I worked, and my first experience with public nudity — from behind the badge. Yes, when you are a policeman you remember a lot of your "firsts," as they often have a strong impact on you both positive and negative. Among the many "firsts" I would experience, this was a major life lesson. I was still in training and was riding with a seasoned officer. I remember we were sitting at a stop light and I was writing on a clipboard, part of the never ending paperwork that comes with the job, when I looked up for a moment to see a naked man run by the front of the patrol car. It was just about dusk, but the evening rays of sunshine were more than abundant to illuminate a not so athletic man in his forties — sporting nothing more than a set of glasses running southbound down one of the busiest streets in the city. I noted that he was traveling in the proper lane of traffic. Funny, how the mind works isn't it?
Now, even in the heartland (which is steadily becoming more and more liberal), a naked man running down the street still rates as the highlight of the day for many and causes a rather healthy amount of pandemonium. As the supervisor pulled the patrol car into traffic behind the rotund runner (red and blue light flashing), for what would turn out to be a quite lengthy slow speed pursuit, my mind was racing through the Kansas statutes, the department policies, and all the things that make up the serious business of law enforcement — or so I thought. It was time for a lesson in the field that we can take right into the world of politics.
The lesson came not from words but from the sound of nearly uncontrolled laughter from the veteran officer at the wheel of the patrol car. When his laughing began to subside, the supervisor said between deep breaths for air "never miss a moment for a good laugh." With those white bouncing buttocks still in my peripheral vision, I listened as the supervisor explained that longevity in law enforcement was hinged upon the ability to find humor in places where humor is often lacking. Although we must prepare for potential dangerous things that may transpire at the conclusion of events such as these, what we have at this moment in time is "a naked man running down the street." So, among the flashing lights, the public screams of shock, and the not so quick flashes of human anatomy, a chorus of healthy laughter from a patrol car in the heartland of Kansas was added to the scene.
To my fellow conservatives, today we fight for a country that is under siege by a socialistic administration that wishes to rip the foundations of this country apart. The defense of this country will not be a short battle, nor will it be a battle without many painful casualties. To this reality I would say that we must arm ourselves with all the weapons at our disposal, laughter being a powerful tool in that arsenal. We need to laugh, not only at the foolishness of our adversaries, but even have a good laugh at ourselves from time to time. Yes, conservatives, we have to win the day, but to win, we may have to do it while among other things, laughing.
© Paul A. Ibbetson
Dr. Paul A. Ibbetson is a former Chief of Police of Cherryvale, Kansas, and member of the Montgomery County Drug Task Force. Paul received his Bachelor's and Master's degree in Criminal Justice at Wichita State University, and his PhD. in sociology at Kansas State University. Paul is the author of several books and is also the radio host of the Kansas Broadcasting Association's 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 award winning, Conscience of Kansas airing across the state. Visit his website at www.ibbetsonusa.com. For interviews or questions, please contact ibbetson91.9@
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A sinful decision made in Lawrence, Kansas
Alert! EPA monster sighted in Kansas
Thank goodness for NFL football!
America's job status: unemployed
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September's Live Jazz Picks
September's Live Jazz Picks by Philip Ehrensaft Event of the Month: Guitarist/composer Sonny Greenwich is in a league by himself, and he joins forces with the central figure on the Toronto jazz scene, pianist Don Thompson, as well as Jazz Report award-winner Barry Elmes on drums. Upstairs, September 17 & 18. Not to be missed: The Oliver Jones Trio, featuring Wali Mohammed on drums. Théatre de la Vielle Chapelle, L'Ascension, September 10; 3230 rue Sicotte, Ste-Hyacinthe, October 2. Time Warp, the acoustic quartet that features Barry Elmes on drums together with two other Jazz Report award-winners, saxophonists Mike Murley and trumpeter Kevin Turcotte, backed by Al Henderson on bass. Upstairs, September 10 and 11. Peter Hum Trio. After Eight (Ottawa's parallel to Upstairs) September 10 and 11. Pianist Hum, a McGill jazz department alumnus, is the crime reporter for the Ottawa Citizen by day and a fine jazz musician by night. Pianist Jan Jarczyk, just back from a sabbatical in Europe, joins forces with Michel Donato on bass and Dave Laing on drums. Pollack Hall, McGill University, September 24. D.E.W. East: Drummer Barry Elmes plus Alex Dean on sax and Stephen Wallace on bass. Upstairs, October 1 & 2. Radio / Website of the Month One way to keep abreast of jazz is to listen to WGBO, the US public radio station which broadcasts jazz around the clock from Newark, New Jersey. Thanks to the Internet, WGBO is now an international station (www.wgbo.org). With RealAudio computer software one can hear scratchy but acceptable sound, certain to improve as the station takes advantage of faster Internet transmission and modems. WGBO's web page also offers a fine set of links to other jazz information on the Net. Essential Reading Future Jazz by Howard Mandel, president of the Jazz Journalists' Association and a former editor at Down Beat, was published in June this year by Oxford University Press. The core of the book is a series of strategically chosen interviews with the movers and shakers of the current jazz renaissance. Sometimes this is a radical future, like the "downtown scene" of John Zorn and company. Sometimes the voices are neo-conservatives, e.g. Wynton Marsalis. Mandel skillfully arranges them in counterpoint. Although an impressive amount of information and analysis of contemporary jazz is packed into only 207 pages, the book does not feel like a heavy read. Even the chapter titles can be brilliantly informative, e.g. "Good Old Avant Garde", which points to the fact that the revolutionaries of the sixties and their younger recruits are still playing much as they did 30 years ago. A companion CD with musical examples is available from Knitting Factory Records. If you only buy one jazz book this year, Future Jazz is the way to go.
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NASA Releases Images Of A Human-Made Crater On A Comet
Press Release From: Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Posted: Tuesday, February 15, 2011
NASA's Stardust spacecraft returned new images of a comet showing a scar resulting from the 2005 Deep Impact mission. The images also showed the comet has a fragile and weak nucleus. The spacecraft made its closest approach to comet Tempel 1 on Monday, Feb. 14, at 8:40 p.m. PST at a distance of approximately 111 miles. Stardust took 72 high-resolution images of the comet. It also accumulated 468 kilobytes of data about the dust in its coma, the cloud that is a comet's atmosphere. The craft is on its second mission of exploration called Stardust-NExT, having completed its prime mission collecting cometary particles and returning them to Earth in 2006.
The Stardust-NExT mission met its goals which included observing surface features that changed in areas previously seen during the 2005 Deep Impact mission; imaging new terrain; and viewing the crater generated when the 2005 mission propelled an impactor at the comet.
"This mission is 100 percent successful," said Joe Veverka, Stardust-NExT principal investigator of Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. "We saw a lot of new things that we didn't expect, and we'll be working hard to figure out what Tempel 1 is trying to tell us."
Several of the images provide tantalizing clues to the result of the Deep Impact mission's collision with Tempel 1.
"We see a crater with a small mound in the center, and it appears that some of the ejecta went up and came right back down," said Pete Schultz of Brown University, Providence, R.I. "This tells us this cometary nucleus is fragile and weak based on how subdued the crater is we see today."
Engineering telemetry downlinked after closest approach indicates the spacecraft flew through waves of disintegrating cometary particles including a dozen impacts that penetrated more than one layer of its protective shielding.
"The data indicate Stardust went through something similar to a B-17 bomber flying through flak in World War II," said Don Brownlee, Stardust-NExT co-investigator from the University of Washington in Seattle. "Instead of having a little stream of uniform particles coming out, they apparently came out in chunks and crumbled."
While the Valentine's Day night encounter of Tempel 1 is complete, the spacecraft will continue to look at its latest cometary obsession from afar.
"This spacecraft has logged over 3.5 billion miles since launch, and while its last close encounter is complete, its mission of discovery is not," said Tim Larson, Stardust-NExT project manager at JPL. "We'll continue imaging the comet as long as the science team can gain useful information, and then Stardust will get its well-deserved rest."
Stardust-NExT is a low-cost mission that is expanding the investigation of comet Tempel 1 initiated by the Deep Impact spacecraft. The mission is managed by JPL for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Denver built the spacecraft and manages day-to-day mission operations.
The latest Stardust-Next/Tempel 1 images are online at: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/stardust/multimedia/gallery-index.html
For more information about Stardust-NExT, visit: http://stardustnext.jpl.nasa.gov
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Maxar Technologies Reports Failure of its WorldView-4 Imaging Satellite
Press Release From: Maxar Technologies
Posted: Monday, January 7, 2019
Maxar Technologies Inc. (NYSE:MAXR) (TSX:MAXR) ("Maxar" or the "Company"), a global technology innovator powering the new space economy, today reported that its WorldView-4 satellite experienced a failure in its control moment gyros ("CMGs"), preventing the satellite from collecting imagery due to the loss of an axis of stability.
Efforts are ongoing in conjunction with its suppliers in an attempt to restore satellite functionality, but thus far these efforts have been unsuccessful. At this time, Maxar believes that WorldView-4 will likely not be recoverable and will no longer produce usable imagery. Maxar operations has put the WorldView-4 satellite in a safe configuration and will continue to monitor the satellite's location and health. The satellite was built by Lockheed Martin and the CMGs were provided by Honeywell.
WorldView-4 was acquired by GeoEye prior to its merger with DigitalGlobe in 2013. It was launched in November 2016 and generated revenues of approximately $85 million in fiscal year 2018. The satellite had a net book value of approximately $155 million, including related assets, as of December 31, 2018. If the satellite is not recoverable, then the net book value will be written off in Q4-2018. Contingency planning and mitigation efforts are underway to assess the use of the Company's other satellites and outside resources to replace imagery collected by WorldView-4 and meet as much of the existing customer commitments and obligations as possible. The Company currently believes it will be able to offset $10 to 15 million of the annual revenue from WorldView-4 and will work to minimize the potential impact on Maxar's financial results in future years.
The WorldView-4 satellite is insured for $183 million, and Maxar intends to seek full recovery for the loss of WorldView-4 under its insurance policies. The Company will provide further updates on this matter as new information becomes available.
About Maxar
As a global leader of advanced space technology solutions, Maxar is at the nexus of the new space economy, developing and sustaining the infrastructure and delivering the information, services, systems that unlock the promise of space for commercial and government markets. As a trusted partner, Maxar provides vertically integrated capabilities and expertise including satellites, Earth imagery, robotics, geospatial data and analytics to help customers anticipate and address their most complex mission-critical challenges with confidence. With more than 6,500 employees in over 30 global locations, the Maxar portfolio of commercial space brands includes MDA, SSL, DigitalGlobe and Radiant Solutions. Every day, billions of people rely on Maxar to communicate, share information and data, and deliver insights that Build a Better World. Maxar trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange as MAXR. For more information, visit www.maxar.com.
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It's Kirk in MA
Posted by Melissa McEwan at Thursday, September 24, 2009
Kirk Named Interim Senator:
Governor Deval Patrick today named Paul G. Kirk Jr. to serve as interim US senator, making the announcement in the presence of the immediate family of the late Edward M. Kennedy.
"He is a distinguished lawyer, volunteer, and citizen, and he shares the sense of service that so distinguished Senator Ted Kennedy," Patrick said at a press conference at the State House. "Paul will not seek the open seat in the special election coming up in January. But for the next few months, he will carry on the work and the focus of Senator Kennedy, mindful of his mission, and his values, and his love of Massachusetts."
The late senator's widow, Vicki Kennedy, and his son Ted Kennedy Jr. watched from the audience as Patrick introduced his selection.
"This appointment is a profound honor," Kirk said. "I accept it with sincere humility."
Kirk, a longtime Kennedy family friend, reiterated that he would not run in the special election and said he planned to keep the late senator's staff.
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Annie O Presents: Look Park
New York-Standard Sounds
We have a secret weapon at The Standard in the form of a French-Moroccan music maven named Annie O. After years in the music industry representing greats like Lou Reed, Philip Glass, Laurie Anderson, and Peter Gabriel, we nabbed her to curate The Annie O Music Series, a regular concert series in the airy Penthouse of The Standard, East Village.
On Monday, June 20, Look Park ascends to The Penthouse. You may already know the band's lead singer Chris Collingwood—he's the founder and frontman of Fountains of Wayne. Annie O asked Collingwood some questions to get us all familiar with his new sound.
Mon., June 20, 7-9pm
The Standard, East Village Penthouse
Free with an RSVP to aohayon@standardhotels.com
ANNIE O: Many might know you as the lead singer of Fountains of Wayne. Tell us a little bit about your new project and how it came about?
CHRIS COLLINGWOOD: For a while, I've been writing non-ironic songs, and for various reasons I had a hard time getting them on FOW records. You get older, a little less cocky, and one day you realize you're not a wise-cracking 25-year-old anymore. It should have been the simplest thing in the world, but it took a long time to realize I could make a record that sits alongside other albums I actually listen to.
I made a lot of demos at my home studio, without thinking whether the arrangements were appropriate for a four-piece rock band. I'm a bad piano player, but most of the demos had a lot of piano. I was trying to get away from quarter notes on the guitar, four-on-the-floor rock beats, and the other signature elements of power pop that had come to define FOW.
I also knew I wanted to work with a producer other than myself. Mitchell Froom had long been a favorite, but I considered him a long shot. We had never met, but I found him on LinkedIn and sent him some demos. A couple weeks later, we started planning the record.
Who are the influences behind this new album?
Mitchell and I spent a long time on the phone every day getting to know each other and talking about lots of stuff. I've always loved his work and it's fair to say that some of my biggest influences are records he made—Crowded House, Elvis Costello, Randy Newman, and Sheryl Crow, to name a few. But outside of the obvious, like The Beatles, we discovered we were both fans of the Moody Blues, and in particular all those fantastic operatic Mellotron songs like "Tuesday Afternoon" and "Question." Mitchell played a lot of keyboards on the record, but the single most recognizable sound is the Mellotron. At its core it's still a pop record, but maybe just one that grew a mustache and put on a leisure suit.
Is Look Park a real place?
Yup, right off the rotary outside of Northampton, MA. I liked the name for the same reason I liked Fountains of Wayne: if you don't know where it comes from, it doesn't make any sense. It turns out the park is a memorial to a man called Frank Newhall Look. They have a little water park and a big moose sculpture made of logs.
How do the writing and recording processes differ as a solo artist? What did you learn in the process about yourself as an artist?
Making home demos is incredibly liberating and very different from working with other musicians. I can indulge myself and make an arrangement without having to explain what's in my head to anyone else. But working with Mitchell, Davey Faragher, and Michael Urbano was in a lot of ways more band-like than FOW ever was. Mitchell and I started with my demos, some of them fully fleshed out and some not, and built arrangements via email and phone. We played those arrangements for Davey and Michael, but once the tape was rolling, both of those guys were playing to some platonic idea of the song rather than a strict chart. Mitchell's philosophy, and he's right, is that if you record with great players, it's best to let them do what they do. They're smart, and if their version is a little different, it's probably just as good. It was so much easier to let that happen since I had great respect for Mitchell before we even started. I hope we get to make another one together.
Can you tell us a little bit about the first single, "Aeroplane," and the inspiration behind it?
I've written a lot of songs that romanticize travel or complain about it. “Aeroplane” is different because it's more about the isolation and disorientation of the experience. It took me a long time to even figure out what was happening in the chorus—where the root was. It's a natural inclination in your brain to seek out the tonic, but for most of the chorus it's not there. Then when it shows up, it's actually not the root, but a fifth of the chord before it. David Boucher, the record's engineer, patiently explained to me that there are two key changes. I was like, "Shut up nerd."
"At its core it's still a pop record, but maybe just one that grew a mustache and put on a leisure suit."
Are there any specific tracks by other artists you are listening to right now?
I really like "Archie, Marry Me" by Alvvays. It's got a loud, boomy arrangement and very clever words that I didn't pay attention to at first, but I'm glad I did because they're good. The new Winterpills record just came out and the first single "Celia Johnson" is catchy as hell. Damien Jurado's new record, Visions of Us on the Land. "Depreston" by Courtney Barnett. And of course the new Squeeze album Cradle To The Grave.
Are you hitting the road this summer?
There are some sporadic shows this summer, including the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan. FOW played there many times and I'm very excited to go back. The record doesn't come out until late July, though, so we probably won't be playing a US tour until the fall.
What are the best and worst things about being on the road?
The only way to answer this question honestly is with a cliché, but it's true: Connecting with people face-to-face who dig your music is the best high in the world. That's the best hour every time it happens. The worst thing about being on the road is the other 23 hours of the day.
If Look Park had a superpower, what would it be?
I wish I could write a novel. I’ve read a lot of them, and it's not until you try to finish a bad one that you realize you've been taking the good ones for granted.
What can we expect from your upcoming show at The Standard, East Village?
It'll be me along with Scott Klass on the piano. Scott is my old friend and has a fantastic band called The Davenports. We used to play in bars sometimes as a duo before Fountains of Wayne existed. I imagine it'll be a lot like that since we'll be playing a bunch of songs no one has ever heard.
annie o
annie o music series
look park
Annie O Presents: Her
NYC - ART
Before the French duo ascends to The Penthouse for their first US show on June 14th, Annie O inquires about their origins.
Annie O Presents: HONNE
Get to know the British electric soul duo before you fall in love with them.
Annie O Presents: Ghanaian Rapper Okyeame Kwame
Annie O brings the "Rap Doctor" and self-proclaimed "Best Ghanaian Rapper Alive" to The Standard, East Village Penthouse.
Annie O Presents: Rising Brooklyn Local Sam Evian
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Taillon, Mercer shine in Pirates' 6-3 win over Brewers
By WES CROSBY Associated Press
July 12, 2018 — 10:30pm
PITTSBURGH — Jameson Taillon let a lead get away in his last start.
This time, he had the answer when he got in trouble.
Taillon struck out a career-high 10 to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 6-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday night.
"You don't want to live and die by the strikeout, but whenever you need it, you definitely want to be able to get it," Taillon said. "I felt like I got some pretty big ones in big spots. Those are the ones where it was cool."
Taillon (6-7) surrendered one run on four hits with two walks in six innings. The right-hander struck out the side twice, once in the third inning and again in the fifth, when he got out of a jam after allowing a leadoff walk to Tyler Saladino followed by a single from Erik Kratz.
In his last start, Taillon allowed a 2-0 lead to slip away to the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday. Right-handed reliever Edgar Santana replaced him with the score tied 2-2, and allowed the go-ahead run in what would be a 3-2 loss.
Jordy Mercer made sure a lack of run support wouldn't spoil another solid outing from Taillon on Thursday. He tied a career high with four RBIs and went 3 for 4 with three singles, one of which knocked in two runs.
Pittsburgh's 6-7-8 hitters of Josh Bell, Josh Harrison and Mercer finished a combined 5 for 7 with five RBIs and five walks.
"It seemed like we got some rallies going with two outs there," Mercer said.
"It's good to have those guys getting it going."
The Pirates have won four of their past five games to pull to 10 1/2 games back of the first-place Brewers, who have lost four of six, in the NL Central.
Felipe Vazquez earned his 21st save by getting the final two outs. Michael Feliz allowed Eric Thames to cut the Pirates' lead to 6-2 with a single up the middle before Christian Yelich made it 6-3 with a single off Vazquez and Jesus Aguilar grounded into a double play to end it.
"I think the small solace is that you get Vazquez in the game and make him throw," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. "Hopefully, if that can impact the rest of the series, maybe that's a good thing."
Wade Miley (1-1) gave up two runs on four hits in five innings with five strikeouts and five walks for Milwaukee.
"I'm just excited to be back out there," Miley said. "I would've liked to go a little deeper in the game, but it is what it is. You have to start somewhere."
Miley allowed two two-out RBI singles to Mercer that put Pittsburgh ahead 2-1. Mercer's first opened the scoring in the second when he drove a ball down the left-field line, scoring David Freese. Aguilar tied it at 1 with a home run, his 24th, to left-center field in the fourth.
Mercer gave the Pirates a 2-1 lead when he lined a single off Saladino's glove and into left field to drive in Bell in the fourth. He made it 4-1 in the sixth with a two-run single, driving in Bell and Harrison, and scored on a two-out single to right from Starling Marte, pushing it to 5-1.
Harrison, who was 2 for 2 with two walks, made it 6-1 with a double to left in the seventh.
"(Bell, Harrison and Mercer have) been going through some droughts together," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "Tonight, they just bunched at-bats. They connected the dots for us. ... A big shot in the arm for us on offense."
ALL-STAR SUB
Brewers: RHP Jeremy Jeffress will replace Washington Nationals LHP Sean Doolittle on the National League All-Star team, Counsell said. Jeffress is 6-1 with a 0.99 ERA in 44 games this season.
Brewers: INF Nate Orf and RHP Jorge Lopez were optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs. RHP Freddy Peralta was optioned to Class-A Wisconsin. INF Eric Sogard was released.
Pirates: Hurdle said Pittsburgh is deciding whether to option OF Austin Meadows to Triple-A Indianapolis. Meadows did not start a fourth straight game Thursday since he went 1 for 4 against the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday.
Brewers: RHP Junior Guerra (6-5, 2.79) could win a fourth straight start when he faces the Pirates on Thursday. In his past three starts, Guerra has surrendered a combined five runs, including one in his past two starts.
Pirates: RHP Nick Kingham (3-4, 4.26) allowed one run on four hits with five strikeouts, and had two RBIs, in a 4-1 win over the Phillies on Sunday.
New documents revisit questions on Rep. Omar's marriage history • Politics
Police: 2-year-old girl missing in Michigan woods found safe • Nation
Scoggins: As trade deadline approaches, Twins deserve bold move by front office • Twins
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FAMILY DOLLAR STORES, INC. (FDO)
Acquired. Industry: retail
Acquired by Dollar Tree, Inc. in 2015, the company was a national discount retailer operating a chain of general merchandise discount stores, providing low- and middle-income consumers with a selection of consumables, home products, apparel and accessories, seasonal products and electronics at prices under $10.
Share Repurchase (Dec. 31, 2007)
During fiscal 2007, the Company purchased 8.2 million shares of its common stock at a cost of $257.5 million. The shares were repurchased in the open market or pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. During fiscal 2006, the Company purchased 15.4 million shares at a cost of $367.3 million, and during fiscal 2005, the Company purchased 3.3 million shares at a cost of $92.0 million.
Acquired (July 6, 2015)
Dollar Tree, Inc. (NASDAQ: DLTR), North America's leading operator of discount variety stores selling everything for $1 or less, has completed the acquisition of Family Dollar Stores, Inc., a leading national discount retailer offering name brands and quality, private brand merchandise. Under the terms of the merger agreement first announced and unanimously approved by each company's Board of Directors in July 2014, Family Dollar shareholders are entitled to receive $59.60 in cash and 0.2484 of a share of Dollar Tree common stock for each share of Family Dollar common stock.
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A less proclaimed though significant part of Coventry’s industrial success has been its electrical industry. Two firms British Thompson Houston and General Electric Company have dominated this industry. Their early success was not linked to their later interests in electronic communication. None of the motor vehicles or aircraft made during the First World War could have functioned without a magneto to help them function. Most of the magnetos used in British industry were sourced from abroad (mainly Germany!), which made the industry very vulnerable at the outbreak of war. Fortunately BTH had been working on a suitable design and was ready to step into the breech. GEC in the guise of their subsidiary Connor Magneto Ignition built a factory on the site of the Copeswood Grange estate in 1916 and proceeded to add to the supply of magnetos. The BTH factory remained of great strategic importance in the Second World War as witness by the priority given to the factory by the Luftwaffe in their bombing raids. The inter-war years saw the development of the Copeswood site into the Peel-Connor Telephone Works whose extended factory opened in 1921. The development of telecommunications equipment continues at this factory today. BTH diversified into many different areas such as the development of loudspeakers, gramophones and film projectors. Today through various mergers both GEC and BTH are part of the same organisation.
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Jourdan and the Penguin Necklace
This is the moment Jourdan stole my heart.
It was the first time I had volunteered in my daughters’ fifth grade class. We had just arrived in Las Vegas about six weeks before. I wasn’t working. And I wanted to make sure the Dixelaney had a smooth transition.
The teacher, who liked to have parents there to help, but didn’t always have stuff for them to do, asked me to help this boy put together his research project on world explorers. I was a little perplexed at first. This project had been due two weeks prior, just before Thanksgiving.
It was kind of a complicated affair, with lots of moving pieces. There was the essay on the chosen explorer, a piece of creative writing, the obligatory map showing the explorer’s routes, a coat of arms, a timeline and various games and puzzles designed, I suppose, to entrench the unit’s terms in the kids’ brains. This was all to be put into a 3-pin folder, in a certain order, with a homemade paper globe hanging from the folder’s edge.
Jourdan was very serious, and very flustered. All of the parts of the rubric were finished, they just needed to be put in the folder. But this was not something he could easily do. It was all so cumbersome to him, and he seemed embarrassed that it didn’t come easier. I thought his earnestness was adorable, and that feeling is what helped me refrain when I saw him pick up a second batch of papers and punch them without lining them up with the first batch. This is something only an editor turned parent can understand. You tell yourself to breathe. It is not the end of the world that the holes won’t line up and the papers will stick out the sides and the top and bottom. Kids have to make their own mistakes.
I checked off the table of contents, chatting amiably with him about his explorer, and whether he liked the project. His little fingers fumbled each paper through the folder’s pins, then added another. When he was done... we realized he had not included the page I was holding, the page that needed to be first. All the papers had to come out and be repinned with fingers that were not used to working on such fine skills.
But this is the glory of mistakes: they give you room to be human with each other. Since I was clearly culpable, Jourdan relaxed a bit, and seemed to let go of his self-consciousness. Our conversation turned to the silly mistakes we make, and how stupid we feel when we do them. Then he started asking me questions about the Dixelaney, and how and why we had moved here. I answered them straight-forwardly, feeling an odd ease, because at that point I hadn’t really come to terms with the fact that I had uprooted my children from the only home they had ever known and taken them back to the city I swore I had left forever. We were making chitchat, and my conversation partner was an earnest 10-year-old boy.
I’m not sure what led to his revelation, but we were talking about the girls and suddenly he said, “I like Dixon.” At first, I thought this was a comment on Delaney, as in “I like Dixon, but not Delaney.” I nodded and said Dixon was pretty cool. No, he said, suddenly becoming discomfited again, “I like like Dixon.”
“Oh,” I said. “That’s sweet.”
“Do you think she likes me?”
My daughters tell me everything, and I had never heard of this kid before. I was certain from our interaction that this is not someone Dixon would like like. But I kinda wished he was, because at that moment I thought he was the sweetest boy in the world.
“I don’t know. You should ask her.”
“Don’t tell her I said anything,” he said, now overcome by embarrassment.
“Don’t worry, I won’t.”
The Necklace
“Mom, you won’t believe what happened.”
I had met the girls, as usual after school, at the short wall overlooking the playground. It was a Friday, a beautiful Vegas day in January, with a piercing sun hanging low in the sky, and temperatures that felt like spring in Chicago. The kids around us were in a jubilant mood. Delaney was silent, and sad. Dixon was in a huff, full of excitement and chagrin. She was, as their other mother often says, scandalized.
“We were in class practicing for our 5th grade flash mob, and everybody was up jumping around and Delaney had to take off her penguin necklace because it was hitting her in the face, and when we were done the necklace was missing. Everybody started looking for it. Mrs. Lively said that whoever took it better confess, because she knew who it was and he would be in big trouble if he walked out of the room. Nobody said anything. Then the bell rang and we walked out of the room and Mrs. Lively called Jourdan back in. She was really mad. They had a long talk afterward.”
Delaney’s necklace was a crystal penguin, with a wire wrapped around it, hanging from a black, cloth chain. We had purchased it at an art fair in Flossmoor. It was a big deal. I was in between one job that had paid me a whopping $30,000 a year, and was the definition of a hostile work environment, and about to move into another job that was going to pay me a big ole $32,000, and that I hoped would foster a more respectful, artistic atmosphere. (On that, I was completely wrong, but that’s another story.) I was feeling optimistic. These weren’t the most expensive necklaces, but they were something – when we were dealing with a whole lot of nothing. Delaney got a penguin. Dixon got a bear.
But in class that day Jourdan had, apparently, taken the wire off of Delaney’s penguin and stuffed it in his pocket.
The next day, after much flurry from the 5th grade teachers and the vice-principal, Jourdan gave the pieces of the necklace – broken wire, penguin, cloth chain – back to Delaney. He also included a piece of crystal of his own. To make amends. To give up something he loved.
Delaney could barely look at any of it. It made her sick. Even after the vice-principal took the necklace back and Jourdan’s parents got it fixed, Delaney didn’t want to have anything to do with it. It’s meaning had changed. She hasn’t worn it since.
The Field Trip
We were going to see Nancy Drew at the high school down the street from my parent’s house, where we were living. I got on the bus and sat with Dixon. At some point, I noticed Jourdan, sitting alone, forlorn, stealing furtive glances at other kids who were talking and laughing.
It reminded me of a time on the bus when I was in 4th grade. Vegas was less built up then, and many of our stops were in front of houses standing alone in the desert. One morning, leaning against the window in my seat, I saw Jason standing there alone. His long face (John Kerry has always reminded me of him) seemed sad and angry. No, not angry. More like resigned. Perhaps somewhere in between. It occurred to me at that moment that Jason didn’t have the easy life that I had. I didn’t know much about him, or his parents, but the picture of him slumping at the bus stop, eyes inverted into something I couldn’t fully see, has never left me.
One day, I was home from college and the TV news was on. They reported that two people driving recklessly on a motorcycle were killed. When they said Jason’s full name, I looked up. “Didn’t you know someone in school by that name?” my mom asked. I nodded, feeling at that moment, the cool of the glass on my forehead as the bus pulled up to Jason’s house some 10 years before.
And now I was looking at the same face in this kid who liked liked one of my daughters and stole the necklace of the other, and who desperately wanted someone to talk to him.
Outside the school, as we were waiting to get in, he tried engaging in conversations. Kids literally turned their backs on him.
My heart was breaking.
The show was good, the kids were excited, and I brought up the rear to make sure no one was left behind. The first empty seat I saw on the crowded bus was next to Jourdan. I took it. He took one look at me and turned toward the window.
“I’m gonna make you talk to me,” I said.
He looked up at me. I smiled.
“You seem pretty unhappy.”
He shrugged.
“No one seems to want to talk to you.”
“They’re all mad at me.”
“What for.”
Those black eyes looked up at me with surprise and hurt, as if he sensed I was trying to trick him.
“Ah, yes, the necklace.”
“I don’t know what made you take the necklace. But we all realized when you gave it back, and gave Delaney your crystal, that you really felt bad about taking it. Dixon gave you your crystal back, right?”
“You know, people make mistakes, Jourdan. And then they get forgiveness.”
This wasn’t actually the truth. Dixon had forgiven him because I had asked her to. Delaney couldn’t. But Jourdan didn’t need to know that.
With those words, the torrent came.
“I don’t know what made me take it. I really wish I hadn’t. I feel horrible. I think Delaney’s a great girl. I would never do anything to hurt her. And now nobody will talk to me. It’s like I’m invisible. I didn’t mean to do anything wrong. But nobody knows me. Nobody knows the real me. If they saw me boxing, they’d like me, ‘cause I’m good at boxing. I’m good at a lot of things. I’m a nice kid. But they don’t know that because nobody ever talks to me. Except Dixon.”
That’s why he liked liked her. She was nice to him. Dixon is nice.
He went on for a long time. And I talked to him for a long time about how he was in a tough place, and that maybe being open about it and saying, “Hey, I screwed up, I’m sorry, please forgive me,” might get him somewhere. At the very least, I said, he should apologize to Delaney.
He talked a bit about his mom, whom he said thought everything was OK and didn’t listen to him when he told her how horrible things were at school. We talked about fitting in. I didn’t confess that I never fit in when I was his age. This wasn’t about me. Or if it was, he didn’t need to know that.
We talked the entire way back to school. And as we pulled into the parking lot, he looked up and thanked me for listening to him. I told him I enjoyed it, then I hightailed it over to Delaney and told her if Jourdan apologizes, be gracious. She snarled at me, but I knew the message got through.
A couple of days later, I made the girls a deal. They could quit a program I had forced them to do, but that didn’t turn out they way we had thought. In exchange, they had to be nice to Jourdan. There was uproar, from both of them.
“This is where you get to learn the art of forgiveness. If you lead the way, people will follow and they’ll be nice to him, too. Just try.”
I think Dixon tried more than Delaney. And I got reports that Jourdan was a bit more accepted. But Dixon told me that her being nice to him just made him like her more, and that kind of creeped her out, so while she was still going to be nice, she wasn’t going to be his friend. I told her fair enough.
I worry for this boy. Is he one of the people who is going to get so angry, he’s going to surpass using his fists and bring a gun to school? Or is he just going to be self-destructive, speeding at 110 miles an hour on a motorcycle on a winding road? Or – the possibility does tantalize – will he figure it out, know that he has a place in this world, and that he can leave his adolescence behind?
The next few years are going to be tough for him, as he heads into jr. high school. And I’m not sure I like the idea of Dixon being part of his fantasies. I want to help this kid, but I’m not sure there’s anything more I can do. But maybe his bus memory will be better than my bus memory. Maybe he’ll remember someone reaching out to him when he was sad and angry, rather than just looking at him, feeling unable to act.
And maybe he will see the glory of his mistake. Perhaps taking the necklace might be the start of a long, deep lesson that will help him to grow into a better man.
My kids have discovered 1990s TV. Their summer of 2014 can easily be described as the summer of “Friends” and the summer of “Full House.” I’ve been watching them watching these sitcoms with some interest and trepidation. Because, after all, these shows are 15-26 years old, and the basic assumptions about the world were quite different even that short time ago.
I’ve been preparing myself for conversations with my kids about the portrayal of gender roles and sexism. And homophobic jokes. My daughters, though, have learned in their 11 ½ years that their mom can ruin anything they’re watching by pointing out the underlying assumptions. Now, they barely let me in the room when these shows are on – especially “Friends.”
My guess on the latter is that they don’t quite understand everything that’s going on. I just walked by during the scene in which Ross discovers his red sweater – the MacGuffin that reveals him to be the father of Rachel’s baby. I asked the girls what the sweater meant, and why Monica, Phoebe and Joey reacted as they did. The girls looked at each other, and then at me, and said, “We honestly don’t know.” They missed the MacGuffin. They know how babies are born, but missed the subtle line that someone had stayed overnight about a month before and had left the sweater. I was relieved at this. But a bit disappointed that they had missed such an obvious piece of symbolism. I mean, aren’t they supposed to be studying this in Common Core?
“Full House” tonight was another story. Bob Saget’s character, Danny, had been dating... I don’t know who, because I confess I had never watched the show when it was originally on, and had no interest in going back and watching the episode again. But it was late in the series, sometime in ’94 or ’95, and Danny, the father of the girls in the show, who had rarely dated anybody the first few seasons, finally got a love interest. In this episode, he discovered that his girlfriend was seven months older than him. This bothered him.
In the scene I caught, set in the kitchen, Danny was struggling, in his nice guy way, with his feelings of emasculation at dating an older woman. He said he had grown up with the idea that men were supposed to be older and taller and stronger than women. The joke in the scene was that he was absent-mindedly trying to open a jar of spaghetti sauce as he said his lines, then slammed the jar on the table to emphasize his impotence. And, of course, his girlfriend, soothed him verbally while absent-mindedly picking up the jar and twisting it open. Then she had to put the jar down, and go to him, pleadingly, assuring him that nothing was different, that she’s always been seven months older than him and nothing had changed between them.
At that moment I spoke, which was probably not the smartest thing in the world, as my daughters then became aware of my presence, and intuited the dangerous didactic situation they had just found themselves in. Shit. We’ve been ambushed. Mom’s going to talk to us about the “serious stuff” in this scene. And we were innocently sitting here!
“Mom! Don’t say anything.”
I walked away.
When they were younger, what I talked about mostly was how badly the shows they watched were written. But it was mostly Disney. Kind of easy pickings. I also have pointed out shows and movies I thought were written well. “Wizards of Waverly Place” was kind of a stupid show, but the writers ended up doing a good job of adhering to the given circumstances of the world in which they created. Creating a world, and then breaking your own rules – not on purpose – is a huge writing pet peeve of mine. I told that to my children. Perhaps before they knew what the word “peeve” meant. But I knew they’d understand.
I also am a big fan of the movie “Lemonade Mouth.” It is – as I tell the Dixelaney every time we watch it – the first kids’ movie in which the girls don’t compromise themselves to please the boys. There’s actually a line in which one of the main characters, having learned something already on the journey the story has taken her on, says to her ex-boyfriend that she’ll consider being friends if he respects her and her music, if he puts her first. He’s desperate, and promises her that he’s learned his lesson. This is not used to set up a joke, or an evil plot twist. The girls in this movie are strong and smart and talented. They drive the plot. This pleases me so much, I’m more than willing to overlook the fact that they can just pick up instruments and knock out a well-rehearsed piece when they had never even met each other before that scene. Implausibility is another thing that drives me crazy in writing. But hell, we watched “Glee.”
Here’s the thing about what my kids are watching now: they’re actually good shows. I had known this about “Friends,” which I had watched a bit in the ‘90s. It’s very well-written, and the ensemble acting is pretty wonderful. (Did you know that before the second season, the entire cast negotiated with the network together, and David Schwimmer and Jennifer Aniston actually took a pay cut so all six of them could make the same salary?) The thing I worry about with “Friends,” are all the sexual innuendos. But as long as someone isn’t kissing, my girls seem to be OK with it right now.
“Full House” – now that’s the surprise. It is beloved among people who were young from 1988 to 1995 – a favorite memory of childhood. I’d never been fully aware of the show until this summer. It truly only entered my consciousness around 2009, when my kids started watching the Olsen twin movies. Thank god for IMDB.
But as I surreptitiously watch it standing behind my children, I have come to realize that this show did a great deal to move along the idea of gender equality, and to set us up for the explosion of gay characters to come in the mid-late ’90s.
“Full House” is a show about three men raising kids. Two of the men are brothers-in-law – sharing the memory of a dead sister and wife. The third is the widower’s best friend.
What I find fascinating about this is that only the brother-in-law (John Stamos’ character) spends any time dating women. In most of the series he has a steady girlfriend. The other two rarely date. According to the series rundown on IMDB, Danny only starts dating seriously in season five. Stamos’ character is the wild card, the crazy uncle who usually does the wrong thing, while Danny and Joey are the steady parental figures, worried about cleaning and cooking and teaching the kids good lessons. Yes, Joey’s kind of a dope – the “dumb blond” character. And yes, there are a lot of opportunities for cheap laughs as one of them comes out of the kitchen wearing an apron, or doing some sort of chore normally ascribed to the wife. But, seeing this late 20th century show through the lens of the early 21st century, I find a portrayal of the normality of a family of men raising children. “Full House” was the 1990s answer to the 1980s sitcom, “Kate and Allie.” Networks could show same sex couples raising kids, as long as they didn’t acknowledge that they were same sex couples raising kids. And a whole generation of people grew up not quite realizing what they were seeing.
I don’t know how much the Dixelaney consciously understand what they’re seeing. At this point, though, I’m very much aware that they don’t want me to interpret. Perhaps it’s time to step back and shut up. They’re smart. And they’ve been exposed to a lot of ideas in their 11½ years that will need time to gel. So far, neither of them have given the slightest indication that they are putting themselves away in order to fit in and be liked. So far, all of their friends have been pretty strong. The next few years are going to be treacherous, but our storyline dictates that it’s time to start letting them learn more without me. These are the given circumstances of our world. I do take solace, though, in the fact that every time they turn on one of their favorite shows, they hear the words, “I’ll be there for you.”
Posted by Carrie L. Kaufman at 12:13 PM
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Sammie - Face To Face
Sammie - Face to Face (Official Video)
Download, "Everlasting". Out Now!
Stream: https://EMPIRE.lnk.to/EverlastingYo
Music video by Sammie performing Face to Face (Official Video). © 2019 Star Camp Music / EMPIRE
Contemporary R&B artist Sammie achieved commercial success in 1999 as a pre-teen, vanished from the industry almost as quickly as he'd arrived, returned several years later, and left again, only to resurface during the 2010s. Before he was even born, Sammie Leigh Bush, Jr. was exposed to music; his mother, a former professional singer, sang in the church choir while she was carrying him. That setting is where the native Floridian, at the age of four, received a standing ovation for his performance of "Troubles Don't Last Always." A few years later, Sammie formed a vocal group, Wonder 3, whose audition for Showtime at the Apollo led to a solo performance and subsequent triumphant finals appearance. Shortly thereafter, Joyce Irby became his manager. The former Klymaxx member matched her new client with longtime associate and producer Dallas Austin, who also signed the youngster to the Capitol subsidiary Freeworld Entertainment.
2019 10s Sammie R'n'B Soul Funk
Artist: Sammie
Video title: Face To Face
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Communicable Disease Control
Communicable disease control and prevention is an essential function of our health department. Outbreaks are investigated and control measures implemented, vaccines (including flu and pneumonia vaccine for seniors) are administered and educational and enforcement activities are conducted to prevent the spread of disease.
Communicable Disease Reporting System
To more effectively track reportable diseases, a statewide sophisticated system of data collection and analysis called CDRS (Communicable Disease Reporting System) was developed by the N.J. State Department of Health and Senior Services. The CDRS creates an interdisciplinary departmental approach to disease identification, analysis and containment. Staff can access CDRS data to collaborate on disease prevention activities with a broader public health perspective.
Food-Borne Disease
Some communicable diseases are food-borne, and the most commonly known, such as salmonella and E.coli are caused by a bacteria. The Centers for Disease Control estimate that 76 million cases of food-borne disease occur each year in the United States. The great majority of these cases are mild and cause symptoms for only a day or two.
The most frequently reported diseases in Harrison are hepatitis C and hepatitis B, followed by intestinal diseases, such as camplylobacter and giardiasis.
As required by law, in 2008 the program reported 31 communicable diseases to the NJDHSS. This reflects a 12% decrease from 2007. This is directly attributable to enhanced electronic technology and the prompt reportable disease follow-up provided by this department to protect against any further spread with measures such as education, immunizations, and continued surveillance.
Harrison, NJ 07029
318 Harrison Avenue Harrison NJ 07029
Monday, Wednesday & Thursday
Tuesday & Friday
Environmental Health Division
Public Health Nursing Division
Pet Waste Disposal
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Annette/Benjamin: Good news?
I wish that the title of this entry referred to finding a publisher for my first novel - I've been quiet here for the past few months because I wanted to focus all my writing energy on that, but it's just getting started going through slush piles and the like. I'm expecting a lot of rejections, but hopefully some will come with advice.
No, the good news is that after half a year of temping, contact work, and going on interview after interview, Marybeth has found a job! It is, I think, the sort of job I'd have hoped to land if I had gone to Harvard and graduated with a degree in English, an assistant editor at a small but growing publishing house, which is getting a little extra attention thanks to some celebrity or other mentioning one of their books in an interview.
It's great!
It's also in Chicago.
I was kind of prepared for Marybeth's job hunt leading her, and us, out of Boston; there are publishers and academic jobs here, but also a lot of grads looking for them. In fact, I was kind of looking forward to moving back to New York if that's where it took us. Nobody there remembers me aside from Benny/Jordan, which would have been a very weird thing on its own, sure, but there are a lot of places and things I'd like to make my places again.
I've heard a lot of nice things about Chicago, too, although admittedly not so much from Cary. He's kind of got his own reasons for not really loving the experience, but every once in a while he mentions a nice restaurant that Elaine introduced him to, or that going to Wrigley and the Cubs' victory parade was cool.
Again, if I got into Marybeth's position, which was my goal before that second visit to the Inn, I'd probably be super excited to get an exciting new job in a big new city, especially if I got to hang around with someone I liked as much as I like Marybeth.
But that's the thing I can't avoid thinking about right now - it's not my life, and it's never going to be. It's hers, and while I haven't just been with her in order to live vicariously, I do feel pangs of envy. I could be on my way to doing this, but because some bitch decided that stealing one person's life wasn't enough (and another decided to follow suit), I'm a guy bussing tables in a burger bar, crossing my fingers that when the new location opens, I might get a promotion to full manager. I was going to be a smart, respected woman, and now...
Well, that's what made the conversation when Marybeth got the job kind of weird for her as much as me. I'm the one with the penis, but there are a lot of times when it doesn't seem like I'm the guy in the relationship with Marybeth. I am well aware of how stupid and nineteenth-century it sounds, but there are a lot of ways in which the world is set up so that a good-looking guy who nevertheless hasn't personally achieved as much as his girlfriend is considered kind of pathetic in a way that isn't the case for a woman when you flip the situation around. I generally don't feel that way, but I get some comments, and Marybeth gets a lot (Christmas at her place, with her parents, was a bonanza for both of us). It's a weird thing, like guys who are already physically bigger and advantaged in society will somehow be looked down upon if they choose to be with a woman a couple years older or who outshines them in any way other than attractiveness, which is just stupidly weak. It makes no sense!
But it's part of how the world works, and it meant that when she was telling me that she got this offer, I could see in her head that while she wasn't just going to let her boyfriend veto it as a matter of course, she seemed at least a little unsure of whether asking me to move with her was too much to ask. I'm not saying every guy would just say yes immediately and then basically inform his girlfriend that they were moving, but a lot more would, and I think that Marybeth was bracing herself for a breakup in case I felt she was overstepping her bounds by even considering it.
I admit, I wasn't quite as immediate and enthusiastic with the "that's fantastic, and of course I'll come to Chicago with you!" as the perfect boyfriend would have been. It wasn't really about male ego (I'm not entirely sure I've got one of those yet), as much as a brief flash of resentment that, once again, someone else's actions were going to make me drop whatever life I'd built and had to a new city and start all over again. It wouldn't be a complete reset to zero like another trip to the Inn would be, but it's exhausting, and I feel like I've just gotten settled in.
She saw that, and started back-pedaling, and I immediately felt like shit, promising her that I'd follow her anywhere, and meaning it. I love this woman and would really hate the idea of her selling herself short for me, and I've spent the past few days trying to make sure she understands it.
And this morning, I happily went to the airport with her, sincerely telling her that I would trust her implicitly as she does the apartment hunting there while I work my last few shifts after giving my two weeks' notice, spending the rest of the time packing up the apartment so that I can rent a van and drive or stuff halfway across the country.
I'm just hoping, that while I get all this done, that Marybeth's absence doesn't make me question the decision. It's easy to uproot oneself when you're looking the person you love in the eyes, a bit less so when you've just called to break the news to someone like Missy who had been your friend and partner in weirdness for two years and two lives.
-Annette/Benjamin
Posted by Jason at 10:05 AM
Labels: Annette, Benjamin, Marybeth, Moving
Judith/Tyler: Strange dreams
Simon/Joy: My body, my choices right?
Tyler/Judith: Friends
Jonah/Krystle: Ready to pop
Jonah/Krystle: 31 Weeks
Tyler/Juidth: Kudos, I guess
Simon/Joy: Quick and dirty
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Usdaw seeks urgent clarification on the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme
Date: 12 September 2012 The shopworkers' Union Usdaw has written to Chris Grayling, new Secretary of State for Justice, to seek urgent clarification on whether the Government intends to proceed with imminent cuts to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.
The revised Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICS) would have slashed or axed altogether the compensation paid to almost 90% of innocent victims of violent crime. It was due to be approved by a Parliamentary committee on Monday (10 September) and come into force from 1 October 2012, but was withdrawn by Ministers at the last minute, just before a vote was due to be taken.
Justice Minister Helen Grant said at the time; "I have listened very carefully to what hon. Members on both sides of the Committee have said today about the scheme. I am a new Minister and, having taken some advice and thought very carefully about everything that has been said and the importance of the scheme to people whom we all care about, I have decided not to move the motion on the criminal injuries compensation scheme."
However, later that evening, the Ministry of Justice released a statement saying the Government is still committed to "reforming the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme to put it on a sustainable financial footing."
Usdaw has been campaigning hard to stop the cuts to the scheme and has previously briefed all MPs and Lords on the very damaging impact the proposals would have on the innocent victims of violent crime. The Union also wrote to Chris Grayling last week asking him to shelve the cuts. When the Government proceeded to put the cuts to committee, Usdaw wrote to and telephoned all members of the committee to make sure they were aware of the drastic nature of the changes they were being asked to approve.
In the letter to Chris Grayling, Usdaw General Secretary John Hannett says:
"Following my letter of 6 September, Usdaw welcome the decision of your Minister not to pursue a vote on the Draft Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012 at the Delegated Legislation Committee on Monday.
"Please appreciate that victims of crime and their advisors now need urgent clarification that the Government will not proceed with cuts to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme by 30 September, as was originally proposed.
"Those who have recently suffered a particularly distressing crime may not yet feel ready to put in a claim for compensation, but if the Scheme is going to be cut drastically from 1 October, as the Draft 2012 Scheme proposed, victims of crime will need to be advised to submit a claim as soon as possible.
"We were surprised to see the statement from the Ministry, saying that the Government are still committed to "reforming the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme to put it on a sustainable financial footing."
"As my letter of 6 September and Usdaw's briefing pointed out, the annual cost of the tariff scheme in England and Wales has averaged £192 million over the past 4 years – a cost which is stable and in line with the annual budget of £200 million.
"We therefore hope that the Government will take heed of the MPs from all sides of the Delegated Legislation Committee who urged the Government not to proceed with the proposed cuts to compensation, which would cause financial hardship to thousands of injured victims of crime, adding to the pain and trauma they have already suffered.
"If you would like further information or to meet with victims violent crime who can explain the importance of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme to themselves and their families, in helping them to get on with their lives again following an assault, we would be more than happy to arrange this for you.
The cuts to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme were considered by the Delegated Legislation Committee on Monday 10 September. The proceedings of the committee can be heard at: www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/Player.aspx?meetingId=11385 and read at: www.parliament.uk/business/publications/hansard/commons/this-weeks-public-bill-general-committee-debates/read/?date=2012-09-10&itemId=126
For further information on the cuts to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme and Usdaw's campaign against them please visit http://www.usdaw.org.uk/compensation
Usdaw (the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fourth biggest and fastest growing trade union with over 420,000 members. Membership has increased by more than 17% in the last five years and by nearly a third in the last decade. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.
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11837 College Blvd Overland
Park Kansas
Ralph Varnumbrandy.quick@gmail.com2018-09-07T21:36:53+00:00
Ralph Varnum
Principal/Broker | Ralph@vadllc.com
Ralph Varnum is a Founding Principal of the firm and currently serves as a Managing Member of Varnum/Armstrong/Deeter, L.L.C. In addition to management responsibilities, Ralph is actively involved in providing real estate services to clients. He oversees the development projects of the firm and participates in investment property brokerage, tax deferred (1031) real estate exchanges, retail office and industrial leasing, and land brokerage. His geographic area of specialization is Johnson County, Kansas, although he is involved with a national network of brokers in tax deferred exchanges and institutional investment throughout the country.
Ralph founded the firm in 1969. He is a graduate of the University of Kansas with a degree in Business Administration. He holds the CCIM designation and served for over 15 years as a senior instructor for the CCIM Institute. He has served as the National President of the CCIM Institute and National President of REALTORS® National Marketing Institute, both affiliates of the National Association of REALTORS®. He also served as President of the Commercial Investment Division of the Johnson County Board REALTORS®. He is a Past President of the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce, a Past Director of Shawnee Mission Medical Center, and Shawnee Mission Medical Center Foundation where he served as Chairman and, also, a Past Director of the Country Hill State Bank. He has a broad background of experience in all phases of commercial real estate.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Kansas, CCIM designation awarded by the CCIM Institute.
© Varnum Armstrong Deeter. All Rights Reserved.(913) 491-8900 Office | 11837 College Blvd • Overland Park, Kansas 62210
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Beatrice L. Weiss - Lincoln
Beatrice L. Weiss of Lincoln died Monday, Nov. 11 at Landmark Medical Center. She was the wife of the late Marcel J. Weiss.
Born in Pawtucket, she was a daughter of the late Rene P. and Florence (Laporte) Tougas. She was a graduate of the former Notre Dame High School.
She lived in Attleboro, Mass., and worked for many years at Texas Instruments before moving to Woonsocket, where she made her home for 45 years. She was a retiree of A.T. Cross Mfg. Co. of Lincoln.
She is survived by her daughter, Denise Harris of Lincoln; her son, Russell Weiss of Lincoln; her brother, Leon Tougas of Brockton, Mass.; five grandchildren and a great-granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Florence Duquette, Grace Brochu, Evelyn Cournoyer, Alcide Tougas, Rene Tougas and Raymond Tougas.
Her funeral and burial were private. For guestbook, please visit www.LincolnFuneralHome.org
AH Painting
Lincoln, Town of – Planning Department
Island Woods Performance
Dental Associates of RI
O'Neill Funeral Home
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Immigrants choose Metro Vancouver’s ethnic enclaves for support network
Kelly Sinoski And Brian Morton, Vancouver Sun 04.01.2013
Don Dhanoa, a commercial and land development specialist with Planet Realty Group Inc., said the Scott Road enclave offered a comfortable landing zone for older Indo-Canadian immigrants who didn’t speak English and wanted to be within walking distance of the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple and specialized shops that sold their favourite foods and clothing.Ward Perrin / PNG
Newton resident Greg Hughes says 27 years of living in the South Asian enclave of Newton in Surrey means continuous change, a cultural leg-up for their kids, and few problems.RICHARD LAM / PNG
Newton resident Blair Curtis has lived in Newton for six years, and says his South Asian neighbours are ‘excellent.’RICHARD LAM / PNG
Whites to become minority in Metro Vancouver by 2031
Census: Mandarin, Cantonese top immigrant tongues in Metro Vancouver
Ethnic enclave series: 'Little Italy’ spreads its wings
If Rick Dhaliwal ever needs a helping hand, he can find it within 10 minutes of his home in Panorama Ridge: Surrey’s most concentrated South Asian enclave centred around Scott Road and Newton.
Not only do Dhaliwal’s parents live there, but his siblings, extended family and a whole community of immigrants who are ready, willing and able to help each other out. The network is so extensive, Dhaliwal said, that nobody considers daycare for their children because there is always somebody to watch them.
“You want to be close to your family and friends,” said Dhaliwal, 33, manager of Columbia Collision Repairs Ltd. on 132nd Street. “Our culture is at the Sikh temple; that’s where we meet and get together and talk. It makes it so much easier. My cousins will drop all their plans to take care of my kids.”
Surrey has long been a draw card for South Asian immigrants, just as Richmond is the main attractor for Chinese immigrants in Metro Vancouver.
University of British Columbia geographer Daniel Hiebert predicts that by 2031, ethnic enclaves will multiply, making whites the distinct visible minority in the region. The immigration rate will be so rapid over the next two decades that whites will make up only two out of five residents, according to the projections done for Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
Hiebert’s analysis of census data forecasts the largest ethnic group in Metro Vancouver will be Chinese, followed by South Asians, Filipinos, Koreans and West Asians (such as Iranians).
Metro mayors say ethnic enclaves have long existed in their cities and, for the most part, people get along.
However, even recently there have been minor tensions in cities like Richmond, where a group of seniors has dubbed themselves “the new minority” after City Hall rejected their petition for a bylaw quashing Chinese-only signage on city streets. In Surrey, a mother has also complained after her son was not allowed to play soccer because he wasn’t Indo-Canadian.
Mayors in Surrey and Richmond have taken measures to encourage cohesion among all ethnicities and both cities have committees designed to support and educate new immigrants about city services.
Surrey also has a welcome centre for new immigrants.
More than 65 per cent of Richmond residents are non-white. Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie said Chinese tend to concentrate in highrises in the city centre because it’s similar to life in their homeland, while South Asians flock to the farm fields of east Richmond.
“I wouldn’t say it’s an exclusive situation, nor would I advocate for that,” he said.
Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts acknowledged that while Newton has traditionally been the largest enclave for Indo-Canadian immigrants, are other pockets in the city, such as South Surrey and Cloverdale.
Surrey Coun. Judy Villeneuve said Surrey is considering building a Punjabi cultural centre, noting many of those residents are some of the city’s largest landowners and “built Surrey,” said.
“The diversity of our city is one of our strongest assets. It’s really important as a city that we make sure everyone has an opportunity to integrate with the community,” she said.
For Greg and Cathy Hughes, who are white, 27 years of living in Newton means continuous change, a cultural leg-up for their kids — and few problems.
“I don’t see any real disadvantages,” said Hughes, who lives in a house in the 7300-block Parkwood Drive, with his wife and two sons.
“I don’t feel prejudicial, but at times I feel I’ve been overwhelmed,” he said, talking about how his community has changed since they moved there, when it was predominantly white. “It’s become a cultural island. It’s a quick changeover.”
“But our kids tend to have more advantages culturally,” added Greg’s wife Cathy Hughes. “They see different things and they’re a little more accepting of different cultures. They’re a little more open minded.”
Greg agreed, but noted that when his kids were in elementary school, there was a real camaraderie among children of different cultures. In high school, he said, that changed a bit as more teens developed a cultural separateness.
“Our son was (occasionally) told ‘you’re not brown,’’ he said, while Cathy noted: “It goes the other way, too.”
Hughes said that while he has some South Asian friends in his neighbourhood, others could try to be a little more inclusive to non-South Asians.
“It takes time to get used to a new country, but if they could ease off the (cultural) tightness a little more, they could blend a little more into the community and learn more about the Canadian culture.”
Cathy believes that by 2031, the differences will largely disappear. “I think things will settle out and stabilize.”
Blair Curtis, who lives in the 7300-block of 128 St. with his wife and two children and has lived there for six years, said his South Asian neighbours are “excellent ... there’s no problem there.”
However, he noted, it gets a little hectic during the annual Vaisakhi Parade in Surrey, scheduled for later this month, because “you can’t get in and out of your subdivision.”
“It (the cultural shift) is good for the most part, but there are growing pains.”
Larysa Bilous, who lives in the 7300-bock of Parkwood Drive with her husband and daughter, and moved to Canada from Ukraine 10 years ago, said that while she’s trying to learn more about the South Asian culture there’s not enough communication, “because the South Asians are a very tight community.”
Bilous, who has lived in the neighbourhood for three years, said she has South Asian friends on her street, but not a lot of what she calls “deep communication.”
“I’d like it to be a little more open. We don’t have very deep friends (in our neighbourhood). But, it’s always hard to find new friends.
“They speak Punjabi, which I don’t understand, so that’s a disadvantage. I don’t think that will change. But I like the neighbourhood.
“We learn about different cultures. Every culture has something to share and learn about. ”
Bilous said her daughter, who goes to school with South Asian children, has developed a taste for South Asian food, “but unfortunately I don’t know how to cook it.
“She also likes to dress like South Asian children, so I’m looking to get her a nice dress.”
Don Dhanoa, a commercial and land development specialist with Planet Realty Group Inc., said the Scott Road enclave offered a comfortable landing zone for older Indo-Canadian immigrants who didn’t speak English and wanted to be within walking distance of the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple and specialized shops that sold their favourite foods and clothing.
In India, they came from villages where everyone knew everyone, Dhanoa said.
“They’re trying to create the same structure here. In Western culture, maybe I know one house in my neighbourhood. Close to the temple, they probably know the whole street.”
But he noted the younger generation isn’t flocking to live in concentrated Indo-Canadian areas. Many new immigrants instead are choosing to live in “mixed communities,” often in basement suites in Burnaby or Vancouver because that’s where they’re finding work.
Dhaliwal said he has also seen many of his community’s members move to Langley to “look for great deals on lots. He noted many immigrants come with so little that they want to build larger homes after they become successful.
Said Dhanoa: “They’re starting a new life.”
ksinoski@vancouversun.com
bmorton@vancouversun.com
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Pete McMartin: Heartening news for environmentalists as B.C. Greens make modest breakthrough
Pete McMartin, Vancouver Sun columnist 05.15.2013
Oak Bay-Gordon Head Green Party of B.C. candidate, Andrew Weaver, speaks to supporters at his party headquarters at the Oakl Bay Beach Hotel in Victoria, B.C. May 14, 2013.
LYLE STAFFORD / TIMES COLONIST
ELECTION POLL: Should Adrian Dix resign as B.C. NDP leader?
Pete McMartin: Fuzzy science at play in National Household Survey
Pete McMartin: Bees have met the enemy, and it is us
Well, it’s a start.
Historic, in its modest way, a breakthrough, maybe, to greater things as the effects of climate change press on the public conscience. As the world heats up, so may the Green party.
But as small as the number is, it’s heartening news for environmentalists, who have had precious little of it: B.C. — the birthplace of the modern environmental movement, and which gave Canada its first Green party federal representative in Elizabeth May — has given Canada its first provincial representative in Andrew Weaver of Oak Bay-Gordon Head.
That’s the upside.
The downside is in the party’s popular vote. At the time of this writing, the Greens’ popular vote showed no sign of improving over its last performance.
It was hovering in the eight per cent range.
Nor could the Greens make any significant headway outside of its southern Vancouver Island power base.
Perhaps the Greens got whipsawed between the two poles of the electorate who felt they couldn’t throw their vote to a fringe party.
While talk was of votes being siphoned off from the two main parties by the Greens and the Conservatives, that didn’t happen. The battle lines hardened in B.C. last night, not the opposite.
This has got to be a disappointment for the Greens, despite Weaver’s win. In their most optimistic moments, they talked of a possible four seats.
And there was reason for that optimism going in. The press, overall, had been kind to the party. Reviews of leader Jane Sterk’s performance in debates had been favourable. Still relatively unknown, she polled well. Scrutiny of the Green’s platform, more comprehensive than earlier elections, had been slight — a blessing, since the idealism of the platform was surpassed only by its improbability. Coverage has concentrated more on the possibility of a breakthrough win in Oak Bay-Gordon Head.
But for all the upbeat ink they have had in this election — as opposed to the Conservatives, the coverage of which has been a catalogue of disasters — the Greens remain a party in neutral, at least, to voters at large.
In 2001, the party’s best showing, they got 12 per cent of the popular vote. In 2005, their share fell to nine per cent. It fell again in the 2009 election, to eight per cent. And here they are in 2013, again hovering in the eight per cent range.
During those years, the climate-change news has been all bad. Greenhouse gas emissions have exceeded target levels; the number of extreme weather episodes have increased; just this month it was reported carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere reached 400 parts per million for the first time in human history. There is reason for alarm.
So why hasn’t that alarm translated into votes?
It’s the economy, stupid. Ask Adrian Dix. The electorate wouldn’t trust him with it: Why would they trust the Greens when their platform would disassemble much of what the present economy is built on? Global warming? The future can wait.
So, for the present, the Greens will remain a fringe party. Its influence will be one of moral suasion, of being the environmental voice of conscience. (Getting mainstream parties to adopt their ideas might be another thing altogether, however: When Dix committed a sudden change in “principles” late in the election, and announced he would not allow the expansion of the Kinder Morgan pipeline through Vancouver, it was the kiss of death for him.)
Nonetheless, a win is a win. And Weaver brings a learned voice on the environment to the legislature. A climate modeller in the University of Victoria’s School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, he was a member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change which, along with former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, was awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.
But maybe time is on the Greens’ side. Maybe the Greens are the party of the future. Maybe their time hasn’t yet come.
pmcmartin@vancouversun.com
CLICK HERE FOR MORE B.C. ELECTION COVERAGE
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Filtering by Tag: Skytrax
How to fly with the world's best
Everyone's got their opinion on which airline is the best (and the worst). Now everyone has had their say and Qatar Airways has come out on top - for the third time in five years.
Qatar Airways business class seats in the Airbus A380
IMAGE: FRANCOIS MORI/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Skytrax announced the winners of its annual World Airline Awards at the Paris Air Show a couple of weeks ago (side note: ah, Paris, the city that just keeps on giving. The heralds of the world's best luxuries - fashion, wine, and smelly cheese. And airlines.).
The awards are based on reviews from 18.9 million passengers. Isn't it interesting that at the same time as the Middle East is dealing with some serious PR issues when it comes to air travel (think of pretty much every villain cast in an action movie in the last 10 years), millions of air travellers say a Middle Eastern airline is the best?
Qatar Airways also got the gong for having the best business-class seat. Just in case you don't have any immediate plans to try it out, here's a sneak peek.
Meanwhile, last year's winner Cathay Pacific has dropped to third place, just behind Singapore Airlines. And Qantas scraps into the top 10 - two places behind Garuda. Hmmm.
Here is the full list of winners:
ANA All Nippon Airways
So next time you're flying somewhere, now you know who to fly with. And in the meantime, you can travel from home with us ;)
categories News and views, How to...
tags Qatar Airways, Skytrax, world airline awards, Paris Air Show, Paris, luxury travel
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The question whether there is a life after death does not fall under the jurisdiction of science as science is concerned only with classification and analysis of sense data.
Moreover, man has been busy with scientific inquiries and research, in the modern sense of the term, only for the last few centuries, while he has been familiar with the concept of life after death since times immemorial.
All Apostles called their people to worship God and to believe in life after death. They laid so much emphasis on the belief in life after death that even a slight doubt in it meant denying God and made all other beliefs meaningless.
The very fact that all the prophets of God have dealt with this metaphysical question of life after death so confidently and so uniformly - the gap between their ages being thousands of years - goes to prove that the source of their knowledge of life after death as proclaimed by them all, was the same, i.e., Divine revelation. We also know the prophets of God were greatly opposed by their people, mainly on the issue of life after death as their people thought it is impossible. But in spite of opposition the Prophets won so many sincere followers.
The question arises: what made those followers forsake the established beliefs, traditions and customs of their forefathers notwithstanding the risk of being totally alienated from their own community? The simple answer is: they made use of their faculties of mind and heart and realised the truth. Did they realise the truth through perceptual consciousness? Not so, as perceptual experience of life after death is impossible. Actually, God has given man besides perceptual consciousness, rational, aesthetic and moral consciousness too. It is this consciousness that guides man regarding realities that cannot be verified through sensory data.
A Matter of Moral Consciousness
That is why all the prophets of God while calling people to believe in God and life after death, appeal to the aesthetic, moral and rational consciousness of man. For example, when the idolaters of Makkah denied even the possibility of life after death, the Qur'an exposed the·weakness of their stand by advancing very logical and rational arguments in support of it:
"And he makes comparisons for Us, and forgets his own (origin and) creation: He says, "Who can give life to (dry) bones and decomposed ones (at that)?"Say, "He will give them life Who created them for the first time! For He is well-versed in every kind of creation!- "The same Who produces for you fire out of the green tree, when behold, you kindle with it (your own fires)! "Is not He Who created the heavens and the earth able to create the like of it?" Yea, indeed! For He is the Creator Supreme of skill and knowledge (infinite)!" [Al-Qur'an 36:78-81]
At another occasion the Qur'an very clearly says that the unbelievers have no sound basis for their denial of life after death. It is based on pure conjecture:
"And they say: "What is there but our life in this world? We shall die and we live, and nothing but time can destroy us." But of that they have no knowledge: they merely conjecture: And when Our clear signs are rehearsed to them, their argument is nothing but this: they say, "Bring (back) our forefathers, if what you say is true!"" [Al-Qur'an 45:24-25]
Surely God will raise all the dead. But God has His own plan of things. A day will come when the whole universe will be destroyed and then again the dead will be resurrected to stand before God. That day will be the beginning of the life that will never end, and that day every person will be rewarded by God according to his or her good or evil deeds.
The Qur'an states that this worldly life is a preparation for the eternal life after death. But those who deny it become slaves of their passions and desires, make fun of virtuous and God conscious persons. Such persons realise their folly only at the time of their death and wish to be given a further chance in the world but in vain. Their miserable state at the time of death, and the horror of the Day of Judgement, and the eternal bliss guaranteed to the sincere, are clearly described in the following verses of the Holy Qur'an:
"(In falsehood will they be) until, when death comes to one of them, he says: "O my Lord! Send me back (to life) - "In order that I may work righteousness in the things I neglected" - "By no means! It is but a word he says"- before them is a partition till the day they are raised up. Then when the trumpet is blown, there will be no more relationships between them that day, nor will one ask after another! Then those whose balance (of good deeds) is heavy - they will attain salvation: But those whose balance is light, will be those who have lost their souls; in hell will they remain. The fire will burn their faces, and they will in it grin, with their lips displaced." [Al-Qur'an 23:99-104]
Belief in the Hereafter Benefits this World
The belief in life after death not only guarantees success in the Hereafter but also makes this world full of peace and happiness by making individuals most responsible and dutiful in their activities. Think of the people of Arabia; gambling, wine, tribal feuds, plundering and murdering were their main traits when they had no belief in life after death. But as soon as they accepted the belief in God and life after death they became the most disciplined nation of the world. They gave up their vices, helped each other in hours of need, and settled all their disputes on the basis of justice and equality.
Similarly the denial of life after death has its consequences not only in the Hereafter but also in this world. When a nation as a whole denies it, all kinds of evils and corruption become rampant and ultimately society and its citizens suffer. The Qur'an mentions the terrible end of 'Ad, Thamud and the Pharaoh in some detail:
"The Thamud and the 'Ad people (branded) as false the stunning calamity! But the Thamud - they were destroyed by a terrible storm of thunder and lightning! And the 'Ad - they were destroyed by a furious wind, exceedingly violent; He made it rage against them seven nights and eight days in succession: so that you could see the (whole) people lying prostrate in its (path), as if they had been roots of hollow palmtrees tumbled down! Then see you any of them left surviving? And Pharaoh and those before him, and the cities overthrown, committed habitual sin, And disobeyed (each) the messenger of their Lord; so He punished them with an abundant penalty." [Al-Qur'an 69:4-10]
Thus there are very convincing reasons to believe in life after death. Firstly, all the prophets of God have called their people to believe in it. Secondly, whenever a human society is built on the basis of this belief, it has been the most ideal and peaceful society, free of social and moral evils. Thirdly, history bears witness that whenever this belief is rejected collectively by a group of people in spite of the repeated warning of the prophet, the group as a whole has been punished by God even in this world. Fourthly, moral, aesthetic and rational faculties of man endorse the inevitability of life after death. Fifthly, God's unique attributes of Justice and Mercy have no meaning if there is no life after death.
Narrated by Anas (RA) I served the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) for ten years, and he never said to me even a 'Uf' [a minor harsh word denoting impatience] and never blamed me by saying, 'Why did you do so or why didn't you do so?'[Related in Bukhari]
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Ronnie Long waiting patiently on U.S. Court of Appeals decision
Gregory “Catman” Good leaves a legacy of self-expression and encouragement for others to ‘Express yourself’
Togo West, former U.S. official and W-S native, dies
by WS Chronicle
Togo Dennis West Jr. was the only child of Evelyn Carter West and Togo Dennis West Sr. He was born June 21, 1942 and died suddenly of a heart attack on March 8, 2018.
He was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, by his parents, who were teachers in the public school system. They instilled in him a love of country and dedication to duty, which would later lead him to public service. He attended Atkins High School before moving to Washington, D.C., to attend college at Howard University. He attended Howard for undergraduate studies and law school, where he met his wife, Gail Berry West.
Secretary West held senior positions in three presidential administrations. He served in the administration of President Gerald R. Ford as Associate Deputy Attorney General in the U.S. Department of Justice. He served in the administration of President Jimmy Carter, where he was General Counsel of the Navy, later the Special Assistant to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense, and, thereafter, General Counsel of the Department of Defense. He served as the 16th Secretary of the Army under President Bill Clinton; and in the second Clinton administration, he served in the President’s Cabinet as the third Secretary of Veterans Affairs. While Secretary of the Army, he also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Panama Canal Commission.
Secretary West served on a number of governmental commissions and advisory committees.
Secretary West received the Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Howard University in 1965, and in 1968, a degree in law from the same university, where he was Managing Editor of the Howard Law Journal, graduating cum laude and first in his class. He served as law clerk to Judge Harold R. Tyler, Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Secretary West practiced law with Covington & Burling in Washington, D.C., from 1973 to 1975, from 1976 to 1977, and from 2000 to 2004. In 1981, after a period of government service, he joined the New York law firm of Patterson, Belknap, Webb & Tyler as managing partner of its Washington office.
In 1990, he became Senior Vice President for Government Relations of the Northrop Corporation, and served until his appointment as Secretary of the Army. From 2004-2006, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. At the time of his death, he was Chairman of TLI Leadership Group, which he established in 2006 to support his professional and community activities.
Secretary West served on and led several boards of directors. He served on the Board of Directors of Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation.
Mr. West was a former Chairman of the Kennedy Center Community and Friends Board and was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Shakespeare Theatre at the Folger and he served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the North Carolina School of the Arts.
He was a member of the Board of Visitors of the Wake Forest University School of Law and was a member of the Board of Governors of the School of Law of Antioch University. He served as a member of the adjunct faculty of the Duke University School of Law.
Secretary West was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Field Artillery Corps and served on active military duty in the Army’s Judge Advocate General Corps, attaining the rank of Captain. For his military service, he was awarded the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal, and for his public service, he has received decorations for distinguished service from the Departments of Defense, Army, Air Force, Navy, and Veterans Affairs.
The Boy Scouts of America have designated him a Distinguished Eagle Scout and have awarded him the Silver Buffalo and Silver Beaver Awards for his national contributions to America’s youth. He has received numerous awards from veterans, military, and community organizations; has been awarded the degree Doctor of Laws by Gannon University and Winston-Salem State University; has been designated a Hedrick Fellow by the United States Coast Guard Academy; and has been awarded the Alumni Achievement Award for Distinguished Postgraduate Achievement in the fields of law and public policy by his alma mater, Howard University.
Secretary West was a member of St. John’s Church, Lafayette Square, where he served as senior warden, member of the standing committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, and of the Board of Directors of the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation. He was recently appointed Chairman of the Washington National Cathedral Veterans Advisory Council.
Togo Dennis West Jr. is survived by his wife of 51 years, Gail Berry West; daughters Tiffany West Smink (Dan) and Hilary Carter West; and grandchildren Jackson West Smink and Natalie Berry Smink.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the MedStar Health Foundation, 10980 Grantchester Way, 8th Floor, Columbia, MD 21044. Services are pending; burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery.
Submitted by Janice Joyner, a longtime employee of Mr. West.
Associate Deputy Attorney GeneralSpecial Assistant to the SecretaryTogo WestU.S. Department of JusticeWinston-Salem
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Why I'm Relieved Casey Anthony Was Found Not Guilty of Murder
Chanté Griffin July 7, 2011
As I grow older, I'm realizing that individuals, like organizations, often come to misguided conclusions when they take an ahistorical view of an issue. The Casey Anthony trial, I believe, is one such example.
Long forgotten are the days when British law enforcement officials could search homes or property on a whim, without cause. Long forgotten are the times when condemnation in social circles led to condemnation in the court of law. These are the memories that the founders of our country had at the forefront of their minds when writing The United States Constitution and Bill of Rights. Our country was founded on a set of ideals that our founders felt should be implemented. Our legal system was established in such a way so that the
, and not an individual (who may or may not have resources, power, and connections) would carry the burden of proof.
I don't know if Casey Anthony murdered her child or not; I wasn't there, neither did I follow the trial closely. The court of public opinion says that she did it, but the court of law couldn't prove it. And in the end, that's all that matters. Innuendo and probably should never lead to a conviction. Not only is it illegal. It's immoral. I won't begin to go into the statistics of how many people (especially African American men) in the U.S. have been falsely convicted and imprisoned because jurors (or witnesses who decided to fudge "the truth")
that they did it, even when there wasn't enough concrete evidence to support the belief.
Probability is meaningless; Proof is everything.
I'm relieved Anthony got off. A conviction, without evidence, would be proof that our country has turned completely away from the hopes and promises of our founders. Happy Independence Week!
InPublic Figures & Culture, God & Spirituality
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World-governance building strategies
Articles by this author in Español
After Rio+20: What New World Governance Does the World Need?
¤ Gustavo Marin ¤ 16 August 2012
There has already been a good deal of post-Rio+20 articles. A large majority of them have expressed discontentment, disappointment, the evidence of failure foretold, the inadequacy of the governments’ final declaration, etc. Some of these articles, digging deeper, have not stopped at establishing that the governments were not able to reach an agreement equal to the challenges of the major global problems and have gone on to mention that the Conference of the United Nations exposed a crisis (...) read more
Participate in the Drafting and Circulation of the Charter of the Peoples of the Earth
¤ Gustavo Marin ¤ 28 December 2011
The Peoples Summit at Rio+20 deserves a Charter to leave the stamp of a written “footprint” of the historical demands of those who will participate on site and from afar in this event. At every moment of history that has marked a big change, peoples have sought to express their visions of the future in a Carta Magna, Declarations, and/or Manifestos. The Charter of the Peoples of the Earth is inspired from the historical South African Freedom Charter, which was the banner of the (...) read more
Preparing Rio+20 at the Thematic Social Forum: A Historical Opportunity
World Social forums, the first of which was held in January 2001 in Porto Alegre, constitute an international forum where organizations, networks, and civil-society movements meet periodically for mutual reinforcement and cross-fertilization. After 2001, every year until 2005 and every other year after that, World Social Forums have continued to assemble the different actors of global civil society. There are other alliances and networks, of course, that have organized international events, (...) read more
Inventing a New World Governance Now
¤ Arnaud Blin, Gustavo Marin ¤ 22 January 2009
After 2008, which revealed the huge financial imbalances connected to globalization, 2009 raised the curtain on the geopolitical instability characteristic of the contemporary world. The year 2008 came to a wretched end with the twofold Madoff-Bush debacle ensuing from the arrogance, incompetence, and blindness of the money mongers and politicians of the past 10 years. Already, 2009 has brought forth a conflict from another age, throwing us 60 years back with an umpteenth setback that, in a mere few weeks, has swept up thousand of victims, mostly civilians, in its (...) read more
Proposals for a Fair and Democratic Architecture of Power
¤ Arnaud Blin, Cândido Grzybowski, Gustavo Marin, Jorge Romano, Ricardo Jiménez ¤ 24 December 2011
Building new governance is not only an institutional or theoretical question confined to the political or sociological spheres. All governance proposals and plans depend on the action and mobilization of a huge majority of people, actors, movements and populations. This is a critical issue. And ideas and proposals play a crucial role in such action and mobilization. This is why we need to remodel governance architecture by incorporating it into the perspective of biocivilization for the (...) read more
Rethinking and Changing World Governance
¤ Gustavo Marin ¤ 30 September 2011
See also: The Workshop Video on the Workshop September 3, 2011 following on from the Biocivilization for the Sustainability of Life and the Planet Rio de Janeiro, 10-12 August 2011* Contents Rethinking and changing world governance Actors: their relations, their contradictions 1. Transnational corporations (TNCs) 2. The state →dialectic between society and the state → role of the UN → China 3. People, communities, civil society, and a new relationship with nature 4. Local (...) read more
On the Road to Rio+20 - Proposals for a Citizen Project
¤ Arnaud Blin, Gustavo Marin ¤ 3 January 2011
The upcoming UN Summit on Sustainable Development is to be held in Rio de Janeiro in 2012, 20 years after the historic summit of 1992. According to its organizers, the summit’s objectives are: to secure renewed political commitment to sustainable development; to assess progress towards internationally agreed goals on sustainable development and to address new and emerging challenges. The Summit will also focus on two specific themes: a green economy in the context of poverty eradication and (...) read more
Economic Governance and Globalization
Proposals for a Fair and Sustainable Economy
¤ Cândido Grzybowski, Germà Pelayo , Gustavo Marin, Jorge Romano, Matthieu Calame, Paul Raskin ¤ 23 December 2011
Contribution to the Peoples Summit for Social and Environmental Justice in defense of the commons (Rio+20) Rio de Janeiro, June 15-23, 2012 The seriousness of the current environmental crisis is an expression of a deeper-reaching crisis, a crisis of civilization afflicting modern capitalism, characterized by the predominance of the unregulated market, financial speculation, frenzied consumerism, the constant quest for growth, economic injustice and widespread poverty. The current and (...) read more
A World Alliance against Social Apartheid
¤ Gustavo Marin ¤ 6 March 1995
This text summarizes the conclusions from four "continental forums" held in February 1995: in Beijing for Asia, Rio de Janeiro for America, Paris for Europe, and Cape Town for Africa. These simultaneous forums, which preceded the Copenhagen Social World Summit, brought together the citizens of more than 60 countries and are the image of a world citizenship in formation, rooted in specific local realities and ready to take up contemporary challenges on a worldwide scale at one and the same (...) read more
The Architecture of World Governance
Moving Toward a New World Governance
¤ Arnaud Blin, Gustavo Marin, Michel Rocard ¤ 6 July 2010
We are incontestably in a period in which we have broken away from a now vanished former order—insofar as “order” can apply to the Cold War—a period in which the world is seeking a new architecture of the world governance, seeking, in short, a governance yet to be found, that will be capable of apprehending the moment’s problems, anticipating tomorrow’s crises, and writing day-after-tomorrow’s history. In other words, seeking a governance system adapted to a henceforth globalized world, a “world (...) read more
The UN and World Governance
Ever since it was established in the wake of World War II, the UN has asserted itself as one of the pillars of postwar world governance. It could even be said that at the institutional level, the United Nations constitutes the pillar of world governance: no other international organization comes anywhere near it in terms of size, legitimacy, and ambitions. Today, more than 60 years after it was set up, now that the long Cold War period is starting to become a distant memory and there is (...) read more
Rethinking Global Governance
After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, there are some who believe that the future of architecture of global politics will require setting up a global-governance system. The global-governance issue is characterized by the shift from a scenario where the power of the states is regulated to avoid disequilibrium and maintain the status quo, to one where international law and the role of international institutions need to be redefined in terms of their real arbitration potential in the (...) read more
Citizens’ Reappropriation of Politics
On the Road to a Citizens Assembly
¤ Gustavo Marin ¤ May 2007
Interview by the NGO Traversées of Gustavo Marín, program officer at the Charles Léopold Mayer Foundation for the Progress of Humankind and member of the World Social Forum International Council. Taped in April 2007 at the preliminary South Cone Citizens Assembly in Antofagasta, Chile, the interview covers the beginnings, the nature, and the future of the different international civil-society deliberative processes. Gustavo Marín tells of the birth and the encouraging, albeit uneven (...) read more
Introduction: From international equilibrium to global governance
The fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, more than the shock of September 11, 2001, marked the end of a very long period in international history, that of the “balance of powers”. Since this historical event, the planet has been in a phase of geostrategic rupture. The model of “national security”, for example, even though it is still in use by the majority of governments, is being gradually replaced by an emerging collective conscience that leaves behind this overly restrictive framework. For (...) read more
¤ Arnaud Blin, Gustavo Marin ¤ July 2007
Let us take a step back for a moment to take a look at the system we have inherited and certain mentalities that come with it, particularly those held by those in power, in order to better project us towards the future. The modern political architecture put in place in 1648 at the end of the Thirty Year War – a religious and political disaster that marks the height of European religious wars and that sees the last hegemonic attempt of the Hapsburg Empire. The Peace of Westphalia puts an end (...) read more
The materialization of philosophical models
In the 17th century, Thomas Hobbes brought to us the anarchical model that Thucydide had described earlier in a penetrating manner in his recounting of the History of the Peloponnesian War. Rousseau and Kant proposed federal models of collective security that inspired the (leaders of the) 20th century. Karl Marx admirably described, in ways whose echoes can still be heard today, the effects of capitalism and globalization. At the same time, Tocqueville understood from the outset the limits (...) read more
The rupture effect
Before talking about the architecture of a global governance, let’s summarize the current situation of “international relations” marked, even if by an accumulation effect, by a deep break with the past. Strong Westphalian heritage with the preponderant role of the State, with power struggles favoring the major powers and inter-State relations governed by the rules of the past Retreat, relative and maybe momentary, of two superpowers from the Cold War, including the USA after the Iraqi (...) read more
A realistic approach: the State at the heart of global governance
Whether we want it or not, the future of global governance is forced to undergo an in-depth reconfiguration of the modes that govern the relations between the primary actors of the international arena: the States. This observation might seem paradoxical because the “State” is characterized, above all, by its limits, blind-spots, bad habits, and inability to affront the issue of globalization. It is, for that matter, commonplace to talk of an inevitable erosion of the State, with the idea that (...) read more
The democratic equation
In theory, a community of democratic States would be able to provide a durable peace since democratic countries, as is well-known, do not go to war with one another (which does not prevent quarrels or even non-military conflicts). The thorny issue of “democratic peace” is that it requires a geopolitical environment consisting entirely of (fully) democratic countries, which, in spite of progress in this area, is far from being ensured. In other respects, this global democratization cannot be (...) read more
A realistic global governance
A three-part structure
The problem that confronts those who would like to see a true global governance architecture emerge is that constructing what one dreams to build does not at all resemble what one might possibly construct, given the constraints, the limitations and the obstacles that we might face, and that one is often tempted to conceal or minimize. Thus, rather than dreaming of an illusory global democracy or a hypothetical global government, it seems much more reasonable to us to advance progressively (...) read more
A few concrete issues
Organized violence
Next, it is a question of precise issues. We could evoke a lengthy list of more or less long term problems that concern us in the areas of public health, the environment, sustainable development, emigration, et cetera. Instead, we will limit ourselves here to a few issues that have been, and still are today, classic problems of “international relations.” Organized violence Let’s start by this problem that, since antiquity, is at the heart of the debate on governance – that of organized (...) read more
The terrorist threat
The new wars
Since 2001, we have spoken much about the terrorist threat, even in an exaggerated manner on the part of certain governments that have exploited this threat to their gain. Indeed, terrorism does not threaten the stability of the planet, and, even less, the survival of the West. Nevertheless, it is a threat that goes beyond the framework of national boundaries and that, potentially, touches everyone. It is even one of the rare security issues that straddle the international, national and (...) read more
Summary of comments contributed by end of April 2008
¤ Arnaud Blin, Gustavo Marin ¤ April 2008
For this first “discussion paper” submitted by the Forum for a New World Governance, we were not too sure what to expect. Would there be any reactions? Would they be interesting? Constructive? The idea was to throw out a line and follow its course. As the first initiative for this Forum for a New Global Governance – which did not even have a name yet – we were hoping that it would help us, at least in part, to define our direction. And there were, in fact, reactions, often lively, to this (...) read more
Postface
¤ Arnaud Blin, Gustavo Marin ¤ 5 December 2009
The document under discussion, The UN and World Governance, has elicited more than a dozen responses that address both the document itself and the questions that it was designed to raise. There proved to be little in the way of forceful reactions to the document itself, contrary to what one might have imagined given the nature of a subject matter that often provokes bitter debate. The document was nevertheless intended to provoke a reaction — which it certainly has — and most of the comments (...) read more
For this author, you will find on this Web site 25 article(s) in English, 24 article(s) in Spanish, 26 article(s) in French, 8 article(s) in chinese.
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Tag: 阿拉爱上海上海会所娱乐地图
his Sunday, a day f上海楼凤品茶微信cross the world
Sun Ningning, fr上海楼凤品茶微信om Central China’s Henan province, faced strong resistance from her parents when she to ld them of her ambition to climb Mount Qomolangma, as they were worried for her life. Yet after the 29-year-old reached the top of the world’s tallest mountain at the first attempt on May 22, her parents are in […]
After a half-month visit to China, a team from the IM
led by Asia and Pacific Department Deputy Director Kenneth Kang, summarized that “China can play an impor tant role and would benefit from further opening up and other structural reforms that enhance competition.” The previously issued policy is sufficient to stabilize growth by 2020, despite the rec ent US tariff hike, according to the fund’s […]
decline from 85 million in 2018 to 42 million in 2040. In th
he next five to seven years, China’s policy support for new energy vehicles will drive g lobal growth,” said Kou Nannan, head of research at Bloomberg New Energy Finance. As early as in 2012, the State Council introduced a pipeline to guide the development of the natio n’s EVs, with a goal of producing 2 […]
In its first quarter report this year, Tesla revealed that i
t it expects its second-generation Model 3 production line at its Shanghai plant to cost 50 percent less per unit than its factory in Fremont, California. CEO Elon Musk also said in April that the gigafactory in Shanghai expects to produce 1,000 and 2,000 vehicles a week But China CDC says more efforts still needed […]
He said through the SAR government’s efforts and a ratio
onal discussion among the people of Hong Kong, the city will eventually reach a consensus and any doubts over the issue will be dispelled. Han, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Comm ittee, hoped that all sectors in Hong Kong will work together […]
n macroeconomic terms, the China-US trade dispute ha
as added huge uncertainties to the US economy and raised the likelihood of recession. Which could thwart the US president’s chances of being re-elected in 2020. And the trade dispute could pre vent the US from taking the measures it intends to in order to consolidate its national power. As for China, the significant deviation […]
the WTO is for the benefit of the public, not a tool for par
embers. If its members cannot reform the architecture and resolve the key issues, they may all end up in various regional groups. “Many bilateral tensions or challenges countries are facing today requir e a multilateral response, and WTO reform is definitely needed, especially in the area s of trade and investment,” said Xue Rongjiu, deputy […]
ospital was ordered to solve management problems relating to the case, check on the condition of the surviving babies and console the parents. A deputy director of the health bureau of the Shunde district of Fo shan, Guangdong, was also fired, and others deemed responsible were punished. No new case has been reported in the […]
gdong province, his administration has established a resea
arch institute to accelerate the development of new apparatuses for underground detection that could reduce interference from human activity. “We will also explore carrying out observational experiments in wells from hundred of meters to 1,000 meters deep, and through scientific drilling that will p enetrate active earthquake faults to gain more information about underground structures,” […]
He underscored the importance of information technol
ogy to the country and people, and called for propelling the development of cloud computing, big data, artificial intell igence and the industrial internet in a bid to advance the building of a digital China and a smart society. He also said more work is needed to promote the integration and sharing of infor mation […]
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ZAFFI
MOVIE CRITIC | SCREENWRITER
Raffi Asdourian is the senior writer for the popular movie website The Film Stage and a member of CriticWire. He has also written five feature length screenplays and developed several TV show concepts. Traces is set to be the first to go into production. Below are mock posters and log lines for the five screenplays.
After finding his brother shot dead, a young man sets out to track down his killer, only to find that he is embedded in an underground experiment involving human cloning and nanotechnology. 10 page sample.
Jubei, a legendary samurai trapped in Hell for five hundred years, returns to modern day Tokyo as a demon to seek revenge on the evil mage who imprisoned him and murdered his family. 10 page sample.
A family is forced into out of their homes to trek through the country, after soldiers inform them of dangers of an oncoming war and their duty to take them to safety. Visit the official website to learn more.
A love story about a medical student and a Pathologist who fall in love in Paris after discovering they share similarly morbid sexual fantasies.
After the suicide of his close friend, film student Amir sets out to make a conspiratorial movie about the events of September 11th only to find himself trapped in a dire situation by a woman who lost someone in the attack.
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Man survives black bear attack in Boise, Idaho
FILE - Stephen Vouch from Boise, Idaho is seen smiling in this undated image. (KGO-TV)
A Boise man is alive after surviving a bear attack in the Idaho wilderness last week.
Stephen Vouch, 29, said he woke up after he felt his hair being pulled on.
When he touched the back of his head, he said it felt wet and that's when he knew something was wrong. "When I looked up and I could see the moon, that's when I kind of freaked out because I could hear the thing and see the shadow and the figure and hear it huffing and puffing," Vouch said.
Vouch tried to grab his gun, but couldn't find it. That's when one of his friends fired a shot, hitting the animal.
They said they really didn't know what it was until they looked up and saw the bear sitting in a tree, wounded.
They fired another round killing what turned out to be a young male black bear.
Vouch suffered a gash to the back of his head, but he wasn't seriously hurt.
societydistractionbuzzworthyanimalbearu.s. & world
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Call us for a free consultation at: 762-208-6037 or 762-208-6097
Abode Downsizers LLC
"Home is where the heart is. Let us make your lifestyle changes easy and stress free."
Tag: downsizing
The Upside of Downsizing
What is “downsizing? Webster defines it as “to make smaller.” The term is most familiar when related to business layoffs and making a company smaller. For the purpose of this discussion, it means engaging in a number of tasks, such as:
Reducing household good via gifts to family and friends, sales, donations, etc.
Organizing, sorting household items.
Preparing for developing an overall moving and/or “aging in place plan.”
Are you ready to boldly sail into your future, but are still clinging to all your cherished things? Downsizing is an opportunity to create a new life in a new space. Many of our clients tell us, “Getting rid of stuff was so liberating.”
20 Tips to Declutter Your Home
It’s only worth what people will pay for it.
When deciding what to get rid of, make three piles: toss; donate; and sell.
If no one is going to wear it again, have some nice pillows made out of it. Or save it to wrap bouquets in your daughter’s wedding. Or clip off a piece of fabric and display it in a frame with a photo of your wedding day.
Keep them if they’re yours. But if they’re your parents’, they’re part of a romance between your parents and never meant for you. Burn them ceremonially and send the love back into the universe.
Boxes of photos
Throw out landscape shots. Pick three with people in them from each vacation or holiday. With the rest, pull out the great shots and scan them for safe keeping. If you don’t have scanning capabilities, send them to an online scanning service to store in the cloud or to make albums.
China set
If you like it, use it. If you don’t, sell it through eBay. Be realistic, though. Not long ago, fine china commanded a nice price. But today’s consumers want fine tableware that’s safe in the microwave and the dishwasher.
We use an online auction service. You can also take high-end antiques to a local antiques dealer, who can take them to an auction house. Find out what the house’s take is upfront (typically 10 to 15 percent) as well as where it will place the starting bid.
Their job is to greet you over the holidays. They did that. Now you throw them away. Or put them in the recycle bin. If you saved the envelopes, you can go through them to update your address book.
Old appliances
Like a yard sale online, Craigslist is a source for usable appliances. With local buyers, you skip shipping costs. Tip: Sell only to buyers who pay cash and will pick up the item. When they come, have someone with you.
Your kids’ stuff
It’s not your job to save everything from your children’s lives. Box up what belongs to the kids, and send it to them. Or tell them to claim it now, with the date you plan to have the house cleared out.
If you’re going to read it, or it just feels too much like family, put it on your bookshelf. If not, give it away. You can drop books off at a library or donation center. Call around for a charity that will pick up.
Few use that old high end-leather luggage anymore. That graduation gift from your grandparents? If it’s in decent shape, try sell it at your own or a neighborhood garage sale. If not, donate it to a charity such as a women’s homeless shelter.
Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity great sources.
Questions: “Do I need it?” “Will I use it?” If not, out it goes. It doesn’t matter whether “I only wore it once,” “It’s in good condition” or “It was expensive.” Then make three piles: toss, donate or sell it. We donate to local thrift stores.
Decide what to keep, then give family members their choice. Sell the rest on eBay. Polish the jewelry and light it well, then photograph items in high resolution from several angles. Include a close-up of any label or stamp.
Appraising fine art is an art in itself, so you might need an appraiser. You don’t want to give away that ugly painting or sculpture only to find out it later sold for $50,000 at an auction.
Old tennis racket
They’re heavy wood and outmoded. Toss it or sell it on Craigslist to a collector of old rackets.
Select three pieces to keep, then photograph the rest, and put the photos in an album alongside the display. eBay is the place to sell smaller, more valuable items like collectibles.
Craigslist is already flooded with dead musical dreams. Spread the word around your neighborhood; ask your kids’ former music teacher. Even if you sell at a loss, it will fill a home with music. Just not your home.
Stuffed Closets
Rather than fishing through and deciding what to eliminate, take everything out, down to the bare walls. Then physically put back items. Choosing to keep, rather than choosing to let go, will net in clinging to fewer things.
Important Papers
Organize the originals and store them in your bank’s safety deposit box. For those that you use periodically, like birth and marriage certificates, school records, wills and other legal documents, scan them electronically and back them up on your hard drive.
Got Junk and similar sources will pick it up. Hold a garage sale. Put price tags on items: $5, $50, make an offer. Post signs in the neighborhood, and advertise on Craigslist and other online estate sales sources.
by modough56
change in lifestyle
Enhance Lifestyle
Downsizing Offers a Fresh Start for Older Adults
Kaye Appleman and her husband at the home they have owned for more than 30 years in Bethesda, Md. They are moving to a condominium nearby. The New York Times
By Harriet Edleson
For Dianne Welsh, 63, downsizing from her 3,400-square-foot home to a nearby two-bedroom bungalow did not happen instantly. It was at least 30 months from start to finish.
“I’m a very organized person,” said Ms. Welsh, a long-divorced government contractor who still works part time in health communications.
She started going through closets and drawers, getting rid of “quite a bit,” she said. But there was more. “Where did all this come from? It was way more than I thought.”
Like others at or near traditional retirement age — either retired or thinking about it — Ms. Welsh wanted to simplify her life. An estimated 4.2 million retirees moved to a new home in 2014, according to a Merrill Lynch and Age Wave report, “Home in Retirement: More Freedom, New Choices.” Over all, 64 percent of retirees expect to move at least once during retirement.
But after living in the same house for 35 years — the home where she had raised three sons — downsizing, she said, was “definitely a big stress.”
Deciding what to do with a lifetime of possessions poses a multitude of questions and typically triggers a range of emotions.
“It’s disruptive,” said Steven A. Sass, a research economist at the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. It can mean moving away from “your life, your neighborhood,” he said.
“The earlier you do it the better, physically, socially and financially,” Mr. Sass said. “It’s giving up something today for something you want or need.” The payoff is often a fresh start, lower living expenses, less house-related work, a different lifestyle with more amenities and more freedom to travel.
One of the first things to think about, experts say, is how you would like to live the next part of your life. It’s an opportunity to reflect on where you have been and where you are going.
Downsizing is more than a physical change. For some people, it’s an opportunity to create a new life in a new space. “Getting rid of stuff was so liberating,” Ms. Welsh said.
The actual process usually takes longer than expected. Possessions can be difficult to throw away, donate or sell. The best strategy is to plan well ahead. Even before you put your home on the market, “inventory your existing furniture, art and accessories and determine their use in the redesigned space,” said Dana Tydings, owner of Tydings Design in Laytonsville, Md.
Consider having your possessions appraised to determine their value. Be prepared for appraisals that may be far less than you expected. This is especially important for antique furniture, silver and accessories. Many prized items of an earlier era are almost worthless these days.
Parting with possessions is easier for some than others. “It’s the memories and the life that we lived there,” Ms. Tydings said. “I tell them, ‘You will create new wonderful memories in your new space,’ and that seems to make them happy.”
Kaye Appleman and Edward Mopsik are moving from their home of almost 33 years in Bethesda, Md., to a two-bedroom, two-bath condominium just two miles away. They are trading a house with a yard for “communal living,” no longer worrying about things like stairs and mowing the lawn in exchange for a place with lots of amenities, including indoor and outdoor pools.
Though a number of their friends have moved to the golf haven of Pinehurst, N.C., the couple said they didn’t want to uproot themselves. “I didn’t want to move to a new location,” Ms. Appleman said. “There’s a familiarity.”
How do you pare down your possessions? “You do it step by step by step,” said Ms. Appleman, a clinical social worker in her 60s who retired about 10 years ago. For her husband, 72, an oral surgeon who retired in August, parting with most medical books was practical since he can read much of what he needs online.
Many things they found in the attic, like high school yearbooks, also had to go. “We didn’t know they were there; we didn’t want to keep them,” Dr. Mopsik said. “They were gone out of our life close to 30 years.”
But they decided not to part with some antiques inherited from Ms. Appleman’s mother. They are also keeping several clocks for their new home.
“You’re empowering yourself because you’re enabling yourself to make the decision about things,” said Gary W. Small, director of the UCLA Longevity Center and president of the American Society for Geriatric Psychiatry. “It frees us up when we discard things.”
But don’t discount the pain involved. The difficulty in discarding things can be rooted in mortality and the realization that no one lives forever. At a certain point in life, there is more past than future, and that, in itself, can be daunting.
“We’re all mortal,” Dr. Small said. “The issue is balance.”
Older people want to keep in touch with the past, yet “you can’t hold onto all things,” he said. “One of the upsides to downsizing is it allows us to live more in the present.”
Going through a lifetime of possessions may require professional assistance. Not everyone is comfortable, for example, with selling items on eBay. Figure out which pieces family members might want and which to sell, donate or keep. Consider archiving children’s drawings and photographs digitally. Some opt for an “estate” sale, garage sale or yard sale, depending on what they have.
“It brings up all kinds of emotional issues,” said Susan Levin, who’s move management company that helps older adults and others with relocation and downsizing. “It’s not just moving things but the emotional letting go.”
Many people hang on to more possessions than they ultimately desire. “People think they want the stuff initially but later on they don’t care,” said Deborah Heiser, an applied development psychologist in Great Neck, N.Y., and co-editor of the book “Spiritual Assessment and Intervention with Older Adults: Current Directions and Applications.” They might store things for three months, she said, then decide they don’t want them. Once they have found a “new life,” she said, they usually want to dispose of them one way or another.
And for many people, the move is ultimately liberating. “It’s a new adventure,” Dr. Mopsik said. “This is far more positive than negative.”
New Residence
7 Things You Should Know About Downsizing
An estimated 4.2 million retirees move to a new home each year, according to a Merrill Lynch and Age Wave report, “Home in Retirement: More Freedom, New Choices.” Over all, 64% of retirees expect to move at least once during retirement.
Most older adults downsizing needs are considerable because we have lived in our current residence 30, 40 or more years. As such, we’ve accumulated vast quantities of furnishings and treasured belongings. Organizational and physical tasks associated with planning and effecting relocating are complicated and, too often, daunting for our entire family.
When we decide to relocate from the comfort and familiarity of our longtime home to smaller and safer quarters, the path is generally kinda foggy. Evaluation requires a cool head and a clear unblinking look at a host of real life issues that transform to an easier and more enjoyable life. The right choice and the easy choice might not be the same.
1. Health: Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s, failing eyesight, deteriorating balance, forgetfulness, low stamina and/or a combination of other health issues are signals that a change in residence might be beneficial to our comfort and well-being.
2. Finances: Reduced costs and less stress are precisely what the majority of seniors seek. Special needs for cash for continually increasing costs of healthcare, household taxes, insurance and maintenance are significant factors to be considered. Reducing square footage equates to lower costs of heating, cooling and keeping our home well-lighted. A smaller, or no, yard means less personal toil and eliminating the bucks associated with yard maintenance crews. Letting go allows us to live in the present. Funds resulting from downsizing add to our long-term financial security.
3. Safety: A safe and secure home is paramount to good health and happiness. When falls, driving mishaps, bruising, stumbling, etc. begin to occur, one’s safety is at risk. It’s time to consider updating living arrangements.
4. Hygiene: Neglect of personal care and hygiene are likely signs for needed help…the kinds for which a proud person is reluctant to ask. If a once impeccably attired person begins wearing the same clothing repeatedly until they become soiled and smelly, that’s a definite signal that help is needed.
5. Housekeeping: If dishes, laundry and other habitually well-managed household practices are declining, living on one’s own might be neither sanitary nor safe.
6. Meals: If one is losing weight, failing to shop for food regularly and/or is routinely retaining spoiled foods, proper nutrition is a concern. Diet neglect leads to an array of health problems.
7. Social Life: As we age, our circle of friends often diminishes. A well-chosen senior community potentially offers expanded friendship opportunities and social activities to improve our quality of life and social well-being.
Elderly Parents
senior citizen safety
margaret.abode@bellsouth.net
Eatonton, GA
Serving Middle Georgia
Insured and Bonded
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Location: Tuolumne County CA
1921 California Automobile Registrations
A collection of 585,940 California automobile registrations for 1921 as published in 14 volumes, complete with name, address, type of auto and engine number
Biographical Sketch of John Hosking
John Hosking, the son of James and Jane Hosking, is a native of Cornwall, England, born February 22, 1839, and there reared a miner. He immigrated to California in August 1867, coming by the way of the Isthmus of Panama. He first worked in the mines in Tuolumne County, then in Amador County mines. In 1870 he was appointed foreman of the original Amador mines. In 1873 the Sierra Buttes Gold Mining Company appointed him foreman of the Plumas Eureka Mines. In 1883 he was appointed superintendent of the said mines, which position he now holds. He was married to
Biographical Sketch of Samuel Benn
SAMUEL BENN. – There is a certain keenness amounting almost to prescience which enables a man to locate a successful town. The laws of a city’s development are so peculiar that few are able to make much of the riddle. Nevertheless some seem to know where to locate a townsite, and where to invest in real estate. It is a business instinct. Mr. Benn is one of these persons. He is the founder of Aberdeen. He was born in New York City, and, as a youth, learned the carpenter’s trade. In 1856 he came to San Francisco, and mined and
Biography of Theodore Reiser
Theodore Reiser President of the City Council of Anaheim, was born in the city of Lahr, Baden, Germany, September 7, 1829, and after receiving a good education he began at the age of fourteen years to learn the art of wine-making on the Rhine, and served three years. He traveled and worked at his trade in Switzerland, and at the age of nineteen years he came to New York and worked at the cooper’s trade four years. In the spring of 1854 he came to San Francisco by steamer, and was employed in a brewery three years. Next he went
Biography of Charles Adolph Alisky
Charles Adolph Alisky was born near Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany, October 6, 1840, and is a descendant of an old and highly honorable German family which for several generations has resided at or in the immediate vicinity of the place of his nativity. His father, William Alisky, was a native of Mayence, and early in life exhibited rare musical talent, at the age of seven years playing a flute solo at a concert in Mayence. His genius for music attracted the attention of the Grand Duke of Hessia under whose protection he was sent to the Conservatory of Music at Paris. Here
Biography of Edward James Jeffery
Edward James Jeffery was born in Oneida county, New York, April 23, 1835, and is of English descent, his parents having been born in England. During his infancy the family moved to Lenawee county, Michigan. Here he resided on a farm and obtained a limited education in the district school until the spring of 1852, when he started across the plains for the Pacific slope. In October following, after a journey of more than six months, he arrived at Placerville, California, where, until the following spring he engaged in mining. He then went to Stockton where he was employed in
Biography of Timothy Guy Phelps
Foremost among San Mateo County’s greatest men and best loved pioneer, stands the name of Timothy Guy Phelps, statesman and farmer. Big hearted, strong and lovable, his accomplishments are written large upon the scroll of the county’s greatest achievements, as well as those of the state. Many times a State Assemblyman and Senator, once United States Congressman during Lincoln’s administration, twice Collector of the Port of San Francisco, Regent of the University of California for 21 years and Chairman of the Lick Observatory during that time -these were some of the posts of trust held by Timothy Guy Phelps. Timothy
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Free Wellness Consultation: (877) 297 5816
Achieve TMS
Depression and OCD Treatment
About TMS Treatment
About Achieve TMS East
Identifying a Depressive Disorder
Mood disorders have affected an estimated 9.7 percent of US adults in the past year, with most individuals receiving a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. However, while MDD is the most common diagnosis, mood disorders (or depressive disorders) come in a variety of shapes and sizes. While they often entail depressive symptoms, mood disorders are caused and shaped by several different factors, and thus require very different treatments.
To understand how depressive disorders are distinctly characterized and separated from one another, it’s important to circle back and understand what depression itself is, and how mood disorders differ from anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and a number of other mental health issues.
Depression usually refers to major depressive disorder but may refer to the depressive symptoms exhibited in different mood disorders. Depression is characterized by a low or sad mood, but often also describes individuals who have become apathetic and struggle with oversleeping, as well as individuals who are irritable, suffer from insomnia, and are exceptionally hard on themselves, and so on. Sometimes, depression is exhibited without explicit symptoms of sadness, but rather a lack of joy and a loss of interest, as well as an overwhelming sense of loneliness.
While all these emotions and feelings are natural within the right context, a depression entails a lasting significant shift in an individual’s mood for at least two weeks. While depression can be triggered and grief-related, many forms of depression seemingly come out of “nowhere”.
The signs and symptoms of a depression are quite noticeable and may be picked up quickly by friends and family. Common signs to watch out for include:
Problems with thinking and memory
Loss of interest in hobbies
Low appetite or stress eating
Feelings of guilt or hopelessness
Mild and/or chronic aches
Sudden negative shift in mood
Common and unexplained stomach pain
Feelings of “emptiness”
How A Depression is Diagnosed
While the signs above are associated with depressive disorders, it’s reckless to make a diagnosis without a professional. In fact, only a psychiatrist – a medical doctor who has spent several years specializing in the treatment and study of mental health problems – can make a diagnosis of a mental illness.
When faced with a patient exhibiting symptoms such as those above, psychiatrists usually go over a series of questions and tests to determine whether it’s likely that a patient’s symptoms coincide with depression, or something else entirely. While depression is a mental illness, its symptoms are physical as well. A thorough physical evaluation is made to check for certain issues, from swollen lymph nodes, knots, growths, and any other unusual warning signs, to a detailed history of the patient’s recent pains and aches, their locations, and frequencies.
A family history can help as well. Individuals with a genetic history of mood disorders are statistically more likely to develop a mood disorder, weighing towards the possibility of a mood disorder. Once a patient explains how they’ve been feeling and what they’ve gone through, a psychiatrist will evaluate the existing evidence and come to a conclusion. From there, it’s time to consider potential treatment plans.
Identifying Different Depressive Disorders
Major depressive disorder is characterized by severe depressive symptoms lasting at least two weeks, but there are other disorders with similar characteristics but very unique symptoms. While there are no official diagnostic tests for each and every single depressive disorder, there are certain signs that psychiatrists look for when examining a patient and making a diagnosis. These include:
Are a patient’s symptoms seasonal? Seasonal affective disorder most commonly occurs around winter-time, for a variety of reasons, and describes depressive symptoms that grow in strength as the day shortens and the night lengthens.
Are a patient’s symptoms related to their cycle? Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a form of PMS that is considerably more disruptive, with depressive and/or anxious symptoms, as well as more severe physical symptoms and mood shifts.
Does a patient experience depressive symptoms as well as periods of mania? Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depressive disorder, is a form of mood disorder characterized by several week-long episodes of depression, hypomania, and/or mania, depending on the type of bipolar disorder.
Are the symptoms milder, yet present for years rather than weeks? Persistent depressive disorder, previously known as dysthymia, is a milder form of depression with long-lasting symptoms. However, a significant portion of people with PDD present with severe symptoms as well.
Did the symptoms begin during/after drug use? Substance abuse-related depression may be a result of the drug use and changes the way an addiction is treated with respect to the complications potentially present when dealing with a dual diagnosis.
Are the symptoms depressive, or a form of grief/demoralization? Not all forms of severe and lasting sadness are depressive, and a key characteristic is that severe demoralization or grief still allows for occasional feelings of levity or peace, whereas depression is usually characterized by a long-lasting sadness.
Other considerations to make include various different forms of etiology, as well as other unique depressive disorders such as peripartum depression (before or after giving birth), catatonic depression (experiencing depression alongside severe loss of movement and expression), psychotic depression (a form of depression accompanied by severe delusions and/or hallucinations), and dual diagnoses of depressive symptoms with an anxiety disorder, and more
How Depressive Disorders Are Treated
Treatment options differ from person to person, from case to case. There is no straightforward way to treat a depression, and even when it comes to medication, there are numerous options. SSRIs, a type of low-risk antidepressant, are more commonly used to treat various cases of depression, but they do not always work and are not effective for every single type of depression. TMS is also used, often as an alternative to medication or alongside it as a non-invasive way to deal with depression. Some therapies only work for specific disorders, such as phototherapy for seasonal affective disorder.
The key to every case of depression treatment is to embrace the love and support of your friends and family members. Regardless of what your support system looks like, it’s important to have one to begin with. This is not something you need to go through alone, and it’s much easier with others.
Category: Blog April 25, 2019
PreviousPrevious post:Why You Shouldn’t Try to Treat Your Depression on Your OwnNextNext post:Achieve TMS East Celebrates the Opening of its Dorchester Location
Tips for Managing Depression Symptoms
How to Recognize a Depressed Friend or Loved One?
How Does TMS Therapy Work Anyway?
Dealing with Depression Is the First Step to a Brighter World
What Medication Often Can’t Do for Depression
Needing Help with Depression Isn’t A Failure
Here at Achieve TMS East, our dedicated clinical team is committed to providing treatment to those suffering from depression or OCD using the latest, state of the art technology in a relaxed and comfortable environment.
info@achievetmseast.com
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Beautiful and talented Black Women!
by MovieGem | created - 05 Nov 2015 | updated - 05 Nov 2015 | Public
Beautiful black women in Hollywood from the past and present. No particular order.
List Order Date Added
36 names
1. Teyonah Parris
Actress | Dear White People
Teyonah Parris is an actress and producer, known for Dear White People (2014), Chi-Raq (2015) and If Beale Street Could Talk (2018).
2. Yaya DaCosta
Actress | The Butler
Yaya DaCosta was born and raised in New York City along with her sister and two brothers. She got her first acting gig at the age of eleven when her junior high school drama teacher, Ann Willis Ratray, encouraged her to audition for educational films. She continued to perform in school shows ...
3. Joy Bryant
Actress | Bobby
Joy Bryant was born in a modest home in The Bronx, New York and as a young woman, was enrolled in an inner-city outreach organization called "A Better Chance," designed to encourage minority talent. Joy was also blessed with brains as well beauty and remained an excellent student throughout her ...
4. Angela Bassett
Actress | Strange Days
Captivating, gifted, and sensational, Angela Bassett's presence has been felt in theaters and on stages and television screens throughout the world. Angela Evelyn Bassett was born on August 16, 1958 in New York City, to Betty Jane (Gilbert), a social worker, and Daniel Benjamin Bassett, a ...
5. Sanaa Lathan
Actress | AVP: Alien vs. Predator
Sanaa Lathan, pronounced Sa-NAA, "like Sinatra without the tra", was born on September 19, 1971, in New York, as her actress mother Eleanor McCoy performed on Broadway with the likes of Eartha Kitt, and her director father Stan Lathan worked behind the scenes in television for PBS. She was exposed ...
6. Regina Hall
Actress | Girls Trip
Regina Hall was born December 12, 1970 in Washington, D.C., to Ruby, a teacher, and Odie Hall, a contractor. She graduated from Fordham University in 1992, and went on to earn a master's degree in journalism from New York University before shifting to an acting career. In 1997 at age 26, she began ...
7. Lupita Nyong'o
Actress | 12 Years a Slave
Lupita Amondi Nyong'o was born March 1, 1983 in Mexico City, Mexico, to Kenyan parents, Dorothy Ogada Buyu and Peter Anyang' Nyong'o. Her father, a senator, was then a visiting lecturer in political science. She was raised in Kenya. At age 16, her parents sent her back to Mexico for seven months to...
8. Pam Grier
Actress | Jackie Brown
Pam Grier was born in Winston-Salem, NC, one of four children of Gwendolyn Sylvia (Samuels), a nurse, and Clarence Ransom Grier Jr., an Air Force mechanic. Pam has been a major African-American star from the early 1970s. Her career started in 1971, when Roger Corman of New World Pictures launched ...
9. Keke Palmer
Actress | Hustlers
Keke Palmer was born Lauren Keyana Palmer in Harvey, Illinois, a south suburb of Chicago, to Sharon and Larry Palmer, both former actors. Palmer showed vocal promise as a five-year-old, when she belted out "Jesus Loves Me" in her church choir. A year later the singer-actress had a solo in her ...
10. Kerry Washington
Actress | Django Unchained
Kerry Washington was born on January 31, 1977 in The Bronx, New York City, New York, USA as Kerry Marisa Washington. She is an actress and producer, known for Django Unchained (2012), Scandal (2012) and Save the Last Dance (2001). She has been married to Nnamdi Asomugha since June 24, 2013. They ...
11. Grace Byers
Actress | Empire
Grace Byers (born Grace Lillis Gealey) was born in the Cayman Islands, and moved to America to attend the University of South Florida in Tampa, where she received a B.A. in Theater Arts. During her time at USF, acting afforded her the opportunity to communicate viscerally; a desire that came from ...
12. Nia Long
Actress | Big Momma's House
Stunning pop culture icon, Hollywood leading lady and three-time NAACP award winner Nia Long returns to the big screen this fall in the highly anticipated Universal Pictures sequel The Best Man Holiday (in theaters November 15th) where she reunites with original castmates Taye Diggs ("Private ...
13. Jaida-Iman Benjamin
Actress | Family Reunion
Jaida-Iman Benjamin was born on December 30, 1994 in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. She is an actress, known for Family Reunion (2019), Christmas Everlasting (2018) and Insecure (2016).
14. Jourdan Dunn
Actress | Zoolander 2
Jourdan Dunn is an English fashion model. She was born in the West London suburb of Greenford, where she grew up with her mother, a receptionist of Jamaican heritage, and two younger brothers. She was discovered in Hammersmith Primark, at the age of 16 and signed to Storm Model Management. In ...
15. Naomi Campbell
Naomi Campbell was born on May 22, 1970 in Streatham, London, England. She is an actress and producer, known for Zoolander 2 (2016), I Feel Pretty (2018) and To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar (1995).
16. Lanisha Cole
Actress | Soul Plane
Lanisha Cole was born on February 13, 1982 in Pasadena, California, USA as Lanisha Diane Cole. She is an actress, known for Soul Plane (2004), Sex, Love & Secrets (2005) and A Beautiful Soul (2012).
17. Dorothy Dandridge
Actress | Carmen Jones
Dorothy Jean Dandridge was born on November 9, 1922 in Cleveland, Ohio, to Ruby Dandridge (née Ruby Jean Butler), an entertainer, and Cyril H. Dandridge, a cabinet maker and minister. Under the prodding of her mother, Dorothy and her sister Vivian Dandridge began performing publicly, usually in ...
18. Brenda Sykes
Actress | Mandingo
Brenda Sykes was born on June 25, 1949 in Shreveport, Louisiana, USA as Brenda Louise Sykes. She is an actress, known for Mandingo (1975), Black Gunn (1972) and Ozzie's Girls (1973). She has been married to Paul C. Hudson since May 19, 1995. She was previously married to Gil Scott-Heron.
19. Beyoncé
Soundtrack | Dreamgirls
Beyoncé was born & raised in Houston, Texas. Her mom, Tina Lawson designs their glittering costumes & her dad, Mathew Knowles manages Destiny's Child. Solange, her sister (they're 4 years apart) has released her debut album. She dances with her big sister during DC-3 concerts. Beyoncé's of ...
20. Rihanna
Actress | Battleship
Robyn Rihanna Fenty was born in a parish in Barbados called St. Michael, to Monica (Braithwaite), an accountant, and Ronald Fenty, a warehouse supervisor. Her mother is Afro-Guyanese and her father is of Afro-Barbadian and British Isles ancestry (known as "Redlegs" in the Caribbean). Rihanna lived ...
21. Naomie Harris
Actress | 28 Days Later...
British actress Naomie Harris was born in London, England, the only child of television scriptwriter Lisselle Kayla. Her father is from Trinidad and her mother is from Jamaica. They separated before she was born, and Harris was raised by her mother and has no relationship with her father. She ...
22. Gabrielle Union
Actress | Bring It On
Gabrielle Union was born on October 29, 1972, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Theresa (Glass), who managed a phone company, and Sylvester E. Union, a military sergeant and business executive. When she was eight, her family moved to Pleasanton, California, where she grew up and attended high school. There, ...
23. Solange
Soundtrack | Bring It On: All or Nothing
Solange was born on June 24, 1986 in Houston, Texas, USA as Solange Piaget Knowles. She has been married to Alan Ferguson since November 16, 2014. She was previously married to Daniel Smith.
24. Eva Marcille
Actress | The Young and the Restless
Eva Marcille was born on October 30, 1984 in Los Angeles, California, USA as Eva Marcelle Pigford. She is an actress and producer, known for The Young and the Restless (1973), I Think I Love My Wife (2007) and Smallville (2001). She has been married to Michael Sterling since October 7, 2018. They ...
25. Brandy Norwood
Actress | I Still Know What You Did Last Summer
Brandy Norwood was born on February 11, 1979 in McComb, Mississippi, USA as Brandy Rayana Norwood. She is known for her work on I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998), Moesha (1996) and Osmosis Jones (2001).
26. Aaliyah
Soundtrack | Romeo Must Die
Talented. Beautiful. Modest. These three words described R&B singer-turned-actress Aaliyah perfectly.
Aaliyah Dana Haughton was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Diane (Hankerson) and Michael Haughton. Her uncle was music manager Barry Hankerson and her brother is director Rashad Haughton. Aaliyah was ...
27. Lena Horne
Soundtrack | Cabin in the Sky
Lena Calhoun Horne was born June 30, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York. In her biography she stated that, on the day she was born, her father was in the midst of a card game trying to get money to pay the hospital costs. Her parents divorced while she was still a toddler. Her mother left later in order ...
28. Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes
Soundtrack | Space Cowboys
Controversial, flamboyant, and spontaneous are probably the best words to describe Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes. Born in Philadelphia, and raised throughout the world as the daughter of a U.S. Army serviceman, Lisa Lopes became one of the most important trendsetters in the 1990s music scene. After ...
29. Robin Givens
Actress | Boomerang
Robin Simone Givens was born on November 27, 1964 in New York City, to Ruth (Newby) and Reuben Givens. Her father left his family when Robin was a young girl, and she seldom saw him after that. Robin's mother raised her and her younger sister in Westchester, Connecticut. Her mother (once linked to ...
30. Teyana Taylor
Actress | Kanye West: Fade
Teyana Taylor was born as Teyana Meshay Taylor. She is an actress, known for Kanye West: Fade (2016), The Love Section (2013) and Honey: Rise Up and Dance (2018). She has been married to Iman Shumpert since 2016. They have one child.
31. Sevyn Streeter
Soundtrack | Furious Seven
Sevyn Streeter was born on July 7, 1986 in Haines City, Florida, USA.
32. Taraji P. Henson
Actress | The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Taraji P. Henson was born on September 11, 1970 in Washington, District of Columbia, USA as Taraji Penda Henson. She is an actress and producer, known for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), Hidden Figures (2016) and Hustle & Flow (2005).
33. Viola Davis
Actress | Fences
Actress Viola Davis was born on her grandmother's farm, at the then-Singleton Plantation in St. Matthews, South Carolina. When she was two months old her family moved to Central Falls, Rhode Island, where her father, Dan Davis, worked as a horse groomer and trainer. Her mother, Mary Alice (Logan), ...
34. Beverly Johnson
Actress | Loaded Weapon 1
Beverly Johnson was born on October 13, 1952 in Buffalo, New York, USA as Beverly Ann Johnson. She is an actress and producer, known for Loaded Weapon 1 (1993), Martin (1992) and Crossroads (2002). She was previously married to Danny Sims and Billy Potter.
35. Phylicia Rashad
Actress | The Cosby Show
Phylicia Rashad was born in Houston, Texas, to African-American parents, Vivian Elizabeth (Ayers), a poet and art director, and Andrew Arthur Allen, an orthodontist. As a child, Phylicia, her older brother Andrew (called Tex), and younger sister, dancer and actress Debbie Allen, lived in Mexico. ...
36. Theresa Harris
Actress | Baby Face
Theresa Harris appeared with more stars of the Golden Era of Hollywood than anyone else. She sang, she danced, she appeared in movies and TV. She graced the screen with her magnetic presence and most times stole scenes from the top stars of the day every chance she got and made a lot of dull films ...
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Head of the National Iraqi Alliance, Sayyid Ammar al-Hakim, calls to honor the martyrs of science, the students and professors of Iraqi universities by honorary certificates
Head of the National Iraqi Alliance, Sayyid Ammar al-Hakim, called to honor the martyrs of science, students of universities with honorary certificates, praising the significant role of Iraqi universities’ professors and students in the delivering education and knowledge during the critical situations that faces the country.
This took place during his eminence’s speech at the celebration of hosted by the University of Baghdad, marking the birth of Prophet Mohammad and the birth of Imam Sadiq peace be upon him Sunday, 18/12/2016.
His eminence stressed the country\'s need for the efforts of all its citizens in order to achieve victory over the forces of infidelity and darkness, congratulating the gathered celebrators of the birth of Prophet Mohammad, noting that the approach of the Great Prophet Muhammad and his noble family peace be upon them, is the approach of unity, peace and synergy and love.
Sayyid Ammar al-Hakim touched the great victories achieved by the sons of the Iraqi military forces in the We Are Coming, Nineveh operations and the defeats of the terrorist cliques of Daesh, stressing the need to complement this victory with a comprehensive political project to all the Iraqi components that eliminates any suggestions for disintegration and division.
Head of the National Iraqi Alliance pointed out that the National Settlement Bill will not include who are incongruent to the reality of Iraq, and the project represents a realistic vision of state-building in the post-Daesh phase.
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The perverse side effects of America’s harsh immigration policies
Assessing the impact of “Secure Communities”, an Obama-era programme revived by Donald Trump
by C.K.
IN JANUARY last year President Donald Trump signed an executive order reviving Secure Communities, a programme that empowers the federal government to check the immigration status of anyone arrested by local police. Launched in the last year of the George W. Bush administration and expanded under President Barack Obama, Secure Communities was axed in 2014 amid protests that it might be unconstitutional and that it discouraged migrants from co-operating with local law enforcement. Two new papers look at the effects of the programme in its earlier incarnation. They find that it succeeded in its stated goal of removing undocumented workers—but it also reduced access to jobs, health care and nutrition for migrants and citizens alike.
Secure Communities saw a staggered rollout out across America between 2008 and 2012. Some 43m sets of fingerprint were collected and more than 400,000 people deported by the time the Obama administration cancelled the programme in 2014. Towards the end, a number of jurisdictions, called “sanctuary cities”, were refusing to pass on fingerprint data to the federal authorities. The multi-year rollout of Secure Communities and the varying levels of enforcement allow researchers to identify its impacts. Chloe East from the University of Colorado and colleagues examined employment effects while Marcella Alsan of Stanford University and Crystal Yang of Harvard University looked at access to welfare and health-care enrollment.
Ms East and her co-authors found that the rollout of Secure Communities was associated with a 3.5% reduction in the employment of non-citizens, mainly among low-skilled workers, who are least likely to be documented. But the programme was also associated with a 0.5% decline in employment for citizens, concentrated among workers with mid- or high-level skills. These results match a growing body of evidence that suggests low-skilled migrant labour supports the growth of higher-skilled employment: the presence of immigrants often means more affordable child care, allowing parents to return to work, and a greater number of management and technical positions in firms employing low-skill labour.
Tougher immigration enforcement also affects enrolment in safety-net programmes. State authorities in charge of running the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP; better known as food stamps) routinely check the immigration and citizenship status of applicants and household members. Most states assure applicants that the information they provide will only be used to check eligibility and will not be shared with immigration authorities. But a 2017 survey of people in Los Angeles County concerned that they or a friend or family member might be deported suggests that fully 80% of them thought that attempting to enroll in a government health, education or housing program would increase the risk of deportation.
Ms Alsan and Ms Yang found that the rollout of Secure Communities was associated with a 10% decline in food-stamp use among eligible Hispanic households. They also estimate that health-care coverage under the Affordable Care Act would have been 22% higher among eligible Hispanic households had Secure Communities not been in place, because of fears that any interaction with officials might lead to friends or family being deported. That may contribute to the disparity between Hispanic and non-Hispanic take-up of the six most significant federal entitlement programs. Only 50% of Hispanics reported participating in any of these, compared to 56% of non-Hispanics, according to Alana and Yang. Secure Communities may have helped widen the gap. And given undocumented immigrants commit crimes at a lower rate than the native population it should come as little surprise Secure Communities had no noticeable impact on overall crime rates either.
More from Democracy in America
Coming to his census
Donald Trump ends his fight to add citizenship to the 2020 census
Tom Steyer jumps into a crowded Democratic field
A political platform
An appeals court says Donald Trump may not block critics on Twitter
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18 March 2015.
Image by: pinterest
Anatomy and innervation of the infraspinatus muscle
There is ongoing debate on the anatomical arrangement and pattern of innervation of the infraspinatus. More specifically, it remains unclear whether the muscle is bipennate, multipennate or composed of two separate compartments and if the suprascapular nerve branches into two or more motor branches in the infraspinous fossa.
48 muscle-scapula complexes were derived from 24 cadavers and then examined using standard dissection techniques. Fascial divisions or muscle compartments were determined by visual inspection before and after removal of the muscle from the cadaver. The number of nerve branches from the suprascapular nerve was determined by visual inspection.
The infraspinatus muscle was found to be composed of three partitions: a superior, middle and inferior part were present in all muscles. In 62.5% of the muscles, full compartmentalization was established (i.e. a separate nerve branch entered all three partitions). It can be speculated that the different neuromuscular partitions correspond to different biomechanical functions of the infraspinatus.
> From: Fabrizio & Clemente, J Bodyw Mov Ther 18 (2015) 228-232. All rights reserved to Elsevier Ltd. Click here for the Pubmed summary.
Image by: ptjournal apta
Tags: Shoulder, suprascapular nerve, anatomy, infraspinatus, rotator cuff, morphology, Muscular compartments, Compartmentalization, Nerve branching, Nerve branching pattern
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Payment Practices Barometer Turkey
Barómetro de Prácticas de Pago
Automoción/Transporte,
Productos químicos/Farmacéutica,
Construcción,
Bienes de consumo duraderos,
Electrónica / TIC,
Servicios financieros,
Alimento,
Máquinas/Ingeniería,
Metales,
Papel,
Servicios,
Acero,
Despite the significant amount of time given B2B customers to pay their invoices, a sizeable proportion of the total value of domestic B2B receivables in Turkey (55.2%) was overdue.
Survey results for Turkey
Sales on credit terms
Survey respondents in Turkey reported that, on average, 50.3% of the total value of their domestic B2B sales was transacted on credit. This is above the 42.9% average for Eastern Europe (average for Western Europe is 44.9%). The Turkish respondents’ openness to using trade credit on the domestic market is significantly higher than that shown in transactions with B2B customers abroad. About 30.5% of the total value of foreign B2B sales was made on credit terms, which is below the 38.4% average for the region (average for Western Europe is 37.7%). It is worth noting that, of all the countries surveyed in Eastern Europe, Turkey shows the strongest preference for using trade credit domestically than internationally. Over the past two years, the proportion of domestic B2B credit- based sales in Turkey grew steadily (by 7 percentage points in total).
This is in contrast to the overall survey pattern, which shows a significant drop (by 10.5 percentage points) in domestic B2B sales made on credit in Eastern Europe over the same time frame. Foreign B2B credit sales in Turkey appear to be more volatile, after they suffered a marked decrease in 2014 and a slight increase again this year. This fluctuation does not match the overall survey trend, which points to a steady drop (by 13.4 percentage points) in foreign credit-based transactions in Eastern Europe over the past two years.
Average payment term
The payment terms given by Turkish respondents to their domestic B2B customers, averaging 47 days from the invoice date, appear to be the longest extended in Eastern Europe. This average figure is nearly three weeks longer than the survey average of 30 days. The average for Western Europe is also shorter (34 days). Over the past two years, the domestic payment terms in Turkey increased by an average of five days. In contrast, payment terms granted to foreign B2B customers, are significantly shorter than those given on the domestic market. They average 37 days and are once more the most relaxed in Eastern Europe, above the average for the region (31 days). Over the past two years, there has been almost no change in the average payment terms given by Turkish respondents to their B2B customers abroad.
Overdue B2B invoices
Despite the significant amount of time given to pay invoices, a sizeable proportion of the total value of domestic B2B receivables in Turkey (55.2%) was overdue. This is the highest proportion of overdue domestic invoices in Eastern Europe, a percentage markedly above the 41.2% average for the region (average for Western Europe is 40.2%). Over the past two years, there has been a significant upswing in domestic overdue payments in Turkey (by around 23 percentage points). This increase is twice as high as the rate of late domestic payments observed in Eastern Europe, which has seen an upward trend. Foreign B2B customers of respondents in Turkey appear to pay past due invoices faster than domestic customers do. On average, only 49.8% of the total value of foreign invoices went past due. Once more, this is the lowest proportion of foreign overdue invoices of all the countries surveyed, and notably below the 34.2% average for Eastern Europe (average for Western Europe is 35.4%).
Over the past two years, similar to what was observed on the domestic market, the level of foreign overdue payments in Turkey increased substantially (by around 23 percentage points). This increase is again twice as high as that observed in Eastern Europe. When it comes to delinquency rates (invoices unpaid 90+ days after the due date), Turkey records the highest figures in Eastern Europe. 13.4% of domestic and 14.8% of foreign B2B invoices became delinquent, and are likely to turn into collection cases. Both figures are markedly above the averages for Eastern Europe, with 7.2% domestic and 6.7% foreign delinquent invoices. The averages for Western Europe are 7.6% domestic and 7% foreign. The levels of late payment in Turkey are reflected in the Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) figure posted by respondents in the country, averaging 59 days. This is consistent with the average for Eastern Europe (average for Western Europe is 48 days).
Average payment delay
Domestic B2B customers of respondents in Turkey settle their past due payments, on average, just over one month after the due date. This means that suppliers in Turkey receive payments on domestic B2B invoices around 80 days after the invoice date. This is the longest average payment duration across the countries surveyed in Eastern Europe, and is nearly one month longer than the average for the region. Over the past two years, however, this time period decreased significantly (by almost two weeks).
Turkish suppliers receive payments on foreign past due invoices, on average, around 10 days earlier than for domestic B2B invoices. Once more this is the longest foreign payment duration observed in Eastern Europe. Over the past two years, this timing remained relatively unchanged. With such long waiting times to receive payments on B2B invoices, it is no surprise that respondents in Turkey are highly concerned about the financial balance of their businesses. When asked to indicate the greatest challenges to business profitability in 2015, respondents in Turkey indicated the collection of outstanding invoices and a likely fall in demand for their products and services. In the first case, the percentage of respondents is above that in Eastern Europe overall (16% of respondents in Turkey versus 12% in Eastern Europe).
Key payment delay factors
Most of the respondents in Turkey (nearly 57.5%) reported that domestic late payment of B2B invoices is mainly attributable to insufficient availability of funds. The percentage of respondents citing this reason, which is the same as that recorded in Poland, is consistent with that for Eastern Europe (60%). 51.4% of respondents in Western Europe cited this delay factor as well. Over the past two years, the percentage of Turkish respondents citing insufficient availability of funds remained substantially stable. The second most often reported reason for domestic payment delays in Turkey is the perception that B2B customers use outstanding invoices as a form of financing (32.6% of respondents). This is in line with the figure for Eastern Europe (34.8%) and slightly higher than the average for Western Europe (34%).
Similarly, payment delays from foreign B2B customers were most frequently attributed to a lack of liquidity (just over 36.6% of respondents). This is below the overall figure for Eastern Europe (41.4%) and higher than the overall figure for Western Europe (29.4%). Over the past two years, this response rate decreased steadily. Interestingly, the second most often reported reason for foreign payment delays in Turkey (36.6% of respondents versus 20.1% in Eastern Europe, and 22.2% in Western Europe) refers to the inefficiencies of the banking system. In contrast to the survey pattern, this shows that the second most frequent reason for foreign payment delays is the perception that B2B customers use outstanding invoices as a form of alternative financing.
Uncollectable accounts
An average of 2% of the B2B receivables in Turkey was reported as uncollectable. This is twice the 1.1% average for Eastern Europe (average for Western Europe stands at 1.2%). Uncollectable B2B receivables were primarily attributed to the construction, food and services sectors. For most of the respondents in Turkey (53.8%), B2B receivables were mainly uncollectable due to the failure of collection attempts. This compares to 38.3% of respondents in Eastern Europe and 25.1% of respondents in Western Europe. Notably more respondents in Turkey (27%) than in Eastern Europe (21%) said that the debt could not be collected as it was too old. For more insights into the B2B receivables collections practices in Turkey, please see the Global Collections Review by Atradius Collections (free download after registration), available from May 19, 2015 on atradiuscollections.com.
Payment practices by industry
Domestic B2B customers are given payment terms in line with the average for the country in almost all of the industries Turkish respondents trade in. Exceptions to this are the construction and the consumer durables sectors, where payment terms are much shorter (averaging around 65 days). The highest levels of overdue payment are found in the domestic agriculture sector (nearly 60%), which records the longest payment delays (averaging 39 days). The domestic construction materials sector records the highest rates of late payment due to customers’ financial difficulties. Respondents in Turkey expect that, over the next 12 months the payment behaviour of domestic B2B customers will deteriorate mostly in the agriculture and food sectors.
In terms of their foreign trade relations, respondents in Turkey give above-average payment terms (45 days) to B2B buyers in the machines sector. Despite being granted the most relaxed terms for invoice payment, the machines sector generates the most foreign payment delays. However, foreign late payments due to customers’ financial stress occur most often in the services sector while late payments caused by the inefficiencies of the banking system in the agriculture sector. Most of the respondents in Turkey expect the payment behaviour of foreign customers in the agriculture sector to deteriorate over the next 12 months.
Payment Practices Barometer Turkey - 2015 Spring - English Version
3.2MB PDF
Payment Practices Barometer Turkey - 2015 Spring - Turkish Version
Payment Practices Barometer Eastern Europe - Statistical Appendix 2015
Payment Practices Barometer Eastern Europe - Survey design 2015
Payment Practices Barometer Eastern Europe
2015 is expected to be a difficult year for Eastern Europe. This is forecast to place a long-term strain on corporate payment behaviour in many countries in the region.
CEE Country Report - Turkey
Inflation is expected to remain high in 2015, at around 7%, while the current account deficit is expected to remain at the same level as in 2014 (5.7% of GDP).
Market Monitor - Construction industry - Turkey
Problems remain in the building sectors of most of the countries covered in this issue of the Market Monitor. Consequently, the outlook for the construction industry in 2015 remains muted.
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Michael Schumacher's devastating family 'secret' comes to light
Yahoo Sport Australia 22 April 2019
Michael Schumacher reportedly had a ‘secret plan’ to manage son Mick’s career when he became a professional driver.
Schumacher’s former manager Willi Webber has spoken out about Michael’s plans to become Mick’s manager, in the hope he would propel his son to greatness.
Weber told motorsport-total.com that Michael wanted to help “his boy into Formula One and even manage him the way I used to manage him.”
“Michael was hoping to take him to Formula 1 someday.
“That would be the final step in the whole story. I know he would have liked it very much.”
Mick Schumacher walks out of the garage after his first laps for Ferrari at the in-season test in Bahrain. (Photo by ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP/Getty Images)
However Michael suffered head injuries in a devastating skiing accident in 2013, and hasn’t been able to fulfil his plan.
Mick has been working his way through the ranks over the last few years and drove for Ferrari in F1 testing in Bahrain recently.
He won the F3 championship in 2017 before moving up to F2.
While most parents are fearful of pushing their children to emulate them, Weber says Schumacher was enthusiastic about the idea that Mick might follow in his footsteps:
“He actively promoted him and he would do well because Michael knew how to move in this world because he had all the experience alone. This was his ambition.”
Michael Schumacher with wife Corrina in 2004. (Photo by Getty Images)
Weber also expressed his regret that Mick might feel the burden of trying to make his father proud.
“Mick has a heavy burden to bear because people will always compare him to Michael and say: ‘His name is Schumacher, he must achieve the same results as his father’, and this will be a huge burden for the boy.
“If Michael could be by his side, he would have a completely different effect.
“But now Mick represents his father in the eyes of the people. This is the problem. Because everyone compares him and everyone says: ‘He must achieve the same results’.”
‘The way he’s behaving is very similar’
Meanwhile, Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto says the way Mick approaches his job reminds him of a young Michael.
Binotto was an engine engineer at Michael’s first test with Ferrari at the end of 1995, and worked alongside the seven-time F1 champion throughout his Maranello career.
He has had a chance to observe Mick up close since the F3 champion became part of the Ferrari Driver Academy.
Michael Schumacher in 2004. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images)
“The very first time I saw him after many years, in Maranello when he came back, I looked at him, and I didn’t think he’s really looking similar to Michael,” said Binotto.
“But the way he’s behaving is very similar, and the way he approached the exercise, the way he’s interested in the car, discussing with technicians.
“Even in Maranello we were looking after him, but he was always at the workshop looking at the car, speaking with mechanics. And I think that’s a bit similar to his father.”
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The Redeemed Team: USA Wins Gold In 2012 London Olympics Women’s Soccer
This entry was posted on 08/10/2012, in Xtra! and tagged 2012, Abby Wambach, Alex Morgan, America, American, Carli Lloyd, Christie Rampone, England, Football, Futbol, Game, Games, Gold, Gold Medal, Homare Sawa, Hope, Hope Solo, Images, London, London Games, London Olympics, Medal, Megan Rapinoe, Olympics, Photos, Pia Sundhage, Pics, Pictures, Soccer, Soccer Player, Solo, Stadium, Summer, Summer Olympics, Video, Wembley, women, Women's. Bookmark the permalink. 1 Comment
Lauren Cheney and Megan Rapinoe (click to enlarge)
This was the game…against the team…that the United States Women’s National Soccer Team had been waiting and wanting for 389 days. It was that length of time ago that Team USA stood on a podium in Germany tearfully resigning themselves to a 2nd place finish in the 2011 Women’s World Cup, vanquished by a Japanese team that lifted the spirits of their tsunami stricken homeland with their triumphant play. For some, they can live with silver. For players like Abby Wambach, Carli Lloyd and Hope Solo, it’s only gold that glitters. With a 2-1 victory over Japan in the gold medal match of the 2012 London Olympics, the American team will bathe in the glow of redemption.
Carli Lloyd (click to enlarge)
The USA had many stars step up along the journey back to the top of the world of women’s soccer. Today, it was Carli Lloyd, who scored the winning goal against Brazil in the gold medal game of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. During the 8th minute, Alex Morgan left-footed a centering pass which seemed headed for Abby Wambach. As Abby lifted her leg to kick, a swoosh of blue blew by her foot. It was Carli Lloyd sprinting through to head the ball in for the first goal of the game. Carli slid to her knees in jubilation, soon to be engulfed, disappearing under a pile of overjoyed teammates.
Hope Solo (click to enlarge)
Each team had multiple chances to score more goals than they ultimately ended with, especially a few (almost) golden opportunities for Japan. In the 17th minute Nohomi Kawasumi flew down the left side and crossed a shot that had American goalkeeper Hope Solo beaten. But this is a team sport, and teammate Christie Rampone was there behind Solo to kick the shot harmlessly away. Still, Hope had her moment to shine in the very next minute as Homare Sawa crossed a pass into Yuki Ogimi right in front of the goalkeeper’s box. Ogimi was a half step behind the defense with a clear shot at Solo. Ogimi’s shot was headed to the top net when Hope made a dazzling save, leaping and just getting enough of her fingertips on the ball to deflect it away. There was another chance for Japan when a shot hit the top crossbar. However, if one looks at the replay, Solo’s hand was right under the crossbar, so even had the ball been a length lower, it just would have hit her hand instead of the top of the goalpost.
Carli Lloyd’s heroics were not over yet. In the 54th minute, she ran through the defense and blasted a shot into the far left net past goalkeeper Miho Fukumoto. Carli had an open Alex Morgan to her far left in scoring position, but today Lloyd had the magic and took the shot herself. She reminded me of LeBron James or Kobe Bryant streaking to the basket past teammates and opponents alike with a single minded purpose to throw it down. And that she did. It was a good thing too for Team USA as Yuki Ogimi, who earlier was stymied by a sensational save by Solo, beat the American goalkeeper with a goal in the 63rd minute as the ball ricocheted around in front of the US net before finally being put in. With the score cut to 2-1, one could be forgiven for thinking this might end up like the Women’s World Cup match between these two titans of women’s soccer.
Not this day. Although Japan did have chances. Most notably, in the 83rd minute as Christie Rampone had her pocket picked by Mana Iwabuchi who then was all alone staring Hope Solo in the eye. It was a big mistake by Rampone, and one that for a second or two looked like it would prove costly. But remember that earlier Rampone had bailed out Hope when she was beaten on a play. This time, Hope bailed out Christie on a mistake. Cheating to the near post, Solo baited Iwabuchi into trying for the far post. Hope made another terrific save, diving and knocking the ball away. Except for Christine Sinclair having a game for the ages in the semifinals, Hope Solo hasn’t had much to do these Olympics. But in the gold medal game when it counted, she came up big and helped the Americans hold on for the win.
One of the beautiful things about the run to the gold was that it filled with so many different players stepping up. It wasn’t Alex Morgan or Abby Wambach every game. It wasn’t Hope Solo making every save. Of course, all three had their moments to shine, but so did Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe and Sydney Leroux. There were plays that don’t show up in a stat sheet, like when Rampone bailed out Solo early in the game. They played and won as a team. And make no mistake, while a gold medal was their ultimate goal no matter who they played, you know they wanted Team Japan in the worst way. They got ’em and they beat ’em. And with the win, they completed their own personal road to redemption.
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Home Remedies Beauty
The Vitamins to take in your 30s, 40s and over 50
The lack of certain vitamins leads to serious consequences in the female body: the violation of cycles, the weakening of immunity, the wilting of the hair and skin. A healthy full-fledged diet guarantees women's beauty and longevity, and vitamins are an integral part of the daily diet.
Our life is possible only thanks to the chemical reactions taking place in the body. And they, in turn, do not start without catalysts - vitamins.
Vitamins are not only antidepressants, but also a source of health. Each of them is responsible for certain functions in the body. Depending on sex and age, a person needs more of one element and less of others.
For example, a vitamin complex for women's health should include vitamins that support its specific processes: menstrual cycles, pregnancy, lactation. For a child, vitamins are important, and for a man - his own specific complex.
Vitamins for women after 30
To support health and youth, women in 30+ should receive fully antioxidants and beauty vitamins (A, E, C, K), as well as zinc (15-30 mg), B9 (400 mg), B6 (50 mg), B12 (50 mg), selenium (55-100 μg).
READ MORE: A quick workout to burn calories
Women who take in 30+ vitamin supplements (calcium and vitamin D), in adulthood, do not suffer from osteoporosis. Omega-3 protects them from mood swings and depression, caused by fluctuations in the level of hormones at this age stage.
In an organism older than 40 years, hormonal restructuring begins. Against this background, there are extra pounds of weight, worsening health.
The heavy burden, which falls heavily on the shoulders of a woman (career, family relationships, domestic cares, children), exhausts the body. And he, in turn, can not function in the same rhythm without vitamin support.
Anti-aging vitamins alphabet contain the right doses of active ingredients and help maintain women's health.
C (1000 mg) and chromium (25 mg) control blood sugar, which means weight.
READ MORE: A way to treat scars with onions
B6, C and E, bioflavonoids, inositol, lycopene, zinc take care of the immune system, help to cope with the heavy loads of the age stage 40+, which like no other is accompanied by stress, fatigue from stress and disappointment in family life.
Vitamins for women after 50 should effectively fight tides, early signs of menopause, insomnia, night sweats, including, to strengthen the immune system, slow the aging process.
The alphabet for women 50+ specifically contains a high dose of this mineral (300 mg) to cope with their age-related problems.
Thus, after 50 years, it is necessary to take a complex of vitamins alphabet for women, which also includes:
#1. B3 (niacin);
#2. B6 (pyridoxine);
#3. B9 (folic acid);
#4. B12 (cyanocobalamin);
#5. Vitamins D, E and K (phylloquinone);
#6. F (omega-3 and omega-6).
READ MORE: 3 ways to show love
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Home ▸ Arizona Coyotes ▸ Free John Scott
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Free John Scott
By thinksojoe · January 18, 2016
John Scott: NHL All Star Captain.
In 2012, John Scott became a Buffalo Sabre. As a Sabres fan who sat through a team with a distinct lack of goals the previous season, the first question on my mind was of course, “why?” Scott had been up and down between the NHL and AHL since 2008 and had one goal in the big league to show for it. His signing, I believe, was an overreaction to a hit by then-Bruin Milan Lucic on then-Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller the previous season, an attempt to “toughen up” the Buffalo Sabres.
To say that Scott’s tenure in Buffalo was less than stellar is an understatement. With one goal and 194 penalty minutes across two seasons, the highlight of John Scott the Sabre was being ripped to shreds by Mike Milbury following a nationally televised game against the Boston Bruins for a hit on a defenseless Loui Eriksson.
Needless to say, I’ve never been the biggest fan of John Scott. However, when you leave the people on the internet to their own devices, things happen. The National Hockey League opened up all star voting to the fans, and allowed them to vote for any player they chose as a captain for the player’s respective divisions in the new 3-on-3 tournament format. That opened the door for fans to find the most ridiculous choice and vote him in. Believe me, I was one of the people voting on a daily basis for John Scott, along with Jack Eichel of the Buffalo Sabres, Shea Weber of the Nashville Predators, and Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals.
So what happens? John Scott wins the all-star voting. Not just for the Pacific Division – he was the number one vote getter in all of the NHL. Those of us who voted for him felt a sense of pride. Suddenly, despite the fact we were initially voting for him as a joke, we had a sense of pride. John Scott was our all-star. We made that happen, and we were not only proud of that fact, we were proud of him. Sure, he’s not the best hockey player, and yes, maybe Mike Milbury had a point in calling him a goon, but John Scott is a good guy, taking it all with good humor, and humbly accepting the honor bestowed upon him by the NHL fans.
People are often critical of the National Football League, referring to the NFL as the “No Fun League.” I propose we start calling the NHL the “No Humor League,” because while we’re having fun putting guys like John Scott where they don’t necessarily belong, the league steps in and conveniently convinces the Arizona Coyotes to send Scott to the Montreal Canadiens, which throws a wrench into our plans. Here’s what they don’t tell you. Scott’s wife is pregnant with twins and due to give birth All-Star weekend. Now, this poor woman, 9 months pregnant, has to go through the ordeal of her husband being traded to a team 2600 miles away, being uprooted from their home in Arizona, and for what? So John Scott can’t play in the NHL All Star Game?
This ordeal is a bigger embarassment to the National Hockey League than John Scott could ever be. I wish he were on Twitter, because I’d like to personally apologize for him for the way this has affected him and his family. I voted for John Scott ten times a day every day. I was looking forward to seeing him get his moment in the spotlight. Now it’s all been taken away from him – and us.
This entry was posted in Arizona Coyotes, Montreal Canadiens, NHL. Bookmark the permalink.
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MT-BC: Music Therapist-Board Certified
The credential “Music Therapist – Board Certified” (MT-BC) is granted by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) to identify music therapists who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to practice music therapy at the current level of the profession. The purpose of board certification in music therapy is to provide an objective national standard that can be used as a measure of professionalism by interested agencies, groups, and individuals. For more information visit www.cbmt.org
MM: Master of Music (in Music Therapy)
The designation “MM” is given to music therapist who holds a master’s of music for completing additional education and training at an American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) approved university or college. Master’s work in music therapy typically includes advanced practicum training, music courses, music therapy courses, and a specialized elective track in areas such as research methodology, special and early childhood education, psychology and counseling.
MSMTh: Master of Science (in Music Therapy)
The designation “MSMTh” is given to music therapist who holds a master’s of science for completing additional education and training at an American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) approved university or college. Master’s work in music therapy typically includes advanced practicum training, music courses, music therapy courses, and a specialized elective track in areas such as research methodology, special and early childhood education, psychology and counseling.
NMT: Neurological Music Therapist
A neurological music therapist is a music therapist that has completed specialized training in the therapeutic application of music to cognitive, sensory, and motor dysfunctions that come from human neurologic diseases. NMT treatment is based on stimulating music perception and production parts in the human brain, and the effects thereof on nonmusical and behavior functions. The targeted neurological dysfunctions include stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, cerebral palsy, Alzheimer’s disease, autism, and other neurological disease affecting cognition, movement, and communication. For more information on neurological music therapy and training, visit: http://www.colostate.edu/depts/CBRM/
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YouTube’s 10 Most Viewed Music Videos: Taylor Swift, Katy Perry + More
Katy Perry / Luis Fonsi / PSY via YouTube
The video for Luis Fonsi’s "Despacito," the Puerto Rican star's 2017 smash hit featuring Justin Bieber and Daddy Yankee, broke a major record in April, becoming the first video to hit 5 billion views on YouTube—as well as the most watched YouTube video in the world.
But "Despacito" is not the first music video to cross into ten digits: Artists like Ed Sheeran, Katy Perry and South Korean rapper PSY have each broken records with videos that have racked up billions of views.
Below, check out the ten most viewed music videos on YouTube, including "Despacito," "Shake It Off" and more!
Luis Fonsi - "Despacito" ft. Daddy Yankee
5,002,555,850 views since January 12, 2017
Wiz Khalifa - "See You Again" ft. Charlie Puth
3,490,117,877 views since April 6, 2015
Ed Sheeran - "Shape of You"
PSY - "GANGNAM STYLE(강남스타일)"
3,133,271,721 views since July 15, 2012
Mark Ronson - "Uptown Funk" ft. Bruno Mars
3,004,333,110 views since November 19, 2014
Justin Bieber - "Sorry"
2,910,061,856 views since October 22, 2015
Maroon 5 - "Sugar"
Taylor Swift - "Shake It Off"
2,532,465,410 views since August 18, 2014
Enrique Iglesias - "Bailando" (Español) ft. Descemer Bueno, Gente De Zona
2,487,726,190 views since April 11, 2014
Katy Perry - "Roar"
2,463,202,569 views since September 5, 2013
Source: YouTube’s 10 Most Viewed Music Videos: Taylor Swift, Katy Perry + More
Filed Under: bruno mars, ed sheeran, enrique iglesias, Justin Bieber, katy perry, maroon 5, psy, taylor swift, wiz khalifa
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Eagles in 7th Spot at Sleepy Hole
SUFFOLK, Va. - The Bridgewater men's golf team has had a tendency to play each nine of the golf course very differently so far this season, and that trend held true at Sleepy Hole Golf Course on Monday in the first round of the VSGA Intercollegiate Championship.
Playing out of order due to a shotgun start, the Eagles played the front nine just one stroke over par, but the more challenging back nine got them for 21 strokes. The team total of 310 placed Bridgewater in seventh place among sixteen teams with one round to play.
Senior Michael Gruver, who has scrapped for playing time the past two seasons, qualified this week and provided one of the more steady rounds for the Eagles on Monday. Gruver led the team in birdies (four), played the front nine at two strokes under par, and posted a 78.
"I was thrilled for Michael to earn some playing time this week," said head coach John Rogers. "He is a true team leader even when he's not qualifying- he's one of our only seniors, he has the best grades on the squad, and he is an all-around example for our younger players. He's also a team captain. It's great to see some birdies and solid scores resulting from his hard work."
Sophomore Jason Spaar led the way in the first round of the VSGA tournament, posting a 75 during which he was even on the front and three over par on the back nine. The steady-playing Spaar never had higher than a bogey, and with this round he has taken over the team scoring lead at 74.33 strokes per round. Spaar sits in a tie for 13th among 93 players.
Freshman A.J. Stouffer overcame the wind and challenges on the back nine long enough to make three birdies, but he dropped five strokes on holes #14 and #17 and finished with a 78.
Junior Ronald Uszenski rounded out the team score with a 79. Mirroring the rest of the team, Uszenski was only one over par on the front, but followed it with a 42 on the back nine.
Sophomore Brendan Draughn posted an 86. Freshman Seth Smallwood, playing as an individual, had three birdies and was the only Eagle to play the as well on the back nine as the front nine en route to an 84.
The Eagles, who generally have a team goal of scoring under 300, now have three rounds on the season better than that mark, and three higher. Randolph Macon shot 298 to lead the way on Monday, and Sebastian Bonte of Mary Washington shot 69 (-3) to set the pace for the individual medal.
Play resumes at Sleepy Hole at 9 a.m. Tuesday.
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Tag Archives: 2nd Royal Sussex
High Commissioner Zaimis
In September 1906, following the elections which came after the Theriso Revolt, Prince George had had enough of Crete, and Crete had had enough of Prince George. His replacement, who took office shortly after George’s departure from the island on 25th September, arriving there on 30th September 1906, was Alexandros Zaimis; twice previously Prime Minister of Greece and ‘…an experienced politician not noted for superabundant energy (energy was the last thing the Powers wanted in Crete).’[1]
Alexandros Zaimis High Commissioner of Crete.
Zaimis arrived in Canea and was greeted with an appropriate military guard of honour, the British contingent apparently being provided by the Royal Navy, as shown on the contemporary postcard photograph below.
The arrival of High Commissioner Zaimis. Canea 30 September 1906.
Interestingly, an almost identical photograph – note to positions of the rowing boats – was used on another postcard This time more detail of the event is added; however, the date given is one month out.
High Commissioner Zaimis arriving Canea. Note the incorrect date.
Zaimis’s career as High Commissioner was relatively brief. Although appointed for a term of office of 3 years, on 12th October 1908 he was in Athens, by coincidence or otherwise, when the Cretan Administration declared union with Greece. Following this Zaimis, though technically remaining High Commissioner, never returned to the island.
During his stay on Crete, on at least one occasion he made a formal visit to Iraklion. During this visit he reviewed the British troops stationed there. This parade was captured on camera and turned into a series of souvenir postcards
Parade of British Troops in honour of High Commissioner Zaimis.
Iraklion parade for High Commissioner Zaimis.
High Commissioner Zaimis passing British troops in review.
The exact date of the parade is, as yet, undetermined. However, if it was between his arrival in September 1906 and February 1907 it was 2/Royal Sussex, between February 1907 and February 1908, 1/Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, and after then until his departure, 3/King’s Royal Rifle Corps.
A regiment which definitely WAS NOT involved was the unidentified Highland regiment shown in the card below; the last Scottish regiment to serve on Crete, 2/Cameron Highlanders, left the island in March 1903.
Souvenir postcard of High Commissioner Zaimis – date unknown.
[1] Holland, R. and Markides, D. The British and the Hellenes. Struggles for Mastery in the Eastern Mediterranean 1850 – 1960 (Oxford, 2006). 128.
This entry was posted in British Army in Crete, Cameron Highlanders, European Intervention Crete, Inniskillings, Royal Sussex and tagged 2nd Royal Sussex, 3/King's Royal Rifles, Alexandros Zaimis, Cretan High Commissioner, Crete 1908, European Intervention Crete, Inniskillings on July 3, 2016 by Mick McT.
2 Royal Sussex get the goat.
Drummers 2/Royal Sussex. (Assuming that’s an Ibex on the bottom left, the photograph dates from between August 1906 when they received the animal, and February 1907, when the battalion left the island.)
On 29th May 1905, the Head Quarters and five other companies of 2/Royal Sussex left Malta bound for Crete. Extracts from the battalion diary describe their experiences:
“[The battalion] under Lt Col. J. G. Panton moved to Crete in S. S. Sardinia to assist in the suppression of the insurrection of the followers of VENEZELO against the Cretan Government. The insurrection continued until the end of Nov. 1905.
Detachments of the battalion were distributed over the KANDIA secteur, (i.e. the British secteur) in fortified (posts?) and camps. Small columns were also sent out to patrol the district. A detachment of the battalion was also quartered at CANEA in the International zone.
Colonel Panton commanded the British Troops in Crete, and had under his command 400 of 1.K.R.R. [1/Kings Royal Rifles] in addition to various details of R.E. – A.S.C. etc [Royal Engineers & Army Service Corps.]
The Officers of the Bn. In addition to their military duties were employed in the administration of martial law, which was still continued after the conclusion of the 1905 insurrection. The work of the troops during the insurrection involved considerable hard work and discomfort. The armed bands of insurgents avoided coming into contact with the troops, and on three occasions only was there actual fighting between British troops and the insurgents viz. at SKYLOS, CORPHAIS and at BUTZENARIO.
The insurgents were armed with Gras rifles (chiefly) – very badly kept. Their shooting was bad.
Two cruisers, the “VENUS” & “MINERVA” and afterwards the “DIANA” were stationed at Crete and frequently co-operated by moving detachments of the Battn. by sea, to various parts of the Island. The signallers of the Battn did excellent work in in keeping up communication between all posts in the district & with Head Quarters in KANDIA………
On April 28th May 1st 1906 ‘C’ E’ and ‘H’ Companies under command of Bt. Lieut. Colonel H.R. Lloyd arrived at Crete from Malta on the “MALACCA”, disembarkation took place under considerable difficulties owing to the rough state of the sea at the time and the absence of any labour at KANDIA.
The Battalion was split up into many Detachments during the elections in the British secteur in May, and underwent a considerable amount of arduous work…….
During September trouble was expected in the island of Crete owing to the resignation of Prince George of Greece from the position of High Commissioner of Crete. Nothing of any account occurred in the KANDIA secteur, but at CANEA on the day of his departure as party of Insurgents fired at the International Troops, killing a Russian cavasse [official interpreter] and wounding a Russian soldier- a Detachment under Lieutenant R. (Pinker?) of the battalion was at Canea at the time but took but little part in the affair…….
Prince George of Greece presented the Battalion with two Ibex as Regimental pets in August 1906. The male Ibex died before the Battalion left Crete….
On 11th January 1907 a monument erected by the 2nd Bn in memory of their Comrades, who died in Crete during 1905-1907, was unveiled by Bn Colonel J.G. Panton C.M.G. in British Cemetery at Crete.”
2 Royal Sussex Memorial Iraklion.
Participants in the Theriso Rebellion. 1905
The battalion left Crete, en-route for Belfast, on 25th February 1907.
This entry was posted in British Army in Crete, European Intervention Crete, Royal Sussex and tagged 2nd Royal Sussex, British Army Crete 1905, Theriso revolt on January 30, 2016 by Mick McT.
Another parade.
Parade in Candia
Could be 1/Inniskilling Fusiliers, 3/King’s Royal Rifle Corps or 2/Royal Sussex. All were in Crete at some time in 1907 or 1908.
This entry was posted in British Army in Crete, European Intervention Crete, Inniskillings, King's Royal Rifle Corps., Royal Sussex and tagged 2nd Royal Sussex, British Army, Inniskillings, King's Royal Rifle Corps. on August 26, 2014 by Mick McT.
2/Royal Sussex Drummers
Drummers 2/Royal Sussex
In Crete May 1905 to February 1907.
As ever, a goat tries to get in on the act.
This entry was posted in Royal Sussex and tagged 2nd Royal Sussex, British Army on May 10, 2014 by Mick McT.
A fine body of men…and not a goat in sight.
Sergeants and N.C.Os 2nd Royal Sussex Regt.
2nd Battalion, The Royal Sussex Regiment, were in Crete from May 1905 to February 1907.
This entry was posted in British Army in Crete, European Intervention Crete and tagged 2nd Royal Sussex, British Army, European Intervention Crete, The Royal Sussex Regiment on April 25, 2014 by Mick McT.
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Slayer Marchandise : Beanies
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Slayer is an American thrash metal band founded by guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King. Slayer rose to fame as a leader of the American thrash metal movement with their 1986 release, Reign in Blood, which has been called "the heaviest album of all time" by Kerrang!. The band is credited as one of the "Big Four" thrash metal bands, along with Metallica, Anthrax, and Megadeth.
Slayer is known for its musical traits, involving fast tremolo picking, guitar solos, double bass drumming, and shouting vocals. The band's lyrics and album art, which cover topics such as gore, serial killers, Satanism, religion, genocide and warfare have generated album bans, delays, lawsuits and strong criticism from religious groups and the general public.
Since its debut record in 1983, the band has released two live albums, one box set, two DVDs, one VHS, two EPs, and ten albums, four of which have received gold certification in the United States. The band has received three Grammy nominations, winning one in 2007 for the song "Eyes of the Insane", and one in 2008 for the song "Final Six." They have headlined music festivals worldwide, including Ozzfest and The Unholy Alliance.
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Mystery disease in Ethiopia solved: linked to weed toxin
June 1, 2012 Wendie Norris2 Comments
Imagine this…
A mysterious disease terrorising your community, not infectious but spreading nonetheless, and killing your relatives and neighbours. All you want to do is pack your bags and flee. Worse, when your plight comes to the attention of the health authorities, they are stumped and its not going to be easy or quick to solve.
A recent example of this kind of illness is “nodding disease” (South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania), which affects children 5-15 years old: they suffer epileptic seizures which causes their heads to nod, and they end up severely disabled and finally die. The USA’s Centre for Disease Control (CDC) is working to identify the cause: so far, the best guess is that it’s linked to the parasite that causes river blindness combined with an autoimmune reaction, and exposure to chemicals could predispose.
Other examples of non-communicable disease outbreaks
On Global Health, I found there are outbreaks going back to 1911 (epidemic dropsy) but more recent ones were in India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Brazil, China, Afghanistan and even the USA.
What are the likely causes for these outbreaks? The body of research, as found on databases like Global Health, tells us that they could be contamination of food and water supply, exposure to chemicals or heavy metals in the environment, or even use of traditional medicine.
Mystery liver disease in Ethiopia with a ‘happy’ ending
Can public health authorities in low-income countries solve & stop such outbreaks? Yes. In 2005, in Ethiopia, a 4 year long outbreak of liver disease in Tseda Emba, a small village of the Tahtay Koraro district of Tigray, finally reached the attention of the Tigray Health Bureau (THB). Now, in 2012, the multidisciplinary and one-health approach they initiated has “solved” the mysterious illness, significantly reducing new cases.
The research work was the subject of an entire session at the recent World Congress Public Health (WCPH-2012) in Ethiopia, and is now published as 5 papers in the supplement to April 2012’s edition of Ethiopian Medical Journal (EMJ). [Abstracts to these papers will be available on Global Health]. It demonstrates the relevance of the one-health approach to public health in low-income countries and is a fascinating detective story….
Agriculture, Animal Sciences, Environment, Human Sciences, Plant SciencesAgeratum, Ageratum conyzoides, alkaloids, Argemone mexicana, developing countries, Ethiopia, food contaminants, food contamination, global health, human diseases, nodding disease, poisoning, public health, pyrrolizidine alkaloid, Tahtay Koraro, toxic hepatitis, toxins, uganda
Mushrooms, delicious or deadly?
November 8, 2010 Wendie Norris1 Comment
Yunnan sudden death syndrome occurs in remote mountainous villages of the Yunnan province of China in the rainy season, at an altitude of 1800-2400 m: people just drop dead from heart failure. You might think its linked to the season…some waterborne or insect-carried disease, or maybe the altitude & a genetic quirk, but it turns out that it’s because the villagers make their living collecting & selling wild mushrooms. The only one they can’t sell is a white mushroom, because it’s too small & turns brown quickly after picking. So they eat it…and the Chinese CDC have shown that for a minority of the local population, this mushroom is toxic. Its’ thought that they are sensitive to a combination of the mycotoxins and high barium levels found in the mushroom.(see Rare mushroom blamed for mystery deaths in China)
This reminds me of a passage in a book “The Magic Bullet” (a book about drug development) that I read many years ago, which pointed out that in certain graveyards in the UK, you could find whole families who died together in medieval times, and not through the plague. These deaths were linked to poor harvests. It turned out these families’ had been forced to turn to foraging for mushrooms (an action we now term using “famine food”), and even though villagers in general were probably more expert than we are now at identifying safe ones, one mistake added to the family pot, and that was that!
But don’t be complacent: in the UK in 2009 the case of two Thai women hit national headlines. One of them misidentified an English mushroom and the result was that she cooked and ate a number of them, and died. The other who ate fewer of them became seriously ill with liver failure. It was a death-cap mushroom… just half of one of these is sufficient to kill an adult. (see Isle of Wight woman died… )
I decided to see what records our Global Health database has on toxic mushrooms & other fungi, their toxins (mycotoxins) and cases of human poisoning by them.
Human Sciencesfamine, famine food, food contamination, foods, fungal contamination, fungal toxins, fungi, mushrooms, mycetism, mycotoxicoses, mycotoxins, poisoning, poisons, toxins
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Reflecting On a 2018 of Growth
January 2, 2019 | 0
As we turn the page on a new year, we take this time to reflect on all the ways we’ve grown in the past year. We have much to be proud of, and still more growth to pursue, but always, we remain committed to the students and families who have entrusted us to help pave a path of preparation for college, leadership, and life.
Growing How Many We Serve
14,000 Students in 30 schools across 3 regions
Green Dot Public Schools was founded in 1999 in direct response to the state of public high schools in the Los Angeles area. Green Dot began as one class of 140 ninth graders at Ánimo Leadership Charter High School. Nearly 20 years later we are proud to serve over 14,000 students in 30 schools across three regions and eight cities.
Growing Our Students in California
A Rapid Growth Rate
In 2018, our students achieved breakthrough growth. According to state test and academic growth models from CORE, a network of the nine largest school districts across California, students at Oscar De La Hoya Ánimo Charter High School, Ánimo Pat Brown Charter High School, Ánimo Jackie Robinson Charter High School, Ánimo Western Charter Middle School, Ánimo Mae Jemison Charter Middle School and Ánimo College Prep Academy are growing at a CORE student growth percentile of 87+ -- meaning they are significantly outpacing student academic growth of their peers across the state.
Best in the Nation
Green Dot has dedicated itself to creating positive, academically rigorous public schools in neighborhoods across the country that are in highest need of quality school options. Our efforts were recognized last year when seven of Green Dot’s high schools were awarded gold and silver medals by U.S. News & World Report’s Best High Schools 2018 report. The report recognizes seven of our independent public charter high schools as among the best in the nation.
Growing Our Students in Tennessee
Scoring 5 on TVAAS
We began operating schools in Memphis in 2014 when we were invited by the state’s Achievement School District to help transform several local middle and high schools. In Four short years later, Bluff City High School, Kirby Middle School, and Wooddale Middle School all achieved Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS) scores of 5, which shows significant growth and achievement for our students. TVAAS measures student growth year over year by comparing their performance to those of their peers on previous state assessments.
A Top Place to Work
We have an excellent and highly satisfied team in Tennessee to thank for such extraordinary results. For the second year in a row, The Commercial Appeal, in partnership with research firm, Energage, LLC, has recognized Green Dot as one of the best places to work in the Greater Memphis area. We were proud to be acknowledged on the Top Workplaces 2018 list, as professional development and empowerment of employees are continued priorities for the organization.
Growing Roots in Washington
Charter Schools are Constitutional
In September 2018 the Washington State Supreme Court ruled for a second time, that charter schools are constitutional, and upheld lower court rulings that affirmed the laws that govern and fund charter schools. For many families in Washington, this ruling safeguards the educational choices they have made to enroll in charter schools like Green Dot’s schools in the Puget Sound region--Destiny Charter Middle School, Excel Public Charter School, and Rainier Valley Leadership Academy Middle and High School.
Building a Permanent Home
This year students at Rainier Valley Leadership Academy (RVLA) got a new school home. RVLA students and staff, along with community partners, hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony and shared their thoughts on the importance of having high quality public school options in their neighborhood. Civic leaders encouraged families, staff, and students to be proud of having another high quality public education option available to Southeast Seattle.
Enroll Your Child Today
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Celebrities and Entertainment News
Lindsay Lohan was not invited to father’s wedding
By Daily Dish on November 25, 2014 at 10:30 AM
Michael Lohan and Kate Major in 2010. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images)
Lindsay Lohan was absent from her father Michael Lohan’s wedding in October because he reportedly did not invite any of her family.
Michael tied the knot with longterm girlfriend Kate Major on October 30 in an intimate ceremony in Hillsboro Beach, Fla.
According to TMZ.com, the wedding was so private that Michael did not even invite actress or her siblings. His first child with Major, 21-month-old son Landon, was the only one of his six children in attendance.
Michael and Major initially became engaged in 2010, but regularly split up and got back together. They are now expecting their second child.
Major was released from prison in September following a four-month stint stemming from a driving under the influence arrest, which violated her probation relating to a 2012 battery conviction.
Celebrities and Entertainment News Search
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Solar Stormwatch Blog
A Zooniverse Project Blog
by Shannon Jones
in Site news
Protect our Planet from Solar Storms: Results are in!
Thanks to everyone who compared solar storms in ‘Protect our Planet from Solar Storms’ – we now have results to share with you!
We have used your comparisons to rank 1100 solar storms in order of how complicated, or complex they appeared.
Figure 1 shows three solar storms from the ranking. The left-hand image is a less complex storm, the middle image is an average storm, and the right-hand storm is a highly complex storm.
Figure 1: Three solar storms from across the complexity ranking.
The Sun has an ~11-year solar cycle, during which the number of sunspots (and solar storms) rises and falls. This can be seen in the bottom panel of Figure 2.
The top panel of Figure 2 shows the complexity of all 1100 solar storms plotted against the time the storm erupted from the Sun, for each of the two STEREO spacecraft. We have over-plotted yearly means, which clearly show that the average complexity of solar storms follows the sunspot cycle!
Figure 2: Top panel: complexity of solar storms over time, bottom panel: daily sunspot number.
Now we have established this, we are launching a new phase of the project – please help us compare solar storms with brightness adjusted images!
As usual, feel free to question us via the project Talk page!
The Solar Stormwatch II team
What do you see as a “complex” solar storm?
Thank you very much for all your help with our solar storm research over the past year – we’ve made some good progress, thanks to you!
Some of you might have seen our project ‘Protect our Planet from Solar Storms’, which we launched back in May with the Science Museum. Here citizen scientists compared images of two solar storms, and decided which was the most complex or complicated solar storm.
Image: Screenshot of Zooniverse project ‘Protect our Planet from Solar Storms’
We have started to analyse the data from this project, and now have some interesting results, which we will share with you in the coming months (once we get them published!).
In the meantime, we would like your help…
We have used your comparisons to create a ranking of 1100 solar storms in order of complexity (see animation below). This clearly shows the characteristics of the storms seen in these images changing as they become more complex.
Animation: Subset of the solar storms which have been ranked, showing increasing complexity.
However, we have yet to work out precisely which characteristics make a solar storm “complex”. So to help us with this, we would like you to tell us what you saw as a complex solar storm; what did you look for when you decided which was the most complicated storm?
Please tell us what you see as a complex solar storm on the talk page or using this form!
Thanks again for all your help!
What do we do with the storm fronts you trace?
Hi all, thanks for all your hard work tracing storm fronts so far; we’re now over a third of the way there!
Back in September, I wrote a blog post explaining why we wanted your help with Solar Stormwatch II. Since then I’ve been using the data from Solar Stormwatch II to look at how solar storm fronts change shape and distort as they travel through the heliospheric imager field of view.
In this blog post, I explain how we combine all the storms fronts that you trace into a single consensus storm front (or two) in each image, allowing the fronts of a solar storm to be studied over the whole field of view.
Differenced images of solar storms are uploaded to Solar Stormwatch II. This image shows a solar storm from May 2010, and all the images in this post are of this same storm.
Every image of a solar storm is shown to 30 people, who each draw around the outermost and brightest fronts they see in each image. Each colour represents a different front drawing.
The points from the 30 front drawings are split into two groups. We use the coordinates of the outer front in the previous image to determine which points are likely to represent the same front. These points are shown in red, and the remaining points are shown in blue.
We first look at the red points as shown in the previous step. To combine all the points and find a consensus storm front profile, we use a process called kernel density estimation. This finds the areas of the image with the highest density of points; these areas are shown in black. The largest area corresponds to the storm front.
Using the storm front area found in the previous step, we can find the expected location of the storm front (solid red line) and calculate uncertainties from the distribution of the points in this area (dashed red lines).
The previous two steps are repeated for the second set of points shown in blue. There isn’t a second front in every image, so this stage involves a check to see whether the blue points show a storm front or not.
This method is repeated for every image of a solar storm, allowing us to examine how the shape of the storm changes throughout the field of view. The animation shows the outermost storm fronts found for this solar storm as it travels away from the Sun.
I’ve been looking at several solar storms to see how the shape of the storm front compares to the solar wind speed across the front; I hope to update you on this soon!
In the meantime, we are grateful for your continued support tracing storm fronts, and if you want to help with even more space weather research, we (the Solar Stormwatch II team) have recently released another project in collaboration with the Science Museum, see here: Protect our Planet from Solar Storms.
The ‘Carrington Event’ of 1859: what was it?
by Lee T. Macdonald
A solar explosion that took place in 1859, known today as the ‘Carrington Event’, is used as a benchmark for a catastrophic ‘space weather’ incident that could have serious consequences for today’s mobile phone, internet and satellite communications and also for the world’s electricity supplies. Space weather events are one of the potential catastrophes on the British government’s National Risk Register of Civil Emergencies. Funding is currently being sought for a British space-based observatory called Carrington-L5, whose purpose is to continuously monitor the Sun’s emissions and provide five-day warnings of solar storms that could damage terrestrial communications.
Who was Carrington? Also, what exactly happened in the ‘Carrington event’ of 1859?
For some years around the mid-nineteenth century, Richard Christopher Carrington (1826-1875) was one of Britain’s leading astronomers. Born into a wealthy brewing family, Carrington studied mathematics at the University of Cambridge, where he graduated in 1847. Attaining high marks in the Cambridge ‘Mathematical Tripos’ exam was in those days the standard qualification for anyone who aspired to one of the relatively few paid posts in British astronomy.
After graduation, Carrington worked for several years at the Durham University observatory. In 1852 he resigned and moved to Redhill, Surrey, where he worked as an independent astronomer, setting up a private observatory with the profits from his father’s brewing firm. Carrington initially became famous for compiling a catalogue of stars near the north celestial pole, which won him the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society.
Not long after moving to Redhill, Carrington also began systematically observing the Sun and its ever-changing dark spots. Little was then known about what sunspots were. But since the 1830s, scientists had been seriously studying the Earth’s magnetic field. Then, in 1843, the German astronomer Heinrich Schwabe discovered that the number of sunspots visible rose and fell in a cycle of about ten years. Seven years later, Edward Sabine, a British army officer who was in charge of Britain’s geomagnetic observations, found a ten-year cycle in the frequency and intensity of magnetic variations. He then noticed that this cycle coincided exactly with Schwabe’s sunspot cycle. This seemed to confirm the existence of some kind of link between sunspots and terrestrial magnetism, and led to an increased interest among astronomers in observing the Sun.
It was against this background that Carrington began regularly observing the Sun. He used a 4 ½-inch equatorially-mounted refracting telescope to project an image of the Sun onto a large sheet of glass painted white, from which he made drawings of the sunspots and measured their positions. After several years of careful observation, Carrington discovered what later came to be known as ‘Spörer’s Law’: a gradual decline in the average solar latitude of sunspots as the solar cycle progressed. He also discovered that sunspots close to the solar equator rotate around the Sun faster than those at higher latitudes. In addition, he established a system of reckoning the Sun’s rotation that is still used today.
On the morning of 1 September 1859, Carrington was making his usual daily observation of the Sun. For some days past, a large and unusually complex sunspot group had dominated the solar disc. According to his own account, at 11:18am on 1 September, Carrington noticed two dots of intensely bright light appear in the big sunspot group. These bright dots gradually faded, and disappeared altogether five minutes after Carrington first noticed them. But while they remained visible, Carrington observed them move across a large part of the sunspot group – around 35,000 miles, according to his measurements.
By good luck, another British astronomer, Richard Hodgson, was also observing the Sun at the same time that morning, and independently witnessed the same phenomenon. Both presented their results at the November 1859 meeting of the Royal Astronomical Society. By then, Carrington had learned something more exciting. One or two days after 1 September, Carrington visited King George III’s former observatory in Richmond, which was by then known as Kew Observatory and which Sabine had begun using as a principal station for his geomagnetic work. Eighteen months earlier, Sabine and others had established at Kew a programme of regular photographs of the Sun’s disc, in combination with a continuous record of the terrestrial magnetic field using a set of self-recording magnetometers.
See Carrington’s 1859 report of his observation in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
As it happened, Kew Observatory had not obtained any pictures of the Sun on the day of Carrington and Hodgson’s phenomenon. However, when Carrington and an assistant at the observatory, Charles Chambers, examined the magnetometer data, they found a pronounced jump in the traces produced by the magnetometers at 11:20am on 1 September, two minutes after Carrington had first noticed the bright spots. Moreover, on the night of 2 September, a great display of the aurora was visible over much of the globe. In the northern hemisphere, it was seen as far south as Cuba. The magnetometers at Kew and elsewhere recorded wild variations. Over the same period, operators using the recently-invented electric telegraph had problems with sending and receiving messages. The event came to be known as a ‘magnetic storm’.
Ever the careful scientist, Carrington noted the coincidence in time between the magnetic disturbances and his observation of the strange phenomenon on the Sun, but expressed diffidence about making any connections between the two, quoting the old saying, ‘one swallow does not make a summer’.
What Carrington saw on 1 September 1859 is now called a ‘white-light flare’. A solar flare occurs in an active region whose magnetic field becomes so twisted and complex that it effectively ‘short-circuits’, causing a huge release of energy. Most flares require special filters to be seen from Earth, but a few are so intense that they can be seen in ordinary, ‘white’ light. Carrington and Hodgson were lucky enough to observe an exceptionally powerful flare many years before special equipment was invented for observing these phenomena.
The ‘jump’ recorded by the magnetometers at the same time as Carrington’s flare is now recognised to have been a ‘geomagnetic crochet’, caused by ultraviolet rays from the flare ionizing the Earth’s upper atmosphere and thus exciting the terrestrial magnetic field. The longer-term magnetic variations and aurorae were caused by a great wave of subatomic particles released from the Sun by the flare, now known as a ‘coronal mass ejection’ (CME). Yet the aurorae did not occur until the evening of 2 September, about eighteen hours after Carrington’s flare, because that is how long it took the particles to travel from the Sun to the Earth. The geomagnetic crotchet occurred at the same time as Carrington saw the flare, because both the visible light seen by Carrington and the ultra-violet rays that caused the magnetic jump were just different forms of electromagnetic radiation, travelling at the speed of light.
The Carrington Event had great contemporary importance in Victorian science. It heightened an already increasing interest in Sun-Earth connections, and helped stimulate astronomers to look for further connections, including possible solar influences on terrestrial weather that might be used to predict droughts and associated famines.
However, the event’s significance for the twenty-first century is that it was one of the most powerful solar explosions ever recorded. The largest flare of modern times occurred on 4 November 2003. This originated in a complex sunspot group similar to the one that caused the Carrington flare. Across much of its passage across the Sun the previous two weeks, the 2003 sunspot had been unleashing many flares and CMEs. These had not only sparked powerful aurorae: the magnetic effects caused damage to communications satellites and some airlines flying near the arctic regions had to be re-routed, due to dangerous radiation levels in the upper atmosphere. By 4 November, when the most powerful flare took place, the parent sunspot was moving off the Sun’s visible disc and the resulting CME was directed at 90 degrees to the Earth. Had it travelled directly towards the Earth, its consequences for communications systems and transport could have been devastating.
Research by scientists into the recorded magnetic effects of the 1859 Carrington flare suggests that it might well have been as powerful as the 2003 one. The explosion’s effects on the Victorian electric telegraph were as nothing to the consequences of a Carrington-type event for the communications and power supplies we rely on in the modern world. That is why the Carrington event forms a benchmark for a potentially disastrous modern-day space weather event – and why scientists and governments need to understand and monitor the Sun’s emissions, in preparation for another such event.
The Victorian origins of ‘space weather’
Thank you Stormwatchers for all your hard work drawing Storm Fronts! While you continue to help us improve space weather forecasts, here is an article on the history of space weather (which includes solar storms) written by Lee Macdonald, a science historian.
Lee Macdonald
Today we take it for granted that activity on the Sun causes colourful displays of the aurora (the ‘northern lights’ in the northern hemisphere; the ‘southern lights’ south of the equator) and, in extreme cases, power cuts and disruptions to satellite communications. We now know that the Sun triggers these phenomena through its magnetic field and the stream of subatomic particles it emits, called the ‘solar wind’ – which in turn affects Earth’s magnetic field. We call the state of the solar wind and magnetic activity in the solar system ‘space weather’. Aurorae do not just take place on Earth: they can occur on any planet that has both a magnetic field and an atmosphere. They have been photographed in the atmospheres of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune; more recently, spacecraft have imaged them in the skies of Mars.
We strongly associate pictures of aurorae on other planets, as well as terms like ‘space weather’ and ‘solar wind’, very much with the space age. However, the possibility of detecting aurorae on other planets – and, by implication, the existence of the Sun’s influence throughout the solar system – was first suggested by two British astronomers working in the mid-nineteenth century: Balfour Stewart (1828-1887) and Edward Sabine (1788-1883).
A correlation between aurorae and the Earth’s magnetic field had been known since the eighteenth century, when Anders Celsius (best known for the Celsius temperature scale) and Olof Hiorter noticed frequent and wild oscillations in the direction of magnetic north during an auroral display. In the 1830s, the astronomer and scientific polymath John Herschel (1792-1871) undertook a systematic study of sunspots while on a four-year observing expedition at the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. In 1837, he noticed a peak in both sunspot and auroral activity and thought that it would be worth investigating whether a correlation between these two phenomena applied more generally. Six years later, German apothecary and astronomer Heinrich Schwabe discovered that the number of sunspots waxed and waned in a ten-year cycle. Then, in 1852, Sabine discovered a similar periodicity in the Earth’s magnetic field and noticed that it coincided exactly with Schwabe’s sunspot cycle. Herschel saw this discovery as confirmation of a link between sunspots and aurorae, and he now suggested that the ‘red clouds’ seen during a solar eclipse (now known as solar prominences) might be ‘reposing auroral masses’.
In response to Sabine’s discovery, the British Association for the Advancement of Science (BAAS) set up a solar telescope and a suite of magnetic instruments in the Association’s observatory at Kew, to further investigate this correlation. The solar telescope, known as the Kew ‘photoheliograph’, took pictures of the Sun every clear day so that sunspot activity could be compared with the magnetic readings. (See separate article and associated video on the ConSciCom web pages about Elizabeth Beckley’s role in solar photography at Kew: https://conscicom.org/2017/03/09/work-peculiarly-fitting-to-a-lady-elizabeth-beckley-and-the-early-years-of-solar-photography/)
In 1859, Balfour Stewart became superintendent of Kew Observatory. On 1 September that year, just two months after Stewart took up his post, the astronomers Richard Carrington and Richard Hodgson independently noticed a pair of bright lights appear above a large sunspot group, only to disappear a few minutes later. The timing of this explosion on the Sun, now known to have been a solar flare, coincided exactly with a jump in the traces produced by the magnetic instruments at Kew, and triggered Stewart’s interest in connections between solar activity and terrestrial magnetism.
In the early 1860s, Stewart and Sabine engaged in a lively correspondence on the nature of the newly-discovered Sun-Earth connections. In an August 1862 letter to Sabine, Stewart revived (without acknowledgement) Herschel’s 1852 assertion that the red clouds seen during eclipses might be aurorae on the Sun. In his reply to Stewart, Sabine took the speculation further, suggesting that the solar ‘aurorae’ triggered aurorae on Earth and wondered whether ‘all the planets participate in such appearances, though we may never attain to their observation’. Stewart, in turn, suggested a variety of observational evidence in favour of the red solar clouds being aurorae, including the fact that, as with sunspots, their greatest frequency coincided with periods of magnetic disturbance on Earth. As to Sabine’s suggestion that aurorae might occur on all the planets, Stewart wondered whether ‘perhaps Mr De La Rue could photograph one [of the planets] during an Aurora and ascertain this’.
Warren De La Rue (1815-1889) was then Britain’s leading pioneer of astronomical photography. He was instrumental in designing the Kew photoheliograph and was famous for his photographs of the Moon. Neither De La Rue’s nor anyone else’s photographic technology was then capable of photographing aurorae on other planets, but since 1979 spacecraft, including the Hubble Space Telescope, have photographed aurorae around the poles of Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune (though scientists believe that Jupiter’s aurorae are due primarily to the interaction of the planet’s magnetic field with its volcanic satellite Io rather than the solar wind).
Figure 1. Aurora around the southern pole of Saturn, photographed with the Hubble Space Telescope. Image courtesy J. T. Trauger (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) and NASA.
Although Sabine and Stewart’s prediction had to wait more than a century to be vindicated, their logic was correct: something emanating from the Sun was influencing the entire solar system at the same time. We now know that this ‘solar wind’ is made up of charged subatomic particles that become tangled in planetary magnetic fields and cause their atmospheres to glow with auroral light. What, however, could these two visionaries have had in mind in 1862, when the smallest particle known to exist was the hydrogen atom?
Stewart’s work makes it clear that he believed solar emissions travelled through an invisible, all-pervading medium called the ‘ether’. In the mid-nineteenth century, with the rise of the wave theory of light, such a medium had become a popular way of explaining how light travelled through space. In the forefront of this ether physics was Stewart’s contemporary and fellow Scot, James Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879), whose electromagnetic theory described mathematically how light is an electrical and magnetic wave that propagates through this hypothetical ether. The ether was needed in the wave theory of light, because as a wave, light needed something to propagate through, just as sound requires air in which to travel.
Moreover Stewart, a staunch Christian believer, saw the ether as a convenient way of explaining the newly-discovered law of the conservation of energy without compromising the religious doctrine that the universe would one day come to an end. The ether provided a repository into which all the energy in the universe would eventually be dissipated, leaving the universe ultimately devoid of light and heat.
Stewart believed that as the planets changed their positions relative to the Sun, they moved through this ether and drew energy out of the Sun, causing magnetic effects that gave rise to sunspots and, as a consequence, aurorae. According to Stewart, the ether meant that the Sun and planets were tightly bound to one another, so that the motion of one body would have an effect on the others. Over the 1860s and 1870s, he used the solar results at Kew to develop some increasingly elaborate theories that attempted to correlate the positions of planets in their orbits with variations in sunspot activity. At the same time, he built experiments to find evidence for the ether, by measuring the heating of a disc spinning rapidly in a vacuum, eliminating friction with the air as a source of heat.
Link here:- https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/comet-encke-a-solar-windsock-observed-by-nasa-s-stereo to a movie taken in 2007 by the STEREO A spacecraft, showing the tail of Comet Encke being buffeted by the solar wind – thought by Balfour Stewart and his contemporaries to be due to the ether. Image courtesy NASA/STEREO.
Both these approaches had inconclusive results. Stewart claimed to have detected heating in his spinning disc experiments, though modern scientists believe that this was due to the less-than-perfect vacuum attainable with the equipment of the mid-nineteenth century. After 1905, the ether theory gradually became discredited by Albert Einstein’s special theory of relativity. This painted a new picture of how light waves travel through space, dispensing with the notion of an ether.
However, the story of Balfour Stewart’s researches into solar-terrestrial physics has one ironic twist. In 1870, Stewart left Kew to become professor of ‘natural philosophy’ (now called physics) at Owens College in Manchester (now the University of Manchester). One of his students at Manchester was a young Joseph John (‘J. J.’) Thomson, who in 1897 would discover the electron – the first of the subatomic particles now known to make up the solar wind.
Welcome to Solar Stormwatch!
Hi! I’m Shannon. I first became involved with Stormwatch about a year ago, analysing the results of an original Solar Stormwatch activity; Track-it-back, and I’m now excited to be starting a PhD, studying space weather at the University of Reading, looking at solar storms.
Image: a solar storm or coronal mass ejection (NASA)
So, what are solar storms, and why do we care about them?
Solar storms, also known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), are huge clouds of solar material emitted from the Sun. These are part of the phenomenon we call ‘space weather’. If these reach the Earth, they can cause geomagnetic storms with severe consequences, such as damage to power transformers leading to wide-spread, long-term power outages. Other impacts include increased radiation exposure for astronauts and passengers on commercial flights, damage to satellites, and reduced accuracy of GPS systems.
To reduce the impacts of solar storms, we need to be able to accurately predict if and when a storm will hit the Earth. Therefore, we want to learn as much as we can about the nature and evolution of these storms.
During my PhD, I intend to work on improving solar storm forecasts, and I’m hoping that through Solar Stormwatch, we can create a dataset of tracked solar storms to help me achieve this. To this end, we have created a new Stormwatch activity; Storm Front. In Storm Front we would like you to help us track solar storms as they travel away from the Sun by tracing the outlines of storms in images from the wide-angle cameras on the STEREO spacecraft.
Image: the Storm Front interface
I will use the storm fronts that you trace to create a dataset which tracks solar storms as they move away from the Sun. The Sun constantly emits solar material out into space – the solar wind, and this dataset will allow me to study the interaction between the solar wind and these storms, and examine how the solar wind distorts the shape of solar storms. This will hopefully allow forecasts of solar storms with greater accuracy.
Image: visualisation of the solar wind (NASA)
Check back here for updates on the project, but in the meantime, feel free to ask us any questions you might have on the ‘Talk’ page… Thanks for reading, look forward to hearing from you!
by lepnoir
Creating a Solar Stormwatch Catalogue from YOUR clicks.
Hello, I’m Luke and I work with Chris Scott (formerly Davis!) at the University of Reading as a postdoctoral research assistant. Recently I’ve been doing some work with the large amount of Trace-it data that has been generated over the last few years. We thought it was a good time to update everyone on the work we have been doing.
The short story is that we have turned the roughly 40000 time-elongation (t-e) profiles generated by Trace-it into a catalogue of CMEs seen by Heliospheric Imager (HI) instruments aboard STEREO-A (STA) and STEREO-B (STB). The Solar Stormwatch catalogue provides profiles of the CME fronts in the remarkable field-of-view (FOV) of the HI instruments. The HI FOV covers regions of the inner heliosphere not accessible to the coronagraph instruments that are more commonly used to build CME catalogues. Therefore the Solar Stormwatch catalogue should allow us to study the structure and dynamics of CME fronts in a way not previously possible using other presently available CME catalogues. This has been written up into a paper which is currently under review for publication in the journal Space Weather. So, first things first, thank you to everyone that has contributed to Solar Stormwatch. I think that we have produced a useful catalogue of CMEs, which will hopefully be of use to the wider space weather community – this wouldn’t have been possible without all of the contributors to Solar Stormwatch.
Let’s begin with a quick review of the raw data produced by Trace-it. Trace-it analysed J-maps made from HI1 and HI2 images, for both STA and STB, over 18 distinct position angles separated by 5 degrees, except for one position angle, which was centered on the ecliptic plane.
The J-maps covered a time span of January-2007 to February-2010. As of a few months ago, the Trace-it results consisted of database of 38171 t-e profiles, 22007 from STA and 16164 from STB, generated by 4599 Solar Stormwatch users.
If elongation angles and position angles are unfamiliar to anyone reading this, Figure 1 shows an image from HI1A, over which contours of constant position angle (in blue) and constant elongation angle (in red) have been overlaid, to make these coordinates clear.
Figure 1. An example of a differenced image from the HI1A camera, overlaid with contours of
constant PA (in blue) and constant elongation angle (in red). The elongation and PA contours
are in 5◦ increments. A CME is visible to the right of the image, between 5◦ and 10◦ elongation
and with maximum extent in PA between 65◦ and 135
To separate the t-e profiles into groups which represent individual CMEs we looked for periods when many t-e profiles were clustered in a short space of time. To do this, we counted how many t-e profiles began in a 7-hour window, for every hour covering the data set, and whenever the count of profiles was higher than a threshold of 22 counts we defined that as an event. This happens whenever lots of us have seen features over multiple position angles but at similar times. Figure 2 shows an example of this. Panel A) shows a STA J-map, at PA=110 degrees, overlaid with the t-e profiles generated by the Solar Stormwatchers as red dots, whilst the blue dots mark the earliest occurring point in each profile. In this instance, this position angle was tracked 11 times by 8 different Solar Stormwatchers. Panel B) shows the count of these profiles as a function of time, using the 7 hour sliding window. Note that this count is done over every position angle, whereas the J-map shows the t-e profiles at one position angle only. There is a well defined maximum in the count, which we use to define the onset of this event and identify the t-e profiles that describe it. The thresholds we picked are arbitrary but sensible, we could have used different ones and had similar results – for anyone interested in how we picked these numbers, we go into a bit more detail in the paper.
This gives us groups of t-e profiles for each CME – 113 from STA and 80 from STB. However, we had to do a bit of quality control, as it is not good enough just to have to t-e profiles that start at similar times – they could come from coincident but unrelated solar transients that are widely separated in position angle. So we used another set of rules to exclude any t-e profiles which look like they may belong to a different solar transient. This process is detailed more in the paper, but the result of it is that we have to discard 6 events that we are too unsure about, 3 each from STA and STB. This leaves us with 110 events from STA and 77 from STB.
At this point, we have defined sets of t-e profiles which we think robustly identify CMEs seen by the Solar Stormwatchers. The next step is to average these profiles along each position angle the event was observed. An example of this averaging is shown in Figure 3. The black dots show the t-e profiles generated by the Solar Stormwatchers for one event and along one PA, which includes 13 t-e profiles, generated by 9 different Solar Stormwatchers. The red-dots and red-lines show the average profile and the uncertainty in the average profile.
Figure 3. An example of an average t-e profile, for CME number 59 from STA, tracked along a PA of 110 degrees. The black dots show the individual t-e profiles and the red dots mark the consensus profile while the two red lines indicate the uncertainty in the mean time coordinates.
Now we can turn this around and overlay the average t-e profiles for each position angle back onto the original differenced images that made the J-maps they were tracked in. Figure 4 shows a movie of the evolution of an event through the HI1A field-of-view. The yellow lines mark the maximum extent of PAs that the J-maps used by Stormwatch cover, whilst the regions bounded in red mark the locations where the consensus profiles (like figure 3) suggest the CME front should be. The width of the bounded region arises from the uncertainty in the consensus profile at that position angle, so that wider regions mean we are less sure where the CME front is.
Figure 4. This movie shows a sequence of HI1A differenced images in which a CME can be seen to enter and propagate across the HI1A field-of-view. The yellow lines mark the outer limits of the position angles of the J-maps analysed by Trace-it. The red lines mark the location of the CME front, and are calculated from the averaged t-e profiles (see Figure 3) along each position angle the event was tracked.
We are in the process of making this CME catalogue available in an easily usable form so that the rest of the space weather community can get involved and hopefully start using it for some research. In November we will be taking this work to the European Space Weather Week conference in Belgium, to present this work to other researchers. In the meantime, we have some plans for some things we would like to do with the Solar Stormwatch catalogue, which we will update you with when there is more to say.
Neel Savani
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99 Percent Of These Sea Turtles Are Now Females
Andrew Terpstra
By Andrew Terpstra
For green sea turtles that are being born on a small portion of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the future of their population is under extreme threat. Because right now, 99 percent of the newly-hatched turtles are female.
The sex of a green sea turtle is determined entirely by the temperature of the sand in which the eggs are being laid. Cooler temperatures produce more male turtles, while warmer temperatures produce more female turtles.
With the abnormally hot Australian summer weather as of late, it has made it so that “virtually no male turtles are now being produced,” according to a recently published Current Biology study.
Tyndall Air Force Base/ Alex Echols
The study also found that of all the turtles that were born on the beaches along the northern part of the Great Barrier reef, 99.8 percent of sub-adults, 99.1 percent of juveniles, and 86.8 percent of adult-sized turtles are currently females because of the warm temperatures.
“That’s really ringing alarm bells for the long-term status of the region,” said Dermot O’Gorman, the CEO of World Wildlife Fund Australia.
Since the northern part of the Great Barrier Reef is home to one of the largest populations of green sea turtles in the world, this trend has become especially concerning.
It is also worrying because of how long it takes green sea turtles to reach sexual maturity.
For green sea turtles, it takes around 25 full years to reach the point where reproducing is possible, which means that the turtles born this year will not be able to have children until the year 2043. And with the population being almost entirely female, it will be almost impossible to produce a sustainable amount of new turtles in the area.
NASA/Troy Cryder
Another worry is that sea turtles aren’t the only species that rely on cooler temperatures to produce male offspring.
Almost all other turtles, along with alligators, some lizard species, and crocodiles, all have the same lower nesting temperature restrictions for producing males.
This means that not only green sea turtle populations are in jeopardy, but many other egg-laying animals are, as well, which leaves a high potential for a very deadly future.
“As far as I’m aware, this is one of the first times that kind of our worst fears are coming true and that there are populations that are being exposed to such high temperatures that they are basically unisexual,” said Clare Holleley, a senior research scientist with the Australian National Wildlife Collection. “That’s been one of the greatest conservation concerns for all of these species.”
Max Pixel
Such a massive sex bias has not been seen ever before, especially when concerning sea turtles, and if the climate trends continue along their current path, it could spell disaster for the species as a whole.
Climate change is real, and unless we start doing something to help begin reversing the current trends, the future of our children and grandchildren will look extremely different from what has ever been seen before.
Check out the information below to see how you can help.
Stop Climate Change
Most of us agree that Earth’s climate is changing and it’s having a negative effect on our environment. But new studies have emerged that suggest we might be reaching the point of no return when it comes to reversing the damage that’s already been done.
But we have the power to reign in our behaviors with the hope of slowly turning the climate back around.
Help Here
Andrew Terpstra grew up on Zoobooks and National Park excursions, so the outdoors and wildlife became a big part of his life. Now he is trying to help whomever he can, and the causes he holds dear, with the words he writes.
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Viewing from: MIT Libraries
You are viewing from: MIT Libraries
Child malnutrition and recurrent flooding in rural eastern India: a community-based survey
Jose Manuel Rodriguez-Llanes1,
Shisir Ranjan-Dash2,
Olivier Degomme1,
Alok Mukhopadhyay2,
Debarati Guha-Sapir1
1CRED-Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, Institute of Health and Society, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
2Voluntary Health Association of India, New Delhi, India
Correspondence to Jose Manuel Rodriguez-Llanes; jose.rodriguez{at}uclouvain.be
Objectives This study aims to improve the understanding of the relationship between exposure to floods and malnutrition in children aged 6–59 months in rural India. Research has focused exclusively on Bangladeshi children, and few controlled epidemiological studies are available.
Method A community-based cross-sectional study of child nutritional status was carried out in 14 flooded and 18 non-flooded villages of Jagatsinghpur district (Orissa) within one month of the September 2008 floods, and similarly affected by flooding in August 2006. Face-to-face interviews were conducted in 757 households in the flooded villages and 816 in the non-flooded communities. Data used in this study were from those households with children aged 6–59 months. In total, 191 and 161 children were measured, respectively. The association between various malnutrition indicators and the exposure to floods was assessed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression.
Results Adjusted analyses revealed that children in flooded households were more likely stunted compared with those in non-flooded ones (adjusted prevalence ratio 1.60; 95% CI 1.05 to 2.44). The prevalence of underweight was also higher in children living in the flooded communities (adjusted prevalence ratio 1.86; 95% CI 1.04 to 3.30). Further analyses found that the 26–36-month flooded cohort, thus those children younger than 1 year during the precedent flood in August 2006, attained the largest difference in levels of stunting compared with the unexposed group of the same age.
Conclusion Exposure to floods is associated with long-term malnutrition in these rural communities of Orissa, India. Children exposed to floods during their first year of life presented higher levels of chronic malnutrition. Long-term malnutrition prevention programmes after floods should be implemented in flood-prone areas.
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial License, which permits use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non commercial and is otherwise in compliance with the license. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/ and http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/legalcode.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2011-000109
Article focus
Study of the connection between flood exposure and childhood malnutrition in rural communities of North Eastern India.
This is the first study to address the health impacts of floods on child malnutrition in India, a country prone to multiple natural disasters.
Climate-related extreme events are projected to increase partly induced by climate change, leading to a higher burden of disaster-related diseases.
Exposure to floods is associated with chronic growth retardation in Indian children, especially in those exposed at very early stages in life.
Strengths and limitations of this study
The study had high and consistent survey response rates across flooded and non-flooded communities.
A standard methodology was used, including high-precision WHO standards to assess malnutrition.
The study does not establish a causal relationship but an association between floods and childhood malnutrition.
The study is only representative of the children aged 6–59 months living in 29 rural communities.
Floods are the most common reported natural disaster worldwide,1 with an important impact on the health of human populations.2 3 Their effects are especially dramatic in developing countries of South and South-East Asia.4 Epidemiological studies in low-income rural areas show evidence for increased risk of disease associated with flooding, such as diarrhoea,5 6 cholera,7 respiratory infection,5 leptospirosis8 or post-traumatic stress disorder.9 However, little and geographically restricted evidence is available on the nutritional impacts of floods on children.10–13
Flooding has been shown to have serious impacts on crop productivity in the past,14 15 and the projected higher global temperatures may have non-linear and increasingly negative impacts on existing agricultural activities,16 particularly on vulnerable countries of south Asia and southern Africa where insufficient adaptation measures are planned.17 Crop-yield variation induced by climate change has been suggested as one of the potential mechanisms leading to malnutrition.18
This is particularly worrying, since children are especially vulnerable to environmental adversities because of their greater exposure, greater sensitivity to certain exposures and dependence on care givers.19 20 For this reason, increased weather variability predicted by climatic models is expected to lead to a rise in the health risks of this age group, associated with more frequent extremes such as droughts and floods.19–21
The deleterious consequences of poor nutrition are well recognised. Undernutrition is a primary cause of ill health and premature mortality among children in developing countries.22 Therefore, malnutrition affects children during the critical phases of their early cognitive, social, motor and emotional development, and has been associated with poor school performance.23 24 Poverty and food security are also risk factors which have been found to be associated with poor early development in children.25 Thus, these disadvantaged children are less likely to become productive adults,23 perpetuating the cycle of poor human development.25
India is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world.1 The Indian state of Orissa, located by the Bay of Bengal, is vulnerable to multiple disasters, such as tropical cyclones, storm surges, floods and tsunamis. The state of Orissa suffered a heavy loss of life and property during the cyclone Paradip that hit the state in October 1999.26 As a consequence, an autonomous relief and coordination body was created in the state, the Orissa State Disaster Mitigation Authority (OSDMA). Since then, this agency has been actively working in disaster management, prevention, risk reduction and relief activities. Complementary to long-term poverty-alleviation programmes, there are also short-term food-aid governmental programmes to help the victims of disasters within the country (SRD, personal communication).
Despite a rising awareness on understanding the health effects of extreme weather events,19 27 28 without a better understanding of the mechanisms which produce and maintain high levels of malnutrition in developing countries, policy makers lack crucial information to design specific and effective intervention plans to reduce its prevalence among children. This is especially critical in the face of the foreseen long-lasting intensification of the water cycle29 and the rise of human vulnerability to extreme weather events.30 In Orissa, climate models predict an intensification of precipitation events, including monsoons, and increased sea-level pressure by the end of the 21st century.31 Additionally, vulnerability-resilience analysis shows Orissa as one of the most vulnerable Indian states to climate change.32
The most recent floods occurring in Orissa in September 2008 provided an opportunity to explore the strengths of association between flooding and the prevalence of undernutrition while taking other variables that directly affect nutrition into account.
This study used a cross-sectional stratified (by village) design with sampling at the household level to collect data on a representative sample of the children aged 6–59 months living in 13 flooded communities and 16 nearby non-flooded villages within a month after the September 2008 floods. We used anthropometric measurements to assess child malnutrition and face-to-face interviews to investigate the exposure to floods as a risk factor for malnutrition and the potential confounding effect of social, health and economic variables.
The study site was Jagatsinghpur, a coastal district located in the state of Orissa, eastern India. The district is organised into eight blocks and has a population of 1 057 629, with 90% residing in rural areas.33 The district has been severely hit by five major floods in the last decade, the one following the cyclone Paradip (05B) in 1999, followed by heavy floods in 2001, 2003 and 2006. The last floods, starting in mid-September 2008, produced great devastation.1
Sample selection
The villages in this study were selected from the five worst-affected blocks in the district (Kujanga, Biridi, Balikuda, Tirtol and Ersama) according to OSDMA. This agency provided the list of the flooded and non-flooded villages, defined as those with all households inundated by the floods and those with none of the households flooded, respectively. Logistic considerations limited our study to 14 accessible flooded villages. Eighteen non-flooded nearby villages of similar size and demographic characteristics were selected as a comparison group (table S1). These 14 and 18 villages were also inundated and non-inundated, respectively, during previous floods occurring in August 2006. We validated this information using the survey household data. All respondents interviewed in the 14 flooded villages (n=757) confirmed that their households were exposed to only these two floods and the cyclone Paradip in October 1999. Most respondents considered the 2008 floods ‘very severe’ (84.6%) in contrast with the 2006 floods which most households categorised as ‘mild’ (79.5%).
Stratified sampling at the village level was used. In each village, 10% of households were surveyed (figure 1). This allowed us to obtain a sample with a distribution of households across villages comparable with that in the population. The list of the children aged 6–59 months was obtained at the Integrated Child Development Scheme centre at each village and were used as a check of the information given by the head of the households. In total, 757 households were surveyed in the 14 flooded communities and 816 in the 18 non-flooded villages. In surveyed households with more than one child 6–59 months, all eligible children were selected. In three small villages, one flooded and two non-flooded, all seven eligible children selected moved home, and consequently these villages were excluded from further analyses (figure 1). The study population was defined as those children aged 6–59 months from the remaining 29 villages, which represented <5% of the total population and were present overall in less than 25% of the households surveyed (table S1).
Flow diagram of the sample obtained on 352 children aged 6–59 months in Jagatsinghpur district, Orissa, India.
A household was defined as a group of people who usually live under the same roof and share a common kitchen. If an adult member or any eligible children 6–59 months was not at home at the time of the survey, the interviewers returned to the household later. The maximum number of visits per household was fixed at three. For selection of the households, we used a modified EPI ‘random walk’ method.34 35 At the centre of the village, a team member spun a pen, following the direction pointed by the pen up to the limit of the village. The same procedure was repeated from the new location to randomly choose a direction in which to conduct the survey. A random direction was selected each time a bifurcation was encountered. Random numbers were generated to select the households. The nested data used in this study were from those households with children aged 6–59 months. Thus, the final sample comprised 179 households with 223 children in the 13 flooded villages, and 152 households with 183 children in the 16 non-flooded communities. Overall, 85.2% of these eligible children were measured and their parents interviewed. The response rate was consistent across the flooded (84%) and non-flooded communities (86.6%). Thirty-two children were not measured in the flooded households. Five of them have recently died, and 27 stayed with relatives in different villages. In the non-flooded communities, 22 children were unavailable. Nineteen of these children moved with their parents elsewhere, and the other three died (figure 1).
Instruments, training and pilot testing
Anthropometric measurements of children and adapted questionnaires were used to obtain the information on anthropometrics, household characteristics and other children variables. Fourteen interviewers, three supervisors and one data manager were specifically trained for this study during a 3-day workshop organised by the Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI) under the supervision of the MICRODIS (DISaster studies at the MICRO level) project university partners, local government officers and other local researchers. The questionnaires were pretested in 45 households. The questionnaire was translated to the local language in Orissa (Oriya) and then back-translated into English by two different translators. Fieldwork was carried out between 6 October and 19 November 2008.
The weight and height of every child were measured twice to minimise measurement errors and increase precision by using their average value. Weight measurements were undertaken to the nearest 100 g using a 10 kg beam balance (Raman Surgical Co., Delhi-33, India) and a 50 kg standard electronic balance. For children younger than 2 years of age, length was measured to the nearest millimetre in the recumbent position using an infantometer (Narang Medical, Delhi—110 028, India). Children older than 2 years were measured in a standing position using a measuring board. All instruments were calibrated daily.
Outcome measures, exposure and confounders
The outcomes of this study were three anthropometric indices, stunting (height-for-age), underweight (weight-for-age) and wasting (weight-for-height). Stunting is an indicator of chronic malnutrition, whereas wasting often assesses acute nutritional stress within a population. Underweight combines the previous two, widely used for its operational value. The new WHO standard, was used to calculate the z scores for these indicators. Malnutrition was a binary variable indicating whether a children is malnourished, z score <−2 (1) or not (0) at the time of the interview. The fundamental variable of this study was the level of children's exposure to floods, measured as whether the village was flooded (1) or not (0). Therefore, 13 other variables included information at the household and individual (children) level (table 1). In the first group, we recorded the number of persons residing in each household (household size) measured as a continuous variable, number of children younger than 5 years living in a household, dichotomised as one (0) or otherwise (1). The main occupation of the household was recorded in detailed categories and later recoded as non-manual (reference), agricultural, manual and unemployed. Two religions were present in the study area: Hinduism, taken as the reference group, and Muslim. The caste of the household was based on the household head and was grouped as a scheduled caste, other backward class or general class (reference category). The general class represents the higher caste status in India. The scheduled caste is the social group historically subject to the higher deprivation levels in the country. Monthly household income (in 1000 Indian rupees (INR)) was collected from respondents as a continuous variable and recoded into four categories: ≤3, >3–6, >6–9 and >9, chosen as the reference category. The household source of drinking-water at the time of the interview was recorded in a detailed questionnaire (table 1) and recoded as whether they were more secure sources, such as wells and taps (0) or unsecure such as surface water (1), consumed in the flooded areas. The storage of cooked food was also listed using a detailed questionnaire and dichotomised into closed containers (0) and open containers (1).
Characteristics of 294 households and 352 children in 29 study villages in Orissa, India*
Within the second group, a number of individual variables were recorded. Birth weights were obtained from birth certificates and/or vaccination cards available, and were coded as a binary variable above and below the median. Sex was a binary variable. Age was recorded from birth certificates and/or vaccination cards in most cases (85% of respondents). If these were not available, local calendars were used. Children were classified by the reported age into the following groups (in months): 6 to 18, 18 to 26, 26 to 36, 36 to 46 and 46 to 59. This classification was used to compare the prevalence of malnutrition in those children younger than 1 year exposed to the 2006 floods (aged 26–36 months at the time of this study), with those of the non-flooded cohort in the same age group. Children's immunisation coverage was obtained from vaccination cards available. Children fully vaccinated, as proved by vaccination card, against polio (three doses), tuberculosis (one dose), measles (one dose), hepatitis E (three doses), diphtheria and tetanus toxoid, and pertussis (three doses) were classified as those with full immunisation coverage (0), otherwise partially immunised (1).
Power analysis
Considering that 10% of 14 948 households (7248 flooded and 7700 non-flooded) were planned to be surveyed and that the expectation of getting a household with at least one eligible child is 1/4, the expected number of households containing children in our sample was 181 and 192. Assuming a two-thirds prevalence of malnutrition in non-flooded compared with flooded households, with α (error)=0.05, using the average percentage of stunting in Orissa state (children <5 years) as the prevalence for the flooded area (45)36 and two-thirds (30) as a conservative approximate for the non-flooded, a power of 84% would be achieved. The minimum sample size, with a power of 80%, would be 164 in each group.
Malnutrition indices were calculated using ENA for SMART software version November 2008.37 The new WHO standard was used to calculate z scores. Statistical analyses were conducted in R version 2.10.1 (R Development Core Team 2008).38 Missing data were rare. Data were missing on underweight and wasting in one and five respondents, respectively. In one respondent, data were missing on income, number of children under five and household size. Data were missing on caste in two respondents, and on food storage in one respondent.
In cross-sectional epidemiological research studying rare outcomes, the OR is very close to the RR. If the outcome is common as is the case in this study (ie, prevalence >10%), ORs tend to differ from RRs. Prevalence ratios (PR), as named in this study, were then used instead of prevalence OR (POR), to avoid confusion in the interpretation of the results.39 40 Quasi-binomial models were used to avoid overdispersion. Additionally, starting values and increasing the number of iterations were necessary to fit these models.41 GLM quasi-binomial models were used to explore bivariate associations between malnutrition and independent variables, reported as crude (unadjusted) PRs with their associated 95% CIs. Multivariate (adjusted) models were used to identify variables predictive of malnutrition, controlling for all other variables in the model. ANOVA models were used to test the difference between Z-scores (a continuous variable) of the flooded and non-flooded cohorts in each of the age groups previously defined. Two-way interactions were examined for significant parameters in the adjusted models (p<0.05). The α level was set at 5%, and all statistical tests were two-sided.
Demographic characteristics
Table 1 lists the characteristics of the sample by exposure group. More non-manual (18.4%) and less agricultural work (31.6%) were reported by the respondents in the flooded communities compared with the non-flooded communities (11.8% and 40.4%, respectively). The higher proportion of Muslims in the flooded group (27.8%) was due to a large Muslim population living in a single village. More individuals from the scheduled caste were living in the flooded communities (21.9%) compared with the non-flooded (12.1%). Access to safe drinking-water was limited right after the floods, and 32.3% of the respondents confirmed they had drunk surface water.
Child malnutrition
The overall prevalences of stunting, underweight and wasting were 31.5%, 17.4% and 12.1%, respectively (table 1). However, the prevalence of stunting was 38.7% in the flooded cohort compared with 23.0% in the non-flooded cohort. Similarly, the prevalence of underweight was more important in the children living in flooded communities (20.9%) compared with those inhabiting non-flooded villages (13.1%). Wasting was very similar in children experiencing flooding and those populating non-flooded areas, with 12.2% and 11.9%, respectively (table 1).
Factors associated with stunting
Table S2 shows the crude and adjusted associations between stunting and exposure to floods, household size, number of children younger than 5 years, occupation, religion, caste, monthly family income, source of drinking-water, storage of cooked food, childbirth weight, sex, age and immunisation coverage. In the bivariate model, exposure to floods, religion and family income were associated with stunting. Muslim children were at higher risk of being stunted, but this difference did not remain statistically significant in the multivariate model. Table 2 shows the significant determinants of stunting in the adjusted analyses. Children living in flooded households were more likely stunted compared with those living in non-flooded communities (adjusted PR (APR), 1.60; 95% CI 1.05 to 2.44). The children of the poorest families (those reporting to earn equal to or less than 3000 rupees a year) were also more likely stunted compared with those in the higher income class (APR 1.85; 95% CI 1.11 to 3.09). The interaction between monthly household income and exposure to floods was not significant.
Factors associated with malnutrition in children aged 6–59 months in 29 study villages in Orissa, India
Factors associated with underweight and wasting
Underweight was associated with the number of children younger than 5 years living in a household, monthly family income and childbirth weight in the univariate analyses (Table S3). Family monthly income was not significant in the multivariate model (APR 1.76; 95% CI 0.78 to 3.99). Contrarily, exposure to floods was not statistically significant in the bivariate model (PR 1.60; 95% CI 0.98 to 2.59), but it became significant in the multivariate model (APR 1.86; 95% CI 1.04 to 3.30; see tables 2, S3). Therefore, children living in a household with one or more children under 5 presented a higher risk of underweight than those living without other under-5 counterparts (APR 1.69; 95% CI 1.05 to 2.72). Low-birth-weight children (<2.7 kg) were at higher risk of being underweight compared with those born with higher weights (APR 1.80; 95% CI 1.11 to 2.92). The interaction between exposure to floods and low-birth weight and number of under-5 children were not significant. Wasting was not associated with any of the factors considered in this study either in bivariate or in multivariate models (tables 2, S4).
Malnutrition and recurrent flooding
ANOVA analyses were used to test the differences in Z-scores for stunting and underweight by age category between the flooded and non-flooded cohorts. The children of the flooded cohort aged 26–36 months presented the largest difference in stunting with those of the non-flooded compared with other age groups, except for the 6–18-month cohort (table 3). The difference was only significant for the group 26–36 (p<0.001). These differences were less evident for underweight (see table 3).
Differences in stunting and underweight Z scores between flooded and non-flooded children by age groups in Orissa, India
Our study represents a first attempt to understand the role of exposure to natural disasters as a risk factor for child malnutrition in India. Within 1 month after the floods, wasting did not differ among children inhabiting the flooded villages and those living in the non-flooded areas. In contrast, a higher risk of stunting was detected in children living in the flooded areas in bivariate and multivariate models. The risk of underweight was significantly higher only in the adjusted analyses. All villages under study in the flooded group were also inundated in previous floods occurring in August 2006 (25 months earlier). In the absence of other disasters in the area, our results suggest an association of chronic malnutrition and previous flooding in these children. The study also showed that the exposed cohort of children aged <1 year during the 2006 floods presented the largest difference in levels of stunting with the non-flooded group of the same age. This finding underlines the importance of early exposure to floods as a risk factor for anthropometric failure in children.
One evident limitation of this study is a direct consequence of its cross-sectional design, which did not allow us to establish causal relationships. Second, this study was conducted soon after waters started to recede in a heavily flooded area where roadblocks were commonplace. As a consequence, there exists selection bias in the choice of the affected villages. Nevertheless, if the situation was even worst in more isolated villages not represented in the sample, it is remarkable that we already found an increased risk for malnutrition among these exposed children. In contrast, wasting could have been more important than reflected in our results in the most isolated communities. Thus, this community-based study limits our findings to two subpopulations of children living in 29 rural communities of Orissa. A population survey would be necessary to assess health impacts and disease risk in a population better representing the one affected, and thus making it easier to design wider interventions. Third, this study did not include other relevant conditions related to malnutrition, such as maternal education, variables on losses, food insecurity and coping mechanisms which may impact this association and further explain the mechanisms which lead to malnutrition after floods. Fourth, a different instrument was used to weigh children heavier than 10 kg, instead of a single balance.42 Fifth, our power calculations did not take into consideration subgroup analyses. Probably further determinants of malnutrition would have been revealed using a larger sample size. Sixth, self-reported economic status, especially after disasters, can be subject to reporting bias. To minimise false reporting, field researchers informed the respondents about the purpose of the survey and cross-checked the economic information collected with the house type and assets.
The striking similarity in wasting among both groups suggests that the flooded cohort was not subject to additional short-term nutritional stress compared with children living in the non-flooded area, at least immediately after the flood. This is probably associated with the fact that government and NGOs were mobilised rapidly and provided supplies right after the onset of flooding (unpublished data), and this might be the case after the 2006 event. In floods occurring in Bangladesh in 1998, other authors found critical levels of malnutrition (ie, >15%) during the flood period.12 The exceptionally long duration and magnitude of that flooding probably played an important role in causing a more dramatic situation than that observed in these communities of Orissa. Further research on the same flood event in Bangladesh using a comparison group failed to detect any effect of floods on wasting 2 months after the floods.13 In another study on the same floods, the levels of wasting had decreased considerably 4 months later.12 These results suggest that the recovery after floods seems to occur promptly in these populations. On the other hand, the absence of significant wasting in the flooded communities of Orissa together with simultaneous higher levels of underweight and stunting suggest that both reflect the long-term health and nutritional experience of the population.43 These results from India are similar to those found in Bangladesh in which the long-term consequences of floods on nutrition are depicted.13
Low-income proxies (such as landlessness) have been observed as a risk factor for acute malnutrition among flood-affected children in Bangladesh.10 More recently, another study has shown that the children of flood-affected families taking loans at very high rates did not improve their nutritional status compared with those having access to credits at very low or no interest.12 However, the latter studies only establish the short-term effects of the disaster. None have established economic status as a risk factor for chronic malnutrition—a long term consequence, among flood-affected children.
Finally, the lack of significant interaction between significant variables, such as exposure to floods and income, supports the hypothesis that higher economic status is not protective against the impacts of floods on child malnutrition, at least in these communities. More research is necessary to understand the complex dynamics of child malnutrition after severe flooding and its socio-economic and health determinants. Representative larger surveys are recommended, which should help to confirm these results and help policy makers implement appropriate measures.
We would like to acknowledge the MICRODIS consortium for development of tools and conceptual models, as well as the VHAI research and field team for data collection and study design. We are grateful to N Paliakara for her assistance with nutritional aspects of this paper and insightful comments on an earlier version of this manuscript.
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This web only file has been produced by the BMJ Publishing Group from an electronic file supplied by the author(s) and has not been edited for content.
Files in this Data Supplement:
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Supplementary Table
Supplementary Tables - Manuscript file of format pdf
Correction notice The “To cite: …” information and running footer in this article have been updated with the correct volume number (volume 1).
To cite: Rodriguez-Llanes JM, Ranjan-Dash S, Degomme O, et al. Child malnutrition and recurrent flooding in rural eastern India: a community-based survey. BMJ Open 2011;1:e000109. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2011-000109
Funding This research was funded by the European FP6 6th Framework Programme under The MICRODIS Project—Integrated Health, Social and Economic Impacts of Extreme Events: Evidence, Methods and Tools (Contract No GOCE-CT-2007-036877).
Competing interests None.
Patient consent Obtained.
Ethics approval Ethics approval was provided by the Community Health Ethics Committee, Voluntary Health Association of India, New Delhi.
Contributors DG-S obtained the funding. DG-S, AM, SR-D, JMR-L conceived and designed the study. SR-D and AM collected the data and supervised the study. JMR-L, DG-S, OD analysed and interpreted the data. JMR-L conducted the statistical analyses and drafted the manuscript. SR-D, JMR-L, DG-S and AM provided administrative, technical or material support. All authors critically revised the manuscript for important intellectual content.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.
Data sharing statement Statistical code available from the corresponding author.
© 2011, Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial License, which permits use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non commercial and is otherwise in compliance with the license. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/ and http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/legalcode.
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IKEA pushes into South America with partner Falabella
STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - IKEA [IKEA.UL] will open its first stores in South America under a franchise agreement with Chilean retailer Falabella (FAL.SN), as the world’s biggest furniture retailer looks for new growth markets to keep challengers at bay.
FILE PHOTO: The company's logo is seen outside of an IKEA Group store in Dietlikon, Switzerland October 11, 2016. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo
The Swedish firm is responding to slower sales growth by pushing into new markets like India while developing smaller city center store formats.
It is also investing in its online services to adapt to the surge in e-commerce and home delivery which has dulled the appeal of its out-of-town warehouse stores.
IKEA’s aim is to boost its customer base to 3.2 billion in 2025 from around 1.2 billion today, in stores and online.
It wants to open at least nine stores in Chile, Colombia and Peru over a period of 10 years and will sell through online sales channels in the three countries, IKEA said late on Thursday.
Inter IKEA Group Chief Executive Torbjorn Loof said South America is one of IKEA’s key future growth markets. He said Chile, Peru and Colombia, with a combined population of almost 100 million people, had a market potential for home furniture of more than 8 billion euros ($9.4 billion).
Loof said that while IKEA’s franchise partner Falabella will invest $600 million, entering South America will not come with any “physical investments” for IKEA, which will contribute mainly with staff, support and know-how.
“We will bring to the three countries the full experience of IKEA, with stores and online sales such as those already existing in Europe, the United States and Asia,” Sandro Solari, CEO of Falabella, said in a statement.
“IKEA will complement the current offer of products and services of our home improvement subsidiary Sodimac.”
The first store is expected to open in the city of Santiago at the end of 2020, with Lima and Bogota to follow, but the company is looking at several markets in South America, Loof said, declining to give any sales targets.
“Giving an exact figure is always hard. These are new countries and new markets,” he told Reuters.
NEW CHALLENGES
IKEA Group, whose founder Ingvar Kamprad died in January at the age of 91, last year grew retail sales by 4 percent to 34.1 billion euros.
Inter IKEA is the brand owner and franchisor while IKEA Group is the biggest franchise owner with 363 stores in 29 markets, out of a total of 418 stores in 49 markets.
For all of Inter IKEA Group’s franchises, Loof said he was expecting sales to grow by 5-6 percent this year from 38.3 billion euros ($45 billion) in 2017 or 5.2 percent growth.
IKEA’s rivals span e-commerce sites like Germany’s Home24 and U.S. giant Amazon to store chains such as Britain’s Argos and France’s Conforama.
Home24, one of its newer challengers, announced a stock market listing on Friday and is pushing into Brazil, as yet untapped by its much bigger rival.
IKEA said last year it would run tests in 2018 of selling its goods through third parties.
Loof said negotiations with third parties were ongoing, and he expects to be able to say more later this year.
“If everything goes as planned it could be this year. It could also take until next year. But we are optimistic and working hard,” he said.
Such a move would mean IKEA’s customers may soon be able to buy its flat-pack furniture and other home furnishings through the likes of Amazon (AMZN.O), which has said it plans to venture into furniture, or Chinese rival Alibaba (BABA.N).
Reporting by Helena Soderpalm and Johan Ahlander; editing by Niklas Pollard and Elaine Hardcastle
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Buffy the Vampire Slayer (series) Actors, Guest Stars, Series Regulars
Michelle Christine Trachtenberg
Buffyverse roles
"Buffy vs. Dracula"
"Chosen"
Dawn Summers
Michelle Christine Trachtenberg (born October 11, 1985) is an American actress. She is best known for her roles as Nona F. Mecklenberg in The Adventures of Pete & Pete, Dawn Summers in the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2000–2003) and Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl (2008–2012). She also appeared in the films Harriet the Spy (1996), EuroTrip (2004), Ice Princess (2005), the Black Christmas (2006) remake, and 17 Again (2009).
Trachtenberg was born in New York City, the younger of two daughters of Lana, a bank manager, and Michael Trachtenberg, a fiber-optics engineer. Her father is from Germany and her mother was born in Russia; Trachtenberg can speak Russian fluently. Trachtenberg is of Jewish heritage, and celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah, her grandparents live in Israel. Trachtenberg was raised, along with older sister Irene, in Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn, where she attended P.S. 99 Elementary School and The Bay Academy for the Arts and Sciences.
Trachtenberg made her first television appearance at the age of three, in a commercial for Wisk Detergent. She went on to feature in over 100 more commercials. She appeared in her first credited role as Nona F. Mecklenberg on the Nickelodeon series The Adventures of Pete & Pete from 1994 until 1996. During the same period she played Lily Montgomery on the soap opera All My Children, in which she first worked with future Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Sarah Michelle Gellar.
Breakthrough career
Trachtenberg's film career began in 1996 with the titular role in Harriet the Spy. During this time, she also began a recurring role in season two of the television series The Adventures of Pete & Pete, of which she later became a regular. She then starred in the short-lived television series Meego, which garnered her a Young Artist Award. She returned to film in 1999 for Inspector Gadget, as the inspector's niece, Penny. She also starred in the film Can't Be Heaven. In the summer of 2000, Trachtenberg took on the role of Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer; she remained in the role until the show ended in 2003. Trachtenberg also hosted the Discovery Kids series Truth or Scare, from 2001 to 2003. After Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Truth or Scare, she appeared in the comedy film EuroTrip, directed by Jeff Schaffer and co-starring Scott Mechlowicz, Jacob Pitts, and Travis Wester. She also had a recurring role in the HBO series Six Feet Under as Celeste, a spoiled pop star for whom Keith Charles served as a bodyguard. Other guest on the show are Tom Lenk (Cyrus/Andrew Wells), Eric Balfour (Jesse McNally), Robin Riker (Catherine Madison), Edith Fields (Unidentified School Nurse), Lenora May (Mrs. Jackson), Brian Poth (Unidentified Boy (I Only Have Eyes for You)), Mary-Pat Green (Joan), Michael Cudlitz (Big Bob), Scott Torrence (Dickie), Andy Umberger (D'Hoffryn/Ronald Meltzer), Dagney Kerr (Kathy Newman), Tracy Middendorf (Christina Clark), Michael Mantell (Oliver Simon), Jenni Blong (Young Woman (In the Dark)), Brent Sexton (Unidentified police officer), Beth Grant (Maude Pearson), Ken Abraham (Spivey), John Cappodice (Tony Papazian), Lauri Johnson (Martha Straley), Margaret Easley (Gerhardt), Maury Sterling (Barney), Joe Basil (Lenny Edwards), David Wells (Cheese Man), Justina Machado (Jo), Bob Morrisey (unidentified lunatic/Gregson), Melissa Marsala (young Judy Kovacs), Eve Sigall (old Judy Kovacs), J.P. Manoux (Frank Gilnitz), Paul Hayes (Unidentified Older Night Watchman), Stewart Skelton (Harold Jeakins), Cheryl White (Claire Jeakins), Kevin Rankin (Donald Maclay), Dwayne Barnes (Lester), W.Earl Brown (M. James Menlo), Evan Arnold (Unidentified vampire (The Trial)), Jamie McShane (Unidentified demon/ Pylean Rebel), Thomas Kopache (old Denver), Pat Healy (Doug Sanders), Michael Dempsey (Irv Kraigle), Wade Andrew William (Gregor), Brian Tahash (Narwek), Franc Ross (Razor), Ken Takemoto (Unidentified Chinese demon man), Jennifer Griffin (Trish Burkle), Dave Power (Zack), Raymond O'Connor (Bro'os), Jim Ortlieb (Harvey), Andrew Reville (Timothy Blane), Eric Bruskotter (Brian), Mark Harelik (Kurskov), Ryan Raddatz (Todd), Lee Carlington (Jessica Harris), Joel David Moore (Karl), Caroline Lagerfelt (Anne Pratt), Jim Abele (Laurence Reilly), Jordan Garrett (Matthew Fries), John Billingsley (Evan Royce), Justin Connor (Jerry (human)), Lindsey Ginter (Commander Petrie), Jenny Vaughn Campbell (Tommy's Mom), Dennis Christopher (Cyvus Vail), Jeff Yagher (Ed) and Irina Maleeva (Goran Maid).
In March 2005, Trachtenberg played the title character in Walt Disney Pictures' family comedy-drama Ice Princess, with Kim Cattrall, Joan Cusack, and Hayden Panettiere. In the film, Trachtenberg played a science whiz named Casey Carlyle who is torn between a future in academia and her newfound dream of being a professional figure skater.
In April 2006 Trachtenberg guest-starred in the episode of House, M.D., "Safe". She revealed on the December 22, 2006, episode of Late Night With Conan O'Brien that House is her favorite show, she is friends with one of the producers and she asked to be a guest star.
In November 2006, Trachtenberg guest-starred in the sixth season of the Emmy-nominated crime drama Law & Order: Criminal Intent. In the episode "Weeping Willow", she played the role of Willow, a kidnapped video blogger based on lonelygirl15. Trachtenberg also made a cameo in the Fall Out Boy music video for "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race" (with fellow Buffy cast member Seth Green), Joaquin Phoenix-directed video "Tired of Being Sorry" for Balthazar Getty's band Ringside, and Trapt's video Echo. In December 2006, Trachtenberg starred in Black Christmas, the remake of the 1974 slasher of the same name. In 2007, she was cast as the female lead in an ABC comedy pilot called The Hill, set in Washington, D.C. Trachtenberg provided the voice of Tika Waylan for Dragonlance: Dragons of Autumn Twilight, a direct-to-video animated movie based on the novel of the same name.
Trachtenberg appeared on The CW hit show Gossip Girl as Georgina Sparks, who recently left rehab and brings back the dark past Serena van der Woodsen desperately wants to leave behind. She returned to the show for a multi-episode story arc towards the end of the second season. Trachtenberg appeared in the season 3 finale and the season 4 premiere. In 2009, Trachtenberg was a cast member on the NBC drama Mercy, the series however was not renewed for a second season.
On June 9, 2011, Trachtenberg guest-starred on Love Bites as Jodie, who, after being unceremoniously dumped, decides - with a vengeance - to accept her ex's offer to 'be friends'. She reprised the role on June 16, 2011, where Jodie augments her friend Annie's bust with so-called chicken cutlets - which later embarrassingly slip out. She finally reprised the role on July 21, 2011, in the series finale, where Jodie and her on-again boyfriend are tormented - to the point of homelessness - by bedbugs.
On June 28, 2011, it was announced Trachtenberg would guest star on Weeds during its seventh season. Her character Emma is a rival pot dealer who causes problems for Silas Botwin. The show includes many guest like Indigo (Rona), Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Sam Ryan), Ken Lerner (Robert Flutie), Chad Lindberg (David Kirby), Julie Michaels (Julia), Saverrio Guerra (Willy), James G.MacDonald (Paul Stein), Rick Zieff (Mr. Whitmore), Jeremy Roberts (Kakistos), Andy Umberger (D'Hoffryn/Ronald Meltzer), Molly Bryant (Ms. Murray), Michael Mantell (Oliver Simon), Brent Sexton (Unidentified police officer), Thomas Burr (Lee Mercer), Jack Stehlin (Francis Angleman), Ashley Edner (Stephanie Anderson), Colby French (Tay), Sarah Van Horn (Faith's nurse), Rebecca Klinger (Madame Dorion), Michael Harney (Anthony Harris), Todd Stashwick (Vocah/M'Fashnik demon), Scott L. Schwartz (Deevak), Randy Thompson (Aaron Kriegel), Paul Hayes (Unidentified Older Night Watchman), Ezra Buzzington (Unidentified Bartender (Willy's Bar)), Dwayne Barnes (Lester), Tom Kiesche (Broomfield), Eric Lange (a Lubber Demon), Michael Dempsey (Irv Kraigle), Stephanie Nash (Mrs. Kramer), Lily Knight (Gronx), Tom McCleister (Mother of the Vile Excrement), Franc Ross (Razor), Clint Culp (Demon Bartender (Life Serial)), Steve Tom (Stephen Mills), Brett Wagner (Nahdrah Prince/Bohg'dar Demon), Bernard K. Addison (Root monster), Steven Hack (Lionel), Kay Panabaker (Mesektet), Mel Fair (Tentacle Demon), Jessica Kiper (Nick), Clayton Rohner (Lee DeMarco), Roberto Santos (Grimes), Caroline Lagerfelt (Anne Pratt), Patrick Fischler (Ted), Avery Kidd Waddell (Randall Golden), Rodney Rowland (Corbin Fries), Stacy Reed (Charlotte), Scott Klace (Mr. Fury) and Roy Werner (Heinreich).
Trachtenberg returned to film with the 2009 picture 17 Again alongside Zac Efron, Sterling Knight and Matthew Perry. She also had a small role in the comedy film Cop Out.
In March 2011, she was the featured cover girl in Maxim.
She worked with Sarah Michelle Gellar on the long running "All My Children" (1970) in unknown episodes in the mid-1990s before "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (1997) and they were good friends. Sarah was the one who recommended Michelle for the part of "Dawn".
She grew up in New York but moved to LA three years ago with her mom. Her dad still lives in New York. Her sister Irene recently graduated from college.
Appeared at the Xcel Center at a Sci-fi expo alongside Kristine Sutherland (May 2002)
Said the last line ever in the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (1997) series.
She loves to play tennis.
She helped President Bill Clinton launch The Coalition for a Drug Free America campaign.
Attended Notre Dame High School. She graduated with awards in Social Studies and Religion and was also named under the California Scholarship Federation.
Attended Bay Academy Junior High School in Brooklyn, New York.
Speaks Russian.
Her birthday is also the wedding anniversary of her "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (1997) cast mate Alyson Hannigan (Willow) and "Angel" (1999)'s Alexis Denisof (Wesley).
Was able to sneak a souvenir from the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (1997) set when the show ended, a wooden stake.
Studied ballet as a child, which helped her perfect her skating abilities for Ice Princess (2005).
Is of Russian Jewish and German descent.
Participated in the golf tournament in Jamaica hosted by Carmen Electra.
Hobbies include swimming, ice skating, and writing poems.
Attended Isaac Asimov Public School 99 for elementary school.
Has an older sister named Irene, b. 1978.
Spent the summer of 2005 as a non-paid apprentice at the Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts.
Has separately played the daughter of both actors who played the young married couple Laura Ingalls Wilder and Almanzo Wilder in "Little House on the Prairie" (1974). She played Melissa Gilbert's daughter in A Holiday for Love (1996) (TV) and played Dean Butler's daughter in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (1997).
Was submitted for Emmy consideration for her guest-starring role on "House" (2004).
Her grandparents live in Israel.
Ranked #86 on the Maxim magazine Hot 100 of 2007 list.
Also attended PS 188 throughout Kindergarten. Was in the Gifted and Talented program with teacher Mrs. Gomez.
Voted No. 27 on the 2011 Maxim list "Hot 100" women.
Good friends with fellow Buffy star Seth Green, although the two never had episodes together.
Grew up in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn.
Was a huge fan of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" long before being cast as Dawn.
I love gardening. I think it's very therapeutic when you're having a bad day.
[on being involved in a Buffy spin-off] "I didn't see myself continuing as Dawn because I like to have diversity in my roles. A lot of people are like: "Oh my God! Little Dawn grew up!" And as much as I love you guys, suck it up."
[on why she chose not to continue her role as Dawn Summers] "I felt like every year, my character got younger as I got older. The scripts even had me speaking grammatically incorrectly. So I had to do something else. Besides, the show is over. If you miss it, get the DVDs."
[on the future of Buffy] I'm sure that in some way, shape or form "Buffy" will be continued or the story, through the fans, because we do have such devoted fans and that's always been very sweet.
One day I'd like to win an Oscar. But, I tell my mom if I ever get to be rude and demanding to let me know and I'll stop it. I don't want to be an actor like that.
My confidence comes from me, Michelle, as a person. I don't necessarily believe that I will act and be a lead forever, but I want to continue to act for a long time. I love to do what I do.
"A fashion editor at Vogue, that would be awesome." (On her dream job)
Anything you throw at me, I'll try to tackle.
I adore London and Paris, and I hope to live in London for a period of time when I'm older.
I love tennis. I tried gymnastics at one point, but my tush got a whole lot of black and blue so that wasn't fun.
Show off my decolletage. -- on what she does to "instantly feel sexy"
I love Rag & Bone. They're pretty fantastic. Marc Jacobs has been a friend of mine for years, and I adore him. I like Chloe. I like a lot of younger designers. -- on her favorite designers.
... I think I did a head-to-toe leopard ensemble once, when I was 10. I think animal print should be taken in moderation. A shoe or a scarf is fine. -- on any past red carpet regrets.
I think it's much harder in New York. There are paparazzi on bicycles, which is a new thing. You can't really speed away in your car. Especially with Gossip Girl being such a New York-based show, it's harder. I tried my hand at going to Bed, Bath & Beyond the other day, which I love, and that was a little bit of a catastrophe. I caused a little bit of a scene. That would be the only time that I'm a little shy. -- on if it's easier to be unrecognized in New York.
I'm a downtown girl. I would love to give you restaurants, but then you'd know about them and we couldn't go there anymore. Leighton Meester and I like to go to hole-in-the-walls that no one would ever expect us to go to, and no one cares that we're in there. We do that often. -- on favorite places in New York.
I think life is like high school. I don't necessarily know that it pertains to Gossip Girl because that is obviously an extreme fabrication of the most glorious life. But, I do think that life, in general, is definitely like high school and you never get out of it. You just have to stay strong. -- on if life is like "Gossip Girl"
Probably just that laughter is the best thing. It's not about seeking revenge on that person. It's not letting them get away with it and not letting them get their high off of seeing you miserable. Laugh with them. -- on how to deal with embarrassment.
I'm the last person to ask about dealing with stress. I'm always the biggest stress ball. But, I don't stop moving and I never let my Blackberry leave my hand, so I'm getting a lot of thumb exercise. It's great. -- on how she deals with stress.
I've been drinking from the fountain of youth, so my face remains the same. Actually, one of our very first days of shooting, Gail Berman, who I have known for almost 10 years now, from Buffy, said that if we put a split screen of my face from the first episode of Buffy up next to the Mercy pilot, it's the same. I might have just gotten paler. I don't go out in the sun. I think there's a huge difference between the two characters, in the sense that Chloe is an adult. She's not a child, by any means. She went through nursing school. She has her master's degree. She has all of the credentials. She is a nurse and an adult, in every sense of those words. For me, I'm not shy or quiet. It's interesting for me to play someone who is such the opposite from myself because it's more challenging to keep that realistic. I also think that so many young women in the world are scared of the circumstances that they're in and are very insecure about different experiences that they may have, and I love being that character for women to say, "Yes, Chloe is scared. She's worried that she is literally going to kill someone, but there's optimism there. She can do it. So, I don't think of her as a child, or as annoying or whiney. I think she's just open to the world and looking to her colleagues to steer her. She has such great respect and admiration because they know what they're doing. So, between the three of us and the different personalities that we have, we're going to cater to every single woman watching the show, or that's what we hope. -- the differences between the character Dawn on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and the character Chloe on "Mercy" and on playing young and/or naive characters.
Every girl likes a bad boy but the bad boy has to have a sensitive side - that makes a fantastic man. But I like an older man...
It's super fun to play the bad girl. I love bringing out the inner nasty. ... Every woman secretly has an inner bitch deep down inside - including myself. But with the scenarios that Georgina is in and the lines from the script, the evil naturally comes out and flows really well for me. I don't take the nastiness off set, but sometimes when the paparazzi get in my face, Georgina comes out. -- on her character Georgina Sparks in "Gossip Girl"
Trachtenberg appeared from Season 5 to Season 7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 5 (Guest Starring in Buffy vs. Dracula)
Buffy Summers
Glorificus
Ben Wilkinson
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelle_Trachtenberg
Michelle Trachtenberg at the Internet Movie Database
Retrieved from "https://buffy.fandom.com/wiki/Michelle_Trachtenberg?oldid=192448"
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (series) Actors
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Home Entertainment Bollywood Jawaan Movie Box Office Collection | Hit or Flop
Jawaan Movie Box Office Collection | Hit or Flop
Jawaan Movie Box Office Collection | Hit or Flop: Hello, Everyone Today I am going to share some exciting facts on the film Jawaan Box Office Collection.
Story of the film
The Film Jawaan is in the Telugu language. The Cast of the movie is actor Sai Dharam Tej and actress Mehreen Kaur Pirzada in the lead roles. It also includes actor Kota Srinivasa Rao and actor Prasanna Venkatesan. It is an action thriller film, and director of the movie is B.V. S. Ravi. S. Thaman is the music director.
Box Office Collection of the film
The movie Jawaan is a Telugu action thriller. It seems very exciting. This film is a patriotic based script on the actual determination and duty of a soldier; he can go to any extent to save his country. The suspense in the movie is so incredible that the audience can feel the thrill throughout the film. The Box Office Collection of the movie is Rs. 8.07 Crores. Hope this video will get more and more good reviews from the audiences and also has a more in the box office collections.
Star Casts of the film
Sai Dharam Tej
Sai Dharma TejPanja is an actor. He works in the Telugu film industry. His first debut film is called Villanueva Leni Jeevitam and Rey.
Mehreen Pirzada
Mehreen Kaur Pirzada is the model and an actress. Her first debut film with the Tollywood film called Krishna Gaadi Veera PremaGaadha. Phillauri is the Bollywood debut film of actress MehreenPirzada.
Prasanna
Prasanna Venkatesan is an actor. His first debut film is 5 Star. Prasanna acted in the movies such as Achchamundu! Achchamundu. He was also the host of the short-lived game show that was known as Honeymoon Jodigal on the Sun TV.
Satyam Rajesh
Satyam Rajesh is an actor. Satyam has also worked in more than 350 films. He is a nominated actor as a Best Comedian for the documentary called Satyam.
Kota Srinivasa Rao
Kota Srinivasa Rao is an actor. He is well known for his works in the Telugu cinema and Telugu theatre. He has also worked in the few films in the Tamil language like Hind, and Malayalam. His first debut film in the Telugu is called PranamKhareedu.
Crew of the film
B. V. S. Ravi (The Director of the film)
B.V.S. Ravi is dialogue and a story writer. He is the assistant director of the writer Posani Krishna Murali for many successful movies such as Sivayya, Seetharamaraju, PreyasiRaave, Snehithulu, AyodhyaRaamayya.
Dil Raju (The Producer of the film)
Dil Raju is a producer and a distributor. He is well known for the works exclusively in the Telugu cinema. Dil Raju owns the production house like Sri Venkateswara Creations. He has produced many successful films such as Dil, Arya, Bhadra, Bommarillu, Parugu, KothaBangaruLokam, Brindavanam, Mr. Perfect, Yevadu, and SathamanamBhavati.
B. V. S. Ravi (Writer of the film)
B.V.S. Ravi dialogue and a story writer. He is the assistant director of the writer Posani Krishna Murali for many successful movies such as Sivayya, Seetharamaraju, PreyasiRaave, Snehithulu, AyodhyaRaamayya.
S. Thaman (The Music Director of the film)
S. Thaman is a music composer. He composes music in the Telugu and Tamil films. His first debut film called Boys. His debut films as a music director are SindhanaiSei in the Tamil and Kick in the Telugu.
Trailer Of The Movie
If any Questions is persisting then, please feel free to comment your viewpoints.
Jawaan Movie
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Tag Archives: elephant
Pop Aye
Posted on May 15, 2017 by carlosdev
Never get between a man and his elephant.
(2017) Drama (Kino Lorber) Thaneth Warakulnukroh, Penpak Sirikul, Bong, Chaiwat Khumdee, Naronng Pongpab, Yukontorn Sukkijja. Directed by Kirsten Tan
Sometimes we get feelings in our lives that threaten to overwhelm us, feelings we just can’t ignore. They become the elephant in the room, that feeling like we don’t fit in any longer or never fit in, that life has somehow managed to pass us by. Sometimes it takes a desperate action to get our lives back in order.
Thana (Warakulnukroh) is an architect who no longer feels at home in the firm he helped put on the map. Once a brilliant, bright shining future, he designed Gardenia Square, a shopping center which is now slated for demolition a mere twenty years after it was built. The son of his former boss now runs things and has replaced most of the architects with younger men who look at Thana as something of a dinosaur whose only use is to provide files.
Things are bad at home as well. His wife Bo (Sirikul) no longer seems attracted to Thana – and to be fair, his attempts at seduction are mostly awkward. Bo lives to shop and while her husband was a well-respected architect, there were plenty of things to buy. These days she knows she’s married to a man widely regarded as a fool and their marriage is a shell that isn’t going to last much longer. She seems shallow when we first meat her but as the movie goes on we see that there are heretofore hidden depths that explain her actions somewhat.
One day in the streets of Bangkok Thana spies an elephant (Bong) who he believes to be the elephant that he once had as a boy in the village of Loei, some 300 miles northeast of Bangkok. Nicknamed Popeye after a favorite cartoon of his as a youth (he trained the elephant to do the “toot toot” at the end of the “I’m Popeye the sailor man” theme), the elephant is mostly a means of making a quick buck for the mahout that owns him. Wanting more for his beloved elephant, Thana buys him on the spot and tries to bring him home but Bo is not having it.
Instead, Thana who has grown tired and disillusioned with city life decides to return to Loei where Thana’s Uncle Peak (Pongpab) will care for the creature. He and Popeye begin a journey from the bustling city of Bangkok into rural Thailand where they will meet a bevy of eccentric characters, including a transgender woman named Jenny (Sukkijja) who Thana treats with some compassion and who eventually gets a chance to return the favor, Dee (Khumdee), a gregarious homeless man living in an abandoned gas station who knows that his days are numbered but only regrets having left the love of his life whom he wishes to connect with one last time and a pair of officious police officers who are trying to move Thana and Popeye to the police station for “violating urban tidiness” even though the cops encounter the two on a road in the middle of nowhere.
All of these encounters serve to help Thana grow into a different man, one at peace with the disappointments of his life. While it may be true, as Thomas Hardy once put it, that you can never go home again, Thana finds out the secret to life; home is where you are at.
Tan was born in Singapore and has lived in a variety of places including Thailand where she worked as a t-shirt vendor on the streets of Bangkok. Now based in New York after attending the Tisch School of Visual Arts, she has made several impressive shorts. This is her feature-length film debut and it is a strong one. The movie has a gentle kind of surrealism to it that makes of unusual situations a kind of normality that makes them more palatable to the viewer. There is a sense of humor throughout but it is a gentle one, more of a chuckle than a guffaw at the ridiculousness of life.
The cast is mainly unprofessional but they do a fair enough job in conveying the various eccentricities of the various characters involved. Warakulnukroh, a former progressive rock musician, manages to convey the puzzlement of Thana as he moves through a life that has left him behind. I don’t get the sense that he’s trying to adjust very much; he seems to be fairly bothered by the situation but doesn’t seem too motivated to change things until Popeye shows up. Khumdee also has some quiet moments that are compelling in his all-too-brief appearance here.
Most important here is the elephant and he is more expressive than a lot of human actors I’ve seen. I’ve never had the privilege of looking directly into the eyes of an elephant but there is a wisdom and sadness locked in those pachyderm eyes, an emotion that conveys empathy for the plight of Thana and by extension, himself. In many ways, Popeye is our avatar, marching slowly and resolutely towards an end that is pre-ordained but not necessarily without surprise. It is indeed the journey and not the destination since we’re all headed the same way anyway.
The movie is pretty slow-paced and might have benefited from some shorter more concise scenes particularly in the middle third. Keep in mind that an elephant never gets anywhere from anywhere else quickly so your best bet is to sit back and just enjoy the ride and that’s really good advice for watching any movie like Pop Aye. Allow it to wash over you and immerse you in its gently skewed universe. The ending is a little unexpected which is most appreciated, and you never really know what’s around the next bend in the road. All good journeys are like that.
REASONS TO GO: The film has a low-key sense of humor. The elephant is a keeper.
REASONS TO STAY: The movie is a touch too long and may be too slow-paced for some viewers. Some characters just fade from the movie without explanation.
FAMILY VALUES: There are some sexual situations as well as brief nudity.
TRIVIAL PURSUIT: Tan won the screenwriting award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, becoming the first filmmaker from Singapore to win an award at the prestigious event.
CRITICAL MASS: As of 5/15/17: Rotten Tomatoes: 100% positive reviews. Metacritic: 81/100.
COMPARISON SHOPPING: Walkabout
NEXT: I Don’t Feel at Home In this World Anymore
Posted in New Releases | Tagged architect, Bangkok, cinema, Cinema365, demolition, dysfunctional marriage, elephant, Films, Florida Film Festival, Florida Film Festival 2017, guilt, homeless man, journey, karaoke, Kino Lorber, movies, Penpak Sirikul, perception, Pop Aye, prostitute, retail therapy, reviews, road movie, roadside bar, SAGE, shopping center, Thai cinema, Thaneth Warakulnukroh, transgender female, urbanization | Leave a reply
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared (Hundraåringen som klev ut genom fönstret och försvann)
Posted on April 22, 2015 by carlosdev
Working on the railroad all the live-long day.
(2013) Comedy (Music Box) Robert Gustafsson, Iwar Wiklander, David Wiberg, Mia Skaringer, Jens Hulten, Bianca Cruzeiro, Alan Ford, Sven Lonn, David Shackleton, Georg Nikoloff, Simon Sappenen, Manuel Dubra, Cory Peterson, Kerry Shale, Philip Rosch, Keith Chanter, Patrik Karlson, Johan Rheborg, David Hogberg, Alfred Svensson, Eiffel Mattsson. Directed by Felix Herngren
Our lives have a certain texture and richness that we don’t really detect while we’re living it. Some of us labor in obscurity, affecting only those we’re close to and loved by. Others are destined not necessarily for greatness, but for greater effect.
Alan Karlsson (Gustafsson) is one such man. From the time he was a boy, he loved to blow things up, a gift from his father who was a bit of a revolutionary and died espousing contraceptives as the means to a better society. Alan’s penchant for explosives would eventually get him put into a mental hospital and later in life, into a retirement home.
It is in the latter place that one day – on his 100th birthday as a matter of fact – he just decides to step out of his window and leave. Nobody sees him go, and Alan manages to make it to the bus station and has just enough money on him to purchase a ticket to the middle of nowhere. While he’s waiting for the bus to come, a pushy biker sort (Sappenen) insists that Alan watch his suitcase while he’s in the bathroom. When Alan’s bus arrives, he absent-mindedly takes the suitcase with him. What Alan doesn’t know is that there is 50 million kroner inside the suitcase.
The bus lets him off in a one-horse Swedish town where the train no longer runs. Julius (Wiklander) watches over the train station and graciously takes Alan in for lunch and drinks, the latter of which Alan is more enthusiastic about. Their little party is broken up by the arrival of the pushy biker who wants his suitcase back in the worst way but the two old men manage to subdue him and lock him in a freezer.
Taking to the road, Julius and Alan meet up with Benny (Wiberg), a perpetual college student who has no degree yet despite having taken 920 credits in classes over 18 years but can’t make up his mind what he wants to do with his life, and later on with Gunilla (Skaringer), a lovely young Bohemian who is keeping a purloined elephant in her barn. Chasing them is Gaddan (Hulten), the leader of the biker gang whose pushy member had unwittingly given the suitcase to Alan, and Pim (Ford), the English drug lord whose cash it is.
In the meantime, Alan reminisces about his remarkable life which took him to the Spanish Civil War (where he saved General Francisco Franco’s life), the Manhattan Project (where his suggestion helped J. Robert Oppenheimer solve a critical problem with the atomic bomb and led to him having a tequila drinking session with then-Vice President Harry Truman), the Soviet Union (where he would eventually be imprisoned with Albert Einstein’s slow-witted brother) and the C.I.A. (where he would be a double agent passing useless information between both sides).
In that sense, this is a bit of a Forrest Gump-like film in which Alan drifts through history, and the parallels are a bit striking. While not quite as slow as Gump, Alan is certainly not the brightest bulb in the chandelier and kind of allows life to take him where it will, avoiding disaster often by the slimmest of margins.
This is based on a massively popular novel that is available here in the States. The movie version was a huge hit in Sweden where it recently became the biggest box office success of any Swedish-made movie in history. The distributor is the same group that brought the Millennium trilogy to American shores and is hoping for a similar type of success. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep those unfamiliar with the book guessing as to where the plot is going.
Certainly that sort of success would be merited here. I found it funny in a less over-the-top way than American comedies are these days. Comedies coming from America seem to be hell-bent on pushing the envelope of good taste and excess (which isn’t of itself a bad thing); this is more content to use absurd situations and serendipity to get its humor across. This is definitely more old school and those who prefer the comedies fast-paced and frenetic will likely find this slow and frustrating.
Gustafsson is one of Sweden’s most popular comic actors and we get a good sense why; his comic timing is impeccable and his mannerisms as the 100-year-old Alan are pitch-perfect. He gets able support from Wiberg who plays perhaps the most indecisive man ever, Hulten as the crazed biker and Ford as the apoplectic drug lord (Ford played a similar role in Guy Richie’s Snatch). Throughout Herngren hits the right notes and allows the comedy to happen organically rather than force things.
There are a few quibbles – the narration is a bit intrusive and there are some factual errors (for example, President Roosevelt actually died three months before the Trinity atomic test, not after) but for the most part the movie is pleasant and funny, though not life-changing. It’s the perfect tonic for a bad day and if you need further praise than that, you just must not have many bad days.
REASONS TO GO: Oddball sense of humor. Forrest Gump in Europe. Absurdly funny.
REASONS TO STAY: Narration is a bit intrusive.
FAMILY VALUES: Some crude humor, a little violence and some bad language.
TRIVIAL PURSUIT: Gustafsson estimated that if all the time he spent in the make-up chair was tallied, he would have been there three uninterrupted weeks 24/7 in the chair when all was said and done.
CRITICAL MASS: As of 4/22/15: Rotten Tomatoes: 69% positive reviews. Metacritic: no score yet.
COMPARISON SHOPPING: Cocoon
NEXT: Danny Collins
Posted in New Releases | Tagged 100th birthday party, Albert Einstein, Bali, based on a novel, blowing things up, bus station, cannon factory, CIA, cinema, comedy, double agent, drug lord, drug money, elephant, ex-boyfriend, explosives, Fabrege Egg, Films, firing squad, Florida Film Festival, Florida Film Festival 2015, Francisco Franco, freezer unit, Harry S. Truman, Hundraåringen som klev ut genom fönstret och försvann, indecisive, J. Robert Oppenheimer, Joseph Stalin, KGB, Manhattan Project, movies, Music Box Films, reviews, road movie, Robert Gustafsson, Ronnie Hult, Spanish Civil War, Swedish Cinema, The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared, train station | 1 Reply
Posted on March 23, 2011 by carlosdev
Gary Oldman reacts to charges that this is Twilight with werewolves.
(2011) Romantic Fantasy (Warner Brothers) Amanda Seyfried, Gary Oldman, Billy Burke, Shiloh Fernandez, Max Irons, Virginia Madsen, Julie Christie, Lukas Haas, Shauna Kane, Michael Hogan, Adrian Holmes, Cole Heppell, Michael Shanks. Directed by Catherine Hardwicke
The woods are deep and dark for a reason. There are things there that defy the world we know and keep to the shadows, leaping out only when some helpless unsuspecting maiden passes by.
Valerie (Seyfried) lives in a bucolic village in the woods surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It is winter and the woods have become dark and threatening. It is full moon night and a sacrifice is being left out for the wolf that has beset their village for generations.
She has been in love with Peter (Fernandez), a woodcutter who works with her father Cesaire (Burke) who mostly drinks. Her mother Suzette (Madsen) however has promised her to another – Henry (Irons), the blacksmith’s boy and considerably well-to-do in a village like this. It’s a great match – only Valerie loves Peter, not Henry.
Things start to go wrong when Valerie’s sister turns up dead at the hands of the wolf. The townspeople go out to hunt the beast dead. It turns out the hunters killed a beast but not the beast. They call in Father Solomon (Oldman), an expert hunter who asserts they have a werewolf at work – and the beast lives among them in their human form.
Suspicion turns on everyone, from Valerie’s quirky grandma (Christie) living out in the woods by herself to Valerie herself. At first the villagers pooh-pooh the good Father but when the werewolf crashes their celebration, there is no longer any doubt that they are dealing with a diabolical beast. But which one of them is it? And can they stop the beast in time?
Director Catherine Hardwicke last did Twilight and obviously this is the kind of thing that is in her comfort zone. It has all the elements that made that movie a hit; a virginal lead forced to choose between two hotties that have a secret that involves the supernatural. However, what this movie lacks is that sense of tragedy that makes the hearts of teen girls go pitter pat. Twilight works because there’s that knowledge that Bella and Edward can never be together and because if they do, they will both be changed forever.
That’s not here at all; there’s nothing epic about the romantic angle at all and say what you will about the Twilight series, that quality is there in spades. You have to care about the couple in a romantic fantasy or else it doesn’t work. Here, the sparks never really fly. Seyfried is a fine actress and Fernandez and Irons are both pretty good in their own rights, but the chemistry fails here.
The location is really beautiful which is inevitable because it’s mostly computer generated. Majestic snow-capped mountains, endless dark green swaths of forest and quaint vaguely-Germanic villages make it a fantasy setting right out of Grimm’s Fairy Tales. In a sense, the location is too perfect, too bucolic – at times the sense of menace that should be palpable is overwhelmed by the charm of the setting.
The werewolf itself is also a bit of a letdown – it’s more of a big shaggy dog than anything else and the wolfish side which should be wild and untamed is suborned by a silly ability to communicate telepathically with Valerie. He comes off like a talking animal and less of a ferocious monster. So as a horror movie, this doesn’t really work either.
So it boils down to suspense, figuring out who the werewolf is. Quite frankly, it’s not that hard – Da Queen figured it out pretty damn quickly, even more so than her movie-loving husband. Still, it’s not difficult to spot the wolf, as it were – and that is also a problem.
It’s a movie that needed more guidance from the writer; it’s almost as if three different studio executives with three different ideas for the movie were telling the writer “More romance. No, more horror. No, it’s gotta have suspense.” In trying to be something for everybody it ends up being nothing to anybody.
REASONS TO GO: Some beautiful-looking sequences. Some of the music is impressive.
REASONS TO STAY: Isn’t terrifying enough to be horror; not sentimental enough to be romance; too mundane to be a suspense film.
FAMILY VALUES: There’s violence and sensuality, along with some creature feature-like thrills.
TRIVIAL PURSUIT: Actor Max Irons is the son of Jeremy Irons.
HOME OR THEATER: Some of the wide CGI vistas are best seen at the multiplex.
TOMORROW: Inugami
Posted in New Releases | Tagged Amanda Seyfried, Billy Burke, cape, Catherine Hardwicke, cinema, elephant, Films, Gary Oldman, Julie Christie, Lukas Haas, Michael Shanks, movies, murders, priest, Red Riding Hood, reviews, romantic fantasy, suspicion, telepathic communication, village, Virginia Madsen, Warner Brothers, werewolves, woodcutting | Leave a reply
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PM: When we talk about preparing nations for peace, it first means preparation for peace in Armenia (VIDEO)
Baku, Azerbaijan, May 15
By Leman Zeynalova – Trend:
When we talk about preparing nations for peace, it concerns, first and foremost, preparation for peace in Armenia, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said in response to a question from Armenian journalists in Brussels, Trend reports.
Replying to the statement of Armenian journalist that it is impossible to achieve a real settlement of the conflict without adding the illegal regime created in the occupied lands of Azerbaijan to the negotiation process, Mammadyarov said it isn’t entirely correct.
“The co-chairs made visits to the region and traveled to Karabakh throughout all the years that the negotiations have been held, and communicated with representatives of the Armenian community of Nagorno-Karabakh.”
“Plus, both under the former and the current administration, I hope that they inform the representatives of the Armenian community of Karabakh about everything that happens at the talks. By the way, your leadership also said so.”
Mammadyarov remarked that “the question is not whether they are participating or not. The question is that we need to take a serious political approach to the decision in order to sit down and complete the process,” adding that this is what he deems “substantive negotiations.”
“In what language should I say, read your Constitution, the Constitution of the 1990s, and then we will talk. You sit there and deceive yourself, you want to deceive the Armenian people. I am asking you – what did the Armenian people get during the 30 years of war with Azerbaijan?” the minister asked the Armenian journalists.
When the Armenian journalists asked “what did Azerbaijan get?”, Mammadyarov named the opening of roads, the construction of a gas pipeline and an oil pipeline.
“Is that not enough?” he asked.
Mammadyarov noted that when the preparation of nations for peace is being talked about, it concerns, first and foremost, the preparation for peace in Armenia.
“You have closed borders with at least 2 out of 4 countries, and the third one is about to get closed. And? Think and ask yourself,” the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister said.
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.
The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
Follow Trend on Telegram. Only most interesting and important news
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Social media Poker gluckliches Spiel http://www.zenzero.be/ricazosa/ Generisk Viagra med Paypal Share this article
Boeing and Embraer joint venture does not include business aviation
By Alud Davies July 9, 2018 10:05
Boeing and Embraer have entered into a joint venture, which will see Boeing taking an 80% stake in the commercial aircraft business of Embraer.
The deal does not include the business-aviation divisions of either company.
“By forging this strategic partnership, we will be ideally positioned to generate significant value for both companies’ customers, employees and shareholders – and for Brazil and the United States,” said Dennis Muilenburg, chairman, president & CEO, Boeing. “This important partnership clearly aligns with Boeing’s long-term strategy of investing in organic growth and returning value to shareholders, complemented by strategic arrangements that enhance and accelerate our growth plans,”
The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on July 5, saying that it will help accelerate both companies’ growth in global aerospace.
Boeing’s 80% share in the joint venture is valued at $3.8 billion, which values Embraer’s commercial aircraft unit at $4.75 billion.
Once the final details of the joint venture are agreed, Boeing will seek authorisation from its shareholders as well as from the government of Brazil before the deal can be finalised.
When both agreements are in place, the deal is expected to be completed within 12 – 18 months. Boeing is aiming to close the transaction before the end of 2019.
“The agreement with Boeing will create the most important strategic partnership in the aerospace industry, strengthening both companies’ leadership in the global market,” said Paulo Cesar de Souza e Silva, president & CEO, Embraer, “The business combination with Boeing is expected to create a virtuous cycle for the Brazilian aerospace industry, increasing its sales potential, production, creating jobs and income, investments and exports, and in doing so, adding more value to customers, shareholders and employees.”
TAGS: BoeingDennis MuilenburgEmbraerPaulo Cesar de Souza e Silva
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Little developmental justification to push unpopular, outdated hydropower projects in North-East
A sacred site downstream of Lower Demwe project
By Manju Menon*
In the last months of 2018, the Dibang Multipurpose project received a go-ahead from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) after long legal battles. This project is among the 165 dam projects that were proposed for Northeast India in 2000. Hailed as “clean and cheap”, these dam projects, mainly situated in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, would purportedly help sustain India’s energy and environmental security in the era of climate change by adding more non-carbon power to the electricity grids.
These projects proposed by the central government have been unpopular with the public of the Northeast as well as a wide range of independent environmental researchers. Their ministerial approvals based on expert appraisals took years. In fact, the projects also met with much political criticism including from the Bharatiya Janata Party (the party that is now in power at the Centre) during the period from 2010 to 2014. The collective opposition was so effective that these projects did not materialise for 15 years, except for the half built Lower Subansiri Dam. This project has been called the tomb of India’s hydropower program.[1]
Years have passed, but the Central and Arunachal governments continue to be attached to these and several other hydropower projects in the region. Their attachment to these projects belies the shifts that have taken place in the energy sector over a decade and a half. The revival of hydropower in Northeast India under the new regime at the Centre since 2014 shows the intransigence of politics that threatens both development in the Northeastern region and its socio-ecological dynamics.
Hydropower based development
Lower Subansiri and Dibang dams are iconic projects of India’s hallowed water bureaucracy. The projects are massive structures of 116m and 288m height proposed to be built on free flowing Himalayan rivers, the Subansiri and the Dibang by NHPC Ltd. (earlier National Hydroelectric Power Corporation), a public sector dam builder. These rivers gush down from the Arunachal Himalaya to join and form the Brahmaputra. They wash Assam’s plains every year, causing massive floods but also leave behind rich soil sediments. For years, economists and planners have tried to regulate these rivers and turn them into a valuable resource. But controlling these rivers has been far from possible.
In the early 2000s, India’s energy requirements were expanding at the back of a rising economic growth rate. To the BJP government in power then, hydropower offered a seemingly simple solution to provide non-carbon fuel for this growth. One could call the Northeast hydropower programme, the NDA’s energy transition version 1.0. Dams designed in the 1970s were revived as part of this programme in the attempt to green India’s economy by increasing the share of hydropower in it.
At the time when these new dam proposals for Northeast India were announced, India’s dam building efforts had already caused large scale displacement, tremendous ecological impacts on vast landscapes and a near shut down of the sector due to lack of domestic and foreign investments. Yet, the Northeast dams were argued as necessary to alter Northeast India’s pervasive underdevelopment.
One benefit that was expected from large dams in this region was flood control. The Dibang Multipurpose Dam is designed as a conventional storage dam with a flood cushion component to protect downstream areas from flooding. More importantly, the projects were geared to be profit-making ventures by maximising their power generation capacity. Lower Subansiri is a “Run of the River” or RoR project. A regular RoR is a benign project that generates power from undammed flowing water. But the Northeast RoRs are aimed to be peaking power stations.These projects involve creating a ‘head’ by stocking water behind a large dam for 24 hours and every evening when the demand for electricity peaks, the waters are released to pass over turbines to generate power.
The amendments to the Electricity Act of 2003 opened up a new front for private investment. Once electricity production was thrown open to private actors, dams in Northeast India also presented a means of attracting financial capital into this corner of India. The 1,750 MW Lower Demwe project proposed on the river Lohit, a tributary of the Brahmaputra that flows through the Mishmi hills in the eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh, was among the hundreds of new ones that hoped to profit by investing in this sector which had zero fuel costs, extremely low operation costs and high returns through its lifetime. Besides, the public sector dam building organisations, other prominent project developers include Reliance and Jindals besides many smaller players looking to expand their construction portfolio[2]. The state government of Arunachal Pradesh holds 26 per cent share in the Athena Demwe Power Limited, an SPV with Athena Energy Ventures Infraprojects Private Limited. As the state where most of the proposed dams and their associated infrastructure would be built, Aruanchal Pradesh was hoping to see capital flow in at an unprecedented scale.
Globally, hydropower dams are being redefined as renewable energy projects. But in tropical regions rich in biodiversity and where communities have socio-cultural and economic uses of rivers, such projects can have serious consequences. Scholars have suggested that dams in the tropics are an anatopism or ‘out of place’.[3] As expected, the projects proposed in Northeast India, a region that is part of the Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot, one of the 25 recognised global biodiversity hotspots and where indigenous communities are the traditional stewards of the region’s forests, ran into consent troubles.
Large projects seeking environmental approvals have to undertake mandatory public hearings. The hearings for the Dibang project were cancelled or disrupted a dozen times between 2007 and 2013 because of a near total community opposition before the government could claim that they were “successfully”done. The Lower Subansiri and Lower Demwe public hearings were stretched by protracted negotiations and demands for jobs and compensations. They also faced opposition due to displacement, forest loss and takeover of community lands by the project.
The projects’ environmental impact assessment reports limited the impact zone of the projects to a 10 km radius, an arbitrary standard. This helped to contain the studies, present the projects as less damaging and negotiate the project with fewer affected people. This left the people of Assam out of the consent procedures for most projects in Arunachal Pradesh, even though the dams would affect them in the most profound ways. Nearly 20 million people live in the Brahmaputra valley. They are, as Richter and others note, the people in the “shadow zone” of these projects, uncounted for and unspoken to.[4] The people of Assam could engage with these dams only through the antagonistic routes of protests and litigation because they were ignored by the project authorities. In the view of the Assamese protestors, these project studies legitimised water grabbing by an upstream entity.
Rich biodiversity at a dam site
The Northeast dams also struggled to obtain the nod of environmental experts. The national level Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for hydropower projects and the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) are in charge of recommending environmental and forest approval to large projects. An approval from the standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) is needed in case of projects that affect Protected Areas. The Dibang project was rejected twice by the FAC. It took the intervention of the Cabinet Committee on Investments (CCI) and the Ministry of Power and a reconstituted FAC in 2015 to revise this decision. The project was legally permitted to use over 4,500 ha of forest land holding 350,000 trees.
The non-official expert members of the NBWL including noted bird expert and former director of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Dr Asad Rahmani, practically staged a protest at the meetings to discuss the approval for the Lower Demwe project. While the senior most government officials of the Arunachal government claimed that the delay was frustrating the people of the state, the experts argued that the project would affect Protected Areas such as the Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary and the Dibru Saikhowa National Park in addition to several riverine islands or chapories, grasslands and forests. The project would use 1,415 ha of forest land. Finally, the then environment minister, Jayanti Natarajan, who headed the NBWL, approved the project in December 2011.
These committees received scores of letters from independent experts, environmentalists and protestors pointing to the underestimation of impacts in the EIA reports done with the aim of obtaining approvals. Ideally these complaints should have put a cap on these projects, but all the projects received approvals based on questionable arguments and were subsequently challenged in courts.
Water regulation
Among all the impacts that the projects would cause, the extreme regulation of river flows downstream of the dams has been the most contentious and has stoked statewide protests in Assam. The release of dammed water by projects every evening to generate power would permanently alter the very nature of these rivers. The flow regime imposed by the projects, which activists called the daily starving and flooding of the river, would destroy the seasonality of rivers in this region and all the livelihoods attached to them such as fishing, floodplain farming, driftwood collection and grazing during the lean season.[5]
Debates on downstream impacts of dams, mainly provoked by Assam’s concerns, have thrown up the question of how much water does a river need? So far, there is no consensus on what should be the ecological standards imposed on large hydraulic structures so that rivers, our main source of freshwater, are not turned into dead channels. Is flowing water a waste or a valuable environmental feature? What should be the tradeoff between maintaining water stocks for power generation and ecological flows for human and non-human needs? Should these decisions be based on certain governance principles or must it be left to economists and engineers? The answers to these questions have not been ascertained before investing in the Northeast dams.
There are also no scientifically backed regulations addressing the role of dams in water disasters. Last year, the Kerala floods brought to public view the contribution of dams in such situations. In the Northeast, monsoon floods have been routinely exacerbated by dam discharges in the neighbourhood. During the 2018 monsoon, both the Doyang Dam in Nagaland and the Ranganadi project in Arunachal Pradesh, expelled their dam waters increasing the scale and intensity of the floods. Yet their attribution to the destruction caused to over 2,000 villages in Assam is left unaddressed.[6] These projects are much smaller in comparison with the new ones proposed to come up.
In this region, the problems of river regulation are queered further because most of the rivers on which dams are proposed flow through territories beyond Indian borders. India has no sources for real time hydrological information to manage these rivers rationally. Secondly, the Indian government has proposed multiple projects on each of the river basins. The plans are based on impromptu policies, made on the go, of the minimum distance between projects and minimum flows from dams.
Due to public pressure, expert appraisals of dams now require cumulative impact studies and carrying capacity studies in addition to the EIA reports for individual projects. However, the Lower Subansiri, Dibang and Lower Demwe projects are left out of these studies on the claim that they are the first to be built in their respective river basins. All three projects received approvals as single projects.
The three projects have gone through long years of litigation. The environmental clearance (EC) of Lower Subansiri project was challenged in 2003 and the case went on for six years in the Supreme Court before the EC conditions were settled in favour of the Arunachal government. But this did not resolve the downstream concerns on the ground. Protestors in Assam have stonewalled the project construction since 2011. In 2013, Aabhijeet Sharma of an NGO, Assam Public Works filed a case in the National Green Tribunal (NGT), a specialised green court, over these unresolved issues. The judgement of the NGT in this case states that a “neutral” three-member team will mediate a way forward for the project. Their report will inform the reappraisal of the project by the Environment Ministry. However petitioners of the case opposed the ministry’s selection of these members as they were retired employees of government institutions well entrenched in India’s large dam bureaucracy. The NGT upheld their selection to the committee in November 2018. The petitioner of the case has challenged the NGT’s decision in the Supreme Court.
After its journey in the approval tunnel for eight years, the legal challenges to the approvals for the Dibang project went on for three years in the NGT. Finally, in November 2018, the project’s approvals were upheld because “more stringent” conditions had been imposed on the dam including reducing the dam height by 10m to reduce the loss of forests by 445 ha. The Lower Demwe project’s approvals were challenged in the NGT for eight years starting 2010. In this case, the final judgments and Union environment minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan’s decision as NBWL chief have tied the project’s operations to the recommendations of a wildlife study. But the study itself will take two more years to complete.
Regulatory and legal challenges to the projects have forced the production of several new studies by government agencies. The studies influence and in some cases contradict the water, forest, land and other calculations done by project EIA reports. Like the EIAs, the new studies generously model different scenarios of water regulation giving the illusion that these have no real consequences for the people of the region. Irrespective of their methodologies or approaches, these studies are tailored to encourage private investment in dam projects in the region. The acceptance of these studies and simulation models in the final decision-making on the dam projects has technicalised the subject of water management in the Northeast.
The opposition to the projects within and outside courts has restricted the future operations of the dams to balance development with environmental concerns. For example, the NHPC was pushed to keep one turbine of Lower Subansiri running through the day to maintain water in the river and the NGT recommended a monitoring committee to oversee the implementation of Dibang project’s environmental measures. The legal sanction to these projects poses an unprecedented challenge to regulatory institutions to monitor their operations in one of the most ecologically and seismically sensitive regions of the world. The period of construction and then the lifelong regulation of downstream flows once the projects are operational would require intense monitoring of multiple dam proponents on a daily basis. With the Arunachal Pradesh government having a considerable stake in the profits from running these dams, the regulatory system will have to reign in the state government and dam builders.
More importantly, the additional safeguard conditions that bind projects create a conundrum for project investments. To be in compliance with the revised parameters, projects will have to operate under less favourable cost-benefit calculations. Their financial arrangements with the state government, with lending banks and the power purchasers to whom they have promised merchant sales may have to be renegotiated. Who will underwrite the financial losses due to these aspects, in addition to the cost overruns due to project delays? The cost of the Lower Subansiri project, for example, has more than doubled to over Rs.15,000 crore since 2003[7]. News reports state that the Athena Power Company is already battling insolvency and has urged the Arunachal government to bail it out. Would these costs be palmed off to consumers or tax payers as is usually the case?
The spate of legal clearances to these projects notwithstanding, the political problem caused by the dam proposals looks more menacing today. Water sharing has been a historical problem in South Asia. Unusually, the protests against these proposed dams in Northeast India have politicisied the issue of interstate water sharing before the dams are built, unlike in other parts of India where water conflicts have blown up after projects have come up. How will the sharing of water between Assam and upstream dam building states like Arunachal Pradesh be arrived at? Will it be in favour of project developers and the Arunachal government, which seeks to generate ‘hydrodollars’, as stated by the former chief minister Dorjee Khandu, or will it accommodate a more fair approach to water management in the region?
In 2010, this question was taken up by political parties in opposition to the Congress government in Assam as well as in Parliament. The political backlash to dams in Arunachal Pradesh forced the setting up of an Assam expert group and a house committee of the legislative assembly to assess the downstream impacts of these projects. In September 2010, the then Union environment minister Jairam Ramesh made a trip to the Brahmaputra valley to meet protestors. He came back convinced of Assam’s problems with the dams. But it seemed too late to change the course of events. By that time, his party’s members in the state were complicit by omission or commission in the over hundred deals and monetary arrangements struck with first time dam builders.
Today it is the turn of the BJP-led governments in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and at the Centre to take a political decision on these dams. While these projects were being litigated, the energy sector has undergone huge changes and solar and wind power are far more competitive than traditional energy projects. Rather than eschewing destructive mega dams, the central government has recently drafted policies to make large hydro projects more lucrative for private investment. In March the Indian cabinet declared that all large hydro (over 25 megawatt) will be considered renewable energy. This allows the hydropower sector to benefit from more competitive pricing and longer debt repayment. The policy changes also relieve projects of the ‘burden’ of financing the flood moderation and infrastructure building for roads and bridges.
The Central government’s policies on energy and the environment do not leave hope for reflexive decision making on hydropower projects in the Northeast or other parts of the Himalayas. There is hardly any developmental justification today to push these hydropower projects that are unpopular and outdated. Until more enlightened policies for managing the water resources of the Northeast are arrived at, the environment and development of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh are in jeopardy.
[1] https://scroll.in/article/718809/arunachals-unfinished-lower-subansiri-dam-could-be-tomb-for-indias-giant-hydropower-projects
[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/energy/power/hydelgate-why-arunachal-pradeshs-hydel-boom-is-going-bust/articleshow/19790466.cms
[3] https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007%2F978-94-007-2798-4_2
[4] https://core.ac.uk/display/27853584
[5] http://www.sanctuaryasia.com/magazines/conservation/5289-are-big-dams-leaving-india-high-and-dry-by-neeraj-vagholikar.html
[6] https://www.newsclick.in/why-assam-really-needs-worry-about-flood
[7] https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/north-east/green-tribunal-orders-study-on-dams/cid/1530338#.VWRFz9Kqqko
*Senior fellow at the Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi. This article was first published in https://in.boell.org/. Pix by the author
Construction workers’ safety is at the bottom of the priority list of builders, contractors, engineers
During last 10 days of Ramadan, God is believed to be releasing greatest number of souls from Hell
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CPRW welcomes NRW’s guidance on LSCA
National Resources Wales’ draft guidance on Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Assessment (LSCA) for wind and solar developments is stymied by the flawed context set by the Welsh Government
CPRW welcomes NRW’s guidance on LSCA because the landscapes of Wales are its prime concern and form a key ingredient in the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 2015. The Welsh Government’s Planning Policy Wales Edition 10 (PPW10) of December 2018 contains an explicit approach to ‘Distinctive and Natural Placemaking and Well-being’ and stresses the value of ‘all the landscapes of Wales’.
However, these aspirations are crucially dependent on reforming the mis-mash of existing mechanisms and confused policy with which the process needs to work. CPRW is alarmed by PPW10 para 5.9.17 on impact assessment of renewable and low carbon energy generation proposals, added after the public consultation last year, and which states:
In circumstances where protected landscape, biodiversity and historical designations and buildings are considered in the decision making process, only the direct irreversible impacts on statutorily protected sites and buildings and their settings (where appropriate) should be considered.
This text fundamentally changes how the planning system defines material effects for individual proposals – and side-lines the LSCA process, rendering it impotent. It is contrary to the published Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Assessment and to the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, which both require all direct and indirect effects to be taken into account. It implies that impacts on undesignated sites may not be considered, and that because wind turbines and solar panels can be dismantled, their impacts are not to be taken into consideration because they are reversible.
Even if this clearly misconceived text were to be removed, there are further obstacles to the effective use of the proposed LSCA system. PPW 10 stresses the key role of the primary LANDMAP assessment system, but this ground-breaking and valuable tool is now showing its age and contains inconsistencies. It should be revised and updated to partner the LSCA.
The LSCA guidance is also intended ‘to support the Welsh Government’s Renewable Energy Toolkit for Planners’. Unfortunately, that has been found to be flawed, illogical and technically inadequate at important public planning events. An overhaul by new consultants is needed to raise it to a standard compatible with that now envisaged for the LSCA.
TAN (Technical Advice Note) 8 remains as it was originally written in 2005. Since then, its Strategic Search Area (SSA) concept for large-scale wind has been supplemented in some areas by the Local Search Area (LSA) approach for locating solar and wind below 25MW capacity, which has proved to be idiosyncratic, volatile, and unstable.
Given the confused and outmoded processes that are supposed to provided a framework for wind and solar development, the LSCA process should operate entirely separately from these allocations, and should apply to the whole of Wales prior to the final formation of local authority Renewable Energy Assessments.
CPRW doubts the ability, willingness and availability of local authority officers to commission and oversee such a consistent product and would argue that an all-Wales approach is led by NRW with LPAs acting as consultees.
CPRW has expressed reservations about some technical aspects of the proposed system in its detailed response to NRW, but believes that it is capable of developing into a consistent LSCA exercise that informs policies for the deployment of wind and solar technologies throughout Wales. This is, however, crucially dependent on reforming the mis-mash of existing mechanisms with which it needs to work.
CPRW was founded in 1928, last year celebrated its 90th anniversary, and is Wales’ only organisation whose primary concern is the country’s rural landscape and the land uses that support it. It is a membership charity (number 239899) with its head office at 31 High Street Welshpool Powys and 13 Branches throughout the country. Further details - including the full text of its response to the LSCA consultation - are to be found on its website https://cprw.org.uk/cms-data/resources/CPRW%20NRW%20%20LSCA%20consultation%20response.pdf
The NRW consultation text is available online at:
https://naturalresources.wales/guidance-and-advice/environmental-topics/consultations/our-own-consultations/landscape-sensitivity-and-capacity-assessment/?lang=en
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Alleluia! The Devil’s Carnival – Collector’s Edition (DVD+Blu-Ray)
Heavenly Productions Incorporated presents the Club Cloud Seven Limited Edition Collector’s Blu-ray & DVD Set
Alleluia! The Devil's Carnival - Collector's Edition (DVD+Blu-Ray) quantity
SKU: CLO0030HD-DV Categories: Cleopatra Entertainment, Double CD, DVD, Horror, Musical Tag: devils carnival
Limited Edition 6,660
The Devil’s Carnival is a musical-horror-fantasy film series by director Darren Lynn Bousman and writer/actor Terrance Zdunich, the fellows behind Repo! The Genetic Opera, a movie outcast by Hollywood, resurrected by cult cinema congregations worldwide, and now embraced as “this generation’s Rocky Horror Picture Show” (Hollywood Reporter). Now Bousman and Zdunich are back, alongside composer Saar Hendelman, with a brand-new chapter: the edgy, genre-bending musical movie, Alleluia! The Devil’s Carnival.
Note: DVD/Blu-Ray will be playable in All Regions.
In Alleluia! The Devil’s Carnival, Lucifer (Zdunich) incites Heaven’s wrath by dispatching train cars of of condemned souls a-crashin’ through the pearly gates. As God (Paul Sorvino) plots to put an end to the rebellious deeds, a fable is told, and the midway gets set for a fateful reunion between God’s Agent (Adam Pascal) and Hell’s Painted Doll (Emilie Autumn), promising to make sinner and saint alike scream Alleluia!
These Special Features are the Gnat’s Whistle!
• Audio Commentary with Director Darren Lynn Bousman, Composer Saar Hendelman and Writer/Actor Terrance Zdunich
• Audio Commentary with actors Emilie Autumn and Marc Senter
• “Only By Design: The Making of Alleluia! The Devil’s Carnival” Documentary
• “All Aboard!: Hitting the Road with Alleluia! The Devil’s Carnival” Documentary
• “Hitting On All Sevens: The Music of Alleluia! The Devil’s Carnival” Documentary
• Theatrical Trailer, Web Teasers and Extended Scenes
• Full-color Booklet with Song Lyrics and more
Alleluia! The Devil's Carnival
Cleopatra Records
DVD+Blu-Ray
CLO0030HD-DV
– Audio Commentary with Director Darren Lynn Bousman, Composer Saar Hendelman and Writer/Actor Terrance Zdunich
– Audio Commentary with actors Emilie Autumn and Marc Senter
– “Only By Design: The Making of Alleluia! The Devil’s Carnival” Documentary
– “All Aboard!: Hitting the Road with Alleluia! The Devil’s Carnival” Documentary
– “Hitting On All Sevens: The Music of Alleluia! The Devil’s Carnival” Documentary
– Theatrical Trailer, Web Teasers and Extended Scenes
– Full-color Booklet with Song Lyrics and more
2015 / English / Captioned / 98 Minutes / Color / Dolby Digital 5.1 / 16:9
Alleluia! The Devil’s Carnival – Librarian/Tech N9ne (T-Shirt)
Alleluia! The Devil’s Carnival (Original Motion Picture 2015 Soundtrack) (CD)
The Devil’s Carnival (Original Motion Picture 2012 Soundtrack) (CD)
Alleluia! The Devil’s Carnival (Original Motion Picture 2015 Soundtrack) (Limited Edition Red & Black Marble LP)
The Devil’s Carnival Vinyl Record Tote Bag (Limited Edition)
The Devil’s Carnival – 2012 (LP)
The Devil’s Carnival – 2012 (CD/DVD)
Alleluia! The Devil’s Carnival – Lucifer (T-Shirt)
Alleluia! The Devil’s Carnival – Painted Doll (T-Shirt)
The Devil’s Carnival – 2012 (Blu-Ray/DVD)
Martha Reeves – Live In Concert (CD+DVD)
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January 29, 2017 January 29, 2017 Emily Miller Writes
Remembering John Hurt
By: Renee Hecht, Alicia Whavers, Glynis Neely, Allyssa Ellen & Emily Miller
2017 was already off to a bitter start for most of us, and it seems there is still more bad news on the way. John Hurt passed away Friday, just three days after his 77th birthday. This was a man who struggled with pancreatic cancer in 2015 and who even bested it for a time. This was a man who had such phenomenal range he could play both Winston Smith- the protagonist of 1984– and Chancellor Sutler – the insidious dictator from V for Vendetta.
He voiced both the devilish Horned King in Disney’s The Black Cauldron, and the wise dragon Kilgharrah in BBC’s Merlin. He has been a time traveller (Dr. Who), a wizard (Harry Potter), and yes, he has even been Jesus Christ (History of the World part 1).
Sir John Hurt helped to tell many, many stories over his decades-long career. Including, as it happens, the stories of children in need. Though he never drew much attention to it, he was a fundraiser for ChildLine, “the first national helpline for children in danger or distress,” launched in 1986. The charity provides a helpline for anyone in the UK under the age of 19. They are free to speak confidently with a counsellor about any issues they may have, big or small.
Though his story has come to an end, I do not doubt that his contributions helped many others find the strength to keep going. Rest in peace, Sir John Vincent Hurt, and thank you for all you have given us. -Renee Hecht
Yesterday, the world lost another shining star: John Hurt. Or to be more specific and demonstrative of his accomplishments, Sir John Vincent Hurt, CBE. That’s right! He was so accomplished as an actor and patron of the arts, that he received a knight-ship. Many know him as The Doctor, a traveler of time and space; or as Mr. Ollivander, the man who gave Harry Potter his first wand. For those who are Mel Brooks fans, you may recognize him from Spaceballs.
But my first encounter with him was as Aragorn from Lord of the Rings. No! Not the ridiculously successful blockbuster film that made “You shall not pass!” a famous quote for the ages. I am talking about the 1978 animated film. I remember my mother buying the movie for me when I was still in single digits. Totally uninterested and riding the high from reading my first Harry Potter book, I approached it with disinterest. Until I realized that it was the forefather to my beloved Harry Potter books. And the two most memorable things from that movie was 1) Legolas, because no matter what format you create him in, Legolas will always be a hot elf, and 2) Aragorn’s voice was captivating. It was like listening to time itself. It was probably this quality that led Sir John to narrate and voice so many movies and characters. (I squealed with joy when I saw the first episodes of BBC’s Merlin and heard him narrate the opening and play one of the baddest dragons around!)
I know that my encounter with him does nothing to show what a talent this man was. But my introduction to him is something that I will never forget for the rest of my life. In fact, he made me realize that one can span creative mediums- from the stage, to television, to film, to voice acting, to drama, to comedy, to animation, to fantasy.
Sir John Hurt is a knight, a legacy, but most importantly, a damn good artist. You will be mourned, missed, but most importantly, remembered. -Alicia Whavers
I actually remember the first time I saw John Hurt on screen. On an empty ship, The USS Nostromo, he is the first to wake from hypersleep. Once landing on an unknown planet, he leads the first expedition out and is the first to succumb to the alien creature. I think the chest-burster scene in Alien is arguably one of the most memorable in horror history and it is one I have revisited many times over, including today. Throughout the rest of his career, he continued to crop up in movies that were very influential to me, and he was always a welcome addition to the cast.
In the Harry Potter series, as the wise wand maker Mr. Ollivander, he introduced the titular character to his incredible potential as a wizard. He brought his talents to V for Vendetta as the fascist head of the fictional Norsefire Party in Britain. Most recently, he was an aging vampire in Jim Jarmusch’s Only Lovers Left Alive, an incredibly intimate portrait of a dying race clinging to its last moments with each other; and he also played a spiritual leader in the face of absolute oppression after a deadly climate experiment goes wrong in Bong Joon-Ho’s Snowpiercer. When he was present in a film, he brought another level of authenticity to whatever story was being told. He was an incredible actor and his talents will not go forgotten. -Glynis Neely
Losing John Hurt means we are coming to terms with the loss of our very own “lost Doctor” – the War Doctor. When we met John Hurt as the Doctor, we met him with other incarnations of the Doctor – totally unheard of, as the Doctors try to stay out of their own time streams, because wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey. John Hurt gave us Whovians a worn Doctor, a Doctor who renounced the title of “Doctor.” He was the one who was going to destroy Gallifrey, something with which the current incarnations of the Doctor have been coming to terms. Yet, he cared. He had concerns and he wasn’t entirely gruff. Somewhere between the 8th Doctor, Paul McGann, and the 9th doctor, Christopher Eccleston, we have John Hurt – the surprise the Whovians didn’t know we wanted. I think it’s so fitting that an actor such as John Hurt could give life to this unknown Doctor for the 50th anniversary of the show. Only an actor as great as Hurt could give this character, in his one episode, a full story. We raise our wands and our sonic screwdrivers to you, sir. -Allyssa Ellen
Though John Hurt had an incredible career spanning over many decades and genres, his death can be summed up in one text message to me from my father.
“Mr. Ollivander died.”
Hurt was only in three of the 8 films, and his screen time only amounted to about a half hour in total, but he gave life to one of the most vital characters and sprinkled his magic and presence throughout the entire series.
While it was Hagrid that first hinted at Harry’s greatness, it was Mr. Ollivander that first confirmed it. He was the one that told Harry and our generation, that we could achieve great things. Hurt was also entrusted to explain to Harry and the entire audience what magical wands were and how they operated.
What was most magical about his performance though was how he played Mr. Ollivander. In the books he is a peculiar fellow, who seems to speak about the dark arts with almost too much admiration. Though Harry does like him, he regards him with a sense of unease. John Hurt encapsulated all this and more. He made us love him, but we also understood there was something else there, brimming underneath the surface. I remember being 11, watching his performance for the first time and understanding that something wasn’t quite right with him.
Six films later, he did finally pop back up again when our hero needed him the most. Though much time had passed, Hurt brought the same intensity, the same wonder to a character he hadn’t played in nearly ten years. Time had passed, but John Hurt was still Mr. Ollivander, and I’m forever grateful for that. – Emily Miller
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Like we said, we’re not backing down
The panel is about free speech
(Collegian file photo)
By Anna Ben-Hur, Collegian Contributor
Filed under Campus, Columns, Headlines, Opinion, Scrolling Headlines
A recent letter to the editor by Aviva Slomich Rosenchein was published by the Massachusetts Daily Collegian addressing the upcoming event on the University of Massachusetts campus titled “Not Backing Down: Israel, Free Speech, and the Battle for Palestinian Human Rights,” wherein the author questions the character of the panelists as well as the morality of the panel itself. The author discredits the panel members and claims the event “lacks a diverse viewpoint [in which] attendants will only hear arguments against the Israeli government’s policies without any scholars to defend those ideas.” The article also poses the question: “Has UMass lost its moral compass?
The hypocrisy of these words is astounding. Just two weeks ago, Dennis Ross was hosted on campus and there was no question of ensuring varied viewpoints at the talk. Ross is a self-described Zionist who revealed directly where he stands on the issue when he stated at a synagogue in New York, “Plenty of others have been advocates for the Palestinians. We don’t need to be advocates for Palestinians. We need to be advocates for Israel.” It is clear that an event where he was the only speaker definitely “lacks a diverse viewpoint” as well, yet it is not called “political propaganda.”
Fiery opinion articles leading up to a panel centered around Palestinian rights unjustly draw attention to any criticism of Israel as a “one-sided debate” or “propaganda. But the panel event on May 4 is not about the Israel/Palestine conflict at large; rather, it is specifically a panel about the backlash and silencing faced by those who openly criticize Israel’s violation of human rights. It is ironic that a panel addressing these pressures is met with outrage over “lack of diverse viewpoints.” Let’s be clear, this outrage is likely about ensuring this ongoing silencing continues. But college campuses across the nation are increasingly refusing to put up with this hypocrisy.
The author of the opinion article specifically focuses on describing Linda Sarsour and Marc Lamont Hill as anti-Semitic by using the words of an entirely different person who they have associated with. Bringing up Louis Farrakhan as a buzzword to accuse other people of anti-Semitism co-opts real allegations of anti-Semitism against those who actively work to suppress Jewish people. Farrakhan is an anti-Semite and his views must be rejected, but it is important to note that Sarsour has clarified her allyship with the Jewish community through both her words and actions. As for Lamont Hill, the United Nations speech that is brought up to label him as anti-Semitic has a full transcript available to anyone who wishes to explore his words further and understand his message: one of freedom and equality for Palestinians which resulted in censorship and his firing from CNN.
The author’s focus on just these two panel members (both people of color) is telling, as it reveals the author had no intention of addressing the true purpose and content of the panel event, which also includes speakers such as Roger Waters, Dave Zirin, Patrisse Cullors and Vijay Prashad. The event is about censorship and free speech, issues all of these individuals have faced due to their vocal support for Palestinian rights.
The author also claims Sarsour has created “purported analogies between the Black and Palestinian communities” to promote her views. However, the struggle for Palestinian human rights has long been linked with both anti-apartheid activists in South Africa as well as African-American rights activists from the U.S. This is by no means a new connection, as the author claimed, and does not serve to selectively advance Palestinians over others. Thus, the growing solidarity between UMass Students for Justice in Palestine and other student groups on campus such as the Black Student Union, Prison Abolition Coalition and Graduate Students of Color, who are all supporting the upcoming event, is no coincidence. For many students on campus who refuse to back down, the constant attempts to discredit the panelists and the event itself is simply an attempt at stifling criticism of Israel’s policies. Anti-Zionism is constantly equated with anti-Semitism to undercut this discussion.
To quote UMass Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy in an article he wrote about the importance of free speech for the Boston Globe, “Freedom of expression and the exploration of new and varied ideas are at the heart of what it means to be on a university campus.” For many students on this campus, it is about time the same is applied to the discussions around Palestine. This event and those organizing and supporting it refuse to back down and be silenced.
Anna Ben-Hur is a Collegian contributor and can be reached at [email protected]
Editor’s note: A sentence that was removed from this article in the editing process was added back post-publication due to it being deemed crucial to the argument.
Tags: Aviva Slomich Rosenchein, Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy, Dennis Ross, Linda Sarsour, Marc Lamont Hill, Not Backing Down: Israel Free Speech and the Battle for Palestinian Human Rights
5 Responses to “Like we said, we’re not backing down”
NITZAKHON on April 23rd, 2019 12:44 pm
“From the river to the sea, Palestine shall be free” is what Hill said. What does that mean? Israel’s destruction. Congratulations to you racist “useful idiots” – because, apparently, you can’t believe brown people could deceive you. YOU are the ones helping to create more anti-Semitism.
Israel is not an apartheid state. Muslim citizens have full rights. The Palestinians could have had peace any number of times. Each time they’ve said no.
Debunking the Palestinian Lie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7ByJb7QQ9U
But perhaps you should take the word of a couple of people who ACTUALLY lived in an apartheid state:
A Black South African on Israel and Apartheid
https://youtu.be/AcEL-NlxBk0
Does Israel Discriminate Against Arabs?
https://youtu.be/ocNttZV4G_0
NITZAKHON on April 23rd, 2019 1:25 pm
If you’re so worried about the Palestinians, why aren’t you worried about them being killed by Syrian soldiers? Why don’t you worry about the ACTUAL apartheid Jordan exercises against them:
The Persecution of Palestinians No One Mentions
https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/14098/palestinians-persecution-saudi-arabia
If you’re so concerned with “occupied” territories, where are the protests of the Turkish occupation of Cyprus? The Moroccan occupation of Western Sahara?
In 1967 the ARABS started a war to destroy Israel; they lost. Nowhere in the annals of history has a victor in a defensive war been asked to give back territory… yet not only is Israel continually asked to do so in an unprecedented double-standard, Israel DID offer to give the land back. And was answered with the THREE NO’S.
Again: Hamas calls for Israel’s destruction. The PA openly talks about reclaiming every square inch. Against a people that not only talk about your destruction, but actively work towards it, celebrate stabbings and bombings by handing out candy when Rabbis are cut down while praying, and children are stabbed in their homes… just what is there to negotiate?
Moshe kaye on April 23rd, 2019 3:22 pm
I am a bit confused. I am not familiar with any historical country or people known as Palestinian. In order to clarify please, FIRST using your right of free speech, answer some simple basic questions for me so i can end my confusion:
1) What was the capital of the ancient country of Palestine?
2) What was the official coin of the country called and please provide some archaeological evidence of the same?
3) What was the historical name of the leader or leaders of Palestine?
If you want me to take your claims seriously please answer these simple questions.
Ben on April 24th, 2019 10:53 am
The author hasn’t addressed Roger Waters.
He is one of the biggest and most vocal scumbags on the planet.
Fact that he is at the event is 1 million times works. Sarsour is a self promoter and is actually irrelevant – even tho she has admitted her brother is affiliated with Hamas. But who cares. MLH (Hill) is lucky that he still has his position at Temple. He is also lucky that Canary Mission hasn’t created a profile for him…yet.
People do know that Waters, at his concerts, floats a pig balloon with a Jewish star on one side right? Fact is; Waters is despicable. If there is one and only one reason to cancel the event and reschedule – also make nonpartisan to invite a few Pro Israel guests – is to disinvite Waters.
Chris McCarthy on April 27th, 2019 4:51 pm
Hi guys and gals,
1986 Alum here. Regardless of any preconceived notions, I think all would be well served to think about how to solve the Palestinian/Israeli question rather than engage in centuries old debates. Listening to open dialogue with the desire to understand both points of view, while not injecting any emotion, is the only intellectually honest approach worthy of your efforts. Remember your goal is to further understanding, not sow hatred.
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A move toward safer roads following Jaskaran Singh’s death
Top dining by day, food desert by night
Counterpoint: The case for group work
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UMass needs a bigger rec center
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Daily Ratings & News for Hibbett Sports
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Hibbett Sports (NASDAQ:HIBB) Cut to “Sell” at BidaskClub
Posted by Adam Masters on Jun 26th, 2019 // Comments off
BidaskClub cut shares of Hibbett Sports (NASDAQ:HIBB) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report published on Saturday, BidAskClub reports.
A number of other brokerages also recently issued reports on HIBB. Bank of America increased their price target on Hibbett Sports from $18.00 to $20.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research report on Monday, May 27th. Zacks Investment Research downgraded Hibbett Sports from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Tuesday, March 5th. Robert W. Baird raised their target price on Hibbett Sports from $16.00 to $23.00 and gave the company a positive rating in a report on Friday, March 22nd. ValuEngine raised Hibbett Sports from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, March 1st. Finally, Canaccord Genuity set a $22.00 target price on Hibbett Sports and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Monday, March 25th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have given a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the company. Hibbett Sports currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $22.55.
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Shares of NASDAQ:HIBB opened at $19.18 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $354.28 million, a P/E ratio of 10.84, a P/E/G ratio of 1.44 and a beta of 0.57. Hibbett Sports has a 1 year low of $13.08 and a 1 year high of $29.60. The company has a quick ratio of 0.63, a current ratio of 1.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45. The business’s 50 day moving average is $21.14.
Hibbett Sports (NASDAQ:HIBB) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, May 24th. The company reported $1.61 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the Zacks’ consensus estimate of $1.29 by $0.32. The business had revenue of $343.30 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $328.16 million. Hibbett Sports had a return on equity of 12.25% and a net margin of 3.19%. The firm’s quarterly revenue was up 25.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.12 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts predict that Hibbett Sports will post 2.06 EPS for the current fiscal year.
In other Hibbett Sports news, CEO Jeffry O. Rosenthal sold 30,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Friday, May 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $25.00, for a total value of $750,000.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 65,097 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,627,425. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Company insiders own 2.50% of the company’s stock.
Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in HIBB. Arizona State Retirement System grew its position in Hibbett Sports by 4.0% in the fourth quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 28,576 shares of the company’s stock valued at $409,000 after acquiring an additional 1,092 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers grew its holdings in shares of Hibbett Sports by 19.0% during the fourth quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 56,172 shares of the company’s stock worth $803,000 after purchasing an additional 8,955 shares during the last quarter. LSV Asset Management grew its holdings in shares of Hibbett Sports by 53.3% during the fourth quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 29,900 shares of the company’s stock worth $427,000 after purchasing an additional 10,400 shares during the last quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund bought a new stake in shares of Hibbett Sports during the fourth quarter worth $101,000. Finally, Prudential Financial Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Hibbett Sports by 66.3% during the fourth quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 402,567 shares of the company’s stock worth $5,757,000 after purchasing an additional 160,534 shares during the last quarter.
About Hibbett Sports
Hibbett Sports, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates athletic specialty stores. Its stores offer a range of merchandise, including athletic footwear, athletic and fashion apparel, sports equipment, and related accessories. The company also operates Hibbett.com, an e-commerce Website. It operates approximately 1,100 stores under the Hibbett Sports and City Gear names primarily in small and mid-sized communities in the United States.
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Croft calls for Lloyd as he prepares for TCR Championship showdown
by admin | Sep 6, 2018 | 2018 Season
Huddersfield’s Daniel Lloyd heads to happy hunting ground Croft circuit in North Yorkshire this coming weekend looking to defend his Championship lead as the TCR UK Championship reaches its penultimate meeting of the year (September 8/9).
After helping his Swedish-based WestCoast Racing squad clinch the provisional Teams’ Championship Title in the series’ inaugural season, 26-year-old Lloyd has his sights set on making history himself as he looks to stake claim on the overall Drivers’ crown.
Returning to the familiar home turf with an impressive 78 point lead at the top of the standings, the Yorkshireman is hoping for a repeat of his last appearance on the 2.13mile track, where he claimed his first-ever British Touring Car Championship win at the end of June.
“This is a huge weekend for our championship fight;” commented Lloyd. “We were never 100% sure of racing here with the team having other commitments, but with the title still undecided, I’m really happy that we’re getting the chance to race this weekend and defend our championship lead.”
“Croft has very special memories for me;” added Lloyd. “We’ve had some great successes here over the years and getting my first ever BTCC win here just a few weeks ago, makes it even more special.
“It’s also one of my local tracks. Being a proud Yorkshireman, we always get great support here from friends, family, sponsors and the local fans. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Lloyd has an enviable track record heading into the final four rounds of the season, having taken 7 race wins and 3 pole positions in his #23 VW Golf GTI. However, the ABRACS-backed racer has a tough challenge ahead of him on the technically challenging former airfield, with a 5-grid-place penalty in place for the opening race of the weekend.
“The Championship is by no means decided as yet;” concluded Lloyd. “Race 1 is going to be tough with the 5-grid-spot drop. I need to stay out of trouble and bag as many points as possible this weekend to keep our lead at the top of the standings safe heading into the final next month.”
Rounds 11 and 12 of the TCR UK series take place at Croft Circuit, North Yorkshire on September 8/9. Saturday (September 8) plays host to the morning practice sessions before the all-important 30-minute qualifying session at 16.30. Sunday (September 9) features both 30 minute TCR UK races, scheduled for 12.25 and 15.15.
Live timing for all sessions is also availablevia: http://www.tsl-timing.com/Results/tcruk/
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Lloyd set for Donington Duel as maiden TCR UK season reaches its finale
by admin | Oct 10, 2018 | 2018 Season
Huddersfield’s Daniel Lloyd is all set for a season finale showdown this coming weekend, as the inaugural TCR UK Championship reaches its climax at Donington Park (October 13/14).
26-year-old Lloyd has enjoyed a phenomenal season in the #23 WestCoast Racing VW Golf GTI, marking his place in history as the series’ first-ever race winner on its Silverstone debut in March, and amassing an incredible 3 pole positions, 7 race wins and 3 podium finishes from the 12 race meetings so far this year.
The ABRACS-backed racer heads into the final two races of the season with a 31 point lead at the top of the Championship standings ahead of his closest rival. However, with a potential 91 points up for grabs, it’s still all to play for as the battle for the highly-coveted TCR UK crown goes down to the wire.
“This weekend is massive;” commented Lloyd. “I feel confident that we have the winning package heading to Donington Park. It’s a circuit that I know well, I’ve gone well there before and I think the set-up we have on the car will put us in good stead.
“We’ve had an incredible year in the TCR, the team have done an amazing job and it’s not over just yet;” he added. “Our first task will be to secure pole position and then to fight forwards from there and maximise as many points as we can from the races.
“I’m really fired up for this and my eye is 100% focused on the main prize!”
With the WestCoast Racing Team holding an unassailable lead in the Teams’ Championship standings and already named as provisional Champions, Lloyd is determined to make it a clean sweep for the Swedish-based squad and claim the outright title on the historic Leicestershire track.
“I’ve had a brilliant year with the WestCoast Racing crew and the Bäckman’s;” Lloyd concluded. “I’m delighted that we’ve already managed to secure the Teams’ Championship for them. It would be the best possible thank you to the team and also to my sponsors ABRACS, Mend-a-hose and Propack if we could lift the trophy and go down in history as the first winners of the TCR UK Championship.”
The 2018 TCR UK Championship season finale takes places at Donington Park Circuit on October 13/14. Saturday (October 13) plays host to warm-up and free practice sessions at 11.00 and 13.50 before the all-important 30-minute qualifying session at 16.35, with Sunday’s (October 14) title-deciding two, 30-minute races scheduled for 13.15, and 16.10.
Live timing for all sessions is also available via: http://www.tsl-timing.com/Results/tcruk/
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STYL & BON VIVANT
KOS & WYN
REIS & KUIER
BOEKE & KULTUUR
Amid mounting abuse claims, Jammeh is unlikely to face justice soon. Here’s why
Sophie Gallop, Nottingham Trent University
Two weeks ago, new allegations were added to a litany of human rights abuses that have been levied against the former president of The Gambia, Yahya Jammeh. The exiled former leader, who once infamously claimed that he could cure AIDS with his own secret herbal mixture and spiritual healing techniques has been accused of sexually abusing at least three women at the height of his power.
Jammeh ruled The Gambia with a totalitarian grip for 22 years after seizing power in an army coup in 1994. After he suffered a shock defeat in the 2016 presidential election, he refused to relinquish power. It was only after regional troops mobilised troops on The Gambian border that he fled to Equatorial Guinea. He’s still there.
Since then, allegations of torture, enforced disappearances, freedom of speech violations, and suspicious deaths in government custody have emerged. To get to the bottom of the allegations hearings are being carried out by a Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission set up by the new government.
Under the slogan, “never again”, the Commission has the job of creating an impartial historical record of violations of human rights that took place under Jammeh’s regime. It is hoped that process achieves a number of objectives. These include promoting healing and reconciliation, addressing the impunity of previous members of government, establishing the fate of disappeared victims, allowing victims to tell their account of violations, and to grant reparations where appropriate.
So far, the public has heard from current and former members of armed forces over an alleged counter-coup plot against Jammeh early in his rule. The testimony of those soldiers has been horrific. But even if more victims come forward and speak out, and more human rights violations are revealed during future testimony from both victims and abusers, pursuing legal consequences against Jammeh is likely to prove very difficult, if not impossible.
The problem is one that those pursuing justice against former dictators and human rights abusers have encountered before. After Jammeh lost power, he fled to Equitorial Guinea with the equivalent of more than $1 billion from public funds. Equitorial Guinea is not a signatory to the Rome Statute and therefore has no obligation to return him to The Gambia to face justice. This has left Jammeh’s fate in the hands of the country’s President Teodoro Obiang, a close friend and ally.
In one incident an alleged member of the counter-coup was arrested, beaten, stripped naked, shot and stabbed with bayonets. It was then discovered that his body was too tall for the grave that had been dug, so one of the executioners chopped off his legs with an axe.
Three women so far have levied accusations of sexual violence against Jammeh. Two have remained anonymous while one – Fatou “Toufah” Jallow – has agreed to come forward publicly. She is expected to give testimony to the Commission later in the year.
In graphic detail, Toufah explained to Human Rights Watch how she became a target of the president’s unwanted attentions when, at the age of 18, she won a state-sponsored beauty pageant. As part of her duties as a beauty queen, she was called to a meeting with Jammeh, who began to shower her with presents and money. After a sexual attack in the presidential residence, and fears for her future safety, she disguised herself in a burka and fled across the border to Senegal.
Two other women have also made allegations to Human Rights Watch, but they have chosen to remain anonymous. Marion Volkmann-Brandau, the researcher who exposed these allegations, believes that there were many more victims.
Toufah has said that she hopes her revelations encourage other victims to come forward and share their stories. Her plea has been echoed by the Attorney General who has praised her actions and asked others to speak out.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has not yet examined any allegations of sexual violence. These hearings are due to take place later in the year.
Justice might be illusive
Pursuing legal consequences against Jammeh is likely to prove very difficult, if not impossible. One reason for this is that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission does not have the power to prosecute Jammeh, or any other individual for human rights abuses. It’s powers are limited to recommending that the Attorney General acts on cases that can be taken before the courts.
Even if cases are brought, the Gambian government would have to extradite Jammeh from Equatorial Guinea to face trial. Initially, there were hopes that Obiang, who himself has been accused of numerous human rights atrocities, might feel political pressure to return Jammeh to The Gambia to face his accusers. But a recent video of the two celebrating New Year together extinguished those hopes.
At least in the short term, it looks unlikely that Jammeh will face either his victims or consequences for human rights abuses.
Sophie Gallop, Lecturer, Nottingham Trent University
By DEKAT|2019-07-09T09:16:57+02:00July 9th, 2019|Uncategorized|
Deel dié storie
New Face of Gabrielle Essence
Vast subsidies keeping the fossil fuel industry afloat should be put to better use
South African probe into corruption awaits a star witness — Jacob Zuma
Plastic poses a major environmental threat: but is it being over-stated?
© Kopiereg . Alle regte voorbehou | DEKAT | KONTAK ONS
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OZARK MOUNTAIN DAREDEVILS-THE MAJOR LABEL YEARS.
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Home News Breaking News Today’s Yahrtzeits and History – 22-23 Av
Today’s Yahrtzeits and History – 22-23 Av
Rav Mordechai ben Hillel, the “Mordechai” (~1230-1298). A descendent of the Ravyah, he was a principle disciple of the Maharam miRottenberg, and a close friend of the Rosh. The Mordechai cites views of French and German authorities and brings the piskei halacha of the Tosefos without the discussion. He, his wife, and their five children were all burned at the stake during the Rindfleisch pogroms, when over 100,000 Jews in Bavaria and Austria were murdered, and well over 100 communities disappeared.
Rav Meir HaGadol of Premishlan. One of the closest Chasidim of the Baal Shem Tov, his grandson (also Reb Meir) became more famous than he. (1773)
Rav Eliyahu HaKohen Dushnitzer, Mashgiach of Lomza Yeshiva in Petach Tikva (1949). He authored Nachalas Eliyahu. He was involved with the famous dybuk story, which also involved the Chafetz Chaim.
Rav Shmuel Meyuchas of Yerushalayim (1771)
Today in History – 22 Av
· 16 Jews were burned to death in Toledo, Spain, 1488.
· First printing of Shulchan Aruch Orech Chaim, 1555 (in Eretz Yisrael).
· After evicting the Jews from Vienna, Leopold I sold the Jewish Quarter, which was then renamed Leopoldstadt in his honor, for 100,000 florins, 1670. The shul and the beis medrash were turned into St. Margaret’s Church.
· Joop Westerweel, Dutch poet and educator was executed by the Nazis, 1944, for helping Jews escape.
· The U.S. embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam were destroyed leaving 256 dead and thousands wounded, 1998.
· 23 Jews died and over 130 were injured due to a suicide bomber in the number 2 bus leaving the Kosel and approaching Rechov Shmuel Hanavi. Among those murdered were Goldie Taubenfeld of Rockland County and the youngest of her 12 children, Shalom Mordechai Reinitz, a Rosh Mesivta in Sanz, and his 9 year old son, Yissacher Dov, Reb Chanoch Segal, a rebbi in Bnei Brak’s Toras Emes for 40 years, Mrs. Liba Schwartz, a 57 year-old wife of a dayan in Yerushalayim, Mrs. Feiga Dushinski, a 50 year-old woman who – together with her husband – would host 100 yeshiva boys every Shabbos, Mrs. Fruma Rachel Weitz, 73 years old, of Mattersdorf, Mrs. Lilach Kardi, a 22 year old whom lost her father at 12 andher mother at 18, and who adopted her younger brother, Yosef, and made his Bar Mitzvah, Menachem Leibel, a 24 year old talmid of Mir Yeshiva, Miriam Eisenstein, a 20 year old whojust graduated teachers’ seminary, Chava Nechama Rechnitzer, a 19 year old daughter of a magid shiur in Belz, Reb Shmuel Wolner, 52, who ran a sfarim shop in Meah Shearim, Binyamin Bergman, 15 years old, and Tehilla Nathanson, formerly of Monsey.
Today’s Yahrtzeits – 23 Av
Rav Dovid Sutton Dabbah (1885-1949). Born and raised in Aleppo, Syria, he married in 1910, and was asked to serve as the Rav of Killis, Turkey, near the Syrian border. He returned to Syria in 1916, but his wife died at the age of 25 one year later. He remarried in 1918, and left for Yerushalayim in 1924, as daily life for Jews in Syria became quite difficult. Settling in the Bucharim neighborhood, he studied at the Yeshiva Porat Yosef. Several years later, he traveled to Argentina, hoping to raise funds for the Jews of Yerushalayim. Shortly after his arrival, the leader of the Syrian community in Argentina, Rav Shaul Sutton, was niftar, and Rav Dovid was asked to succeed him. He became Rav and Av Beis Din of Buenos Aires and authored Yaaleh Hadas, chidushim on gittin and mishpatei beis din.
Rav Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky, the Steipler Gaon, author of Kehillas Yaakov (1899-1985). His father, Reb Chaim Peretz, was a shochet in Horensteipel. When Ren Chaim Peretz was 60 years old, his wife died, leaving him with three daughters. He asked his rebbe, Rav Mordechai Dov, the son-in-law of Rav Chaim Sanzer, whether he should remarry. On the latter’s recommendation, he married a young woman, and he fathered three sons. The oldest was Rav Yaakov Yisrael. At the age of 11, Rav Yaakov Yisrael was recruited to learn with Rav Yosef Yosel Hurvitz at Novardock. At 19, he was sent by the Alter of Novardock to head a yeshiva at Rogatshov. After a stint in the Russian army, he was appointed rosh yeshiva of Novardock at Pinsk. The Chazon Ish saught him as a husband for his sister. He authored many works, most notably Kehillas Yaakov. His son, Rav Chaim Kanievsky, is a leading Torah authority in Yisrael.
Rav Shimon Goldstein (1942-2005). Born in Williamsburg to Reb Dovid and Rochel Goldstein, he learned in Yeshiva Torah Vodaas, and was orphaned of both his parents at a young age. He resided with his grandmother for a few years. After her petirah, he moved into the Chaim Berlin dormitory as a young teenager. He became very close to the rosh yeshiva, Rav Yitzchak Hutner, who had a major hashpa’ah on his derech halimud and hashkafa. Despite his difficult situation, he was one of the happiest talmidim in the yeshiva. After his marriage, Rav Shimon continued learning in the yeshiva, and joined the staff as a rebbi three years later. Rav Shimon never left the koslei bais medrash for any other employment until the day of his petirah, a beloved eighth grade rebbi for decades.
· Pogrom in Zhitomir, Russia resulted in the loss of many Jewish lives plus the life of a Russian student who tried to help the Jews, 1905
{Yahrtzeits licensed to Matzav.com by Manny Saltiel and Anshe.org/Matzav.com Newscenter}
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